Orders and reports thread

All right gentlemen, here is the current situation:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-3.zip

Bologna is under siege by Count Ehrlach, Duke Steffen and his two sons, and the majority of Prinz Dieter's army. Any of these men is eligible to attack immediately, using our spy to open the gates and rush inward. I would recommend a conservative strategy on the whole, try to capture some part of the walls and invite the enemy to try to recapture them, but even if the city cannot be taken I do believe the Byzantines can be badly harmed to light losses on our side.

Whomever wishes to attack should hire the regional mercenaries first, into whichever army they wish. Cost is no object, and every available company of men has been drafted to aid the siege.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Of course brother.

I will examine the Chancellor's reports on the situation in Bologna. If I believe I can achieve victory with the forces available, I will certainly lead the attack.

[Edit:]I have examined the situation and it is difficult indeed. My own army is very small, and this will force me to rely a great deal on Count Erlach's force. In addition, there are a very large number of Electors involved in this battle. It would be exceedingly risky to fight it without coordinating the armies beforehand. I will not risk the lives of my Electors nor the Prinz simply to gain a brief advantage on the enemy. I will only attack if all commanders heed my exact orders to the letter (i.e. no AI control). However, this will prevent us from attacking from all sides at once. Therefore, I will need a stronger force. Under the current circumstances I will attack if, and only if, the Chancellor releases enough funds to me to allow me to hire ALL mercenary forces in the area. Otherwise, I shall wait a year and reshuffle the available regiments to reach maximum efficiency.

Duke Steffen you have my permission to use every resource you require. Hire every mercenary who will heed your call and make use of them. If you believe it would aid you the small remaining garrisons at Milan or Venice are also at your disposal, I am far less concerned with a little disorder in those places than in driving back the Byzantines.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Rest assured it's never my intent that troops be placed under AI control. If people want to play that way I understand it as accepting a handicap, but as far as I'm concerned it's suicide to let the AI manage troops.

I realize I'm pushing everyone pretty hard, but, well Chancellor Fritz the Attacker can do no less. If we lose some battles then at least we've reduced the AI armies, which won't be topped up for 5 turns, while we can train our own men in the mean time and strike again.

:egypt:

I would still very much like to hear from Huge de Cervole, Hermann Steffen, and Count Ruppel regarding Dijon. Either of the first two is authorized to drive off the small army preventing their march to the relief of Dijon, and the latter will then be in the best position to lift the siege which is likley to occur in the next few seasons. Remember that the camp near Sir de Cervole is infected and should not be entered, but this does not prevent commands being issued to those men in battle if the French don't immediately retreat anyway.

It would also be desirable to have good news from Count von Bohmen and Duke Dieter or Tancred von Tyrolia.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I know, weekend and all (Wife and I did a nice seafood joint for dinner) but there are some fairly critical problem areas. Bologna is discretionary; if it were my choice I'd fight that battle rather than wait to see if they sally, but the Duke and Prinz may disagree. I suspect that, given the fact that the French armies have just been topped off, if we don't relieve Dijon now we will not get a better chance.

Some of these battles, if they aren't fought, are going to see me PM'ing commanders on the ground for permission to auto-calc them. :yes:

:egypt:

All right, I'm taking the save.

Battles fought and won.

There are two less Polish armies in Bohemia now. However the sally seems to have reintroduced the plague to Prague without infecting my army. Most of my army is camped outside, but a few units have been sent inside the city to garrison it. My army now numbers slightly less than eight hundred men, and I need reinforcement if I am to take the field and continue clearing the way to Breslau.

You will have your reinforcements Lord Becker. Congratulations on your victories!

I suspect the Poles were plagued and somehow introduced their illness to the city. I cannot predict what the exact consequences will be for your men, so I will avoid tampering with the formations you have placed them in and pray for the best.

I believe there are mercenaries available in the territories just to your north. I will decide at the end of the offensive season whether to hire them this year or the next.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: You have the plague icon back on your avatar Cecil. :(

Is the plague really reintroduced just by fighting a battle against a plagued army? It doesn't seem like the Danes who just fought my plagued army are infected. Might be specific to sieges I guess.

:egypt:

Excellent. My hope is that I can take the field next season to attack the Pole's other field army, and then once I have received extra reinforcements to begin the siege of Breslau in the season afterwards. Our spy's report the army occupying Breslau to be of the typical elite quality, so I would be reluctant to rush in and attack. I would prefer to wait and receive additional canon from Prague while whittling down their forces in the siege.

OOC : I might be able to fight around Dijon on Monday morning GMT + 1 if noone else wants the privilege...

Welf von Luxemburg

Chancellor,

I await your orders and am ready to march into battle at your signal,

Welf


OOC: Ramses, feel free to move my stack where you like to set up the battle. You had some ideas about where to move my stack so I don't want to pre-empt them. However, there's no need to autoresolve as I can fight.

Taking the save to fight Bologna.

[Edit:] Done. That was one of the most intense battles I have ever fought. The reinforcements trickled in slowly and in irregular intervals, leaving me at a massive disadvantage in men for most of the battle. Despite the open doors, the AI defended all four gates very well. I used Lothar's army of militia and mercs to force their way into the main gate. The mass of low quality spears bought enough time for the crossbowmen to get onto the walls. It was then a brutal slug match with the spears in the streets and the crossbowmen on the walls. Eventually the entire force was killed or routed, but they took down about twice their number before they finally gave way. This bought me enough time (and drew enough Byzantines to the gate) to allow Prinz Dieter's force to come up and enter via a second gate. With the rest of Lothar's army gone, he and his two sons rode over there and joined Dieter. With Dieter's crossbows on the walls and lots of heavy cavalry in the streets, I was able to keep a foothold there and slowly whittle away at the enemy as they came at me. The entire time this was happening, Erlach's force was blocked by a huge force of Byzantine cavalry that was waiting at his gate, preventing him from entering. Eventually, Lothar and the other generals cleared their area of the city and rode into the town square. This forced the Byzantine cavalry back from the gates, which allowed Erlach to enter in full force. Eventually he was able to line the streets with crossbows and cut down most of the cavalry in the town square, though they also charged his lines and inflicted heavy losses on the few regiments of infantry he had with him.

Bologna has been recaptured and all 5 avatars are alive, but it cost us a huge number of men. I don't think I have ever micromanaged a battle more than I did just then.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-4.zip

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b...na-results.jpg

In your case Welf I was actually hoping to have your men hold the bridge and let the French dash themselves apart against it. The Kaiser has nobly committed himself to aiding us by leading the siege at Metz, so I will probably take most the cavalry from your command to aid him in this. The cavalry should be less essential for a bridge battle, though it may prevent you pursuing the enemy after your victory, and next year you can reinforce the Kasier's small force and either of you can capture Metz. It would still be possible for you to strike those men across the bridge, and then send your cavalry back to Metz, but it may be easier to hold the bridge. I will leave this matter to your discretion Sir Welf, but if you fight do so with the goal of preserving enough men to hold the bridge and a siege at Metz.

So, let me update matters with the remaining desirable actions in order of priority, given that the siege of Bologna is being undertaken right now (I hope you snagged those two companies just north of you TC. Captain Dimarus, crossbowmen and foot knights. Just noticing I forgot to move them into your army!):

1. Dijon. The small French force facing Captain Gunther does not technically need to be fought in order to relieve Dijon, as I am certain they would withdraw in the face of Gunther's superior troops, however the ideal situation would be to drive them off completely so that they are not present to threaten to reinforce the army of Lancers. Sir de Cervole has volunteered a time when he can manage this, and I greatly hope that Count Ruppel can sally soon afterward, before our season closes. If Hermann Steffen can get to it sooner it is a battle of little consequence, and he would be welcome to do so, simply do not take the Kaiser with you.

2. Madgeburg. Given the uncertainty of the situation here, things are what they are. I may request permission of Duke Dieter to (autocalc) handle a sally myself as in the worst case of a failure to drive them off the enemy will at least be damaged and unlikely to proceed with their attack.

3. Vienna. A glance at the situation makes it almost inevitable that the Hungarians are prepared to attack Johann Zirn in the coming season. There's an insignificant force directly in front of him that I'd like to see driven off, but such is not very important and if it isn't done I'll pick some good looking defensive terrain for him and place him on it. As Lord Becker has requested another cannon to the north, and Count Zirn already has one, I may send the one available at Vienna north rather than train another in Prague without knowing if Prague is plagued or not.

The rest are just minor movements and touch-ups which I will do at the end of the turn.

God grant you victory Duke Steffen!

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Heading out for a bit now. Looking forward to good news when I get back. :yes:

:egypt:

TC

I just loaded up 1360-4. It seems to be before you took Bologna not after.

Cheers
AG

You made my heart skip for moment. I checked and the 1360-4 save I have in my save folder is indeed after I took Bologna. I have not checked the one I uploaded, but just in case I re-uploaded the save.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-4a.zip

I can get to the save later today.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TinCow

You made my heart skip for moment. I checked and the 1360-4 save I have in my save folder is indeed after I took Bologna. I have not checked the one I uploaded, but just in case I re-uploaded the save.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-4a.zip

---

Good to go now TC!!

I was having a small heart attack also. After your brief description I was like:

"Oh dear...this could be bad!" :beam:

Brilliantly done Duke Lothar! (I note that you did it even without the crossbowmen and foot knights to your north. Sorry I forgot them!) The engagements this year have been quite satisfactory thus far. The Byzantines and Poles must both be shocked by our boldness. There is still a large force of Byzantines, and of course the French, but I feel comfortable saying that the situation in Bavaria is quite good.

I'm taking the save to make some adjustments in Austria and Bavaria. I won't disturb the situation in Swabia for the moment, but I'm going to shuffle some men around at Bologna and move Count Erlach back to the bridge.

Prinz Dieter your command will be somewhat reduced, but it has accomplished great things this season, and there are many battles still to come I assure you.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

The save is frozen gentlemen, no one take it until this problem can be resolved!

OOC: Not so good. I can see why TC used the wrong name, because he was working from the save before Lord Becker's sally at Prague. We're in a position of having split continuities now.

If Bologna is taken, Prague is under siege still. I have checked, and a sally at Prague can be auto-calc'd for a victory, but Lord Becker also defeated a smaller nearby Polish army that would remain, plus his casualties wouldn't match up, etc, etc. I'm PM'ing both commanders now, but I also need to hear from Econ on the matter.

:egypt:

OOC Screenshots of the proposed adjustment for Cecil:

The armies after Cecil's actual fight:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R69j.../s800/0002.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R69j.../s800/0003.jpg

The auto-calc battles:

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R69k.../s800/0004.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R69k.../s800/0007.jpg

The armies after the adjusted, auto-calc fights:

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R69k.../s800/0009.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R69k.../s800/0008.jpg

The primary difference, the only one of consequence IMHO, is more militia spearmen (2 companies) and fewer foot knights (~ half as many) will remain for Cecil after the adjustment.

This post is mostly just so I can refer to the shots easily via pm.

:egypt:

Conditional upon Cecil posting that these changes are acceptable to him, I'm uploading the new save with solely the adjustments to the Prague sitaution present. I'm then heading out for a few hours. Please don't take the save until Cecil says he's okay with the changes.

If Cecil is okay with them this save will then be unfrozen for Hermann, Welf, or any other desired offensive action:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-5.zip

:egypt:

OOC: I apologize to anyone who wanted to take action tonight, but I think we have to wait for Cecil to take a look at the changes and make sure they're okay. I realize my first turn is probably going to be one of the slowest in history, but activity being what it is, and the dictates of strategy being what they are I cannot see any other solution.

If we don't have word in the next 12 hours or so I'll make the logical decision and we'll move forward, with apologies to Cecil.

:egypt:

There's nothing for you to apologize for. It was my error. Any delay is my fault.

OOC: Well, it's been some time, the message reciepts show that Cecil read the PMs and he didn't come charging forward with objections, so I'm tentatively declaring the matter decided and the save unfrozen. I'll be heading to bed and some action may come up before I'm up. This is the current save unless I hear some strong objections from Cecil:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-5.zip

In the interests of moving ahead let me recap again:

1. Dijon. I believe Tristan will be up and about in a few hours, and may be able to take this on. Just smash that little army in front of you, try not to exhaust your men's movement points, and Ruppel will be up. At any time after Tristan acts FH is eligible to position the diseased men of Captain Gunther and Captain Matthias (The two Teutonic Knights near Bern) to his satisfaction and to then attempt to lift the siege of Dijon. Hermann Steffen can also take this on at any time, but I believe we missed his window of availability.

2. Madgeburg. This is likely to be an auto-calc'd sally. There is no way to predict the results, but IMHO the AI is less likely to proceed with the siege and kill Dieter and Tancred if a sally is used to at least weaken their army. If DG or EF wants to play the sally, they're welcome to jump on it now. Tomorrow I'm going to roll the dice here.

3. Metz. I believe Welf is content to hold the bridge and risk a defensive battle, otherwise speak soon.

That should be everything and tomorrow things will move forward to the defensive season!

:egypt:

Took the save and defeated the small french force (lost 19 men in the fight for only one French survivor)

Captain Gunther is now a bit nearer Dijon and Hugo is just north of the town...

Would it be possible to recruit the mercenary available in the area (One Knight, One Pavise Xbow and one militia ?

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-6.rar

I recommend recruiting them at the start of the next turn so we don't pay the upkeep.

Thank you Sir Hugo, and congratulations!

Count Ruppel, are you able to sally soon?

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Be sure to use Hugo in case of a sally, FH...

I don't mind... And you might need him...

What do you mean "be sure to use Hugo?"? You want me to send him headfirst into the lancer army alone? :grin:

Very well then, I believe Count Ruppel has expressed a desire to wait until next season and hope for the best due to the ribault being unable to aid in his sally.

I will now be taking the save to make the final adjustments and move us forward to the defensive season. Having no word from Ludwig von Bohmen I can only assume Bruges must be abandoned, and I will act thusly. May the French be merciful to the people there.

In the interests of full disclosure I will make it known that I am commanding a sally at Frankfurt to drive away the small Polish army there, and a sally at Madgeburg. That should be all of the (autocalc) offensive actions.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FactionHeir

What do you mean "be sure to use Hugo?"? You want me to send him headfirst into the lancer army alone? :grin:

---

I meant be sure to use him to skewer Ruppel on his lance...:whip:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ramses II CP

Very well then, I believe Count Ruppel has expressed a desire to wait until next season and hope for the best due to the ribault being unable to aid in his sally.

I will now be taking the save to make the final adjustments and move us forward to the defensive season. Having no word from Ludwig von Bohmen I can only assume Bruges must be abandoned, and I will act thusly. May the French be merciful to the people there.

In the interests of full disclosure I will make it known that I am commanding a sally at Frankfurt to drive away the small Polish army there, and a sally at Madgeburg. That should be all of the (autocalc) offensive actions.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

---

I hope you win those auto calc's!!

We have only a single defensive engagement. Jan Zirn, escorting the Forlorn Hope south to meet with his brother Johann Zirn has been attacked by the Hungarian noble in the region. Johann's men will be called as reinforcements (Not ideal I know, sorry. It didn't occur to me that the enemy might march past you to get at your reinforcements, but you should be okay.).

A further tiny force of Hungarians is joining the battle to the right rear of Jan, but he will have the drop on them as they enter the field and should have no difficulty with them. The save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-7.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Screenies of the resolutions at Frankfurt and Madgeburg. I auto'd them in that order immediately on loading the -6 save. I was quite worried about Madgeburg, I expected it to be a bloody draw, but Dieter was either unreasonably lucky or a good AI commander.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7B7.../s800/0010.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7B7.../s800/0011.jpg

:egypt:

Johann Zirn and little Jan:

I am going for it and picking up the save. Will post soon.

Sorry for the double post.
Into the new turn having an issue with the uploader.

Save: Chancellor has save to be with new report.

Here are the results of the battle:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...ttledeploy.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...1360defeat.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/.../1360stats.jpg

Only one victory in the battle with the artillery and then I was overrun.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...emygeneral.jpg

Chancellor's Report, 1362.

As a summary, it was a season of mixed news. Bologna was retaken, but Bruges fell. The French ignored the relief force at Dijon, but the Hungarians suffered an unexpected stroke of intelligence and drove us back at Vienna. Lord Becker assailed the Polish, lifting the siege of Prague, but the city is now once again infected with the plague, though Lord Becker's camp appears clean. Madgeburg sallied... and has immediately been taken under siege again. Two of our revered Cardinals passed away peacefully. On to the detailed reports:

The Office of the Exchequer

The financial situation is recovering quite nicely.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7Et...creenshot7.JPG

Another merchant was trained and put into the field in the Antioch region, he immediately opened a profitable business. I was able to make my own contribution to our finances by conducting a rapid night raid on Oslo, sacking the place for nine thousand florins and then selling that citadel, plague and all, to the Russians for another four thousand florins.

This brings our total available operating capital for the season to thirty four thousand florins.

The Physician's Office

I have instituted measures to maintain exact tracking on cities and armies which have yet to shake the plague. With that in mind I am opening this office by reporting that plague has returned to Prague. It appears the illness was spread by the Poles during Lord Becker's sally against them. May God have mercy on the citizens of Prague.

Further, my own army, and the armies of both Captains under my command remain infected. Captains Eusebius and Ruprecht will be kept isolated until the disease can be brought under control. Also affected is the ship on which I sailed north, but I see little further use for them and likely will dismiss them from service.

In Swabia Captains Gunther and Matthias continue to be affected, and both will likely be needed for the relief of Dijon, risking the spread to that much abused city.

In Bavaria Fredericus Erlach and his men also still appear to be affected. Additionally the French garrison of Genoa is clearly reeling under the effects of the disease, which is keeping them pinned in the city.

One last note of interest. Our spy in Krakow, Rainald von Bremen, sends word that he has somehow captured and bred rats which could be used to spread the plague within the Polish capital. I must confess even I am repelled by the thought, but there would be a certain justice in it, given their ill strike at Prague. Thoughts?

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R7Et...creenshot6.JPG

The War Office

The prior offensive season saw, in Bavaria the recapture of Bologna via a massive effort coordinated brilliantly by Duke Lothar himself, with the aid of Count Erlach and Prinz Dieter. Now the Byzantine Captain at Florence has seen fit to split his army, perhaps under pressure to produce some results, leaving Florence potentially exposed to a repeat of our treatment of Bologna. As before, every available resource will be put at the Duke's disposal should he wish to make a try for Florence. Prinz Dieter as soon as the operation in the Florence region is completed I will be asking you to march north to Franconia, which needs you desperately.

In Swabia Metz was taken under siege, and the French made no move to relieve it this year. Kaiser Peter or Welf von Luxemburg are authorized to capture that city at their discretion, using any nearby force they feel necessary.

It will be essential, I believe, to finally lift the siege of Dijon this season. Count Ruppel you have considerable resources at your disposal, though Captains Gunther and Matthias are still plagued. Hermann Steffen is also in the region, and could take on mercenaries and ride to your aid as well.

In a daring and brilliant move Huge de Cervole asked permission to coordinate an action with one of our spies in Swabia. As a result of his passionate desire to punish the French, we now have a man inside the lightly garrisoned city of Paris who can open the gates for Sir de Cervole at any time. Reportedly the city is held only by a single partial company of peasant crossbowmen, so I do not expect you will need any reinforcement or aid.

In Franconia the Poles were driven away from Frankfurt and Madgeburg, though they have returned to Madgeburg. Further north I conducted a night raid against Danish Oslo despite an incredible season of storms and wind, then sold that plague stricken citadel to the Russians, thus weakening our enemies and perhaps driving a wedge between them, as well as enriching ourselves.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7Et...creenshot5.JPG

In Austria Lord Becker struck a mighty blow against the Poles at Prague. I have sent two companies of Teutonic Knights and a cannon from Vienna north to aid his further offensives, and he has my permission to hire any mercenaries he may come across. I believe there are some in the Prague region and even more in the Breslau region. Spend as you need Lord Becker.

South of Vienna my poor advice on the positioning of his army saw Count Johann Zirn and his brother outmanuevered by a Hungarian army, though they slew the commander before departing the field. This army will be reconstituted as soon as possible and made ready for offensive action.

Further south Duke Arnold is marching north to retake Zagreb, and the Venetians are dithering over Durazzo with the Byzantines shadowing them.

In Outremer the Turks have made their presence felt by sieging Adana. Fortunately our enemies squabble amongst themselves, and another Turkish army was intercepted by a Byzantine one northeast of Adana. God grant that they destroy each other utterly while Viceroy Matthias crushes the fools that dared siege Adana. The Byzantines also marched an army down to face off with Count von Salzgitter, but refrained from attacking. I wonder if their nerve fails them when they approach the blood soaked ground of the Iron Bridge.

In other news, a small Byzantine fleet was defeated near Palermo.

Recruiting Report:

Recruiting continued apace at most facilities, though the hiring of mercenaries expended a considerable chunk of florins. My focus was on Mounted Crossbowmen, whose flexibility and durability are a boon to any army. All specific recruitment requests were met, though for Count von Salzgitter I trained Mounted Crossbowmen rather than hire Turkopoles. You'll find they are already positioned to reinforce the Iron Bridge Count von Salzgitter.

The save is here (Org uploader seems to be having trouble):

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-1.zip

And the season is now open! Any questions can be directed to the Chancellor personally or in open discussion. I would have it known that I expect there to be engagements on every front this season. The first year of my Chancellorship was a banner year for military excellence, and I desire that things move only ever upward from here. Fortune favor you in the fields my Lords!

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Took the save for the capture of Paris...

A victory for the Reich... Paris is ours... None of our men were wounded nor killed...

All of the defenders died at our swords...

We looted 11908 florins from the town.

I have moved out with our spy and employed some of our loot money to hire a company of merc spearmen to garrison the town.

I will march on Reims next turn and try to pull the same trick if Reims is not reinforeced in the meantime..

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-2.rar

I am taking the save to sally at Adana.

Forgive the double post, but how does one upload a save to the alternate site? I can find the file listings at mizus, but where's the uploader?

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbmupload.php

I'll be taking the save once OK returns it.

Regional Recommendations for the offensive season:

Outremer:

Viceroy Steffen is in the process of sallying against the Turks, as I would have recommended. I imagine there will be little left by the time he is done.

At the Iron Bridge Count von Salzgitter is faced with a substantial Byzantine army. My opinion is that he should hold the bridge against them rather than attack. Mounted crossbowmen for his and the Viceroy's armies are in place to reinforce him there as required.

Austria:

The siege of Durazzo will distract the Venetians for at least another season, allowing Duke Arnold to continue his march north, trailed by his catapults.

At Vienna Johann Zirn must be on a defensive footing for the time being. No engagement appears sought there by the Hungarians at this time, so Vienna is a stalemate until I can get more soldiers to the area.

At Prague Lord Becker has a large quantity of mercenaries available to him, and he is authorized to hire on all of them if he so desires. Unfortunately the Teutons I added to his army cannot move far enough to strike against the Polish noble nearby, but Lord Becker could trail them right behind him and, hiring the mercenaries from both regions, strike out to clear away the Poles between himself and Prague.

Bavaria:

Count Erlach is still in command of an army striken with the plague, and my recommendation is to leave him at the bridge unless the Duke feels it is preferrable to attack the field army of Byzantines rather than the city of Florence.

Duke Steffen and Prinz Dieter are in position, including bringing south the men Bernhard Steffen went north to pick up, to halve the Byzantine forces in Bavaria. I would recommend a strike at Florence, including sending in our agent Helmut von Balk and bringing to bear the Prinz's cannon.

If this is the intended action, it should be carried out by first laying siege to Florence from Bologna to tie down the garrison there, and then having Prinz Dieter clean up the small remnant of an army outside the walls before moving to join the siege. After that battle the Prinz' cannon should be in range of the walls, and available to either commander for an assault.

A complex action, I know. I would like to hear from Duke Lothar his opinions on the overall strategic goals in Bavaria for this season.

Swabia:

Paris has fallen to a daring sneak attack, as Sir Hugo de Cervole brings a measure of justice to the French.

Dijon will never be better positioned to sally, Count Ruppel. May God grant you victory. I had hoped the mounted crossbowmen from Staufen would have the range to reach you, but they cannot make it to the walls. Hermann Steffen is available to aid your sally as well, including any mercenaries he can find.

At Metz either Kaiser Peter or Welf von Luxemburg is authorized and encouraged to select the infantry they feel may be needed and recapture that city. After Metz is taken a small garrison will be left, and the Kaiser will depart for the front of his choice with what cavalry forces can be spared for him.

At Antwerp I will recommend that Count von Bohmen move out of the city and down to the bridge in the hope that he can thus slow the French advance.

Franconia:

At Arhus I have instructed my captains to retreat towards the city, but not enter it. I will be returning to take command of them shortly.

At Madgeburg. Well. What is there to do but sally? Good luck Duke Dieter and Count von Tyrolia.

General notes:

I would hear some comments on the suggestion of Rainald von Bremen at Krakow, gentlemen. I would also like to say that it was my intent to use Oslo to negotiate military access with the English, but I discovered that we do not have a diplomat in range to contact them. I will be placing one in the coming season.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

The Turks should have stayed away from Outremer, they have been eliminated.

Battle report and stats to follow.

Here's the save, bonne chance FH.

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-3.zip

Merci, I'll need it.

Dijon is relieved and the rebels nearby have been put to the sword. The French also could not afford the measly ransom I demanded for 60 of their lancers.

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-4.zip

I have ordered the construction of cannon towers at Dijon to make future attempts at relief significantly smoother and am training more militiamen to hold the city. Herrmann Steffen garrisons the city with his uninfected force while I have set up camp outside Dijon, a small distance away from the SHA1.

https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/599/001jr7.jpg
https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7762/019hz7.jpg

Odds: 10:3
https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2883/023pd4.jpg

On a sidenote, I think I could have done better in both battles. Too used to MTW style battles currently as that's what I have been playing for the past few weeks.

Excellent Count Ruppel, it will be good to have you in the field again. The French foolishly appear to have marched many of their forces north, so I expect they will be in for some significant surprises in the coming seasons.

I would like to hear from Lord Becker, Duke Steffen and Prinz Dieter, and Count von Luxemburg and Kaiser Peter regarding their plans.

The season progresses very well! I look forward to shocking our enemies ever further.

Fritz von Kastilien.

OOC: Are cannon towers allowed? They're one of the largest exploits against an AI siege I can imagine, if the French can ever muster the wit to attack again.

OOC: I will take a look at the save this evening after I get home. It may be a bit later than usual, as I've got to go vote this evening.

My chancellor, I would have your opinion on my situation.

My preference would be combine my army with your reinforcements, move as far as I am able, and wait until the next season to attack the noble-led Polish army. If you were to approve the recruitment of three additional companies of Militia Spearmen, then I would have a full twenty companies of maximum-to-moderate strength. The plague-ridden component could act as a flanking force, and attack the Polish army from behind. In this manner I would minimize casualties and be in the best position to move on Breslau immediately after, or to attack any other armies in the area.

Alternatively, I could assualt the army today. The cannon you brought me would not be able to participate, and I would leave the militia crossbowmen in Prague behind, but otherwise I could get every company in Bohemia, mercenaries included, into the battle. We would attack from three angles, and hopefully overwhelm them.

My problem with the second plan is that it will not get us to Breslau closer, it will allow the enemy to fight on more even terms, and it will give the Poles a chance to counter my advance. Nevertheless, know your preferences I would have your approval first.

Lord Becker I believe you underestimate the number of mercenaries available, which is understandable given the circumstances of their recruitment. My recommendation would be as follows (This is OOC as far as necessary to describe the mechanics of the situation):

1. Leave the Teutons, for the moment, behind and march one step east. Hire all available mercenaries. The Teutons do not have the 'movement' necessary to actually engage the Poles in battle directly, while the rest of your force does.

2. Follow the road without entering the Polish noble's zone of control until you are just over the border into the region of Breslau. Hire every mercenary available, filling out your force with high quality recruits.

3. Possibly position the Teutons so that they could reinforce your army during a battle with the Poles, and then move directly west to attack them.

If it's easier I can produce screenshots, or accomplish these movements myself and provide you with a pre-battle save. My concern about waiting is the sheer quantity of Polish troops in the area. That noble is almost certain to be reinforced if we don't hit him this season.

I am willing to recruit soldiers at Prague despite the plague, but I cannot predict what the consequences might be if they are used to attack Breslau or even an enemy army. I would strongly caution against moving them into any army you wish to keep reliable (My captain near Arhus has been sick for a looooong time. I suspect that shuffling forces back and forth causes a 'reinfection' to happen, and lengths the term of the plague.)

The ultimate decision is yours, of course, but I believe victory can be had this season, and momentum maintained against the Poles.

:egypt:

Indeed, I had not considered the mercenaries in Silesia. In that case I shall depart to take the field (i.e. the save) immediately.

Brother, I shall go to protect Staufen like you suggested, receive my army, and return to Bavaria to fight my oldest enemy - the Greeks.

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-5.zip

Battle fought and won. I'll post the report and revelant screenshots when I'm not feeling so far under the weather.

Congratulations are in order again Lord Becker! I am very pleased with your progress. If you make it to Breslau all of Franconia will be forever in your debt, and rest assured I will not forget it.

My Kaiser, my brother, as soon as the siege of Metz is complete I will send you south with what cavalry can be spared, so that you march at full speed. If you are available you could draw some men from Count von Luxemburg's infantry and make the assault yourself now, otherwise I am sure the Swabian will be pleased to have a chance to recover that city this season.

edit: Feel better soon Cecil. Now, if we can take Breslau who the heck is going to hold it? I'll poke DG again, but otherwise the siege of Breslau may be lengthy, which given the plague in Prague should be okay with Becker I hope.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Taking the save to assault Florence (AT LAST!). I will coordinate the various armies in the area assigned to support the attack.

They will DIE! THEY WILL ALL DIE! I demand that not a single Byzantine man, woman, or child on the Italian peninsula be harmed until I can be present to witness it!

The assault on Florence was a typical affair with the usual tactic of storming the gates and putting crossbowmen on the walls. Victory was had at a reasonable cost...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b...ce-results.jpg

...but then I tour my great city only to discover A GODDAMNED TAVERN WHERE MY PLEASURE PALACE ONCE STOOD! I WILL IMPALE THEM ON RUSTY SPEARS AND REND THEIR REMAINS INTO TATTERS OF PIG SLOP!

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-6.zip

My, err, heart grieves for your loss Duke Steffen, but I am also greatly impressed with your victory. Congratulations!

I must ask now, of you and Prinz Dieter, if I could bring the Prinz away north towards his home in Franconia? I know the French still hold Genoa, Count Erlach is still plagued, and a sizeable Byzantine army remains in the region, but the Prinz need not bring any great number of men with him as his generalship is needed more than his Imperial army.

It pleases me to no end to see an end to Byzantine control of our Bavarian holdings. I am not quite ready to move the capital and the Diet back to Rome, not with France and Hungary seemingly threatening to pincer in on Bavaria with the Byzantines not yet all in the grave, but I want to send my warmest appreciation to you for your efforts. Bavaria was my first area of focus, and in Bavaria we have had a great deal of success.

I would still like word from either Welf von Luxemburg or Kaiser Peter on progress at Metz. Either commander is authorized to use whatever infantry from Welf's army they feel is necessary to capture the city.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

All non-Bavarians are free to leave Italy. We have the situation fully in hand. I will personally destroy the last remnants of the Byzantine forces in Italy next year. Bavaria will then turn its attention to the French in Genoa, and beyond that the provinces of Marsailles and Ajaccio. I swear that Bavaria will be the first Duchy to liberate all of her provinces and free them from the rule of lesser peoples.

Welf:

My Lord Chancellor,

I am preparing to assault Metz and will send word when the attack begins.

I have heard that Prinz Dieter is happy to march home to Franconia.

Yours

Welf

OOC: Taking the save

Welf:

My Lord Chancellor,

Metz has been taken. The French defenders - a noblemen and his escort, a regiment of Scots Guards and a regiment of dismounted Chivalric knights - fought bravely and with skill but were badly led and overwhelmed.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://img115.imageshack.us/img115/...tzsiegesy2.jpg

I request that I be reunited with the army at the bridge and that we push on north this season. I am concerned that Antwerp be attacked and Sir Bohmen is placed in peril. If my army can move far enough north to provide him assistance next season if he is attacked, we may be spared a repeat of the debacle at Bruges.

Your servant,

Welf

EDIT: correct upload:

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-7.zip

Very good Count von Luxemburg! You will be marched north, though I am requisitioning one of your companies of Teutonic Knights for the Kaiser's army.

Unless there are (very soon) further requests for offensive action I am closing the season and moving forward now.

Edit: The save linked to is from last year. Thinking Econ had uploader troubles.

OOC: Taking the save.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

1362 Construction and Recruitment report (End of Season report)

Construction funds were limited by my belief that we have far greater needs in the field, still I was determined to follow such requests as had been submitted via the proper forms. To wit:

Prague: Alchemist's Lab
Vienna: Ballista Towers (RA was out of reach due to funds)
Adana: Ballista Towers (Acre's Heavy Armourer also out of reach)
Antioch: Church

and at Metz a Town Watch. The Cannon Towers at Dijon represented too great an investment for an ad hoc build and were dismissed. I prefer that we be on the offensive in any event. Additionally all repairs that were found to be necessary except those at Paris were made.

Recruitment was made a priority, as it can expect to be for the entire duration of my term in office. As such, recruitment occurred at nearly every training facility in the Reich. I will break it down by region:

Franconia
Frankfurt retrained Town and Spear militia, trained Teutonic Knights
Hamburg retrained Crossbow militia, trained two additional Crossbow militia
Arhus trained two Crossbow militia and one Spear militia
Madgeburg stands under siege, no training

Austria
Prague trained three companies of Spear militia, as requested
Vienna retrained Forlorn Hope and Spear militia, trained a Serpentine
Ragusa trained two Imperial Knights and one Mounted Crossbowmen
Venice retrained Town militia, trained two Spear militia

Bavaria
Nurmeburg retrained two Spear militia, trained one Spear militia
Innsbruck trained two Imperial Knights, one Teutonic Knights
Milan trained two Crossbow militia, one Spear militia
Bologna retrained two Spear militia, one Town militia
Florence recruited a spy
Rome trained Spear militia, two Crossbow militia
Naples retrained Crossbow militia, Halberd militia, and Spear militia
Palermo retrained Armoured Sergeats, Imperial Knights, and trained Reiters

Swabia
Bern retrained three Spear militia
Staufen retrained Feudal Knights, trained two Imperial Knights
Dijon retrained Spear milita, trained two Spear militia, as requested
Metz trained three Town milita
Paris saw no training
Antwerp trained Pike militia, two Arquebusiers

Outremer
Adana retrained Armoured Sergeants, trained Armoured Sergeants, Basilisk
Antioch trained Crossbow militia, Diplomat, Merchant
Acre retrained Pavise Crossbow, Teutonic Knights, trained Teutonic Knights

The defensive season is upon us, and there is only a single engagement (But multiple siege launches). Edmund Becker is being attacked by a very large army of Poles under Captain Janus. God grant you victory Lord Becker!

edit: The save if anyone else wants to take a look at the battle:

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1362-8.zip

(PM'ing Cecil, hope he feels better!)

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

May I ask why construction had not been performed at Staufen nor Bern even though orders had been given?

OOC: Just have me withdraw, Ramses. I'd like to be at my best before confronting that army.

OOC: That would've been my decision too Cecil. Better to have the Teutons with you. The season will progress after I eat dinner. :beam:

Count Ruppel, if build orders were issued for those locations they were issued with the prior Chancellor, and so were deeper in my pile of papers than the build orders which were issued at the start of my own term. If funds had been sufficient to allow for construction at all sites, they would have filtered their way down to Bern and Staufen.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

I'm afraid that due to the lack of ability to survey the various locations while being besieged, I had only been able to pass a message to the office that orders would resume where they had left off previously.

Chancellor's Report, 1364.

In summary, the previous year was a one of smashing success. Florence was recaptured, at long last, despite the loss of Duke Steffen's favorite Pleasure Palace. Dijon was relieved. Metz was taken, and Paris was raided and sacked. Adana crushed a Turkish attack, and the Byzantines feared to tread where so many of them had died before.

Diplomatic Report

Venice has been excommunicated, removing the need for us to refrain from attacking them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0080.jpg

In darker news the Russians were not satisfied with being sold Oslo, and have declared war after a long peace. Hamburg is under siege by a small force of cavalry under a Russian noble. Our diplomatic corp spoke to them about the possibility of a ceasefire, and was firmly rebuffed. I wish to offer my personal assurances that the Russians will pay a blood debt for this treachery. (%&$^! How does that work? Beware Russians accepting gifts. Now I desperately wish we'd had a diplomat that could contact England last season.)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0087.jpg

Relations with the Papacy improved to very good as two more German priests ascended to the College of Cardinals. Jan the Missionary and Edmund von Austria have been sworn in to the penultimate Catholic office.

The Office of the Exchequer

The financial situation reflects the quantity of soldiers we have in the field, but nonetheless I am pleased to report that sixteen thousand florins are available for spending.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0084.jpg

An offer from the Teuton's Guild to build a Chapter House at Nuremburg could not be refused, at the cost of one thousand florins.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0068.jpg

The Physician's Office

My own army and the smallest militia army in the field in the north have been declared free of the plague, but this is the sole, slight good news on this front.

Captain Ruprecht, near Arhus, remains infected along with the majority of the men I led into the field previously.

In Swabia Captain Gunther's large army remains infected, and Captain Michel, who leads only the ribault company, is also reportedly infected. Both should be kept isolated from clean troops and cities.

In Bavaria Fredericus Erlach still has not shaken the plague either.

Our spy in Krakow reports the loss of his experimental rats, so much the better in my opinion.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0071.jpg

The War Office

Outremer sees Adana once again under siege, this time by the Byzantine Captain Ermanes, who retreated from the Iron Bridge. No other developments of consequence, although a substantial engagement is shaping up between the Turks and Byzantines northeast of Adana.

Bavaria sees a fresh French army which appears to be marching towards Florence or points south. This is a large professional force of high quality. The plague at Genoa appears to have come to an end as well, though the French army there has not moved. Near Venice Prinz Dieter is in position to confront some rebels who have dared take up arms, and is welcome to draw on the garrison of Venice to aid him as necessary.

In Swabia the French have besieged Paris and moved an army to threaten Dijon, but not taken it under siege. As seems typical for the French all the armies which they sent north last year they have sent south this year. Hugo de Cervole is in position to reinforce Ludwig von Bohmen at the bridge southwest of Antwerp, and Welf von Luxemburg is in position to threaten Rheims. I'll have a more specific recommendation in the regional report later.

In Franconia the vile Russians betrayed our ceasefire and beiseged Hamburg with a small force of cavalry. Madgeburg still lies under Polish siege, by a relatively small and weak Polish army. Also the remnants of a Polish army sieged Frankfurt, but the garrison there was clearly superior and immediate sallied (Auto-calc'd it as the odds were 3-2 in our favor and no avatars in range).

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0089.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7PC.../s800/0090.jpg

Austria sees the Hungarians shifting their armies about aimlessly, with the captain stack which went west last season coming back east, and the Noble who went east last season now marching west. Durazzo is sieged by the Venetians.

Recruiting and Construction Report

As per previous with the addition of the Teuton's Guild at Nuremburg. Recruits have, except in a few rare circumstances, been left at the facility where the trained until it is determined what actions will be taken for the offensive season.

edit: Forgot to say, The offensive season is open!

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1364.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Regional recommendations:

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias I am certain you will wish to sally. If you desire them for the battle, your cavalry reinforcements are aboard the ship just south of your Citadel.

Count von Salzgitter your army is unlikely to get larger. My recommendation is that you move to the port region and make ready to sail to Cyprus. After the siege of Adana is lifted I will ask Viceroy Matthias to load the basilisk aboard a ship and point it in the direction of the island so that next season you can ferry over as many of your men as possible and make ready for an assault.

Bavaria:

Duke Steffen my recommendation is that you allow Kaiser Peter or Count Erlach deal with the remaining Byzantines while you gather forces to prepare for the French. Your son has a few reinforcement just north of Bologna, and more heavy cavalry are ready to march south from Innsbruck. You are welcome to send either the spy near Genoa, or the spy at Florence into the city of Genoa.

The situation is complex if only in terms of combining armies and coordinating movements. Prinz Dieter, west of Venice, should draw on the garrison of that city as much as necessary to deal with the rebels facing him.

Austria:

You have drawn the attention of the Poles with your victories Lord Becker. You have a number of options. You could move around the Polish armies in front of you and, using your cannon, assault Breslau immediately. You could attack the Polish army due east of you, and then move to assault Breslau, but be aware that any men from that army might retreat into the city after you defeat them. You could also strike the northernmost Polish army, but I believe you would then be unable to proceed with the assault on Breslau. My advice is to smash the Poles in front of you first, without the use of your cannon but with the Teutons, and then march on Breslau, whcih would give you walls to defend against any further attack of the Poles.

Further south Vienna remains unthreatened. I will continue to train forces there to get that army back in the field Count Zirn.

Duke Arnold you have a decision to make. I trained heavy cavalry at Ragusa with the idea being that they could march north to meet you at about the same pace as the catapults. If you do not wish to delay another season you are welcome to proceed without either set of reinforcements, otherwise you should bring your reinforcements north to meet your men and march only a short distance north. You will then be in possession of a very powerful force, including the catapults, and ready to assault Zagreb the next year.

Swabia:

Count Ruppel you are in the position of once again warding Dijon, though this time you are in the field. The recruits at Staufen are also at your disposal, as those men would impede Count von Luxemburg's manuever too much for me to send them to him. Smash the French at Dijon and, barring you seeing a better option, wait patiently for Captain Gunther's camp to become free of plague.

Welf von Luxemburg my suggestion is that you or Hugo de Cervole infiltrate Rheims with the spy (In Hugo's stack) used at Paris and see if he can make a contact at the gates. If he cannot leave a small force there to lay siege (Don't forget the DFKs at Metz can reach Rheims!) and move to attack Captain Foucher if you believe you can find victory. If Count Ruppel acts first some of his men may be available to assist you with Captain Foucher.

Hugo de Cervole I would be deeply appreciative if you moved north to reinforce Ludwig von Bohmen at Antwerp. Submit training requests for the men you feel you will need to hold the city or the bridge and I will meet them.

I believe Bavaria is well in hand, thanks to Prinz Dieter and Duke Steffen, so I am shifting my focus to Swabia, which has already seen a impressive measure of success. This means priority will be given to recruitment requests from Swabians, for your information.

Franconia:

Duke Dieter I strongly advise you to sally as soon as possible. I believe the Polish army you face can be defeated, and with the Russians returning to the war we may need your forces in the field rather than behind the walls. If Count von Tyrolia is unable to field his own forces leave him at Madgeburg and we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Fritz von Kastilien intends to march south to relieve Hamburg, and then return to Arhus to stand off the Danes who are moving very, very slowly towards the city.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

I will prepare to sail to for Cyprus then, Chancellor von Kastilien. The Viceroy is quite confident in his ability to take care of the Greeks in the area, and it is about time that Outremer begin to advance again.

Hughes de Cervole

Chancellier,

I have confidence that I can make another sneak attack on Reims with the Merowinger fellow...

Once done with that city, I will turn north and attend to the situation in Flanders...

Taking the save.

I will abide by the Chancellor's recommendations for strategy in Bavaria. The Kaiser, Count Erlach, and the Prinz can prepare for action this year however they wish while I build an army to confront the French.

New save

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1364-1.rar

Reims is now a city of the Reich and 16600 florins have been gained from looting it...

Only 4 of my retainers died.

I requested a unit of town guard from Metz to hold the walls at Reims.

I am now marching on Caen to continue wreaking havoc behind French lines.

Our spy Michel Merowinger is still in Reims but I would ask to have sent west with him in order to mount an assault on Caen.

I would also request the recruitment of any mercenary unit available in the area for that matter.

I'm recommending that the save go unused until I can top off the AI factions. Apologies gents.

:egypt:

Lord Chancellor,

I'll wait for the reinforcements and catapults.

Then, instead of building the siege engines I'll simply storm the god damn city after smashing down the walls in the first week.

Zagreb will be Austrian again and the skulls of Hungarian's will line the roads all the way to Budapest after I've finished with them!!

Duke Arnold

OOC: The save is unfrozen, and the offensive season is once again in full swing!

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1364b.zip

I apologize to anyone whose action was delayed, but thanks to FH we're back on track now!

Now, hie ye forth and slaughter mine enemies!

:egypt:

So, how much time do we have?

OOC: I'm not going to push a time issue as the delay was my own fault. I would say we should try to move forward ~24 hours from now.

edit: These are the critical areas, as I see it:

Madgeburg

Adana

Breslau

West of Bologna (Count Erlach or Kaiser Peter)

Dijon and north of Dijon (Count Ruppel, Hermann Steffen, and Welf von Luxemburg in any way, shape, or form they decide)

6 total battles in addition to Hugo's capture of Rheims which has already happened. I don't believe Paris can be saved, nor is it necessary to attempt it, as the city is a wreck anyway, and I can hope the French will pay for the repairs for us.

:egypt:

Oh, and I forgot the minor rebel battle for Prinz Dieter. It won't matter if he does that this season or the next, as they pose little threat IMHO.

:egypt:

Hmm. Well, I won't be able to take the save until 16:00 GMT -5. Then I'll have to catch a train, but I should be able to upload the save when I arrive.

OOC: Taking the save for a look and possible battle.