The Duchy of Lorraine

The Duchy of Lorraine

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/...aine_300px.jpg

Provinces of Lorraine:
Reims - Town
Metz - Wooden Castle
Frankfurt - Large Town (Capital)

Nobles of Lorraine:
Henri Capet - Braden - Duc de Lorraine
André des Vaux - Elite Ferret - Comte de Reims
Villain de la Salle - shlin28 - Baron de Metz
Chretien Saisset - OverKnight - Chevalier

Rulers of Lorraine:
1081 - 1113 Hugues de Champagne
1113 - 1116 Thomas de Saint-Amand
1116 -------Henri Capet

The Departed:
Bertin de Montsault - woad&fangs - Comte de Metz (Died in Battle, 1111)
Hugues de Champagne - OverKnight - Duc de Lorraine (Liver Failure, 1113)
Thomas de Saint-Amand - KnightnDay - Duc de Lorraine (Died in the Battle of Frankfurt, 1116)

A young, stern faced man enters.
I, Bertin de Montsault, wish to swear fealty to the Duchy of Lorraine.

A man in a darkly colored bliaud enters and begins to inspect the place with the keen eyes of a career soldier. Seemingly satisfied with his cursory inspection, the man pulls back his hood and approaches Hugues de Champagne.

"I am Gaeten de Rethel, of the noble House of Rethel, and, in the interests of my family, I hereby swear an oath of fealty to Hugues de Champagne of the Duchy of Lorraine, if you will have me."

Ah welcome to the Duchy both of you. Have some wine, it is quite good.

Bertin graciously accepts the offered wine and takes a sip.

Monsieur, your taste is impeccable! A toast... I propose a toast to the Duchy. May its vinyards prosper across the whole of Europe!

Bertin raises his goblet and then takes another sip.

Hugues raises his glass.

A good toast. I do wish to expand. . .our vineyards. Of course there are some God forsaken parts of this continent where grapes will not grow. England, for example, where they have to drink ale. A terrible shame that.

Of course the Rhine valley is known for it's Rieslings. . .

Gaeten raises as well, taking a small sip before setting it down.

"Indeed, the Rhine has had some wonderful vintages of late, but, those Franconian merchants have been very hard to bargain with - they always try to charge far more then they are worth, but I suppose that is business.

My Lord Hugues, I have heard that soon there will be a Tourney in Paris - are we to take part?"

Hugues twirls his wine glass.

Yes, though I believe we will be competing as individuals rather than as a House. No one is compelled to go, but who would stay away from such a wonderful spectacle?

I, Thomas de Saint-Amand, wish to swear loyalty to Hugues de Champagne and the House of Lorraine. What say you, most noble duke?

Hugues, still looking a bit woozy from the Tourney looks up at the new arrival. His eyes take a moment or two to focus on him. He speaks with groggy enthusiasm.

Ah! A fellow Red! Wish to God we'd done a bit better against those damnable Blues. . .

Hugues pauses and speaks again.

No offense meant, Gaeten or Bertin. Jolly good show both of you.

The Duc shakes his head to clear out the cobwebs and turns back to Thomas.

I accept your oath of fealty Chevalier de Saint-Amand. Welcome to the Duchy of Lorraine!

The Duc's gaze takes in all three of his new vassals.

Now that we've dispensed with beating each other over the head with sticks, we have our first Council session coming up. As Lorrainers. . .uh. . .Lorraineses. . .as. . .hmmmm. . .as nobles of Lorraine, what should be our priorities at the session? What edicts should we propose? What should be the goals of our Duchy?

OOC: Feel free to PM if needed since this is a public thread, but this will be the default area for discussion.

No offense taken, Duc Hugues.

Bertin pours himself some wine to sooth his aching muscles.

Welcome to the Duchy, Thomas! Well fought at the tourney.

Reeves murmurs something in Hugues's ear. The Duc speaks again.

Excellent notion!

One thing we should consider is that some of the lesser Houses of the Realm (OOC: The Council of Nobles in M2) have offered to provide the Crown with 2500 florins if the castle of Metz is brought into the Kingdom. We wouldn't want the Germans to seize territory on this side of the Rhine either. If we're going to be neighbors, I'd prefer a river between us and them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OverKnight

Reeves murmurs something in Hugues's ear. The Duc speaks again.

Excellent notion!

One thing we should consider is that some of the lesser Houses of the Realm (OOC: The Council of Nobles in M2) have offered to provide the Crown with 2500 florins if the castle of Metz is brought into the Kingdom. We wouldn't want the Germans to seize territory on this side of the Rhine either. If we're going to be neighbors, I'd prefer a river between us and them.

---

"A suggestion my Duc - allow Thomas to take it, he is young yet but he seems capable, and the garrison in Metz offers no true danger. The House of Rethel is partially within the rebellious realm of southern Flanders, however, and I would ask that both me and Bertin along with most of Riems garrison accompany us to take it. I can easily bring Brughes to it's knees sire, if you would allow me. This would also prevent any further encroachment by either the Germans or the English."

OOC: The English, Danish, and Germans will all take this spot, most likely the HRE, within the first few turns and with a substantial army as well.

Thomas, although somewhat bruised from the tournament play, feels a great deal of relief at having chosen such fine companions. He feels sure that he now has an opportunity to serve in a worthy cause, and knows what must be done.

"The capture of Metz must take place without delay and have first priority over any effort France undertakes. The Kaiser will have his forces on the move quickly to this area as he knows all too well it provides an excellent invasion route into our land. If the Holy Roman Empire takes Metz, it will be as a dagger at the very throat of France. Our good and well-intentioned brothers in Bretagne will doubtless urge swift action against the English, but our view at the first council meeting must prevail to secure our eastern borders ahead of any other undertaking.

If it pleases my lords, I am prepared to serve in this vital undertaking in any capacity you see fit. And now, I think I'd like a taste of that wine myself."

Thomas lifts his wine goblet high. "For the glory of France and Lorraine!"

If the latest reports are correct, the forces available to us are two companies of spearmen, one of militia, one of archers and our own personal retinues. Metz has two companies of infantry, a company of knights and some peasant archers. The garrison of Bruges is an unknown quanity.

Gaetan, you propose that Thomas takes Metz, while you take Bruges with our current forces. What men would you leave with him?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OverKnight

If the latest reports are correct, the forces available to us are two companies of spearmen, one of militia, one of archers and our own personal retinues. Metz has two companies of infantry, a company of knights and some peasant archers. The garrison of Bruges is an unknown quanity.

Gaetan, you propose that Thomas takes Metz, while you take Bruges with our current forces. What men would you leave with him?

---

"I would have the archers and spearmen Mi Lord. I know the quality of them men of Bruges, and I could have no less, but with them, I assure you Bruges will fall. Metz itself would be most easily taken by Thomas, with either you or the militia at his side, although he could do without either, but the battle would be hard fought then.

I understand I ask much, and we have little, but we must push forward now, when our enemies cannot contain us. If we do not, we allow them to set the boundaries, allow them the power."

"If Bertin or the Duke will accompany me to Metz, and the available mercenary spear and crossbow companies are raised with us, the castle will fall with a minimum of bloodshed. We should not attempt to strike with less. That will in turn guarantee sufficient troops with which Bruges can be laid siege. Le Roi is sympathetic to our cause, I think, along with other men of wisdom. Once these two places are under our control, we have our position secured and can support the other worthy causes being advanced within the council"

"That is far to much expense Thomas! The rest of the Kingdom cannot suffer because we are afraid of shedding our own blood in battle. Metz is nothing, the garrison presents no credible threat, and Bruges will fall with the rest of our troops."

"Two Companies must go to Metz, with one laying siege and the other for support - the rest of our Companies must head north, and take Bruges. Once completed, I and whatever the Duc allows will stay behind to hold Bruges while Metz and Riems are reinforced."

"We have more then enough men to take both - we must not squander the treasury of the realm from fear!"

"With respect, Gaeten, I believe the expense is not unreasonable. 2,500 florins will be delivered to the treasury upon the fall of the place. The expense of these mercenaries does not come without cost, it is true. They can be disbanded as soon as militia can replace them in garrison if need be.

As far as a siege goes, there should be no need for that. Our spy should be able to position himself to assist us in opening the gate when the time comes. That itself will save the lives of some of our men. And no one in this house is fearing the shedding of blood. We all know that is expected. But it is prudent to use every tool at our disposal to accomplish our task and preserve our forces where possible.

Also, the threat of Metz does not come from rebels, it comes from the empire to the east. If there is any opportunity for the Kaiser to take such a vital location, he will pounce on it, you can be sure of that.

In any case, it seems that Bertin sees things as I do, and your position is clear enough. And I do appreciate your candor and I respect your opinion. Perhaps the Duc can speak to where he sees matters? "

Metz is the priority for Lorraine. We currently only have enough men to take Metz or Bruges, not both at once. I doubt that the Conseil will vote extra troops for us, mercenary or otherwise, particularly if the King's edict concerning recruitment passes.

I find grubbing for troops and territories in the Conseil a bit distasteful. When it comes to the disposition of new lands, I have no doubt le Roi will judge each Duchy by its actions and not our words.

"As you say mon duc, some of these matters are distasteful, but it is part of the political game which for better or worse we are all now part of. I accept the fact that we must live with its consequences. The King expressed his desire to see Metz freed from rebel hands. One would hope that might sway the opinions of some to see our point of view."

"My Duc, I heartily disagree with being unable to take Bruges with the men we have now. I know I ask much, but it can be taken, and it must be taken, or we will be vulnerable to the English or Germans."

A flash of irritation crosses Hugues's face.

Gaetan, let me be clear, I will lead the attack on Metz. It will be done with the forces the Duchy has in Reims. I will not need mercenaries. I feel they would be too much of a drain on our coffers, particularly if we wish to purchase Angers from the English.

Now, any of my vassals may join me in the field if they wish, but it will be my command. Is this clear to everyone? No more haggling with the Fleur de Lys or Conseil about what I consider an internal House matter.

You are all young, you will have your oppurtunity for land and victory later. Please show some patience.

Gatean bows respectfully.

"Forgive me Mi Duc, I am simply eager to see the Royaume safe, and I would feel less of a man if others were to do what I my self should. I have but one life, and although reckless I may be with it, I would still put it to use."

So it is settled then. Mon duc, if it is acceptable, I will accompany you to Metz and assume any position as you see fit.

Hugues seems to be back in a good mood.

Well, it seems no matter what plans we had, the King's trumps them all.

Bertin, will you be joining Gaetan at Bruges?

Thomas, I will be honored to have you with me at Metz.

From these humble beginnings, we shall do great things!

I will go where you feel I can serve best, mon Duc.

This term, it is your decision Bertin, as army commands are scarce.

Then I wish to follow you to Metz this season.

Metz is now besieged. Any Chevalier of Lorraine who wishes to join the besieging army may do so.

OOC: I only moved Hugues and the army. If you want your avatar to join, please take the save and move him into the stack.

Hugues reconvenes the House at Metz.

Thomas and Bertin, congratulations! You and your men fought well here. I'm afraid each of your retinues lost a man, but it is a small price to pay for. . .

Hugues scans the rather drafty wooden hall of Metz. A large hole in the outer wall can be seen swarming with work crews, while others are building a mustering hall.

. . .this. . .um. . .highly strategic castle. Soon using the full powers of this keep we will be able to recruit mighty. . .

Reeves whispers something to Hugues.

Peasants!? You mean we actually have to spend florins on a building so we can muster Peasants!? Why, so we can have a pitchfork foundry? Why the hell did we even. . .?

Reeves whispers to the Duc again.

Oh right! Yes, it seems we beat the Germans to the punch, as they have ten companies at the ford to the south. They will bear watching of course. We might have to deploy some men there at some point.

Also, while it is not the most glorious task, I was going to offer my services to the Seneschal to build watchtowers. Much of the frontier here is not visible at the moment. If we're not innudated with Germans, would anyone else like to volunteer?

OOC: I was thinking we could give the Seneschal temporary permission to move our avatars to build watchtowers on a turn by turn basis as long as there are no threats.

With Metz under the Kingdom's control, what should be the next move for our House? I'm a bit flummoxed myself, but maybe one of you will have a bright idea.

Edit: Oh, once this ghastly heat passes, I will have Reeves draw up my battle report.

Bertin enters Metz's shabby hall, followed by a small train of serving girls. They are all carrying pitchers of wine aside from a few who's pitchers contain ale.

It seems the rebel captain had quite an ample supply of wine at hand.

Bertin gestures for one the girls to pour some wine for Duc Hugues and himself.

I will volunteer for reconnaissance duty. I do not trust all these German companies marching through our lands. I can set out immediat...<Bertin eyes two especially beautiful serving girls> er, tomorrow.

Bertin wraps his arms around the two serving girls and whispers something in their ears.

Thomas addresses the duc.

"First, may I congratulate you on such a bloodless victory, there are no others among us who could have pulled off such a feat.

I will remain in Metz for the present, mon Duc, if you will allow it. Until such time as his majesty appoints a proper governor, I wish to see to the needs of these people. While I cannot explain my feelings, I feel a certain kinship with them. And while the immediate area may not be impressive, there are considerable natural resources and trade to be had in this province.

As far as our next move, while I will not pretend to understand our king's thinking, I believe that once Bruges is taken and our eastern border secured, the conquest of the continental English-held territories will be his next order of business. To that end in such a case we should provide support to the House of Bretagne and le roi to accomplish that end."

Hugues nods.

Good thoughts both of you. Thomas you seem to have a handle on the locals, so keep things in order if Bertin and I are sent off by the Seneschal.

Hugues persuses the serving girls over a raised wine glass.

Perhaps there is more to Metz than I thought.

Bertin, congratulations. With greater responsibility comes greater paperwork. Please have a build queue for Metz ready for the Seneschal as soon as possible.

It will be done, mon Duc.

This is wonderful news Baron Bertin. May the province of Metz flourish under your guiding hand.

Hugues appears again, a bit battered.

Well, that should give the Germans pause. Though we still have a few armies in the north to worry about.

For now I will stay at Staufen with my army. I hope to serve as a distraction to draw the Germans away from our lands. However I can march north if needed. I'm not too attached to the castle and our Duchy has priority.

Thoughts or proposals gentlemen? We're still in a bit of a pickle.

Well it seems we will have a fight on our hands if the Germans besiege Dijon.

I will most likely need those militia spearmen stationed in Reims. If either of you wishes to join next season, I would be grateful. We can adjust taxes in Reims to compensate for the loss of Thomas's skilled governorship, and I can perhaps convince the Seneschal to recruit some. . .ugh. . .peasants to garrison Metz while Bertin is away.

No need to leave this season, as both of you can make it to Dijon in one season's march.

Thoughts?

I am more then willing to ride out into the field of combat. I believe that after we defeat the army headed toward Dijon, we should continue to defend our lands from German incursions while the Bourgondians assault Bern.

Good man Bertin! I will prioritize a company of. . .ugh. . .peasants next season for Metz.

Edit: And Thomas makes three! I will adjust the taxes next season. No need for either of you to march this season, just remember to join me in the next once I make camp outside Dijon. Positioning might be tricky. We want to be where all the forces can join, but not so far away where we can't assist a sally. We will know more once the Germans move.

Thomas, the party is about to start at Dijon, please join us if you would. (See my post in the Order's thread)

Thomas arrives at Dijon and rides up to his lord. "A fine day is it not, mon duc? I took the liberty of bringing the additional militia along although you may likely not need them given the ease of your past victoires. May God grant us success in the fight to come!"

Hugues drinks from a wineskin as he looks southwest to Dijon.

Good to see you Thomas. For this battle, we will be under the command of Duc Raymond. Makes me a bit nervous not leading this, I must admit. Now I know how you and Bertin felt at Metz. Something like, "Who is this large man screaming orders at me, and will he get us all killed?"

(OOC: We're here as reinforcements. If Hugues's initiates the attack, the battle would take place on neutral ground. If Raymond initiates the attack by sallying, we come in as reinforcements on the settlement map. Having the walls and such on the battlefield is to our advantage. Also the AI doesn't handle split forces at a sally well. If things go poorly, Cecil can retreat within the walls and end the battle without getting insta-killed from a failed sally.)

We await the word from Dijon.

He raises the wineskin.

To inter-Duchy fraternité.

The Duc takes a long drag from the wineskin and then belches.

I detest waiting.

Hugues lurches into the room.

Thomas, next season, if the Germans take Staufen, bring the Militia to the Moselle ford. We must concentrate what forces we have to repulse any new Imperial thrusts. Leaving men in unthreatened cities is a waste.

Bertin, find a place to shelter, Metz will do, but keep within range of the ford if you will.

First, I'm preparing a private discussion area away from prying eyes. You two should have recieved directions to the new location.

Second, in a bit of a revision, Bertin will be returning to Metz (per a PM discussion). Thomas, I will be using those two full strength militia companies currently in Reims. It is your decision If you wish to join me in the field or stay in town.

I will join you at the Moselle ford at once.

My fellow Nobles, we have much to discuss in our new. . .um. . .nothing to hide hole.

OOC: Left a new message.

OOC: replied.

IC: Shhhhhhhhhhhh!

Thomas, if the Conseil ratifies the inclusion of Frankfurt into the Realm, I plan to make you Baron de Franconia.

You richly deserve lands of your own.

However, this title could be a dangerous one. Even now a large German army bears down on the city and it is likely the Germans will strive for years to reclaim their former capital.

The city may be a poisoned cup. Knowing this, will you accept it?

Though the threat of death may surround it, such a generous gift I could not refuse if the conseil wills it, mon duc and I thank you. So far as my being "richly deserving", I have done no less than my conscience demands of me.

Thomas, in light of your past comment, I believe I shall have you review all my speeches before I give them.

You were right.

Thomas, you are now the Baron of Franconia. Please set a build queue for the city. I would also appreciate it if you allowed newly recruited units to be moved from the city, as I mentioned in my report.

Also, if you swore fealty to Bertin, this would allow him to become the Comte de Metz. This would add to the influence of our House. You two talk it over and see if you can come to an agreement.

Mon duc, if you feel that the situation at the ford is safe enough, I would like to depart for Frankfurt to look over the state of affairs there. To ask others to defend our lands is all well and good, but I would not wish the situation to continue on indefinitely.

You may proceed to Frankfurt Thomas, a Baron should see his Barony.

You'll have the men you need there within the season.

Hugues coughs and indiscreetly points toward the inner chamber.

Thomas looks around, shuffling some papers and says quietly "Now where is that letter? I thought I had replied to the question from that bootmaker in Frankfurt."

Mon duc, will you release me from my oath of feality for the purpose of swearing a new one to Baron Bertin?

Hugues's eyes widen in feigned shock.

Thomas, what an unexpected question!

The Duc grows more serious.

Of course, you are released from your oath, you have fulfilled it with honor and I hope Bertin will find your service as competent and brave as I have.

I, Thomas de Saint Amand, swear fealty to Bertin de Montsault.

I accept your oath, Baron Thomas.

A servant arrives with glasses of wine.

Drinks all around then!

He raises his glass to Bertin and then Thomas.

To the Comte de Metz and Baron of Franconia.

Thomas, I wish you luck at Magdeburg, but be careful.

Bertin, you have served as my second faithfully, and I have not forgotten this. If the Moorish Crusade is called and no threats surface to Lorraine, I'd would be honored if you led our army on the Crusade.

I will proceed to Antwerp without my current forces, perhaps only the mounted sergeants, and rally what men we have in the area to repulse the Germans.

Thoughts? (OOC: woad&fangs, you still out there?)

Bertin is sitting, looking around nervously, and clutching a large goblet of wine when he hears Duc Hugues speak.

Mon Duc, I would be honored to represent the Duchy on the Moorish crusade!

In his excitement, Bertin clumsily dumps his wine all over himself.

ooc:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I had a lot of character plans involving the war with the English but no time to implement any of them because of school. Now I've got a bit more time and motivation so I'll be more active.

Hugues nods.

Good, I'll proceed to Antwerp, I'll leave the army with you, though I'll take the mounted sergeants. I'd suggest staying in the current area until the Crusade is called. The Germans might rally again, your help might be needed at Bern, Nuremburg or Hamburg.

I'm too old to go traipsing across the countryside running down Mohammedans. Also. . .I'm not sure if I'd be welcome in Aquitaine.

All good men of France are welcome in Aquitaine.

[oops, sorry for invading your thread :blush: ]

Gentlemen, please update your SoTs.

Bertin, do you want to lead the army and take a crack at that German army in the Ardennes or should I?

Mon duc, word has reached me that Bertin has perished in battle with an army led by Hermann Erlach. Is this true? If so, it is a terrible loss and a dark day for Lorraine.

Hugues shakes his head mournfully.

It seems that I should have been more explicit in my last statement in these chambers. He could have taken our army, but Bertin perished by attempting to scout the German army with only his retinue.

I have met Herrmann Erlach in battle and defeated him. He still draws breath because the Kaiser ransomed him. I was tempted to end him, but. . .

The Ducs shrugs resignedly and takes a drink.

. . .that would not bring Bertin back.

Such a terrible waste.

Forgive the intrusion but I felt I had to convey my sympathies, personally and those of the Order, for the loss. Lorraine needs brave men such as Bertin and his loss is felt by France.

Mon Duc,

This is a sad day indeed when so much is lost but…Hail Duc Saint-Amand! May he be long lived and feared by his enemies.

I await your instructions. I will be lifting the siege of Hamburg and returning to Frankfurt with all troops under my command unless my path is blocked and unless you instruct me otherwise.

Thank you, Henri. For my part, there is grieving to be had still. But that is for later. Move to Frankfurt with all haste. I am returning there as well. Mailed knights from Aquitaine, a gift from your brother, shall soon join us there as well in addition to the army of Lorraine which Hugues last commanded. Once assembled, we will meet this latest challenge from the Kaiser.

Metz was the first place I saw battle with Hugues and Bertin and our first victory. This place is now yours. Please see to it that the necessary administration is put into place.

We ride to meet you with all haste. I thank you for the castle at Metz, I will ensure it is enhanced as befits a castle…I recall my last stay there, I was well received by the orderlies.

A tall man bursts into the chambers and briskly walks up to the duke.

Mon duc, I have decided to offer my services to your most noble house.

He turns to Prince Henri

I, André des Vaux, hereby swear fealty to the glorious Prince Henri of France, Baron of Metz.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS! :clown:

*Henri looks up at André, Henri is a good head shorter than him but squares him up and down with a firm gaze*

André des Vaux, a man in a hurry no doubt? Still, Lorraine has need of able and noble men now more than ever so how could I refuse such a request.

Join me at Frankfurt with all haste. Should I live out the year Sir Vaux, I will see you in good order to fight the Germans…or the Poles…or the Danes, whichever deems they dislike us more!

((OOC: YAY LEEDS!!..haven't worked out how to do hidden text yet))

Thomas, whose mood had been darkened by the recent events, clearly has his spirits lifted with the words of Andre Vaux.

"You are indeed a most welcome sight in these halls, Chevalier Vaux. I welcome you to the House of Lorraine and trust you look forward to some hard fighting. That is all that awaits us to the east. Meanwhile, please enjoy what hospitality we can offer, good food and drink you will have no trouble finding here. In Frankfurt things are slightly different, I have yet to convince the locals of the superiority of French wines over German ones."

André bows and starts to fill a plate.

I will leave for Frankfurt the moment my belly is filled.

Henri laughs

Ha! Indeed Chevalier, we shall all feast now for tomorrow we may be meeting God. As for German wine, I hear they are good for washing down one’s horse as they prefer quantity over quality. Perchance a feast is due to celebrate the lives of those we have lost this last season, we shall arrange one in Frankfurt after we have bested the Germans in the forests…as I understand it the German boars are particularly good for eating.