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Orders and reports thread
This thread is for Chancellors' Reports and for governors to post their build queues.
The following table gives key information about players and their avatars:
Playlist
Inactive players
Deceased avatars
Notes on the table
[1] # denotes position on family tree: a = by adoption; m = by marriage
[2] Knighted: Y= yes; N=no
[3] Civic rank: (H) = heir to Duke; (C) = crusader Count; (K) = King of Outremer; *=natural born son of a Duke
[4] City = city governed
[5] Stats: command - chivalry/dread - loyalty - piety
[6] Infl = Influence, influential players get bonus votes - see spoiler for details
[7] Act = activity (number of Diet polls the player has participated in).
Provinces by House
Lost provinces in italics
Imperial
Antwerp - not yet incorporated into Reich
Arhus - not yet incorportated in the Reich
Palermo
Rome
Caen
Naples
Swabia:
Staufen
Metz
Bern
Bruges
Dijon
Rheims
Paris
Austria
Vienna
Prague
Zagreb
Ragusa
Venice
Budapest
Bucharest
Franconia
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Magdeburg
Thorn
Stettin
Krakow
Bavaria
Nuremburg
Innsbruck
Milan
Genoa
Bologna
Florence
Marseilles
Ajaccio
Outremer
Acre (governed by Viceroy Matthias)
Antioch
Adana
Aleppo
Damascus
Edessa
Army Commanders
Kaiser's Army - Kaiser Elberhard
Prinz's Army - Prinz Peter
Army of Outremer - Viceroy Matthias
Swabian Household Army 1 - Duke Athalwolf von Salza and Count Ehrhart Ruppel
Swabian Household Army 2
Prussian Army (FHA 1) - Fritz von Kastilien
Saxon Army (FHA 2) - Count Dieter Bresch
Austrian Household Army 1 - Count Karl Zirn
Austrian Household Army 2 - Duke Arnold
Household Army Gerhard (BHA 1) - Duke Lothar Steffen
Household Army Otto (BHA 2) - Count Karolinger
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Staufen for First Diet
Turn 1: Dirt roads
Turn 2: Land clearance
Turn 3: Land clearance contd
Turn 4: Communal farming
Turn 5: Communal farming contd
Turn 6: Communal farming contd
Turn 7: Small church
Turn 8: Castle
Turn 9: Castle contd
Turn 10: Castle contd
[EDIT: corrected, thanks, pevergreen]
Commentary from Prinz Henry:Father, I believe roads are essential for our armies to move rapidly across our large Empire. Farming will give us the population growth we need to obtain a fortress, allowing the training of key troops such as dismounted knights. Churches I build to honour my Lord. A castle is necessary, but - unlike a fortress - can be delayed somewhat as it does not immediately give us access to any particularly valuable troops types. Our cities can provide basic infantry and our castles can already provide horse and archers. Innsbruck is slightly better suited to training superior spearmen than Staufen, so I have not commissioned the construction of barracks.
Notes on rules regarding build queues
Governors can submit build queues for the next 10 turns (or the next session of the Imperial Diet, if closer). If the Chancellor builds any buildings in the settlement, they must be in the order of the build queues.
A governor can be dismissed by Chancellor - or can cease to govern by leaving their settlement - but their build queue still holds until the next session of the Imperial Diet.
Governors can amend their build queues - e.g. after consultation with the Chancellor - provided they notify (PM) the Chancellor. Ammendments take effect when the Chancellor receives the PM (ie if the Chancellor has played on past a given date, he can't be made to replay those turns).
Governors can use their settlement's building browser to find plan their build queues (e.g. build times are given in top right corner, next to small blue egg-timer).
Governor build queues relate only to buildings. Recruitment of troops and agents is at the Chancellor's perogative by default, although it would be a suitable topic for Edicts.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Turn 1: Dirt roads
Turn 2: Land clearance
Turn 3: Communal farming
Turn 4: Communal farming contd
Turn 5: Small church
Turn 6: Church
Turn 7: Church contd
Turn 8: Castle
Turn 9: Castle contd
Turn 10: Castle contd
Land Clearance is 2 turns, Communal is 3 turns, yes?
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Nuremburg for First Diet
Turn 1: Dirt Roads
Turn 2: Grain Exchange
Turn 3: Grain Exchange cont
Turn 4: Small Church
Turn 5: Wooden Wall
Turn 6: Wooden Wall cont
Turn 7: Communal Farming
Turn 8: Communal Farming cont
Turn 9: Communal Farming cont
Turn 10: Town Guard
Nuremburg is the trade hub of Bavaria, and as such it must concentrate as much as possible on generating revenue. Bavaria's future acquisitions are likely to be high in Castle regions. If we are to fund the expansion of these areas, we must have income from Nuremburg.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck for First Diet 1.1
Turn 1: Dirt Roads
Turn 2: Leather Tanner
Turn 3: continued
Turn 4: Garrison Quarters
Turn 5: continued
Turn 6: Land Clearance
Turn 7: continued
Turn 8: Small Chapel
Turn 9: Castle
Turn 10: continued, finished in Turn 11
Mein Kaiser: Dirt roads are needed for quicker transport of armies.
The only melee infantry we can build at this time is peasants. First we will build a Leather Tanner, so any eligible units recruited will start with an armor upgrade. Then with Garrison Quarters we can produce Sergeant Spearmen equipped with padded armor, superior to their militia brethren and most certainly to peasants. Innsbruck is the closest castle to our Italian holdings, and you may be in need of reinforcements.
Land Clearance is needed to keep the castle fed and growing. A Small Chapel will be built so that you may be in our prayers, Kaiser. Finally, near the end of your term as Chancellor, Innsbruck shall begin it's conversion to a stone Castle. If you have any concerns, Kaiser, please send a messenger.
EDIT: Lucjan might have a point about farms. I've switched things around a bit sacrificing initial growth for better spearman, and the total is slightly cheaper.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Submitting for the Kaiser's review, I have prepared the following construction queue for the capital, Frankfurt.
Tax Rate = High
1 Town Guard Barracks
2 Town Guard Barracks
3 Town Guard Barracks
4 Market
5 Market
6 Market
7 Leather Tanner
8 Leather Tanner
9 Land Clearance
10 Land Clearance
Frankfurt, being the Capital city of our great empire, should set an example for all as to what it means to be a German. It should be an example of what it means to be a loyal subject to the laws and judgements of our great Empire, and to do ones service to the Empire in the militia with pride. For that purpose, the establishment of a Town Guard Barracks should be the first thing constructed.
The establishment of this facility will allow us to employ more, better drilled militia for the defense of the city. Better defense means better policing, and better solidarity of lawfulness and safety in the city. This will allow us to increase traffic in the city safely, while still maintaining public order and bringing in money from trade at the same time. Upgrading our small grain exchange to a Market should accomplish this task sufficiently.
To counteract the potential growth in traffic and the trouble makers that will inevitably come with such action, we must better outfit our militia, and a leather tanner will be able to provide them with the panoply they require to be better suited as a city wide defense force as well as a little bit more than simple cavalry and arrow fodder in the field.
All this growth will of course require a better way to provide for the city's grain stores and feed our growing population. Clearing out some forested land or draining some local marshes to provide for more farmland will help in this respect.
(OOC - Be careful how quickly you go for those farm updates, they don't bring in enough money early enough to merit the big boost they give to M2's already huge population growth percentages, especially since recruitment no longer lowers city population. If we go too fast for the farmland updates we may find ourselves picking and choosing which cities get the highly expensive public order/happiness buildings and falling short in our abilities to advance in other fields because our population is growing faster than our coffers can support. "Syracuse" from WotS anyone? Population was almost completely uncontrollable without very low taxes and a larger garrison than our other old cities, and our expansion elsewhere didn't allow for the multiple 1000's of denarii it required to build the enormous walls it would need to improve its public order.)
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Well, we are four years (two turns) into my reign as Chancellor and things are going well for the most part. Several edicts have already been fulfilled, and we are well on our way to gaining more territory.
First of all, our spy Rainald Erlach, has infiltrated Prague and is sending me regular reports, hereby fulfilling Edict 1.5.
Second, we have secured an alliance and trade rights with Venice, much to my chagrin. *grumbles about that particular edict*. Edict 1.4 has been... *cough* fulfilled.
In other diplomatic news, we have acquired trade rights with the Papacy and Hungary, as well as built watchtowers on our eastern and southern border of Vienna, fulfilling Edict 1.6.
However, there has been one slight problem...
My advisors have informed me that we do not have the funds to continue building in Vienna and Innsbruck, and the queues have all been delayed for two years (one turn). Nothing major, we will soon get that money back. Once we do, I shall continue to work to fulfill the motions, especially those diplomatically-related as it is difficult to train diplomats at the moment.
The Council of Nobles has not made life easy for me when it comes to diplomacy earlier:
I am thinking of dispatching my daughter Agnes to gain relations with France, however, she is currently on her way to marry newly-promoted Army Commander Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) who is about to assault Hamburg.
In addition, I am currently besieging Florence and it shall fall in two years (one turn). Armies are currently being created in order to besiege Metz and Prague.
And finally, I am happy to report that I am once again a proud father:
I am currently waiting for word on Dietrich before I make my next report. Until then, good Electors.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
(This post moved to the battle reports thread.)
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Proposed build queue for Austria first diet:
Turn1 Dirt Roads
Turn2 Land Clearance
Turn3 continued
Turn4 Small Church
Turn5 Market
Turn6 continued
Turn7 continued
At this time the Diet of Austria does not propose further than the 4th year as the growth of our city, and other external factors will dictate what we choose at that point.
Leopold
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Promotions and changes in rank in Kaiser Heinrich's reign as Chancellor
(this post will be continually edited)
1080
- Dietrich von Saxony is no longer Governor of Frankfurt
1084
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Army Commander
1088
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Duke of the House of Franconia
- Prinz Henry is no longer Governor of Staufen
- Prinz Henry becomes Army Commander
1090
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Governor of Hamburg (will be formally given to the House of Franconia upon the midterm session of the Diet)
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Knight
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Count of the House of Swabia
1096
- Leopold becomes Army Commander
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Governor of Metz
- Prinz Henry becomes Governor of Staufen (again)
1100
- Otto von Kassel is no longer Governor of Innsbruck
- Otto von Kassel becomes Army Commander
1102
- Sigismund der Stolze is no longer Governor of Metz (assisting Otto in taking Bern)
1108
- Maximillian Mandorf is no longer Governor of Nuremburg
- Dietrich von Saxony is no longer Governor of Hamburg
1112
- Maximillian Mandorf becomes Army Commander
1114
- Sigismund der Stolze becomes Governor of Bern
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
For the remainder of this chancellor's term the construction queue for Hamburg should be.
6 - Roads
7 - Muster Field
8 - Small Chapel
9 - Leather Tanner
10 - Leather Tanner
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
After his stunning conquest of Hamburg in which cavalry were used splendidly,
Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) had advised me to build a watchtower on the border of our newly-gained territory so we can watch over the Danes, which I agreed to. With the placement of this watchtower we can their keep an eye on their city on the Jutland as well as track their movements in the east.
In the meantime, I personally assaulted the Italian city of Florence. As this land borders the Pope he must be worried.
I began by giving a speech to my troops about the importance of intimidating that fool in Rome, and how this was another step in regaining the glory of the Empire, et cetera. What mattered most was the loot inside. A sack would bring some much-needed florins into the treasury. And we were not about to be turned back empty-handed.
Now, this rebel commander was smarter than the one Dietrich faced in Hamburg, so we were forced to do some more grindwork. Not like it mattered. The point of this assault was to send a message to the Pope and all the Italian states.
We are back.
Shortly after gaining Florence, we adopted a new member into the royal family, courtesy of Prinz Henry:
Sigismund der Stolze is now officially a member of the Diet and the House of Swabia. May he serve the Empire well for many years.
I am pleased to report that several diplomatic edicts are being satisfied. In accordance with Edict 1.20, we have allied with Sicily. The Pope must not be pleased with this.
In addition, I have satisfied Edict 1.19 by obtaining map information from Poland. Also, I know that I am slightly late in the fulfillment of Edict 1.25 but I continue to work at it. Trade rights are still to be established with Spain, Portugal, the Byzantines, and Russia, however, I promise that this will be completed by the end of my reign as Chancellor.
And finally, the Council of Nobles must also be pleased with the completion of their mission:
There have been notable events in the careers of some Electors recently. First, it is my immense pleasure to announce the marriage of Duke Dietrich von Saxony and my daughter, Agnes. May you bear many healthy children (sooner rather than later, please).
My son Prinz Henry (econ21) and his adopted son Sigismund der Stolze (Ignoramus) both performed admirably in the assault on Metz, and as a result, Sigismund has been knighted. Since the castle (converted to a town) is now ours, I am pleased to inform Fifth Swabian Elector Kagemusha that he may now take off his lederhosen armour.
Upon his return to Staufen, Henry has also taken up a wife.
My congratulations to all.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Recently, my attention has been fixed on the east as my spy in Prague has reported some unfortunate happenings. It appears that Poland also has an interest in the city, as they have sent their own spy in to infiltrate. However, it took a turn for the worse when I was informed that an army was advancing with intent to capture the city:
Our small attacking force would not get there in time, but I dispatched my son Leopold (Braden) with a medium-sized force to advance on the city anyway. With a little help from God the Bohemians would prove to be worthy defenders.
My spy reported back to me on the Polish assault. It appears they were uncoordinated, commanded by one not of noble birth. The attack was decisively repulsed. However, the defenders of Prague will soon realize that the forces of the Empire are a much more potent enemy. Leopold will soon capture the city, bringing some (much-needed) glory to the House of Austria.
With the midterm fast approaching, I report that for the most part, our financial situation has improved somewhat, thanks to Maximillian Mandorf's (TinCow's) agreement to raise taxes in Nuremburg. However, two build queues are slightly behind schedule: Hamburg's Leather Tanner will not be completed until 1102, and we do not have enough money to upgrade Staufen's defenses.
This will soon be remedied with the capture of Prague.
~~~~~~~~~~
I will report back in two years with a final midterm report as well as my agenda for the second half of my Chancellorship. Until then, good Electors.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich: I now present my midterm report to the Diet.
Firstly, well... the College of Cardinals and Pope Gregory will just have to learn this fact for themselves:
Now for more serious news. My son Leopold (Braden) has determined that the time was not right to assault Prague, so the city continues to remain under siege. Reinforcements are arriving. He informs me that he intends to wait for the Bohemians to sally out in order to make use of our superior archers. However, if this event does not occur, then he will assault the city in due time.
All in all, I believe the first half of my term has been very successful. Although money has been somewhat tight and building queues have not come out exactly, most motions have been fulfilled. The ones that still need to be made progress on are watching over Milan with a spy and acquiring trade rights with a number of factions, although we now have Spain exchanging goods with us.
This Empire can expand further. This term has taught us that we have many excellent commanders serving us. I hereby propose that we concentrate our efforts to the east for the second half of my term. The reasons for this are several.
First of all, the wishes of the Council of Nobles do play a part and they have the money:
Breslau is to the east, as are other targets such as Stettin and Magdeburg. I realize that this puts us in conflict with Poland but we can crush them. Leopold, side-by-side with Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) can march to the direction of the rising sun and earn much glory for their houses. In addition, we may also expand southeast.
Venice's capital city currently lies undefended, aside from a sparse garrison. A quick strike by Otto von Kassel (dlain) along with the forces currently lying in Innsbruck would cripple our "allies" as well provide us another port in Italy. I would, of course, cancel our alliance with Venice before such an attack is made.
Do not think that I have left Swabia out of this. In the West lie potent enemies: France and Milan. Surely one of them will take the bait when our forces are engaged in the east and aim to grab our territory. Once this occurs we will strike with a vengeance, claiming their cities for our own.
By the end of my term I would like to see this Empire returned to its former glory. We have a considerable foothold in Italy, and we are making gains in all directions. If this trend continues we shall become the greatest power in the world. We have the men that are certainly up to the challenge. All we need, good Electors, is the resolve.
I hereby grant the following settlements to the following Houses:
Hamburg - Franconia
Metz - Swabia
Bologna - Bavaria
Florence will remain under my dominion. I hope to have many settlements to grant to the Houses when the Diet next meets.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Innsbruck for the second Diet
Turn 11: Castle, last turn
Turn 12: Black Smith
Turn 13: --continued
Turn 14: --continued
Turn 15: Drill Square
Turn 16: --continued
Turn 17: --continued
Turn 18: Practice Range
Turn 19: --continued
Turn 20: --continued
If you have any questions or concerns Kaiser, please contact me.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Second Diet Conclusion - Hamburg Build Queue
1 - Finish Leather Tanner
2 - Garrison Quarters
3 - ""
4 - Stables
5 - ""
6 - Bowyer
7 - ""
8 - Mines
9 - ""
10 - Chapel
The basic idea for the second term is to round out Hamburg as a key training and recruitment ground for northern forces armed, at the least, with padded leather armor. Then to give work on some domestic improvements in the form of Mines to draw a strong income out of the area's natural mining capabilites, and with our new source of income completed, to construct a chapel to better deal with the castle's growing populations' religious needs.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Second Diet Build Queue for Staufen
Turn 1: Castle (3 turns)
Turn 4: Crop rotation (4 turns)
Turn 8: Practice range (3 turns)
The key thing here is to continue growing the population to get the good troops that are opened by a fortress.
A secondary issue is the practice range - I think Staufen has a bit of a head start over other castles in terms of missile troops, so it makes sense to concentrate on that arm and let other settlement specialise in melee infantry for now.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Second Diet Build Queue for Metz
Turn 1: Land Clearance
Turn 2: --continued
Turn 3: Grain Exchange
Turn 4: --continued
Turn 5: Town Garrison
Turn 6: Leather Tanner
Turn 7: --continued
Turn 8:
(Will finish in a minute)
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Second Diet Build Queue for Nuremburg:
Turn 1: Town Guard (currently being built)
Turn 2: --continued
Turn 3: Market
Turn 4: --continued
Turn 5: --continued
Turn 6: Town Hall
Turn 7: --continued
Turn 8: Crop Rotation
Turn 9: --continued
Turn 10: --continued
The focus of Nuremburg continues to be economic development, driving towards a major profit center for the Reich. Town Hall (cheap) is placed between Market and Crop Rotation to help with accumulation of sufficient funds for Crop Rotation (2400, relatively expensive for early game).
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
My reign as Chancellor is now 3/4 completed and much has to be mentioned. Many of you know most of these events already from the Diet deliberations, however, there have been some things that I have left out.
After the midterm session of the Diet concluded I immediately sent Otto von Kassel (dlain) out with a fairly large army to besiege the rebel castle of Bern. Sigismund der Stolze (Ignoramus) will be meeting Otto from the northwest with a small amount of extra troops. This is all in accordance with Edict 2.5.
I fully intended to set out for Breslau at the same time, however, I was informed that those stinking Polish had beat us to it. That was 2,500 florins down the drain.
However, they have given me a new mission to initiate diplomatic contact with Portugal, which is perfect since a diplomat was on the way anyway and it gives me even more incentive to fulfill Edict 1.25.
I am also happy to inform the Diet that I have fulfilled Edict 2.8, which instructed me to take along three priests along with Cardinal Scherer (IvarrWolfsong) in order to convert Stettin. However, it seems as if, er... the people in charge of making these people priests have long functioned without eyesight:
My son Leopold (Braden, now Ituralde) has finally taken and sacked Prague, bringing some much-needed glory and land to the House of Austria. Already he has set up watchtowers to the east to keep watch on Poland.
In addition, I took care of some rebels to the south of Florence.
However, the unnerving thing about it was not the small rebel army that was easily destroyed, but rather the significant Papal force in Imperial territory! Naturally, this situation will be closely monitored.
However, my mind was quickly diverted elsewhere with the trouble in the Diet and news of Otto's spectacular capture of Bern.
With Bern falling under Imperial control, the remainder of my term will be focused on getting Stettin under our control, as well as putting up watchtowers around the Reich. Maximillian Mandorf and Dietrich von Saxony will be fulfilling those tasks, respectively.
Until next time, good Electors.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Good Electors, I was not planning to make a report until my term has ended but several diplomatic situations have arisen that I believe need to be made known to the entire Diet. The other events that have taken place since my last report will be detailed in my final report.
First of all, and the least important, it seems as if Venice, our "ally," cares little if it angers us or not.
Second, despite Dietrich von Saxony's worries, we have successfully allied ourselves with Poland.
Third, a mixed blessing. The Moors, the Islam faction of southern Spain and Northern Africa, have surprisingly approached us with the offer of friendship. I accepted, but the Moors had to pay a price. However, more disturbingly, Pope Gregory has excommunicated our allies the Sicilians.
It was not long before he ordered me to cut diplomatic ties with them.
I am still mulling over whether to comply with the Papal order or not. We have plenty of time and a diplomat is close to Naples.
However, the main reason I make this report is that we, the Reich, are at war with the vile faction of Milan. Sigismund der Stolze is threatened, as the besieging army will most likely defeat him in an assault.
I suppose I should have seen this coming, as I received this report some time earlier:
Otto von Kassel and a regiment of mailed knights are on the way and have arrived (the picture is slightly out of date) in order to assist Sigismund, but unfortunately there are no mercenaries in the area. I will probably send Otto out to recruit some more in another province, but that will take time.
The fifth Elector of Swabia (Kagemusha) proposed reconnaisance on the city of Milan itself in hopes of determining the garrison size, which I agreed was a good idea. However, the Milanese probably thought so too.
What makes matters worse is that they dared make this diplomatic "attempt" around the same time:
Now, the course of action I will probably take is the following:
Both Milan and Genoa are lightly-to-moderately defended. We have a significant garrison in both Florence and Bologna, but most of it can't be taken out of the city because unrest is a larger problem in our Italian possessions than in our German possessions. The best I can do is two regiments out of each city, including my own escort.
However, we can get a lot of units out of Innsbruck, including a regiment of Armoured Sergeants, our highest-quality infantry yet. The idea (which I must again give credit to Fifth Elector of Swabia Kagemusha) is to make the besieging force of Bern turn around and face the greater threat - the loss of Milan itself.
I am confident, with what I have available in Italy and southern Germany, I can defeat all but the largest Milanese force in open combat or city assault. This plan will follow through. Rest assured, Swabia, that Sigismund will not perish. Milan will recognize the threat and turn around, or at the very least split her forces.
I urge the Electors to view the current situation: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1118.zip
Until next time, good Electors.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
I now make my offical end-of-term report for the Diet to review and discuss.
The previous diplomatic crises that I addressed in my last report (see above) have changed little. However, there has been no word from the Papacy condemning our actions against the Milanese so I suspect that Pope Gregory has little interest in how this conflict plays out. Either that or he is siding with us.
Hungary, of whom we were so concerned with a short time ago thanks to their large army within striking distance of Vienna, is now sending us mixed messages. That army has turned northeast to another target, but it would seem that they have indeed taken an active interest in the goings and comings of Austria's capital:
~~~~~~~~~~
But now we must review what has happened over the course of my term as Chancellor.
Since 1180, the size of the Reich has doubled. All commanders are to be lauded for achieving this feat. The victories we have won in this half-term include the captures of Stettin, Bern, and Prague, as well as the defeat of numerous brigands outside of Florence and a heroic sally beating back the Milanese. The casualty reports that I have not already given may be found below.
Maximillian Mandorf's capture of Stettin
Kaiser Heinrich's strange encounter with some rebels
Sigismund der Stolze's sally from Bern
Our financial situation is better than in recent years. Our cash-on-hand for 1120 is slightly below what it has been due to spending in anticipation for the continuation of hostilities with Milan.
Aside from the florin problem, we are surely the greatest power in the known world:
And news has just reached me that my son Leopold (Ituralde) has gotten himself married. May you have many fine children.
I am pleased to report that all edicts have been fulfilled (including 1.16, but the spy was killed in action - see previous report) aside from 1.25, but the diplomat is currently on his way to Russia as I make this report. He should initiate contact with them shortly.
We are allied with Venice, Sicily, the Byzantine Empire, the Moors, and Poland. In addition, we have secured trade rights with England, France, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Hungary, and the Papal States. We are at war with Milan.
I expect that that Diet and the next Chancellor will have to deal with the following issues in order of precedence:
- The logistics of our war with Milan (passive or active, what do we target, who leads the attack, etc). Personally, I recommend a two-pronged front, with myself/Otto von Kassel targeting their Italian possessions and Prinz Henry/Sigismund der Stolze securing Dijon. The Pope has not condemned our sally attack, I doubt he will condemn this.
- Who to side with in the Sicilian Excommunication crisis.
- What to do about Hungary and their actions with Vienna
- Our continued building priorities. Do we wish to make money or successful war? Stettin would be an example of this. Currently the governor, Fredricus von Hamburg (FLYdude) will have to choose between upgrading Stettin to a full castle or converting it into a large town.
~~~~~~~~~~
1120 has caught several Electors in transition to their next assignment, and for that I apologize to Otto von Kassel, Maximillian Mandorf, Leopold, and Dietrich von Saxony. Otto and Maximillian are returning to Innsbruck, Nuremburg, and Prague, respectively, from military service and Dietrich is currently fulfilling Edict 2.9. I recommend that he be returned to Hamburg once his task is completed.
I hereby allocate the newly-conquered settlements to the following houses:
- Bern to Swabia
- Prague to Austria
- Stettin to Franconia
And with that, I relinquish my position of Chancellor. May the person you elect to hold it next continue to improve the Reich.
Heinrich, Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1120.zip
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Prinz Henry:
Build Queue for Staufen:
Chapel - 2 turns
Mustering Hall - 1 turn
Garrison Quarters - 2 turns
Drill Square - 3 turns
Upgrade to fortress - 3 turns
Build queue for Bern:
Convert to city - 2 turns
Town watch - 2 turns
Town guard - 3 turns
Church - 2 turns
Leather tanner - 2 turns
Taxes to very high if no general is present in Bern; set to high if a general is present. But always lower taxes to avoid red faces.
Note: Please prioritise Staufen over Bern if necessary; it is essential that we get a fortress asap.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Build queue for Florence
1. Town Watch
2. ---
3. Market
4. ---
5. ---
6. nothing
7. Communial Farming
8. ---
9. ---
10. Stone Wall if available. Otherwise, nothing.
~~~~~~
The key here is first, to make sure that Florence can produce middle-grade militia to defend itself in case the Italian situation goes nasty. It should then continue to be an economic center of the Reich. The taxes are to stay at the level they are, but I give permission to lower them if the face turns red.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue Prague:
1 Grain Exchange
2 continued
3 Small Church
4 Town Watch
5 continued
6 Town Hall
7 continued
8 Leather Tanner
9 continued
10
Build queue Vienna:
1 Church continued
2 Stone Wall
3 continued
4 continued
5 City Watch
6 continued
7 continued
8 continued
9 Fairground
10 continued
I'd also like to see the Stone Wall completed as soon as possible over any improvements in Prague. :yes:
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze:
My brief reign so far, although short, has been quite eventful.
First, our spy, Wolfgand Ruesdorf, successfully infiltrated the Papal army led by Pope Gregory himself. He returned with comprehensable report of the strength and compostion of the Papal soldier.
Next, I killed the Milanese Duke Bernado in battle at the foot of the Alps. He and his tow depleted companies of mercenaries did not fight well. As I wished to remain on good terms with the mercenaries in the area, I released the 25 prisoners we took.
Next, I was attacked in a pass in the Alps of Savoy, by a far superior Milanese army led by Manno Galli.
Due to a good defensible position and good fortune, the Milanese were unable to attack my meagre force. My object, was therefore gained - I had prevented the Milanese from entering Lombardy.
On a personal note, I have finally married.
The Venetians army loitering in Austria has moved out of sight somewhere near the Danube in the middle of Austria. Meanwhile, another small army led by a general has again crossed our borders.
The Hungarian army in Hungary has grown larger, but it has not moved towards our borders. Instead, it has marched back near Budapest.
Otto von Kassel is ready to strike at the city of Milan:
The Pope has moved back into Milanese territory, and another rebel general has arisen near Bologna:
However, the most important event that has taken place is from the Pope:
The city of Tunis, is held by our ally Sicily, who very piously took it from Muslims. Ironically, the Pope has already demanded us to break that alliance.
And finally, Prinz Henry and Count Otto von Kassel are now Army Commanders.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Nuremburg:
Due to delay in posting queue, information begins with saved game after Milan has fallen.
1.) Leather Tanner
2.) (continued)
3.) Church
4.) (continued)
There are no further orders for Nuremburg until the next level of walls becomes available. The Chancellor is authorized to build anything he wishes or nothing at all in Nuremburg after the above is completed. When the next level of walls becomes available, it must be the next building constructed and Steward Mandorf must be informed of the event.
Objective is still to make Nuremburg a profit center. Since all profit areas and basic facilities have been built, it may be better to use the funds on other areas of the Reich until Nuremburg's trade can again be boosted.
Also, Amendment 3.1 does not give me the power to control the build queues for non-assigned provinces, a power only Dukes have. Accordingly, one of the Bavarian provinces will be without orders and the Chancellor may do what he wishes with it. Count Otto von Kassel may choose either Innsbruck or Bolognia as his province by posting a build queue for it here. The one that has no queue posted will be controlled by the Chancellor for now.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck
1122: Communal Farming
1124: --continued
1126: --continued
1128: Chapel
1130: --continued
1132: Stables
1134: --continued
1136: Ballista Maker
1138: --continued
1140: --continued
After Communal farming is put into place, as soon as the population becomes high enough for a fortress, I would upgrade. I do not consider stables or ballistas a high priority, so once the fortress is built I might reconfigure the list.
If you have any questions Chancellor, please contact me.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze:
My reign is 6 year(3 turns) in and many things have happened.
Firstly, the French, Poles, and Magyars have joined the Crusade against our ally Sicily.
Next, Charles Otterbach, has been elevated to the poisiton of Cardinal.
Fredericus von Hamburg has found a bride.
The capital of Lorraine, Metz, is able to be upgraded to a large town.
And the Kaiser is ready to assault the city of Genoa.
But the most serious event that has taken place is one caused by treachery. The Venetians, our allies, have turned on us and besieged Vienna with a moderate army. Though it is small in number, their soldiers are far superior to our militia. One can only hope that reinforcements will reach Duke Leopold in time.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich: Ah, it is the midterm now, if my scribes are correct. I suppose it's time for me to do my Imperial duty...
I hereby allocate the newly-conquered settlements to the following houses:
Milan - Bavaria
Dijon - Swabia
Genoa will remain under my direct control until the peninsula has been fully secured.
-edit- Ignore build queues. Forgot we were only doing 10-turn reigns now.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Nuremburg:
None
As before, there are no orders for Nuremburg until the next level of walls becomes available. The Chancellor is authorized to build anything he wishes or nothing at all in Nuremburg after the above is completed. When the next level of walls becomes available, it must be the next building constructed and Steward Mandorf must be informed of the event.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queues:
Staufen:
Turn 1: Leather tanner
Turn 2: contd
Turn 3: Blacksmith
Turn 4: contd
Turn 5: contd
Bern:
Turn 1: Contd town guard
Turn 2: Contd
Turn 3: Leather tanner
Turn 4: Leather tanner
Turn 5: Communal farming
Dijon:
Turn 1: Stonewall
Turn 2: Contd
Turn 3: Contd
Turn 4: Paved road
Turn 5: Contd
Taxes high if governed by a general; very high if not. But low enough to avoid a red face regardless.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Franconian build queues.
Frankfurt:
1: Stone Wall (in progress)
2: -
3: City Watch
4: -
5: -
Hamburg:
1: Drill Square (in progress)
2: Land Clearance
3: -
4: Blacksmith
5: -
I hereby designate Gunther von Kastilien as Count of Stettin.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.
Build priorities Vienna:
City Watch
Fairground
Build priorities Prague:
Marketplace
Town Watch
Town Hall
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck, 4th Diet
1130: Finish Chapel
1132: Crop Rotation
1134: --continued
1136: --continued
1138: --continued
1140: Stables, 1/2
Innsbruck's population is lagging behind our other settlements due to an early focus on troop quality and recruitment, I hope installing crop rotation will help address this. This queue takes precedence over my previous one for the years listed.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
I will ratify Fredericus Von Hamburg as Count of Hamburg and Gunther Von Kastillien as the Count of Stettin. Also Jonas Von Mahren has been Knighted on the battlefield of Kamienski.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor Sigismund the Chivalrous 1136
The second half of my term has been eventful, to say the least.
Firstly, Otto von Kassel finally ended the Venetian farce of besieging Milan with a handful of men.
Next, Dietrich von Saxony repulsed some arrogant Polish nobles in Magdeburg.
Jobst von Sava was elevated into the Imperial family after a solid victory over the Venetians in the Tyrolean Alps.
The Venetians have stormed Bologna. Our men fought to the last, but they were overpowered by superior weapons and numbers.
Finally, the Venetians have been excommunicated. The taking of Bologna was the last straw for the Pope, and the Venetian Doge may now burn in hell. However, it is also bad news, as the Venetian Crusade is now free to return to Italy with their Crusader veterens.
(OOC: Sorry about the brief report. I am going out soon, and I hope to embellish it with screenshots etc. after that.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor Sigismund the Chivalrous 1136
Certain events must be recorded that have taken place during the year.
We have finally made contact with the Russians. Wenzel von Augsburg report that they are faboulousy wealthy, and equally proud and arrogant. He did, however, manage to exchage maps with them.
Duke Leopold bravely fought off another Venetian assault on Vienna. Another Venetian army, however, is on its way.
Dietrich von Saxony and Jonas von Mahren are defending themselves in Poland, after almost being surrounded.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor Sigismund the Brav 1140
I now come to sum up my term.
During my reign, the Reich has expanded greatly. We have punished the rebellious Milanese, while holding off the Poles to the north and the Venetians to the south.
The only regrettable incident was the loss of Bologna to the Venetians. I am humbled by this stain on my record and in future I will seek to atone for it. However, Prinz Henry has retaken that city and avenged the brave defenders of that Bavarian city.
The Milanese have besieged Florence. This was fatal on their part, as the Pope has rewarded them with a nice sentence of excommunication, thus making our Italian wars far easier.
Finally, I have some awful news. The French are about to attack us. They have moved into Burgundy and threaten Dijon. As such, we must now defend on three fronts. We must be strong during these troubled times and hope for better days for our Reich.
I now formally lay down my power. May the Imperial Diet elect a strong man who can defeat our many enemies, while keeping order within.
Chancellor Sigismund der Brav.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.
Build priorities Vienna:
City Watch
Fairground
Build priorities Prague:
Town Guard
Leather Tanner
Town Hall
Orders for the Ducal Army:
The Ducal Army is to be stationed in Vienna until it is fully operational.
Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.
The Ducal Army is to support Duke Leopold in his attacks against the Venetians.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck
The only available buildings to construct at Innsbruck are Stables and a Ballista Maker. I view neither of these as a priority with the Reich at war and money short. If a Fortress upgrade becomes available, please build that and let me know as I will want to post a new queue after the upgrade.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Staufen - highest priority:
1-3: Fortress (highest priority!!)
4-7: Archery range
8-11: Armourer
Build queue for Bern - these are low priority buildings, if money allows:
1-3: Communal farming
4-5: Church
6-9: Crop rotation
10-11: Town hall
Taxes: very high unless general present or would lead to red face.
Swabian Household army:
Normal Garrison: Near Dijon but somewhat to the west, so that it could reach Bern or Metz - perhaps near the watchtower?
However, standing orders may imply positioning elsewhere (e.g. shadowing French incursion).
Fieldmarshall: rotating appointment;
(1) first Sigismund but joined by von Salza,
(2) then after Sigismund's first battle, Sigismund will leave the army and von Salza will take over
(3) then after von Salza's first battle, Prince Henry will join the army
(4) after Prince Henry's first battle, Henry will leave and Sigismund return to take command
etc.
If a general is needed in Italy or elsewhere, the above can be modified by communicating with the Duke.
Standing orders: initially, defend Swabia settlements. If France attacks, try to defend until she is excommunicated, but do not risk loss of Swabian settlement (army to relieve any beseiged settlement). Then attack Rheims if it is prudent to do so.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queu for Frankfurt:
turn 1 City Watch (continuing)
turn 2-5 Paved Roads
turn 5-8 Communal farming
turn 8- Blacksmith
tax rate: very high
Orders for Ducal army:
First orders are to take Magdeburg under command of Dietrich Von Saxony from Polish once reinforced enough. As supporting move,Count Von Kastillien is to open the route behind the Ducal army supplied with enough troops, by destroying the rebel force behind us. After the corridor is open Count Von Kastillien is to move to Stettin,while Count Von Hamburg enters the army.
After Magdeburg is taken the Ducal army will be placed under the Command of Count Von Kastillien and is ordered to start an offensive with goal of taking Thorn Castle.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Florence
1. Stone Wall
2. Communal Farming
3. Church
Obviously this does not take up the entire time allotted. A one-turn of nothing is intended between each construction.
Genoa
1. Land clearance
2. Town Hall
3. Paved Roads
4. begin Fairground
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Hamburg:
Nothing yet. The decision on the build queue is to be deferred until it can be assessed exactly how developed Magdeburg is.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1140 AD
I have scoured the Imperial treasury, but there simply are not enough florins to fund all of the Reich's needs. No new investments in construction can be made this year, as all funds are needed for the recruitment of professional regiments for Franconia and Austria.
Recruited:
3 Peasant Crossbowmen in Staufen
2 Armored Spearmen & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Innsbruck
2 Armored Spearmen & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg
Count der Stolze and his army have moved north and are within a few days march of Dijon. They will arrive in time to protect it, should the French break the peace. A small contingent of militia remained behind to maintain the Alpine fort.
In Italy, the Kaiser has marched forth with his army to deal with the Milanese threat to Florence. Prinz Henry met outside Bologna and they joined forces. Several of Count von Kassel's regiments have been sent to further fortify this force, and the Count himself has been recalled to Bologna to protect it while the Kaiser and the Prinz are engaged.
In the North, I await word of Count von Kastilien's attack on the rebels blocking the supply lines to Duke von Saxony's army.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Metz
After the Blacksmith has been constructed, these buildings should be built if funds permit in this order of priority:
Town Guard
Ballista Maker
Market.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1140:
Count von Kastillien moves to Stettin and Count von Hamburg joins Duke von Saxony's army outside Magdeburg.
In compliance with Edict 5.1, our diplomat in the east approached the Russians to see if they would consider an alliance. They were not even remotely interested. So as not to make the meeting totally useless, the diplomat proposed an exchange of maps. The Russians refused and countered with a most unusual and unexpected offer:
The diplomat gratefully accepted this gift and he reports that our relations with the Russians have improved slightly. Perhaps future attempts an alliance should be explored, despite the rejection.
1142 AD:
The year began with dark news:
WAR WITH FRANCE!
Count von Stolze moved immediately north to aid the nearly defenseless city of Dijon. The enemy force besieging the city turned out to be nothing more than a regiment of knights. They retreated at the sight of von Stolze's army and he was unable to pursue them due to troop exhaustion. It appears that the 'attack' on Dijon was a ruse, while the main French attack is taking place further south. There, a medium sized army has besieged the poor men left to garrison the Alpine force.
In other news, a Polish cardinal died and Karl Herden, one of several HRE priests sent to Stettin, has been promoted to take his place. The Reich now has three Cardinals.
Recruitment this turn is as follows:
2 Spear Militia in Frankfurt
2 Spear Militia in Genoa
2 Spear Militia in Dijon
1 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen in Innsbruck
3 Peasant Crossbowmen in Staufen
Formation of Household Armies is proceeding as follows:
2 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen depart Innsbruck for Vienna, to form part of the Austrian Household Army.
3 Peasant Crossbowmen depart Staufen for Vienna, to form part of the Austrian Household Army.
2 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen depart Hamburg for Duke von Saxony's army, which will be eventually be reformed as the Franconian Household Army.
3 Peasant Archers taken from the garrisons of Frankfurt and Nuremburg and are destined for Duke von Saxony's pre-Household Army force.
*Note to self, be sure to point out to those Electors prone to whining that the quality of troops in the Household Armies will be upgraded when possible, but for now they must be assembled with what is available, rather than what is ideal.*
Construction for this year:
Bologna walls are being repaired
Bologna begins construction of Grain Exchange
Frankfurt begins construction of paved roads
Prague begins construction of town guard, which will allow the city to support the costs of the two spear militia that are currently stationed there.
I, along with my new friends the Teutonic Knights, dispersed another group of vagabonds near Nuremburg. The only loss was Sir Georgus von Jungla, who ran into a tree during the initial charge.
The locals were very pleased to see the ruffians disposed of and called me a hero. Their words initially rushed to my head, but then I remembered that Pride is a sin and discouraged them from pursuing the matter any further.
I have heard word that the Kaiser and the Prinz are engaging in battle with the vast Milanese army that is besieging Florence. Nearly 4,000 men are taking to the field, the largest conflict in living memory. Let us pray for victory!
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1142:
News has reached me that Kaiser Heinrich and Prinz Henry were victorious in their attack and Florence has been saved! I fear it cost the lives of many brave soldiers of the Reich. Nearly, 1,100 fell in battle, approximately half of the entire combined armies. Fortunately, both the Kaiser and the Prinz are in good health, and rumor has it that they performed admirably on the field.
After the battle, the Prinz departed the army and began a long journey north. With the French invasion, his personal attention is desperately needed in Swabia.
1144
The year began with bad news. Our north sea fleet, which had been blockading the Polish port of Thorn, has been defeated in battle and much of its strength has been lost. It will take some time to rebuild our naval power in the north.
However, this event was followed by good news! Our allies, the Sicilians, have declared war on Milan! With luck their powerful fleets and armies will destroy whatever strength Milan has left.
Yet, no matter how good that news may be, it cannot remotely make up for the loss we then suffered. I... I... I know not how to say this gently. It is difficult even for me to write these words.
Sigismund der Stolze, Count of Metz, Second Elector of Swabia, Former Chancellor of the Reich, known to all nobles and commoners alike as Sigismund the Chivalrous... has been assassinated!
I know not how it happened. His bodyguards found him dead in his command tent outside Dijon. During the night he was surrounded by his entire army, yet not a single man heard a sound. Worse still, the assassin escaped and we do not know where he has gone. Even the nationality of the evil fiend is unknown, though it could only have been the vile French!
With Sigismund dead, the Swabian Household Army is leaderless and unable to respond to the French invasion! Surely Prinz Henry is whipping several horses to death in order to return to his lands in time to deal with this most savage turn of events!
ALL THE REICH IS IN MOURNING FOR THE PASSING OF SIGISMUND THE CHIVALROUS!
I do not have the strength to write much more. My tears are blurring the ink as I write these words. Yet, the Reich must continue on. We cannot falter and fail at this moment. Sigismund would want it that way. Indeed, I have been told that Jonas von Mahren has been so moved by Sigismund's death, that he has named his newborn son after the late Chancellor.
In the east, Duke von Saxony's reinforcements have finally arrived and his assault on Magdeburg has begun...
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1144 Continued
Duke von Saxony's victory was resounding and the sack of Magdeburg added a significant sum to the Imperial treasury. He was unable to destroy the rebels which appeared near the castle, but they shall be eliminated next year.
There has been further news from Dijon. An Imperial agent was immediately dispatched to the area. He uncovered information from French merchants who were traveling in the area that revealed the identity of the assassin who slew Count Sigismund der Stolze. His name is Gauchier le Gris and he was dispatched by the King of France!
Upon hearing this news, the Swabian Household Army immediately began scouring the nearby farms and villages for the devil. They surrounded him as he attempted to flee back to France. A regiment of Swabian knights finally caught up with the man. He was an evil being and deserved death, but even I shudder at the rumors of what was done to him. I cannot not put such an agonizing and horrendous death into words.
In the east, our diplomat in Russia again attempted to secure an alliance with the Orthodox heathens. Once again they refused, but they have repeated their baffling offer of a monetary gift. The Reich was again enriched by their charity.
Princess Elsebeth came of age in Florence. Out of respect for the passing of Count Sigismund der Stolze, the Kaiser has ordered that her wedding to Count von Kassel is to be postponed until next year.
Due to the large income the Reich received this year, construction was begun in nearly every city in the Empire. Several Counts still have not provided me with build orders for their domains. As such, I am exercising a free hand to build what I believe is proper in those places. Construction is as follows:
Hamburg - Conversion to Large Town
Stettin - Conversion to Town
Magdeburg - Drill Square
Milan - Brothel (*This was Count von Kassel's suggestion. I would have preferred a Church, but Otto will be Duke next year, so I shall accept his wishes on this matter, even though I am still the Steward of Bavaria.*)
Genoa - Land Clearance
Metz - Town Guard
Bern - Town Hall
Dijon - Land Clearance
(*Hmph... let's see them complain NOW about having too little money and nothing being built! All but four of the Reich's settlements are involved in construction as we speak, and two of those which are not are my own Nuremburg and Count von Kassel's Innsbruck. If this is not good enough for them, I may consider having an exorcism performed on the Diet meeting hall.*)
The excessive income this year has also allowed me to devote firm efforts to converting all city garrisons to locally funded militia and to provide further recruitment for the Franconian Household Army. All recruitments are as follows:
1 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg (for Franconia)
2 units of Franconian Household Army being retrained in Magdeburg.
2 Spear Militias in Genoa
2 Spear Militias in Bologna
1 Spear Militia in Dijon
2 Town Militias in Florence
2 Town Militias in Metz
In addition, I have allocated funds for the recruitment of three new agents. A priest in Prague to convert the Orthodox heathens in the east, a diplomat in Vienna to open diplomatic negotiations with the Turks and Egyptian blasphemers, and an assassin in Frankfurt to eliminate any further murders that France sends against us.
Other developments concerning the Household Armies are as follows:
The previously mentioned forces of the Austrian army continue to march to Vienna. A group of Mailed Knights has also been dispatched to Vienna to join the army.
The Bavarian Household Army is being formed. 1 regiment of Armored Spearmen and 2 regiments of Sergeant Spearmen marched south from Innsbruck, where they met up with Count Otto von Kassel and some men he brought with him from Bologna. The Count is now in command of the Bavarian Household Army, though it is still vastly understrength. The remainder of the Bavarian force will come from the 3 regiments of Peasant Crossbowmen who are marching from Staufen, and a group of Mounted Sergeants who are riding from Metz. It is essential that these forces combine soon, as the French will surely break through the Alpine fort soon and move into Northern Italy. With the Swabian Household Army leaderless and concerned with hunting down the assassin, they failed to move south this year.
Word has reached me that the Kaiser and his army have pursued a group of rebels to the border with Rome, where he has cornered them by the sea. I await news of their destruction...
(Scribblings at the bottom of the page indicate that the following lines were added in haste and frustration.)
The Kaiser has cleanly vanquished the rebels...
..but he has moved his army onto Papal soil in the process! I have received a formal complaint from Pope Gregory himself about this matter. What does the Kaiser think he is doing down there?!
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1146
*At last the year of cruelty and assassination is behind us. With God's grace, this year will bring peace and prosperity.*
The first news I received this year came from north and south, but concerned our navies in both regards. In the north, the Poles chased down the remnants of blockade fleet as it was sailing for the safety of the port of Hamburg. They were greatly damaged and forced to seek shelter in a small cove. Instead of safety though, they found pirates and they are presumed to have died to the last man. In the south, the Venetians built 2 ships to break out blockade of Venice. With our 4 to oppose them, victory was certain. Yet... somehow... the Venetian ships were victorious! Not only victorious, they sank our entire fleet!
More bad news arrived from the Church. It seems Cardinal Peter Scherer, already in poor health, has succumbed to the peace of death. His holy guidance of the Reich will be sorely missed. Not only have we lost a Cardinal, the Reich no longer has a Bishop Preferati to stand for Pope at the next election. A Venetian priest has been chosen to replace Cardinal Scherer in the College.
Perhaps as the first demonstration of our new loss of influence in Rome, the Pope has given us a discouraging order. We have been ordered to cease our war with Poland, under threat of excommunication! I do not envy the man who has to break this news to Duke von Saxony.
The Venetian sun seems to be in the ascendancy. On top of securing one of their own to replace our Cardinal, they have negotiated a peace with our Sicilian allies. This would not be so bad, if it were not for the fact that the Milanese refused our offer for a ceasefire! I do not understand this reaction. I had been assured that they sought peace and would look upon such an offer as being very generous, yet they refused! Our diplomat shall try to approach a more reasonable Milanese leader next year about this matter.
Yet, with all the bad news, there is some good. The Council of Nobles is pleased that we have blockaded Cagliari for many years now and have awarded us 1,000 florins for our efforts.
Our Russian friends have continued to be generous, though their generosity has been steadily decreasing. As much as I enjoy this extra income, the diplomat in Russia simply must depart to meet with a passing English envoy. There is other work to be done and I am somehow feeling wrong for accepting so many gifts from the Russians for no explainable reason. I almost feel like I am being bribed, and I will not allow it to continue any longer.
I have been informed that the final stones have been laid on the outer curtain wall of the fortress at Staufen. I was perhaps a bit hostile on this matter in the Diet, but now that the project is complete, I admit that its benefits are significant. As a peace offering to Prinz Henry for his wisdom on this matter, I have ordered a new Archery Range to be built there, in accordance with his wishes. The full construction list for this year is as follows:
Staufen - Archery Range
Florence - Stone Wall
Bologna - Market
Stettin - Town Watch
It is only appropriate that the first recruits from Staufen, including a group of Dismounted Feudal Knights, be allocated to Swabia. The Swabian Household Army is lacking in infantry, so 2 regiments of Sergeant Spearmen are being recruited for them alongside the Knights.
Prinz Henry himself finally reached the army this year and it is on the move and preparing for action. It will move south to block the French next year after it has been reinforced with fresh infantry. I wish I could send them into the offensive against the French forces, but Edict 5.12 forbids this.
Duke Leopold has been frustrated with the slow movement of the recruits dispatched to him. He has ridden out and met them in the field. His superior military knowledge will surely allow them to move faster from now on. The entire army will reach Vienna next year and will begin the march south on Zagreb.
In Franconia, Duke von Saxony finally chased down the rebels who had eluded him last year. He is now returning to Magdeburg to assemble to full might of the Franconian Household Army for the first time.
In Italy, Count Otto von Kassel has been trapped in the Alps by a Venetian attack force that appears to be bound for Milan. I am awaiting word of his attack. Hopefully he will be successful, for he has a wedding to attend afterwards!
Count von Kassel has been victorious with only light casualties! He has executed the remaining prisoners, completely gutting Venetian power in Italy in the process. While I will not say that I approve of such treatment of Christians, I suppose they deserve no better since their chosen leader has been excommunicated by the Pope. Woe to those who defy the Church.
It is time for the Royal Wedding! For the first time in many decades, Bavaria will have a Duke! It is a time to rejoice!
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
If I may interrupt for a minute. Otto von Kassel and Princess Elsebeth have married.
My congratulations to both. Otto von Kassel is now Duke of Bavaria.
-edit- As a wedding present, I hereby allocate Genoa to Bavaria.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1146
I will not recount the events which have led to our war with Pope Gregory and inevitable excommunication. They are well known to everyone by this point, so I shall move on to more recent matters.
The Kaiser left a token force to guard Rome and immediately moved north towards Pope Gregory and Duke von Kassel. For his part in this madness, the Duke has gone west and gathered the remainder of the Bavarian Household Army around him.
Sensing an impending, unavoidable riot and the coming conflict between the Kaiser and the Pope, Jobst von Salza left Milan to return to his homelands of Swabia.
As for myself, I did what little I could, by travelling to Metz to help the Swabians supervise their border provinces.
Though it is blood money, the money gained from the sack of Rome must be put to use. Perhaps it can be cleansed if used to protect the faithful of the Reich. Further construction due to the additional funds is as follows:
Rome - Wall Repair & Town Hall
Vienna - City Watch
Innsbruck - Stables
I have devoted much of the money to recruiting many more regiments to defend the Reich. We will surely need them in the time to come. Recruitments are as follows:
2 Town Militia in Genoa
2 Spear Militia in Bologna
2 Spear Militia in Bern
1 Armored Spearmen, 1 Peasant Crossbowmen, & 1 Mailed Knights in Innsbruck, to act as further strength for the Austrian Household Army
1 Armored Spearmen, 1 Peasant Archers, & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg, to act as further strength for the Franconian Household Army
1 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia in Frankfurt
As the year ended, Pope Gregory's vast army laid siege to Genoa. The garrison was quickly strengthened when word of the Kaiser's attack on Rome reach them, but I fear they will not be able to hold the city for long.
The French army in the Alps has finally starved out the brave men who were manning the fort. They have surrendered it to the enemy, who have made the place their own.
1148
The year began with a bad omen. A small Hungarian army has crossed the border near Vienna. It appears that they intend to take advantage of the Kaiser's damnation. Duke Leopold was passing by Vienna with the Austrian Household Army on his way to Zagreb. He wisely took up position on the bridge north of the city to prevent the Hungarians from crossing it, should they prove to be hostile.
As expected, uncontrolled rioting erupted in Milan, killing thousands of commoners and damaging several of the cities structures. Two regiments of peasant archers from Bologna have been sent to Milan to help the militia restore order, but several more regiments of militia will have to be recruited hastily if they are to have any hope of succeeding.
A French spy was found in Dijon and escaped before the militia could apprehend him. It appears that our foes will continue to use dishonorable methods to attack us.
Jobst von Salza has taken over command over the Dijon garrison. He is being watchful for French assassins, and will be supported by the nearby Imperial spies and assassin.
Prinz Henry has joined the fresh infantry from Staufen to the Swabian Household Army and has begun the march on the French army in the Alpine fort.
Duke Otto von Kassel has adopted a Bavarian named Gerhard Steffen. As would be expected, he has absolutely no regard for the Lord. Gerhard Steffen is serving with Duke von Kassel in the Bavarian Household Army, which is waiting for the Kaiser's force to come farther north before closing on the Pope.
Count von Hamburg has departed Magdeburg to supervise Hamburg's first years as a city.
Construction this year is as follows:
Nuremburg - Stone Wall
Hamburg - Grain Exchange
Prague - Leather Tanner
Milan - Church
Frankfurt - Communal Farming
Dijon - Leather Tanner
Bern - Communal Farming
Recruitment is as follows:
Bern - 1 Spear Militia & a priest to deal with rising heresy.
Milan - 3 Town Militia, let us hope they are enough to quell the madness
Hamburg - 1 Town Militia
*May God have mercy on the Reich.*
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1148:
Pope Gregory has assaulted and taken Genoa! He moved faster than any of us could have anticipated. The large militia force in the city proved totally ineffective and the Papal forces suffered few casualties.
1150:
Duke Leopold's firm stance on the bridge by Vienna has deterred the Hungarians, and they have returned their army to their own lands. Duke Leopold has begun the march on Zagreb
Order has been restored in Milan.
A large Polish army has been sighted near Prague. However, Scouts in the nearby watchtowers report that it is composed of many peasants. As such, Duke Leopold will continue his march on Zagreb and Jonas von Mahren will see to the defense of the city. He has recruited two regiments of mercenary spearmen to aid in the defense of the city. Further militia recruitment will also be done.
Prinz Henry is marching on the French Alpine fort.
Duke Otto von Kassel and Kaiser Heinrich had a difficult decision to make. If they united their forces, the Pope would have time to repair the walls of Genoa and recruit more men. If they besieged Genoa immediately, they will be forced to do so with separated forces. They chose to begin the siege immediately. Duke von Kassel's Bavarian Household Army is now besieging the city from the north. Kaiser Heinrich's Army will arrive to besiege the city from the east next year.
The Milanese have firmly refused another attempt at a ceasefire. These negotiations are pointless and I will not attempt them again.
Gunther von Kastilien has taken command of the Franconian Household Army and has begun the march on Thorn.
There has been much skulduggery near Dijon. A French spy and a highly skilled French assassin have been detected there. Our Imperial spy in the region was killed while discovering this information and our Imperial assassin failed in his attempt to eliminate his vastly superior counterpart.
Jobst von Salza has prudently moved to Metz until this French murderer can be disposed of.
Count von Kastilien has a new son by the name of Fritz and Jobst von Salza has a new wife named Heidindrodis Godwinson.
Construction is as follows:
Stettin - Grain Exchange
Magdeburg - Practice Range
Rome - Leather Tanner
Recruitment is as follows:
Prague - 2 Spear Militia
Hamburg - 1 Spear Militia
Magdeburg - 1 Mailed Knights
Stettin - 1 Town Militia
Milan - 1 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia
Frankfurt - Assassin
Dijon - Spy
Staufen - 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
As the year ended, news came that a small Polish force had somehow slipped through our borders and besieged Frankfurt!
1152:
Duke von Saxony has taken a small force from Magdeburg and is marching to relieve Frankfurt.
The Polish force near Prague has begun its march on the city, though it is not yet under siege.
Gunther von Kastilien and the Franconian Household Army have advanced into Polish territory. The siege of Thorn is expected to begin next year.
Duke Leopold has begun the siege of Zagreb.
Kaiser Heinrich has joined the siege of Genoa.
Prinz Henry has besieged the French inside the Alpine fort.
Near Dijon, our Imperial assassin has once again failed to kill his counterpart.
In foreign affairs, Hungary has refused our alliance offer firmly. However, an exchange of maps was arranged. News has come of a war between Egypt and the Turks.
Count von Kastilien has another son! He has named this one Peter. Gerhard Steffen has married Kungund von Austria.
For my part, I eliminated some more rebels near Dijon. The local peasants once again wished to honor me. This time I humored them. I am sure I will get many marriage proposals from local women from now on, but I have made a vow of celibacy and will refuse them.
Construction this year:
Hamburg - Town Hall
Florence - Paved Roads & Merchants Guild
Prague - Town Hall
Bologna - Church
Recruitments this year:
Prague - 2 Town Militia
Magdeburg - 1 Armored Spearmen
Stettin - 1 Town Militia
1154:
Pope Gregory has reconciled with Venice and they are no longer excommunicated. Hungary and Sicily are once again at war. The English want nothing to do with us and will not agree to an alliance. I fear our war with the Pope will prevent us from any friendly relations with any Catholic states.
With the Franconian Household Army deep within their territory, the Poles have recalled the army that was advancing on Prague. It appears to be heading to confront Count von Kastilien outside Thorn.
I have allowed the Merchants Guild to begin operating out of Nuremburg.
Duke von Saxony has chased the Poles from the walls of Frankfurt and trapped them near the river. I await news of the battle...
...he has prevailed and the Imperial capital (and the Diet with it) has been saved! We all owe Duke von Saxony our sincere thanks.
I now await word of Prinz Henry's assault on the Alpine fort...
...the Prinz has retaken the fort and wiped out the French invaders, though many good Swabian men died in the assault. A small contingent has been left behind to maintain the fort, and Henry has begun the march north towards Rheims. Staufen will be ordered to prepare reinforcements, including the Reich's first Pavise Crossbowmen, for the Swabian Household Army as it passes by.
When news of the Prinz's approach reached Dijon, the garrison became greatly concerned. The Imperial assassins sent to dispose of the French murder had failed again. With the Prinz passing so close by, he would surely make a tempting target for the Frankish devil. In desperation, the entire garrison began to comb the fields around Dijon. Though there were only seven regiments, the river and the city itself limited the area in which the man could hide. Finally, after man hours of searching, he was cornered and slain in a farmhouse by the north gate of the city. Imperial spies will continue to keep a watchful eye for further assassins.
I now await word of Duke Leopold's assault on Zagreb. It is time for the House of Austria to repay the Venetians for many years of treachery and bloodshed!
Duke Leopold assaulted the city at night, bypassing the regiments waiting to reinforce the city. He has pushed those same regiments some distance from the city and is now waiting for the remainder of the Austrian Household Army to catch up next year before advancing on Venice in accordance with Edict 5.26.
In the north, Count von Kastilien is leading the Franconian Household Army against a small Polish force outside Thorn. With luck, he may be able to completely destroy the army and the Thorn garrison which is arriving to aid them. If this happens, there will be no one left to defend the castle and he will be able to walk right in through the undefended gates. I await word of the results.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Rome is now capital of the Reich.
This will be made official once I assault Genoa.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1154 :
Count von Kastilien has successfully driven off the Poles and cleared the road to Thorn. Unfortunately, a large nurmber of Polish soldiers escaped during the battle and they have secured the fortress at Thorn against attack. It will require several years of work to build sufficient siege equipment to overcome the two ringwalls.
All the Reich waits in anticipation of the final confrontation between Kaiser Heinrich and Pope Gregory. May God have mercy on their souls.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Since we're in an Emergency Session, I might as well do my usual duties.
Zagreb goes to Austria
Magdeburg goes to Franconia
Florence goes to Bavaria
In addition, I have a further build queue for Rome:
1. land clearance
2. start a Cathedral
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Genoa:
1154: Raze damaged Thieves Guild, repair everything else and start a Town Hall
1156: --continued
1158: Council Chambers 1/3
Build Queue for Florence:
1154: Paved Road 2/3
1156:--continued
1158: Council Chamber 1/3
The goal here is to reduce squalor and discontent. Tax levels are to be adjusted to avoid red faces if possible.
BHA Commands:
Otto von Kassel, accompanied by Gerhard Steffen, will pursue and attack the Milanese force outside of Genoa with the BHA. I hope Gerhard will prove his mettle. I will gratefully accept reinforcement from other forces if the Chancellor deems this wise.
After this, the BHA will be placed under the Chancellor's direction. He may use it to form the nucleus of a Crusade Army if E1.1 passes.
Send a messenger if you have any questions.
Edit: I have decided to add new build queues for all the other settlements of Bavaria, except Nuremburg, Maximillian's County.
Build Queue Innsbruck:
1154: Knight's Stables
1156:--continued
1158:--continued
Build Queue for Bologna:
1154: Church 2/2
1156: Large Stone Wall
1158:--continued
Build Queue for Milan:
1154: Inn
1156:--continued
1158:--continued
Tax levels are to be adjusted to avoid red faces if possible.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build priorities Zagreb:
Conversion to Castle
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1154:
With Pope Gregory slain, an election was held in the College of Cardinals. Kaiser Heinrich approved the appointment of the Portuguese cardinal, Manoel the Righteous, who became known as Pope Accattus.
Soon afterwards, Duke Otto von Kassel moved on the Milanese force outside Genoa and thoroughly defeated it. With the last hostile army in Italy defeated, Otto took a small contingent of infantry and began the journey to the Crusade rendezvous. Gerhard Steffen took command of the remnants of the battered Bavarian Household Army and garrisoned Genoa. The Bavarians will need to be reinforced before they can resume any offensive operations.
Construction for the year was as follows:
Genoa: Thieves Guild destroyed, repairs made, Town Hall
Zagreb: Conversion to Castle begins
Rome: Land Clearance
Recruitment was as follows (all of this is for the Crusade):
Frankfurt: 2 regiments of Teutonic Knights
Staufen: 1 Pavise Crossbowmen
Innsbruck: 2 Armored Spearmen
Zagreb: Priest
Vienna: Priest
Bologna: Priest
Milan: Spy
As the year ended, a messenger brought word that Pope Accattus had brazenly thrown off the Kaiser's authority and laid siege to Rome with nothing more than his bodyguard! Such arrogance!
At the same time, apparently operating under orders from the Pope, an Inquisitor visited the Swabian Household Army and tried Prinz Henry for Heresy!!! Fortunately, the Prinz's piety was obvious to all and he was found innocent.
The Prinz has become a bit more pious as a result of this most terrifying of events.
1156:
The Council of Nobles has rewarded us with 1000 florins for the lengthy blockade of Cagliari. Our blockade fleet moved north and attacked the Milanese ships that were transporting the remnants of the army that faced Duke von Kassel. The engagement was a victory, but the Milanese escaped.
A Scottish diplomat arrived in Frankfurt and proposed to give us trade rights in exchange for a small tribute. Negotiations were successful and resulted in an exchange of trade rights without tribute. The Scottish also paid us 1000 florins as part of an exchange of maps. An alliance was attempted, but it could not be reached. Our diplomat informed me that an Alliance could have been bought for 100 florins of tribute for 10 years, but he did not offer it as the Diet has not authorized any monetary expenditures for this.
Eusebius von der Pfalz has been made a Cardinal. There are rumors that he hides more under his robes than most would suspect. Some suggest that he is closer to Cardinal Otterbach than is appropriate under the circumstances.
Hungary has allied itself to two of our enemies, Poland and France. Unless something is done to improve our relations with them, the Reich may find itself with another war to fight.
The Merchant's Guild has established itself in Genoa.
Jobst van Salza has moved to Dijon to keep order and to take command of the Swabian Household Army. The Army itself was delayed and unable to reach Dijon this year. Apparently they were investigating a mysterious accident in which a Papal Inquisitor drowned after falling off a bridge in the middle of the night.
Duke Leopold has begun his march on Venice. The siege is expected to begin next year.
Construction is as follows:
Magdeburg - Blacksmith
Nuremburg - Paved Roads
Vienna - Fairground
Dijon - Council Chambers
Bern - Church
Recruitment is as follows:
Staufen - 1 regiment of Dismounted Feudal Knights & 1 regiment of Pavise Crossbowmen
Genoa - 1 Spear Militia & 1 Merchant Cavalry Militia
Florence - 1 Merchant Cavalry Militia
Kaiser Heinrich has marched down to Rome with two regiments of crossbowmen to deal with the new Pope. He did not take a full army with him as the Pope had no one with him but his bodyguard and would be easily defeated. However, the Pope was more clever than anticipated! As the year ended, he abandoned the siege of Rome, hired two regiments of mercenaries, and turned on the Kaiser! Heinrich has no infantry with him at all and the peasant crossbowmen will not last long in a melee battle! If he is to live to see another sunrise, he and his bodyguard will have to take the brunt of the fighting!
Oh what irony that the Kaiser should be most direly threatened by the man he personally approved for the Papal Throne!
The Kaiser has prudently withdrawn from the battle. The Pope's mercenary knights and spearmen were too much for his contingent of peasant crossbowmen.
1158:
A diplomat attempted to reach a peace agreement with the Pope, but the negotiations were a complete failure. Kaiser Heinrich left his crossbowmen and circled around the Pope in an attempt to reach Rome, whether the garrison is being strengthened greatly. The peasant crossbowmen which had accompanied him retreated to Florence.
Duke Leopold has advanced to the causeway which separates Venice from the mainland. His men are exhausted though and are not able to begin the siege this year, even though the city is within sight of their position.
The Crusaders continue to gather their forces and head towards Zagreb.
Construction for this year:
Staufen - Armorer
Metz - Market
Stettin - Communal Farming
Prague - Communal Farming
Bologna - Large Stone Wall
Recruitment:
Rome - 2 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia
I have received word that Field Marshal von Kastilien is preparing to assault the Polish fortress of Thorn. He significantly outnumbers the defenders, who have only a handful of infantry to man the walls. I expect word of a crushing victory soon...
The Crusade gathering continues
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Continuation of 1158:
Thorn has fallen to the Franconian Household Army. Much praise is due to the House of Franconia, who have single-handedly fought off repeated Polish invasions. They have consistently defeated the Reich's enemies and secured the strategic castle at Magdeburg and the fortress at Thorn. Few Houses have ever accomplished single-handedly what Franconia has managed during my term.
As the year ended, Jonas von Mahren joined Duke von Saxony's rump Crusade army.
1160:
As my term as Chancellor comes to an end, there are a few pieces of news to relay.
First, I have received word that our allies, Sicily, have been excommunicated again, though I know not why.
Several children have been born: Kordula Steffen, Niesenn von Mahren, and Siegfried von Kastilien. In addition, I have adopted a religious man to assist Bavaria as I depart on the Crusade. His name is Conrad Salier and I hope he will serve Bavaria well.
Though my term as Chancellor ends at the beginning of this year, I have taken the liberty of seeing that the Crusader forces have been moved forward. There are now 3 armies that will eventually make up the Crusade. Prinz Henry and I are northeast of Venice and will reach Zagreb in 2 turns. Duke von Saxony and Jonas von Mahren are south of Prague and will reach Zagreb in 2 turns. Duke von Kassel is west of Prague and will reach Zagreb in 3 turns. In addition, the 3 priests and the spy outsize Zagreb have been assigned to the Crusade and should accompany us.
I have also taken the liberty of ensuring that Duke Leopold's siege of Venice began, as the Austrian Household Army was already adjacent to the city.
As I leave the office of Chancellor behind, I have some final words. First, I leave the Reich Treasury with 12,725 florins. I urge all landed Lords to carefully consider the future build queues for their provinces. With the capital of the Reich moved south and our continuing excommunication, there is a great deal of unrest in many of our cities. Constructions that promote happiness will be of great use to us.
In military affairs, there is mixed news. We now have two fortresses, at Staufen and Thorn, and three castles. Our ability to recruit many regiments of strong, professional soldiers has never been greater. The Austrian and Franconian Household Armies are strong and capable of immediate action against any foes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Swabian and Bavarian Household Armies. They both meet minimum strength requirements, but the quality of the troops available to them is poor and many units are under strength. The Bavarians are currently garrisoning Genoa, which would otherwise be in unrest, and the Swabians are likewise garrisoning Dijon.
Our enemies have suffered many defeats, but many still have a strong will to fight. There are four armies that must be noted. First, there is a very strong Venetian army which has appeared south of Zagreb. Second, there is a strong Polish army to the east. It currently poses no threat to us, but should be watched. Third, a French Prince and heir is leading a strong army which is approaching Dijon from the southwest. Finally, the failed Hungarian crusade army is returning to their lands. They have entered Imperial territory west of Dijon. This is a strong army which will be of immense danger to Swabia if war breaks out between our nations.
And with that, my term as Chancellor is concluded. My God have mercy on the Reich.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1160.zip
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Prinz Henry: Build queues for
Staufen (please prioritise above Bern and Dijon at all times)
Turn 1-3: Continue armourer
4-6: Drill Square
7-10: Barracks
Dijon:
Turn 1: Finish Council Chamber
2-4: Upgrade large stone wall
5-6: Church
7-10: City watch
Note - please demolish the Thieves Guild asap!!
Bern: (lowest priority)
Grain Exchange (2)
Market (3)
Blacksmith (3)
Brothel (2)
Taxes for Dijon and Bern to be highest possible without red face. But avoid Very High if general present.
Swabian Household army:
Normal Garrison: Dijon but standing orders may imply positioning elsewhere.
Fieldmarshall: Count von Salza
Standing orders: defend Swabia settlements.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Heinrich:
Build queue for Rome:
1. Cathedral
2. Council Chambers
3. Communal Farming
I hereby allocate Thorn to the House of Franconia.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Nuremberg:
1: Abbey
2: Council Chambers
3: Fairground
Taxes set as high as possible without rioting.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.
Build priorities Vienna:
Council Chambers
Communal Farming
Paved Roads
Except for the Council Chambers, the next level of walls should it become available will take priority!
Build priorities Prague:
Church
Build priorities Zagreb:
Drill Square
Mines
Bowyer
Orders for the Ducal Army:
Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.
The Ducal Army is to continue its siege on Venice and attack the city as soon as possible.
Afterwards it will return to Zagreb as fast as possible to help in its defense or recapture it.
Once Zagreb and Venica are secure the army will take up sation slightly north of the river crossing East of Zagreb, where it will reach Vienna and Zagreb should danger ensue.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck
Chancellor's Discretion, but please upgrade the Castle to a Fortress when population allows.
Build Queue for Bologna
After Large Stone Wall is finished:
1: Council Chamber
2: Paved Roads
3: Abbey
Build Queue for Milan
1: City Hall
2: Abbey
3: Inn
Build Queue for Genoa
This includes input from Gerhard Steffen.
1: Church
2: Large Stone Walls (I believe the population will support this when Church is finished.)
3: Paved Roads
4: Council Chamber
Build Queue for Florence
1: Church
2: Merchant's Wharf
3: Council Chambers
4: Shipwright
Please set tax levels to avoid rioting.
BHA Orders
Army Commander: Gerhard Steffen
The army is to garrison Genoa until such time as it is up to strength and the city can police itself. The Army will assist in the defense of Rome, if needed, or the defense of Bavaria against France. I would like to see Gerhard's skill as a commander tested, so if it can be done without great risk or endangerment of other tasks, send the BHA against Marseille. This will help stabilize our western front.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
I will promote Jonas von Mahren as count of Magdeburg. Also from this day forward,Count Von Kastillien will be the Steward of Franconia and has the power to order the Franconian household army.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Orders for the Crusading Armies:
Duke von Saxony will move south towards Zagreb with Count von Mahren, leaving behind 2 Armored Spearmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, and 2 Teutonic Knights. Maximillian Mandorf will move towards Zagreb with the entire force under his command, where he shall join up with Duke von Saxony's army. Duke von Kassel and his army will continue moving towards Zagreb. The regiments left behind by Duke von Saxony will move to join up with Duke von Kassel at the earliest opportunity. Prinz Henry will split off from Maximillian Mandorf's army and join with Duke von Kassel's army, immediately if it can be done without danger, whenever it is most convenient if it cannot, though preferably before Maximillian Mandorf's army reaches Zagreb.
The end result will be two armies that are separated by approximately 1-2 turns movement with the following composition:
Lead Army:
Duke von Saxony
Maximillian Mandorf
Jonas von Mahren
2 regiments Sergeant Spearmen
2 regiments Armored Spearmen
2 regiments Peasant Crossbowmen
1 regiment Teutonic Knights
partial regiment Dismounted Feudal Knights
Trailing Army:
Prinz Henry
Duke von Kassel
2 regiments Dismounted Feudal Knights
2 regiments Pavise Crossbowmen
2 regiments Teutonic Knights
2 regiments Armored Spearmen
1 regiment Sergeant Spearmen
The Lead Army will depart Zagreb as soon as it is formed and begin the journey to the Hold Lands. The Trailing Army will follow after as quickly as possible. The first stage of the route will be as follows: Stay in the Zagreb province and follow the road towards Sofia. If we are not at war with Hungary when we near the Hungarian border, we will turn south and head off-road to Byzantine territory in the general direction of Thessalonica. When we reach the road that runs between Thessalonica and Constantinople, we will follow it east, heading for the southern crossing of the Hellespont. Both armies will continue on this path until further orders are given. If we are at war with Hungary when we reach the Hungarian border, the Armies will simply take the fastest route possible to the Hellespont.
At this time, the Crusade Armies will avoid battle with enemy armies unless they directly block our path. We will engage any hostile armies that block our path that are small to medium in size. The Crusaders must be informed of large armies in our path so that we can make a decision on whether to engage them.
The three priests and the spy near Zagreb will accompany the armies. The priests will move ahead to the Holy Lands, providing intelligence about which factions control which settlements along the way. They need not wait for the Crusading Armies for any reason. The spy will move with the Lead Army, scouting ahead for potential enemies.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Orders for Magdeburg
1: Finish the blacksmith that is under construction
2: communal farming
3: chapel
4: crop rotation
If an upgrade to fortress becomes available, do that instead.
Taxes set to avoid rioting.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1160:
The first year of my Chancellorship has already been quite eventful. Thanks to the large funds passed on to me by my predecessor construction on every improvement passed on to me has begun. This excludes the Cathedral in Rome, however. 6400 florins will take up half of our treasury and is a huge amount at these times. However unrest in Rome is still a problem and I would urge Kaiser Heinrich to consider building Council Chambers first, as this would help administer the citizenship. I fear I can not give a timeframe for the Cathedral, yet.
Furthermore I am still lacking build queues for Hamburg, Stettin, Frankfurt and Metz. Consequently no construction was begun in these settlements.
To improve the Household armies of Franconia, Bavaria and Swabia the following recruitments were made.
Staufen: Feudal Knights, Pavise Crossbowmen, Sergeant Spearmen
Thorn: Retraining of Sergeant Spearmen, Peasant Archers, Mailed Knights
Innsbruck: Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Mailed Knights
I fear that the recruitment for the Crusade has depleted castles like Innsbruck and Staufen so it will take some time before high-quality troops will flow steadily to the Duchies armies. I also increased the number of Militia in Milan and retrained Militia in Rome to battle unrest. They are the only two cities in our Empire whose populace is in danger of rioting.
With these formalities out of the way let me recount the Election of the new Pope. Unfortunately Charles von Otterbach was not one of the Preferati, so following Heinrichs instructions I supported Halstan of Denmark. In a landslide victory he was able to secure all other votes from the College of Cardinals and has ascended and now chooses to call himself: Pope Andreas of Denmark
However this has barely increased our Papal Standing so I contacted the new Pope outside of Rome with Henricus Plittersdorf a trusted diplomat. Following Duke Otto von Kassels noble proposal I offered the city of Florence in return for a Ceasefire and Reconciliation. Although the proposal was considered Balanced by Plittersdorf the offer was firmly rejected by Pope Andreas. This bodes ill for the future.
Our other diplomatic transaction were of mixed success as well. The Sicilians happily accepted our regular tribue thus fulfilling Edict 6.3.
The Byzantines were a harder nut to crack though. I offered them 200 florins for 10 turns in return for Military Access, an offer that was considered to be generous by Wikerus von Bavaria. It was also rejected though. Maybe Wikerus Intolerance for other Religions has clouded his judgement. I will try to enter negotiations once more, but it looks like we will have to settle on a regular tribute, before passing through Byzantine lands.
1162:
The towns of Genoa and Hamburg have grown so much that larger fortifications are needed to protect all citizens. The Counts of the respective cities might want to alter their build queues accordingly.
Pope Andreas has remained quiet, but some mercenary guards now accompany him, I will try to contact him later.
Meanwhile several interesting army movements have occured. The huge Venetian host south of Zagreb has been reinforced but has not moved yet. Two smaller regiments are blocking the direct path between the Crusaders under Maximilian Mandorf and Prince Henry and the city of Zagreb. The Venetian forces equal the Crusaders in numbers so I would advise to take a detour through the Alpine passes into Austrian territory. This would also lead to a faster rendezvous with Dietrich von Saxony. The area around Zagreb is swarming with Venetians so caution is prudent. This will also allow Prince Henry to meet with Duke Otto faster.
A Polish force of 5 regiments has been hiding in the woods between Magdeburg and Breslau and has now appeared alarmingly close to Magdeburg and Stettin. A smaller stack of reinforcements has been spotted entering the woods too. I am still awaiting orders for the Franconian Household Army so you should keep this in mind.
The French have not been idle either and have led a large force under their Heir Prince Louis the Merciless just west of Dijon. If Jobst von Salza wishes to attack his foe in a field battle he should contact me as soon as possible.
OOC: I will be gone all day tomorrow, that's why I left so much decisions to other players. If I don't hear anything until tomorrow evening I will just play on as I see fit.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Orders for the Crusading Armies:
Prinz Henry and I agree with your plans for the movement of our army.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1164:
While a lot has happened and I intend to give a more verbose report later, several interesting things have happened that deserve your attention immediatelly.
First Venice has fallen and is now under Imperial control. The city was sacked and plundered giving much needed money for the Imperial treasury.
Second, a large English force has landed near Hamburg, accompanied by a smaller Portugese army. We can only hope that the war between England and Portugal has carried over to our lands. If one or both of those armies were to attack us, we would be in great danger.
Gunther von Kastilien is moving west towards Stettin with the Franconian Household Army, while Fredericus von Hamburg has left the city earlier to defend Magdeburg against a possible Polish attack. The Polish have advanced and are hiding in the woods near the castle. The next step and the movement of the English army will be important.
Third, Jobst von Salza has driven off a tiny French force that dared to attack Dijon. Their Prince has moved on into French territory, while further troops have been reported to move in from around Rheims and Marseille.
Pope Andreas still refuses to sign a ceasefire or reconcile us.
Lastly, some good news. Guda, daughter of Prince Henry has come of age and is currently staying in Vienna. Already some suitors have made their interest public. The last of them being Ulrich Hümmel.
I await my brothers response on this matter, before I decide anything.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1164: continued
Ulrich Hümmel has married Guda. Urlich is still staying in Vienna but I immediately dispatched him West to the castle of Staufen to aid the House of Swabia in their struggle against France.
1166:
TREACHERY!!!
Metz has betrayed us and opened their doors to the French invaders. They sold their loyalties to the highest bidder. The complete garrison is now under French service.
A large army under a Captain Jaques is now approaching Dijon, where Jobst von Salza is readying the Swabian Household army for the defense.
As expected the English under Walter Smithe have laid siege to Hamburg. The city will probably fall into the hands of the enemy. The Polish are moving their troops against Thorn in force, so Gunther von Kastilien returned to defend that stronghold.
Fredericus von Hamburg will not reach the city before it falls and instead has turned on the Polish that have resurfaced East of Frankfurt. The enemy fled the field though.
The Portugese have pushed further into our territory. While their exact location is unknown they are believed to be south of Hamburg. A second Portugese army has also appeared at our borders. It's final destination is believed to be Frankfurt our former capital.
Zagreb is now besieged by the Venetians. It is a smaller force not the large army that has been mustering for so long. The Austrian Household Army is moving at full speed to intercept the attackers.
The Bavarian Household Army is now stationed between Milan and Genoa. The Hungarians under Jakab Mihaly have shown no ill will yet. Their movements will be monitored though and I will wait until that threat has disappeared before sending the Bavarians against the French.
1168:
Hans has come of age and is currently staying in Zagreb Castle. I must congratulate my brother on raising such a wonderful child!
Hamburg has not yet fallen to the English host, but due to the Polish flight Fredericus von Hamburg is in no position to save the town. Instead we now have a small Polish army roaming our lands and a host of Mailed Knights from Portugal is approachig Magdeburg to where Fredericus is now returning.
As expected Dijon is now under siege by the French.
While the Venetians have left the siege of Zagreb and have returned their armies south towards Ragusa, Austria is now facing other perils. A small Venetian detachment was able to sneak through the Alpine passes and is now besieging Venice itself. The Austrian Household Army had to move north though, as the Hungarians have attacked Vienna.
Gerhard Steffen now commands a large army and has closed on the Hungarian Crusader Army under now Prince Jakab.
To make the enemities against us complete, Pope Andreas has decided to besiege Rome, accompanied by two companies of Mercenaries.
Günther von Kastilien was not attacked at Thorn Fortress this year. Knowing too well about the fate of Hamburg he has decided to carry the fight to the Poles though. He is currently attacking a 1200 men strong Polish force in the woods south of Thorn. Both armies are equal in number, but the Poles resorted to fielding Milita and Peasants. I await word of the battle from von Kastilien.
On a lighter, but still serious note, it looks like the Crusade had its first prominent victim.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1168: continued
Günther von Kastilien won a resounding victory against the Poles.
Emperor Heinrich sallied forth against the aggressor Pope Andreas and slew him in the ensuing battle.
Let me recount the events of the newest Papal Election.
The Preferatie were Dominigo the Warmongerer from Spain, Ulaszlo the Unorthodox from Hungary, and Charles Otterbach from the Reich.
As wished by my father, the Kaiser, I threw the full support of our three cardinals behind Charles Otterbach.
Unfortunately we were the only ones supporting him. Dominigo the Warmongerer got elected by all the other cardinals, even from our Sicilian allies!
He now calls himself Pope Filippus of Spain. As a result of our votes our Papal standing has dropped to an all-time low. The chances peace or even reconciliation are very remote now.
1170:
TRAGEDY!!!
The beloved leader of our Reich, my father, our guidance through the last years, Emperor Heinrich has died!
The Reich mourns the loss of such a great leader.
Our Emperor has left this world for the Kingdom of Heaven... or Purgatory, should his mortal life warrant such penance.
It can only be seen as a sign of respect amongst our enemies, that they have remained quiet. None of our cities or castles have been attacked. The Hungarians even lifted their siege of Vienna. The Portugese are retreating back to Flanders, and the Poles are also retreating.
Maybe the countries of Europe have given us a small respite to attend to our mourning. But don't think they won't come back to attack us again.
This makes my brother Henry, the new Emperor, and his... grand... grandson Jobst von Salza, the new Prince Jobst!
Sorry, there are no pictures because imageshack clearly hates me!
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Henry:
Build queue for Venice (when no longer besieged):
Leather tanner (2 turns)
Paved road (3 turns)
Please demolish Master Thieves Guild.
Build queue for Rome:
Militia drill square (5 turns).
Please demolish Thieves Guild.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1170: continued
It seems that our old foe, the Milanese have made a reappearance on the Italian mainland. A small force has landed near Florence. And while some of our enemies have withdrawn, others have used the opportunity to advance. The French are travelling along the coast towards Genoa.
Also a small fleet that has transported a French Crusader army from Tunis was sighted near Marseille. The Imperial fleet that had been blocking Marseille port and after that Toulouse was able to attack and defeat the French fleet though. They were forced to return to sea. Most of the former Crusaders surivived though and a landing in Italy is not out of the question.
Meanwhile the Crusaders are making progress and have now entered Hungarian territory. From our Priests, who have advanced further than Sofia, we know that the Magyars possess a mighty Citadel there that blocks the direct route to the Hellespont. A large Hungarian force was also seen close to the castle. The Crusaders have made camp atop the hills surrounding the Danube, before descending into the Hungarian steppe.
Back in the Reich, word has reached us from the triumphant victory the Bavarian Household Army, supported by Conrad Salier and under the command of Gerhard Steffen has achieved against the Hungarian foe. The Magyars are under even more pressure, as I was able to force march the Austrian Household Army to the gates of their capital Budapest.
Gerhard Steffen is trying to relieve the city of Venice as we speak and Conrad Salier has already turned south towards Bologna to ward off the Milanese intrusion. Gerhard Steffen has surrounded Captain Tarvixio who had been besieging Venice. He crushed him without much resistance and has advanced his commanding skills.
In the West Prince Jobst has put the fear of God in the forces besieging Dijon. They were driven back from the city loosing many of their men. It seems that for now Dijon is safe.
Now that Gunther von Kastilien has returned to Thorn castle the riots that had broken out during his last campaign have died down.
With the ongoing war effort our treasury is running low. The troops and the recruitment of new troops to defend our borders is costing more and more money. As a result construction in all Imperial Cities had to be sustained last weeks. There will be no new constructions until our budget is balanced again.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1172:
While we have crushed a lot of resistance immediatelly after Emperor Heinrichs death our enemies are still at large. The Milanese foremost have landed another small force on the shores of Tuscany. North of Rome a small band of rebels has popped up that says it will support the new Pope Fillipus in all his decisions. Already Conrad Salier is making great haste to fight his way south. Currently Rome is cut off though and the Pope is reported to collect money for more Mercenaries. Plittersdorf is instructed to negotiate.
Due to the lack of construction last turn we have finally filled our coffers again. It remains to be seen how much of it will be used for unit recruitment and retraining though.
The last victim of our ecxommunication seems to be a Michel de Lannoy, who has been preaching in the Bern region. His beliefs can only be called Heretic now. He has approached Eusebius von der Pfalz, who clearly dennounced him as such. He may be tried later this year.
The English have not made further progress in their siege of Hamburg and the Portugese have finally withdrawn their armies into Flandres. Fredericus von Hamburg is readying his troops in Magdeburg to march north to defeat the English.
The French have withdrawn their army marching for Genoa freeing up the Bavarian Household Army, which is currently on its way to Milan. It will take some time until it is fully restored after its recent battles.
The French have not been idle though, we have not yet heard of our Mediterranean fleet that just recently defeated the returning French Crusaders. I fear that our Cogs were lost to the superior French Holks roaming the Medditerranean. Meanwhile another French force has advanced on Dijon from the North. Prince Jobst left the city, which is now in danger of rioting to defeat the French on their own soil. He was quite successful and is engaging another French stack with the aid of Ulrich Hümmel near Metz.
The French have been defeated once again. Prince Jobst and Ulrich Hümmel carried the day. The valiant efforts of the later prompted our Prince to knight Ulrich Hümmel. Encouraged by this praise he has hired some Mercenary Spearmen to bolster his army and is moving on Metz. The siege of the rebellous city should commence next season.
In face of the Heretic Michael de Lannoy, Charles Otterbach himself has travelled south to converse with the man and see if there's no hope of returning him on a righteous path.
He is not the only one rebelling against our rule. For some time now a peasant by the name of Jens is blocking a road in southern Bavaria. Their demands are immediate reconciliation with the church, otherwise they will take the protection of their souls in their own hands.
News of other Heretics reach us from around Thorn, where Cardinal Herden is spreading the Holy message. He has approached a young man called Tancred of Tyrolia, who has preached against our rule many times now. Asking for a return to the Holy Church.
As you can see the Franconian Armies have not been idle and Günther von Kastilien is currently attacking the last pockets of Polish resistance around Thorn. His final goal is to move on Breslau to take some pressure from the Franconian heartlands around Magdeburg and Frankfurt. Already one of our spies has infiltrated Breslau to help facilitate an eventual attack.
Fredericus von Hamburg has now finally moved north against the English under Walter Smithe. Although numerous his troops lack the training and experience of our own. If Smithe doesn't attack the siege of Hamburg could be lifted next season.
Last comes the question of which route the Crusaders will take around Sofia. I have already heard of the discussion that has sprung up in the Council and would like to give you an overview of the situation.
There are two routes to pass Sofia, one to the South and one to the East. The Eastern one will most likely bring you in contact with the Hungarian hosts outside of Sofia. The southern route can be reached quicker and should provide a narrow gorge in which to trap and defeat eventual pursuers. This will lenghten the time it takes for our army to reach the Hellespont however.
That is if you are planning to avoid confrontation with the enemy.
New constructions have begun in Dijon, Nuremburg and Thorn.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1174:
As requested the Crusade has moved on into Hungarian territory and has found a hillside West of Sofia, where it set up a defensive position. The Hungarian forces were busy chasing Rebels in their own lands and so have not attacked the Crusaders yet. They have brought in reinforcements from north of the Danube now and the way their armies are positioned now, they have nearly succeeded in driving a wedge between our forces. I advise the Crusaders to stay close together and set up their next camp just East of Sofia. That will enable them to clear the Citadel come next season and avoid contact with the Hungarian forces.
Another event of note between the seasons was the intrusion of Polish forces deep into our heartland. They have once again used the dense forests between Prague and Stettin to smuggle their armies deep into our territory. They are currently besieging Frankfurt!
The Poles have also appeared in force around Thorn castle once more. It seems that the capture on Breslau will have to be delayed until those forces are dealt with.
In the south the Venetians have reappeared close to Zagreb Castle. Once again fielding a sizeable army, which on closer inspection turns out to be made up of untrained Militia forces. Once Leopold has crushed the Hungarians at their capital, he will take care of this threat.
In the South the Milanese troops have consolidated. It seems that the Milanese nobleman has only brought siege equipment with him, but he is now supported by a large contigent of riders, making his force one to be reckoned with. The Pope is still quiet.
In the West the French have brought up some more troops, but have not made any decisive moves yet, neither against Dijon nor to relieve Metz.
The source for the unrest in Dijon could be identified in a French spy. We were not able to expell him yet and he was even able to cause riot in Prince Jobst absence. Not even his reappearance in the city has appeased the populace enough. I trust in the Princes counterspy abilities though to root out the troublemaker.
The beginning of the season saw the trial of well-known Heretics in the Reich, with different outcomes though. While neither Eusebius von der Pfalz nor Charles Otterbach were able to dennounce Michel de Lannoy...
Cardinal Herden was quite successful in bringing God's justice upon Tancred von Tyrolia.
With much joy, do I bring you the glorious news that Chancellor Leopold was able to defeat the Hungarian garrison and has captured the Magyar capital!
Hans performed formidable in the assault and has been knighted by his uncle.
With these good news, we turn to the North where Fredericus von Hamburgs forces are engaging the English who have sat outside Hamburg for so long.
Fredericus von Hamburg was victorious and has driven off the English scum! He now hurries south to spare Frankfurt similar fate.
The Crusaders have moved south into Thessalia, while Duke Otto von Kassel has taken command of the Crusaders rear-guard.
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Over the course of the last few turns as from 1176 the following towns are ready to upgrade their walls according to their growth. Please inform me if you want to change the build queues of those settlements accordingly:
Stettin
Vienna
Bern
Frankfurt
Florence
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
If there are funds to spare, please upgrade Bern to a minor city (I think its that?). Feel free to cancel the construction of the blacksmith instead (or move the wall before the blacksmith so the progress is saved and no florins wasted)
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Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1176:
The year begun quite eventful with the attack of Frankfurt. The Polish have taken all their courage and attacked our former capital.
Our reports revealed that the Polish force was badly trained.
The brave Milita led by Captain Sigismund did their best to repell the assailants. In the end they were victorious and Frankfurt was saved!
The Polish are not held by back by this defeat in their Eastern operations. They have moved sevarl smaller stacks in position within striking distance of Thorn castle. Gunther von Kastillien tried luring them to battle, but they withdrew several times, leading to a draw near Thorn. It seems that the countryside surrounding this castle will see many more battles in the future.
The Hungarians remain quiet, after the Fall of their capital. Their large force East of Vienna has not moved. Neither to attack the Austrian captial or to reclaim Budapest. After the Crusaders have passed their territory into now Venetian Thessalia, the troops around Sofia have travelled north. With the roads clear Otto von Kassel was able to negate the cavalry into Thessalia right behind the Crusaders, not having to take the longer way around through the wilderness.
The Venetians seem to have reemerged though and the appearance of the Crusaders on their soil has brought at least two sizable armies into the vicinity of Thessalonica. The Crusaders have already moved on though and are now on the border to Byzantian territory.
As requested our diplomats tried to negotiate Military Access but the Byzantines refused it again. I went ahead and gifted them 200 florins for the next 10 turns in accordance with Edict 6.5. Once the gift was accepted I even gave the Byzantines another 1500 florins for Military Access, even granting them access to our territory, to make the passage of the Crusaders easier, but they still refused!
In the South the Venetian army seems not interested in Zagreb, but instead is now heading for Venice. The Venetians seem intent on reclaiming their former capital. I will be hard pressed to intercept the intruders and this will leave Vienna and Budapest virtually undefended. It seems like once again the fate of Venice lies in the hands of the Bavarian Household Army.
The French have not been idle either and their Crusading Army from Tunis has now landed near Marseille. It is a large force of trained soldiers, so either way Gerhard Steffen will see some important battles in the future.
In the West the French are quietly moving their troops around Rheims, making no advance into our territory, not even our former regions surrounding Metz.
Their spy is still causing unrest in Dijon though and although we know of his presence, we were not able to root him out yet. As a result the Riots in Dijon continue.
On top of the unrest caused by the French the recent visit of Michel de Lannoy seems to have lessende the faith of our subjects drastically. Not even the completion of a church in Dijon was able to appease him. As one step Eusebius von der Pfalz has tried and executed a Heretic by the name of Oxyntia who was trying to draw on the popularity of Michel de Lannoy.
The later has meanwhile moved on north near the French border. Another attempt from Charles Otterbach to dennounce him has failed. Michel de Lannoy seems to be on a holy mission and won't be stopped that easily. Our only hope is that he continues into French territory to wreak havoc there.
At the turn of the seasons Guildsmen from a Explorers Guild have approached us and ask to set up on of their Houses in Venice. I leave the choice whether to accept or decline to Emperor Henry, as he is currently in control of Venice.
Conrad Salier has finally assembled enough men in Florence to attack the Milanese intruders. I hope to hear of his victory soon.
