Duchy of Franconia

Duchy of Franconia

https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/149/frankfurtyk6.gif


Provinces of Franconia

Frankfurt

Administrated by Duke Of Franconia, Gunther Von Kastillien.

Hamburg

Administrated by Count, Fredericus Von Hamburg.

Stettin

Administrated by Duke Of Franconia, Gunther Von Kastillien.

Magdeburg

Administrated by Count, Jonas Von Mahren.

Thorn

Administrated by Duke Of Franconia, Gunther Von Kastillien.

Breslau

Administrated by Duke Of Franconia, Gunther Von Kastillien.

Franconian Nobles

Duke Dietrich Von Saxony died 1190 AD
Count Fredericus Von Hamburg
Duke Gunther Von Kastillien
Count Jonas Von Mahren
Ansehelm von Kastilien
Knight Helmut von Hamburg

Noble Lords and Knights, sons of Franconia!

We have the legacy of the East Frankish Kindom on our shoulders. Franconia has always been the heart of the Reich and our tribe the Franks, the most fierce of Germanic peoples.
Remember, your forefathers look at you from heaven and we should not let them down. While the other houses look down on Italy. We as true Germans should look In all directions. To the Netherlands on the West, Scandinavia to the North and Poland to the East.
My goal as the Duke of Franconia is to bring prosperity to our lands and defend them against any foe. While others look at places where trade already gives lots of prosperity to people and envy those. We Franks dont have to look far. Our lands are in the middle of Northern Europe.This means we are in the crossroads of all Northern trade routes coming from East,West,North Sea and Baltics. We should build our lands so that we get our fair share of all that trade. This would allow better possibilities to our children and future leaders of Franconia as they follow our lead.
To current matters.If anyone has any grievances or other public matters concerning Franconia ,they should speak of those issues here.

Dietrich Von Saxony, Duke of Franconia

I'm going to get directly to the point here. We desperately need to take over Magdeburg, not out of a desire to expand, but because it would make Franconia much more defensible. How this should be presented to the Diet, I do not know, but it is going to be vital for our future safety.

Perhaps the standing armies that are being discussed in the Diet could take care of this problem, although the current proposal limits them to staying within our borders. Perhaps an exception could be made for our case since Magdeburg is so obviously a defensive position for us. Or perhaps, we just need to propose a separate edict to allow us to take it.

Magdenburg is currently held by the Poles, right ? That would make matters all the more easy for us, for how can the mighty Reich tolerate it's enemies in the hart of it's domain. Ridiculous.

So yes, action needs to be taken as soon as we can. I think proposing an edict which states the house of Franconia wishes to take Magdenburg for the Reich as soon as possible would do the trick. If one of our generals were to lead the assault it would be even better.

I am currently not allowed to do so, but I'd be happy enough to fight with one of our more veteran Generals.

:balloon2:

You need to keep in mind that we are stretched very thin already, and some in the Diet may just see "those madmen want to take yet another city, when we can barely hold the ones we've got".
Seen in that light, it will be shot down quickly and brutally by the Diet, I'm afraid.

Not least because the majority seem to be biased towards the southern lands, and may not want to mandate any action that takes military attention away from their own lands where they want as many troops as possible.

We need to emphasise that this is not a matter of expansion, but of defense. Magdeburg gives the Poles access to the heart of Franconia, while making troop movements very much harder for us. We have a huge border to protect when Magdeburg is Polish.

If we were to take the city, our border would become much smaller and easier defensible.

I myself am willing to take what men I can gather in the vicinity and lead the attack.

Perhaps since certain members of the Diet still seem to doubt the loyalty of our Duke, this would be a more viable proposal?

Von Kastillien and Von Mahren. I agree mostly with both of you. Magdeburg should be taken,so the heart of the Reich would not be vulnerable to Polish attacks anymore. If the Diet grants us permission to do that, i would like to lead the assault myself in order to redeem myself within the eyes of the Diet. After that i would like us to be in situation where you Counts would have all earned your spurs and could take responsibillity of operating on your own designated directions,so i could concentrate on other things and Governing our Franconian Duchy from Frankfurt. Currently there is a small army of the Vendic allies of the Polish, between Magdeburg and Stettin. I would be happy if i and Von Kastillien could destroy that army,so the Vendic woodsmen with their axes,would not be defending the walls of Magdeburg incase we get the permission to take it in the next Imperial Diet. After that i would like to have Count Von Hamburg to join me on the assault against Magdeburg, so we would be in situation where you would be all knighted.

If the diet can accept that, I agree it would be ideal. The more of our generals can gain experience and a knighthood, the better. We may need every leader soon enough. My proposal is simply in case they still doubt your loyalty so much that they won't grant you permission to attack Magdeburg. In that case, another knighted general could do the task instead. One they have no historical disagreements with, and at least we'd have improved our defensive position, whether or not the Diet choose to trust you.
I am not sure the Kaiser is easily convinced to forgive, especially when it is so obvious that he, and not you, have failed and need forgiving. He may, out of spite and wounded pride refuse you any chance to "redeem" yourself, knowing full well that your loyalty to the Reich has always been beyond any doubt, quite unlike his own.

In any case, we can't afford to waste too much time discussing this. We must get the Diet's approval soon, before Poland launches a major assault from Magdeburg. If you think you can get permission to lead the charge personally, do so. But if the Diet won't accept it, another general should take command of the battle instead. Of course, in that case, I could still take one of the unproven generals with me.

I have said my piece. I will leave the final decision up to you, mein Duke. When we ask the Diet for permission to take Magdeburg, should we gamble on the chance for you to once again prove your loyalty to the Kaiser, and hope that this time it will make a difference, or shall we play it safe and suggest a general whom the Kaiser and Chancellor have no reason to distrust?

Jonas Von Mahren.In the diet there will be an edict proposal that The Reich will take Stettin during the reign of the following Chacnellors reign. It will be not that Dietrich Von Saxony will take Magdeburg. Maybe you are forgretting who is your Duke,when you put your name before. Maybe you would like to put ahead proposal that Jonas Von Mahren will take Magdeburg alone? As i sayed. I want to win this war and then let my trusted Counts fight for Franconia.Especially you Von Mahren.You should not expect that Magdeburg will come to you automatically. If you think that you will garner more support in Diet then your Duke who just knighted you, go ahead amd make your own proposal.

Von Mahren puts some interesting views on the table, I would have thought personal dislike would come second to the empire. But sadly, I'm misguided and wrong.

However, if it can not be our duke due to some personal grievances of the past, then it should be Von Mahren. He is the only other knighted general present, other than Dietrich himself, and I'm sure Magdenburg will prove easy enough to capture for someone with his abilities.

I do hope that it is somehow possible for me to fight in that battle also. I am growing older and older, and have yet to command a battle personally. This worries me, and it affects my honour. Not something I like a great deal.

:balloon2:

I am not forgetting who my duke is. I am also not doubting your skills as a general. I have been in only one battle so far, so there can be little doubt your greater experience would be a major advantage. The only doubt I put forth was whether or not the Kaiser and Chancellor will be able to see past their wounded pride and their past grudges with you, my lord. If they can do this, all is well, and you, as the Duke of Franconia, should certainly lead the charge for Franconia. If they can not do the right thing, we must find another way to gain approval for the attack on Magdeburg, because that city is vital for the defense of Franconia, the Reich, and even our capital. And these things must come before any one person's pride and personal dislikes.

I have not made a proposal in the Diet myself because, as I said before, it is your decision to make. I was merely presenting possible obstacles, so that you can consider all relevant factors before talking to the Diet.

I have the pleasure to inform that our options of army commanders are getting multiple all the time. Gunther Von Kastillien have been knighted on the battlefield of Stendal after showing courage rarely heard of. It seems while we destroyed the Polish forces that attacked us,they are building troops rapidly in Magdeburg and soon will be again in situation to attack us. We should get our forces gathered so we can fight united. Von Mahren, i may have some intresting personal suggestions for you soon,but i will get back at them later.

I am happy that we are allowed now to siege Magdeburg. Also Count Von Hamburg will join me in the siege and shall have his pabtism of fire when the time for Magdeburg to fall will come. Jonas Von Mahren has been ordered to move to Prague and take the Austrian troops there under his command and conduct the future operations in that direction.
When and if we have taken Magdeburg,i have decided to transfer the command of the Franconian army fighting against Polish to Gunther Von Kastillien and Count Von Hamburg should return to Hamburg in order to keep close eye over the Danes. I have decided that i will not run for Chancellorship during next Diet and hope that we can find a candidate from another house who will gain our support.

Ah good news then.

Why have you decided not to run, by the way ? Fearing not to have enough support from the rest of the Houses ?

:balloon2:

Von Kastillien,
The simple reason is that i think it is better for me to concentrate on the war against Poland. Maybe after we have removed the Polish threat, im able to redeem myself in the eyes of the Reich.
It has been too short time since i returned on the public life and i think some old grudges still live strong amongst the nobles of the Reich. So let us concentrate the task on hand,defeating the ones who threaten Franconia and Reich and after that,who knows.

I agree, and while I will miss Franconia, I know the safety of our lands is in capable hands. Good luck to you all. I'll be departing for Austria as soon as all the preparations are in order.

God speed, Von Mahren!Make Franconia proud! I have no doubt that you will.

Gentlemen,
I would like to hear your suggestions, how to deal with the Polish Campaign. Any opinions about the primary targets and other suggestions,after Magdeburg has been taken,if the Diet allows us to do that?

I propose we reenforce our northern army, the ideal castles to do this from would be Hamburg, Stettin and maybe even Magdenburg.

After that, said force should march to the Polish castle of Thorn. It is the only Polish castle which poses a threat to us at the moment, and it would severely hamper Polish troop recruitment abilities.

Our force will march via the northern route, killing all enemy armies which may pose a threat, and or get in our way. We shall then take Thorn and guard the city, retraining our men and training new ones. Sentries can be posted upon the northern bridge, and southeastern one. Although the castle itself is easy enough to defend, I imagine.

The other option we have is taking the city of Breslau. However, that city is located between the northern Thorn, and southern Krakow. It would be unwise to put us into such a position. It's harder to defend, and will cost us more in the long run. Both in troops and in money. Krakow is simply too far for us at the moment.

:balloon2:

With the imminent capture of Magdeburg, I am wondering about the disposition of cities and castles within our lands. Magdeburg, Stettin, and Hamburg are all castes, in fairly close proximity for each other. Are that many castles necessary? Both Hamburg and Stettin lie on the sea. Hamburg already produces a significant income, despite being a castle. This could be significantly increased if it were a city. Stettin is underdeveloped as a castle, but could be useful for trade on the Baltic.

Of course, we need at least one castle, and Magdeburg seems to me like the best choice. Of course, this is under the assumption that it will be assigned to Franconia. The only issues are that it may be slightly less developed than Hamburg right now, and may take longer to reach fortress level. Also, Hamburg is on the border with the Danes, and will be more difficult to defend if it is a city.

In any case, at least Stettin should probably be converted to a city. What are your opinions on this?

I would rather convert Hamburg than Stettin to a city.
Hamburg has a much greater potential for trade, while Stettin is little more than a stockade placed in the middle of no man's land. According to the surveys and maps I have been able to find, there is almost nothing of value in the region. That city will never become a source of income for us, it is not even particularly fertile, and would grow slowly, further limiting its potential as a city. I suggest we keep it as a castle, and instead turn Hamburg into a city.

Regarding defense, I doubt that will be a problem at all. Stettin and Magdeburg are both very close by, and we can have reinforcements sent to Hamburg in a matter of days. And if we do end up at war with the Danes, I imagine we would be on the offense. They have only one city in the area, and given the chance, it would make a very nice addition to the Reich. Aarhus is a big city with a lot of trade potential, and it's easily defensible from the rest of Scandinavia.

If we end up at war with the Danes, I suggest we take Aarhus at least, which means Hamburg will be safe even as a city.
And if we stay at peace with them? Hamburg will also be safe, city or not.

I have also been thinking of the trade opportunities taking Magdeburg can offer to us and think that if Magdeburg is developed enough and the honourable counts agree. We should indeed change our Sea bound castles Hamburg and Stettin into cities. Specially in the case if Count Von Kastillien would be succesfull in taking Thorn,which would give us a stronghold in the East.

Once again, I suggest we consider Stettin carefully. As you may remember, I spent a few years in the castle garrison there... If you can call it a garrison. If you can call the wooden shack there a castle.

The place is a dump, and for the life of me, I can't imagine any way to make the city particularly profitable or prosperous. Perhaps I just lack the experience to see the opportunities clearly, but the area is not particularly fertile, it is one of our sparsest populated regions, and there aren't even any noteworthy trade resources. The place is useless as a city, and useless for trade purposes. Even if it was converted to a city, and even if we ignored the hopeless trade prospects, it would take eternities for the city to reach even average size.

As far as I can see, the only reasonable use for the place is as a castle. That does not require trade resources, and it does not require a large population. And if Hamburg is converted to a city, we may need nearby sources of good soldiers for quick reinforcements. Training soldiers is one of the only activities that can be done effectively in a deserted mudhole.

However, taking Thorn would definitely be worthwhile.

That leaves the question of Magdeburg. The city has no naval access, which limits its trade potential. But at least it has some trade resources in the region, and it has a much larger population than Stettin. So it would at least be acceptable as a city, even if it won't ever become a goldmine.
But it could also work as a castle, supplying troops to the rest of Franconia. I suspect our financial situation would require a city rather than a castle though, especially if we keep Stettin a castle.

Those are all good points also Von Mahren and i fully regognice that Hamburg is a natural center of trade,while Stettin has always been somewhat periferia. Let us hear what Count of Stettin,Von Kastillien has to say about it. I still believe that if properly nurtured Stettin,which has only been known so far from its amount of heathens could be turned into a good supporting city for Reichs Baltic Sea trade,specially if we would build proper sea trading facilities into it.

Franconian Electors. Im happy to inform you that Magdeburg has been taken and it has facilities to build all the basic troop types we need for our armies. Also Count Von Hamburg has been knighted,so now it is my time to concentrate on the Ducal affairs and your time to concentrate on fighting the enemies of the Franconia. Once our army has been refitted,Count Von Kastillien is ordered to lead the attack towards Thorn. Counts Von Kastillien and Von Hamburg.I urge you both to order the start of changing the castles of Hamburg and Stetting into Cities.The Chancellor cant act without your orders.

A messenger has been sent, and is riding as we speak.

:balloon2:

God damned! Our plans have been hampered by the holy father. Just as we were getting our Ducal army together,we have been forbidden to attack the Polish. In my opinion this means establishing a defensive posture and braking parts of the Ducal army to protect Hamburg and Stettin. Gentlemen,opinions?

Oh my, now this isn't something I saw coming. Surely we have only been reacting to the dastardly acts committed by Polish troops - by order of their King?

I am truly sorry the Holy father has managed to miss this fact, but there's nothing we can do about it I suppose. The pope has made up his mind, although I doubt he was told to do this by God, as He has been on our side since the very beginning of the conflict.

I don't think we should split up our Ducal army yet, we should simply position it between the Polish lands, and our own. That way we'd be able to reach every city in no time at all, if the Polish 'd dare actually make a move against us!

:balloon2:

Thats a good suggestion Von Kassel. But i just came from the Imperial Diet.We have been excommunicated,since in coordination Duke Von Kassel and Kaiser Heinrich have declared war to Pope and taken Rome. I think time of glorius attacks against enemies of Franconia is over and we may have to concentrate on survival.

Gentlemen. I have some good news. Our Duchy will be getting a new Elector on the Imperial Diet. I hope he will introduce himself here as soon as possible.

Hi everyone, could someone give me a summary for the strategys of our Duchy, and maybe some basics to how the game works ? It would be greatly appreciated.

What I've noticed so far from reading is that our Duchy is on the defensive against the Polish because of the Kaiser's attack on the Papacy, is that correct?

Greetings 5th Elector and Wellcome! Our current situation is that Count Von Kastillienl(Dutch Guy) Is about to siege Polish Thorn Castle after victorious battle against the Polish. From here you can see the current situation.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1154-7-fin.rar

(OOC: Thats the last savegame.The rules are on the first post of the out of Character thread,i suggest you read them through.So you get the hang of the game. Also check out how to mod your M2TW so that its compatatible with the version we are using).

Also from the Imperial library you can read who is who. Our Chancellor Mandorf has taken good care of it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kagemusha

Greetings 5th Elector and Wellcome! Our current situation is that Count Von Kassel(Dutch Guy) Is about to siege Polish Thorn Castle after victorious battle against the Polish. From here you can see the current situation.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1154-7-fin.rar

(OOC: Thats the last savegame.The rules are on the first post of the out of Character thread,i suggest you read them through.So you get the hang of the game. Also check out how to mod your M2TW so that its compatatible with the version we are using).

Also from the Imperial library you can read who is who. Our Chancellor Mandorf has taken good care of it.

---

I shall take a look at it, thanks Kage. I guess I have some work to do.

Franconians.The worst have happened.Our hands are tarnished with the blood of the Pope. Emergency Diet has been opened and Chancellor Mandorf has issued that a crusade should be started to Holy Land,for us to save our souls. This means most of us who can battle and command armies independently will leave for the holy land.
If it is decided that only one capable general will stay to defend each Duchy. Who of us will volunteer to stay behind and protect Franconia?
As im now 53 years old. I think it cant be me. How could i send my heirs to Holy Land and to possible death,while i will soon depart myself becouse of old age. No, i must join the crusade,while i dont think i will ever see the Holy land myself. I have desided that the man who will stay behind will be the next Duke of Franconia,becouse his sacrifice to not join this Holy deed is so great that he should be awarded for his commitment to our land and people.Speak up my Franconians.

I am prepared to stay behind if that this necessary.

Von Hamburg. Im greatfull for you from stepping up in this dire situation and remember it. If you all have listened what the talks have been in the Diet. I would suggest for you to listen carefully what Duke Leopold has suggested. I think there is lot of merit in his words.
When it comes to the Edict i myself proposed.Its completely my personal opinion and you should all make your own decisions,wheather Kaiser should lead the Crusade or not.If the Crusade is called immediately.

I could stay behind, I have no problem with leading the Polish campaign. And I am sure the troops would appreciate another nobleman helping out, like von Hamburg. Not that our troops need help, mind you, but it would be good for morale - it shows them we care.

On the other hand, a crusade sounds interesting. However, I must think on it, and hear your advise on that decision. Is the current campaign more important than a, The, crusade ? Do we really need two of us to accompany the crusade ?



:balloon2:

Thank you for stepping up also Count Von Kastillien. It seems i will be confronted with a hard choice of who to be the next Duke,since we have so many good men.

OOC:I can vote on the current Edicts, right?

OOC: Yes you can.:yes:

Where is knight Von Mahren? His input would be crucial to the votes and he is nowhere to be found.

Indeed it would, we must form a solid unity.

:balloon2:

Von Mahren's absence is very ill-timed. It must be known if he wishes to join the crusade personally. Our house has no fewer than four knights, which is more than any of the other houses. We ought to be able to send more than one. Participation in the crusade must be confirmed quickly, for it will leave fairly soon.

Well i will go as you have learned already.Maybe i should go alone.Afterall you are all still young and also you dont have much on your concious.Altough i would be happy for one of the Franconians to reach our destination.Becouse im afraid,that the journey will be too long for me.

My sincere apologies. I suppose I'd grown accustomed to the quiet of Prague. It's not a bad place to spend a few years, and I'm sad to say their ale is far superior to ours... However, it's also an easy place to forget all about the busy world of politics. I rarely hear a word from the Diet or from Franconia, or even from the Poles I am supposed to defend against.
(OOC: Also, I've had literally no free time for the last week or so. It's not that I'd forgotten about the game, but I literally haven't been at my home computer for the last week. The next week or so (until the 30th) may not be much better, but after that, I'll have lots of time. I promise I'll be back with a vengeance then. That's also why this assignment in Prague has suited me so well. When I don't have time to play anyway, sending me to a dull Austrian city that isn't actually being threatened by the Poles any more works pretty well ;))

But with the news of emergency diets, dead popes and crusades, even Prague couldn't keep me out of the loop. I see the voting has closed in the Diet, unfortunately, but the results seem somewhat acceptable.

If I am not urgently needed in Franconia or Austria, I would be honored to join the crusade. The Reich may need all the penance and forgiveness it can get, and as one of the few Franconians who actually attend church regularly, I can hardly refuse.
at this, von Mahren winks at his less than pious countrymen, obviously just making a bit of fun at their expense

Besides, someone ought to go with our Duke. He is not getting any younger, and while I expect he'd be a formidable warrior even on his deathbed, such a journey may pose other obstacles. And after years in Prague, a change of scenery would probably do me good.

By the way, Franconia looks as beautiful as I remembered it. I should have taken the journey back to my homelands more often.
Please continue looking after our lands in the coming years. It may be a while before we all meet again.

I would be honoured for you to join me on the Holy Crusade Von Mahren. I think it is then settled. Von Kastillien and Von Hamburg will hold the shield of Franconia against our enemies,while i and Von Mahren will go to the Holy land. Does anyone have grievances with that? If not,Von Mahren.I want you to go to the Crusader Council and declare that you will come with us.

That sounds fine to me, I'm sure von Hamburg and myself will be able to keep our house running, even without our Duke, and von Mahren of course.

May god watch over you, and may you both reach the Holy land alive and well.

:balloon2:

The Diet has opened again. If any of you have suggestions for Edicts please tell your opinions here, so we can turn the opinions to house edicts. I will give my wishes about the future of Franconia before this Diet ends. But i hope you will all support Leopold as the next Chancellor,becouse he is friend to the Franconia and has always had a clear mind and steady arm.

Since you state you shall give suggestions as to our future plans, does that mean you won't be able to directly communicate with us once you and the crusade leave the Reich ?

:balloon2:

Von Kastillien.Yes.Once i will leave to the crusade,i will leave Franconia to the hands of Steward and will not also try to attend to the Imperial Diet anymore. I will concentrate on the Crusade and let the ones that are actually in the Reich and Franconia to deal with the problems here, my meddling from hundreds and thousends of miles away would only hamper your efforts.

I see, a prudent yet sad decision. Your advise and opinions are, and have been, of major influence here.

Also, will von Mahren remain in contact with the Reich ?

:balloon2:

Von Kastillien.I may try to send personal letters to home if possible,but as i sayed my burden of rule is about to be lifted. I will soon inform you all about my decisions about the steward of Franconia and the future Duke. After the Chancellor vote,i try to have little time,so i can visit Frankfurt before i leave. In Frankfurt i will give my last orders as the acting ruler of Franconia.

I will try to stay in contact as far as possible, but with the distances involved, it may be difficult, but yes, expect the occasional messenger. Luckily, if that is the appropriate word, I have not been appointed count of a province yet, so the day-to-day running of Franconia hopefully won't depend on me.

But of course, I will be back as soon as possible, and then, hopefully I'll get to spend some time in Franconia... That would be a welcome change.

Congratulations to Von Mahren.You are now Count Von Mahren of Magdeburg. And also the new Franconian Steward. Steward Von Kastillien.

*von Hamburg gets up and walks out of the Franconian assembly*

Fellow Franconians,

I can only hope I can tread in the footsteps of our Dietrich - while he is away, on his Holy mission. But our house has never been more powerful than it is, and I see no reason why this should change whilst Dietrich is away.

Lastly, with losing two valuable assets to our house, I hope those remaining will do all in their power to keep our house in it's powerful position...

*eyes the empty space where von Hamburg sat a mere moment ago*

I am sure we will make the best of our situation, I will not let our house - and nation - down.

:balloon2:

Fellow Franconians,

It has been a while since I have personally been here in our diet, as your stand in lord - as your steward.

I can not run this house, and part of the nation, alone. Your advise, on everything from our army to our economy is very much appreciated. Especially after losing two valuable assets to the Holy mission the Reich has started upon

In the west the English campaign against us, and in the east the Poles. Which war should we fight, and how must we fight it. These are questions that concern us all, and I must advise everyone of my fellow franconians to ponder on these delicate and important issues.

- Günther.

:balloon2:

I say attack the English first since they're unlikely to land another force anytime soon after we destroy their first one. Then we can focus on the Poles since they will be able to march an army from their homelands while the English will have to sail their troops from England.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ichigo

I say attack the English first since they're unlikely to land another force anytime soon after we destroy their first one. Then we can focus on the Poles since they will be able to march an army from their homelands while the English will have to sail their troops from England.

---

Which may be true, but the Poles are the more determined foe of the two. We've never lost a battle against them, but they keep on coming anyway - even when at least half of their initial lands are now ours. Thorn, one of our nations most modern troop producing castles, isn't and never will be safe if the Polish are let live. Seemingly they still think there's some sort of hope left for them to regain their lost lands, a foolish thought, but also a potentially dangerous one for us.

:balloon2:

Greetings from Asia,

I have received some letters that have forced me to write an open letter to the house members of Duchy of Franconia. After i withdrew from Politics,i named Count Von Kastillien as acting Steward of Franconia.
This was not an easy choice between Von Kastillien and Von Hamburg. Von Hamburg had already served Franconia in the role of Steward during my banishment to other duties earlier and it seems he is now disgruntled about how Von Kastillien have handled the affairs of Steward.
Now i would like to start a public discussion with the two of you and also with the fourth Elector,how to organize things so that the affairs of Franconia would be handled well and we would regain our glory and power.
To me the key aspect is cooperation and i think that has been the main reason why we have lost some of our status in the Imperial diet. The Electors have to put aside their personal ambitions and work together or we will remain divided and weak. Facts that support my assumptions about lack of cooperation are for example that there has been next to nothing of discussion inside our house before Imperial Diet´s,while Steward have tryed to open discussions.
Last i must express that while i have named an Steward for our Duchy.I havent named my heir and i will not do that untill on my last will.

Dietrich Von Saxony

Duke of Franconia

It is with pain in my hart that I have heard of our esteemed Leader's death. Dietrich is no more, Franconia has lost it's leader.

I call for a day of mourning, and I call upon the house as Steward to put aside all differences which may exist here in this very house, and act and discuss as Dietrich would have wished us to do. As said so in the very last letter sent to this House.

Discussion must indeed be made, and I hope my attempts will not be in vain again. This house cannot function without input. Let us hope Dietrich will look down upon us with at least some pride, we must not let him down!

I urge my esteemed colleagues von Hamburg, von Mahren, and the fourth elector, to pray for Dietrich's soul. And to lead this house to better times, for Franconia and the Reich.



:balloon2:

This is a sad day. There should be a period of mourning. It is hardly an appropriate time to descend into squabbling and bickering, if that is indeed the direction in which things will head.

Fellow nobles of Franconia,

Franconia has gotten bigger, but is still surrounded by enemies on all sides. The Household Army has for a long time been far in the east, and is incapable of responding quickly in the west. Obviously, two armies are now needed to defend Franconia. However, the current law only allows for one Franconian army. This situation leaves the entire western part of Franconia to be defended at the discretion of the Chancellor. The previous Chancellors, namely Leopold and von Kassel, have done a good job in providing the resources needed to repel incursions of the English, the Poles, as well as internal insurrections. However, the defense of Franconia is far too important a matter to be left entirely in Imperial hands. To deal with this, I propose that we propose the following Charter Amendment at the next Diet session. Discussion and suggestions are welcome, and if the final version receives two seconders from within our house, it can be proposed as a House Edict.



Charter Amendment: Each Duke may designate a Second Household Army during a Diet session. The military formation that can be designated as a Second Household Army is subject to the following conditions:

1. The formation must be within the territory of the Duchy.
2. The formation must be commanded by an Army Commander belonging to the Duchy.
3. The formation must be at least 6 regiments in strength at the time of designation.

Commanders may be loaned between houses for the purposes of Condition 2. The designation of a Second Household Army is valid as long as the Army continues to meet all three conditions, or until a different formation is designated by the Duke. The Second Household Army is commanded in the same way as the First Household Army; it is subject to Clauses 1-4 of Charter Amendment 5.1, which are quoted below. However, the Chancellor has no obligation to maintain the Second Army at any minimum strength.

The command of the Second Household Army is governed by the following clauses (from CA 5.1):

Quote:

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1) The Household Army may not be removed from the House’s provinces without the permission of the Duke.
2) The Duke will determine where the Household Army is to be garrisoned. This location can be changed at any time, so long as the Duke informs the Chancellor of the move. The Chancellor will not remove the Household Army from the garrison without the Duke’s permission, except as required to fulfill Clause 4.
3) The Duke will determine who commands the Household Army.
4) At the beginning of each Diet session the Duke may assign general orders to the Household Army, which are to be carried out by the Chancellor. Between Diet sessions, any additional orders submitted by Dukes are to be implemented only at the Chancellor's discretion. The Duke may select one of the following Orders: (1) attack any rebel force in House territory, (2) attack any hostile force in House territory, including other factions, (3) attack any foreign or rebel army in House territory, including neutral (but not allied or crusading) factions, (4) temporary assignment to another House, (5) assignment to offensive duties. If Order (4) is chosen, the Duke may determine the time limit of the temporary assignment and the commanding general, but all other decisions are made by the Duke of the receiving house. When the time limit expires, the Household Army must be immediately returned to House lands, no matter what other circumstances occur, unless the Duke agrees otherwise. If Order (5) is chosen, the Duke may specify an enemy settlement or army as the objective and the commanding general. The settlement or army must be in a province that borders the House and the Reich must already be at war with the target. All other decisions are made by the Chancellor. The Duke may recall the Household Army from offensive duties at any time and for any reason.

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Count Von Mahren

Greetings!
I would like to inform that i have left from the Holy land and im on my way back home to Franconia. I received the word from Count Von Hamburgs proposal and i whole heartedly agree with it. I hope to be back in home soon and as my Crusading mission is over im looking forward on joining the Imperial Diet. In my opinion we should lobby through Von Hamburgs proposal as he is completely right that a single army is not enough to protect our Duchy.

Franconians,

I would like to praise von Hamburg's ideas. In times such as these when the Poles, Russians and even the English are threatening our borders and our lands it is time to guarantee that nothing can endanger us. Therefore, one eastern army isn't enough, as Fredericus pointed out.

I would like to hear you all on this matter, before we can put this in front of the Diet to be voted upon. I daresay no objections to the idea per sé will be made, but suggestions and improvements to the original suggestion are of course encouraged - if there are any.

Lastly, I would like to welcome my own son Ansehelm to this Franconian Diet. Let us hear what he has to say...

Your Duke,

Günther.

Also, if you have any suggestions as to what to build in our settlements, or what we should focus on for the duration of this chancellor's reign, please speak up !

Your input is important.

Günther.

:balloon2:

Mein Duke have you consider allocating more settlements by giving countship for your son for example? Im happy to stay on Magdeburg if needed,but im also ready move on other castle/city nearer our borders once i arrive to Reich. Also as you are well aware i wanted away from Holyland,but does any of you want to journey into outrememer? It seems Kaiser Henry would like to see Franconians there also.Also mein Duke.I wish that you would decide what to build in Magdeburg untill i reach Franconia and get better picture of the building needs of my castle.

Ansehelm:

I know little of what's going on at this time, as I've only just started looking at matters of state, but I would like to say this:
I second the proposal by Count Von Hamburg. I must also say that it might be wise to suggest expanding to the east. If we look at the current map of our empire we clearly see that we border 3 enemies (and 4 if you also count the rebels). While other duchies sometimes only border 1 enemy (neglecting the crusades this is).

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

https://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4733/hremapdg1.jpg

By taken atleast one of the Polish cities we will secure our eastern flank as well take loads of resources from them.

This ofcourse can only be done if we have also an army in the west. I think that this doesn't have to be a big army, a small "reaction" force will do.

I agree with Ansehelm.I think we should suggest on taking the Polish capital of Krakow.This would neutralize the Polish threat as their cities in the Steppes wont create much income. I think Austrians could support us with the edict as it would also secure their own flank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kagemusha

Mein Duke have you consider allocating more settlements by giving countship for your son for example? Im happy to stay on Magdeburg if needed,but im also ready move on other castle/city nearer our borders once i arrive to Reich.

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Yes, my son and I have been discussing it. I shall appoint my son count, but I have not yet decided where to the east I shall let him go. Although I have full confidence in his abilities, he is my son after all, I am still unsure if I shall send him to Thorn. Quite a dangerous area, I'll give him the time to give his yes or no.

We could use one of your abilities to fight, and we need the people on the western front to eventually fight the English and maybe even the Danes later on. However, let us see how the western front develops itself, and what your thoughts are when your closer to home...

:balloon2:

Franconians,

There are several things I wish you to take note of.

First of all, edict 8.3 was passed:

Quote:

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Edict 8.3: As soon as possible a second Crusade to the Holy Lands should be called by Emperor Henry. The target would depend on the current situation but should be one of the places mentioned in the Emperors draft for the Kingdom of Outremere.
At least one Franconian and Austrian general should participate so that each House will be represented in this new Kingdom.

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Which means one of us is destined to march on to the Holy land, as soon as he can, to take the city of Damascus.

As far as I see it, Thorn will be governed by my son - Ansehelm.

The question then remains if von Hamburg, currently supervising the Franconian Household army in my stead, or myself will journey to the Holy land.

As your Duke I shall take the responsibility upon myself, if Fredericus does not wish to go, to march with the crusade - as our late Duke Dietrich did before us.

If he does wish to go, then I again shall lead the Franconian army in the east.

So Fredericus, will you march to the Holy land, or serve your House from it's home land ?


Franconians, your comments and suggestions are always welcome, however, time is of the essence and one day should be enough to give answer to the query at hand. Otherwise I shall make it myself.

Your Duke,

Günther

:balloon2:

Very well, then.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FLYdude

Very well, then.

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An Imperial scribe looks puzzled by this answer and thinks, does he mean:

Very well, I will march on Outremer?

or

Very well, I serve my House from it's homeland?

You, scribe! Why haven't you scribed anything yet? Surely my perfectly concise and, err.. clear answer of responding in the affirmative on the issue of going to the Outremer needs to be relayed to the Chancellor. Well, get on with it!

Short letter from the "count" of Thorn to all Franconian nobles


Fellow Franconian Nobles, I suggest that for the upcoming Imperial Diet we propose an Edict that will mean more interest in the defence of our Reichs borders and expansion into the East.
I propose we should propose to do more to attack Russia, Poland and Hungary and that we should even start our own Teutonic Crusade against Russia and Poland. There might be little to find in the East, but they give us room to live and most of all room for safety. The steppes are big and once we secure big pieces of lands for ourselves we don't have to worry about the East anymore. In that case 1 small army in that area will do.

I also say that we should continue with what we wanted to propose for the last Diet, small second household armies.


Awaiting your reply

Ansehelm, former count of Thorn

That has been done under Charter Amendment 9.4. I suggest you put forward an edict concerning an eastern crusade yourself, it will be seconded - a Teutonic crusade would do our house and the Reich good, and show the eastern barbarians our true determination to see this thing trough.

I also urge all Franconians to at least second the charter amendment 9.4, and get it through the voting rounds.

:balloon2:

I really am worried about the amount of men that want to start crusading. Don't they see the Reich itself is in trouble. On our Eastern Front all we have is a Franconian Household Army which has loads of casualties. Next to that we have Danes in the North and there's no way we can defend against them.

Next to that there are only 3 Franconian Nobles, so we won't be able to get our own edicts through on our own. We need massive help, and seeing as people are willing to crusade in the Outremer it will be pretty hard.

If Edict 9.5 doesn't get through I suggest we simply retake Thorn and I will garrison it with a good garrison. The other border city of Breslau should be defended by one of my brothers. We should prepare on not getting 9.5 so it should be wise to prepare for a defensive campaign.

A messenger enters the Franconian assembly and starts to read an letter.

"Mein Duke,Franconian nobles. I have embarked on the soil of Europe and im currently in Thessalonika. I have to inform you that after talks with Duke Leopold of Austria i have agreed on helping the Austrians by taking over the siege of the city and i will prepare to take it. After that i will continue commanding the Austrian household army,untill Austrian commander will be available to take over it.
Leopold and i have agreed that my oldest son will be given title in the Austrian Duchy as count of Prague and that the next generation of our family will be Austrians. But this doesnt concern me and i will still be holding the title Count of Magdeburg and continue serving Franconia.
After i have settled issues here in Austria i will return to Franconia and im ready to serve our Duchy in any capacity needed. I hope to see you all soon.

Yours,

Jonas Von Mahren"

Ansehelm instructs the messenger to return the following message

Would one of your sons ever wish to visit Franconia they will be more then welcome at my place, after the Household Army retakes it.
Return soon, Franconia is in need of good generals as we border many enemies. Magdeburg even is in the line of fire.

It's a waste to have you're family and you leave our House Jonas, but it is your choice and I deem it to be wrong to try and force you to do otherwise - as your Duke. I hope this event doesn't take too much of your free time, as we could use you here as soon as possible.

:balloon2:

I, Peter von Kastilien, hereby formally present myself before the Duchy of Franconia.

As an elector, I believe that our secular relations with our allies are much more important than relations with the Pope. The Papal States, as a powerful political entity, are a secular nation in my eyes, and Outremer is there solely to protect our relations with those around the world.

Mostly, our allies the Portuguese and the Byzantine Empire are uppermost in my mind as they control the corners of the Mediterannean and protect our trade and shores with their powerful navies. We should seek to foster these relationships.

Lastly, we should punish our enemies the Russians and Polish for their audacity in alienating our borders for too long. I believe the FHA should push east, while stalling the excommunicated Vikings until the eastern threat is neutralized. This way we can open a northern front against Hungary as well as push to the Black Sea for its lucrative trade.