Orders and reports thread

[econ21]

My Lord Chancellor,

Duke von Salza currently leads most of Swabia's military assets but is unable to use them effectively because he is on reserve duty. I understand General der Cervole would prefer to stay with the Kaiser's army, but Swabia needs at least one general able to actually use what little military resources it has.

If Count Erlach is unable to command his Bavarian Army, then he should declare himself on reserve duty. But regardless, the best strategy to reclaim North Italy would be for his army to work in conjunction with the Kaiser's army as Sir Hermann Steffen has demonstrated. I believe that Sir Hermann is more than capable of commanding both the Kaiser's army and the BHA in conjunction. If he is not, then Duke Lothar himself is in the vicinty to provide aid.

Contrast this with the Swabian situation - Duke von Salza is permanently on reserve duty, Count Ruppel is imprisoned in Djoin, Count Bohmen is far away in Bruges and I am cut off from the SHA thanks to its retreat before two French armies. We need General der Cervole or we will lose Bern and be further than ever from relieving Dijon.

As for my own forces movements, if I strike at the half army near Metz, you say that only Sorel's army could reach me. Perhaps your military intelligence is greater than mine as I would imagine the additional army accompanying Sorel could also backtrack. But regardless - I do not fear being attacked by two full French armies. The French are not competent enough to manage that. However, Sorel's force alone would be twice my force even if combined with the Staufen garrison and Teutons. Perhaps I could best him, but there would be precious left of my force. I would rather we offer battle on advantageous terms. Even waiting just one more turn for another three regiments from Staufen might make a difference.

Nonetheless, if you wish me to march on Metz this year, I would be happy to oblige,

Welf von Luxemburg

[gibsonsg91921]

I would find it most acceptable if Hermann Steffen became my tribune with Hugo de Cervole's need elsewhere. He has proven himself a great commander.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

My Kaiser, Welf,

You've convinced me Welf. I'll not have you attack that half field army. I will take your defensive recommendation instead. Welf you're now temporarily attached to to the Chancellors Office so as to command the force being created around Staufen.

Sir Hugo, you're a Swabian and your Duke and Duchy need you. You're going to head for the 1st SHA.

The 2nd SHA has been nominally the force protecting Bruge, this is now confirmed.

Sir Hermann Steffen, you're now the Kaisers Imperial attache, take command of the Imperial army and end the siege around Milan.

-edit-

taking save to start juggling.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Welf, there are no mercenary spearmen for you to hire. I have moved you onto the bridge and the Imperial troops are directly behind you.

I have not set recruiting in Staufen yet, plus there is a Polish force approaching Frankfurt. The three regiments of Teuton's could block this force or move towards you..they are plagued. What do you wish to do?

Ruppel, the spy died entering Metz...

I've lost two this year.

Count Erlach I've also repositioned you to the foothills of the alps should either of the two French armies attack.

Sir Hermann Steffen, you are now with the Kaiser and it would be prudent to attack the Greeks now.

Viceroy do you want mercenary reinforcements?

Johann Zirn,

the northern most Hungarian army is much closer than you indicated in your reports. Prepare yourself.

A Church has been consecrated in Rome.

situation is as follows:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1354-8.zip

[AussieGiant]

Chancellor Report 1354 continued

The Office of the Exchequer

A merchant was recruited in Antioch. A church built in Rome. A mustering hall in Staufen.

The War Office

The offensive season another three engagements.

Duke Lothar has relieved the siege of Bologna and the repositioned himself to allow reinforcement of the sitaution around Milan.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=236

I successfully attack and sacked Daruzzo. Our coffers are large and the Venetian's are on the back foot with only one field army left. I set up a provisional governor in the city and then left.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=237

Sir Hermann Steffen relieved Milan...but the cost has been prohibitive.

LINK to follow

Recruiting:

Mercenaries:

Fritz: 1 x Mercenary Knights
Matthias: 3 x Armenian Archers

Frankfurt: 1 x Teutonic Knights
Staufen: 1 x DFK; 1 x Pavise Xbow; 1 x Mounted Xbow.
Innsbruck: 1 x DFK; 1 x Armoured Spearmen; 1 x Pavise Xbow

This will leave us with approximately 7000 florins next season.

Regional Report

Swabia

von Luxemburg has arrived in the Duchy and is standing firm on the bridge outside Staufen. He is reinforced with elements of the Staufen garrison, and his own plague free units from Nuremburg. It is hoped he can hold the bridge against any French attacks for the time being.

Count Ruppel remains in Dijon with still no sign of any pending relief.

von Bohmen is now no longer under seige, however due to his isolation he can do little except perhaps leave the city and head into the country side to better defend the northern part of Swabia.

Duke von Salza has retired to the east leaving Bern exposed. That is sadly the plan until Sir Hugo can arrive to better organise the army. Sir Hugo has left the Kaiser's army and is now marching directly towards the Kaiser and the 1st SHA.

An unsuccessfuly attempt was made to infiltrate Metz. The spy is dead and honestly if he can't make his way into the city with out getting killed then I don't really need spy's like that.

Franconia

Count Fritz has set the defense of our northern front against the incoming Danes. They are approaching with caution and do seem to be aware that something is not right on the eastern most island.

Unfortunately the situation around Magdeburg is not so positive, AGAIN. Three of Franconia's general's including the Duke remain in the Citadel and I have received no word from them all season. The Polish may attack and if they do I fear the worst.

Austria

Johann Zirn has now taken up a defensive position on the bridge west of Vienna. The two approaching Hungarian armies are forcing this approach do to the mismatch in forces at the moment. Jan Zirn has now formed on this force. Johann now has three fifth of the Duchies nobility with him...and it's future. It is hope there is no repeat of last season's mortality rate in Austria.

Lord Becker is now alone in his defence of Prague. Polish forces are gearing up for another assault. The city of Breslau caught and killed one of our spy's attempting to enter. Krakow on the other hand has one of our spy's inside trying ferment dissent.

As for myself I have gone on the offensive and sacked Daruzzo. The coffers received a much needed boost. I've left the city to defend itself and gone back into the hills to try and defeat the last remaining Venetian field army.

Bavaria

Prinz Dieter's has remained in Rome due to the instability of the our old capital. It is hoped that he will head north next season.

Count Karolinger and Duke Lothar relieved the city of Bologna and then immediately force marched themselves to Milan to assist in the assault on the Greek forces there.

Hermann Steffen has been attached to the Kaiser's Imperial army as Sir Hugo has headed north to assist in the command of the 1st SHA. This reshuffle of army commanders is designed to give us a little more momentum in the coming campaign seasons.

The results have been impressive but they could be fatal. Sir Hermann defeated the Greek force around Milan but all three armies are now but a shell of their former selves.

None of our armies are in a position to hold out against the on coming French field forces. In addition to this Count Karolinger has been killed in action. BHA Otto is now leaderless.

Outremer

The Viceroy has held his position while the Greeks swan about like bloody idiots. I can only thank god they are as they still have military superiority in the region. They just aren't using it.

von Salzgitter has remained on the Iron Bridge and has received three regiments of reinforcements.

We are waiting to see what happens next.

Chancellor's Notes:

The season was another qualified success.
At this point I have to say the following.

It seems the plague is affecting our command ability to an extent I have never seen in my life.

Commanders are unresponsive, showing little drive or commitment and essentially they are holding back the well trained men of our Reich. I never would have said this before but it is true. The weakest link in our military at the moment is the nobility and not the technology, numbers or moral of our troops.

I'm ashamed to say this but I hope the next generation of nobles do not follow our current crop of senior commanders and field officers. This comment might be unfair to some of you but as a whole I feel it my duty to point this out to all of you.

Defensive season to follow:

There were no defensive battle my lords. This concludes the series of reports on 1354.

[FactionHeir]

I am surprised and disappointed the spy died for he seemed quite capable and would have distracted the French from their offensive. I feel for his kin.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

vxc he died at 95% CoS

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg

My Lord Chancellor,

At Staufen, I would recommend recruiting one regiment of Mounted Crossbowmen, one of pavise crossbowmen and one of dismounted Imperial knights.

The Teutons would be extremely useful in Swabia, but I had not recognised the threat to Frankfurt. It must be irritating in the extreme to see three of Franconia's generals entombed in Magdeburg, while the Poles freely march westwards even to the Rhine.

If the Magdeburg three cannot be roused to break free of their bonds, I wonder if Count Becker would consider marching west to strike the Poles advancing on Frankfurt? Travelling alone, he could attack this year. The three regiments of Teutons and perhaps some of the Frankfurt militia, could be waiting behind the Poles to join him in destroying them. The Poles are a small force of only a couple of hundred. After they are routed, the Teutons could begin the march to Swabia, although perhaps one could return with Count Becker in reward for his efforts.

Yours

Welf

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Indeed von Luxemburg. Of course the conditions for that to happen are that general's are available to take action.

As the offensive season is about to close after an extended period of good weather I fear Lord Becker will not be able to do this as the snow is coming this evening I believe.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Hell!! I'm going to attack Daruzzo so at least we have at least two engagements this season.

Taking the save.

Victory. I sacked the place and left.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1354-9.zip

[Ramses II CP]

Believe me gentlemen, if I could defeat the Danes and then ride south to ward Frankfurt I would, but such is not possible. Is Madgeburg under siege this year? I was under the impression that Tancred was again prepared to take a more active role as a general. Perhaps as soon as the siege is lifted he should be removed from the citadel and placed in a more active role.

It would pain me greatly to surrender Arhus back to the Danes, but if such a move is necessary to consolidate our lines I will consider it. The city is wealthy, the people are content under my rule, and are even coming to consider themselves citizens of the Reich, those who survive the plague anyway, but they are not yet Germans. If they must be sacrificed for the greater good, then, as you all well know, my hands will be steady on the knife.

Alternately if at some point in the coming years raids on Oslo and Stockholm could be made legal, I might just be able to drive the Danes back permanantly.

(So we need more active generals, or fewer enemies, right? I can arrange one of those things, if the borders can be held behind me. It would be a fitting last quest for an aging Fritzy and could provide plenty of funds.)

[GeneralHankerchief]

Taking the save to kill the Greeks near Milan.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Result:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1354-10.zip

More detailed explanation to come in the OOC thread.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Well done Sir Hermann.

But the price has been incredible. All three armies are in no fit shape to defend against the oncoming French.

I must ponder the best course of action to ensure we do not lose members of our nobility in the coming defensive season.

********
Taking the save.

That's it for the offensive season gentlemen.

[Cecil XIX]

My Duke, after careful consideration I still cannot make an attempt on Breslau. As The Reich is Poland's only enemy, and Breslau their main point of entry into the Reich, I would have to face their nation's entire military with the exception of the forces attacking Magdeburg. If I had a full army at my command it would not be so dangerous, but with the forces I have now victory is uncertain, and defeat could give the Poles the momentum to take Prague, and then threaten Vienna and Nuremburg.

As it stands, there are three things that are preventing us from marshalling the forces necessary to assault Breslau. If this plague were to subside and normal trade were to resume, if Franconia was able to must a force of it's own to act in concert with mine, or if the Byzantines were expelled from Italy and we had one less front to spend money on, it might be worth attempting.

As things are now, it is difficult just to hold them here at Prague. To someone who is defensively minded like myself, attacking Silesia would be a more would be even more difficult. Perhaps in the future, but for now I must subside on whatever reinforcements you can spare.

Also, I must congratulate you on taking Durazzo. Looking at the maps, allow me to suggest that Durazzo not quite be abandoned. Even if the city cannot be held, it seems that you can force the Venetians to fight there rather then at Ragusa. Indeed, if the Venetian army retakes Durazzo then you can either trap them inside the city or defeat them wholesale. There may not be any other armies in the immediate area.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Lord Becker. Your insight is as always very measured and accurate. I agree with your stance in Prague. All I would ask you is to hold with the forces you have so that Johann and I can deal with our own fronts and then once concluded come to your aid.

[Cecil XIX]

Thank you my Duke. Fortunately the Poles have made no movements towards Prague in the past two years. Let us pray that trend continues.

[AussieGiant]

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1356

The Office of the Exchequer

World Events:

I refused an offer to build a Master Theologeon's Guild in Milan. Again our finances are not permiting me to take the opportunities while there is so much of threat to our lands.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The plague is finally waning. The Exchequers Office has confirmed 16 500 thousand soul's died last season. Another 5000 soldiers have also perished. This is a steady reduction from last season and I hope it continues.

While this is good news the Imperial Surgeons Office is not having as much success in preventing deaths.

Three merchants and one spy also succumbed to the black death. We can ill afford to lose these men as they directly affect our economy and our ability to gather intelligence on our enemies.

In the worst news to date Lukas Godwinson has perished in Magdeburg!!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Pope seems pleased with us...but I have no £$%£ing idea why. i was thinking of tithing to him soon so maybe he's jumped the gun a bit with his feelings on the matter.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

On the flips side he's asked me to stop shedding Venetian blood. I told him it would all be over around Daruzzo before his deadline so there is no need to worry himself overly with the thought of excommunicating us.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

On the other hand the Egyptian are holding us in a dim view at the moment...again I have no idea why and I could really give a fly £$^£ at a rolling donut either.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It does seem as if our economy is steadying. The deaths are reducing our overheads it seems.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

By using the same insane methodology as last season the following report came across my desk. We are doing well it seems. Who £"$%ing works this shiet out is beyond me but it did seem to please the Chancellors Office.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The construction investments are starting to pay off.

The following structures where completed

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally there are no less that four new sieges this season.

The French have layed siege to Milan, Genoa and Bern while the Hungarians have finally decided Zagreb is worth an attempt.

Here is the situation untouched at the beginning of 1356 my Lords. Begin your planning and I will come back to you all with my recommendations.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356.zip

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1352 to be continued:

[Ramses II CP]

Chancellor Arnold, the Danes have proven more cowardly than I anticipated and refused the crossing despite facing only one plagued, depleted company of militia spearmen. They are the greater fools for it, as they have now brought together all the substantial military might in their nation and placed it before me. I will destroy them, first by ambushing whichever force crosses first, and, if the second will come I will drive my weary men to blood them as much as possible before we retreat towards Arhus. They will pay in blood for every inch of German soil, no matter how freshly claimed, I swear it on my life.

To clarify my orders I have had my adjutant draw up a map. Also, please note that I have topped off the more experienced companies of crossbowmen to full from the less experienced ones, including rolling the entire 6 man company into the ranks of the veterans, and filling out the spearmen from the company which will again be left out as bait.



As to who is the greatest general, this is a matter of no consequence unless we someday come to face one another in the field. That would be a dark day, for it would surely result only from the utter failure of the Reich.

Fritz von Kastilien

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg:


My Lord Chancellor,

Bern is under siege and General der Cervole will not be able to reach the city this year.

I request permission to lead the First Swabian House Army to relieve Bern. My force on the bridge at Staufen cannot reach Bern except as reinforcements and I fear that if they march south, the two French armies around Metz will be able to take advantage of their absence to cross the Rhine and besiege the Swabian capital. If I am successful, I will endeavour to return to Staufen to block such a move and prepare our own offensive next year. [OOC: no idea if Welf will have the movement points remaining to make it back, but his force should be safe in Staufen for a turn.]

I realise that this request may appear to violate protocol, as Duke von Salza and Count Ruppel are the designated army commanders of SHA. However, neither commander is able to personally lead the army in the battle, nor is General der Cervole. I am willing to serve either as the Duke’s tribune or to see that he is escorted east, away from the risks of plague and battle.

Your servant,

Welf von Luxemburg

[TinCow]

There are few orders left to give. The situation in Bavaria is dire indeed. The most recent victory at Milan was Pyhrric. The only chance we have to repel the current assault is by combining both Bavarian armies with the Kaiser's army. The French army outside Milan is slightly less experienced than the one outside Genoa. Even then it would be a risky attack without a guarantee of success. I fully believe that it is totally impossible for us to defeat the French army outside Genoa.

So, should Kaiser Peter agree, I would like all three of our armies combined into one force. That force should sit outside the walls of Milan and come to the garrison's defense in the event of an assault. Under no circumstances should we engage them in the open field. That would risk the total destruction of our forces even if we were to emerge victorious. If we are to commit to battle once again, we must work to keep as much of our strength intact as possible. If Genoa falls while we pursue this plan, so be it. I see no other alternative at the moment. If my plan is agreed to, I would volunteer to lead this force personally. Neither the Kaiser nor any other Elector need be present. If they are needed elsewhere, they are free to depart, though I must emphasize that the Kaiser's few surviving men will be crucial to the defense.

[gibsonsg91921]

Milan will not fall. The Legion der Krone shall remain where specified by Duke Lothar. Until Bavaria is freed, the Legion der Krone shall not leave.

Prinz Dieter, I reccommend that you bring your army quickly and destroy any and all Greeks on your way. Execute all prisoners.

[AussieGiant]

1356 Offensive Season recommendations from the Chancellor's office:

The War Office:

My Lords, 1356 is here and we have a multitude of sieges in progress. We need to lift them as best we can and stabilise the Reich from further aggression against our cities.

With this in mind I am proposing the following:

Franconia:

Bresch: Yet again Magdeburg...I'm speechless and not interested in talking about it. Rotting away in there is beyond my understanding.

Fritz: I will comply with your recent request and lure then further in. If of course the trap doesn't work and both Danish armies are present then I will retreat you as best I can. If not you will have your chance to take one out.

Swabia:

von Salza You and the 1st SHA are east of Bern. I recommend letting your only available and active commander, Sir Welf, head south pick up the army and relieve the siege of Bern. Welf can then head back to the bridge west of Staufen. You will remain in the vicinity and link up with Sir Hugo arriving from the south.

von Luxemburg: See the recommendation above.

Ruppel Time is on your side and event are conspiring to prevent the siege from being lifted. Patience is all I ask.

von Bohmen You are free of siege for the year. Given your reserve status moving you to Antwerp is the best idea. I just pray the French don't come again soon.

Bavaria:

Kaiser: Erlach; Lothar Let me form an army from the three forces that remain. There are more forces in the Swabian theater and they need commanders. The Kaiser can head north to assist in the defense of Swabia. Erlach can stay in Bavaria or also head to Swabia. Hermann Steffen can also head to Swabia or Franconia to be an active commander.

Prinz Dieter: Again you are free to move north.

Austria:

Johann Zirn: The Hungarian's have pulled back I would wait and hope Vienna is cured. I will then give you the gunpowder units and militia to defeat them later.

Lord Becker: The Poles are approaching again. You can meet them in the field or remain behind your walls.

I will kill the final Venetian force this year and well before the Pope's deadline.

Outremer:

The Greeks have pulled back dramatically. Both Citadel's are free of infection.

Viceroy: Hold your position while I recruit clean troops for the assault on Nikosia.

von Salzgitter: Hold your position while I recruit clean troops.

[Zim]

A letter arrives from Outremer.

I have just received the wonderful news from Viceroy Matthias that both Outremer citadels are free of the plague. However, I think Matthias and my armies' are still contagious. It might be best if clean troops recruited in Acre be moved to Antioch (assuming it's free of the plague as well) rather than merged with my army until such a time as it is no longer contagious. The same for the Viceroy would seem wise, although that is his decision, of course.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen:

If there are any clean armies in Swabia, I shall depart to take command.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Sir Hermann,

There are basically no "clean" armies. But with the plague abating I expect this to change very soon. Therefore I would prefer at least two more active general in the Swabian Duchy for the pending round of battles.

Count von Salzgitter,

I will certainly not combine clean troops with any of your forces. At best they will be positioned to aid in battle as reinforcements.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen:

Considering the time it will take for me to arrive on the Swabian fronts, I'll leave now.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor

Thanks for the go ahead Sir Hermann. You'll receive specific orders very soon.

[econ21]

Taking the save.

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg:


My Lord Chancellor,

Bern has been relieved. Although the city's garrison took a beating, the 1st SHA got off more lightly than I could have hoped. I will provide a full account in due course.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

My expectation of being able to return to Staufen was over optimistic, so I sent the infected men in the field there to safety in the citadel while summoning the uninfected companies to me.

Your servant

Welf von Luxemburg


http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-1.zip

[gibsonsg91921]

I shall remain in Bavaria if Duke Lothar needs me. Otherwise, I shall go to Swabia with Hermann.