Seneschal's and Nobles' Reports

[_Tristan_]

save returned

Philippe has left for Paris, with the two companies of mounted sergeants.

All foot companies are left in the care of the Order men to watch over our eastern border.

[Ituralde]

Taking the save!

[Ituralde]

KotF-1099-10

Reorganized the Knights of the Order of the Fleur de Lys to put their Captain in command.
Stayed at the ford for now as Brother Henris movement wouldn't allow a better repositioning.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Taking the save (again).

[GeneralHankerchief]

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/local...id=199&id=5029

Redid Raynaud's move for the turn.

Also, despite the filename of the savegames, we actually seem to be in Year 1100, not 1099.

[TheFlax]

Taking the save.

[TheFlax]

Save

Constance has married the very young Barbus Selvio.

[OverKnight]

I am taking the save.

[OverKnight]

Seneschal's Report for 1101

Please update your SOT posts.


Current Events

The English have stormed Edinburgh. After the English moved some troops out of the area, Prince Edmund counter-sieged.

The result of all this:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Pope has excommunicated the English! The old fogey has a quick draw when it isn't Germans.

Also Italy seems to be showing it's usual unity.

Speaking of shocking news from Italy, our own Princess Constance has robbed the cradle. . .I mean the Venetians of one of their Generals, Barbus Selvo, and taken him as a husband:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The new happy couple already have a child:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I'm not sure what my Duchy has to do with the new Princess, but the royal family is growing, if a bit gynocentric:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Domestic Affairs

It was a slow year as florins were devoted to other areas: A small Church was completed in Marseille and a bowyer has been ordered for Metz.

Two of our priests are now in Cordoba, a third will join them within a season. Our last two priests are now near Dijon. Besides Zaragoza, this is our least Catholic province.


Foreign Affairs

After much discussion in the Conseil, a deal was concluded with the English:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Caen is now in the Royal Demesne. Herve de Savoie, our only diplomat worth a damn, will be sent to negotiate with the Germans.

The Pope canceled his request for a Chapel in Valencia:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But has called for another one:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Our reputation with the Pope has risen to the heavens:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I attribute this to the skilled diplomacy of the Princess, florins and our building of Churches. However, the Germans seem to rebuidling their reputation as well.

We even have a Cardinal in the Preferati:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Military Affairs

Edit: The garrison of Valencia left the city when it was handed over to the English. I ordered them north into Aragon so as to avoid any violation of English territory. I believe they are now the King's men.

The smal Milanese forces that were within our borders are withdrawing back to the east. One is already gone, the other near our common border.

German forces seem to be massing at the ford southwest of Staufen.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Unfortunately, if I attacked them there, we would be subject to excommunication. The Germans seem to be recovering their numbers. This bears watching.

A militia company, previously funded, was added to the Dijon garrison. This completes Duc Raymond's prioritizations.

A German fleet has sailed within range of Duc Alain's transports:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Duc is outnumbered 3 to 2.


Recommendations

Upper Rhine: The threat grows in the area, but cannot be reduced until they cross into our lands.

Lower Rhine: The number of German forces has grown in the area, but they are scattered. However, Franconia is a salient, so threats could come from multiple directions. An end run to Antwerp remains a possibility.

Wales/The Channel: Duc Alain, at least you can offload your men before deciding what to do with the fleet. The possibility exists that your vassals in Wales might be stranded. Perhaps they should march overland and then take ship to Calais?

Please bring any suggestions or comments to the Conseil.


The save: KotF-1101-0

Save period will be extended if needed.

[_Tristan_]

Taking save

[_Tristan_]

Save returned

[Ituralde]

Taking the save!

[Ituralde]

KotF-1101-2

Beat back some Germans that were trying to occupy the watchtower on the Lower Rhine.
Moved Gaspard de Neufville into Antwerp. Readjusted taxes.

[Ramses II CP]

Taking the save.

[Ramses II CP]

Save is back:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/mgontm...otF-1101-3.zip

Louis has gathered his forces and ridden to the walls of Bordeaux.

[AussieGiant]

Taking the save.

[AussieGiant]

Moved Bretagne nobles.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/local...id=199&id=5033

[Northnovas]

Taking save and returned.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/local...id=199&id=5034

[OverKnight]

The save is closed until the Emergency Session is over.

[OverKnight]

Seneschal's Emergency Report for 1101

The Legislation that has emerged from the Emergency Session is a bit of a muddle. Allow me to present the passed Edicts along with the Edicts still in effect from 1095.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Edict 2.2: No further attacks are to be made on the Reich for the next Senechal term and suitable negotiations will be held with the Kaiser to regain a state of neutrality. Defending against attacks from the Reich doesn't impinge on this Edict..Should the Reich be excommunicated, the present edict will be void and agressive action will be authorized on all Imperial assets. If any provinces should be acquired in this fashion, they will be considered ratified.

Edict 2.3: A diplomat will be sent to Rome at the earliest opportunity. It is important that we build back the best of relations with the Holy Father, in the wake of his threat of excommunication.

Edict 2.4: A treaty will be signed with Guillaume of England concerning the return to the French crown of the settlements of Caen and Angers. Negotiations will be held also for the return of Bordeaux.

Edict 2.5: The next Seneshal will send at least three priests to Cordoba, where they will spread Christianity.

Edict 2.6: If Caen, Angers or Bordeaux are acquired during this term they shall be considered ratified and an integral part of the Realm.

Edict 2.7: During the next Seneschal's term, a port is to be constructed in either Bretagne(Rennes), Flandres(Bruges), or Brabant(Antwerp)

Edict 2.8: No armies under French command (OOC : under the command of an ingame avatar or an ingame avatar) shall cross the borders into Norman (English) lands for the duration of the King's truce, which is to be ended only by direct declaration from the King. The Seneschal shall be required to immediately disband the armies of any general who violates this Edict. Said edict will be suspended if the Seneschal successfully negociates military access or an alliance with England , and while that agreement lasts.

Edict 2.10: An alliance with England shall not be authorized, negotiated or accepted.

Edict E1.5: Since the entire Kingdom will bear the burden of this war and the German one, no House will recieve more than one province from any lands taken from the English.

Edict E1.6: Should war be declared with England in this session, Edict 2.8 is hereby considered null and void and Prince Louis's army near Bordeaux is not to be disbanded in violation of the aforementioned Edict.

Edict E1.8: The council pledges on honour and oath to God that upon the recapturing of our lands in France from the English and cessation of active campaigning thereof, we pledge to approach the Pope and request a Crusade against the Moors. The exact target province to be decided by normal council vote.

Edict E1.9: All English prisoners are to be released and all cities and castles taken from the English will be occupied.

Edict E1.10: During the war with England, all efforts shall be made to recapture the French settlements of Bordeaux and Angers and capture the city of London or any other English city upon which the Crusade is called or in which Guillaume (OOC : William for you English speakers) found asylum and until he is either captured, killed or reconciled. All settlements captured following the terms of this Edict are to be considered ratified.

A few things I wish to reinforce from these results:

There is currently no state of war with England. There will not be one until the King sees fit to declare war, and I remind the Conseil that no one else has that authority. This means that until we are at war at with England, Prince Louis and his army are in violation of Edict 2.8. However, I will not enforce it at this time, as I don't think my head would look good on a pike. I would suggest that the Dauphin withdraw back to his own lands. Surely a suggestion only qualifies for a light flogging, no?

A Crusade has not been declared at this time. Edit: Please see the addendum below. A clear mandate for a Crusade or its target did not emerge from the Emergency Session. Edict E1.3 was defeated, leaving much of the organization and finances of any Crusade in doubt. Edict E1.10 mentions a Crusade against the English, but seems to focus more on war aims. Edict E1.8 calls for a Crusade against the Moors, but only after hostilities with France have ended.

What I take from the above is this: I reserve the right to have a Crusade called against the English once we are at war. Having no clear guidance from the Edicts, the final call for the target of the Crusade is my own. However, since I will have to consult with the King and Conseil over organizing, manning and financing a Crusade this will no doubt be a matter of some debate and negotiation. Punishing the English and bringing King William divine Justice are noble goals, but bankrupting the Realm doing it is not acceptable.

I must remind everyone that Thierry de Rochefort and Alexander la Sueur remain in England. They have moved for this season and remain two seasons' movement from leaving the island. There are mercenary forces in the area, but they would be expensive, recruiting all of them would wipe out all our income for the year, not even considering prioritizations (the Prince has 4 queued I believe). Also earlier in my term, the English had four full armies in Ireland. Some of them may now be near York or any other place outside our view. Even with all the mercenaries in the area, the nobles of Bretagne could face terrible odds with their backs to the sea.

Our lone spy near Bruges will be reversing direction and scouting out England, looking for William. This will take time as well. I understand everyone is in a great rush, but if we strike rashly, events could turn against us very quickly.

With these considerations, the save is now open again (We'll be proceeding from Northnovas's save).

[OverKnight]

Addendum

Uh, it seems Barbus Selvo has a bit more pull than the Scribes thought. Factoring in his royal marriage to the Voting results now shows that Edict E1.3b has passed by a one vote margin.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Edict E1.3b:

1. The Conseil authorises the Seneschal to request a crusade to be called on London from the Pope.

2. All nobles wishing to go on crusade must declare that intention and march to Paris, where the Seneschal will organise them into crusading armies under the overall command of the King. [OOC: only the Seneschal puts armies into crusade mode; crusaders have to modify their standing orders to reflect the armies they are assigned to.]

3. When the time comes to storm London, all crusading nobles will join the King in storming the settlement. [OOC: we create a stack that includes all crusading avatars so they all share the traits gained.]

4. All troops who rally to the crusade will be regarded as soldiers of France and after the crusade is successful will be either disbanded or gifted to specific army commands as the Seneschal sees fit.

The change did not effect the outcome on any other Edicts.

This resolves much of the ambiguity surrounding the Crusade.

I will not withdraw my previous statements, I look a fool, but most of the reasoning is still sound.

I would request that all those interested in Crusading declare their intent and begin to march to Paris, or a gathering spot of the King's choosing, as this will be his command.

A Crusade on London will be called once preparations are done.

Again my apologies for the miscount on the vote. Those responsible have been sacked.

[ULC]

Taking the save.

[ULC]

Save back

[KnightnDay]

Taking the save

[KnightnDay]

Save back

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/local...id=199&id=5038

[Ituralde]

Taking save!

Never mind. Didn't do anything.

[OverKnight]

Taking the save.

[OverKnight]

Seneschal's Report for 1102

Please update your SOT posts.


Current Events

I moved to the bridge near Staufen to bait the large German army south of there into an attack. Better here than let the Germans gather their strength even more or strike west. The Imperials showed their usual intelligence, and attacked from one side only. I crushed them:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

(OOC: Another odd defensive battle: As before, my peasant archers were defaulted to flame arrows, as if it was a night battle, and I was not given the option of choosing the prisoners fate. The army disappeared from the map as if I put them to the sword, but Hugues didn't pick up any attributes from it. Also, despite killing the garrison of Staufen, my army didn't seize it.)

The German fleet that had our own pinned on the coast of Bretagne attacked:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After the defeat, our ships fled a long way to the coast of Anglia.

The new season has brought two shocking events:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Pope has such wonderful timing, no? As for the Moors, I can only guess at their motives for declaring war on us. Was it our missionaries in Cordoba, the belligerent talk in the Conseil or our alliance with Spain? I do not know.

Perhaps the Moors needed a declaration of war to cross our territories to reach Baghdad of all places. A Jihad army has been spotted southeast of Zaragoza:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Events seem to be moving faster than we can legislate.

The Egyptians have a new Sultan.


Domestic Affairs

Due in part to somewhat ornerous prioritization requests, no new construction could be ordered. A bowyer was completed in Metz.


Foreign Affairs

Geoffroi de Cressonsacq sold maps and trade rights to the Danes for 900 florins, who barly accepted the deal.

Our standing with the Pope remains excellent.

Our spy returned to England. Prince Henry is in London:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

While King William is in Nottingham:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Military Affairs

The Dauphin's prioritizations were recruited at Toulouse: Three companies of mounted Sergeants and one company of Mailed Knights. Due to all this recruitment there was no space to build a cog to retrieve Princess Constance and Barbus Selvo from Italy.

A company of Militia was moved from Reims to Bruges while a replacement was recruited. Two companies of Sergeant Spearmen were added at Metz. Two companies of Spear Militia were recruited for Frankfurt.

With the destruction of the large German army near Staufen the Eastern Front looks a bit more manageable:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I intend to seize Staufen, which is defenseless. A small German raiding force is east of Dijon. Frankfurt is somewhat threatened as well.


Recommendations

Does the Conseil wish to change strategies considering the new war with the Moors and the Empire's excommunication? Is the war with England an unaffordable luxury or manifest destiny? Peace might be possible with the Germans, but they could remain obstinate (OOC: M2's diplomacy AI is a bit psychotic).

Upper Rhine: With the excommunication of the Germans, the reins are off. It times to bleed them.

Lower Rhine: I would suggest that the Order reduce the German forces in the area before they can gather. Baron Thomas may be under threat, but he now has a decent garrison and I can reach him if needed.

The Crusade: I have no idea. We've found William, but we're now looking at the possibility of a three front war. Declare your intentions and gather at Paris.

Bordeaux/Angers: The Ducs involved seem to know what they want. Though we are not at war with the English yet.

Iberia: The Moorish army is on Jihad, it is not a direct threat to us unless it abandons this mission. However, I would not object if someone took a go at them.

Please bring any suggestions or comments to the Conseil.


The save: KotF-1102-0

[Ramses II CP]

Taking the save.

[Ramses II CP]

Save is back:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/nnjjxo...otF-1102-1.zip

Moved Louis' army back from Bordeaux, as requested, and gave command of it to Gontran. Louis and Christophe rode to the pass south of Toulouse with the new men trained there.