Conseil du Royaume

[_Tristan_]

My sons,

You bring back fond memories of my youthful years when I was as impatient as you are now... But need I remind you that the fate that the Pope has decreed upon England is a threat that hangs upon our heads also... Don't you se that a single misstep could mean eternal damnation for us all ? For excommunication is not to be taken lightly... It is in the afterlife that we would pay for having gone against God's will...

That thought I cannot bear... So this war will not be waged unless we have Papal sanction, a thing which I am assured we can have (Philippe smiles a knowing smile)...

It will be a holy Crusade to regain our prestige and our lands, or it will not be.

[OverKnight]

Hugues lurches to his feet. He stands swaying a bit, taking in the room with is eyes.

Tell me my Lords, think, perhaps in all this you have forgotten something? Now, what could it be? It seems we have already divided Albion and her continental possessions up. We've lined up our armies. We've made vows of protection and honor. What could we have forgotten?

We'll I tell you what you all have forgotten, you proud soldiers of France. You've forgotten your compatriots, your brothers: Alexandre Le Sueur and Thierry de Rochefort!

They slipped your mind? The two gentlemen still in Wales? The ass end of the Island with their escape cut off because Duc Alain's fleet is blockaded?! Hmmm? By the Germans, it seems, the massive enemy we're already at War with?! Ring a bell?

We declare war on England now and they'll be butchered like pigs!

But I'm sure the Dauphin considered that before he violated an edict and moved his men to the walls of Bordeaux. I'm sure the King considered that before he set this Conseil afire with his calls for a Crusade. I'm sure the Order remembered them before they asked for a piece of the action!

Will you abandon these men to a terrible fight, to die alone and outnumbered!? Just so we don't waste a precious year or two actually planning this!?

Hugues shakes his head.

This is a disgusting spectacle.

He tromps out.

[AussieGiant]

Alain glances at Hugues, his face clouded with a grimance for one moment. He addresses the chamber with a even voice.

"My King, as a Duchy zat was intrimental in enabling ze most recent deal wiz see English, Bretagne and 'er nobles stand ready to join ze conflict against England.

Ze partial reunifcation of Bretagne wiz ze rest of ze Kingdom and our endeavours in Wales is proof enough zat zis war must include us."

Alain stares hard at ze Dauphin and the nobles from the Order.

"While others seem intent on furthering zeir aims by crawling and throwing themselves at you My King, I would first ask zat ze nobles of Bretagne are reunited wiz us before we declare our intentions so obviously."

[GeneralHankerchief]

*At the end of the King's speech, Raynaud finally finds the words, and rises.*

NO!!!

The uniqueness and holiness and all that a most noble Crusade represents must not be allowed to be sullied because of political machinations!

We do not need the Pope's blessing to continue our conflict with the English! We already have it! He excommunicated them!! We are free to do what we wish to them now! We may march upon their lands and blockade their ports and whatever else my lords so desire.

I ask you then: what is the difference between our current state and a Crusade against them?!

I'll tell you what. It is the dirtying of one of the most selfless and holy endeavors of our or anyone else's time. It is war, supposedly waged under the Cross, but every single one of us in this room know that it is mostly for a land grab and to exercise greater dominance over Western Europe.

Not while a threat that has been heretical for all time, and not just recently because of one man's decision, still lurks to the south. And now, we know even less about what lurks in Iberia because the land which I have labored over, overseen, and built watchtowers with my own bare hands to monitor their menace has fallen in the hands of those whom we now seek to destroy; the enemy of the hour!

The Moors still preach to their false prophet Mohammed. Tell me, Chevaliers, is this truly a lesser crime than political maneuvering that backfired?

Save the Crusade for when it matters! Leave political wars for what they are.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe looks at the back of Hugues tromping out and turns to Alain.

Pray tell us what better way to ensure the safe return of Bretagne's men than to bring forth to England mighty armies to purge that land of Saxon and Norman presence ? Surely if we could take London, Le Sueur and Rochefort could find their way back there... They must have gathered a few words of the English tongue by now and should be able to ask their way from the local peasantry ?

And let's not forget by whose fault these men are in the quandary they are... Our intention to give Caernavon back to Guillaume has been known for countless years now... Why didn't Alain take his vassals on board when he sailed out ? Why didn't he leave some mercenaries there rather ? Men we could have forsaken without thinking twice on the matter...

I maintain we must grab our chance to strike back while it is there for us. We must not delay our assault.

Duc Alain, you're of course welcome to join in the fray... Angers would be a fine addition to your Duchy, as my son has his signts set on Bordeaux.

[TinCow]

Christophe, having returned to the hall with the Prince, look on as the Duc de Champagne departs.

I know Thierry de Rochefort, the man is tenacious and skilled in combat. Wales has always been in opposition to England, and I do not doubt that it would be easy for him to find mercenaries willing to aid his escape from perfidious Albion. With the main English armies distracted with the war in Scotland, I doubt he would find great opposition if he rode south towards the sea with a stout band of Welsh at his back. If you are so greatly concerned for his safety, you could even authorize the release of sufficient funds to allow him to build forts everywhere he encamps for the night.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe nods amiably to de Perrone.

Exactly my own view, de Perronne.

He then turns to Xaintrailles.

I have had enough of your religious fanaticism, de Xaintrailles !!

While I do not relish the prospect of having Moors for neighbours in the South should the Iberian powers fail to contain them, yet I do not see an immediate need to launch a Crusade against them.

Their existence is a thorn in our faith, I'll concede that to you but we will have to live with it for the time being and ignore the pain it brings us. Moreover it is an affront to God, for France is the beloved daughter of the Church..

What pain I cannot ignore is the pain of French people living under English rule in lands that should be ours... There is one solution to that pain and that is going to war with England but on such terms that the whole Christendom will see our exercice in power to be justified by God's will...

And to ensure this, we need to have Papal sanction : we must ask the Holy Father to call for a Crusade on the heathen Guillaume and his ilk. If we cannot sway the Pope, there will be no war against England. Guillaume will find his punishment for his sins in the afterlife and God save the obdurate Scots.

[AussieGiant]

Alain turns to the King.

"Zey were left in Wales because someone need to rule the place. Had I known when ze exhange was to take place zen zis would 'ave never 'appened. As it stands ze agreement was made after I left Wales.

I can not read minds!!"

Addressing the council further.

"Ser Christophe maybe correct about de Rochefort and Le Sueur but I believe Ser Raynaud has outlined what I tried to imply before."

Gaining some intensity Alain continues.

"We are using zis excommunication for our own secular gains if we declare a crusade against ze English. Ze rest of Europe will clearly see us as nozing more zan opportunistic devils.

I find it incredible that Ze Order, while saying zey stand for chivalry and honour are simply following zere old custom of following ze King where ever goes and 'oping to gain fuzer favour.

I find it incredible zat a crusade would be used against any ozer nation except ze heathens by an Order wiz such a Charter."

Pausing he strides to the chamber centre.

Do not mistake my words gentlemen, I believe we should use zis opportunity against ze English, but only to make war against zem. We need to take Anger and Bordeaux now!!"

Alain nods at Ser Raynaud and leans against the Bretagne bench.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Raynaud de Xaintrailles:

Sovereign or not, I refuse to be addressed that way by a man who does not see the value of the Word. God save us all if this course pursues.

*Raynaud storms out of the Conseil and closes the door with a resonating slam.*

[Ituralde]

The Order has been and always will be dedicated to Chivalry. It stands written in the Oath, that every member of the Order has taken, that all the Dukes of France and the King himself have taken. It stands written as first point to fear and maintain Gods Church! Well, Gods Church has been sullied by William of England. He has slandered in his unprovoked attacks on fellow Catholics and God has decided to punish him for it. Through his wisdom and guidance from God His Holyness the Pope has spoken and excommunicated William. It is our duty as Christians to put heed to those words and see that William is taught to fear the Church!

It also further states in the Oath to protect the weak and defenseless. We must rise up to protect the subjects of William for he has put them dangerously close to purgatory or worse. They are all in danger because their Lord, who is supposed to protect them, has forsaken them the embrace of the Mother Church. They are stranded and alone and it is our duty to help them!

There is no political machination! There is only our duty to God and His Church! We must strike under the cross at William to show Christendom what happens to those that forsake it. We must strike at William quickly and decisively! We must march on London and kill him!

Simon has talked himself into a form of frenzy. Slowly taking deep breaths he calms himself.

The Order seeks nothing more than to fulfill its duty to the Church. I never advocated a land grab! I did not march with my army into English territory in violation of an Edict! I do not intend to opportunize on this terrible situation.

William has to be punished and the English saved and all Christendom will be a witness to this! To remedy any doubts I suggest we kill William as quicky as possible by Crusading on London. Once William is killed, the Pope will surely reconcile with his successor and so will we. A fair trade of London against our Continental possessions will show Christendom that we are not opportunists but defenders of the Faith!

[Braden]

What is this my Lords, this bickering?

I ask, those obviously more pious than I…erm…who are still present…is it dishonourable to wish our lands free of fiefdom to an English King?

Our noble King calls for a Crusade against the English BECAUSE of their violations of the word of Gods messenger on Earth….the Pope. He will not permit us to reclaim French lands except by agreement of the Pope.

I am sure that the details of the request to the Pope to grant permission for a Holy Crusade was explicit in its details about wishing to reclaim our own lands from those who have been deemed heretic.

The Pope does NOT grant such requests out of hand I am certain. Can any of you who claim righteous piety say now that the Pope would grant us such a Holy Mission without first considering the ecumenical considerations of the request from our King?

Do you deem to second guess the Pope, Our Lord Gods voice on Earth?

No. The Pope is no Fool, though it appears some here may try to make us believe he is…if our cause is UNJUST…then his Holiness will not grant our Crusade request and if we have no Crusade then we do NOT reclaim our lost lands.

This is a simple matter…do we obey the word of God…or do we fall from grace, squabbling like the whores of Gomorra for the fallen coins on the floor?

A sanctioned Crusade grants us the Most Holy task to not only show the English King the errors of his ways and see him fittingly punished but also to free our lands from that VERY SAME oppression!

[AussieGiant]

Alain slowly tilts his head from one side to the other, each side cracking loudly. He then pushes off the bench and pointing directly at Simon de Montpierre.

"I getting sick and tired of ze Order crawling up ze Kings arse preaching chivalry and honour while zey endager ze lives of zeir fellow nobles in Wales, in fact one of zose nobles is your own Lieutenant and now Baron of Rennes, Alexandre Le Sueur, a noble of Bretagne!!

You 'ave a task in defending ze northern border yet all zought seems to be about abandoning zat task and joining in a crusade to London.

Let be clear de Montpierre, ze English will not be forever excommunicated, will your zeal and frenzy magically fade when zat 'appens!?

Ze King speaks of religious fanaticism against Xaintrailles, I see very similar behaviour before my eyes 'ere and now!"

[KnightnDay]

I had hoped that Guillaume would fall from the grace of God, but this sudden turn of events has surprised even me. Angers and Bordeaux must be set free at once. For too long have our people suffered under their miserable rule. If crusade be the instrument of their salvation, let it be so.

But let us remain vigilant in the east. I cannot hold Frankfurt with two spear militia companies against a still formidable Reich. If the Seneschal will recruit two more this season and a prospect of assistance from my lords should I be besieged, I will hold Frankfurt just as I held on the Meuse with mon duc these years past.

[Braden]

My lords,

I apologise, my youth has allowed me to be caught up in the fervour.

Whilst I still stand by what I have said…that a Crusade is needed as our Lord and King demands one before he acts against the English at any level…there are several significant issues to be considered still

Firstly and perhaps foremost are our nobles stranded in Wales. It will be right to say that they will be able to hire aid to allow their escape but we must be CERTAIN such funds are available to them from the coffers.

I would like it stated in clear terms how much can be found for them. I would not like a brother stranded and cut down by a heretics blade.

The next question is the Crusade and its ultimate purpose. If a Crusade is granted by his Holiness then I am certain the Papacy has considered our position, our racial need to free our historic lands as well as punish the arch heretic himself…King William.

Likewise, we are all taught that, ultimately, forgiveness is a holy state so the proposal from the Captain of the Order now has given us the option of both being an instrument of the Papacy, reclaiming our lost lands AND granting forgiveness to the English who have not transgressed.

I wholly support this idea and further, once the heretic has been dealt with and our lands returned I will be asking for us to re-open negotiations directly with the English for trade and alliances.

To my Lord Alain de Rohan, would it please you for the Order to remain in the East? Would this appease you sir?

[OverKnight]

Reeves reenters the chamber.

My lord apologizes for his quick exit.

There are many matters that he views must be sorted out before a Crusade may be called.

1. Finance: Nobles have called for the recruiting of mercenaries for Seignuers Rochefort and le Sueur to fight their way out of Wales. There will also most likely be calls for further mercenaries and prioritized companies to help create armies to take the Cross. Once these armies have taken the Cross, a rush of volunteers will come forth to join, however once the Crusade is completed, they will expect pay like any common soldier. Individual Generals will be loath to cashier men under their command and the Seneschal won't have the authority to do it himself. Left uncheck, this will bankrupt the realm.

Also, can our yearly income meet the needs of newly acquired territories when it comes to building and garrisons?

2. Organization: As we have seen participation in the Crusade will be popular. But the main beneficiares of an instant and quick Crusade will be the King and the Dauphin. All others will be left out in the cold. Does the Conseil think this is fair? Who should go and how should they be organized? When should the Crusade start? Do we wait for the safe return of those in Wales?

Who will stay behind to defend against the Germans? How will they be compensated if the Crusaders take all the spoils and glory while the defenders preserve a static but highly necessary front with depleted forces?

3. Goals: There have been many ideas thrown around, but concrete objectives need to be made clear. What would be the target of the Crusade? What do we take to keep, and what do we take to offer for peace? Do we seek the retrieval of England's French possesions? What of Valencia or Pamplona?

This is obviously a great deal to consider outside of a Conseil session. There are no edicts relevant to this situation besides 2.6. Nobles seem to react with great passion but with little consideration of the details.

For these reasons, my lord Hugues de Champagne calls for an Emergency Session. He asks that a fellow Duc second this. Or that the King call for one on his own authority.

[Ituralde]

My Lord de Rohan I do not know where your dislike from the Order stems from. We are not crawling up the Kings arse we are merely providing our assistance and aid. Not only to the King, but to the Royaume and also to the Church.

I am well aware that you left your vassals on the doorstep of England and I am concerned about their safety. Ideally we would wait until they are home, but this isn't an ideal world. It is in our hands whether excommunication is just a word or whether defying the Church has consequences. Likewise assembling men to bring swift judgement to William will take time. Enough time for your vassals to hire boats and leave Wales or make their way cross-country? I hope so. And if they do go across the English Realm why shouldn't we march on London to meet them that much earlier.

Also the defense of the Realm will not be neglected over this. The Order knows its duties and is well capable of handling two things at a time. You hear His Highness Henri is offering much but whether it pleases you or not the Order will fulfill its duties in the manner it sees fit!

And yes, the Church does teach forgiveness. If the unexpected happens and the God grants William reconciliation I will be the first to welcome him back amongst us fellow Christians and I will pray thanks that his subjects don't have to endure the rule of a heretic any longer.

[AussieGiant]

The neck cracks again

"Are you 'ard of 'earing de Montpierre?

I did not "leave" my vassals in Wales. Ze orderly withdrawal of forces began last term BEFORE any deal was struck and given ze space available in ze ships AND ze need for someone to govern Caernarvon until it was 'anded over, Le Seuer and de Rochefort remained!!

I do not dislike ze Order based on its principles de Montpierre, but observing consistent, obvious and transparent pandering for favour in the face of duty and ze safety of fellow nobles is where I draw ze line. Especially when zoses nobles are from Bretagne!!

It might become clear if you were to observe ze actions of the Duc's of zis realm in context to ze Orders own over ze last decade or so.

You have been granted Antwerp, which is realistically ze only place zat can support Frankfurt and defend our entire norzern border, but what seems to be ze aim of ze order is for all current serving members to pack zere bags and ride towards glory at ze expense of all ozer duty.

Ze Seneschal 'as outlined a list of extremely pertinent issues which seems to be tertiary considerations at best to various people in zis room."

[Ituralde]

Well obviously you haven't listened to everything that has been said by me or His Highness Henri or Brother Hermant for that matter... Frankfurt will not suffer from this Crusade and remain perfectly safe. Are we clear on this matter Duc de Rohan?

Because I am and I will not tolerate you suggesting the opposite time and again.

Concerning the fears of our Seneshal.

His first point is important. The zeal of a Crusade can often lead to many men joining such a cause. Men who would need pay once a Crusade is finished. The Seneshal has a better overview over the finances of the Kingdom so I would trust his judgement on this. If he deems it necessary we would need legislation that forces the disbandment of any Crusaders once our goal is reached.
To the increased cost of new provinces. Once again I do not know whether new tax income would outweigh the cost of garrisons. My plan does not propose any land grab other than those necessary to defeat King William.

The second point is equally important. I have asked in this chamber for those nobles who wish to join the Crusade to step forward. None did. Maybe more would be forthcoming now. I already said that the Order would join this endeavour. This does not mean every Noble of the Order. The exact number will have to be determined among our Brother Knights in regards to the safety of the German border.
The Seneshal voices his fear that staying behind will be unpopular. Should no one want to stay I will personally stay behind to ensure the Order can fulfill its duties.

The third point I have also adressed. Strike at London to depose William. Reconcile with his successor and make the most profit out of London should it fall in our hands.

Thos are my stances on the matters. What are yours? Besides complaining about my speech you have not been very forthcoming on how the House of Bretagne stands on these matters? I would be honoured to fight alongside you should we both find ourselves joining the Crusade.

[econ21]

My Lords, peace. This is a time for the country to rally around the flag, not to start feuds. The Order will not act without consideration of Bretagne or of its nobles in Wales. In fact, to date, the Order has never acted alone - to date, it has only followed the King's will. If such fealty is interpreted as pandering for favour, so be it.

Let us not rake over the past or stirr up flames of petty resentments, the issue before us is the crusade. Duc Hugue's man is right - it will require careful debate and skilful execution, because of the presence of our men in Wales and the other issues he raises. I confess I am somewhat surprised that he proposes to resolve these issues by calling an emergency session. There is a danger that by deferring these issues to the Conseil, we will make the crusade into a camel rather than a warhorse. But given the passions at work, I can see some virtue in an emergency session if it will allow us to reach a collective agreement.

What I would ultimately propose, emergency session or not, is that we empower the Seneschal to coordinate any crusade we call. We have elected a man to implement the will of the Conseil and to coordinate our activities - we should have the faith to allow him to do so. I would invite the Seneschal to propose a plan of action, rather than first endure listening to two dozen other plans, all vying for support.

[AussieGiant]

Bowing formally to de Montpierre and Mauvoisin, there is no crack of the neck.

Excellent de Montpierre, I am more zan 'appy wiz your reasoning now zat you 'ave stated it 'ere for ze record. You are ze Captain of ze Order so it is you and only you I will listen to regarding ze current policy of ze Order. Zat is fitting for your station and authority. What 'is Majesty, ze Prince or Hermant says is but an opinion amongst ze many ze Order 'as. My most sincere apologies if my mean was not clear before'and.

I am also 'appy to see Ser Hermant taking a more considered approach and I certainly agree zat ze Seneschal is ze man for ze job.

As for Bretagne zen ze stance is clear. We were instrumental in taking exactly what was given must certainly include nobles from ze Duchy.

I would still prefer zat we march a Crusade on ze Islamic horde and not on our own backyard where we can simply use a quick war to achieve our aims. Ze excommunication of ze English is but a passing phase, while ze heretical Moors are forever damned.

What are you zoughts on zis position de Montpierre?

Alain also leaves a questioning gaze on the King for a moment.

[Ituralde]

Unfortunately I was called away during the first Council Session where this Moorish Crusade was discussed at length so I'm not sure about the detail. In principle, and as a pious Christian I can understand a yearning to support the Christian Kingdoms in the South and bring salvation to the populace of Iberia. To that effect I have proposed the Edict that asks for our priests to convert in Cordoba. While being a far smaller step than a Crusade I see it as a good first one. Should other steps be necessary, well I think I have made my stance on religious matters quite clear.

But this is neither here nor there, we have more pressing matters which probably is the reason why the Edict of the first Council failed in the first place.

[econ21]

Hermant rises cautiously, holding a piece of paper with notes he has been scribbling, bowing to his Captain and Duc Alain.

Duc Alain, forgive me, but your logic could be inverted. Yes, there will forever be Moors - unless de Xaintrailles is given power to butcher them all - and the English excommunication is likely to be merely passing. But this contrast tells for a crusade on the English rather than the Moors. There is no urgency in declaring a crusade against the Moors now. Declaring a crusade against the English now need not prevent us declaring one against the Moors under the next Seneschal, if that is desired. By contrast, England's excommunication provides us an opportunity to turn the tables on the usurpers now. It it unlikely that we will have such an opportunity again in ten or twenty seasons.

My Lords, the King has made his intention clear - he intends to obtain the support of the Pope to crusade on England. It is also clear that there is strong support in this Conseil for declaring war on England, outcast as she is from the Church and usurper as she is of holdings in France. There are one or two voices calling for a crusade on the Moors instead of England, but I find it hard to believe they would carry the day in a vote of all the Conseil. I submit that we should focus instead on how to implement the King's wishes while considering the practical points raised by the office of the Seneschal.

I suggest an agreement along the following lines. The details and wording could be amended; it could be formally voted in an Emergency session or not; it matters little. But the Seneschal has asked for us to be practical, so here is a start. In broad terms, I would suggest:

1. The Conseil authorises the Seneschal to declare war on England and petition Rome for a crusade to be called on London.

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. The timing of the declaration of war and the crusade will be decided by the Seneschal, with a mind to the safety of our countrymen in Wales.

4. 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.]

5. 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.

I believe this kind of agreement would meet most of the concerns expressed at the Conseil and implement the King's wishes in an ordered, coordinated fashion.

It would give all men who wish to fight in this holy cause the freedom to do so, but give the Seneschal the authority to organise them into proper formations.

It would give the King his rightful place as commander of the crusade and of the final assault on the London, but it would alllow all who wished to be at his side the honour of such a position.

Given the exposed situation of our men in Wales, some care must be taken over the timing of the crusade and the above would allow the Seneschal, as the man best placed to do so, the power to coordinate this.

The fifth point would address the Seneschal's concerns about the financial legacy of the crusade and the reward given to those left behind by the crusade - men raised on the crusade could be disbanded or given to those who held the frontiers with depleted forces.

[AussieGiant]

There is no crack of the neck and Medoc is a brilliant shade of indigo today.

"Zat would seem in order Ser Hermant.

I would like to state zat while we are in good standing wiz ze Pope, it will seem entirely clear to ozer Kingdoms zat we are in fact using a Crusade for our own benefit. Somezing I am sure ozer Marshal Orders and Kingdoms will shove down our throats in future.

We are being opportunistic, let not drape it in too much religious zeal and chivalry, I do not zink I could stomach it any furzer."

Alain is handed a note by his retainer.

"I am 'appy to inform ze Council zat le Sueur and de Rochefort are now on zeir way to Bruges. So far wizout incident. In a few more seasons zey will be safely near French territory."

[econ21]

Hermant rises, almost sadly.

Duc Alain, each man has his own motives and he at least should be true to himself. But unless we can look into another's soul, I would not be quick to judge the motives of another.

For my part, I am a simple soldier and if the enemy of my people, of my God, provides me with an opportunity, I will take it.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Yvon leans back in his seat, looking mildly bored.


crusade, war, as long as we are in agreement that we are kicking the English out of our land then I care very little what it is called. We should all realize however, that this is not a true holy war, even if called as such. We are not fighting heathens, we are fighting other Catholics who find themselves out of the popes favor. Something I must remind you all, we were very close to ourselves. Does this make me want to butcher them any less? Not in the slightest. In fact, I have a very big itch to butcher something after my long sits in Marseilles.

[TinCow]

Christophe grins and nods respectfully at Yvon.

[Ramses II CP]

I second the call for an Emergency session!

Also I propose Emergency Edict x.0 (OOC: Numbering for an emergency session?):

War shall be declared upon the Kingdom of England immediately. All provinces conquered in this war shall be considered ratified at the time of conquest.

Furthermore House Aquitaine will not request any mercenaries for this war. Our own recruitment capabilities are sufficient. Following the inevitable capture of Bordeaux I will also commit myself to a reassessment of the necessity of the two companies of mercenary spearmen I hold contract with currently.

I also petition the King to release the soldiers from Valencia to the command of Raynaud de Xaintrailles for the retaking of that castle.

This will be a glorious war either way. I personally care little whether we march under the banner of Christ to punish a heretical King or under the banner of Justice to reclaim our stolen land, so long as we MARCH TO WAR!

Louis shouts the last at the top of his lungs.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I propose the following.

Edict E1.1: All English holdings on the mainland must be conquered.

[econ21]

As previously discussed, I propose:

Emergency Edict 1.3

1. The Conseil authorises the Seneschal to declare war on England and petition Rome for a crusade to be called on London.

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. The timing of the declaration of war and the crusade will be decided by the Seneschal, with a mind to the safety of our countrymen in Wales.

4. 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.]

5. 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.

6. Where this edict contradicts others that are passed, this edict takes precedence.

I am willing to amend or withdraw this Edict if the Seneschal wishes to achieve similar goals with different details.

[Ramses II CP]

Sir Mauvoisin I object to provision 6 of your proposed edict on the grounds that it can result in utter nonsense. If your edict passes with such a provision in it then every edict proposed from this day forth will include that language, and then we'll have to start adding Provision 6a Where this edict contradicts others that are passed, this edict takes precedence, especially over other edicts that claim they take precendence.

Don't run down that legal road to nowhere. Alter your edict now and let's just have our edicts battle it out in the usual manner, yes?