Conseil du Royaume

**_Tristan_** · 08-26-2009, 21:52

Alain, that was only a suggestion... We are in no hurry but I would hate to see the Scots or English beat us to the post and bring the rebel Irish to toe the line...

All I would ask you is that you keep a close watch on the Green Isle and prevent one or the the other nation from supplanting us. The Irish have valour aplenty, as you do, but I do not want you to risk your life unduly.

**AussieGiant** · 08-26-2009, 22:14

Looking a little more relieved Alain leans back on the bench and lets out his breath between puffed cheeks.

"Yes your Majesty I will make sure we keep zings under control over zere."

**_Tristan_** · 08-26-2009, 22:25

In the meantime, I've received word from our scouts... They think that the ford on the Escaut would make a perfect position to both interdict passage to the large German army led by Wenzel Dietrich and to start the siege of Antwerp which is lightly defended.

I intend to march there and start making our camp there. I would be grateful if the Order men currently in Bruges or in the vicinity, Mauvoisin, Neufville, Rethel and Montferrat joined me there. I'd like also to have the support of Sieur de Montpierre and La Hire if they would ride from Paris. This would Paris defenseless but I've prioritized men to keep order there.

With all these noble knights under my command, I'm sure we can prevent Dietrich from setting a single swineherder foot on French soil.

**OverKnight** · 08-27-2009, 00:23

Hugues studies the maps.

It seems the Germans have quite a few armies out there. They have an army within a season's march of Reims, another in range of Staufen and I would wager another east of Antwerp. (OOC: Not sure if what I saw during AI move after defensive battle is admissable.)

I doubt I can hold Staufen against that force to the east if they immediately siege. I could stage a delaying action in the hills between Staufen and the Germans, bleed them, and then retreat to Staufen. I could get a sally in before they assault and hopefully reduce them enough so I could repulse it. This would tie up the Germans there but leave that army near Reims out of reach.

Or I can abandon Staufen and march to the ford of the Moselle, and be in a position to recieve an attack on favorable grounds or assist if that other German army closes on Reims. However, I'd be ceding Staufen without a fight and the Germans might consolidate their forces in the area.

I believe coordination is key if we are to isolate and destroy these superior forces while preserving our Kingdom. If we each fight our own little battles without an eye toward a larger strategy, we'll be crushed.

Thoughts my lords?

Edits: Perhaps a map would clarify my point.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Vladimir** · 08-27-2009, 01:58

Squire Kip hastily scribbles notes for his lord while maintaining a grim look on his face.

**KnightnDay** · 08-27-2009, 05:07

May I suggest that Staufen provides us with the strongest and best means of defense against the Kaiser's forces to the east. To yield it without a struggle may provide the enemy greater comfort and certainly provides them the means to raise yet more troops against us. I further feel ill at ease at the suggestion that this place be traded away like some barn animal when the blood of our brave and fallen comrades still stain this ground.

Between Metz, Rheims and Staufen there are 6 new companies that could be formed. That, combined with other support perhaps by way of Paris or Bruges should allow us to hold our own along this front. We do after all have our fearless and noble king as well as the Fleur de Lys ready to repel these brutish thugs.

Let us hold firm I say.