Conseil du Royaume

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods to Raymond.

To be honest, I had not reviewed all troop requests yet. (OOC: I'll be printing out the SOT thread and doing recruitment at the end of the turn. It might be a good idea to delete old prioritizations and flag new ones.)

The Duc raises a good point, prioritizations of troop recruitment come before all other expenditures, including mercenaries:

(3) Prioritized Units - No money can be spent on any recruitment until all Prioritized Units have been funded, unless the Nobles who Prioritized them agree otherwise. If there are multiple Prioritized Units, and not enough funding for all of them, the Chancellor may choose which to recruit first. Nobles may specify any of his settlements for the unit to be recruited from, and any unit available for hire in that settlement to be recruited. Artillery and mercenaries cannot be Prioritized. A unit may be retrained instead of recruited if the unit is already located in a settlement where it can be retrained in some fashion.

This is part of the reason I wish to make requests public. Certainly Duc Raymond needs men to defend Dijon, but the King needs men to repulse the Kaiser. Also, Dijon can only recruit so many companies this season. I would also like to have Florins to build. I hope we can hammer out a compromise where everyone is satisfied.

OOC: The save window is going to be extended until all these first season issues are sorted out.

[econ21]

I congratulate the Seneschal on his election. I agree with my Duc that prioritised units should be ... err.. prioritised. However, if only one company can be trained at Dijon each season, perhaps he and our other landed gentry would allow the Seneschal to hire mercenaries for the King?

On the matter of mercenaries, I believe our Monarch is astute to favour them over militia when it comes to battle. Yes, they cost more than militia but they also are much better equipped and trained. Militia are ideal for garrison duty and lesser actions. But it would be heartless and perhaps reckless to send untrained and unarmoured militia into a major battle against superior numbers when we could hire well armed professionals. When we have the capacity to train our own armoured infantry, mercenary foot may then become an unnecessary indulgence. However, even then, I fear that we will never train crossbowmen who can match the range of the arbalests of the mercenaries and some of our neighbours.

[deguerra]

Raoul stands and, clearly unused to speaking publically, clears his throat

My congratulations also to our new Senschal. I hope he will fulfill his duties with the same deviotion and professionalism as the last.

I don't speak here often, as I am a fighter not an orator. But it seems the conversation has strayed into my sort of territory.

First, Bourgogne needs men. I realize I am speaking for my own Duchy here, but unlike the other Duchies, Bourgogne has partaken in no aggressive expansion, has not used up resources. We are on the front lines, however, and it cannot be that we are overlooked. In fact, as it is a matter of some urgency, what I would really like to see is the other Duchies allowing us to recruit from their lands.

Secondly, mercenaries. If you want my fighting opinion, they are overpaid, dirty, untrustworthy and unfortunately worth every penny we spend on them at the moment. But what France needs is a potent force of her own, and what that force must be is armoured knights on horseback. This is how we held back the Moors at the Battle of Tours and Poitiers and this is how we will hold back any foreign aggressor. Infantry is a waste of time and resources, mercenaries and militia are perfectly suited to fulfill that role: to bulk up the ranks.

Thirdly, and here I am speaking in an area of which I know little, I cannot say I like the idea of any long-term hold on Frankfurt. It is German, has always been German and will remain German and trying to impose a French sovereign on them will only lead to trouble. I say trade it off as soon as practicable.

[ULC]

"May I ask how the Seneschal expects me to hold the southern pass from Bern with nothing?"

[Ramses II CP]

I see our new Seneschal has asked that Toulouse be 'opened' for recruitment. I will do him one better, I have brought two unblooded companies of Mounted Sergeants with me from Toulouse. I will donate those to the defense of the realm and allow them to be allocated as the Seneschal wishes this very season. (OOC: When I do my move I'll leave the two not-veteran companies in place. I'm altering my SoT but this constitutes permission as far as I'm concerned)

As far as recruitment from my castle, however, I must say I am displeased with the state of our defenses along the southern borders. I trust none of the powers that flank us there. I have left my vassals in place to defend, but they have very few men to do so, and thus I propose a compromise. For every company of cavalry I release to the Seneschal's discretion I ask a company of archers be trained for the defense of my lands. A good starting point would be retraining the mercenary crossbowmen at Valencia this season, so that Sir de Xaintraillies has a better chance of defending our furthest flung holding. A company or two of Town Militia at Marseille would not strike me amiss either, and their upkeep would be supported by the locals.

I do not wish to seem greedy, but cavalry are the strength of our realm. If I am to sacrifice my strength while my own lands are vulnerable it seems only fair that I take some recompense.

Congratulations on your election Duke Hugues.

[deguerra]

Raoul sighs

Prince Louis, it seems we both agree and disagree. Your point regarding cavalry is well made. I salute your releasing them, and of course would not be displeased to see one or both go to Bourgogne.

I disagree in part with your assessment on our southern borders. As to the feelings of our neighbours towards us you may be correct, but I ask you if this might not be due to the fact that we, and by we I mean the Duchy of Aquitaine, expanded quite ruthlessly into what the rulers of Spain considered their lands?

And now, we need more and expensive militia to hold them.

As to you, Sieur de Rethel, might one enquire why the defence of this Swiss pass is vital to the continued existence of our realm? And if it is, why you are the one defending it?

[Ramses II CP]

The Prince offers de Chatillon a genuine smile before speaking,

No need to be circumspect; your own lands are under greater threat and so you question any recruitment away from them. I comprehend this, however, the Moors and English are the neighbors I primarily mean, not to forget the Milanese. Rumors have it that the Moors are gathering forces once more, and we've no cavalry at all other than Sir de Xaintraillies' own bodyguards to meet them. I ask only a few peasant archers, who are cheap, and perhaps some crossbowmen, to answer that threat and offer you the best cavalry our realm has in exchange.

I will also point out at this time that I rode north, halting that expansion to no benefit of my own House, the very instant I learned of the threat here. If my wife is any proof the Spanish will curse, scream, pitch fits... and keep their word to the bitter end, loyal as a dog. I see no reason to doubt them at this time, but I see little strength in their realm either. If we do not aid them the Moors will sweep them aside and be at our doorstep, a doorstep which has very few men watching it and enemies on all sides.

My motives are utterly transparent. I wish the realm to benefit, but I wish my House and lands to be secure as well. Can you truly find fault with this?

[OverKnight]

"May I ask how the Seneschal expects me to hold the southern pass from Bern with nothing?"

Well, um. . .I don't expect you too. Of course I didn't think you would move there in the first place. If you expect me to reinforce you because you've impulsively placed yourself in a dangerous situation, I'm afraid you might be disappointed.

First, Bourgogne needs men. I realize I am speaking for my own Duchy here, but unlike the other Duchies, Bourgogne has partaken in no aggressive expansion, has not used up resources. We are on the front lines, however, and it cannot be that we are overlooked. In fact, as it is a matter of some urgency, what I would really like to see is the other Duchies allowing us to recruit from their lands.

Secondly, mercenaries. If you want my fighting opinion, they are overpaid, dirty, untrustworthy and unfortunately worth every penny we spend on them at the moment. But what France needs is a potent force of her own, and what that force must be is armoured knights on horseback. This is how we held back the Moors at the Battle of Tours and Poitiers and this is how we will hold back any foreign aggressor. Infantry is a waste of time and resources, mercenaries and militia are perfectly suited to fulfill that role: to bulk up the ranks.

Thirdly, and here I am speaking in an area of which I know little, I cannot say I like the idea of any long-term hold on Frankfurt. It is German, has always been German and will remain German and trying to impose a French sovereign on them will only lead to trouble. I say trade it off as soon as practicable.

Chevalier de Châtillon, Duc Raymond will have the men he asks for. However, cavalry is wasted behind walls. If I was confident that Bourgogne was to engage in a more aggressive defense, then you will have your share of cavalry.

Frankly, the Realm has plenty of horse, we have many more nobles than commands. We lack decent foot and archers in my view.

As for Franconia, it cannot be given away for peace without the permission of Baron de Saint-Amand. Perhaps it could be included in negotiations if he was compensated for his loss.

I see our new Seneschal has asked that Toulouse be 'opened' for recruitment. I will do him one better, I have brought two unblooded companies of Mounted Sergeants with me from Toulouse. I will donate those to the defense of the realm and allow them to be allocated as the Seneschal wishes this very season. (OOC: When I do my move I'll leave the two not-veteran companies in place. I'm altering my SoT but this constitutes permission as far as I'm concerned)

As far as recruitment from my castle, however, I must say I am displeased with the state of our defenses along the southern borders. I trust none of the powers that flank us there. I have left my vassals in place to defend, but they have very few men to do so, and thus I propose a compromise. For every company of cavalry I release to the Seneschal's discretion I ask a company of archers be trained for the defense of my lands. A good starting point would be retraining the mercenary crossbowmen at Valencia this season, so that Sir de Xaintraillies has a better chance of defending our furthest flung holding. A company or two of Town Militia at Marseille would not strike me amiss either, and their upkeep would be supported by the locals.

I do not wish to seem greedy, but cavalry are the strength of our realm. If I am to sacrifice my strength while my own lands are vulnerable it seems only fair that I take some recompense.

I will review the defenses in the west and see what can be done in the short term. As I said, cavalry is always well received, but we need footmen and archers.

I'm damned grateful the Dauphin decided to come east. He could have tarried in the Cote d'Azure but he has come to aid us against the Germans.

If I may point out to members of the Conseil, that a member of our diplomatic corps, Geoffroi de Cressensacq has been enjoying a steady diet of wine and brie within the relaxed confines of Paris for the better part of a year now.

Perhaps the Seneschal might direct the fine gentleman to meet with a representative of the Kaiser without delay for the purpose of fulfilling the edict just approved, to seek an equitable peace with the Reich?

I'll see if that cheese eating bloke can't work off some of it. We'll roll him to the Rhine if need be.

[deguerra]

Well, um. . .I don't expect you too. Of course I didn't think you would move there in the first place. If you expect me to reinforce you because you've impulsively placed yourself in a dangerous situation, I'm afraid you might be disappointed.

My thoughts exactly.

Chevalier de Châtillon, Duc Raymond will have the men he asks for. However, cavalry is wasted behind walls. If I was confident that Bourgogne was to engage in a more aggressive defense, then you will have your share of cavalry.

Frankly, the Realm has plenty of horse, we have many more nobles than commands. We lack decent foot and archers in my view.

Walls, walls. The fate of our realm is not decided behind walls. How can you at once reason that you will deprive Bourgogne of cavlary because they are wasted on us, and at the same time say that cavalry in itself is a waste.

In any case, I ask you: How can Bourgogne pursue an aggressive defense without having the men to conduct any defence. I hear that you will grant us what we ask for, even though that is the bear minimum of what we will need. And understand that I wish not to insult anyone with what I am saying. If I want to insult you, you will know it. I am merely voicing my anxiety.

As for Franconia, it cannot be given away for peace without the permission of Baron de Saint-Amand. Perhaps it could be included in negotiations if he was compensated for his loss.

I am aware of that, which is why I am unhappy that it was granted in the first place. Again, nothing at all towards Sieur Saint-Amand. I would say the same of anyone.

[OverKnight]

Hugues chuckles and turns to Raoul.

You do indeed have a fighting spirit Chevalier.

The garrison of Dijon, barring Frankfurt or Caernarvon, is currently the strongest in the Kingdom. If Dijon is threatened or besiged, our armies in the area will converge to defend the city, as we did before.

The Germans outnumber us, we must conduct a mobile defense to parry their powerful but clumsy thrusts. Lorraine has come to the aid of Bourgogne in the past, if the reverse will hold true in future, I will provide your Duchy with more cavalry.

N'est-ce pas?