Conseil du Royaume

**_Tristan_** · 10-07-2009, 10:23

Mes seigneurs,

The Moorish threat has been proven true... While we bickered among ourselves, us Christians, our lust for battle fueled by the Pope's writs, the Mohammedans have gathered their forces and are now walking our lands, desecrating them... This must stop.

Now, England has almsot been brought to heel. The Order knights and myself are in position between Nottingham and London, poised to strike the killing bow to the heretical self-styled English King.

We've taken back the lands Guillaume and his minions had taken from us or we are about to do so.

I know that I've been pushing hard these last years for a Crusade to be called upon England. But I did so only to have our foray be done with his Holiness' sanction, allowing us to do God's work unopposed and not be seen as acting out of selfishness and with the wish of claiming lands for our own.

Now, it is time to consider if this Crusade is still required. Would it not be better if another target was chosen ? I can almost already hear some of you say "I told you so" (looks pointedly at Xaintrailles and Rethel) but the duty of a King is to look to the greater good of his Royaume before loking to the good of his soul.

Now, the Moors are desecrating our lands and we need our Senechal to alter our boat's course, steering us away from the shoals, only his hands are tied by our legislation.

So I'm calling to you my Lords. Do we need to change our legislation ? Do we need another Emergency Session ?

I'm waiting on your views, mes Seigneurs. Should you wish it, I'll be calling that session myself.

**OverKnight** · 10-07-2009, 11:03

Hugues looks drained.

If the Conseil chooses another target by something approaching acclamation, I will have the Crusade called on it.

I would suggest Granada or even Marrakesh. If we cannot come to a consensus on a target, than another session might be required.

Hugues sighs at the thought.

As for England, an option, barring a peace, is to withdraw our forces from the Island to focus on the continent. We could recruit a fleet and blockade Dover, keeping them from an easy crossing.

While we are considering our options, should we have peace for our time with Germany? What should we give if this palatable?

**_Tristan_** · 10-07-2009, 11:10

Looking to Hugues.

I concur with you. Another will only be needed if we have dissension on the Crusade target. Granada or Marrakech would be fine.

As for England, I'm not prepared to leave until Guillaume has been brought down. Once this is accomplished, and if a Crusade is called upon the Moors, I will certainly join, though it may take some time for me to reach those God-forsaken lands.

Finally in the matter of the Reich, I dearly hope their new Kaiser will be more amenable to peace than their last one. As to what offers we can make them, I would propose lands but that will have to wait as the lands taken from the Imperials are not yet ratified and thus cannot be traded yet.

**Braden** · 10-07-2009, 11:16

Lords,

Do we need to call a full session to answer but one question? I, myself, called for and had the Edict approved for a Crusade against the Moors. If our situation against the English is so far in our favour already then would not a crusading army now be mere “overkill”?

I propose that our ultimate goal of ousting Guillaume from power remains true but the ultimate sanction of a Crusade is no longer needed against Christians but perhaps we can enact Edict 1.8 NOW with the forces we have in England!

What better way for the English to seek redemption in the eyes of the Pope and God than to have the opportunity for their normal men to join a just Crusade against the Moors?

I say to my father and King. Finish Guillaume and then call the Crusade outside Nottingham! Allow the Good Christian, ordinary fighting men of England a chance to expunge themselves of Guillaume’s folly by joining you there to march back to fight the true enemy of every Christian.

As for the ultimate destination of a Crusade on the Moors, I know not but to be honest care little. The very fact that we will do this is enough for me.

As to my own feelings on the Germans. Yes, a peace with offers of land seems the most agreeable. However, I will ask the council, my King and Seneschal to wait until I have completed what I set out to do. I wish to seize Hamberg and Magdeburg…once ratified I would see Magdeburg used as an addition to any negotiations to find peace. Hamberg, being a significant castle would act well as a re-enforced border guard with the Empire.

((OOC: yeah, I know…potentially one-of-THE most stupid ideas to put forward due to in-game mechanics but In-Character…its what Henri believes is a good idea))

**OverKnight** · 10-07-2009, 11:21

Hugues coughs diffidently.

Not to be legalistic. . .

He narrows his eyes and briefly glances at the Aquitaine benches.

. . .but Edict 2.2 pre-ratified any land seized from the Empire after an excommunication. Granted, only Staufen currently fits the bill, but other territories may soon follow.

Staufen is currently within the Royal Demesne.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**_Tristan_** · 10-07-2009, 11:31

Philippe nods to Hugues.

You did well to remind me, Senechal. It seems I've been poring over battle plans too long and have not given enough thought to our legislation.

(OOC : will update my SOT to add Staufen, for now...)

**Braden** · 10-07-2009, 11:58

Father, I would urge against using Staufen as a bargaining chip. Its location is too strategic and should it be held by the Germans again it would leave Frankfurt exposed from the South more so than it is now.

I beg a few seasons to give you Hamberg and Magdeburg also under the Edict. They will be pre-ratified and I believe Nuremburg and Magdeburg would be more appealing to a Kaiser who will surely be sorely pushed for coin than either Staufen or Hamberg.

**_Tristan_** · 10-07-2009, 12:09

Looking at Henri.

Do not fear... I've no intention to give back Staufen. Twice have we claimed it and it will now remain Frank at whatever cost.

But please do not over-extend yourself. If you venture too deep into German territory, you may find yourself with your way back cut-off.