M2 HRE Test Imperial Diet Deliberations

[Lucjan]

You must forgive me, indeed Duke Otto intrigued me with his comments and I found myself searching for a copy of the same book.

The history I've found in my readings is absolutely remarkable. But I won't bore these deliberations with my fascinated rantings.

I've gone back to my work and will remain vigilant as of now.

[Strappy Horse]

Ah, it is ofcourse a good thing to learn from our past. As the natural heirs of that Old Roman Empire we can only profit from studying the moves and mistakes of our ancestors, so we do not make those same mistakes ourselves.

From what I hear it that Roman civil war must have been quite an interesting time, truely a climax of the period before it.

[Lucjan]

It's hard to say, perhaps it was, or perhaps its golden age didn't come until after. The volume ends prematurely, seems the man who was keeping the best record of the events was kidnapped at the beginning of the civil war, and all the historical records after that are all written from the personal opinions of many different men, so truth is difficult to define. I haven't read any of them up until the end yet either, so it's not yet clear how it turned out.

[Tamur]

My fellow Dukes, I will await you and your reinforcements as long as possible.

And Chancellor Deittrich, may I inquire what your plans are concerning the Imperial army's actions? There are quite a number of cities between Hamburg and Vienna which I hear are quite ripe for the taking. Having the income from these cities would be a great help to us all. I would be marching forth myself to deal with Prague, but the current situation with the rebels must be my first priority.

Leopold

[Lucjan]

I have recently raised a number of archer units into the Imperial army and have drafted some town militia at Frankfurt so as to free up our otherwise costly spear militia and archers there for Imperial army duty as well.

They are on their way to Hamburg now, when they arrive, I plan on leaving some mailed knights, spear sargeants, and two units of archers as a garrison, the remainder of our soldiers in Hamburg will help draft some of the local peasantry. We feel they may feel much more sure of themselves on the battlefield with the padded armor Hamburg can provide, and will be more inclined to do their duty for the reich. This force will then comprise the reorganised Imperial army and will march east to Magdeburg. The castle there lies in a rich river valley that I feel, if the necessary work is put forth to convert the fortification into a prosperous town, could net us a very large profit in farm and trade for years to come. With the added incentive of having Hamburg castle nearby for defense.

What do the dukes think of this plan?

[econ21]

The Emperor is right - we must act. It seems that this season, I have been joined by the mounted sergeants but the men are exhausted and can move no more. I suggest that we prepare to attack the rebels next season.

Acting against the rebels seems imperative, because they have effectively severed the connection between Vienna and the rest of our Empire. We will not be able to unite the South German army except on the field of battle against these scum. I propose next season, when the mounted sergeants are rested, that Duke Maximillan, myself and our men ride to the front of the rebels, in contact with them but not engaging them. Then, Duke Leopold will take his men and strike at them from the rear. The battle will begin with him fighting alone, but Maximillan and I will arrive as reinforcements for him to command. After we are victorious, the South German army will finally be united. If Duke Leopold does not wish the honour of command, then Maximillan or I could strike the first blow. But Vienna is supplying the lion's share of the men for the battle and should have first refusal of command.

I ask Duke Maximillan and Duke Leopold for their consent to this plan.

Now, if we are agreed to this plan in principle, I would like to see what we can do to increase the likelihood of success in this venture. That is to say - how can we increase the military might at our disposal?

To Duke Maximillan - I believe you could spare one of your two existing infantry companies without raising taxes. I ask you again: will you contribute one such unit? I do not see the cost to you. I personally would prefer you to send the archer unit[1], although it is at your discretion.

To Dukes Maximillan and Leopold - the Chancellor has offered to pay for two town militia for our force, thereafter to be garrisoned in your cities. If he has not paid for the two already trained by Duke Leopold, may I recommend that Duke Leopold order another two to be trained at the Imperium's expense? Then, I would ask that Vienna march out its other company of archers and one town militia to join the Duke in preparation for his assault on the rebels. After the battle, that unit of town militia can be sent to Nuremburg, where it can be stationed with free upkeep as per the Chancellor's wishes. I ask both you esteemed Dukes: are you agreeable to this?

If you both agree to my plans, we will take to the field next season with:

3 knightly escorts
1 troop of mounted sergeants
2 archers & 3 spearmen OR 3 archers + 2 spearmen
1 town militia

I believe this force will comfortably overwhelm the rebels. If Dukes Maximillan and Leopold do not consent to reinforce our South German army, it will stand at:

3 knightly escorts
1 troop of mounted sergeants
2 archers
2 spearmen

I still believe this army to be sufficient to crush the Hussites, but I am a firm believer in the doctrine of overwhelming force in order to minimise our losses.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must get back to that history of the Roman Civil War I mentioned. I am just getting to the really interesting bit.


[1]My preference for 3 archers is based on the battleplan discussed earlier - we will try to use our knights against the Hussite crossbowmen, then - when they are removed - we will rain death on the remaining forces before committing our lowly infantry.

[Tamur]

An excellent suggestion Duke Otto! I would indeed be glad to lead our force against this foe. We will rout and destroy them, and teach a lesson to all who would do the same in future times.

Before charging my lieutenants with the raising of militia, I do need the Chancellor to confirm that the Empire will pay for such an undertaking. Though we here in Vienna are not impoverished, I do count each florin and need to assure my accountants that all will be well with their books.

Hence, I am provisionally giving orders for the raising of two units of militia in Vienna, and requesting my archers and some militia join me in the forest.

And what an excellent party we will have next season, when we sally against these ruffians!