Orders and reports thread

[FactionHeir]

Taking save to have a look at whether I'll be fighting the battle.
[edit]
Fighting battle

[Ramses II CP]

Regional Recommendations

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias has already driven the Byzantines away from Adana. I will follow his request and move his men back to the Iron Bridge.

Count von Salzgitter I advise you to sally forth from Nicosia. I have moved reinforcements meant for the Viceroy's army up to outside your citadel to aid you in your sally. The Byzantines at your walls are an inexperienced army who have sat long in garrison and perhaps grown lazy. Even if you cannot entirely smash their force due to your lack of infantry, I expect you can severely diminish it.

Bavaria:

Duke Steffen you have a large quantity of forces at your disposal, including the remaining men in Count Erlach's army. I would advise you to use the men in your direct command and the cavalry from your son's command to the Byzantine rear to eliminate the Greeks in Italy.

After they are destroyed take your army and lay siege to Genoa. There is a spy within that city, your grand bombard is already nearby, and Count Erlach's men are also available to aid you. Additionally the mounted crossbowmen that your son brings against the Greeks could move, without the other cavalry, to your side at Genoa as well. I expect the French will be shocked.

Hermann Steffen I have no been able to secure a sufficient army for the Pope to grant you entry into the crusade. It may be possible to bring a few small cavalry companies over from Count Erlach's force, but you might then be unable to reach the bridge. The number of permutations requires that you discuss the matter with your Duke and coordinate your movements with him. If he does not feel Count Erlach's men are needed then the Count may join the crusade, lead some men to you, allow you to join the crusade, and then depart the crusade and allow you to complete it. All of that requires that Duke Steffen not desire Count Erlach's men at Genoa.

Kaiser Peter will shadow Duke Steffen's movements.

Prinz Dieter is moving north as quickly as possible.

Austria:

Duke Arnold, crush the inexperienced and foolish Hungarians who have laid siege to Zagreb. I expect they will present you no difficulty.

Count Zirn I would advise you to coordinate your actions with Count von Hapsburg so that as he sallies you arrive to bring the elite Hungarian army at Vienna under cannon fire. If the enemy cannot be completely eliminated I expect they can be weakened a great deal.

Lord Becker you have several options. You could take the Poles sieging Prague from behind, but they are a very powerful army and if you were defeated, Prague would fall.

The better option, I believe, is to assault the small Polish army which is being used to entrap your Teutons. I expect they will retreat, at which time you can bring the Teutons and the cannons into your army, then attack the small Polish force again. You should have no difficulty annihilating them. At that point you will be in position to command a sally from the men inside Prague, or to wait and take command of the defense in the event that the Poles proceed with their assault. The second Polish army southeast of Prague may make it complicated to properly command the defense, so I advise you to order a sally.

Unfortunately you must also consider the plight of Breslau, where your son currently is governing. A medium sized Polish force is to the east of Breslau. If the second Polish army near Prague intends to attack your forces will be stretched quite thin. I advise you to order your son out of Breslau (Or I can do it for you) to preserve his life for certain, and then see what the Poles do next year. I will beef up the garrison of Breslau and Prague as best I am able. If you have troop requests I will meet them.

Franconia:

I am personally hoping that Prince Stenkil will, at long last, screw his courage back up enough to make an attack against Arhus. I am weary of having him near me and eager to redeem my previous defeat.

Duke Dieter I need you to determine if Tancred von Tyrolia is able to handle the defense of Madgeburg. If he is not you will likely have to return to Madgeburg and defend it again, whether by aiding a sally from Tancred or commanding the defense from outside the walls. At least you got to see a little of your Duchy first!

Swabia:

I expect Count Ruppel, ever eager for battle, is already in the process of dismantling the French force south of Dijon.

Sir de Cervole you have been moved as requested, and your ally the spy is ensconsed in Caen. Barring developments I will reinforce you as best I am able and you will meet the King of France personally next season. I am sure you look forward to introducing yourself.

Welf von Luxemburg you are faced with a powerful French force to your north, but you have been reinforced with some men and you have Captain Dimarus' plagued army nearby as well. Also there is a bombard available for your use at the city of Rheims. If you intend to join the crusade bring the bombard into your army first, otherwise place it as you wish to aid you in destroying the French. Let me emphasize that you are free to use Captain Dimarus' men in any way you wish, including letting him lead them into battle (AI control). I am weary of having plagued troops in the field, so if his men can aid you in preserving your own, make that happen.

I believe that is everyone. If you have any questions make them known or send me a private letter and I will respond as I am able.

God grant you all victory, especially you noble few who take up the banner of the Crusade!

Chancellor Fritz von Kastilien

[FactionHeir]

Upon hearing the call for crusade, the men in my camp were overly eager to join it and make haste towards Angers. Unwilling or unable to stop them, I found myself outside its gates within two days and gave battle to one of the armies defending it. That battle greatly exhausted the numbers in my camp but not their spirit, although I was quite surprised that with exception of pilgrims, there were no professional crusaders available for hire. I believe the aftermath of the cataclysm has dampened the spirit of the populace and the men of old.

Regardless, the battle was a success, but I dread what will happen the the next morning dawns. Two strong forces still guard Angers and the forces near Paris may well be within marching distance to reinforce their attack and block any route of retreat for my men. In hindsight, it was foolish of me not to construct a fort before my assault, being carried away by the zeal driving my army. I urgently request that assistance be sent either in the form of more soldiers or a makeshift fort to secure my retreat should that be necessary.

Angers is under siege by the crusaders as we speak, but will it last?

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-4.zip

OOC: I forgot to actually lay siege. Figure you can do that for me and start building siege equip? Not that I actually will need that...

[Zim]

Taking the save to sally.

[Ramses II CP]

I can do that Count Ruppel. Congratulations on your victory! I thought moving the spy into range would dissuade anyone from being hasty with the crusade, but I can see the men were excited to take up the banner of Christ. I will do everything I can to bring men to your side, or have a fort constructed nearby for you. The Crusade shall not lack for funds or support.

Fritz von Kastilien

[Cecil XIX]

Has the offensive season been extended or not? When is the next deadline?

[Ramses II CP]

It has been, we'll have until at least Friday. I know there are a lot of things to be considered, so don't be in any hurry.

[Zim]

The army sieging Nikosia has been completely destroyed. The Greeks paid a decent ransom price for their prisoners, but they decided to desert (ransom paid but they ransomed units completely disappeared as if executed ). Losses were minimal except among the mounted crossbowmen, who lost two units.

Since I will soon be taking over temporarily for the defense of Outremer I am going to take a close look at our armies in the area before making any recruitment requests, in order to see where we are deficient.

Chancellor, in Viceroy Matthias' absence may I submit build orders for Outremer's other settlements as well as Acre? In particular I am thinking of Nikosia, in which religious unrest is high. We could use a church and some priests there.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-5.zip

[Ramses II CP]

Of course Count von Salzgitter, but as I'm sure you are aware construction funds will be limited for the duration of my Chancellorship. Still, if I can't spare some florins for a Church in the Holy Lands people might start to get the wrong idea about me, eh?

It may also be possible to convince some of our Cardinals of the need for a mission to Cyprus.

Congratulations on the destruction of the Greeks!

Fritz von Kastilien

[Zim]

Thank you Chancellor, it was a bit odd fighting a large enemy army while lacking infantry, but the mounted crossbowmen you provided me were of great use, as you will see in my full battle report tonight.

Religious unrest is high in Nikosia and I have been barely able to keep the citizens happy under German rule (100% PO only with Andreas' significant chivalry bonus, and several other positive traits of his for governing settlements). Hopefully once they are converted to the true faith they will calm down.

[_Tristan_]

Chancellier,

In preparation of my assault on Caen, I would ask you permission to recruit the mercenary knights in the region and send over at least one unit of mercenary crossbows from Count Von Bohmen's army.

(OOC : To be able to recruit the knights, Hugo will have to be moved one square across the border on which he is currently sitting... If permitted, I could do it myself.)

If you could spare as much as 4 units to join me, with the recruitment certainly available in Caen, I could join the Crusade much earlier and thus prove to Count Ruppel that he is not the only parangon of faith in Swabia.

[Ramses II CP]

Sir de Cervole I would suggest that we allow Sir von Luxemburg to fight his battle against the Frenchman to the north of him. Afterward I will discuss with him the possibility of loaning some men to you so that you can join the Crusade as well. If we make the movements just right, it may even be possible for you to attack Caen this season, though that is not guaranteed.

OOC: The offensive season is extended, so we've got plenty of time to make this happen.

Fritz von Kastilien

[_Tristan_]

Hughes de Cervole :

I was more thinking along the lines of taking with me some of Von Bohmen's men. Should any French army march south to bring support to Angers, even in hiding, I may risk my life. And recruiting the mercenary knights in the area.

I will not take men from Welf as he will certainly have need of them to defend Reims and eventually reclaim Paris.

The risk that my capturing or killing the French King bringing the Crusade at an end makes me wonder if I am following the right path...

Perhaps personal vengeance should wait for the greater good... But I reserve the right to bring that evil monarch to heel... None shall stand in my way...

He's MINE !!!

[Ferret]

OOC: DG said he had a vacation next week and so should be able to fight a defensive battle and it's hard to defend a citadel no matter how little men you have, I'll take the risk and push towards Stettin.

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Have you checked the save yet EF? There's another Polish army that marched right past you and Madgeburg, and may be aimed at Frankfurt. If I have the movement rates calculated correctly I believe Prinz Dieter will arrive in time to command a defense, but there are no guarantees. It might be better to go after them even if you'd like to let Madgeburg go to a defense.

I'll enact it however you want.

edit: Oh, and the trouble with taking von Bohmen's men is that if the French see an opening there and attack, Antwerp is gone. Still, I'd rather have active commanders holding men than someone who is on reserve. I'll take a look and see what I can do.

[econ21]

Taking the save.

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg

My Lord Chancellor,

I have engaged Odo d'Arles. As suggested, I ordered Captain Dimaus to assist me in this action, reinforcing me under his own independent command. His men performed admirably, containing the French infantry. I also ordered two regiments of spear militia from Rheims to accompany me, together with the bombard you had instructed me to bring if I wished to crusade.

The battle was brutal affair. It opened with my command being charged by the French lancers. The militia could not stand and it was only through the fire of the many crossbows in my army - and the sacrifice of the mounted knights - that we prevailed. My army, along with most of those in Swabia, sorely lack heavy infantry and heavy cavalry so I would request that you prioritise those in any reinforcements.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Chancellor, I have a personal request to make. I would like join the crusade and to be present when it reaches its target. As a humble servant of the Reich, I leave the modalities of this to your discretion. Being present in the storming of Angers would require me to temporarily leave my army and join that of Count Ruppel. I realise, therefore, that my request may lead to my surrendering my command at least for a while.

Your servant

Welf von Luxemburg

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-6.zip

[_Tristan_]

OOC : Ramses, depending on your testing of the result of the French King's death in relation to the Crusade, if his death means a cancellation of the crusade, I would ask to join Ruppel stack in the siege of Angers.

I'll deal with the King later on.

If his death is no obstacle to the continuation of the Crusade then I'll kill him first and will hope I'll be able to join the Crusade before it is over...

[Ramses II CP]

I will do all that I can to accomodate your requests gentlemen. I believe it should be possible to have both commanders present with Count Ruppel when he makes his attack, so long as he feels cooperative towards that end. (Combining this turn's movement and next season's it shouldn't be a problem, as long as FH is willing to wait)

OOC: I'm going to try out some scenarios now, but with Hermann Steffen in the equation it's a lot of possibilities to look at. I'll get back to you as soon as possible tonight.

Fritz von Kastilien

[_Tristan_]

One solution could be to join Welf and enough of his men with Hugo and have them join the Crusade. Then marching them towards Angers.

[TinCow]

Chancellor,

I ride now to rid Italy of the foul Greeks once and for all.

For Bavaria!

(OOC: Taking the save)

[TinCow]

I am pleased to report that the Byzantines will foul Italy with their presence no more. I caught the currs at the bridge south of Milan and destroyed them to the man. A few horsemen attempted to flee, but my son Bernhard caught them. All but one was executed, and that last man was sent to the coast to take ship for Constantinople. He carries with him the head of the last Byzantine Captain to ever set foot in Italy. Let it be a warning to the Greeks about the fate that awaits them if they ever invade the Reich again.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I have begun to march south towards Genoa, but the battle took much out of my men and I cannot reach the city this season. I could ride forth with the cavalry and join up with those making the siege perpetrations, but that would require leaving my infantry leaderless. Given that the Kaiser wants me dead and continues to follow my every move, I would prefer to stay in command of my full army. Even if this Imperial was not menacing my backside at every waking hour, I would not be keen to ride to Genoa this year anyway. The French garrison is massive and very experienced. Should they choose to sally forth, the few horsemen I could bring this year would not make a difference anyway. I have waited 60 years to free Italy of foreigners. I can wait one more.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-7.zip

[Ferret]

okay I'll have a look at the save now, if this is the last Polish army past Breslau then I'll take it out (if I think I can win a field battle) otherwise I'll have to hope DG makes it in time.

[Ferret]

taking the save

I'm going to break the siege of Magdeburg first so that more troops can be recruited there to help DG. After I may try to take on the other army but the triple silvers may prove too much for me, depends how many men I have left.

[Ferret]

battle won screens to be editied in. Couldn't reach other army so I stayed on the bridge for now, can I request a unit of cannons be recruited in magdeburg as well as some more men to help me take Stettin?



save:http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-8.rar

[Ramses II CP]

Not a problem Duke Dieter, you'll get your cannon. Congratulations on your victory! I am also pleased that Italy is, at last, free of the Byzantines.

Fritz von Kastilien

[Ferret]

I am also glad to find that the men are no longer calling me 'the mean' but now 'the merciful' after that last bunch of prisoners was released.

[gibsonsg91921]

Congratulations on your victory, Lothar. See to it that you not make false accusations in this room - I respect the due process of the law. I wouldn't kill a noble of the Reich until tried.

[Northnovas]

Okay, taking the save for Vienna going on the Chancellor's proposed strategy.
Edit:
It has been 45 min when the power went out. Repairs down the street. I saved and uploaded to org
File kotr1368-9
It said successful but did not confirm ready to post here power went out.
It was a Draw report later. Ramses strategy worked lots of damage to enemy with artillery. Before defence move Jan not in battle left at bridge with troops. 2 avatar rule.

Will complete when things back to normal.

[Zim]

Orders Since Outremer's fleet requires repair and will not be ready to sail until next season (i.e. it's out of move points) I shall have to wait until then to reach the mainland. I understand that unrest is high in Nikosia and public order will be difficult to manage without a governor, but with Viceroy Matthias on pilgramage my duty is to the rest of Outremer.

I'd like myself and as many of the soldiers on Nikosia as can leave without public order sinking too low (say 50%-60%, although I'd be ecstatic if religious unrest went down enough to make up for Andreas order bonuses and this wasn't neccessary) to camp at the spot on Cyprus closest to the mainland. Next season I'd like to land at a point between Adana and Antioch.

I know money for construction is scarce but if possible I'd like a chapel to be built in Nikosia to start converting the population, and to set it as a high priority for priests in the region. As far as recruitment orders I think Outremer is in most need of infantry at the moment. At least, my army is.

I will do everything in my power to protect Outremer during the viceroy's pilgramage.