Me and Ulrich (Ignoramus) are workign out a plan of swapping the positions (Hey Ig, did you reply to that PM, I can't remember) between commanders. But I think I am still in control, is this correct?
The army will pursue any Hungarian or Venetian armies entering Austrian territory. Leopold will try to set up in a position between Zagreb and Budapest from where he can reach both settlements within 1 to 2 turns. An attack against Ragusa can be made at the Chancellor's discretion, if the other Austrian settlements are not under immediate threat.
The lions sing and the hills take flight.
The moon by day, and the sun by night.
Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool.
Let the Lord of Chaos rule.
—chant from a children's game heard in Great Aravalon, the Fourth Age
A diplomat from England contacted us at Hamburg at the beginning of the year. They wanted a cease fire. With the rare opportunity of peace negotiations, I managed to have the English pay 2200 florins for damages against Hamburg in return for trade rights and peace. Other diplomatic developments might explain their desire for negotiations:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Teutonic Knights have established a Minor Chapter House at Thorn.
One of our merchants was driven out of business near Vienna by a Byzantine.
Prinz Jobst has his first child, a daughter named Lyse, congratulations.
Despite my efforts, the French agent was not expelled from Dijon. In an interesting development, a Danish agent was expelled from Frankfurt. It seems to be a popular city.
I have again sent a diplomat to Pope Filippus with my latest offer:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Despite a very generous offer, the Pope has once again refused. I am at my wits end, I am sure he will want even more for reconciliation. Yet what would I give him then? I will think on how to untie this Gordian Knot.
I have also traded map information and arranged trade rights with the Turks. I'm not sure how long this will last, but the Crusade will benefit from the information.
The Swabian Ducal Army shall be led by Duke Ulrich. I have told Chancellor Otto where I desire it to be led.
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"Oh, how I wish we could have just one Diet session where the Austrians didn't spend the entire time complaining about something." Fredericus von Hamburg
With no armies threatening Austrian cities, besides a small Hungarian force over a year's march from Budapest, Duke Leopold has marched from Zagreb to take Ragusa, he should be there in 1184. The Budapest garrison has been reinforced with two militia units, and another two are being recruited.
Speaking of Budapest, our first Guild trained priest has been recruited there. I envision the city as a training ground for much of our new clergy.
The Council of Crusaders has decided to pursue the Egyptian Jihad Army threatening Constantinople, a confrontation may occur in 1184:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Jihad Army, please note there are 22 units
The Crusader response
The Crusader Armies have transferred some units so that most of the infantry and crossbowmen are in the vanguard now. The rearguard will now serve as a mobile cavalry reserve. The delay that this reconfiguration caused has allowed Count Hans to catch up with his father. I am sure the Crusaders will welcome his arrival. . .
Upon further study of the situation, I realized the Byzantines have blocked the land bridge to Constantinople with a fleet. In order to prevent the Egyptians marching south, I have moved all of the cavalry forces of the Crusade forward. The Jihad is now hemmed in between Nicea, a Byzantine army, the mountains and us. We will be able to attack them next year.
Despite of, or because of, Kaiser Henry's loss of chivalry, his authority has increased.
I have fulfilled edict 7.6. I tried to get military access but the Byzantines again said no.
Welf Courcy, one of our assasins, has eliminated a French diplomat approaching Metz. I will not have a repeat of French treachery:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He has gained a young apprentice and his skill has increased.
I have taken steps to reinforce the battered Swabian HA in Metz with new troops raised in Staufen. More will be on the way next year.
Due to negotiations with Pope Filippus proving futile, I have decided to take advantage of our new found peace with England.
On my orders, Imperial diplomat Wilhelmus Becker has contacted the English:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He has brokered an Alliance between England and the Reich:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It cost us dearly, 10,000 florins plus a tribute of 1,700 florins for 5 years. Yet I hope we will get much more than just an ally with this deal. If we cannot make a deal with the current Pope, we should seek one with a possible successor.
With the money left over, I have started a modest building initiative. Hamburg has been ordered to start a Shipwright, and construction begins on Paved Roads for Staufen. A full building program will commence next year, I thank the Electors for their patience in this matter.
Count von Hamburg has caught up with the small Polish force that had besieged Stettin, he is ready to engage them. . .
The band of Polish bandits has been chased away from Stettin. 524 soldiers were deployed against 70 poles. 23 casualties were sustained, and 19 of the enemy killed, with 48 being captured. The prisoners were ransomed for about 300 florins.
I congratulate Count von Hamburg, not all battles are glorious but he dispersed the Poles with his usual efficiency. The ransom money will prove useful as well.
Steward von Kastilien's move toward Breslau has caught the attention of the Polish. Three Polish armies surround him south of Thorn. It is less dire than it sounds though, only two of them can support each other, and those two are made up of levies and siege equipment. Still the Steward must fight them if he's to continue on to Thorn. . .
I have received word from Steward von Kastilien:
I faced the two (of the three total) Polish forces and won the battle. Killing almost a thousand Poles, to about 20 of our own. God was on our side, and everything went according to plan.
The prisoners that were taken were even accepted back by the Poles, at the hefty sum of approximately 3000 florins.
I have put this extra money to good use, a port has been ordered for Stettin and a church will be built in Venice. The planned shipwright for Hamburg has been changed to paved roads at the request of the Franconians.
The ransomed Poles, unfortunately, have taken shelter in Breslau. The garrison there is quite large now. Steward von Kastilien will need reinforcements from Thorn to mount an effective siege, but that third Polish army to the east blocked his supply lines to the castle. He has been forced to pursue it and attack after the Poles retreated close to Thorn itself. I await word from the Steward on this battle. . .
Originally Posted by Steward von Kastilien
I am pleased to inform you that the battle was won, and the Polish were completely destroyed, it cost a mere 60 soldiers to make it so.
Being so close to Thorn, the Steward will winter there. His troops will be reinforced, and he will proceed to Breslau in the new year. While our conquest of that has been delayed, we have drawn the Poles into open battle and they have suffered greatly. We have put them on the defensive.
In other news, the reinforced SwHA lead by Duke Hummel has taken position on the bridge southwest of Metz. They await mounted reinforcements that will reach them from Staufen in the new year.
Re: Chancellor and Governor reports
Originally Posted by Ignoramus
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