Duchy of Swabia

**FactionHeir** · 12-28-2007, 00:30

On the southern front, Metz has fallen this year and the French are gathering for a crossborder strike I believe.
Our forces are still heavily battered and mostly fresh recruits and garrison troops that would stand little chance against the battle hardened French armies that stand at Metz and Dijon.

Without any additional cavalry being supplied to Swabia by the chancellor nor his steward, I fear that both Staufen and Bern may fall to the onslught of their hordes of chivalric footknight.

In the meantime, I have gathered what forces we have and moved just south of the ford near Staufen to counteract any French advance. It may be a futile undertaking, but I shall sooner die than let the French take more of our homeland.

**deguerra** · 12-28-2007, 02:09

Right. Sounds good Ruppel, but what is the grand master plan? Does our Duke even have one? And where is he for that matter? His presence in these discussions, or in any others for that matter is sorely lacking!

**Warluster** · 12-28-2007, 03:16

The French are powerful, yes they are certianly overwhelming but I believe this war is ours.

Seeing as we have a SHA, we shall closely follow Count Erhart's plan. For now, I thinkw e should keep on the defensive foot. Seeing as the French have massive armies, we can not contend.

Men, defend like your going to die, is what I say. Once the Reich is in a better state, I am cure the new Chancellor will provide us with reinforcements, perhaps we might even have the support of the Kaiser. Once we have at least a Second SHA then we shall plan our offense.

Any objections?

**_Tristan_** · 12-29-2007, 10:10

I would advocate a guerrilla war against the French, not all their settlements are well defended and a small force of our men could certainly avoid notice and strike behind the lines...

I volunteer to lead such a force and require only a few recruit, among which a siege or artillery crew would be a must...

**Zim** · 12-29-2007, 10:15

OOC: This may sound odd (it did to me at first) but you can't send an army to take any settlement unless it's allowe by a specific Edict, even to raid. At least, that was the reason given why the Army of Outremer couldn't do so.

**_Tristan_** · 12-29-2007, 10:35

OOC : I am not fully aware of all legalities of the Reich... Anyway my character is a bit hot-blooded when France is mentioned in his presence and will advocate any and all solutions even illegal to further his ends and those of the Reich...

One thing I'm sure is that he is not knighted yet so the point should be moot...

And I think that Edict 14.3 passed during the last diet authorizes such raiding... on Caen, Paris, Marseilles, Dijon...

**FactionHeir** · 12-29-2007, 11:15

The emperor has fallen, may he rest in peace!

Now, as for the raids, I agree. I have sent the late emperor a letter requesting some swift cavalry and that the spies in France be moved into Dijon so I may strike at night to take Dijon while the French camp outside.