Duchy of Swabia

[Warluster]

Count Ludwig has been knighted.

Count Ruppel, do whatever you can to stop the French, as the same for you Count Ludwig. I am going to train a few regiment sof knights and spearmen and siege the lightly defended city of Dijon.

If Hugo wishes, he may come as well, giving him the chance of being knighted.

I hope Kaiser peter will listen to us and come to Swabia instead, if not I think the Franconians may lend us a hand. I will offer the idea of some support from Franconia to Duke Dieter, and perhaps Count Fritz.

Does any Elector of Swabia need reinforcements, it seems the Kaiser has spared us a few regiments of knights.

[FactionHeir]

Indeed, I have requested the knights from the emperor which he has graciously granted us, with the promise of further reinforcements from Frankfurt and Magdeburg whenever possible. He even suggested he may use Innsbruck for us after this year, thus I would refrain from ridiculing him in public lest we wish to jeopardize his generosity.

Once several regiments of knights arrive, I intend to launch an offensive against the French. God willing, we shall succeed.

[deguerra]

Thankyou kindly Duke von Salza. I am unsure how to proceed against the French at the moment. My Flemish army relies heavily on pikemen, and they are not the most trustworthy of soldiers. They have been known to break if surrounded, and I have little to hold the flanks in a field battle.

[Warluster]

Unless some knights can be given, you will have to do with the army you have for now. Count Erhart has a planned assault against the French, and if it succeds, and if the French don't siege Bern, you might receive reinforcements by 1350.

If sieged again I am sure you can repeat your last victory quite well.

[deguerra]

Sounds reasonable. I think I should be fine in Bruges itself (any statements to the contrary in the Diet are to get us more reenforcements and faster). I just don't want to face the French in a field battle, because I cannot afford to lose men.

[_Tristan_]

I'm eager to join in any fight against the French... Just point and I shall follow...

[OverKnight]

A message arrive from Outremer.

Hugo de Cervole,

I understand your predicament. Why travel half way across the world to fight, when the wolves are at your door step?

Outremer will still be here when you choose to come, I'll see to that.

Godspeed against the French,

Matthias Steffen

[Warluster]

Count Ruppel, The SHA1 is marching to your immediate aid, it will reach Dijon soon (OOC: I am going to pick up the save and fight it now)

The Kaiser is also marching to Swabia, he agrees with us, and thinks we are in more dire need then Bavaria, rightfully so. When he arrives, and once Dijon is safe again, I thank you Erhart for that brave deed, we can finally start the offensive again.

Viceroy, When the French are defeated, I am sure Hugo, and perhaps more, will come to help you, but you seem to be going well now, with the help of the Swabian Andreas?

[OverKnight]

A message arrives from Outremer.

Duke Athawolf,

Indeed Count Andreas has fought admirably and proven a fine administrator as well. Having another General in the Holy Land has proved very useful, and I am grateful for your Duchy's assistance. I am glad to have returned Acre to a Swabian, it is a sign that Outremer is stabilizing.

It seems as if Hugo has found his niche assisting the Kaiser's army to its new destination. If he wishes to travel East someday, he will be welcome, but I do not wish to deprive Swabia of a fighting man who is obviously needed on the home front.

Matthias

[deguerra]

Well, Bruges is besiged again, but I have no fear that it will not be as glorious a French defeat as the last. However, I do regret that I can take no offensive action, but my lack of cavalry simply makes any such manouvres sheer folly. So IF those imperial knights we were promised ever arrive, might one unit make their way to Bruges?

[AussieGiant]

Walking past the Swabian chambers the Chancellor and his administrators boot feet pause for some moments outside the doors...

...as no further comments are made their foot falls finally continue down the corridor to the Diet Chamber.

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg:

I agree with Count Ludwig von Bohmen - the three regiments of Teutonic knights in Frankfurt would greatly complement the force he has mustered at Bruges. However, I am loathe for them to be sent unescorted.

I am currently in Nuremburg - I propose that I ride west towards the bridge south-west of Frankfurt and rendezvous with the Teutons. I hope to persuade the Chancellor to allow me to keep the two regiments of professional infantry and some of the Nuremburg militia, and acquire some more missile regiments. My aim would be to deny the French passage into Germany and ultimately to reinforce Bruges.

I believe our Duke's army can screen Staufen and Bern. With skill and some luck, Count von Bohmen may hold Bruges and Antwerp. But there is a gap between the two lines west of Frankfurt that should be filled and closing it may allow us to transform the force in Bruges into a fully fledged Household Army.

Does this proposal meet with the approval of our House?

[deguerra]

I would be happy to have another helping hand in Flanders in any case. Welf seems to be militarily capable, and another brain in the North could make any counter-attack on the French doubly effective.

[Warluster]

Welf, I agree with your plan, and agree with the fact you should go north to even the balance out.

It seems Kaiser Peter has turned back to Italy, so we can no longer wait for him. Seeing as Dijon is not relieved, I will come at once. Count von Bohmen, it seems you have some offensives against the French in mind, would care to suggest what you have at mind?

It is good to see a new Swabian, I welcome you to Swabia, Welf. Once you have somewhat, 'proved' yourself, we can throw you in the fire.

Once The kaiser has helped Duke Lothar, he promises to return here at once, and the Bavarians have also promised support when their in the clear. I think the French are retreating, and I am considering sending a few units and a General to help Bavaria, what does the rest of Swabia think?

[deguerra]

I have no formulated strategy at the moment, Herzog (OOC: and am not at my home computer, so can't look), but generally want the French to be pushed back.

I do not, however, think the French are really retreating as of yet, so I personally would advise holding back on military aid to Bavaria until we are truly in the clear.

[econ21]

Welf von Luxemburg: I agree with Count von Bohmen. The situation in Swabia is far more desperate than that in Bavaria. There are many French armies massing within striking distance of Swabia and once they are roused, we may struggle to survive. The Chancellor is prioritising Bavaria because it is an area we can clear, not because it is under more threat. With the Kaiser's army back in Bavaria, that House has sufficient force to prevail.

My plan to escort the Teutons to Bruges has been undone by the fact that the knights were diseased. The Chancellor has sent them to Franconia. Unfortunately, he has also sent diseased troops to the Swabian Household Army so our Duke cannot return to resume command unless he wishes to be infected himself. The Chancellor could, however, send the regiment of Teutons still in Frankfurt to the SHA.

If Ruppel can escape siege at Dijon, it seems he would be the logical commander of the SHA as he already struggles with the plague. My Duke, once you have assisted Ruppel, perhaps you should bring your mercenaries to group with my militia? Together, we might have the semblance of an army.

Where possible, we must keep pure those generals and fighting formations that are, by the grace of God, currently free from infection - especially the Kaiser's army. Sadly, this imperative means that the afflicted may have to bear the brunt of the campaigning.

[Warluster]

All seems well; Welf, the Chancellor has advised the SHA I stay on the bridge protecing Staufen. If I move, or you for that matter, the very heart of the Reich is open.

The Chancellor has also asked for a presentable plan involving the relief of Dijon. It would be suicidal to attack the French Army in open battle, but there is unfortunely no alternative. If I have to suffer the problems of catching the plague, I would do so to for Swabia. So I am prepared to move some infected units around or we may have to recruit more mercaniaires, or spearmen.

Count Ruppel, the only way you can escape siege is if they give up, not bloody likely considering they have enough equipment to siege Rome. Ruppel, I am waiting on your view of the situation. Bruges is safer, but more armies wander nearby. If the French have not broken the English at Caen perhaps we could consider sending some help from Bruges. Seeing as your the closet General to the scene, would you be prepared to do so?

[FactionHeir]

I would do anything to slay some more of these French pigs. But first I need a relief force to break the siege at Dijon. Giving the utter incompetency of this Austrian "chancellor", our hope the SHA1 is now plagued!
I am truly regetting now having voted for Fritz instead.

As for how to go about the situation, I do not believe my Duke should infect himself willingly. Instead, move the forces you have with SHA1 in tow towards Dijon. The SHA1 can come under your reinforcements.
The following year, request that as compensation for his uselessness, the chancellor allow funds to construct 2 forts at the Dijon/Rheim border we can man with plagued men and thus halt the French advance while you use their shields to advance over four years closely north of the French Lancer siege force.

[econ21]

Count Ruppel,

The relief of Dijon is Swabia's current pressing challenge. But I fear that having the Duke march into what are effectively French lands with a few crossbowmen is to invite disaster, even if the SHA is close behind. However, I also believe that our Duke should not expose himself to infection by leading the SHA personally.

Therefore, I propose that the Duke guard the bridge to Staufen, with the SHA reinforcing. If he is attacked, the Bridge should buy him time for the SHA to arrive as reinforcements to relieve him.

I volunteer to lead the SHA. I am expendable - our Duke is not. I will request the Chancellor countermand my previous orders and march me towards Staufen bridge immediately.

Welf von Luxemburg

[deguerra]

Do we need to discuss succession issues? As far as I was aware Duke von Salza was still kicking. I realize the need for someone to administrate Swabia, and while I realize Count Ruppel is the obvious candidate for the job, I feel that for unitys sake we should have some sort of discussion ont his.

[Warluster]

As far as I am aware; Count von Bohmen; I am still alive. I see no need for succesion talk. If you are after the title of Duke such futile pushing for it will not help.

I have already decided upon the succesor; I did at least 10 Year's ago. Or perhaps you're after my head? Your impatience at death shall be noted.

It seems Swabia is quiet...er. SPEAK UP! I don't want dust filling my ears. Come out and speak; or consequnces serve you so. Contribue; if not then I will and can take you out of the frontline.

It is pleasing the succes this Crusade has provided us. But... I ask you to hurry up and perhaps be as not impatient past Count's were at least conquer with speed. This war with France, is, frankly, being dragged on to long.

[_Tristan_]

Duc,

The rumors of succession would be given less credit if Count Ruppel was not acting as if he was already Duke and if the merits of your other servitors such as Welf von Luxemburg and myself were given some credit by our liege lord...

[FactionHeir]

I am very much offended by Knight Hugo's words. I have no intention of taking the Ducal Throne without Duke von Salza's approval or insisting that I were Duke if I am not.

My loyalty is to Duke von Salza himself and Swabia as a whole. The decisions I made regarding construction and recruitment for Swabia were in all our best interests as you have admitted yourself and will lead to florins being spent first and foremost in our Duchy rather than elsewhere - to acknowledge our successes and conquests that filled the warchest in the first place. Do you really wish to question my unwavering loyalty?

[deguerra]

Duke von Salza,

You have received nothing but loyalty from me, and I am deeply offended that you would think me so low as to be after your head and your title.

I merely noted that in your prolongued absence, there seemed to be issues between the reamaining electors as to who should be running the Duchy. If you can return, all the better. If not, name someone to act in your place. Do not make it me, I have neither the time nor the skill to manage a Duchy. But name someone so that there is no need for bickering.

Once again, I wanted no part in this scheme for myself, and am hurt that your trust in me is so small.

Ludwig

[Warluster]

I can; in somewhat confusion; understand the present siuation we stand in. I am sure Count Ruppel was acting upon loyalty to Swabia... and instincts. Though next time I take a 'trip' it would be better if haste to jump to fire the bow was slower.

Count von Bohmen; I am somewhat reassured of your stance with your words, though your mind has obviously change not. I repeat I will name my succesor; privately. Upon my death then they shall come forward with my message. I do NOT want Swabia fractured for that, as it has been for some time.

[deguerra]

I understand that, and nothing would be further from my mind than asking you to name a successor (although for the record, let it be known that Ludwig von Böhmen will serve that man as dilligently as he believes he has served Herzog von Salza, Swabia and the Reich itself).

I also understand Count Ruppel's actions, and personally have not the slightest quarrel with him.

All I ask, as you do for the sake of Swabias unity, is that either you continue to control, or that you name a substitute. It need not be your successor. For all I care make him someone outside of the Swabian house. Make it a rotation system. But give us something that we can trust, so that there is no cause for bickering and fracture.