Duchy of Bavaria

[TinCow]

Father, since both of these Edicts have the required seconds from Bavaria, I would request that you formally propose them in the Diet. I would do so myself, but the last time I attempted that there were a a protest that I could not do so because I was not Duke. I would not want to give that particular Elector-cum-Lawyer further technicalities to gripe about.

[Stuperman]

Frederich, Would you care to join me and my men in the assult of Florence? It would be an easy way to earn your spurs

[TinCow]

*Lothar is drinking from a beer stein when his father speaks. Caught by surprise, he exhales violently, spraying drops of beer all over the hall. It takes him a few moments of sputtering and coughing to collect himself.*

Florence?! Has someone taken my County?! The Sicilians? The Spanish? By all that is Holy, they had better not have interrupted construction of my Inn!

[Stuperman]

That's the last time I hire a local messenger, those damn sicilians are tricky.

Naples woudl be the target of my operation, not Florence. My appoligies Lothar and Frederich.

[Warmaster Horus]

Naturally, I accept.

[OverKnight]

If I am elected Chancellor I will have Friedrich join Father.

[Warmaster Horus]

But, even if you aren't Chancellor ('twould be a pity, assuredly), the future Chancellor would have to respect that order, since it's in relation to the Bavarian Household Army, no?

[OverKnight]

Most likely, but why not be entirely sure?

Seriously though, Dukes can appoint HA leaders and movement orders, but I'm not sure if orders for accompanying nobles are covered.

[Warmaster Horus]

True. In any case, you've got my vote

[Stuperman]

Lothar, Don't you still have forces under your Command?

I was going to issue orders to the next chancellor to have myself and Frederich travel south to Naples, and have yourself sail south from Sardinia to Sicily proper.

Assuming that the 2nd household army proposal pases, that would leave each Frederich and Lothar in command of an army.

[TinCow]

The army under my command took immense losses against the Spanish, but it is still intact. I confess that I have been busy with other matters recently and have not checked on how the reinforcement of the army has progressed. Matthias did an admittedly admirable job of making it ready after Ajaccio...

*Lothar nods, curtly, to his brother.*

...so I have trusted him to make the proper arrangements. I suspect he can give us more information on the current status of the army.

I must admit, though, that I have misgivings about Palermo. The Sicilian capital is reputed to be a magnificent citadel of unparalleled construction. I would not want to assault it unless (1) the garrison was significantly outnumbered or (2) I had sufficient siege engines to batter down at least a portion of the walls. Ajaccio was a living hell to take and I do not wish to repeat the results of that battle. Catapults and trebuchets would serve, if cannons are not available, but some manner of siege engine would greatly reduce my agitation.

I dislike having to be dependent upon the Chancellor or other Houses to provide us with the equipment needed to protect Bavarian lives. Perhaps in the future we can obtain half a dozen regiments of these new black powder engines and store them in Genoa or Florence. As long as a small fleet was kept nearby, we would then be able to deploy them to any spot in Bavaria where they were needed in very short order, without having to look outside our House for aid.

[Stuperman]

A prudent Idea Lothar.

Perhaps then, I will stay in Naples and send Frederich with most of the Army I currently command, south to Palmero to assist with the siege

[OverKnight]

I do not have the reports in front of me. But I believe the BHA is ready to deploy again, with the exception of Pavise Crossbowmen. The closest Castle that can produce them is Innsbruck. Father currently has the Pavise Crossbowmen that were originially meant to reinforce Lothar's army.

As for trebuchets or catapults or even guns, I will see if any nearby cities can produce them.

Given the likely passage of Edict 12.1 we are in no rush to attack, so I will make sure Lothar has the units he needs before the assault.

[OverKnight]

Ajaccio can produce Catapults. Venice can produce Trebuchets.

Once you both take a look at the reports let me know your thoughts.

Matthias glares a bit at Lothar.

There's some improvement in your voting brother, from negative to indifferent. Perhaps if I run a third time, you'll actually vote for me.

[TinCow]

*Lothar returns the stare.*

You may thank our father for that, Matthias. Still, I can think of worse things than another 20 years under your direction. You seem to be at least competent, if misguided. Try not to botch up the Sicilian war.

[Stuperman]

With the formation of a second Household Army, I have been thinking of formally naming each army, it would be a good chance to honour some of the Greatest Bavarians of the past.


I was thinkning:

The Otto Von Kassel Memorial Army
The Maximilian Mandorf Memorial Army

Lothar, Mathais, Frederich, what do you think?

[Warmaster Horus]

Naming them after the former dukes? Fine by me.

[TinCow]

I agree that it is a noble gesture to name the armies after great Bavarians. Otto von Kassel was a great Duke and he deserves to be honored in this way. His decisive leadership and political acumen were largely responsible for securing all of Italy for our House.

However, I do not agree that Mandorf should be one of them. He was a mere Steward, not a Duke, and it is in no small part due to his insipid and fanatical religious devotion that we are in such a mess with Outremer.

I believe the second army should instead be named after Duke Gerhard Steffen. Father, you may wish to be humble in this matter, but I believe you have done far more for Bavaria than Maximillian Mandorf ever did. Bavaria has consistently emerged victorious, both on the battlefield and in the Diet, due to your wise guidance. The second Household Army should be named after you.

[OverKnight]

As long as we can shorten the names for reports and such it would be adequate, like HA Max or HA Otto.

Edit:

Matthias glances at Lothar.

Maximillian isn't worthy? Bah, the man was highly under rated as a Chancellor. He held the Reich together when Otto and Heinreich decided to tread over the Charter. Never mind that he was the architect of the Crusade and is now a Saint. He ruled well, whatever his title. He is more worthy to be honored than Otto.

Matthias shakes his head.

And the living do not need anything named after them, it's bad luck.

[Stuperman]

Lothar, Firstly, I must thank you, you honour me with such high praise.

I must disagree with your sentiment regarding Maximilian though, I knew the man, and yes at times he was pig headed, but his steadfast devotion to god in large part saved the Holy Roman Empire. His support for, and leadership during the first crusade set in motion the lifting of the excommunication of our Empire, whether or not he meant to. Although I disagreed with him at the time on principle, experience has shown me that being in the good graces of the pope is vital for any nation to survive politically. His actions saved the Holy Roman Empire, and for that he deserves this honour.

[OverKnight]

The French have a large army approaching Marseille, at the same time the Moors have landed on Cagliari. I may have to move Lothar to the north to defend Marseille rather than south.

To faciliate this, I might have to get rid of Cagliari, as I don't want to have our forces tied down fighting the Moors while France takes one of our best cities.

[TinCow]

I will go whereever I am needed to defend Bavaria. Father clearly has the situation well in-hand in the south.

[TinCow]

Father,

It is with some relief that I note that Dietrich von Dassel has aided our garrison in Marseille and defeated the French army besieging that city. Dietrich is still but a squire, but initial reports indicate that his intervention in the battle was instrumental in the victory and his own retinue took a large number of losses. Perhaps as gratidute towards Dietrich von Dassel for his services to Bavaria, and as a gesture of good-will towards Swabia, you could knight him for his efforts on behalf of our city.

[Stuperman]

Lothar,

It seems that you have beaten my to Palmero, eh? *Laughs, and slaps his knee* it seems than that you have proved yourself worthy of the title Duke. You may proceed with the Assault at your Leisure, Take any units from my Army that can make it to aide you.

Leaning back with an ever widening grin, Gerhard spouts

What a great day to be a Bavarian, Lothar, Destroyer of Milan and Conquerer of Sicily, reclaiming the first Roman province. And Mathias, the first ever 2 term Chancellor, and the Man who made much of it possible. I am VERY proud of both of you my sons.

[OverKnight]

Thank you Father. I wish you could be there for the initial attack, but if Lothar can't take it this year, you'll take command.

The reason I chose to strike quickly, is that some of the garrison is outside the castle. Better to take it lightly defended, and Lothar does have a decent amount of catapults.

Once Palermo is taken, I plan to offer terms to Sicily, most likely offering them Cagliari. We'll see if they're wise enough to take it.

[Stuperman]

A prudent decision, Lothar should be careful of those sword and buckler men, they can be nasty. Is caligari going to remain a castle?

[OverKnight]

While I believe I have the right to convert Cagliari to a city, the cost is 6200 Florins. In light of other expenses, it is not a priority. Though if the Sicilians are willing to accept it, I might begin the process before it's handed over.

[TinCow]

Father, Palermo is ours. I must admit, I am impressed with the work that the Sicilians have put into the place. It is easy the best Citadel in all of Italy and Bavaria. It can currently supply any type of footsoldiers and archers that we could possibly desire, including Zweihanders and Mounted Crossbowmen. The siege works is also very advanced and is currently capable of producing Trebuchets. The shipwright is well developed and can turn out Gun Holks on demand. Indeed, the only things that Palermo cannot produce appear to be Gothic Knights and gunpowder weapons.

Cagliari is a cesspool by comparison. Though the decision is not ours, I believe it should be disposed of in exchange for peace. With Ajaccio and Palermo under Imperial control, we can land strong Imperial armies anywhere in the Mediterranean.

[TinCow]

Bavarians,

I stand before you as your new Duke. I have learned much from my father and I wish to emulate him in rule, as well as surname. His even-handed guidance made Bavaria prosperous and stable. While other Houses have fallen to infighting, he kept us united under his authority. I will try and do the same. You will find me a firm, but fair. Obey my word and you will be rewarded greatly. We can all serve each other to our communal betterment.

There will be a few changes in Bavaria, now that I am Duke. First, I am officially moving the capital from Innsbruck to Florence. Bavaria's power has long resided in Italy and it is time to formally acknowledge that. Italy feeds the Reich's need for both gold and grain. Bavarians are the guardians of the lifeblood of the Reich and we are proud of it. By moving the capital to Florence, we can better manage the affairs of the Italian provinces and ensure that our people are managed effectively. Bavaria is also tasked with the great responsibility of protecting the Imperial Capital of Rome. With our capital adjacent to the Holy City, we can ensure that it will never be threatened, so long as Bavaria still stands.

Once current operations are compeleted, the two Bavarian Household Armies will be stationed near Palermo (assuming the Kaiser is good enough to grant this province to Bavaria) and Florence. The Palermo Army will be the Otto von Kassel Memorial Army. With its strength, and its position in dominance of the waters, we can quickly send forces anywhere in the Mediterranean. This is in keeping with its namesake, Duke von Kassel, who made daring, decisive moves for the betterment of Bavaria.

The second army near Florence I am renaming the Gerhard Steffen Memorial Army. It shall be tasked with the defense of all of Northern Italy and Rome. Like my father, it will serve the Duchy and the Reich unfailingly and without question. Wherever there are Roman people in need, the men of Gerhard Steffen will come to their aid. I believe this is a fitting tribute to my father.

Matthias, I know that in the past we have quarreled greatly. I wish to set that time behind us. Nothing of benefit has come from such animosity and suspect it was our father's dying wish that we be reconciled. I fully acknowledge the ways in which I have slighted you in the past and I offer you my full apology. I offer to you my hand in friendship and brotherhood. As a symbol of my goodwill, I grant you first choice of any two Bavarian Counties to rule. While you are a Freehold Count and I cannot take Milan from you, there is nothing that says you cannot relinquish it voluntarily if you wish it. If there is another province that holds more interest to you, name it and I will grant it without question. In addition, while Counts are only allowed to formally rule one province, I will rule a second in your name. Pick another province of your desire and inform me of the manner in which you want it managed. I shall simply sign my name to any governorship orders you submit. You will be its Lord in all ways that matter.

Frederich, for your loyal service to my father and Bavaria, I grant you the choice of any County that remains after Matthias has taken his share. Speak its name and it will be yours. Furthermore, I formally appoint you as the commander of the Otto von Kassel Army that will be stationed near Palermo. You will be the Hammer of Bavaria and it shall be you that is dispatched to lead our forces on the offense against any foe. I will do my best to ensure that you always have the finest quality of men and siege equipment available to you, no matter where the battlefield is located.

To the both of you, I say this: let us ensure that the power of Bavaria is united as the other Houses can only dream of. Obey my orders as law and we will all profit. I do not expect that you will agree with all my actions in the future, but know that I will never punish anyone for disagreement. If you believe differently than I, say so and I will consider your words very seriously. I am not without fault and I will correct any errors I make when they are pointed out to me. In return, I expect complete obedience in the Diet. In the end, I am Duke and my word is law. You will both vote in accordance with my desires at each Session.

With that concluded, I wish to hear your opinions on your choice of provinces, on your own careers, and your views on the future of Bavaria. Please speak your mind, this is not a House where opinion will be stifled.

[Warmaster Horus]

Duke,

I thank you for the ranks you give me. For the County, I will choose Innsbruck.

As for the Otto von Kassel Household Army, I assure you the Hammer of Bavaria shall always strike true and with precision. We are yours to command. I only hope we can keep with our namesake's actions.

As for the more political work you would ask, I say the same: you are my Duke, and I will obey.

I can only offer my most sincere, heartfelt condolences for your loss. Duke Gerhard Steffen was a great man. I am sure that your guidance will lead us through the problems Bavaria may face in the future.