Duchy of Austria

**Northnovas** · 03-06-2007, 03:52

The 6th elector receives a message from a page and smiles...

I have some preliminary good news. Our Duke was victorious on this day annihilating the traders on the Danube. I also hear the Bologna was retaken by Prince Henry with no siege engines! There has also been victories over the Venetians in the Alps. This is definitely good news.
To address the 5th Electors concerns I think the help from the House Franconia to police Prague will alleviate our northern border concerns regarding the Poles. When the Duke returns we continue some training of our men and prepare for the Venetians. They surely must be hurting with our latest victories and their current standing with Rome we must utilize to our advantage.

Member sits and pledges a drink for all his friends tonight...

**ArchdukeEvan** · 03-06-2007, 04:01

obviously you wernt paying attention
anyway... that is exactly what i am talking about...
dissmissing the Poles as a minor threat... do we know how far into Russia they own?... they may own Kiev... and Vilanis... Riga if they fight the Russians themselfs... now they own at least as many citys as Veince and are a weaker power... why should we strike at the Lions... if the Misquitoes will kill us?...

I am sorry i dont share your love for Italian wealth... but i do share your idea for a good drink...

orders some small beer to be brought forward for him to drink

**Northnovas** · 03-06-2007, 05:02

Raises his glass to the member and sips from his frothy mug of ale..

I have no desire for Italian wealth when we can generate Austrian wealth here in Vienna. You make a very good point about the east. What is Russia up to? and what about our neighbour Hungary? I understand they have a large crusading army that is returning home.
The Poles will be dealt with but we must remember the Duke's feeling on excommunication with his Holiness. The Venetians are fair game at the moment. Reviewing the latest intelligence report kotr1938-2 the Poles have a higher standing with the Pope. A few more skirmishes with the Poles could lead to some warning from his Holiness. Once we start with the Poles we do not want to stop because of a threat of excommunication. The Venetians are looking vulnerable and we have the chance to ease the pressure on Vienna from Venetian sieges. We will see what the Duke's thought are on his return.

Sits and finishes his ale ......

**ArchdukeEvan** · 03-06-2007, 12:30

Aye the pope...

the bane of our existance... isnt Greogory old as of yet?... he may just die sone anyway...

**Ituralde** · 03-06-2007, 12:51

Duke Leopold, who had not returned after his battle against von Holstein, was now entering the Council Chambers again bearing a smug grin on his face.

Gentlemen!

I am joyful to announce that my campaign against the Venetians in our lands was successful! I just defeated the Venetian Heir Councillor Bartolomeo in battle. His troops have fled the field and those we were able to capture have been put to the sword. This shall serve as another example that every Venetian oath-breaker daring to cross into our realm has nullified his existence and will meet his end at the hands of an Austrian sword!!

Leopold too raises a mug, passed to him by a servant, in triumph

I was informed what has transpired here since I left and our 5th Elector raises some important points. However I believe most of your concerns have also been adressed by the 6th Elector.

I agree that a two-front war does not suit us well, that's why I have taken action to improve our cooperation with the House of Franconia that will help us defend against the Polish. This cooperation is not limited to defense however and while any action against the Polish will be commanded by a Franconian, they will be fought by brave Austrians!

It is important however that we delegate this theater of war, as we do not have enough able generals that could command our armies in the field. If I were to go north on an extended campaign against Poland, Vienna would be undefended in the meantime. You have seen how easy it is for the Venetians to attack us here in our very heart. We have to deal with this thread first, before we can cast our eyes elsewhere. An offensive campaign against Venice is imperative to give us a buffer against their attacks.

I hope these reasons make my decisions clear to you. Although we disagree on the importance of Italian against Polish lands, these are strategic considerations that you can not deny.

OOC:
Just like to throw this in just in case it hasn't become clear through my IC text. Any battle without an avatar as general will be autocalced. Vienna would fall quickly to a sizeable enemy force if we have to autocalc it so it is important that Leopold remains close to Vienna.

**AussieGiant** · 03-06-2007, 15:55

Gentlemen,

A toast to our Duke Leopold for another Heroic Victory as befitting the Reich's greatest General!!

And we must remain mindful of our situation. With only one general we must protect our greatest asset which is Vienna.

However, we must all support our Dukes attack on Venice as it is they that have directly attacked our Ducal capital.

**Northnovas** · 03-06-2007, 19:24

Here,Here!!

A Heroic Victory from the greatest General in Reich! We must press for Imperial Florins to reequip our troops and muster so more men to the roll to finish off the Venetians.