The Kingdom of Outremer

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I shall base my decision on siege equipment. If we wait, is there a possibility that the Mongols will assault Damascus?

[FactionHeir]

Yes. reports show that the Mongol leader has built a ram, a siege tower and 3 ladders so far I believe. Our spy was not exactly certain whether there may be more or less ladders however.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

That is more equipment than I am comfortable with. If it is, in fact, our goal to defend Christianity, and we are to do it by saving Damascus, I don't want to take any chances. I vote that we attack using the Kaiser's fight-at-night strategy.

[econ21]

Henry: If I understand the Chancellor's proposal, it is similar to that which I proposed earlier except that King Otto rather than myself would strike at the lone Mongol army and I would support Duke Leopold's thrust on Damascus. I presume the Duke would aim first for Aradan and strike at night to catch his army alone as I suggested? If that is broadly what the Chancellor proposes, it sounds a fine plan. I would happily trust him as to its implementation, deferring to his judgement about whether to join a crusade and so forth.

Conrad Salier - I admire your wish to save Damascus, although regrettably if we drive off the Mongols we will still have to assault the Egyptian defenders ourselves. I pray that if my brother prevails due to the will of God, he will fight against his harsher instincts and merely occupy the city, which is - as Conrad says - now largely Christian thanks to our missionary work.

Post-script: while I have the Chancellor's attention, I would add on another matter that I am happy for him to use Imperial settlements in peace negotiations as he requested.

[FactionHeir]

Thank you for your trust my emperor.
I believe we have agreed on a plan then? I would still wish to hear Duke Leopold's views on this matter as he will be commanding one of the armies before proceeding.

OOC: *runs off to sell Rome to the highest bidder*

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

not

[Northnovas]

The Count reads a new dispatch and a weight has been lifted from his shoulders...

Nobles, I have recieved good news from home and I am in much better frame of mine. The latest tatics proposed sound good and I am willing to take my part where I am most needed to bring victory.

[Ituralde]

My brother speaks wise words, in fact they mirror what I have discussed with my staff after reviewing Emperor Henry's battle report. I could strike at them from the South. Their Khan is within our grasp and I will not rest until either he or I am slain.

I leave you now as my men are already waiting! You'll hear word of my victory!

[FactionHeir]

*As Leopold turns to leave, Hans follows him and exchanges a few words with him before returning to the tent.*

My lords, let us pray for the brave Duke of Austria and Fredericus von Hamburg. They will need all the prayers they can get for he does not wish to have any other general accompany him, including our venerable emperor.

[econ21]

Henry: God go with you, brother.

[Ituralde]

A burly and grizzled veteran enters the tent where the Council of Crusaders has met to discuss their future strategies. He carries a woven basked that he unceremonously drops on the large table, where usually maps of the area are stored. Looking grimly at the assembled men he raises the lid of the basket. Immediately the sweet smell of rotten flesh fills the room.

In this basket you find the heads of Aradai the Wrathful, Khanzada Batundhun and of the Mongol Khan Jebuk! This was achieved by two successful battles under Duke Leopold of Austria, whose body lies just outside this tent. He died in our most glorious hour, after he single-handedly defeated the Mongol threat to Damascus!

I hope you honour his death and don't forget the man that has brought you these today!

He gestures weakly at the three heads contained in the woven basket, before he salutes and leaves the tent again.

[FactionHeir]

*Hans makes the sign of the cross before speaking*
It fills my heart with joy to see three of our empire's most cruel yet worthy enemies slain by the most honorable Duke Leopold. But sadness overcomes me when I consider the tribute we paid to achieve such a glorious victory.
Duke Leopold was a fine general, a firece fighter, a noble ruler, and no less a good friend of the people of our holy roman empire. While he did not deserve to be slain by such ignoble barbarians, he at least died with his sword in his hand and countless corpses around him. He died a heroes death my lords and his sacrifice will bring safety to the empire and success to the crusade.

*Hans observes a moment of silence before continuing*
We must now honor his death by successfully bringing this holy crusade to an end and vanquish the last barbarian army in these lands. Afterwards, we may celebrate and commemorate his deeds and ask the pope at Jerusalem to give him the last blessings.

My lords, we have work to do!

[econ21]

Henry: I knew facing the Horse Lord invasion would be costly, but I did not anticipate this. If I had known this would have been the result when my brother asked to lead the crusade... This death was to have been my fate, not his.

My brother was an exemplary fighter - his reputation for command, which had been built up by years of lonely battling along our borders, has now been immortalised by the manner of his death. I am at a loss for words, when I look at what he achieved in his battles outside Damascus.

We will all mourn his passing.

But for now, as the Chancellor says, there is still one last job to be done in our war with the Mongols. Chancellor, I believe it is King Otto who will have the honour? If so, I wish him good hunting.

[FactionHeir]

Indeed, I have already sent him word that all troops are assembled for the last strike against these barbarians.

[OverKnight]

Otto has been silent after hearing of Leopold's death, lost in thought and memory. Over that time, his face has become a stony mask. Looking down at the basket of severed heads he speaks in a harsh voice:

There's one missing. I must complete our collection.

With a bow to the Emperor and a nod to the Chancellor, Otto strides out of the tent.

[Northnovas]

Karl was stunned by the news, many thoughts raced through his head. He felt like weeping but this was not the place. Leopold was gone his mentor, there was still much to learn. He never felt more alone and isolated. He did not feel that he belonged with the nobles around him. He was shocked by the news and was could only say...

Damascus will be taking for the Reich and the House of Austria and I shall avenge Duke Leopold's death by exterminating every Mongol soldier from this land; as God is my witness.

[OverKnight]

Otto limps back into the Council. His armor is dented and covered with dried blood, it has been pierced in several places by now removed arrows. Dragging his right leg behind him, he moves to the center of the Council. Reaching into a canvas bag soaked with blood, he brandishes the head of the newest and last Mongol Khan:

Jebe the Mauler is dead!

Otto tosses the head into the basket with the others.

It was the most fearsome battle I've ever seen. They would not break, even after their Khan died. I lost a thousand men, almost two thirds my army, but they are all dead or run away.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Otto seems momentarily overcome at the losses. He recovers and speaks in a guttural growl:

Their army routed and the Mongols will trouble us no more. They are destroyed!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Leopold is avenged! I am. . .

Otto collapses.

[FactionHeir]

*Hans rushes over to the old knight and sets him down on one of the makeshift tables*
Someone bring a bucket with water!
*turns to one of the guards staring at the scene*
You. Send word to Salier that the troops are assembled for him to assault Damascus.
*to Dirk:*
Send me a physician will you!

[econ21]

Henry: Well fought, King Otto - you have avenged the loss of my brother; I am in your debt once again.

Chancellor, I wonder if I may return to Edessa? I have some unfinished business there. I would like to see the Kingdom of Outremer completed before I die. I know men are short and I do not require a full army - perhaps a more modest force might entice the Egyptians to leave their fortifications. However, if you could send some priests ahead of me, it would be appreciated. Also, if your brother Elberhard could be spared, I would like him to join me and perhaps continue the work if I should be called away.

[econ21]

Henry: Congratulations to Fredericus von Hamburg on his taking of Damascus. Like most of our recent gains, it was costly but well fought. I was surprised to see Medhat Kafur commanding the garrison - I ransomed that chap outside of Edessa; he would have been better advised to stay there.

The establishment of Outremer is nearly complete - there remains only Edessa.

[FactionHeir]

I applaud Fredericus and our other noble crusaders for taking Damascus and showing their faith by marching all the way from Europe. You truly deserve your new positions.

Now, I shall retreat and make arrangements for our emperor's mission to Damascus and send word to Elberhard as well.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Gentlemen, the Horse Lords have arrived for another try at our lands. While their forces do not seem as large and we will be more, er, prepared (*Conrad pales*), please keep in mind that we will most likely be facing invasion when you authorize build queues next Diet session.

[FactionHeir]

My fellow crusaders.

After receiving reports of the Mongol invasion, I have ordered all fortresses in Outremer to produce troops to raise our level above what we had to show the original invaders. This is to compensate for any mishaps that may occur in battle or due to logistics.
I am open to further suggestions regarding Outremer.

[econ21]

Kaiser Henry: I believe we should learn from our last experience. To defeat the horse lords, we had three full strength armies of good quality (horse and crossbows are particularly important, I believe). I believe we should work towards recreating such a force. It would be helpful if the three armies were each led by night fighters - I volunteer myself and Elberhard to jointly lead one of the three armies; we have nearly sufficient pavisiers but are in want of other troop types.

It is not clear at this stage where the Horse Lords are heading. Baghdad was merely sacked - they do not intend to make it their homelands. It is possible they will take on the Turks after the whipping we gave them last time. But I fear once again that Outremer has the most tempting targets for their invasion.

I am of the opinion that we should mobilise and march on them as soon as possible. Meet them head on.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Mein Kaiser, I respectfully disagree. We are not at war with just the Horse Lords. If we empty Outremer to march out and fight them head-on, the Turks and Egyptians will see this as an opportunity and invade. I suggest that we wait until they get much closer to us before striking out and attacking.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Due to recent, er, events, Wolfgang Hummel is now Count of Acre.

The updated count list is as follows:

Antioch - Conrad Salier (GeneralHankerchief)
Damascus - Karl Zirn (Northnovas)
Adana - Matthias Steffin (OverKnight)
Acre - Wolfgang Hummel (Ignoramus)
Aleppo - Fredricus von Hamburg (FLYdude)
Edessa - Elberhard (econ21)

[FactionHeir]

Messenger
King Salier,

As voiced in the diet, I shall be embarking towards Outremer once again to assist you in your plight against the Mongols - this time not as the guiding hand, but as the sword of christ.

Count Hans the Mighty of Swabia

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn

King Salier, thank you for your goods words to the Kaiser. My Duke has also offered support back home and I look forward in leading an Imperial Army to battle and getting the young Hummel knighted.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Count Hans, thank you for your assistance.

Count Zirn, I wish you luck in your endeavour.

Since the future King of Outremer will no doubt be reading this transcript, let me say here that I think I've figured out the secret to keeping the Kingdom safe from all outside influences. If the Dukes regard you as a pain in the then you are doing your job well.

[econ21]

A message for King Salier:

Right, boss, I've taken command of my late father's "army" east of Edessa. A right @#$%^&!!!ing strange collection of men, I must say. Mainly crossbowmen, but lacking much horse or solid foot. While such lads would be handy in a fight with the Horse Lords, without protection, the Horse Lord cavalry would bowl them over like a bunch of skittles.

The Horse Lords are besieging Mosul a little further east. Tough luck for our enemies, the @#$%^&!!!ing Turks. But I reckon Edessa will be the Horse Lords next stop. Well, there is @#$%^&!!! all else out in this @#$%^&!!!ing desert, is there?

So, what's the plan, boss?

Do I get the @#$%^&!!! out of here and hole up in Edessa? I reckon I could hold it until relieved.

You are planning to @#$%^&!!!ing relieve me, right, boss?

Yours etc

Elberhard

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I will speak to the Kaiser. I believe that the Horse Lords will be better handled behind walls than out in the field. If he agrees then you will return to Edessa, hopefully bulked up by reinforcements.

There you will stay and delay them while the other armies in the area will march to your aid.

I will send this strategy to the Kaiser unless there are any objections from the other Counts or anyone else located in Outremer.