The Kingdom of Outremer

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

I think it best that our units in Edessa remain behind walls to see what the Horse Lords bring to the fight. I just hope that taking the Turkish city Iconium, if that is still the plan. I hope it does not push necessary resources too far west.

[OverKnight]

Matthias:

I may still be stuck in Europe, but I agree with staying behind the walls for now. The reason we were able to dispatch the Mongols in the open field the first time was because the Second Crusade, and many of the forces of the First Crusade, arrived at Damascus at around the same time as the Horsemen.

I did not personally witness it, and I can hardly believe even after reading the historical records that such a large force of Imperial soldiers, four full Armies worth, gathered together in such a small area. God was smiling on us though, and through strong leadership and sacrifice, the Mongols were quickly defeated in the open.

We, unfortunately, do not have the same situation now. The forces of Outremer, while of excellent quality, are scattered and depleted. We will need time to reinforce and recruit. That is why I belive we should stay behind walls for now. It will also serve to negate the Mongol advantage in bowmen. The downside is that our garrison will be tied to one spot, allowing multiple Mongol armies, if they see fit, to engage us.

I hope to be in Outremer as soon as possible. I would be most vexed if I missed this.

[Privateerkev]

A ragged messenger makes his way to the King's army bringing word from Damascus:

My King,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you that a small Egyptian force with siege equipment is just south of Damascus. I had previously asked for your and the chancellor's permission to join up with you but I want to know if you wish for me to deal with this threat first. I believe we will be besieged any day now. Also, would it be possible to reinforce this area? In the city there is only one unit of spears and two small groups of religious orders. While all of us would be more than willing to die in the service of the Reich and the Lord, it may be prudent to let us live so we can continue to do the good Lord's work. There are many strategic options available to us. Both your army and my father's army are within range to the West and the youngest Hummel brother has just come of age and can reach us from the North. Also, scouts tell me that the Egyptian Sultan is just East of the city. Might be an opportunity to cut the head from the snake. I await your orders and guidance but I warn you that time is running short for we will most certainly be besieged soon.

Your humble servant,
Jan

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Seeing as you are not yet knighted the only option is to link up with me in Damascus. In the meantime, I will ask the Kaiser to really churn out the troops in the appropriate castles.

[Privateerkev]

Seeing as you are not yet knighted the only option is to link up with me in Damascus. In the meantime, I will ask the Kaiser to really churn out the troops in the appropriate castles.

Jan:

Then I eagerly await your arrival in Damascus so you can survey the situation personally. I only ask that if you go after these foes, that you please take me with you . I am starting to grow impatient from so much inaction. I feel my body has dulled from too much easy city living and I wish to sharpen and hone myself to be a better weapon for the Reich and the Lord.

Your humble servant,
Jan

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

We need as many knights as we can get in the east, so yes, I definitely will take you with me. I will be amazed if we come out of this wave with no major deaths.

[flyd]

Crusaders,

When I ran for the post of Chancellor, I had one purpose: to prepare the Outremer for the Mongol assault. When I ran again a few years later, I had the same purpose, but we are out of time. I have sent all the troops to Edessa, and every Imperial castle in the Outremer has been training troops at the maximum capacity. Still, it is unlikely that we would win against the Mongols in the open field. All 4 Mongol armies remain near each other, and I believe most of their commanders would not be surprised by a sneak night attack. For that reason, Elberhard and Conrad Salier are to withdraw towards Aleppo, and set up a defense there, and at the bridge on the Euphrates river. Jan von Hamburg will remain with Salier's army. I will hold Edessa for as long as possible.

Fredericus von Hamburg.

[FactionHeir]

In the light of this uncertainty, I am most displeased that the chancellor refuses my request to spend 1000 florins for a fleet to hasten my arrival in Outremer by at least 4 years. I shall reconsider whether in the light of these events my presence in Outremer is truly appreciated.

[Privateerkev]

The newly knighted Jan von Hamburg walks into the King's command tent wearing dirty battle armor and accompanied by his brother in law, Dieter. He brings in a map of the area and unrolls it on a large table. Present is Jan, Dieter, the King, and aides to Elberhard and Karl Zirn so they may later take word back to their commanders.

My lord...assembled gentlemen...we have all heard of my father's intention to defend Edessa and wait for the Hordes to come to him. I don't know about any of you, but I am not about to let him fall at the hands of those pagan scum! I propose a plan to you, my fellow crusaders, that we might collectively take to my father, and hopefully convince him to let us implement. Please forgive the impudence I am about to display, but I believe my father's life hangs on the decisions we make at this very meeting. I have read the scouts' reports carefully and the situation looks grim. Four full stacks of Mongol hordes sit right outside of Edessa. I propose a bold plan to form a ring around this force and thereby set up a situation where we can both defend ourselves from these barbarians and mutually support each other after we are attacked.

Jan points with one finger at the river crossing just northwest of Edessa and points the other finger at Elberhard's aide.

Most of Elberhard's men are well rested and can make it to this river crossing. There they can hold off an assault while also providing support should the horse lords pick a different target.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: While a few of the crossbow units have no MP, the rest of this force could reach that river crossing on this turn if those units are deselected.

Jan waves a hand towards the King while pointing at the bridge that Elberhard's forces currently occupy.

My king, if you wish, your forces can then take position on the bridge that Elberhard currently occupies. From here, you can defend yourself from an assault while maintaining the ability to come up from the South and attack the horse lords from behind when they pick their target.

Jan points at Dieter.

My brother in law, along with most of my forces, are well rested and can join up with the King in short time. I have to tend to my wounded from the last battle and can not make it for a short while but will be able to move soon.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Most of my forces have enough MP to make it to Conrad's position but Jan is almost out of MP for this turn.

What this does gentlemen, is put our forces where we can assist my father in the event of a siege, while providing our forces with strong defensive positions. I implore you to give careful thought to my plan for I fear it might be the only chance my father has at coming out of this alive. I leave you all to convene with your commanders and advisers and I hope to hear from you all soon.

Jan rolls up the map, turns around, and walks out of the tent followed by Dieter.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I would agree with this plan if the Horse Lords were our only threat. However, we must turn our gaze to the South at the moment, namely Acre. A large Egyptian army is about to make its way into our territory and could easily capture one or more territories. If we ring around the Horse Lords it will grow even more difficult to mark this force.

[Privateerkev]

Jan:

Acre can be retaken. My father can not be brought back from the dead. Also, the horse lords are by far the greater threat. We have them in a situation where they are strategically disadvantaged. If we implement my plan, they will not be able to attack a target without leaving their own flanks vulnerable. The only way they can counter my plan is if they split their forces and send a stack towards each river. This leaves them only two stacks to assault Edessa. This cuts the forces my father would have to fight, in half, thereby increasing his odds. If they send all four to the assault, they leave themselves open for us to hit their stacks from behind. I do not know when we will ever be in such an advantageous position regarding these barbarians. Do we not owe it to a man who has lived his life in service to the Reich to at least try to make the odds a little more even? I understand and respect his choice to make his stand at Edessa. But, if we can give him a fighting chance at surviving, doesn't he deserve it? After the horse lords are dead, we can turn our eye south and kick the Saracens out of our lands for good.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

With him being Chancellor as well as the one whose life is at stake in Edessa, I believe that the final decision to go to Fredricus.

[Privateerkev]

Conrad Salier:

With him being Chancellor as well as the one whose life is at stake in Edessa, I believe that the final decision to go to Fredricus.

Gets impatient

Jan:
Of course its his decision! But, we can still come up with a plan to give him the most support possible while still defending our area! How can we expect him to let us implement a plan if we do not have a plan!?!

regains himself a little

My apologies my king. I'm just feeling at a loss as to what to do. I don't want to stand idly by and do nothing. Look, I know I spoke out of turn. I've said my piece...and then some. I will leave it in the hands of others and pray that someone will let us do something about this.

with a bowed head, Jan turns around and slowly walks out obviously depressed and upset

[econ21]

Elberhard:

King Salier,

I am humbly petition to be allowed to take my army and go and kick the @#$%^&!!! out of the Mongols. They are heading north across the Euphrates, but have a small rearguard trailing behind, still on the south bank. My army can catch them with their pants down. They are mainly foot archers and should be a piece of @#$%^&!!! for my lads. With luck, I may be able to bag the Mongol leader too.

Boss - let me at 'em. They just @#$%^&!!!ed up the Chancellor's army. It's only right we @#$%^&!!! 'em up in return. We can't let that insult to our honour stand or the Horse Lords will start getting ideas about our strength. Especially with the recent death of the Kaiser and the uncertainty over the succession. If I can whittle them down, your boys can hunt the remaining two armies down and then the job will be done, and we can all @#$%^&!!! off back home. Well, if you can call desert, heat and camel dung home.

Yours etc

Elberhard

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Take it down.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

King Salier the seige of Adanna has been lifted. The Turks were beaten and they retreated north to their stronghold. The General Qalawun Ilahi was killed in battle. I released all the prisoners.
There is the possibility of another attack from them they may have the resources. I am resupplying the troops and the fortress and willing to defend the western borders of the Outremer. Though I will come east to meet the Horse Lords if that is your wish.
There maybe some artillery and men to come your way. Also young Hummel is still with me and could be reassigned your way. There is no need for two commanders in the fortress.
For your consideration.

[Privateerkev]

Jan:

My king,

Since the Egyptians no longer seem to be threatening Acre, I humbly request to be allowed to join the fighting around Edessa. If I can do some good, Edessa is where I should be.

Your servant,
Jan

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Thank you, Count Zirn, your efforts are greatly appreciated. I request that you remain in Adana for the time being. Should we fail to stop the Horse Lords, then you are to meet them in battle.

Count Hummel, you still wish to be reassigned to Europe, correct? If that is still the case I suggest you write the Chancellor.

Jan, please make your way north as soon as possible, preferably with your army.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Elberhard. As no doubt your mercenary Captain informed you, you were somewhat dishonest in your request to do battle against the Horse Lords. You clearly emphasized hitting the rearguard instead an army and a half. I authorized that attack under the impression that you were only going to do some quick mop-up work.

The idea of it was to use numerical advantage for a change and kill half of an army for relatively nothing. Not engage in an all-out conflict and put everyone on the field's lives at risk!

Had you simply gone off, destroyed the rearguard, and returned we would be facing 2:3 odds instead of the 1:2 we now see. I congratulate you on your victory but do not obscure the truth of your actions to me again.

[Privateerkev]

Jan von Hamburg walks into his home in Aleppo after traveling from the mountain pass at Acre. A note containing his orders is on the table. The contents infuriate him.

Damascus!?! What the !@#$ am I supposed to do sitting in Damascus!?!

Jan grabs a pen and paper and starts writing...

*edit*

Jan is in the market after handing off the letter when someone he knows walks up to him.

Sir Jan! The Saracens have taken the Jerusalem!, the man said.

Jerusalem!?! We need a crusade at once! And I want in on it! Maximiliian!! Fetch my horse!!

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I do not want this travesty ever to occur again. We have all been embarassed and it gives the anti-Outremer party more ammunition to use against us. Obviously, a Crusade is imminent. I believe that a united front is required in these matters, so, I aim to propose the Crusade edict as a House Edict.

Edict 11.x: The Chancellor is ordered to immediately request a Crusade with Jerusalem as the target. Regardless of whether the Crusade is approved or not, at least one full-sized army is to be sent to retake the Holy City of Jerusalem post-haste. After capture, the city is to be immediately given to the Pope.

I need two seconders. Let's have them.

In addition, too much concentration in one spot is obviously what led to this situation. I also aim to create a personalized Edict regarding permanent army positions in Outremer. This must not be allowed to happen again.

[Privateerkev]

My King,

I would be honored to second such an Edict and I would be even more honored to join in on the Crusade. I am the closest to Jerusalem at Damascus and can be there soon after it is ordered.

[OverKnight]

Second

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn

I also second your proposal and will gladly lead such an adventure to teach those heathens men some chivalry.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Excellent, thank you all for your support.

In addition, this being a new Diet Session, I have changes to make in the list of Crusader Counts:

Wolfgang Hummel is no longer Count of Acre.
Prinz Elberhard's County switches from Edessa to Acre.
Jan von Hamburg is now Count of Edessa.

The updated list:

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

[Privateerkev]

Thank you my King!

Jan kneels down

As God as my witness, I will serve the people of Edessa well and protect it from all enemies. And I will do my utmost to spread the faith and bring the light of the Lord to the citizens there.

So help me God...

[econ21]

Noble crusaders,

I have few words suitable for an occasion such as this, and all of them are unprintable. We have been humbugged by the Egyptians. I fear we have grown complacent - too secure in our own pre-eminence.

I have played my own part in this complacency, rashly attacking the Mongol rearguard. I sincerely apologise to King Salier for not being explicit about what was involved. In my defence, I would say my enthusiasm rather got the better of me and in my naivete, I had little inkling they would prove so formiddable.

However, like the Chancellor before me, I make no apologies for bleeding the Mongols. It had to be done. The Chancellor and I have halved the Mongol horde threatening Outremer - admittedly at not inconsiderable cost, but we can make good our losses and they cannot.

I fear there is no low cost way to defeat the horse lords. They refused to take the bait at Edessa. Had multiple Mongols attacked my army while I was guarding the bridge on the Edessa-Aleppo road, I fear the outcome would have been worse.

Although we are all no doubt preoccupied with the loss of Jerusalem, we must give thought to the immediate threats we face. Acre is lightly garrisoned and a half-sized Saracen army approaches it. Two full strength Mongol armies stand outside Aleppo.

Fortunately, the Mongol armies are now divided and can be attacked in isolation. I humbly submit that King Salier take his army to strike against Khan Subetei. My army garrisoned in Aleppo is close enough to the Khan to support an attack on him without being moved. Together with King Salier's army, we will outnumber the Khan nearly two to one. If King Salier would prefer I command the attack, I would of course be willing but the honour should rightly lie with him.

After defeating the Khan, we can consider whether to press to a conclusion and deal with the final Mongol army. We will also be better placed to decide what reinforcements to send to Acre. I believe either Jan or myself should be rushed there at the earliest opportunity.

Finally, I would like to thank King Salier for my appointment as Count of Acre. After Jerusalem is liberated, I would be honoured to be based in Acre and to focus on making sure the Holy City it is never taken from Christendom again.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Prinz Elberhard, I accept your apology. You have submitted an interesting proposal. I shall retire for the night and comment on it, as well as my own proposals, in the morning.

[flyd]

The Edict is necessary and I do like Elberhard's proposal.

However, the most important thing we could secure would be a Chancellor friendly to the Outremer. Has any of you Crusaders thought of running? Salier? Elberhard? Zirn?

[Privateerkev]

Looking at the map, I have some ideas. There is no way to stop the Egyptians from sieging Acre next season should they choose to do so. Only a few fast horses could reach in time. But, if they do not immediately knock the walls down, and just pu the castle under siege, I can be there before they get in. I have two real routes to do this. I can take the force from Damascus, travel south, and cross the bridge just east of Jerusalem. But I am afraid that while my army is resting, the Egyptians in Jerusalem will place a blocking force in front of me and I would not be able to guarantee getting to Acre in time to save it. The other route is to loop north and then west, before going south. I can take the forces at Damascus and meet up with a column of troops that are marching just to the northwest of my position. I then would hit the Sultan, either killing him or at least knocking him out of my way. I would then travel north until I can go west. I would travel west to the sea and turn back south. That would put me and my forces just north of Acre before the Egyptians even siege it. An alternative to this plan would have the King drive his army straight south, but even he could not stop the Egyptians from sieging Acre, should they choose to do so. But, as Ebelhard pointed out, the King might choose to hit the Mongol army. So, my idea gives the King more flexibility to deal with the Mongol threat while I will ensure that Acre does not fall to the rebels. One of the reasons Acre is even threatened, is because I kept asking my father to allow me to move north, in order to join the fight against the Mongols. I feel it is only right that I be involved somehow in the defense of Acre. Then I assume we would gather for the Grand Crusade against Jerusalem.

By the way, has anyone noticed that the city is plagued?