The Kingdom of Outremer

[OverKnight]

My lords, I have been informed by our priests travelling ahead of us that the Thessalonica region is Venetian. This along with Hungary's declaration of war against us is unfortunate, but we will be able to travel more quickly now. We also stand less of a chance of angering the Byzantines, for they have less lands to trespass on now.

Should this news change our route or approach?

[TinCow]

My standing orders to the Chancellor stated that in the event of war with Hungary, we are to proceed at the fastest possible route to the Hellespont. I admit, I have been busy with prayer and religious contemplation lately and have not looked at the map. Would one of the more geographically aware Crusaders educate me as to our exact position?

[OverKnight]

My cartographer appears to be drunk (OOC: ImageShack is acting cranky). But we are on the northern road in the Zagreb region about two years journey from the Hungarian border. If we keep following the road, which the Hungarians have been kind enough to pave, we will be following the northern route I proposed a few years ago.

Ah, he woke up and has provided a map.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Should we hunt down that Heretic? I'm not sure if our priests could denounce him successfully.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: As you know, I have a particular distaste for inquisitors. If he does not do for us first, then yes, I believe we should hunt him down. This may also provide an opportunity to reunite the crusade.

Has anyone received word from my son, Hans? Does he intend to join us?

[TinCow]

It is unfortunate that one of the priests who has volunteered to travel with us has fallen from the light of the Lord. It is our sworn duty to bring the true Word of God to the disbelievers and it would be a disservice if we allowed one of our own to pollute the Reich's lands with heresies. I agree with Duke von Kassel that our remaining priests may not be experienced enough to successfully prosecute such a man. However, Prinz Henry has had previous experience with the inquisitorial process. Perhaps he would be willing to give his personal attention to this matter, after his army has ensured that the man cannot escape.

[OverKnight]

With the passing of Kaiser Heinrich, God rest his soul, it will be impossible for me to continue as the leader of the trailing army. Kaiser Henry, may your reign bring us glory and redemption my lord, has pride of place, and of course leadership of the army falls to him.

The disadvantage to enforcing the chain of command is that the Kaiser, Kaiser Henry that is, does not use some of the more severe methods I employ to keep the troops moving. We might end up lagging behind Dietrich's army.

I believe it is of critical importance that we keep the two armies close together. Our separation provides us with flexibility, but I would not be so far apart that a large enemy force could isolate and attack one of us.

Your thoughts my lords?

OOC: This could also effect leadership while econ is on sabbatical. I'd be happy to fight any battles that crop up but it would be under the Kaiser Henry's banner, as it were, since he is the Faction Leader and not Otto's.

Edit: I game tested a bit, since Henry's promotion took place while he was in a stack with Otto, it seems that Otto is still the leader of the stack. However I'm not sure if this would hold up if we went into battle, I do know that if Henry leaves and reenters the stack, he assumes command then.

[OverKnight]

My lords, we face an interesting situation as we enter Hungary. If I could draw your attention to this map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Getting the Crusade safely around the Fortress of Sofia will be challenging.

Should we change our course? Or should we draw the armies closer together? Or continue as we have been?

Thanks to Count Steffen, it seems the Hungarians have a new prince.