The Kingdom of Outremer

[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.

[TinCow]

Our course of action will be entirely dependant upon what the Hungarian Prince does this year. It is entirely possible that the Hungarians could attack us, remain where they are, defending Sofia, or even march off elsewhere. I believe we should wait to make such a decision until we see what they do.

[Kagemusha]

Dietrich Von Saxony:

I agree with Von Mandorf.If the Hungarians attack,we will fight them.If not we will move further.We have good mixed army compositions to destroy the Magyars,if they dare to attack us.

[OverKnight]

OOC Question:

Are there any significant posts from this thread that belong in the chronology? I have a link for the formation of the Council of Crusaders in 1154, but are there any other years we should link to this thread?

Obviously, the year that the Crusade officially began moving would be an important date. I'm guessing that's 1160, but I could be wrong.

I'd appreciate any input you all might have.

[OverKnight]

My lords, it is of critical importance that our newly returned cavalry reach us safely. However, I do not think the Crusade should wait for them in the Lion's den we now find ourselves in.

I ask that I be sent to retrieve the cavalry. I will take command of the force and catch up with the rest of you as soon as possible, most likely once you have crossed into Venetian held Thessaly. They should have a noble in command as they cross these plains. (OOC: There should be a human to lead them if the Teutons and mailed knights are attacked).

It will be dangerous, but no more so than what we face every day since we have left the Reich.

What say you my fellow Crusaders?

[econ21]

Duke Otto, your volunteering to escort my wayward son is a noble act and I am grateful for your chivalry. But I fear that being in proximity to a powerful Hungarian army, we cannot risk even a strong detachment of knights moving alone. If the Hungarians were to strike with a full army, surely you, my son and all your knights would fall? I believe the only prudent move would be for our entire rearguard army to reunite with Hans and his contingent of knights - even if that means halting or backtracking. The advanceguard army, under Duke von Saxony could continue on if it is judged prudent. The rearguard would catch up as best we can.

It greatly displeases me that the progress of our crusade must be delayed by the disobedient and glory-hunting antics of my son - particularly when it means we must tarry in such a dangerous situation as that in which we presently reside. Nonetheless, I do propose we must delay - not to protect my son, but the many knights that he brings with him. They will be a valuable resource in our many battles to come in the Holy Land. We cannot risk them being squandered if they are attacked alone without infantry when scarcely beyond our Reich's borders.

[ooc: I am not sure what the situation in the savegame is, but if Duke Otto is proposing to end a turn alone with Hans and the knights near a full stack Hungarian army, I think that's too risky. Better to move our entire stack to join Hans.]

[Kagemusha]

I think that Kaiser is right in his assumptions and i support manouvering like he has suggested. I think that we must move as large united forces or we might never see even Bosphorus.