The Kingdom of Outremer

[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.

[econ21]

I have now consulted the maps (OOC: 1174-2.zip) and better understand the situation. The practical implication of my earlier statement is that the rearguard move back to the bridge to rendezvous with the knights. I believe this union would make both the knights and the rearguard more capable of defending themselves against the Hungarians. I am quite set in my mind that this should be done.

What is an open question is the fate of the advanceguard. They could either march on, hold in place or return with the rearguard. I believe this should ultimately be the decision of Duke Dietrich and Count Maximillan. Personally, I think they should press on. I always envisaged the advanceguard moving ahead. For it to back track with the rearguard would too conservative and backward a step. Staying in place, alone against the Hungarians would seem the worst option of all - providing neither progress nor security.

[OverKnight]

Let me illustrate my plan before it is dismissed:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Kaiser Henry's army has a clear path into the eastern pass into Thessaly. Duke Dietrich's army will have to run off the small Hungarian army to his west before following. At the end of this year, you will both be out of Hungarian territory. I doubt they will pursue you into Venetian territory as they are not at war with them.

At the same time I will meet up with the cavalry back at the bridge over the Morava river. The following year (turn) I will be able to cross into Venetian territory by the western pass, avoiding the Hungarians. Using the superior movement rate of the horsemen, I will be able to avoid any enemies and catch up with the Crusade before it reaches the Hellespont.

This plan has the advantage of keeping the majority of the Crusade together, and utilizing the superior speed of the cavalry to avoid any delays in our march to the Holy Land.

Edit: I would not propose this plan if I was not confident of its success. Unleash me, and I swear I will bring these men back.

Please reconsider my lords.

[OverKnight]

OOC: I feel the current structure works well for deciding strategic goals and setting standard operating procedure and movement orders. However, when it comes to short term problems and tactics, such as being surrounded by the pink horde or retrieving the cav, getting a consensus from everyone in a timely fashion for the Chancellor is problematic.

Perhaps if a situation like this arises again, the Chancellor can consult with the Crusaders who he can access at the moment to decide a course of action. This is not ideal, but it is expedient. I'm sure whoever is available would have a good idea of the thinking of the others and would keep in mind they would have to eventually defend their decision.

On the bright side this will only be a problem for 6 more years.

[TinCow]

I must say that like the rest of you, I was reluctant to see Duke von Kassel expose himself to attack from Hungarian forces. However, the plan he has mapped out is well thought-out and seems to propose a reasonable possibility of success. I will support his decision if he wishes to commit to this act.