The Kingdom of Outremer

[OverKnight]

The new configuration of the armies:

Vanguard:

Duke von Saxony
Count Mandorf
Count von Mahren
2 Teutonic Knights

3 Dismounted Feudal Knights
5 Armoured Sergeants
1 Sergeant Spearman

4 Peasant Crossbowmen
2 Pavise Crossbowmen

Rearguard:

Kaiser Henry
Chancellor von Kassel
Count Hans
2 Mailed Knights
1 Teutonic Knights

2 Sergeant Spearmen

I tried to assemble a balanced assault army, with a cavalry reserve. If needed we could leave behind the 2 Sergeant Spearmen for a short while.

I would also like to welcome Count Hans to the Crusade. You have picked an interesting time to join us young sir. Should we kill the fatted calf?

[Kagemusha]

"Im ready to destroy the heathens. I have started to worry that i might not even see one before im buried in this god forsaken land. But then on other hand who know´s if i live 100 years and outlive everyone on this crusade."

Dietrich sits down laughing to himself.

[econ21]

I would also like to welcome Count Hans to the Crusade. You have picked an interesting time to join us young sir. Should we kill the fatted calf?

The Kaiser with consternation: By God, Chancellor Otto! I know my son has caused us some angst - and put on a little weight - but there is no reason to call him a fatted calf! And killing him is rather an extreme punishment for his insubordination.

[OverKnight]

I am sorry for the misunderstanding, it was a poor attempt at a joke. I was referring to one of the Parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke.

http://nephi.org/prodigalson/

No offense was meant.

[econ21]

The Kaisers looks astounded at the Chancellor and then roars with laughter: My dear Chancellor, do not apologise - I understood you completely; it was I who was making a poor attempt at a joke.

Looks around at the sombre Crusader Council and whispers sheepishly to Duke Otto: I only hope we make a better fist of running the Reich than we do of humour.

[OverKnight]

Otto cracks up in a mixture of relief and understanding of the Kaiser's joke. His expression becomes more serious as he speaks:

Ah, of course. I am afraid matters of state and Crusade have blunted my appreciation for a good jest.

Due to my move to block in the Jihad army, the army dispostion I gave earlier is now defunct. I will attempt to restore it in the new year before we attack.

May God bless our righteous attack on the infidels.

[TinCow]

Chancellor von Kassel, my Duke...

*Maximillian Mandorf kneels and bows his head.*

For whatever critcisms and insults I have thrown your way in the past, I am truly sorry. By reconciling the Reich with the Pope, you have cleansed all of the stain of our past actions. It is the beginning of a new era of a true Christian Reich! You have succeeded where both Duke Leopold and myself failed. I can never express my thanks to you for seeing this matter brought to a close. I feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted from my heart.

*Maximillian stands and turns to the rest of the Council.*

Fellow Christian Knights, with the Reich once again in the Pope's favor, I think it is time to request his official blessing on our Crusade. Let us petition the Pope to call a full Crusade on Jerusalem!

[OverKnight]

Otto smiles and looks a bit flustered but also proud:

I have only balanced the scales on my actions in the past and the present. We shall see now what the future holds. Yet I am relieved as well. We can go forward now.

After we battle the Jihad, I will write the Pope. God willing our victory will be the evidence the Pope needs to recognize our Crusade.

Still, even though we did have a hand in his elevation, we are not high in Pope Lanbertus's standing yet. We have much to prove. If I cannot get his recognition this year, I will endeavor to do so until I have it.

Edit: OOC: We're 6/10 on the Pope-o-meter. We'd probably have done better with an Imperial Cardinal, but wait a few years, we might get lucky again. Lanbertus has two good qualities, he's forgiving and he's old.