The Kingdom of Outremer

[FactionHeir]

Messenger
King Salier,

As voiced in the diet, I shall be embarking towards Outremer once again to assist you in your plight against the Mongols - this time not as the guiding hand, but as the sword of christ.

Count Hans the Mighty of Swabia

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn

King Salier, thank you for your goods words to the Kaiser. My Duke has also offered support back home and I look forward in leading an Imperial Army to battle and getting the young Hummel knighted.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Count Hans, thank you for your assistance.

Count Zirn, I wish you luck in your endeavour.

Since the future King of Outremer will no doubt be reading this transcript, let me say here that I think I've figured out the secret to keeping the Kingdom safe from all outside influences. If the Dukes regard you as a pain in the then you are doing your job well.

[econ21]

A message for King Salier:

Right, boss, I've taken command of my late father's "army" east of Edessa. A right @#$%^&!!!ing strange collection of men, I must say. Mainly crossbowmen, but lacking much horse or solid foot. While such lads would be handy in a fight with the Horse Lords, without protection, the Horse Lord cavalry would bowl them over like a bunch of skittles.

The Horse Lords are besieging Mosul a little further east. Tough luck for our enemies, the @#$%^&!!!ing Turks. But I reckon Edessa will be the Horse Lords next stop. Well, there is @#$%^&!!! all else out in this @#$%^&!!!ing desert, is there?

So, what's the plan, boss?

Do I get the @#$%^&!!! out of here and hole up in Edessa? I reckon I could hold it until relieved.

You are planning to @#$%^&!!!ing relieve me, right, boss?

Yours etc

Elberhard

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I will speak to the Kaiser. I believe that the Horse Lords will be better handled behind walls than out in the field. If he agrees then you will return to Edessa, hopefully bulked up by reinforcements.

There you will stay and delay them while the other armies in the area will march to your aid.

I will send this strategy to the Kaiser unless there are any objections from the other Counts or anyone else located in 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.