The Kingdom of Outremer

**OverKnight** · 10-30-2007, 15:51

Matthias's eye widens in surprise.

Counsel? It seems that you, Jan and Dieter have already reached a decision without me.

He laughs mirthlessly, and his expression grows grimmer.

That explains the large army in Acre and a few other things. . .

Matthias shakes his head.

Leave if you wish, mein Kaiser. There is much to attend to back in Europe. But I will stay, I will not let the Greeks take Outremer, not while there is breath in my body. We have been here for over a century, and I will not abandon what I have poured my heart and soul into for so long. We have lost so much, I will not fall back any longer.

Matthias's hand tightens on the hilt of Iron Faith, sheathed at his side.

I will make my stand here.

**econ21** · 10-30-2007, 16:15

Elberhard: @#$%^&!!! it, Matthias - are we going to repeat the same @#$%^&!!! as before with Adana? I thought it was only King Jan's refusal to leave Outremer that was keeping us here!

I will stay here until the fleet is ready in 1332, then I will review the situation. Right now, we have several options - perhaps the most profound of which is whether to try to affect regime change in Jerusalem. Dieter is rather in favour of the idea, although the young man has some strange ideas. What are your thoughts on this?

**OverKnight** · 10-30-2007, 16:34

Matthias stares at the Kaiser.

I hate to say this, your Majesty, but wasn't I right about Adana? Go if you want, but I'm not leaving. What has been consecrated in blood will not be abandoned. Perhaps when I first proposed the idea you have made your own, it would have been possible, but we have fought too hard and too long to simply leave Outremer in the hands of anyone else.

Matthias sighs.

As for the Pope, it wouldn't be the first time the Reich has removed an inconvenient Pontiff. If we can secure our southern flank, perhaps even restore our alliance with the Papal States, a move on Jerusalem would be worth it. Particularly if you are going to be leaving. I will have difficulty defending on many fronts as the only General left here, a quiet border would be a Godsend.

**econ21** · 10-31-2007, 10:48

Elberhard: Very well, I will authorise Count von Kassel to attempt regime change in Jerusalem. Given the many Swiss Guard with the Pope, the battle will not be easy, but if it effects reconciliation, then the rewards for the Reich, and for Outremer, will be worth the sacrifice.

What of Aleppo? It will fall before the year is out unless relieved. Even if we relieve it, I fear it is untenable.

Nonetheless, given your desire to stay in Outremer, Matthias, I am inclined to give battle to the Guard Army of Tobromeros Comnenus and then press on to Aleppo. Attrition works both ways and if we can thin the Byzantine armies before I sail, you may be able to hold Outremer with just your own.

However, if I reach Aleppo, my inclination would be to evacuate it and then gift the castle to the English. As reaching Aleppo may cost half of my army, I will not even leave the ford if such gifting does not meet with the approval of the Count of Aleppo. Needless to say, in 1332, if - as seems likely - I sail for the homeland, you would be named King of Outremer.

What is your opinion, Matthias?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**OverKnight** · 10-31-2007, 14:47

Matthias sighs.

If it is a choice between loosing Aleppo to the Greeks or gifting it to the English. . .I choose the English.

Between a change in Popes and the transfer of Aleppo, if the English will take it, the Byzantines will be hemmed in somewhat, making the defense of the Antioch and Acre more achievable.

As for my own plans, I am outnumbered in artillery. Unless there is a compelling reason to attack north from the bridge, I will hold there this year. I'd very much like to strike at Nikeforos, but I must balance vengeance with conservation of my army.

**econ21** · 11-01-2007, 03:08

Elberhard: "Well, I reckoned I'd lose half my army relieving Aleppo and I was not far wrong. I lost 694 men to rescue 134. Something does not add up there. But @#$%^&!!! it all, I cannot bear to leave a man behind."

Kachig (sotto voce, in jest): "Except Matthias..."

Elberhard: "Shut the @#$%^&!!! up, you @#$%^&!!!er!"

(Turns to Matthias and says quietly, almost as if in prayer): "I hope the blood of my army has bought us some respite."

**OverKnight** · 11-01-2007, 04:09

A heavy toll, mein Kaiser, but I'm sure the Greeks suffered worse. The decisions we make are difficult, and sometimes only seem to be between bad and worse, but we must have faith that we will, eventually, triumph.

May God help us.

Edit:

Matthias retreats deep into thought.

I feel a fool sitting at the bridge while good men die to protect Outremer. I will attack! Nikeforos Argyrus will die, and I will bring God's justice to his men and beasts.

Matthias strides out.