Germany Interactive History: Game Topic

[Seign Thelas]

The year is 1100. Germany is still only a number of splintered states, constantly vying for supremacy over each other. Even the power of the Holy Roman Empire wasn't enough to unite the monarchs of the principalities.

The splintered Empire is a shadow of itself under the rule of Charlemagne, the greatest German King of all time. Only one state can unite Germany under a single banner. One state can stand above all the rest. Which state will that be? Perhaps you can decide.

In the north, the strength of the Saxons and their Danish allies reign, although challenged by the elite cavalry of the Prussian state to its east.

To the west, the Franco-Germanic Frisians battle with their Swabian neighbors, holding an uneasy ceasefire with their much stronger Saxon neighbors, as well as friendly relations with France. The Swabians rely on themselves for strength, and thus far, it has worked, as many other nations fear they're mighty king, Heinrich.

In the southeast, the three kingdoms of Bavaria, Bohemia and Verona constantly feud with and befriend each other in a seemingly endless cycle of warfare. Bohemia, and its prince, Henry seem to be gaining the upper hand.

And in the south, the Pope, constantly insulted by the Holy Roman Empire, sees the opportunity to put an end to the thorn that has plagued the Papacy for over three hundred years. However, the Burgundians to their west see the Pope's mobilization as a threat to their own homeland, and seek to destroy the Papal forces, and perhaps capture the rich Italian peninsula in the process.

---

The game has begun. Again, sign-ups are always open, and new members are happily accepted.

For changes in the map, refer to the sign-up topic. (I will notify players in this topic when the map is changed.)

[Frederick_I_Barbarossa]

Frederick
Troops: 0

"My liege, I humbly submit this application: That I might be allowed to take a year's leave of your court and chapel, that I might be allowed to progress, by way of my Franconian homeland, and from thenceforth venture to that greatest of all Christian cities: Rome. The purpose of this expedition is of an educational and philosophical nature, by which I mean to say that I intend, with your permission and assistance, to study amongst the greatest minds of Christendom, and to observe the functionings of the court of His Most Serene Holiness Pope Gregory. This application submitted on this day, in the sight of God, by your most humble servant.
-Frederick

I have applied for leave to travel to Rome, by way of Franconia.

[Lord Winter]

Steffen
Troops: 5 merchent ships

Gentlemen I have inherated this company from my father wealthy but not powerful. Now it is time for this company to take the next step and expand. I will begain by begaining to buy out our smaller competeers. To protect our trade at sea I will also order the buying of two warships. Let this company expand and become the bigest in all of Italy.

[Ignoramus]

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 0

Conrad looked nervously around as he slowly rode up to the gatehouse of Otto von Metz's castle. He shivered as a cold wind began to blow through the cool dawn air.

"Halt!" commanded one of the guards, "Who are you and what is your business here?"

Conrad tried not to show his apprehension as he replied, "I am Conrad Hohenburg, and I desire to see the count."

"Ah, my lord has been expecting you. You may enter."

As the drawbridge was being lowered, Conrad gently nudged his horse forward and entered the castle. After being led through to Count Otto’s private chambers, Conrad stated his request to him.

“I must thank you for your kind patronage over the last two years. I trust that one day I shall be able to repay your kindness to me.

I would ask of you to take me into your service as a man at arms. I am eager to prove my valour in battle against our enemies, the Frisians.”

Conrad has requested to be taken into the sevice of Otto von Metz as a man at arms.

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer
Troops:0
Patients killed:0
Patients cured:0

Friedrich Meyer paced restlessly outside the mayor of Cottbus's office, the mayor had been kind to him, and Friedrich had always wished to repay him by his service. But now, Friedrich had found, from a travelling merchant, that Thuringia to the south there was a rich family, who shared his family name Meyer, since Friedrich was always a orphan, he soon decided that he would ask leave from the mayor to visit the southern state and see if he could find his family, but whether the mayor would accept...

Friedrich decided to ask permission from the mayor to visit Thuringia.

[Seign Thelas]

Frederick

To the Imperial Tutor, Frederick,

I find your letter to have come in good time, for I have been looking for an emissary to go to the Pope's court in Rome. Now that you have brought yourself up as a candidate to go, I can think of no one better. My people have already secured safe passage with all of the Lords to our south, and you will be allowed to proceed directly to Rome with a military escort, as long as you bear the seal I have sent with this letter.

The task I wish you to perform while in Rome, is to secure an alliance with the Papal Forces, for this would gain us legitimacy over the foolish, unpious Saxons. I expect you to get going immediately, and I hope to hear good news upon your return to Pomerania.

His Highness, King of Prussia,
Otto I

Frederick has been granted leave to go to Rome, on the condition that he secure an alliance with the Pope. He has also been given an escort of 100 elite soldiers from King Otto's personal guard.

Frederick
Troops: 100
150/100

---

Steffen Voltgrad

Steffen's men left the port to begin their trade and takeovers, one by one, Steffen began to buy out his smaller competitors and became a strong economic force in Verona. However, during his trading, two of his merchant vessels encountered a large fleet commanded by the pirate Lorenzo Ragetti, a mercenary under the Pope's employ, and self styled "King of the Adriatic." Just after this encounter, Steffen increased the search for warships and found them quickly. Although crude, they were large, and, beside that, they were some sort of protection

Steffen has become a formidable trader in the area of Verona, however, two of his merchant vessels were attacked by pirates, and lost, but he found three more. He has also gotten two crude, although large, warships, and crews for each.

Steffen Voltgrad
Troops: 200 Men (on two warships); 6 merchant vessels (non-combatant)
100/50

---

Conrad Hohenburg

The count looked sternly at the man, and suddenly, a frown shot across his face. He rose up at Conrad's words and began to shout.

"You come into my castle and ask to be part of my army?! As a simple man-at-arms?! You fool!" He continued, "I'll accept you as nothing less than a captain, my friend," he said as a smile replaced his frown. "Haha! This is fantastic! However, the Swabian King won't allow me to give too big a rank to 'newcomers.' It's paranoia, I suppose, all those years on the battlefield do something to you." He said as he pointed to his head. "I'll give you the maximum amount of men that the law allows, and all from my personal army."

Conrad Hohenburg has been granted 200 men from Otto Von Metz's army. He is now a captain of the Swabian Kingdom.

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 200
200/150

---

Friedrich Meyer

The mayor of Cottbus was known to be a very cold mannered man, and Meyer came to know this very early in their meeting, however, he had one weakness.

"Normally, I wouldn't allow a servant of the Kingdom to leave here. But I think everyone should know their family. I'll allow it this once. But I expect your prompt return upon finding what you need, or else there will be consequences for you."

Friedrich has been allowed to go to find his family in Thuringia by the mayor of Cottbus, but the mayor's agreement was reluctant, and he urges Meyer to hurry up with his search.

[Frederick_I_Barbarossa]

Frederick
Troops: 100
150/100

My liege-
I am lately arrived within the precincts of the lovely settlement of Coburg. I and my company are guests of the Franconian lords here within the gates of the fortress, and are being treated most royally. My native land bids me send you word of their fondest affections and highest esteem to your court.
In more serious matters, I intend to set out upon the morrow in the direction of Regensburg, from which I shall attempt passage of the Alps. Expect no further correspondence from me after that time until such time as I have passed over to the vicinity of Milan. I shall expect to be greeted with further diplomatic instructions from Your Highness upon my Italian arrival.

Your most humble servant-
Frederick

Frederick and host are being wined and dined by the Franconians. They will be proceeding to Italy shortly

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer
Guards: 2



Friedrich quickly made preparations for the trip, as well as buying several tasteful gifts for the mayor for his generosity. As well as this, Friedrich also spent a tenth of his fortune on two hired guardsmen, as the roads in Germany are infested with bandits. With his two guards and his own trusty axe, Friedrich set off on the road to Thuringia, hoping that he would find his family.



Friedrich sets out for Thuringia with 2 guards

[Ignoramus]

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 200
200/150

Otto von Metz smiled as he saw Conrad and his men training in the castle square - Conrad certainly was eager to fight, that was for sure.

Conrad and his men start training in the castle square.

[Seign Thelas]

Frederick
Troops: 100
150/100

Frederick had barely gotten through a pass in the Alps when he came upon a small village. However, the village was a very large one and seemingly destroyed, burned to the ground.

Frederick came to the front of his escort and asked what happened to the village. One of the few remaining villagers replied:

"M'lord, the Pope, at the head of his army has taken the lives of nearly all my fellow townsmen. I think his pockets are running dry because none of the German states are giving tribute anymore, he took all our money and food. We tried to resist, but it was to no avail."

Frederick listened and thought, What a bright young man this is. How does a simple country villager know so much about the world around him? He then responded aloud, "You may gather who and what you can and join me, for I am on a mission to see the Pontiff. Otherwise, stay here and rebuild."

Not a single person in the village dared to stay, in fear of bandits and Papal armies. The number he gathered from the village was meager, but all were brave, even the women, and had their own armor by the time they were leaving the area.

Frederick encountered a ruined village with few people in it and has absorbed the few remaining people. Among the people is a very intelligent young villager.

Frederick
Troops: 150
150/100

---

Friedrich Meyer
Guards: 2

A ways down the road, Meyer had heard a commotion behind him. A significant number of horsemen, far more than the three men could take alone, were approaching quickly with a carriage in tow. They bore the banner of the mayor of Cottbus.

The head of the troops approached Meyer. "Friedrich Meyer. The mayor has received all of your gifts humbly, and wishes me to tell you that he has never been treated with such kindness by someone of a lower station then his own. He feels he must recoup you for your deeds. In the carriage behind me is your weight in gold, the seal of vice-mayor of Cottbus, and the mayor's daughter, in hopes that you take his position as his heir when he steps down. He wishes that a man such as you should accept this. He would also like to add that you may continue on to Thuringia with all his gifts, as well as with my men, on the condition that you return with all of us as an escort, and wed his daughter in Cottbus. He humbly wishes you to accept all of this as a sign of his appreciation."

Meyer stood dumbfounded at the sudden turn of events.

Friedrich Meyer has been offered gold, office and marriage to the mayor of Cottbus's daughter, in order to take the position of heir of Cottbus, on a condition.

(If you accept your stats will be:)

Friedrich Meyer
Troops: 100
100/100

(If not, they stay the same.)

---

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 200
200/150

Conrad's men had responded well to the training and were showing results that even Otto von Metz was surprised at.

The training of Conrad's troops has benefited them. ATK/DEF +50/+50

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 200
250/200

[Frederick_I_Barbarossa]

Frederick
Troops: 100
150/100

My Lord-
Oh Milan: Queen of the cities of Italy! This day have we arrived in the city of St. Ambrose. At the request of the town council and the Bishop of the See of Milan, I am to be escorted to the banquet hall this night, in order that we might toast them Empire, and pray for brighter days in its future.
While this great city is of an almost overwhelming grandeur, I can only imagine what greatness lies to our south in the Eternal City. We have endeavored to take good care of our new accomplices, but I fear what complications this may make for us within the Pontiff's precincts. Your guidance most assuredly awaited in these matters. Within a fortnight I may be reached within the environs of Rome. Gloria Dei.

Your most humble and gracious servant in the eyes of God,
-Frederick

P.S. Shall I be assured that the young prince has endeavored further in his Latin studies?

Frederick and his band approach Rome as he requests diplomatic instructions.

[Ignoramus]

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 200
250/200

Conrad wiped his brow as he ascended the stairs to Otto's private chambers; the exercises had been particularly tiring today.

As he approached the doors, the guards, recognising their lord's favourite, respectfully stood aside.

"Ah, Conrad," spoke Otto as Conrad entered, "what do you desire to speak of with me?"

Conrad sighed before beginning, "Herr Otto, I have heard rumours among the men that our enemies, the Frisians, are good friends with the Franks. If that be case, then I fear that our task of regaining Lower Lorraine could be much harder. I therefore request permission to start calling for volunteers among the freemen of our towns, in order to strengthen my company of men lest the Franks invade."

Conrad has requested permission of Otto von Metz to recruit volunteers of the towns to strengthen his small force.

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer

Troops: 100
100/100

Friedrich was dumbfounded, how could he, a young men who only came to Germany 4 years before, be offered such a great gift? However, knowing that not accepting the gift would mean offense to the mayor, who had a reputation for his often overexaggerated anger at peopel who refuesed gifts from him.

Knowing this, Friedrich accepted the gift and rode towards the carriage to greet the daughter of the mayor, Johana, who was famous for her beauty. Johana greeted him courteuously, but was not very enthusiastic, clearly his father had forced her into this.

Feeling both overjoyed and disappointed, Friedrich once again led his much bigger group towards Thuringia.

Friedrich accepts the gift and continues to Thuringia.

[Lord Winter]

Steffen Voltgrad
Troops: 200 Men (on two warships); 6 merchant vessels (non-combatant)
100/50

Steffen walked into the throne room, kneeling before the king.

"My liege", he said. "There is a pairate that mences the noble traders of Verona. Lorenzo Ragetti has raided our trade and towns for two long. I ask for men and ships in order to rid the world of this pirate".

Steffen has asked the king to fund an expedition against the pirate Lorenzo Ragetti.

[Seign Thelas]

Frederick

Frederick,

My good tutor, worry not about such troublesome things as what complications might arise from such a small group of peasants, give them over to the care of your other men, and they shall keep them quiet. As for the diplomacy at hand, the Pope is, shall I say, not a good man. He is not as holy as a Pope should be. I, personally, would rather have no dealings with him. However, is army is very strong, stronger than any Pope before him, and his aid is needed. But I digress, the Pope is fond of gold, as are many men in Rome, and if you would offer him 200 pounds of the stuff, he would be won over. I gave each soldier 2 pounds of it before they left. They do not know it, but it is inlaid inside their leather breastplates. Merely rip all of them open and melt it out, and present it to the Holy one.

He also has little care for the lives of men, so if he asks what you need in return, reply "Only men and non-aggression from the Holy One."

--King Otto I of Prussia

P.S. The Pope is also known to enjoy the sight of blood, and he is no pushover. Watch your tongue with him, or I fear you may lose it.

P.P.S. The Young Lord is coming along nicely with his Latin studies. He would fit in superbly on the streets of Old Rome.

The one who delivered the letter happened to be the young man from the village. He spoke, "My Lord, forgive me for such bold speech, but I have a suggestion. The Pope is wrapped up in self-glory. He thinks that because he is the Pope, the world must bow to him. Even if you sign a non-aggression pact with him, I can guarantee that when he and his men expand to your border, he will attack. What I think you must do is," the young man looked around and lowered his voice, "Assassinate him. It would be the best course. Act for the greater good. However, I do not expect you to throw your life away for this. Give your dress to a common soldier, and give him a guard of two of the strongest men you can find. The Pope is too pompous and over-confident to have people searched, and I have heard he often meets people in full battle armor. In the meanwhile, you dress as a common townsfolk, and retreat from the city with a few horses and men, and no one will question you." The young man sat silently and waited for a reply, he looked very confident with his plan.

Diplomatic instruction has been given. And Frederick has also gotten a suggestion from the young man from the village.

Frederick
Troops: 150
150/100

(You have 150 troops now, by the way, the people in the village were added to it.)

---

Conrad Hohenburg

Otto von Metz saw the sense in the plan presented to him by Conrad, and he sent him to the nearby towns to recruit as many men as he could.

The signs were posted all over the towns, and many Swabians responded. Many didn't require any level of training, due to the fact that they have lived between the warring Frankish and German kingdoms, and many had been in a battle at least once. They were, indeed, a hardy lot.

Conrad has drafted a number of strong men from the towns.

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 800
300/200

---

Friedrich Meyer

The larger, although still small, group was hasty in its approach to Thuringia. Immediately, they came upon a former battleground. Bodies in both Prussian and Saxon uniforms littered the ground, a much larger number of the dead being Prussian cavalrymen. The bodies had to be weeks old. He heard that nearby, a town by the name of Meyersbruck was situated along a small river.

Friedrich has heard of a town called Meyersbruck nearby.

---

Steffen Voltgrad

The Duke of Verona, known to be a careful, yet efficient man, had known about the threat of the pirate Ragetti for some time, but never saw him as enough of a threat to fund an expedition.

The Duke, however, did control a sizable amount of wealth, himself, having been a merchant at one time.

"Well, you DO have two poorly outfitted ships now. But one cannot hope to defeat a professional pirate with just that, now can they? I will fund two things. A draft of 800 men to serve on your ships, and the building of five, top of the line warships. In return, I would ask of you 20% of your income as a trader, 40% of the loot you get from defeating Ragetti, and 100% of your loyalty to the armies of Verona. Savvy?

The Duke made no attempt to hide his merchant roots.

The Duke of Verona has offered a proposition to Steffen.

If you accept the offer:

Steffen Voltgrad
Troops: 1000 Men (on 7 warships); 6 merchant vessels (non-combatant)
300/200

If not, your stats do not change, but you are able to do as you please, rather than be bound by a lord.

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer

Troops: 100
100/100

Friedrich quickly recalled back to his conversation with the merchant from whom he had found out about his family in the first place, he said something about a rich family called the Meyer, who had dominated the politics of a city so much that the city itself was called after them, and also that the family had been raising a small army for Prussia against the Saxons.

Guessing that the two countries are already fighting, and being stuck with a large caravan of carriages in the open is no good if they are to surivive. Friedrich ordered his men to move towards the city of Meyersbruck, always keeping a protective circle of men around the carriage of the mayor's daughter, desperately hoping that the Saxons were defeated, and were still out here in Thuringia on the large...

Friedrich hurries towards Meyersbruck

[Frederick_I_Barbarossa]

Frederick
Troops: 150
150/100

"As much as I agree, I must act within my orders from the King", Frederick began to argue with the young man, "I am to have an audience with the Pope. If I, personally, do not present myself to the Pontiff, then I am in breach of my sacred duty to the King himself." He paused, looking plaintively out over the city. "However...I may be willing to assist you"

"How so?" replied the young man

"The men I have with me are some of the finest in all of the Empire--at very least the equal of any Swiss Guard. Suppose we were to--how to say this--"infiltrate" the Swiss Guard, and allow just enough gap in the Pontiff's defenses that a handful of your men could rush the Papal entourage in St. Peter's Square?"

"Methinks this sounds like quite the conspiracy...and that it just might work. What do you request in return for your cooperation?"

"All I ask is that I be in no way connected with these happenings...nor the throne of Prussia or His Majesty. I also ask the undying loyalty of your remaining men should this conspiracy succeed in vacating the Chair of St. Peter."

"Deal."

"Now...I must be off...preparations must be made for my Papal summons to Castel San Angelo tomorrow...business before, well, business." Frederick fell to his knees on the balcony of his Roman apartment facing St. Peter's and crossed himself "Lord, have mercy on us all"


Frederick has engaged in a conspiracy toward the death of Pope Gregory. He is to present himself at the Pontifical Court in the morning.

[Ignoramus]

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 800
300/200

Conrad couldn't believe what he had heard. "The Frisians have been sighted in Upper Lorraine?" he asked bewildered.

"Yes, my lord, reports of their soldiery have filtered back from the north." replied Conrad's page.

Conrad was worried. The report seemed genuine enough, but how could he be sure that this was not a design to draw him from the French border?

"We must march north lest these Frisian dogs are indeed destroying the land with fire and the sword." commanded Conrad.

Conrad has received a report that Frisians have invaded Upper Lorraine. He is marching north with his men to verify the report.

[Seign Thelas]

Friedrich Meyer

Along the road to Meyersbruck, Friedrich kept finding more and more corpses of dead Saxons, somewhat of an optimistic, although grim, omen. Many of his men, seeing that the corpses were among the Saxon elites, picked up their arms and armor and put it under their cloth Prussian uniforms. The Saxon armor was remarkably lightweight and offered superior protection. And the weapons were of high quality, each one fit for a Lord.

With so many corpses, Friedrich was able to outfit all of his men, including himself, in the Saxon armor. He wondered to himself, how did the superior Saxon army, with their top-notch training and equipment get slaughtered so easily? He tried to keep his thoughts focused on his task at hand, and soon saw the bustling town of Meyersbruck just over the horizon.

Friedrich Meyer has gotten better arms and armor for his men from fallen Saxons along the road to Meyersbruck, and has reached the town.

Friedrich Meyer
Troops: 100
150/200

---

Frederick

The young man hastily made preparations for his attempt on the Pope, while Frederick sent his men to infilitrate the Papal Guard, he sent 50 men in all, and all succeeded. Fifty Swiss Papal Guards laid dead on the floors of their homes with their families the next morning, and fifty impostors took up arms to "protect and serve" the Pope.

Frederick's meeting with the Pope went as planned and Frederick was granted 900 elite men with whom to return to Pomerania with. He, knowing what was to come, hastily retreated from the city.

Just as Frederick exited the city gates of Rome, he heard a large uproar not far behind him. As he turned his head back to see what it was, he saw the Pontiff raise his hand to block a sword slash, and subsequently lose half his arm in the process. He then drew a sword and cut down three assailants, while two more came from behind him and cut him down. He was dead before he fell to his knees. Frederick and his men did not stop during this commotion and were without the city limits in no time.

When he looked behind him, however, the young man from the village was there behind him, smiling.

"Without a hitch, M'Lord."

Frederick looked dumbfounded as he looked at the confidence in the face of this young man.

He crossed himself again and continued his journey back to Prussia.

Frederick has acquired 900 men from the Pope, and left 50 behind in the city. The Pope is dead, and the Pontiff's chair is now vacant.

Frederick
Troops: 1000
400/300

---

Conrad Hohenburg

Conrad's scouts were back to him in a few days and reported that the Frisians had no less than 3000 men with them, and were reported to be led by the Frisian King, Jean, himself. They could not decipher the exact strength of the men, but the scouts reported that Jean and his men were camped near some hills with many secret paths running through them that, for the most part, only locals knew about. Conrad was given the choice by Otto von Metz to fight them in the field or to hole up in their town and await the Frisian's arrival. Otto also pointed out that if they hesitate, Jean might call upon his French allies for reinforcements.

Your enemy:
King Jean, King of Frisia
Troops: 3000
?/?(You'll know his stats once you take the field.)

Conrad has gotten some information on his enemy, and has the choice to fight in the field or let the Frisians lay siege to the town.

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 800
300/200

[Frederick_I_Barbarossa]

Frederick
Troops: 1000
400/300

Ancona, Papal States

M'Lord-

His Holiness the Pope is dead, apparently victim of a dastardly assassination attempt. The Papal Guard is to be purged, and the Eternal City, as well as all Italy, is in turmoil. As I write, the Most Sacred College Of Cardinals is on its way to the city to elect the next Pontiff. Your instructions urgently awaited.
I am now at the port of Ancona, on the east coast of Italy. A lovely place, really, with a great view over the Adriatic. I am prepared either to march back to Rome (should my diplomatic skills be called for in your service), or to embark for more northern regions. Should the second course be more to your liking, I will need funds with which to acquire the services of one of the regional shipping agents in this area.

Your most humble servant before God,
Frederick

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer



Friedrich led his small troop of men, wearing their stolen armour, into the town. At the front of the gate he could see about 10 guards, he walked towards the gate alone, to ask from them for shelter for his men.

Before Friedrich could even speak, one of the watchmen said, “Master Meyer, I thought you were in the townhall…” The guard stopped talking as he noticed Friedrich’s young face, “You are not Lukas Meyer! You are an impostor!” With a wave of his sword, the other guards charged at Friedrich, knocking him cold in seconds. The guards quickly carried the unconscious Friedrich into the town, whilst suddenly archers lined the walls of the town; they caught Friedrich’s men unprepared. Without a choice, they put their weapons down, and waited as the town guards came out to arrest them.

The guards carried Friedrich’s body to a grand building filled with people; they ignore the suspicious glances, and quickly went up the stairs. They knocked on a door and said: “Master Meyer? We have someone here that you may want to see…”

Friedrich Meyer is mistaken as an imposter, and is taken to the mayor, Lukas Meyer.

Friedrich Meyer
Troops: 0 (all of them are arrested)

[Don Corleone]

Jaromir Cizek slowly ran the polishing stone down the edge of the rusty blade he held across his legs. His weapon was of poor quality, but it was the best he could afford. His parents had refused to help him with the purchase of a sword, though they did offer him his father's venerable haburek and helmet. Jaromir couldn't understand their attitude. He was fighting to protect Prague! Hadn't their beloved city been the victim of countless raids: by the Poles to the North, by the Magyars to the South and East and by the Bavarians to the Northwest? Were they just supposed to welcome the invaders with open arms?

His father had seemed to take his choice of a last name the hardest of all. "But papa, only peasants list their father's name as their surname" he had tried to explain. But his father seemed not to hear, his answer had clearly expressed his hurt "If you'd rather the world know you as a bird rather than your father's son, so be it". Jaromir tried to explain that Cizek was a popular name among the newly ascended warriors who served Frederick, Prince of Bohemia. It was a way of identifying their unique Bohemian identity: not truly Germanic but not Slavic either. But alas, all his father seemed to be able to understand was how to brew and serve beer, and how to cozy favor with whomever was invading his home this week.

Jaromir eyed the edge of the sword. Not bad, not bad at all he thought to himself. "Jarormir!" he heard his watch captain shout. "Yes, lord". "Jaromir, you and your 4 mates will man the north tower tonight. I will be in the adjacent tower, over the gate. If you see anything move, raise the alarm!" "As you will, my lord", Jaromir excitedely answered. His first day as a true soldier, not one of those peasant fodder footmen, and he already had an important job. Manning towers was serious business. Failure to answer at the prescribed hour, usually due to the squad falling asleep, was a flogging offense. But it was also vital to the defense of the town. Jaromir rounded up his fellows and ascended the North tower stairs.

Shortly after 2AM, he heard a soft jingle off in the woods adjacent to the town. He scoured the area, and... THERE! yes, he saw the brass horse buckles and the plumes. There was one of those accursed Magyars horsemen, surveying the wall. He leaned out towards the gate and called out to his watch commander "Captain Broz! Captain Broz! Sound the bell! There's Magyar horsemen in the wood"! Jaromir was stunned when he heard no reply. He scanned their tower, and was horrified by what he saw... Magyar archers had somehow managed to target each and every man in the adjacent gate tower. There as noone to sound the alarm!!!

"Start shouting to anyone you can, and fire arrows in that general direction!" Jaromir ordered his tower mates. He ran down the stairs, ran to the Northern gate tower and climbed up. The carnage made him gag. Captain Broz and the other 4 tower guards were all dead, arrows piercing them at various points, including one who had received an arrow directly into his mouth and out the back of his skull. With no time to reflect on the stength of a bow that accomplish such a feat from so great a distance, Jaromir tried to keep his head down, and reached for the bell rope. He pulled with all his might and allowed the weight of the bell to pull him up over the protective height of the half wall... and an arrow promptly sailed past his head. "DONG!!!!" "DONG!!!" The alarm bell sounded. Jarmoir had managed to raise the alarm. He could already hear men stirring in the courtyard. He rushed down to join them...

Jaromir Cizek stands sentry duty on the walls of Prague and interrupts a Magyar raid.

[Seign Thelas]

Frederick

Frederick,

I have received the words of your last letter with a heavy heart, and I suspect the recent assassination attempt was by the College of Cardinals themselves. Although His Holiness was a violent man, he was the Pontiff, and such actions is this one are unforgivable. I do not wish you to return just yet. With the reinforcements you received from the Pope, the chaos in Rome, and the recent disbandment of the Papal Guard, you should have enough strength to enter the city and take control of the political situation there. That is just what I wish you to do. After you secure the city, exterminate the College of Cardinals and place a new Pope on the throne. That type of influence would give Prussia the power to perhaps unite our warring kingdom.

Frederick has orders to take Rome and destroy the College of Cardinals.

---

Friedrich Meyer

Friedrich was brought before the Lord of Meyersbruck, Lukas Meyer, who was nothing short of an aged version of himself.

Lukas began calmly, "So, what's your story? You bear the emblems of Prussians, but you wear the armor of Saxons, and my men say you are trying to pass yourself as me. Explain yourself." The Governor looked sternly upon what was perhaps his son as he spoke, not taking his eyes off of him. In his mind he could not deny that the man before him looked much like him. He also concluded to himself that there is no way one man could intentionally take on the appearance of another. He continued, "And on another note, if you are a Saxon, as your armor testifies, how did you and your men survive that vicious dispute within your ranks?"

Friedrich is being questioned by Lukas Meyer.

---

Jaromir Cizek

Jaromir and the force that had gathered in the center of the castle were all, for the most part, Bohemian veterans. The commander of the castle was a young but war-hardened veteran, a Hungarian immigrant by the name of Laszlo.

"Men, we must hold the fort down with what we have here! There is no time for hesitance! The person that spotted the raiders come forward!" Jaromir stepped out from between two soldiers to the front of the line. "You are going to take a 100 men out of the rear gate and set fire to the woods that the Magyars are in, when they come out, the rest of us will crush their entire force!"

Jaromir attempted to say something, but was cut off.

"There's no time! Get going! Men! To the walls!"

Jaromir has been given 100 men and orders to set fire to the wood that the Magyars are hiding in.

Jaromir Cizek
Troops: 100
150/150

(Put that little character information bit before every post.)

[shlin28]

Friedrich Meyer (Its a bit long...)

Friedrich could not believe his eyes, the man sitting in front of him was his own splitting image, only older, despite the overwhelming evidence that the man is almost certainly his father, he cautioned himself, as in the war-torn lands of Germany slight arguments could easily turn into fully-fledged conflicts.

Friedrich started to answer the man’s questions: “I am Friedrich Meyer; I am the Mayor of Cottbus’s assistant and designated heir. I did not mean to pretend to be you, mayor. I was leading my men to Meyersbruck from Cottbus, to find out about my family, as I was orphaned in France. The Saxon armour and weapons were found a few miles from here, in what appears to be a battlefield.” Having said all he can, he watched Lukas Meyer’s face, which had frozen, as though he was in deep thought.

“What… was your name again?” asked the older man, his tone now much more calm.

“Friedrich Meyer sir, at least, that’s what my adopted father in France told me.” replied Friedrich.

The older man gasped, and seemed to be very surprised. After a while, he ordered the guards to release Friedrich and to leave them two alone. The captain of the guard looked surprised, but did not disobey.

The older man stared at Friedrich face again, before starting to talk again. “I knew this would happen someday… I’m guessing you had already figured that I am your father?” Friedrich nodded silently. “Well I suppose you want to know why you were abandoned in France… When I was young, I was a bit…reckless you should say. I journeyed to France, and fell in love with a young woman there. After a few months she became pregnant, but she died during your birth… so, I am very sorry to say this, but I left you in the care of the lumberjack.”

Friedrich was dumbfounded, although he had been expecting this since he was captured, the truth still shocked him.

“We have much to talk about yet, but there are more important things at stake here, we still need to find out who attacked the Saxons, and what your gift will be, for I have been not a part of your life for more than twenty years.” For the first time since Friedrich met him, Lukas smiled.

“You say you serve the mayor of Cottbus? He’s a fool, you will be much better off serving the army, as you can see I have a small but rather experienced army here, would you like to have the honour of commanding it? I am much too old for more campaigning, and we need to scour the nearby areas for any stragglers from the Saxon army.” Lukas asked.

“Y…yes… of c…course, but I have the mayor’s d…daughter in…” Before Friedrich could complete his sentence, a breathless messenger arrived from the gatehouse.

He shouted one sentence, “Sir, the Saxons, they are coming!”

Friedrich had found his father, and accepted the command of Meyersbruck’s small but professional army. But a Saxon army had appeared and is moving towards the town.

Troops
100 (released from arrest) + unknown number of town guards
150/200

[Don Corleone]

Jaromir Cizek
Troops: 100
150/150

Jaromir stopped arguing and formed his soldiers into 4 columns of 25. At double time, the jogged through the city, through the market, past the church, past the barracks and finally down the hill to the heavily fortified south gate. He halted his troops and approached the gate commander Dusan Kadlek, an old friend of his. "Hail, Dusan. I bring news from the main gate. Magyar horsemen have gathered in the woods. Their archers killed the men at the gate tower. I have been sent by Captain Lazlo with these men on a mission that requires we exit the gate. I need you to open them for us".

"But Jaromir, be reasonable, if there's Magyars out in the woods, do you really want to open the gates!? Isn't that Captain Lazlo a Magyar himself? He could be leading us all into a trap!?"

"I've thought of that, Dusan, really, I have. It's a risk we'll have to take. I don't think Lazlo is any friend of our enemies outside. He doesn't talk much about it, but word is he ran afoul of a minor lord and had to flee for his life. Also, if he really wanted to sabotage our defenses, wouldn't he have found a more effiicent way of doing it then this?"

"Very well, Jaromir, but be careful! My archers can only cover you for the first 50 yards in this darkness. From there, you're on your own". With that, Dusan ordered his archers to the battlements to provide cover fire for Jaromir and his men, should any trouble greet them upon exiting the gate. Dusan gave the sign and the massive rear gate swung open just far enough to allow 2 columns of men pass to the outside. Jaromir's men sprinted through, reforming just outside the gate, which swung shut with a loud clank. They heard the bar dropped and they knew, they were on their own.

Jaromir paused to consider the mission. If he and his men ran out to the North gate and lobbed torches into the woods, the Magyars would pierce them with arrows and not a single man would survive. However, if they tried to sneak through the woods, it could take upwards of an hour to reach the Magyar forces. And then it hit him. He marched his men due East, towards the old hay barns. "Where are we going, sir?" one of the men asked. Jaromir stiffened with pride. He had never been referred to as sir. Whether he held the rank of officer officially or not, these men clearly were conferring the title upon him in their own minds. He was determined to prove himself worthy of the respect they showed him. "I have a plan about that fire" Jaromir answered, "and none of us are going to have to come within bowshot of those Szekely horsemen to do it."........

"Are we all set?" Jaromir called out to his men. It would appear that they were. He had divided his men into three groups. Half had taken hidden defensive positions halfway down the hillside between the hay barns and the woods below which shrouded the North gate. Of the remaining 50 men, 25 were equipped with torches and would push 4 wagons soaked in oil out of the barns and down the hill. When they began to pick up steam, they would fling their torches into the wagons, igniting them. The other 25 had unslung their bows and taken up a postion to offer ranged fire support 2/3 of the way up the hill. Jaromir wasn't worried about getting the woods burning. The wagons would almost certainly take care of that. The problem was the horsemen, who would seek vengance at those that set fire to their forest sanctuary where they were hatching their attack. He hoped 50 spearmen and 25 archers and 25 swordsmen would be enough, but he just didn't know. He hoped Captain Lazlo would be quick on the uptake and come out the North gate in time.

After confirming all were set, Jaromir raised his arm high, for all to see. He then dropped it, the signal, and his twentyfive swordsmen came running down the hill, torches lit, pushing the wagons. All 4 careened down the hill, flaming alight as they descended. The heat was intense, and Jaromir's men could feel the heat of the flames rising back up the hillside. Jaromir could only wonder what it would do to the horsemen in the woods. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three of the wagons scored direct hits, the forth toppling onto it's side 3/4 of the way down the hill. The three crashed into various parts of the woods, lighting the woods afire in three separate areas. Being October, with dry dead leaves on the trees and on the ground, the entire woods erupted in a gigantic ball of fire. And then, red tassels hanging from their horse bridles, bows and scimitars in hand, the Szekely trotted out from the side of the woods. They didn't appear very happy with Jaromir's plan.

Jaromir and his 100 men take up defensive positions on a hillside to the Northeast of the city, overlooking the northern woods. They launch three flaming wagons into the woods, igniting the woods into a large fire.

[Ignoramus]

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 800
300/200

Conrad looked grim as he gave the order, "Men! We are going to engage the Frisians. Let us maitain the honour of Swabia!"

Conrad and his men are marching to meet the Frisian army.

[Seign Thelas]

Friedrich Meyer

(Not all battles will be like this)

"Their army is led by King Conrad himself and has nearly 4000 men!"

Friedrich and his newly found father were startled by the report of the Saxon army's march toward them.

Lukas knew upon hearing the news that his meager town militia could not stand up against the elite main force of the Saxon nation. Regardless, he called up what men he could, which were about 400 of poorly outfitted peasants, combined his force with Friedrich's and marched to meet the Saxons.

Upon reaching their rear, the father and son could see that the Saxons were already engaged with a Prussian force, led jointly by King Otto and the mayor of Cottbus. The battle was a stalemate for several hours until the mayor of Cottbus led his cavalry forth and charged recklessly into the Saxon lines. His men did a lot of damage to the Saxon formation, however, after a few minutes, every last man of them was cut down, the mayor included. At this, King Otto saw his opportunity and ordered a general advance onto the Saxon formation. During the battle, Lukas had suggested hiding their small force in the underbrush to the Saxon's rear, and had done so. When the Prussian cavalry and infantry pressed forward on the Saxons, the latter's line broke and scattered, Conrad began a fighting withdrawal to Saxony, and upon crossing the militia in the bushes, lost many men to their ambush.

After all was said and done, nearly 3/4 of the Saxon army lay dead, with only about 700 Prussian deaths. Friedrich noticed that among the dead were the mayor of Cottbus and Friedrich's own father, two people to which he was sole heir. King Otto acknowledged Friedrich's accomplishments in battle and officially gave him the title Lord of Cottbus and Meyersbruck, as well as a large throng of soldiers to serve him.

The Prussian Force has routed the Saxon army, but two key people were killed in the battle and Friedrich has inherited two towns, and been given a rank and army by the King of Prussia.

Friedrich Meyer, Lord of Cottbus and Meyersbruck
Troops: 2000
450/250

---

Jaromir Cizek

Jaromir watched in delight is the entire wood around the Magyar raiders and they scurried out of the woods directly into Bohemian arrow fire.

The Magyars were killed to the last man in a matter of minutes, a testament to how few of them there were, and also a testament to what efficient killers they were, even in small numbers. Captain Lazlo immediately ordered an inspection of the corpses and found out they were Hungarian national scouts. To the men of the small border city, this was grim news, as it obviously was an omen of intentions of the Hungarian King to invade Bohemia.

Captain Lazlo was ecstatic with Jaromir's performance with such a small force that he promoted him to the station just below his own, and gave him more men to fight with, however due to the limited resources of the town, he could only muster about 500 extra men to serve under him.

All of the Hungarian scouts have been killed due to Jaromir's tactic and it has been revealed they were only a recon force. Jaromir has also been promoted, and only answers to Lazlo now.

Jaromir Cizek
Troops: 600
250/250

---

Conrad Hohenburg

Conrad and his men, with Otto von Metz as a strategist, came within 5 miles of the Frisian force without being detected, and immediately upon viewing their formation, Otto pointed out that the Frisians were camped out in the least strategically sound spot in the province, aside from his troops formation being terrible.

Otto commented, "King Jean was never known for his skills in battle or strategy. His camp is in an obviously terrible spot. Give me command of half our force, there are many secret roads in the hills around this area, if we hide our infantry on them and use our cavalry as bait, we could easily destroy the forces of King Jean. Or, alternatively, we could fight them in open combat, and we would have an easy retreat out of the hills via the same secret roads, if the battle goes against us. If you have another plan, you could use that, but I see those as the most successful courses. I'm leaving the battle to you, friend, I try to avoid the actual combat, I'm more of a schemer."

King Jean of Friesland
Troops: 3000
200/150

VS.

Conrad Hohenburg
Troops: 800
300/200

Otto von Metz has offered two possible courses of action to Conrad, given their outnumbered circumstances.

[Tiberius of the Drake]

(OOC:srry for slow response i was on vacation for a week)

Roberto de Taranto
Troops:100
150/150

Roberto walked swiftly across the piazza, contemplating how he woul;d make his request. He quickly and efficiently climbed the stairs to the residence of the Duke and attempted to enter. the guard stopped him.

"I am here to see the Duke of Verona." said Roberto

"Why do you wish to see him?", replied the guard.

"I wish to offer hime my services as a commander and tactitian."

The guard quickly examined Roberto he noticed the gleaming helmet, chainmail and the longsword at his side. he was also intimidated by the troops that Roberto kept. The deciding factor was the Normano-Tarntino crest on his shield. the guard left to inform his master of Roberto's proposition.

Roberto has requested to become a commander in the Veroneese force.

[Don Corleone]

Jaromir Cizek
Troops: 600
250/250

Jaromir watched with pride as his troops marched across the parade ground. They had been drilling for days now, non-stop from morning to night. His men were tired and resentful, but they were actually starting to hold tight formations when they turned. Maybe tomorrow would be a good time to start weapons training. They seemed to have the hang of wheeling, facing and deploying from a column to a line and back again. The only thing that remained was teaching them how to use their spears as a unit, to fight as one. Once they had mastered that, he would take 100 of the more proficient ones, and some of the stronger ones, and have them practice swordsmanship.


Jaromir orders his men to drill in preparation for any coming trouble.

[shlin28]

OOC: Now I got the best army

Friedrich Meyer
After letting his troops recover at the battlefield, Friedrich decided to send 100 men each to Cottbus and Meyersbruck, so that both towns would stand a chance if further Saxons army attacks. He also sent the daughter of the Mayor of Cottbus back to Meyersbruck, since her retainers would only slow his army down.

Friedrich then went to the King, asking for their next move, the King had decided to move further towards the Saxon-Prussian border, and to attack any enemy troops on the way.

Friedrich sends away 200 men, and the rest of the army, along with the King's, moves towards the border.

Friedrich Meyer, Lord of Cottbus and Meyersbruck
Troops: 1800
450/250