Imperial Diet V

[Tamur]

Ah, I knew I could count on the noble souls of the Diet to help. These Bombards and gunpowder infantry sound as if they will be very useful from all I have heard. And, if I had the funds, I would certainly order a Grand Bombard to be delivered from Bran. However, I fear the expense would require me to sell not only the entire region of Stettin, but the castle there as well!

However, I remain troubled. If we are the greatest nation on earth, and I do not doubt that we are, why have we not explored gunpowder infantry? Is there some risk involved in its manufacture, or in the training of troops? Or is it too costly for us at present?

[OverKnight]

Matthias responds.

There are many factors as to why we do not have gunpowder units deployed.

First, as you guessed, is cost. The Reich has spent a great deal of time and money to construct buildings that recruit and support our current armies. To recruit gunpowder units of equilavent utility would require a reinvestment of many florins, not only in the troops themselves, but in the buildings used to train them.

Second, is availability, as Chancellor I try to execute the build queues given to me by Dukes and Counts. This is their right, but it often sacrifices unity of purpose. We do not end up with a uniform set of buildings throughout the Reich. Therefore we do not yet have the infrastructure to produce worthwhile gunpowder units on a large scale.

Third, is lack of necessity, our current troops are handling our enemies quite well. They are experienced and already recruited and deployed. To disband them simply because a newer, and more unreliable, technology has come along would be unwise.

Fourth, is applicability, gunpowder artillery is fearsome to behold when it shatters castle walls, but out in the field it is of less utility. As the Reich has assumed more of a defensive posture, there is less need for artillery in general, as the number of siege assaults has dwindled.

I am not opposed to using gunpowder, but it will take time before it becomes prevalent in the Empire.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Well summarised Chancellor.

You remind me of some one I read about in my fathers personal journal...I can't quite remember who though.

Tapping is cheek in thought, the Duke speak to his Priest for a moment about the journal in quesiton.

[OverKnight]

Matthias speaks.

My fellow Electors, very soon our forces in Outremer, lead by King Salier, will face the latest Mongol threat in battle. A Mongol Army has marched ahead of the Horde to Edessa. Using the city as an anvil, I have ordered the King and his army to serve as the hammer. I pray the Mongol army will be shattered between them. My own force stands nearby as a reserve for now.

May God grant us victory over the heathen!

[Stuperman]

Twice before there Mongols have harried us, and twice before they have died, Nothing can defend against the Imperial might of Rome, Although I wish King Salier luck, I highly doubt he'll need it.

I have read the most recent reports, but there is scant detail about the situation in europe, Has there been any news of note At home, or am I meerly being impatient?

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

It doesn't matter whether we win or lose today. Eventually, we shall prevail. We shall always prevail so long as the Lord is on our side.

[GeneralHankerchief]

*A Bavarian lawyer, ashen-faced, stands up.*

M-my Lords.

I have just received notice that King Salier-

*He gulps and starts again.*

That King Salier and his entire army have perished against the Horse Lords. So far the word from Outremer is not much, but it appears that the King was struck down h-halfway through the fighting, thereby causing a chain rout, leaving the rest of his force to be picked off by the opposition.

We are currently trying to get a better grasp of what occurred and should have a full report out by tomorrow.

*He sits down, visibly shaken.*