Frozen Crusade Order Council

[gibsonsg91921]

Council Speaker:

This session of The Teutonic Order Council is now open! It will end at Sunday 0:00 GMT when a one-day voting session will open. Now is the time to propose edicts for seconding and for those aspiring to become Kanzler to declare their candidacy.

OOC: Speak IC in this thread. At the time of the start, the Hochmeister has not yet assigned the following generals to a house:

OrdenMarschall Maximillian
Hans
Dietrich

He must declare the Dukes of Prussia and Livonia and assign the remaining general to a house.

Note: OrdenMarschall Maximillian has OOCly been planned to be the Duke of Livonia, Hans Duke of Prussia, and Dietrich a General of the House of Livonia. This is up to Hochmeister Gunther to confirm IC. Then the Duke of the leftover general needs to give him a county so he can get the necessary countship influence bonus.

[Zim]

Hochmeister Gunther walks into the council room, followed by a small retinue of aids and scribes. He appears a bit uncomfortable, as if speaking to a Council rather than an army is unusual for him.

Brothers, as you all know this is a historic occassion. This Diet is our first, and represents our first attempt at a more popular form of government for the Order's territories.

As such, there are a few things I need to take care of.

First, it is well known which settlements are allocated to which Orders. However, the issue of the capital, to be controlled personally by the Hochmeister. Although the current capital of the Order is Marienburg, the greatest castle of the Order, I would like it to be the capital of the Prussian Masterdom. As Prussia is already the smaller of the two Masterdoms, and lacks a major city like Riga, I think this is best to ensure parity between them.

I would informally propose that Konigsburg, located right in the center of our territories, be made the capital. This is not a formal proposal, and I welcome the opinions of the other electors.

Next, and more important, is the naming of Meisters and assigning of Masterdoms. I am naming OrdensMarschall Maximillian the Meister of the Livonian Masterdom. Elector Hans will henceforth become the Meister of the Prussian Masterdom. Elector Dietrich will be returning to Livonia, and be a member of that Masterdom. I would reccommend he be given a Countship, being the only member of either Masterdom without a formal title.

Next I would like to make an announcement. I am invoking my right to be the first Schatzmeister. As the new widened scope of position is new, amking it far more than just that of a treasurer, I think it best that it go to someone who already has a fair amount of authority within the Bruderhood, and this will give a chance for more Electors to join the Order, so that a real contest can be had for the next Schatzmeistership. In a little while I will outline my intentions as Schatzmeister.

[Zim]

Gunther clears his throat, then begins to speak again.

Alright, now of a declaration of my goals as Schatzmeister.

First of all, I intend to bring this war with Lithuania to a conclusion. To that end, my first few years will see our economy geared towards military ends. I plan on uniting our separated territories. I want both Dukes and our other Elector to be in command of different forces for this campaign, and will try to recruit effective armies for each.

After we mave forced the Lithuanians to surrender, or elimated them, I would like us to establish relations with those few Christian powers in the Baltic. Alliances will be sought our father the Empire, as well as with Poland and Denmark. Novgorod may see a signing of a trade agreement, but I'd rather not ally with non-catholics. The Mongols will be considered hostile, and at best an armed neutrality will spring up between us. As Muslims, I consider them our next target after the Lithuanians.

Once the war is concluded, I plan on working on our economy. Our forces will be scaled back and used defensively, while young Dietrich may be sent to take the trading Isle of Visby. Economic structures will, I hope make it to the top of the Dukes' building queues at that time. I also hope that more Electors will join us during that time.

At the end of my Schatzmeistership I expect the Order to be stronger in the area, the pagans to have been subdued, and for their to be a strong competition for the next Schatzmeistership. I will also issue a report at that time.

Are there any questions?

[gibsonsg91921]

Hans, the newly made Duke of Prussia, kneels.

I reswear allegiance to the Teutonic Order and to Hochmeister Gunther the Chivalrous in gratitude for this promotion. The build queues for my new dominion shall be established prior to the end of this council meeting. (OOC: I'll be making the new relevant threads shortly)

I look forward to driving the pagan Lithuanians to the abyss! To do this, we shall need money. I strongly suggest that dirt roads be built in all of our regions that do not have them prior to the construction of anything else. Next, clearance of the land for farming should be prioritized.

To assist in the production of monies, I will be tearing down the outer walls of Thorn to convert it to a commercial city. This will not hinder our defenses much, as Marienburg, capital of Prussia and of the Order is an impregnable Fortress and will ensure the safety of the southern provinces.

Dietrich, my friend, I would beseech you to claim a Lithuanian castle upon your return to Livonia to cut off the production of troops for our foes.

While the slaying of our foes is paramount, the civilians may yet be swayed. Our Order Bishops Ortwinus and Wilhelm Guiskard should be sent behind enemy territory to convert the populations. Our good Order Priest Johannes should remain in Teutonic territory to spread the good word to our subjects.

Hans swallows a bit.

Excuse me, I forgot my place. These are all just suggestions, of course my lord.

[gibsonsg91921]

To ensure smooth rule, I will propose the following laws (laws are different from edicts - the constitute the charter, of which we have none yet):

Law 1.1 - The Hochmeister is authorized to move the capital of the Teutonic Order to an unallocated province. OOC Rider: At the start of the game, the capital is Marienburg, also part of Prussia. Marienburg will remain part of Prussia if the capital is moved to a new province.

Law 1.2 - The Teutonic Order cannot declare war without an Edict authorizing it. However, if a neutral army marches on Order land without military access, the relevant Duke may declare war himself without an Edict.

Law 1.3 - Each House shall have one mobile army and as many defensive armies as necessary to garrison provinces or forts. Only the mobile armies may cross onto other lands.

These laws require two seconders and a 2/3rds vote to pass.

[Zim]

There is no need to fear being presumptuous, Duke Hans. We all started out as knights in service to the Order, and whatever ranks we obtain, we are all Brothers in our service to Christ.

Since all lands are currently in one House or the other, it will be up to you and Duke Maximilian where to build roads. I, for one, agree that dirt roads are a priority.

There is a Lithuanians castle which seperates our lands at the thinnest point. I think that is the one you mean. I hope to have an army for Dietrich to take it, and will give much of my own soldiers to him for the purpose.

I think making Thorn a city to support our economy is a splendid idea. I woudl like to hear your thoughts on making Konigburg the capital, so that Marienburg can remain in House Prussia.

I will take control of the priests myself, although they will likely do just as you suggested (Gunther has several religious traits, I think he'll micromanage priests during his term ).

[gibsonsg91921]

I would gladly sacrifice Konigsberg for the Order to be a capital. The capital should be independent of House.

Do you see merit in my laws? Do you second them?

[Zim]

I am glad to second laws 1.1 and 1.2, but I would add an amendment to 1.3. I would add a third possible mobile army for the Hochmeister. This force could cross the lands of the Dukes to help either House. Right now we lack the lands to support three large armies, but in the future it will likely be important.

[gibsonsg91921]

I shall propose a fourth law to fit that need!

Law 1.4 - The Hochmeister shall always have his own mobile army for the defense of any House.

[Zim]

I particularly like Law 1.2. It allows me to move the Capital further towards the center of our territories as we connect them. Konigsburg will likely be returned to you eventually, Duke. I thank you for letting me use it.

[Zim]

I shall propose a fourth law to fit that need!

Law 1.4 - The Hochmeister shall always have his own mobile army for the defense of any House.

In that case, I shall second all four laws.

[deguerra]

The man with no name enters the hall (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly music palying again ):

Yes, yes, consider them seconded.

[Zim]

Ok, we have two seconds. Votes can be made after all members are present. Is there any other business which can be discussed in the meantime?

[gibsonsg91921]

There are edicts to be passed, I am sure. A multitude of things need to be made ready before we set forth.

Scratches his head.

Yet none that I can think of now, my lord. Perhaps in the morrow after I have a nap in the Prussian Chambers I shall think of some orders of business that need to be hammered out. In the meantime, if anyone else has any ideas, they should feel free to speak their minds.

[Ferret]

Maximillian enters the chambers

I think it would be best to make our priority to take out the Lithuanians as quickly as possible and unite the two chapters. We cannot show any signs of weakness in front of our Baltic neighbours and should complete the mission we were sent here for as quickly as possible.

Komtur Dietrich can take his pick on whichever County he wants
(OOC: can the Chapter's capital be given to a Count or is that always controlled by the Duke?)

I'm not sure there is much need to hold a vote for the laws as we are all in agreement here, such formalities will only slow our conquests.

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: The capital of a Chapter House cannot be given to a count, it's the Meister's.

[Zim]

I also think this Diet should focus mainly on goals, and that our first goal is victory in our war with the Godless Lithuanians. However, as the first Diet this is a somewhat groundbreaking event, and better legal minds than I might have reasons for making proposals.

[Ferret]

nonsense, the Lithuanians are pathetic creatures, surely with our military might we can crush them before these halls fill with Komturs once more. Are you afraid HochMeister, do you not trust your men?

[Zim]

Gunther looks briefly shocked, but quckly regains his composure and turns toward Maximillian.

Young man, I did not rise so highly in the Order's ranks without fighting an leading more than my own share of battles. I am not sure what connection you make between my declaration that the Lithuanians will be defeated and your slight on my bravery, but I am curious. What matter of madness or foolhardiness makes you speak to your Hochmeister so?

[gibsonsg91921]

If we find we are all in agreement with every piece of legislation, then we can sally forth Sunday night to defeat our foes, I am sure. The Lithuanians aren't going anywhere in that time.

I recommend peace between us Bruders - we mustn't fight amongst ourselves. Save it for the godless pagan swine.

[Zim]

Bruder Hans is correct. It is the Lithuanians that are our enemy. I will go over our maps (look at a Teutonic Order campaign) and work on a plan.

For now, here is what I am thinking:

-Since Bruder Dietrich is going to Livonia, he might as well take a city on the war. I will donate much of my own army to him for the task of taking Palanga, which will provide a thin connection between our territories. From there, we can widen it.

-A powerful army for Meister Hans will be consolidated from the remaining garrisons in Prussia, which may be used to strike into the heart of Lithuanian territory, going towards Minsk, which has rich gold mines and is the economic heart of the Pagans.

-Lastly, a army of the North will be assembled for Meister Maximilian, which will go south of Palanga, possibly joined by Dietrich, and widen the connection between our territories.

I wish to end this war quickly, so that we may build up our territories and plan an attack on the other unbelievers the Mongols.

[Ferret]

I am a soldier Hocmeister, a soldier has to be foolhardy to be good at his job. I was merely suggesting that taking out the Pagans is a realistic objective and one that I will put all means availible to me towards completion. Give me men, Hochemister, and I will give you victory.

OOC edit: oops, missed Zim's last post, ignore this one

[Zim]

Men you shall have, Meister Maximilian. And under your leadership I have no doubt they'll be put to good use.

Bruders, are there any concerns you have with my general outline for the war?

[gibsonsg91921]

I am concerned about the possible intervention of the Novgorod Republic. They are Orthodox Christians and thus unlikely allies. They may be sympathetic for the pagan Lithuanians as we aggress upon their unholy lands. We must make a trade agreement with them to improve relations.

Edict 1.1 - A trade agreement shall be made with the Novgorod Republic.

We must still beware - Maximillian! Ensure you have the proper number of troops on the borders as protection.

[Ferret]

I shall leave Dietrich in charge of the defence of Livonia while I attempt to unite the two chapters through conquest, I'm sure he is a most capable man and the Hochmeister should be able to provide him with sufficient troops for the task, as of yet there are no enemies to the North so garrisons can be kempt minimal with Dieter commanding a small army ready to march to the defence of any Livonian city.

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: Dietrich, not Dieter

Yes, perhaps a centrally-located fort would be salubrious to Livonia.

[Zim]

Meister Maximillian, that plan seems good to me. However, it makes no mention of my idea of having Dietrich conquer Palanga with my troops on his way north to Livonia. Does the idea seem good to you?

Also, I second Edict 1.1, and would add another few

Edict 1.2 - A trade agreement shall be made with Poland.

Edict 1.3 - The Lithuanians shall have all of their territories taken and their people converted to Christianity.

[Zim]

Forgive me, I almost forgot:

Edict 1.4 - A trade agreement and alliance will be sought with our Fatherland the Holy Roman Empire as soon as possible.

[gibsonsg91921]

I would think that Dietrich should hasten to Livonia to bolster its defenses. Maximillian would be able to use his army to connect Prussia and Livonia as Dietrich approaches.

EDIT: OOC: That's Edict 1.2, Zim, the Edicts and Laws use different numberings.

[Zim]

OOC: Wait, I thought your Edict was 1.1, and mine were 1.2-1.4.

Very well, since all object to my three-pronged attack, we will make a more cautious two pronged one, with Meister Maximilian in the North and Meister Hans in the South.