The Kingdom of Outremer

[OverKnight]

Matthias storms into the room.

I can't believe this report. . .Nikeforos is so close but. . .

Matthias erupts

God's Blood! Elephants with Cannon!?!? How in the Hell do they load the guns? Why aren't the animals driven mad by the noise!? Gah!!!!!

That bastard. . .oh I'll put paid to him. I swear it!

Matthias pounds on the table in frustration. He glances over at Jan's empty seat and then looks to the Kaiser and Dieter with some semblance of control returning.

Where did Jan go off to? Has he fled Outremer? I find that hard to believe after his protestations of loyalty and fidelity to his Kingdom. Though since his treasury and retinue disappeared with him. . .Has he returned to Franconia? Gone to find Prester John? Turned his coat?! A letter would have been considerate.

Matthias hisses in frustration and takes a moment to collect himself.

So, mein Kaiser, mein King, what should we do? We can hold the Orontes, but that will doom Aleppo. We can attack, but victory is uncertain. I deeply wish to gut Nikeforos, and if my cannon can get the first strike on the Elephants, I believe I can win. But. . .the cost will be high. I am quite certain I can hold him at the bridge, but by doing so I sacrifice my ability to assist a drive on Aleppo, if your Majesty is considering one.

A cold fury burns in his good eye.

If it was just me, I'd go north and kill that whoreson, but unlike our departed brother, I won't sacrifice Outremer for personal ambition. Hold or attack, what would be more useful Kaiser?

Matthias waits for an answer, muttering under his breath about @#$%! Elephants

[econ21]

Elberhard: Matthias, events in the homeland are calling us back. King Jan's departure is just one manifestation of that. You wrote to me sometime ago about reasserting my authority back home. I fear that I can only do that by returning. With Bavaria's army being diverted to overthrow my brother while the Byzantines exterminate our Italian cities, I can no longer stand idly by. Nor do I intend to let Austria fall into civil war over the matter of Prague.

But if I am return, I must return with an army. I have consulted with my own advisors and decided to begin preparations to create a great fleet to bring everyone home. It will take time, but in due course, Dieter and I will leave together, so that our combined forces match that of any would be usurper. You would be welcome to come with us or you could stop in Cyprus to prepare a staging point for a possible future return to the Levant.

This will all take time and right now we do face very difficult decisions. But I would like your counsel on this longer term matter, before we decide our military deployment this year.

[OverKnight]

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]

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]

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]

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: 

OOC: TC said constructing the fleet will cost all the regular income of Outremer provinces - any extra, from ransoms etc, will be ours to spend.

[OverKnight]

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]

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]

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.

[OverKnight]

My Battle Report.

Nikeforos has been killed and his army crushed. I moved further north and defeated the army of Captain Michael during the night. My men currently hold the pass between Adana and Antioch.

While I deeply wish to besiege Adana, I doubt that an assault would meet with success. My current plan is to have my army withdraw to the Iron Bridge, but I would be interested if there are any suggestions for alternatives.

We have a respite indeed Kaiser. My thanks.

[econ21]

Elberhard: No, thank you, Matthias. I was rather afraid that if you stayed on the iron bridge, Nikeforos would go for my army which lies exposed outside Aleppo. Having already had to kill my own Arnolds, I would have had no appetite to kill any more of the poor magnificent @#$%^&!!!ers. As it was, you fought your battles with surgical skill. Well done!

[econ21]

Elberhard: Reports of the details are confused, but I understand that Count Dieter von Kassel successfully engaged the Pope's army outside Jerusalem. The Pontiff did not survive the encounter and Cardinal Dietrich von der Pfalz has been elected to replace him. This has both secured our southern flank in Outremer for a while and, as we are now reconciled, should also combat unrest throughout the Reich.

Through the good offices of my wife, I have arranged the transfer of Aleppo to the English. Only a handful of English crusader knights could be found in Outremer to rule the settlement, but the several war machines taken from the citadel and some peasant volunteers are bulking up the garrison. I am bringing what is left of my army back to Outremer. I hope our sacrifice will inspire any loyal Germans who wish to fight for the Reich to evacuate Aleppo and join my column returning to Antioch.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1326-6.zip

[OverKnight]

We are back in the bosom of the Church, or perhaps vice versa, either way it is good news. I am glad Durazzo is in Venetian hands, so none of our blundering continental brethren can louse it up again. A skillful battle young Dieter, you are a credit to your teachers.

When this year first began, it looked as if Outremer was breathing her last, but now, due to our triumphs in the field, and the strength and sacrifice of our men, the Kingdom seems to have new hope.

With Jerusalem quiet and Aleppo donated to the English, the Greeks will have their possible avenues of advance restricted. Edessa and Damascus are now isolated and a major incursion only seems possible from Adana, though the Byzantines have shown an ability in the past few years to march unseen and at great speed. We have blunted them, but I fear the Orontes will see more battle in the coming years. It is one of the reasons I will not yet march on Adana, it is tempting but would leave me out of position to defend the east or south. Also taking Adana would expose us to the Turks as well, I'd rather the Greeks take them on than us.

Once your Majesty and Count von Kassel have departed, I will focus on defending the Acre and Antioch. If Damascus can be retaken without much risk, I will do so, but holding that city would require building up our coffers to recruit garrison forces before any assault.

Adana, I fear, will be lost for a longer time. It's retaking might have to wait for another General's arrival, so there can be two field armies, one to defend while the other attacks. I regret this but. . .I do not see anyway around it.

Edessa, well, the transfer of Aleppo makes the reconquest of the city, even in the long term, problematic. I mourn the loss of it less than Adana, it was never a core territory of Outremer, more of Kasier Henry's afterthought. Perhaps the English could be encouraged to take it?

What do you think of my thoughts, Kaiser Elberhard and Count Dieter? I'd appreciate any insight or suggestions you might have.

[OverKnight]

Matthias studies the latest report and leans back.

It seems the Greeks have lost the will to attack. Good.

My inclination is to hold the Iron Bridge this year. While depleted, there are still several Greek armies that could threaten Antioch if they came south.

A part of me wishes to strike out for Damascus while you two are still here, but there aren't enough funds for a proper garrison, and my army can't be spared to hold the city. Adana is tempting as well, but I would have to fight through several armies just to get to the walls, and the garrison itself is huge. Let the Turks and Greeks fight for now.

Of course, I could launch another raid across the Orontes, but I do wish to conserve my men.

Mein Kaiser and Sir Dieter, your thoughts?

[econ21]

Elberhard: Damascus appears to be lightly garrisoned. If Dieter can take it, but still be back in Antioch in time to depart with me, I would encourage him to do so. @#$%^&!!! it, you are right, Matthias, that we could not hold Damascus. So if we take it, I propose we gift it to the English as we did Aleppo.

The short term advantage of taking Damascus would be that the Byzantines would be confined to striking from the north. For a time Matthias, I am afraid you will have to hold Outremer alone. With two settlements, this will be problematic. However, if Acre were relatively insulated from a direct threat, you could focus your efforts on Antioch and would have a chance to prevail.

There may be a long term cost to gifting Damascus - that we effectively forebear from retaking it later when we are stronger. However, that time is regrettably still some way off. And I believe that even when normalcy has been restored, the Reich may have little stomach for a large commitment to Outremer, so preparing for a more limited defensive posture may be wise. If the English should prove unable to hold Aleppo and Damascus, we could of course, take over their duties.

For my part, I am inclined to strike against Captains Modestos and the siege train of Captain Theotokios. The latter is not well guarded, but could cause a lot of problems for you at Antioch or the iron bridge, Matthias, if it were to reinforce a proper field army. There is also a Byzantine army a little further east with many Kwazarimans, but I am leery of facing so many heavy cavalry without any horse of my own.

[OverKnight]

I've faced a mass charge from those Kwarzimen across the Iron Bridge before, it is not an enjoyable experience.

As for Damascus, Sir Dieter does not have any artillery. I'm not sure if he could make it to the city and take it before he has to go. I can always make Damascus a target when I've saved up enough money for a garrison.

I would be grateful if your Majesty wished to eliminate any of the Greeks north of the Orontes. My one concern is that pursuing the siege train in the Adana pass might result in a deadly height advantage for the Greeks' machines.

[OverKnight]

Matthias peruses a letter and hisses in frustration.

I have found the Crown of Thorns. The Relic that has been held in the protection of the Kings of Outremer since Otto von Kassel is in the possession of the new Pope, Renaldus. It seems Jan, not wishing to ask any of us for a loan, sold the Crown to the previous Pope for passage back to Europe. The price he asks for its return is all my wealth and my own relics.

Matthias turns the Seal of Solomon on his ring finger.

Such a galling price set by a man new to his power. If it wasn't for Sir Dieter, he wouldn't even be Pope, yet he has the temerity to hold my feet to the fire.

He taps the letter on the table.

Mein Kaiser and Sir Dieter, I ask your assistance in having the Crown returned. Your Majesty's words carry more weight than mine and Sir Dieter did help Renaldus become Pope. If you both write to the Pope, he might be more inclined to accept my new proposal. I plan to offer all my wealth, the Holy Chalice and a promise to enlarge the church in Antioch when the funds become available. I will also stress to him that I will be the sole representative of the Reich in Outremer quite soon and that his generosity will be remembered.

Matthias smiles coldly.

Of course, what I will not say, is that a refusal would be remembered as well.

Edit: His expression turns serious.

In these times of troubles, the people need hope. Relics, particularly the Crown, give them a sense of tradition, continuity and a physical sign of God's blessing, keeping their faith strong. If Outremer is to survive, her people must have hope and faith. This is why I seek the return of the Crown.

What say you both?

[econ21]

Elberhard: My faith in the purity of men of the cloth has been tested of late, Matthias. Dieter and I will be happy to lend our weight to your appeal for the Crown of Thorns to the Pope.

On other business, both Dieter and I will be making preparations for departure in Antioch this year. It seems, for once, it may be a quiet time in this place. This, and the worsening @#$%^&!!! at home has strengthened my resolve to return home.

[OverKnight]

Matthias returns from Jerusalem, a reliquary tucked underneath his arm.

Mein Kaiser and Count Dieter, you both have my heartfelt thanks for your assistance with Pope Renaldus. The Crown of Thorns is back where it belongs, in Outremer.

I am afraid I had to use a combination of bribery and subtle threats to accomplish my goal, but I hope that the new Pope now realizes that the Reich is not to be trifled with. If in the future, the Reich needs a more pliant Pope, I stand at the ready. Though I do hope we can restore the spirit of cooperation we had before the recent animosity without the need for further. . .sanction. The return of the Crown is, I hope, a step in that direction. With the religious strife and destruction of Church property back in Europe however, it is far from guaranteed.

I wish you luck on your journey back to the continent. I just hope there will be a friendly port to land at when you get there. Judging by the Greek advance in Italy, this is no certain thing.

I will do what I can to weaken the Greeks here. I hope to reclaim Adana if God wills me to do so. To leave the resting place of Saint Maximillian and the first settlement of Outremer in the hands of those bastards boils my blood.

[Zim]

Andreas von Salzgitter walks into the room, looking a bit nervous. This was his first time here, and the room's size and relative emptiness seemed a bit eery to him.

"King Matthias, what orders do you have for me? I can join your army, if you wish."

[Zim]

Not hearing a response, Andreas starts nervously pacing about the room, each footstep resulting in a poof of dust in the air. It is obvious this place has not been used of late, likely because the situation was so dire that King Matthias spent all his time in the field, and there had been no oCounts in Outremer for quite some time for him to plan with. After a while, Andreas starts to talk to himself

"By God, there are more Byzantines out there than people in my home city of Bruges. Still, if anyone can stop them, I know that King Matthias can. He has been their greatest enemy for quite some time, and always gets the better of them".

[OverKnight]

Matthias enters the room while Andreas is talking to himself.

Gone mad already, Andreas? That's what we have in Outremer, madmen, younger sons and prophets.

I haven't gotten the best of the Greeks. Not yet at least, I've killed legions of them, but the bastards keep coming.

You will join me north of Acre, Andreas. There we will await the assault of those two Byzantine armies. If God judges us pure, we will survive and I'll see if you're worthy of knighthood.

[Zim]

Andreas looks up, startled by Matthias' entrance

"I think I still have a few more months of this interminable waiting before I'm completely mad, Sir. I must admit I rather hope the Greeks take a shot at us. I'm eager to have a chance to fight the butchers of Antioch".