A letter from Outremer.

Electors,

The news from Italy is bittersweet. My nephew is again victorious, but Count Friedrich is dead. He was a good man, a loyal Bavarian, and I hope his sacrifice will not be in vain. We must keep fighting them untill the Purple scum are cleansed from Italy.

This French push on northern Italy is intriguing. On one hand it is the last thing Bavaria needs, but on the other it serves to divide their massive forces. If God smiles upon us, we can isolate their armies and defeat them, relieving pressure on Swabia.

I salute the bravery of the Bavarian and Imperial armies. The task we face is daunting, but if we pick our battles and engage in an aggressive but cagey campaign against the invaders, we will be victorious.

Matthias