The Duchy of Lorraine

**OverKnight** · 08-04-2009, 18:03

Reeves murmurs something in Hugues's ear. The Duc speaks again.

Excellent notion!

One thing we should consider is that some of the lesser Houses of the Realm (OOC: The Council of Nobles in M2) have offered to provide the Crown with 2500 florins if the castle of Metz is brought into the Kingdom. We wouldn't want the Germans to seize territory on this side of the Rhine either. If we're going to be neighbors, I'd prefer a river between us and them.

**ULC** · 08-04-2009, 22:29

Originally Posted by OverKnight

Reeves murmurs something in Hugues's ear. The Duc speaks again.

Excellent notion!

One thing we should consider is that some of the lesser Houses of the Realm (OOC: The Council of Nobles in M2) have offered to provide the Crown with 2500 florins if the castle of Metz is brought into the Kingdom. We wouldn't want the Germans to seize territory on this side of the Rhine either. If we're going to be neighbors, I'd prefer a river between us and them.

"A suggestion my Duc - allow Thomas to take it, he is young yet but he seems capable, and the garrison in Metz offers no true danger. The House of Rethel is partially within the rebellious realm of southern Flanders, however, and I would ask that both me and Bertin along with most of Riems garrison accompany us to take it. I can easily bring Brughes to it's knees sire, if you would allow me. This would also prevent any further encroachment by either the Germans or the English."

OOC: The English, Danish, and Germans will all take this spot, most likely the HRE, within the first few turns and with a substantial army as well.

**KnightnDay** · 08-05-2009, 02:16

Thomas, although somewhat bruised from the tournament play, feels a great deal of relief at having chosen such fine companions. He feels sure that he now has an opportunity to serve in a worthy cause, and knows what must be done.

"The capture of Metz must take place without delay and have first priority over any effort France undertakes. The Kaiser will have his forces on the move quickly to this area as he knows all too well it provides an excellent invasion route into our land. If the Holy Roman Empire takes Metz, it will be as a dagger at the very throat of France. Our good and well-intentioned brothers in Bretagne will doubtless urge swift action against the English, but our view at the first council meeting must prevail to secure our eastern borders ahead of any other undertaking.

If it pleases my lords, I am prepared to serve in this vital undertaking in any capacity you see fit. And now, I think I'd like a taste of that wine myself."

Thomas lifts his wine goblet high. "For the glory of France and Lorraine!"

**OverKnight** · 08-05-2009, 07:24

If the latest reports are correct, the forces available to us are two companies of spearmen, one of militia, one of archers and our own personal retinues. Metz has two companies of infantry, a company of knights and some peasant archers. The garrison of Bruges is an unknown quanity.

Gaetan, you propose that Thomas takes Metz, while you take Bruges with our current forces. What men would you leave with him?

**ULC** · 08-05-2009, 18:13

Originally Posted by OverKnight

If the latest reports are correct, the forces available to us are two companies of spearmen, one of militia, one of archers and our own personal retinues. Metz has two companies of infantry, a company of knights and some peasant archers. The garrison of Bruges is an unknown quanity.

Gaetan, you propose that Thomas takes Metz, while you take Bruges with our current forces. What men would you leave with him?

"I would have the archers and spearmen Mi Lord. I know the quality of them men of Bruges, and I could have no less, but with them, I assure you Bruges will fall. Metz itself would be most easily taken by Thomas, with either you or the militia at his side, although he could do without either, but the battle would be hard fought then.

I understand I ask much, and we have little, but we must push forward now, when our enemies cannot contain us. If we do not, we allow them to set the boundaries, allow them the power."

**KnightnDay** · 08-06-2009, 03:09

"If Bertin or the Duke will accompany me to Metz, and the available mercenary spear and crossbow companies are raised with us, the castle will fall with a minimum of bloodshed. We should not attempt to strike with less. That will in turn guarantee sufficient troops with which Bruges can be laid siege. Le Roi is sympathetic to our cause, I think, along with other men of wisdom. Once these two places are under our control, we have our position secured and can support the other worthy causes being advanced within the council"

**ULC** · 08-06-2009, 04:15

"That is far to much expense Thomas! The rest of the Kingdom cannot suffer because we are afraid of shedding our own blood in battle. Metz is nothing, the garrison presents no credible threat, and Bruges will fall with the rest of our troops."

"Two Companies must go to Metz, with one laying siege and the other for support - the rest of our Companies must head north, and take Bruges. Once completed, I and whatever the Duc allows will stay behind to hold Bruges while Metz and Riems are reinforced."

"We have more then enough men to take both - we must not squander the treasury of the realm from fear!"