Conseil du Royaume

[AussieGiant]

Alain looks at a piece of parchment and shakes his head in disappointment.

"Duc Hugues,

I regret to inform you zat zere are still regiments on zhe prioritisation list which must be recruited before any mercenaries.

Unless of course zose nobles wish to readjust zeir lists.

In fact, can all nobles of ze realm please indicate here or by way of a letter if zay are still requiring troops? I wish to cross sheck my numbers."

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods in resignation.

Of course. . .All of Lorraine's prioritizations have been met.

He heavily sits down.

[OverKnight]

Note: The battle referred to in this post is from a withdrawn save and is not part of game continuity. Nor should this post be considered "canon". I'm leaving what was written for the sake of transparency.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After leaving, Hugues limps back into the Conseil in battered armor, one arm in a crude linen sling.

Well, I surprised the Germans at their siege camp. I managed to kill half of them. Still couldn't break the siege.

He sits with a clatter of metal. Grabbing a goblet of wine, he finishes it in three large gulps. Wiping his mouth the Duc takes in a deep breath and releases it.

Now, if the Germans attack me, I can retreat and the siege, for the moment will be lifted. However, if they still attack Staufen, I will be unable to stop them without reinforcement. They'll bleed some more, but they'll have the Castle.

The Duc smashes the goblet down.

Your call, Seneschal.

The Duc laughs mirthlessly and begins to drink straight from the bottle.

[Ramses II CP]

Nobles of the realm, word has reached me of the successful negotiation of Princess Constance's release. It further appears that the German Emperor has made an overture of peace alongside freeing my dear sister. I would hear your thoughts on the potential for peace.

Firstly have we repaid the Germans for their treachery against our King? Mon Roi only you can answer this by rights, but more than one German noble has met his end on our swords. I made Mandorf walk fifteen miles through the snow after I captured him, and that's no small humiliation for such a stiff backed prig, and now their Emperor himself faces a siege that can have but one conclusion. If we kill a King, though, there may be no turning back from total war and I must question whether we are prepared to administer all the German lands with William still strong at our backs.

Secondly have we secured defensive borders for the territory we mean to hold? Staufen fell because our laws and finances prevented it's defense. Marseille is in a similar constraint, although I have men in position to keep that city secure, but it will inhibit any further advance on my part. Antwerp is a rich city, and along with Marseille could, in time, provide a flood of trade income... if we can get off a war footing.

Thirdly we must genuinely consider whether or not it is our intent to spend our florins on troops to occupy hostile, foreign lands while native Franks live under English rule. I have strictly observed the King's truce with England, and found it credible, but as the next legislative session nears we must consider conserving funds for a potential end to that truce.

Finally, and perhaps most controversially, I will ask that the idea of the Moorish crusade be reconsidered. Good Christians war with each other while their brothers live under heathen rule. I question if this is truly what God wills, though it was not wrought by our hands or intent.

So, what say you? Shall we now, concertedly, seek peace? Or shall we drive on east to the ends of the Empire?

[OverKnight]

Hugues speaks.

Talking about peace is grand, but have we had any actual negotiations involving diplomats? I don't recall the Seneschal reporting on any.

Staufen was to be a chit, but we waited too long. What do we offer now? I doubt the Germans will accept peace without the return of some of their taken lands.

If this war goes on longer, I fear that we will begin to lose territory. The King's drive into northern Germany is inspiring, but we have few forces to counter a renewed attack into Lorraine or Bourgogne.

Edit: It appears that we have no diplomats anywhere close to the Empire or their forces.

[AussieGiant]

Alain stands, glances momentarily at the King and then addresses the Council.

"My Lords, ze King and I 'ave reached an 'in principle' agreement with ze English. It will be ratified officially zis season and very soon.

Wizout saying too much, it does involve an exchange of provinces zat will be to our liking and will create a mostly sound border with our neighbours and ze English.

I do not want to say more at zis time but soon you will receive official word of ze arrangement.

At least zat may help wiz zese discussions."

[OverKnight]

Hugues laughs.

You are a cruel man Seneschal, to hint at so much and yet say so little.

[AussieGiant]

Grinning back.

"Yes, I zink I am spending too much time wiz de Rochefort!"

[KnightnDay]

Will our king, who has been winning glorious battles in the east be making this announcement? As to the thoughts of Prince Louis, I would again ask our king for his opinions on these matters. I realize his majesty has had his hands full with the Germans, but these matters of state are of considerable importance, and to know his majesty's thoughts would be of use to this conseil.

[OverKnight]

Hugues stands, he sways a bit but steadies himself.

Metz is besieged. Another German army threatens Dijon or Reims. I and the Nobles of Lorraine will do what we can about Metz, but will anyone else act against this threat to our Kingdom?

The Duc glances over to the Bourgogne section of the Conseil, raising an eyebrow before his gaze passes on.

Perhaps the Order? They are here to "protect the welfare of the French people". Oh, but they are busy protecting the welfare of the one Frenchman who is most important. They are in Flanders and Germany.

The Seneschal? He is in Wales. And there is no money for mercenaries. We must build instead, we wouldn't want to short the Germans on kindling.

The Dauphin? On his way, praise the Lord, but not here yet.

The King?

Hugues pauses, something on the tip of his tongue. He closes his mouth with a click of his teeth. After a moment, he speaks again.

The King is otherwise engaged. Though I would hope the threat of excommunication will shift his Majesty's focus to our homeland.

We face the loss of Metz within a season, and another city perhaps within two. What are we going to do about it?

Edit: Need I remind anyone what city is west of Dijon and Reims?

[AussieGiant]

Alain Grimaces at Hugues words, standing slowly.

My Lord Duc, I wish to personally apologies for not recruiting additional forces in ze last season. Ze situation in Lorraine is dire and I can not explain my complete lack of oversight regarding ze matter.

Wiz ze situation in Dublin nearly untenable, I will move as many men as I can from Bretagne towards your Ducal seat in the coming season.

[Ituralde]

Simon turn towards Hugues.

Duc de Champagne, if you require the assistance of the Order you just have to ask the Captain of the Order. I am sure we could be of service. Of course for now we have chosen to follow our Roi and will do so until he no longer requires us.

[OverKnight]

Hugues takes a swig from a wineskin and turns to Simon.

I have stated several times the severity of the situation. I have asked for help several times. I have begged for a comprehensive approach to respond to the German build up in this very chamber!

I have been met with a few mollifying words or silence.

Well the time for words has passed. To Hell with all of you!

Enough is enough! I have had it with these Germans in my Duchy! I'm going to go kill those s and make them rue the day they crossed the Rhine!

Hugues stalks out.

[econ21]

Esteemed Duc de Lorraine, I see the Order as primarily defensive, so I am extremely sympathetic to your call for aid. However, even if we answered your call this season, the Order Company could not reach Metz in time to assist in lifting the siege. If we look beyond this season, the King is arguably more exposed in Frankfurt without our support than you are in Lorraine. Consequently, to speak frankly, I cannot see the Order being able to provide you immediate aid. After the coming Conseil session, our new Captain will doubtless review our deployment in consultation with the King and the Seneschal. Our duty is to march to wherever we are most needed, but discerning where precisely that will be is no easy task and will require careful coordination with leaders such as yourself.

[OOC: posted while OK was posting. No doubt Hermant was vainly speaking as the Duc was storming out.]

[AussieGiant]

Alain frowns as Hermant makes his address.

He stands, tilts his head to the side, opens his mouth, purses his lips to speak, raises a hand with the index finger pointing towards the centre of the chamber, sucks the air through his teeth, blows out loudly, then shakes his head and slumps back down on his seat.

Madoc, now a brilliant shade of lilac, his head the same height as a seated man, seems slightly confused by the episode, but still gives his master a reassuring lick on the face once Alain resumes his place.

[KnightnDay]

Thomas, clearly agitated by what has come to pass, stands to speak. He knows that he must not say what he truely believes, lest he forsake a code of conduct that he swore to follow as he came of age.

"Seigneurs, you will excuse me, but my path is set. My place is by the side of my lord, the Duc de Lorraine, to whom I swore loyalty and with whom I have fought and will fight to the death if God wills it. Lorraine and its people will be defended, to my last breath. To this I swear."

Thomas then turns and walks almost out of the chambers. He then comes to a sudden stop, overcome by anger. He turns suddenly in the direction of Hermant.

A wise decision to remain at our Kings side. Perhaps he will favor you and the Order with Frankfurt in addition to whatever else he's promised you- for your loyal and faithful service!

He then turns again and leaves the conseil.

[OverKnight]

Hugues bursts into the Conseil battered and bloodied, he tromps to the center of the room while drinking from a wineskin. As he stops to speak, he sways, barely keeping his feet. Is it blood loss, wine or both?

There are no more Germans left between the Moselle and the Rhine!




The rest will have to wait until next season. We're back at the ford, though those lazy militia from Reims had to rest at Metz. Made me bring those peasants with me. . .ugh.

The first batch of survivors were ransomed for 2056 florins. That means we can build something! Wooooo!

Second batch the Germans didn't want to pay for, so. . .

Hugues makes a loud and sloppy throat cutting gesture.

Bertin and Thomas fought like lions! I love those guys! They make me so proud!

That's how we do it in Lorraine!

Wooooo. . .

Mid exclamation, the Duc pauses, gags noisily and starts to look a bit ill.

I don't feel so good.

The Duc keels over with a loud clatter of metal. Reeves, always in the background, drags him to the Lorraine benches and attempts to revive him.

[KnightnDay]

While Reeves tends to Hugues, Thomas now enters the chambers, a look of utter exhaustion upon him. Contained in the butcher's bill- fourteen of his bodyguard dead, paid by Thomas. His duc's loss was greater still.

Stopping at Lorraine's bench, he points to Hugues de Champagne and proclaims:

"There my brothers, is the rock of the Moselle. The Kaiser's men cannot break him. Lorraine is safe while he lives; he fights as though the fury of tens of thousands stand behind him!"

Thomas then slowly walks to take his seat.

"Reeves, when you have a moment, please hand me the duc's wineskin. I think I need it."

[Ramses II CP]

The Prince enters and regards the scene in some amazement before speaking,

Good Duke de Champagne if you had but waited a little while I and the men who have kept up with me would've been delighted to join you lads in routing the German dogs. Only a few mounted sergeants are with me yet, but Sir de Perrone is bringing the rest along at a goodly pace!

I would suggest that we coordinate our next action. As the heart of France now appears secure I would like to ride back and bring de Perrone and the men with him along personally. Do you believe we have time for this? I will trust your 'ground truth' as you have more recently seen the battlefield than I.

[econ21]

I congratulate the Duc of Lorraine and Chevalier Thomas on their victories. It is clear that fortitude and prowess are among their many virtues. When he has recovered from his exertions, perhaps the good Chevalier Thomas would contemplate the possible virtue of charity in debate.

[OverKnight]

Reeves looks up from his ministrations. He hands the wineskin to Thomas. At this point, the "Rock of the Moselle" loudly vomits and then turns on his side, still in a deep slumber.

It appears my lord is indisposed.

As to the Dauphin's question, the current situation looks like this:



There is still a German army under Captain Hans that is in the heart of our territory. He could strike us at the ford, at the Prince even, or siege Reims, Dijon. . .possibly even Paris. If he attacks the Duc at the ford, there is little anyone can do I believe. Though men could be moved in to reinforce him, but it is most likely not needed. The Dauphin could combine with Sir Perrone if he expects an attack. If a city is besieged, we will have a season to respond. We have enough forces in the area that could converge to break a siege. Of course Hans, if he was an intelligent man, may even retreat to Bern or Staufen.

The survivors of Metz are in Staufen and some of those who survived the battle with Duc Raymond outside Dijon are encamped in Bern, though Hans may have a majority of these. These forces are still considerable but are perhaps depleted. They could march again however.

The next move of our enemy will dictate my Duc's actions. However, I am confident that if he is able to, he would choose to attack. With the caveat that any action against a German settlement or army in their territory would bring the spiritual wrath of the Pope down upon us.

Edit: It does appear his Majesty might be in for a rough patch if he chooses to hold Frankfurt. I'm quite sure he has anticipated this though.

[KnightnDay]

Thomas takes a few gulps of wine, and feeling a bit refreshed as a result, rises and stands by Reeves. He looks down on his now-slumbering duc. Gently placing his hand on the duc's head and with a smile, Thomas quietly says to Reeves.

"Quite indisposed as you say. Yet under his leadership he saved us all from death's grip, I certainly could not have done so, and I dare say my doubts are that Bertin would have fared better."

Thomas then turned away, and took three or four steps away from the scene.

"Chevalier Hermant, I welcome the opportunity to have a debate on any subject you would care to indulge in. I have no shame in saying I greatly prefer that sort of challenge than the one we have just come from."

[econ21]

Chevalier Thomas, forgive me - I tried to be elliptical and ended up merely being obtuse. I do not wish to challenge you to debate. I am merely recommending that in an esteemed place such as the Conseil, we adopt the principle of "charity in debate". That is to say, if a man disagrees with us, we are charitable about his motives and his speech. He may not say what we want to hear nor do what we want him to do. Nevertheless, unless we know otherwise, we assume his motives are honorable and his speech true. It is easy to accuse a man of base desires and false utterances, but much harder to prove. The falsely accused man will be innocent, while the guilty will deny all bad intent and hide their falsehoods in subterfuge. It is more seemly and more constructive to adopt the principle of charity in debate. Trading words with a base liar is unlikely to be productive however it is done. But if your adversary is in fact an honest man of good intent, the principle of charity in debate can avoid antagonism and advance understanding.

[KnightnDay]

"I see, Chevalier Hermant, and trust you will pardon that I did not understand the true meaning of your words. I am quite tired. When mon duc appealed for assistance, it was my hope that you might at least offer to inquire among your members if even one might be available to assist us. When that sort of response was not forthcoming, it did weigh most heavily on my mind. Under the difficult circumstances we are facing in Lorraine, I hope you can understand that.

It is the mark of a true gentleman that he measure his words, even in the most challenging of times. I myself am enough of a man to recognize that I have room for improvement in this area."

With that, Thomas bows towards Chevalier Hermant and returns to take his seat.

[Ramses II CP]

I and my men are now in position to relieve Dijon if it should be brought under siege. I am uncertain if we could reach any other core cities, but I will ride out alone if necessary. None should fear to ask my aid, I will serve under any man who defends France for God and King!

[econ21]

I am grateful for the Prince's arrival at Dijon and wish him every success in defending our Kingdom.

Chevalier Thomas, I understand your situation. But let me also explain mine: the Order marches under its Captain. It is not always practical to debate operational matters while on campaign. In moments of calm, such as in this Conseil, I am a great believer in consultation. But out in the field, where decisiveness and swift action are at a premium, I believe in command. When I heard your Duc's request, I personally - as Lieutenant acting in lieu of my Captain - assessed the situation. That is when I found my Company was too far from Metz to be of aid this season and that the King was menaced in Frankfurt by a substantial German army, with only two companies of mounted sergeants to support him.

But this issue raises a larger one - the planning and conduct of military operations throughout the Kingdom. At present, each army appears to be acting semi-autonomously - moving at its commander's whim. This risks inefficiency - for example, suppose all armies were to march to Metz or Dijon, when only one was required and leave other areas undefended. I say with all frankness, had I been able to reach Metz this season, I probably would have marched there - leaving our beloved King exposed, unnecessarily it now seems - given the skill of Lorraine's brave defenders.

I would suggest we consider the benefits of a more unified command structure. The office of the Seneschal is ideally placed to undertake this role - organising the planning and implementation of our military campaigns. I suggest that candidates for the post in the coming Conseil give some thought to this idea and how it might be made operational. If it is part of their campaign manifesto, it may give them more authority when they seek to direct our great Lords and army commanders. For my part, I believe the Order Company would happy work within such a national command structure. Afterall, it was to provide a national armed force, that the Order was formed.

[_Tristan_]

The King steps in the Conseil chambers.

Mes Seigneurs,

I wish to congratulate all of you for your valiant conduct on the fields of battle. France will have nothing to fear in the coming years if we can keep maintain such a high standard of valour. For having witnessed it with my own eyes, the bravery of the Order knights is to be commanded. I'd be grateful if they were to join me in Frankfurt to help defend it against the Imperials or to rout any remnants of the Imperial army lingering on what is now French soil.

Anyway, I hope our war with the Germans to be at an end soon.

Heinrich the Heathen, who had wished to defy his Holiness, the Representative of God on Earth, now faces his Creator's judgment. I feel my mission is accomplished, which also seems the way Sa Sainteté sees it, putting us under threat of excommunication if we failed to refrain from further assault on the Reich. So I encourage all of you to refrain from laucnching further assault on German hodlings, though that doesn't mean defendng our own against their assaults.

I do not doubt that once the army attacking Metz has been defeated we will not see further German incursions in our lands, though with Mandorf taking the throne of the Kaiser, we cannot be sure... We can trust him to bear us a grudge, Louis, non ?

However, I am angry... Because all my efforts to make our Royaume whole again, or as close to it as can be, have been spoilt through the lack of efficiency of our Senechal.

I had managed to secure a deal with Guillaume concerning the return of Caen and Angers to our fold for provinces that hold no intrinsic value to us, Caernavon (overseas and surrounded by the English) and Valencia (too far from our homeland to be easily defended). This was sweetened with an offer of alliance and us paying tribute to England for the next ten seasons. A price I was more than willing to pay for such a gain.

Now, I can't decide if it was a fumbling attempt by our Senechal to carry out this deal or a deliberate attempt to sabotage it but the diplomat chosen for the task is less than skilled, some even call it awkward... I feel this was not the most adquate man to chose for this important mission... I feel he may have gravely insulted my cousin Guillaume, provoking his refusal...

Though I hardly understand the motivations behind such an act, as his would have made Bretagne once again a full part of the Royaume rather than a French island cut off from the main land by a sea of English swords, I cannot but see the ill will displayed by our current Senechal in carrying out my wishes or those of the country.

I had asked Duc Alain to make everything in his power to grab Dublin under the nose of the Scots and English smoething which could have been easily accomplished had he managed to seal that alliance with England. We could then have offered to return Dublin for Bordeaux, maybe sweetening the deal once more with florins or military access, as can only be done among allies.

I cannot but see also the neglect of our Capital where only a market has been built during the whole term of our Senechal, while several of our settlements have seen more than their fair share of building... Does our Senechal expect us to impress the world if our Capital is nothing but a pigsty ?

You even failed the Duc of Lorraine by "forgetting" to recruit the men he so direly needed, forcing to fight heroically to defeat the German hordes unleashed on our lands... Something for which I wish to thank him with all my heart.

Thanks to his efforts and my own drive through German lands, our Royaume could have achieved this very season to be the equal of Charlemagne's Empire extending from the Pyrenees to Flanders, from the Atlantic to Swabia. It seems this dream of mine will have to wait.

Duc Alain, I'm sorely disappointed in you... I had thought you had what it took to be a great Senechal, a man that had all it needed to rise to the top and bring his House up with him... It seems I've been duped in thinking so...

It seems our Royaume will need a man with a stronger will to lead it in the next seasons. One that will see the sense of following his King's directions, if not to the letter, at least in his intent...

The King's demesne has been greatly enlarged by our campaigns this term... These lands do not belong to me solely... They belong to all of us who fought for our Royaume. So I'll ask the Ducs, knights and all who feel entrusted to hold some of these lands in my name to make themselves known, either here publically or in a private audience, to lay their claims before so that I can assess their validity and the claimant merits in determining how these lands will be allotted.

This will be done before the start of the next Conseil session, to allow some of our still landless nobles to have a chance to gain some and run for the position of Senechal.

[OverKnight]

Reeves's eyes widen. He redoubles his efforts to awaken Duc Hugues. With a grunt, he awakens and the two have a hurried conversation. The Duc then shuffles forth to speak.

Uh. . .right. First, thank you for the praise your Majesty. Just doing our part.

He shakes his head trying to clear the cobwebs.

Second, I can't speak to a lot of what has been said, but Duc Alain did meet my prioritizations for men. It's just that due to our resources, it would have been peasants or militia, no archers or cavalry. There was one time I was refused mercenaries, but that was more than balanced out by the time he granted me money to hire them to defeat the Germans at Staufen.

Duc Alain has been straight with me.

With respect, mon Roi, the only Seneschal whose performance would be completely satisfactory to your Majesty, would be, well, your Majesty.

[AussieGiant]

A rye smile cross Alain's features as the King makes his speech.

That smile continues as he stands, the parchment he holds in his hand folded carefully and precisely, then slowly and with great care torn in to equal parts.

With a even and ironic lilt to his voice he addresses the Council as a whole.

My King, Dauphin, fellow Duc, lords of ze realm.

I was going to provide a summary of ze last 15 years and 'and zis report to ze next Seneschal, whoever 'e may be.

While holding the gaze of the attending nobles he absently holds the torn parchment out to which Medoc proceeds to eat with just a few gulps.

'owever, it seems zere is no need. Our King 'as made 'is will known and zere is clearly no need to add anyzing furzer. I did as I was instructed to ze best of my ability.

As a result, 'ere openly and publicly in zis chamber, I, Duc Alain of Bretagne make no claim to any of ze lands 'eld in ze King's demesne. I will leave to ze rest of you to stake your claims at ze Kings pleasure and to rule in 'is name over zese lands.

I would simply ask ze King to consider ze claims, which may come from ze nobles of Bretagne, and 'opefully put aside 'is zoughts towards me and allow zem to reap some rewards for zeir valiant efforts.

God save France, God save ze King.

Alain sits.

[_Tristan_]

Having listened to Duc Alain reply to his criticism, the King speaks again.

It is now time to take into account our conquests and reward the Maisons du Royaume with the lands they helped us acquire for the greater good of France.

The King's Demesne has been much enlarged by these recent additions and now has come the time for me to share it with you, mes Seigneurs.

Of all our conquests, only Frankfurt and Marseille have not yet been ratified by the Conseil and thus cannot be allocated. Nevertheless, let me say that should these provinces be ratified I intend to offer Frankfurt to the Duchy of Lorraine.

Marseille will remain the propriety of its conqueror, my son Louis and the House of Aquitaine.

There remains in the King's Demesne five regions to be handed out : Bruges, Antwerp, Caernarvon, Zaragoza and Valencia.

Zaragosa is to be given to my son Louis and the House of Aquitaine, as should only be fitting.

Antwerp is to be given to the Ordre de la Fleur de Lys, as a base for their headquarters, as a reward for the good service they provided at my side.

Bruges will remain for now into the King's Demesne, as I intend to oversee its building to become a major trading centre personally.

As for Caernarvon and Valencia, these will have to remain into the King's Demesne. The first one ws never intended to be a lasting addition to our Royaume but rather as a way to show Guillaume what it felt to have a foreign power at his throat. It was intended as a bargaining chip with England towards the return of English-held French territories. The second is too distant from our homeland to be easily defensible should the Moors prove more aggressive than they've been these past years and choose to push north. Better leave Guillaume to deal with them first.

I'm sure that under the proper guidance, the deal that was reached between Guillaume and myself can still see the light and will allow us to give lands to Houses that have been neglected until now.