Conseil du Royaume

[OverKnight]

Hugues stands with a prepared speech.

If the King quotes me, it is only fair that I quote his Majesty.

10 seasons ago the King addressed the Conseil concerning the English and war:

I know what all of you want to hear : that we are going to wage war et bouter l'anglais hors de France.

But that will have to wait. Our treasury has suffered from all these years of war and the costs of another war woudl ruin us. In that spirit, only last year, I concluded a trade agreement with my cousin William which acts as a sort of truce between us.

France is in shambles, our cities stink, our peasants are famished, bands of marauders scour the land... All this must stop...

I will not suffer the peasantry of France to die while her nobles go fight for glory, plunder and pleasure abroad, be it to bring back into the fold provinces that rightfully should belong to my crown. . .

Four seasons later, we were at war, declared by the King, not against the English, but the Germans. I guess we were ready for a war with the Empire, but not England. The King also said:

I will leave la gouvernance du Royaume entre vos mains in the years to come.

Would leaving the governing of the realm in the hands of others include declaring war against the Empire? Trying to cajole and then threaten the standing Seneschal into making an alliance with our sworn enemy? Or pressuring him into taking Caernarvon and Dublin, only to cast him aside when he failed to do exactly what his Majesty demanded of him? Why weren't any of these matters brought to the Conseil when it was in Session or after?

As to the question of my deal with my cousin Guillaume, I prefer to keep the specifics secret for now and until the Senechal is chosen. Diplomacy is a very sensible matter and telling too much too early may well cause it to fail.

Let us simply say that I specifically had asked the previous Senechal to propose an alliance to my cousin Guillaume as a gesture of goodwill before proposing to make an exchange of our lands, something which the Senechal admittedly didn't do. It remains to determine if that was his fault for not conveying the information to the diplomat he sent or a blunder of the diplomat. Whatever the cause, I consider that the fault is to be laid at the Senechal's feet.

Having failed to govern the realm through an unwilling proxy and behind the back of the Conseil, the cycle begins again, yet this time dispensing with the proxy. We have an edict, 2.4, authorizing negotiations, but no specifics, no mention of an Alliance. In fact I doubt the King would even give us these crumbs without prodding. The Conseil has not been consulted on an offer of an Alliance. We have not been given the exact terms for the negotiations. Nor have we been asked about whether an Alliance with England, our old enemy, is wanted or advisable.

The position [Seneschal] must be one of respect and authority, subject only to the greater authority of the King. . .

I have convened this body to help in the governance of the Royaume and to elect a man to second me and deal with the day to day burden of administering France. . .

I do not think that this has been an error, not yet but I should not impose such a burden on men not as well prepared as us Kings and Princes to deal with it. . .

This election is about whether this Conseil is simply a rubber stamp or not. And if the Seneschal, the elected represenative of the Conseil, is only a Clerk or not. Are the Nobles of France to have any say in the affairs of the Kingdom? Do you want an independent Seneschal, or not one at all?

I ask for your vote, I ask for the Conseil to stand up for its rights, I ask you to take what is yours.

I also propose:

Edict 2.9: An alliance with England is authorized.

and

Edict 2.10: An alliance with England shall not be authorized, negotiated or accepted.

Our voice will be heard.

[Cecil XIX]

I second Edicts 2.9 and 2.10.

[woad&fangs]

I second edicts 2.9 and 2.10

[Vladimir]

Good Lord! The pace of conversation is dizzying.

So to is Gaspard's notion that a simple port will bring great trade. I suspect he also believes a grain exchange allows us to send a merchant abroad.

Edict 2.7 will profit us nothing. Let us focus on the rich trade of the Mediterranean. The silks of the east are far more profitable than the snow of the north.

[OOC: This is Lands To Conquer boys ]

[GeneralHankerchief]

Raynaud de Xaintrailles:

I was asked for my story; my take on matters, if I am not mistaken.

As previously stated, the Princess Constance is back in French territory and is even now in recovery from her ordeal. She was not treated kindly during her time in the Reich, although this is the fault of her abductor more so than any official work of the Kaiser or his underlings. Speaking of which, I did manage to meet with the now-former Kaiser, who expressed a very strong desire for peace with us...

*sotto voce* ...and discussed his views on religion as well.

But he is dead now, and only time will tell if his successor shares the same views as he.

That is my report to the Conseil - ah, wait. On our way back, we were accosted by a group of Italian mercenaries. They were defeated without incident, but they seemed to be targeting the Princess for some reason. Perhaps further investigation into the matter will be required.

I dwell little on this now. It is clear that the time is not yet ripe for a Moorish Crusade, though my heart still burns to send the heretical Mohammedans straight to Hell for their blasphemy against the Lord and His Son. In the meantime, I shall do my lord's bidding, and prepare for the happy day where we may begin saving the good people of Iberia's souls for good.

[AussieGiant]

Alain smiles to himself and stands.

I also second Edicts 2.9 and 2.10

[econ21]

I second Edict 2.8. However, according to the last report, it still requires a further seconder. Will one of the King's loyal Councillors second his edict, so at least it may be put to a vote?

[Ituralde]

Simon turns to Xaintrailles.

Will this be all the information we will receive? Who abducted her and why? How come the Kaiser himself didn't know about it even though he was at the same time waging war against us?

Taking nobility prisoner is known to happen at times of war, but mistreating another noble. It's downright disgusting! Kaiser Heinrich has deservedly been killed by the hands of our Roi. A liege is always responsible for the actions of his vassals.

Maybe that's why he let the Princess go? Or did you have to make some other kind of arrangement? And if the Kaiser let her go, why were you being followed and harrassed by mercenaries? Were they sent by a third party?

There are still a lot of questions and I can only hope for the safety of the Princess that we will find the answers to all of them.


Edit:
Oh and I second Edict 2.8.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Raynaud de Xaintrailles:

From what I have learned, the Princess was kidnapped by a minor noble who acted of his own volition. It appears that he had been pursuing her for some time. The Kaiser let her (and I) go only on the condition that we persuade the Conseil and particularly the King that our release was done as a gesture of good faith on his part, although this hardly matters now. He expressed desire for peace between our two nations, and...

*He hesitates for a second, then crosses himself*

...said that he had more pressing matters to worry about.

As for the mercenaries, I know very little, other than the fact that they were Italian.

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods.

Italian mercenaries, very fierce, do anything for coin, I'm sure they get blamed for all sorts of things.

Shame about Heinrich, I almost feel sorry for killing the poor bugger's son.

Hugues smiles at Raynaud.

Capital job saving rescuing the Princess. I had not imagined you had such a silver tongue Chevalier. Perhaps there's a future for you in diplomacy. We could set you on the English, make them see the error of their ways.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Raynaud de Xaintrailles:

You are too kind, Duc. During our conversation, I got the impression that the Kaiser was simply using me as an outlet to vent his frustrations with life.

(OOC: He is on fire with the KotR connections, ladies and gentlemen!)

[Vladimir]

Capital job saving rescuing the Princess. I had not imagined you had such a silver tongue Chevalier. Perhaps there's a future for you in diplomacy. We could set you on the English, make them see the error of their ways.

Yes. It appears he has picked up some interesting traits. *ahem*

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard de Neufville, aftering bearing the boring silence for too long, rises to speak.

"Bon messieurs, I wish to second Proclamation 2.1.

I believe that should any land be purchased by the Seneschal, it would naturally occur with consultation with la Roi and the major landholders of the royaume. Sometimes, it might be necessary to purchase land and utilise it immediately; without having it ratified through this body. Such an action should be used sparingly, however."

Gaspard resumes his seat.

[Andres]

Thierry de Rochefort had been following the proceedings, but he wasn't really paying attention. In the middle of the Counsel, a messenger entered the building and handed over a parchment to the scribe next to Thierry.

The man looked at the parchment and he suddenly had a sad expression on his face. He looked at Thierry and whispered something in his ear.

Thierry remained calm for a brief moment, then the façade cracked. With a roaring scream and tears in his eyes, he stood up. He hit the scribe with his fist, breaking the poor mans' jaw.

Thierry left the Conseil.

It was raining. The wind played with his cloak.

He softly whispered to himself.

"Maman! Pourquoi?"

He jumped on his horse and rode away, without leaving a message.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I'm leaving for a holiday tonight and will be gone until September 24th. I'll probably won't have internet acces. For IC purposes: Thierry, who had a very close relationship with his now deceased mother, went to Caernarvon and refuses to speak to anyone.

[OverKnight]

Hugues stands and speaks to the nearly empty chamber.

My lords, remember, if the King is victorious in this election, it is likely his Majesty will then retain the office after this term using his prerogative. For some this will be fine and dandy, but I thought I'd point it out.

Hugues leans back in his chair, puts his feet up on his desk and takes a swig of wine as Reeves hands him the latest tallies.

[AussieGiant]

As the election results come in to the chamber, Alain glances at the throne.

"So!"

In a manner that clearly represents a break in his normally flippant and formal demeanor in the council, Alain thumps his mailed fist on the bench forcefully.

"We are done!"

[OverKnight]

Hugues stumbles back into the Conseil. He looks hung over and battered.

I am grateful for the honor the Realm. . .eventually. . .bestowed upon me. I will serve the King and the Conseil with justice and fortitude. We face difficult times, but we will persevere.

Here is my first report. Reeves wrote out most of it.

I had just gotten back to my men at the Moselle when the Germans attacked, sneaky bastards! Put paid to them.

I would also like to announce that Thomas de Saint-Amand, who yet again has proved his worth in battle, is now the Baron of Franconia. I congratulate him!

I hope his new Barony isn't reduced to a cinder before he sees it.

[OverKnight]

Hugues scans a few reports, including some notes from Reeves, and stands. He looks a bit more refreshed, if still tired. He sketches a bow.

My King, Dauphin and Nobles of the Realm. I have received some requests for mercenary recruitment. Chevalier Gaeten de Rethel has taken position in a mountain pass between Bern and Dijon. He has requested a company of crossbowmen.

The King wishes reinforcement so that he may move from Frankfurt and engage Kaiser Maximillian but leave a garrison.

I would prefer if all future requests for troops, mercenary or recruited, including prioritizations, be made in the Conseil. This would make them easier to track and to ensure the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

(OOC: It well also, I hope, encourage discussion in this thread between sessions.)

Seignuer Gaeten de Rethel's request is denied. 860 Florins is a great deal of money. He has no other men besides his retinue. Barring future developments, we have enough forces in the area to respond to a German incursion.

As for the mercenaries the King requests, I need more specifics as to what his Majesty needs. There are three companies of crossbowmen and two companies of spearmen available for hire in the area. Certainly to face down the Kaiser, I will not skimp, but purchasing the services off all those companies would cost nearly 4,000 florins.

Hugues checks his notes.

Which is 2/5ths of our current treasury and our entire income for the season.

[Cecil XIX]

Given that Dijon can only recruit one type of unit, I think I am being specific enough when I say I want my three unit prioritizations fulfilled as soon as possible. At least they're cheap.

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods to Raymond.

To be honest, I had not reviewed all troop requests yet. (OOC: I'll be printing out the SOT thread and doing recruitment at the end of the turn. It might be a good idea to delete old prioritizations and flag new ones.)

The Duc raises a good point, prioritizations of troop recruitment come before all other expenditures, including mercenaries:

(3) Prioritized Units - No money can be spent on any recruitment until all Prioritized Units have been funded, unless the Nobles who Prioritized them agree otherwise. If there are multiple Prioritized Units, and not enough funding for all of them, the Chancellor may choose which to recruit first. Nobles may specify any of his settlements for the unit to be recruited from, and any unit available for hire in that settlement to be recruited. Artillery and mercenaries cannot be Prioritized. A unit may be retrained instead of recruited if the unit is already located in a settlement where it can be retrained in some fashion.

This is part of the reason I wish to make requests public. Certainly Duc Raymond needs men to defend Dijon, but the King needs men to repulse the Kaiser. Also, Dijon can only recruit so many companies this season. I would also like to have Florins to build. I hope we can hammer out a compromise where everyone is satisfied.

OOC: The save window is going to be extended until all these first season issues are sorted out.

[econ21]

I congratulate the Seneschal on his election. I agree with my Duc that prioritised units should be ... err.. prioritised. However, if only one company can be trained at Dijon each season, perhaps he and our other landed gentry would allow the Seneschal to hire mercenaries for the King?

On the matter of mercenaries, I believe our Monarch is astute to favour them over militia when it comes to battle. Yes, they cost more than militia but they also are much better equipped and trained. Militia are ideal for garrison duty and lesser actions. But it would be heartless and perhaps reckless to send untrained and unarmoured militia into a major battle against superior numbers when we could hire well armed professionals. When we have the capacity to train our own armoured infantry, mercenary foot may then become an unnecessary indulgence. However, even then, I fear that we will never train crossbowmen who can match the range of the arbalests of the mercenaries and some of our neighbours.

[deguerra]

Raoul stands and, clearly unused to speaking publically, clears his throat

My congratulations also to our new Senschal. I hope he will fulfill his duties with the same deviotion and professionalism as the last.

I don't speak here often, as I am a fighter not an orator. But it seems the conversation has strayed into my sort of territory.

First, Bourgogne needs men. I realize I am speaking for my own Duchy here, but unlike the other Duchies, Bourgogne has partaken in no aggressive expansion, has not used up resources. We are on the front lines, however, and it cannot be that we are overlooked. In fact, as it is a matter of some urgency, what I would really like to see is the other Duchies allowing us to recruit from their lands.

Secondly, mercenaries. If you want my fighting opinion, they are overpaid, dirty, untrustworthy and unfortunately worth every penny we spend on them at the moment. But what France needs is a potent force of her own, and what that force must be is armoured knights on horseback. This is how we held back the Moors at the Battle of Tours and Poitiers and this is how we will hold back any foreign aggressor. Infantry is a waste of time and resources, mercenaries and militia are perfectly suited to fulfill that role: to bulk up the ranks.

Thirdly, and here I am speaking in an area of which I know little, I cannot say I like the idea of any long-term hold on Frankfurt. It is German, has always been German and will remain German and trying to impose a French sovereign on them will only lead to trouble. I say trade it off as soon as practicable.

[ULC]

"May I ask how the Seneschal expects me to hold the southern pass from Bern with nothing?"

[Ramses II CP]

I see our new Seneschal has asked that Toulouse be 'opened' for recruitment. I will do him one better, I have brought two unblooded companies of Mounted Sergeants with me from Toulouse. I will donate those to the defense of the realm and allow them to be allocated as the Seneschal wishes this very season. (OOC: When I do my move I'll leave the two not-veteran companies in place. I'm altering my SoT but this constitutes permission as far as I'm concerned)

As far as recruitment from my castle, however, I must say I am displeased with the state of our defenses along the southern borders. I trust none of the powers that flank us there. I have left my vassals in place to defend, but they have very few men to do so, and thus I propose a compromise. For every company of cavalry I release to the Seneschal's discretion I ask a company of archers be trained for the defense of my lands. A good starting point would be retraining the mercenary crossbowmen at Valencia this season, so that Sir de Xaintraillies has a better chance of defending our furthest flung holding. A company or two of Town Militia at Marseille would not strike me amiss either, and their upkeep would be supported by the locals.

I do not wish to seem greedy, but cavalry are the strength of our realm. If I am to sacrifice my strength while my own lands are vulnerable it seems only fair that I take some recompense.

Congratulations on your election Duke Hugues.

[deguerra]

Raoul sighs

Prince Louis, it seems we both agree and disagree. Your point regarding cavalry is well made. I salute your releasing them, and of course would not be displeased to see one or both go to Bourgogne.

I disagree in part with your assessment on our southern borders. As to the feelings of our neighbours towards us you may be correct, but I ask you if this might not be due to the fact that we, and by we I mean the Duchy of Aquitaine, expanded quite ruthlessly into what the rulers of Spain considered their lands?

And now, we need more and expensive militia to hold them.

As to you, Sieur de Rethel, might one enquire why the defence of this Swiss pass is vital to the continued existence of our realm? And if it is, why you are the one defending it?

[Ramses II CP]

The Prince offers de Chatillon a genuine smile before speaking,

No need to be circumspect; your own lands are under greater threat and so you question any recruitment away from them. I comprehend this, however, the Moors and English are the neighbors I primarily mean, not to forget the Milanese. Rumors have it that the Moors are gathering forces once more, and we've no cavalry at all other than Sir de Xaintraillies' own bodyguards to meet them. I ask only a few peasant archers, who are cheap, and perhaps some crossbowmen, to answer that threat and offer you the best cavalry our realm has in exchange.

I will also point out at this time that I rode north, halting that expansion to no benefit of my own House, the very instant I learned of the threat here. If my wife is any proof the Spanish will curse, scream, pitch fits... and keep their word to the bitter end, loyal as a dog. I see no reason to doubt them at this time, but I see little strength in their realm either. If we do not aid them the Moors will sweep them aside and be at our doorstep, a doorstep which has very few men watching it and enemies on all sides.

My motives are utterly transparent. I wish the realm to benefit, but I wish my House and lands to be secure as well. Can you truly find fault with this?

[Ramses II CP]

Mmm, yes, I should also note that I have moved with my remaining men into position to block any German move towards our lands out of Bern. You need not fear the enemy from that place.

[deguerra]

You misunderstand me, my Prince. I was trying to bring neither your House nor you into any disrepute. Few nobles of this Kingdom can rightly claim to have done as much of you for our safety and prosperity.

I do find fault with our expanding into lands on which we have no claim, at least insofar as our purpose is for annexation rather than to trade them in for those lands to which we do have claim. House Aquitaine's expansion was, in this regard, the lesser of my worries.

But ultimately, I talk here of things I understand too little of. What I do understand is that my Duchy needs men, so I ask that any who can help do so.

[KnightnDay]

If I may point out to members of the Conseil, that a member of our diplomatic corps, Geoffroi de Cressensacq has been enjoying a steady diet of wine and brie within the relaxed confines of Paris for the better part of a year now.

Perhaps the Seneschal might direct the fine gentleman to meet with a representative of the Kaiser without delay for the purpose of fulfilling the edict just approved, to seek an equitable peace with the Reich?

[OverKnight]

"May I ask how the Seneschal expects me to hold the southern pass from Bern with nothing?"

Well, um. . .I don't expect you too. Of course I didn't think you would move there in the first place. If you expect me to reinforce you because you've impulsively placed yourself in a dangerous situation, I'm afraid you might be disappointed.

First, Bourgogne needs men. I realize I am speaking for my own Duchy here, but unlike the other Duchies, Bourgogne has partaken in no aggressive expansion, has not used up resources. We are on the front lines, however, and it cannot be that we are overlooked. In fact, as it is a matter of some urgency, what I would really like to see is the other Duchies allowing us to recruit from their lands.

Secondly, mercenaries. If you want my fighting opinion, they are overpaid, dirty, untrustworthy and unfortunately worth every penny we spend on them at the moment. But what France needs is a potent force of her own, and what that force must be is armoured knights on horseback. This is how we held back the Moors at the Battle of Tours and Poitiers and this is how we will hold back any foreign aggressor. Infantry is a waste of time and resources, mercenaries and militia are perfectly suited to fulfill that role: to bulk up the ranks.

Thirdly, and here I am speaking in an area of which I know little, I cannot say I like the idea of any long-term hold on Frankfurt. It is German, has always been German and will remain German and trying to impose a French sovereign on them will only lead to trouble. I say trade it off as soon as practicable.

Chevalier de Châtillon, Duc Raymond will have the men he asks for. However, cavalry is wasted behind walls. If I was confident that Bourgogne was to engage in a more aggressive defense, then you will have your share of cavalry.

Frankly, the Realm has plenty of horse, we have many more nobles than commands. We lack decent foot and archers in my view.

As for Franconia, it cannot be given away for peace without the permission of Baron de Saint-Amand. Perhaps it could be included in negotiations if he was compensated for his loss.

I see our new Seneschal has asked that Toulouse be 'opened' for recruitment. I will do him one better, I have brought two unblooded companies of Mounted Sergeants with me from Toulouse. I will donate those to the defense of the realm and allow them to be allocated as the Seneschal wishes this very season. (OOC: When I do my move I'll leave the two not-veteran companies in place. I'm altering my SoT but this constitutes permission as far as I'm concerned)

As far as recruitment from my castle, however, I must say I am displeased with the state of our defenses along the southern borders. I trust none of the powers that flank us there. I have left my vassals in place to defend, but they have very few men to do so, and thus I propose a compromise. For every company of cavalry I release to the Seneschal's discretion I ask a company of archers be trained for the defense of my lands. A good starting point would be retraining the mercenary crossbowmen at Valencia this season, so that Sir de Xaintraillies has a better chance of defending our furthest flung holding. A company or two of Town Militia at Marseille would not strike me amiss either, and their upkeep would be supported by the locals.

I do not wish to seem greedy, but cavalry are the strength of our realm. If I am to sacrifice my strength while my own lands are vulnerable it seems only fair that I take some recompense.

I will review the defenses in the west and see what can be done in the short term. As I said, cavalry is always well received, but we need footmen and archers.

I'm damned grateful the Dauphin decided to come east. He could have tarried in the Cote d'Azure but he has come to aid us against the Germans.

If I may point out to members of the Conseil, that a member of our diplomatic corps, Geoffroi de Cressensacq has been enjoying a steady diet of wine and brie within the relaxed confines of Paris for the better part of a year now.

Perhaps the Seneschal might direct the fine gentleman to meet with a representative of the Kaiser without delay for the purpose of fulfilling the edict just approved, to seek an equitable peace with the Reich?

I'll see if that cheese eating bloke can't work off some of it. We'll roll him to the Rhine if need be.