Conseil du Royaume

[deguerra]

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.

My thoughts exactly.

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.

Walls, walls. The fate of our realm is not decided behind walls. How can you at once reason that you will deprive Bourgogne of cavlary because they are wasted on us, and at the same time say that cavalry in itself is a waste.

In any case, I ask you: How can Bourgogne pursue an aggressive defense without having the men to conduct any defence. I hear that you will grant us what we ask for, even though that is the bear minimum of what we will need. And understand that I wish not to insult anyone with what I am saying. If I want to insult you, you will know it. I am merely voicing my anxiety.

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 am aware of that, which is why I am unhappy that it was granted in the first place. Again, nothing at all towards Sieur Saint-Amand. I would say the same of anyone.

[OverKnight]

Hugues chuckles and turns to Raoul.

You do indeed have a fighting spirit Chevalier.

The garrison of Dijon, barring Frankfurt or Caernarvon, is currently the strongest in the Kingdom. If Dijon is threatened or besiged, our armies in the area will converge to defend the city, as we did before.

The Germans outnumber us, we must conduct a mobile defense to parry their powerful but clumsy thrusts. Lorraine has come to the aid of Bourgogne in the past, if the reverse will hold true in future, I will provide your Duchy with more cavalry.

N'est-ce pas?

[deguerra]

Raoul makes a curt bow in the direction of the Duc de Lorraine

Hugues chuckles and turns to Raoul.

The garrison of Dijon, barring Frankfurt or Caernarvon, is currently the strongest in the Kingdom. If Dijon is threatened or besiged, our armies in the area will converge to defend the city, as we did before.

I may be simple, but do not think the use of the word "garrison" escapes me. Yes, Dijon has a sizeable garrison. It hardly has a sizeable army.

The Germans outnumber us, we must conduct a mobile defense to parry their powerful but clumsy thrusts. Lorraine has come to the aid of Bourgogne in the past, if the reverse will hold true in future, I will provide your Duchy with more cavalry.

N'est-ce pas?

Bien sur. I presume you are not wanting to insinuate any doubt that Bourgogne would fail to do so.

[KnightnDay]

Indeed. We are in this together, and there is every reason for the houses of Bourgogne and Lorraine to cooperate in the mutual protection of our lands. That, along with the generous offer of assistance from our fair prince should provide a more than adequate defense.

[Ituralde]

If it is heavy cavalry you need, I have a score of them under my command. This is the reason the Order was founded in the first place. To help the Royaume in any way possible. We are currently tied up in the defense of Frankfurt and will hopefully strike at Emperor Maximilian soon. Should that situation change though and the German concentrate their attacks elsewhere don't hesitate to ask for assistance. The Order will gladly help to keep our borders safe!

[AussieGiant]

Arms folded, Alain observes proceeding reclined in his chair.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe turns to the Senechal

Hugues, you asked what I would require for taking on Maximilian and his cohorts. It depends on what your vassal Saint Amand requires for garrisonning Frankfurt. One or two spearmen would be fine if I could keep the crossbowmen already in Frankfurt within my army. I'll have my quartermaster draw an account of what is needed (OOC : I'll take a close look at the save) and give to you.

As to Sieur de Châtillon's observation that Frankfurt was ever German and should remain so, I'd like him to look back to the times of Charlemagne, when the borders of France extended over the Pyrrenées in the South West, to Rome in the South East and up to Saxony in the North, reaching down to Carinthia in the East. So when we conquer lands behind the Pyrennées or over the Rhine, we are only reclaiming what was lost to us due to the bickering of Charlemagne's sons... We are reclaiming what is OURS !!

So Frankfurt will remain French at whatever cost... I would not take back something I have granted in good faith, it would make a poor liege of me, and that I will not allow.

[deguerra]

I am, of course, no historian, mon roi, but was it not after Charlemagne that the lands of the French and of the Germans were divided.

Of course, I may misunderstand, not having your wisdom, but by your logic, do not the Germans have equal claim on Paris?

But in any case, I am not saying we must give Frankfurt back. I am merely taking the position that rapid expansionism, blatantly only aimed at increasing the personal power of one noble or another without any regard for the wellbeing of the Kingdom and its people is to be avoided.

[_Tristan_]

Sieur de Châtillon, you speak the truth when you say that it was after Charlemagne that the lands of Franks and Germans were divided... but it's only because of the feuds between his descendants that it became so... Charlemagne was King of the Franks, as I am, before the title of Emperor was given to him by the Pope... And I cannot bear to see his lands or his title usurped by Heinrich or his ilk, heathen that they are... So that deals with any claim the Germans may have upon French lands...

They've been conquered once and God-willing, they will be once again...

As to rapid expansion, I've done everything in my power to cull it and to see to the well-being of my people, enacting laws that required the building of churches or granaries before the building of barracks... Expansion east is stopped by the Pope's Edict, we're now only defending ourselves and expansion south is stopped now that the rebellious provinces have been brought to heel.

I don't know where you've seen that our expansion was "blatanly aimed" at increasing one noble's power over another as I tried to distribute all lands conquered according to the merits of each House.

[AussieGiant]

Alain make a grunting noise of disgust at the last remark.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe glares at Alain.

Something on your mind, Duc Alain ? A burr under your saddle ? Or should I say in your codpiece ?

[AussieGiant]

Alain smiles and with great care examines his codpiece, shows it to Medoc, who tries to bite it, and then looks back at the King.

"The usual items are were zey need to be, Cyril is currently unsaddled in ze barn.

I simply enjoyed ze us of language in your description, oh mighty King of Kings."

[_Tristan_]

Philippe smiles back with a mirthless smile.

That's what I thought...

[Braden]

A page enters bearing Prince Henri’s colours.

“If I may, I have an announcement to read?”

The gathered council acknowledge the page and bid he proceed

“Thank you my gathered Lords” he bows and unravels the message.

“My Lords present, on this day as it gathers close to my 18th year of age, I hereby announce my entrance into the public politic.”

The page pauses before continuing..

“I also announce my request to my...dear Father...be assigned to our borders with the Holy Roman Empire so that I may more directly aid our peoples in maintaining peace between the peoples of the Franks and Germains. Too long have I waited behind the shadow of my brother and it is time to show our great nation what good I can perform for her.”

The page rolls up the note and bows before speaking again..

“My lord, Prince Henri has tasked me with returning with any messages you have for him at this time. My name is Guntram and I await your pleasure my lords.”

[OverKnight]

Philippe turns to the Senechal

Hugues, you asked what I would require for taking on Maximilian and his cohorts. It depends on what your vassal Saint Amand requires for garrisonning Frankfurt. One or two spearmen would be fine if I could keep the crossbowmen already in Frankfurt within my army. I'll have my quartermaster draw an account of what is needed (OOC : I'll take a close look at the save) and give to you.

My King, having studied the reports, I will release up to 1600 florins for hiring mercenaries. Your Majesty could acquire two companies of spearmen, or one company and some crossbowmen with those funds. Your choice, though it appears your Majesty needs footmen.

All I ask for Frankfurt is that you leave a company of men of your choosing behind to garrison the city. Thomas has prioritized some militia for the city, but they will not be ready until next season.

Is this acceptable?

OOC: If it is, you can take the save and make the hires yourself before any action.

[OverKnight]

Reeves hands Hugues a report. The Duc chokes on some wine he had been drinking. Wiping off his doublet, he stands to speak.

Dauphin, may I ask why your men are directly outside Bern? Your Highness is damned close to violating Edict 2.2. You're not sieging the place, but you seem to be inviting them to strike at you.

Remember the gentleman in the pointy hat? The one who can bring damnation down on us? Hmm? I'm not sure if he cares much for the subtle distinction your Highness might be aiming at.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe acknowledges Hugues' proposal with a nod.

1600 florins should be enough, Senechal. I thank you and will proceed to go back to Frankfurt immediately.

(OOC : I'm not on my own internet right now and may not access the save until tomorrow so could you leave the save open until tomorrow early evening GMT...
Moreover, I'm waiting on word from Zim about some issue...)

And, Hugues, do not worry about the Pope... Surely he will make the difference between who is truly the aggressor between Louis or the Imperials...

[OverKnight]

Hugues bows to the King.

Excellent, I wish your Majesty good fortune against the Kaiser. A few more poundings might make them more likely to see reason.

OOC: Since this appears to be the major action of the turn, I'll keep the save open.

Edit: I wish I had your Majesty's confidence in the. . .strategic insight. . .of the Pontiff.

[Ramses II CP]

Simply put I heard a lot of talk here about the Germans at Bern being a threat to the upper Rhine region. I decided that the simplest solution would be to block them from departing that castle by taking possession of all the west bound roads out of it. The edict in question does not deny me the right to ride into German lands, and I give my word that I have no intention of making an attack. I am simply defending France from a forward position.

Let me further say that, having taken the lay of the land, the German commander at Bern is a fool to practice lay-about-the-fort thinking with the types of troops he has on hand. If it angers His Holiness that I take advantage of this fool then I will personally issue an apology and depart the region of Bern.

One thing you can be sure of, there will be no siege of Bern.

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods.

Hmmm, yes a "forward position", a very forward position indeed.

I trust that your Highness knows what you are doing.

[_Tristan_]

Please disregard... Nothing to see here...

Philippe enters the room and all can see his last battle has been very hard on him. He limps heavily. His left arm is in a sling, but more frightening is the vicious cut upon his face that deforms his mouth in a grim mockery of a smile (OOC : Got Terribly Scarred fighting Maximilian).

Eyeing the assembled Lords, some turning their faces from his mauld face, Philippe speaks, his voice as stentorous as always.

Do not look away my Lord... This (showing his face) is the price to pay for serving the Lord and France... I'm proud of this... And with Bertrade gone a few years ago, I have no need of a handsome face.

And it seems this face served me well... I met my cousin Guillaume a few days ago and either he was anxious to get out of sight of my ugly face or he was afraid he might catch it, anyway he accepted to deal with us on very favorable terms I found...

But first things first... Maximilian is dead and the Imperials must right now be electing their next beer-swilling pudding-head Kaiser... His second in command was captured and asked permission to take away Maximilian's corpse , with the remnants of his army as escort, to his last resting place... I agreed but made him pay the hefty sum of 4798 florins...

Without the help of our Senechal and the men of the Order, I would not have been able to achieve such a result. The Senechal for providing me the funds to hire enough mercenaries to make a difference, the Order Chevaliers for fighting like true French nobles, killing Maximilian and capturing his second while I was fighting on the other side of the field.

I wish to thank also le Sieur de Saint Amand for accepting to release into my command almost all of Frankfurt's garrison (OOC : I've adjusted the taxes to prevent it from rebelling).

Thanks to all this efforts, we're one step closer to make France into the bountiful Royaume it was under the reign of Charlemagne. Guillaume has released into our custody the provinces of Normandy and Anjou in exchange for Wales and Valencia. My mangled face perturbed him so much that he didn't even haggle when I offered him the Imperial ransom as a compensation for the exchange.

Bretagne is no more an island, separated from us by an English sea... We've finally managed what we set out to do so many years ago... I've been harsh with Duc Alain, I now admit, and as a sign of forgiveness, I wish to assign to his Duchy the castle of Angers.

Now, Mes Seigneurs, let us rejoice of our good fortune... Drink to your heart's content and pray to God that it will help you forget my dismal face !!

Philippe claps his right hand on his throne armrest and the gates to the hall open to let in serving boys and girls carrying small casks of wine and plates of rich and elaborate foods.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

disregard this as well.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Could you perhaps fill us in on the details of this little arrangement my lord?
Yvon sounds slightly annoyed
It seems strange that an alliance has been forged even after a edict by this council forbid it. Not that I am sure you did not have a excellent reason, and were able to get a excellent deal from the English.

[KnightnDay]

"In order to relieve his majesty and others of the responsibillity of protecting Frankfurt itself for an indefinite period of time, the Seneschal has agreed to the recruitment of new spear militia companies that I will assume responsibility for. The troops within the confines of the city at the present time are free to come and go as his majesty wills it, while these newest formations remain in place to assume the burden of defending Frankfurt from direct attack. I shall also be moving to the city at once to oversee its administration."

(OOC: SOT has been updated to reflect this)

[OverKnight]

Hugues smiles and nods at Thomas.

Quite right. Frankfurt will need all the help it can get.

Reeves enters the Conseil and whispers something to the Duc and hands him a letter. As Hugues reads it, the smile slips from his face and he glances to the Throne. The Duc begins to grin again as he hands the letter back to Reeves.

The King as well.

[Ramses II CP]

Prince Louis enters the chamber in an ugly mood. He glares at a page who is too slow getting out of his way before declaring,

The Germans at Bern have been dealt a bloody defeat. Over six hundred were captured and awaiting execution when a laggardly batch of their reinforcements from Staufen assaulted my weary men from behind and captured our supplies. I...

Louis pauses for a moment to grimace before continuing,

I withdrew and left them in possession of the field, thus releasing all those prisoners. The Germans appear to have learned of our intention to honor the Pope's demands, and so they leave Staufen all but unguarded to take advantage. Although I won a great tactical victory on the road west of Bern I am willing to admit I made a strategic mistake by riding into Germany, and unless asked otherwise I will now retire to reinforce my army and resupply my men.

By the time the enforced truce expires I will be back, God and King willing, and we shall fall on these fools like a hammer.

The Prince takes a seat, his head held stiffly high with a grim, proud look on his face.

[KnightnDay]

"So highness, you left the field in posession of the enemy. I find it hard to believe that laggards would catch your forces unaware. Non, I suspect some treachery was likely involved here. In any case, do not let the thought trouble you. I think there is no man here that expects every general to win every battle. The important thing is that you have found your way back safely to the Royaume, and will in time too to your caring family. Three lovely daughters now? They must be a joy to behold!"

[Ituralde]

Another season well administered, I congratulate the Seneshal on his superb job. The Duc has rightfully pointed out that no man of the Order has yet moved to protect our possession in Antwerp. Well like I have told the Seneshal in private already Gaspard de Neufville is making preparations to leave Frankfurt the hour the threat of Emperor Maximilian is dealt with. I trust His Majesty will move against him any day now.

He looks expectantly at the Throne before turning to the Council again.

Why am I telling you all this? On his way towards Antwerp Brother Gaspard is in an ideal situation to oversee the constructino of watchtowers that our Senshal has asked for. The border with the Germans is unsecure though and I had hoped that I could give him an escort of Spear Militia. Those would be well recieved in Antwerp as well. So I ask you Baron de Saint-Armand if you could spare some of your men. I am sure the Seneshal could replace them until the next season?

Now is attention is fully centered on the Duchy of Lorraine.

[OverKnight]

Hugues responds.

Well, I just looked into it, and it seems Thomas has given permission for the King to move men out of the city but not his Duc or Seneschal.

Duc raises an eyebrow in the direction of the Baron of Franconia and smirks.

An oversight I'm sure, but my hands are tied at the moment. Perhaps you could appeal to the King for a company of spearmen? Perhaps from Paris or his current army?

How many men Frankfurt can provide outside of its own Garrison is also dependent on the King's actions this season. If he leaves the city with his men, I'm afraid I'll have to build up the garrison before it contributes to other concerns, particularly if the Kaiser and his army remain intact.

[OverKnight]

Hugues scans a few reports.

Also, I would like the Conseil's opinion on negotiations with the Empire for peace. I detailed an offer I made in my latest report; 5000 florins, maps and trade rights for peace. They termed this "demanding" and refused it.

So, how much should we offer for peace? Land might be an option, but Lorraine would be loath to give up Frankfurt as the Order would Antwerp or Acquitaine, Marseille.

If we offer solely Florins, we would have to curtail any expenditures for a few seasons to come close to their demands, if they will accept money at all.

I keep expecting the Germans to be excommunicated, but the Pope keeps disappointing me. The chap must be a forgiving man to war with someone but keep them in the Church.

Thoughts?

[AussieGiant]

"Offer them Caernarvon. Or anything else in the King's Demense."