The problem with Nobility

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows, as now four kingdoms with various smaller vassals and monastic orders are now in charge of the crusade; with the Holy Father in Rome, it would take to long for him to directly give orders as to which direction or plan the crusade should proceed.

First, King Richard Lionheart of England brings his army numbering 50,000 men at arms and 20,000 calvary and 1,000 knights

Next, is King Jean Allard of France with his army numbering 40,000 men strong and 15,000 calvary, 2,000 knights.

Third is Archduke Christos Leos of Byzantion who brings with him 45,000 men, 3,500 engineers and 150 siege works ranging from siege towers to catapults.

The Duke of Saxony Hans Wilhelm of Germania brings with him 15,000 men and 300 mounted cavalry scouts and 100 knights.

Then, there is your kingdom of Almain which send reinforcements, with current army standing at 15,000 men at arms, 7,000 archers, 2,500 rangers, 2,500 calvary, 1,500 engineers, 1,500 knights 50 varying siege works and your Ghost Corps numbering at 150 strong.

Then you have the monastic and religious orders with the Knights Templar alone numbering at 65,000 knights, then there is the Order of St. Michael numbering 30,000 knights, and finally the Order of Holy Eucharist numbering 15,000 knights.

Needless to say, there are a lot of bodies and a lot of people to direct and lead, combined with three kings, an archduke and a duke the first problem that arose is who would lead the Coalition of Crusaders to retake the holy land. Jean and Richard ignored any suggestions of a council with the two kings butting heads almost immediately.

The Archduke decides to get involved, saying that since Byzantine is the closest kingdom to the Holy Lands, he should take command, only for the fight between Jean and Richard to turn into a three way argument.

As the three nobles argue over who should be in charge you sighed, leaving the war room you begin making way to your chambers when you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turn to see the Duke of Saxony clearing his throat.

“King James, it is a pleasure to meet you as I am-” the duke say before you interrupt him.

“Duke Hans Wilhelm of Saxony, the pleasure is mine, duke,” you say extending a hand which he shakes firmly before speaking, “I am surprised. Not many outside Germania know me much less dare even acknowledge me.”

“My great grandfather always admired the fact that what Germania lacked in numbers in their armies they made up for in their professional military, leadership and tactics. In fact, he modeled and reformed much of the Almain military based on Germania’s military. He also made it a point to ensure I studied Germania as a child, often holding me while reading to me stories of epic battles before bed,” you say while remembering the memories of your great grandfather fondly.

Hans only smiled before replying. “It’s quite an honor. I will have to let my Kaiser know as he has heard of your exploits here in the Holy Land. He wanted to send help. However, my country is on the brink of a war with neighboring Rosaria, and is **** to send more troops to the holy lands. If it’s not for the conflict, I am sure he would have been here instead of me,” the duke says as the two of you walk away from the three arguing nobles.

“Almain is a land locked country much like Germania is and I hope to one day give my country and my people access to the sea much like Germania did in her history. But enough about our countries we have a crusade to plan!” you say as the Duke and you went to your private war room.

“Messenger, gather my generals and captains tell them we are now planning our efforts in the war room upstairs rather than the current one downstairs.” Your messenger nodded before you turn to the Duke who had more or less tells his messenger the same.

“Well King James, it appears we will have work together, just the two of us, since it appears the other three nobles are here more for glory, wealth and power rather than retaking the Holy Lands.” You only nod as both of you make your way to the new war room.