1419: Prologue
Among the generals of Hannover, Hildesheim is the earliest to achieve greatness, in the most unordered times from 1419 to 1436. Hildesheim brought Hannover from obscurity to one of the most powerful Germanic nations.
The Magdeburg alliance brought power to three neighboring nations, an odd choice of alliance, as all three had claims on the others' lands, and great hostility existed between Bremen and Hannover. Only Magdeburg kept these two powers from battling.
The majority of this book has been culled from the journals of King Rudolf V's most trusted advisor, Sir Pzorheim.
Journal Entries 1419
April 4, 1419
It is only through martial superiority man for man that we will hold up against our neighbors, who as equal powers, represent a large threat to the King's holdings. We must find our enemy at a point of weakness where we are strong, until such time as we can dominate over our enemies. Nothing is certain though, for if we are feared too soon, alliances may form against us.
Excellent field generals are most important. But my search has been fruitless so far. Only the King himself looks to lead in battle, but it is too risky, and I have told him this many times.
The King has agreed to put a great deal of expenditure into improving our armies. With blacksmiths working on weaponry, training drills, Cavalry techniques and organizational efforts aimed at keeping morale high. Our greatest expense is here.
August 7, 1419
Wars have broken out amongst many of our neighbors, though none have been declared against us. There are few but ourselves who aren't fighting there neighbors, clawing furtively at more land to claim.
We are ready for war, if it is declared on us, or if and when we make our own efforts.
Despite the wars around us, merchants have chosen Hannover, likely because it is without war at this time, to be a center of local trade. The king is very pleased as tariffs and fees from the merchants begin to trickle in. He has set up his own merchant corps as well, although they are not yet very successful.
November 1, 1419
King Rudolf demands we reclaim the lands of Bremen, which are most properly his. He will lead the expedition into Bremen.
The National Army is 12000 strong, this will not be sufficient. However, mercenaries from Magdeburg promise they are available, for a hefty fee of course. On the kings authorization, I've dipped into the treasury, filling out the National Army to about 20000.
November 25th, 1419
Word comes from the King in bremen, that a substantial force of Bremen soldiers have been spotted sieging Holstein, but they have not returned to Bremen, and the King has begin his siege with no more than minor resistance.
December 6th, 1419
The weather remains pacific in Bremen despite the season, the siege has continued with very few losses to the cold, or the enemy. The King reports that still the 23000 strong Bremen army is sieging Holstein and not thinking of returning to break our own siege.
At home, trade continues and there have been no declarations of war against us. Hopefully, the siege will end in Bremen with our victory, but it is unclear what we may win. If Bremen claims Holstein their army could push ours back and retake Bremen, then marching on Hannover. But more likely is peace with nothing gained for the effort on our part.
Among the generals of Hannover, Hildesheim is the earliest to achieve greatness, in the most unordered times from 1419 to 1436. Hildesheim brought Hannover from obscurity to one of the most powerful Germanic nations.
The Magdeburg alliance brought power to three neighboring nations, an odd choice of alliance, as all three had claims on the others' lands, and great hostility existed between Bremen and Hannover. Only Magdeburg kept these two powers from battling.
The majority of this book has been culled from the journals of King Rudolf V's most trusted advisor, Sir Pzorheim.
Journal Entries 1419
April 4, 1419
It is only through martial superiority man for man that we will hold up against our neighbors, who as equal powers, represent a large threat to the King's holdings. We must find our enemy at a point of weakness where we are strong, until such time as we can dominate over our enemies. Nothing is certain though, for if we are feared too soon, alliances may form against us.
Excellent field generals are most important. But my search has been fruitless so far. Only the King himself looks to lead in battle, but it is too risky, and I have told him this many times.
The King has agreed to put a great deal of expenditure into improving our armies. With blacksmiths working on weaponry, training drills, Cavalry techniques and organizational efforts aimed at keeping morale high. Our greatest expense is here.
August 7, 1419
Wars have broken out amongst many of our neighbors, though none have been declared against us. There are few but ourselves who aren't fighting there neighbors, clawing furtively at more land to claim.
We are ready for war, if it is declared on us, or if and when we make our own efforts.
Despite the wars around us, merchants have chosen Hannover, likely because it is without war at this time, to be a center of local trade. The king is very pleased as tariffs and fees from the merchants begin to trickle in. He has set up his own merchant corps as well, although they are not yet very successful.
November 1, 1419
King Rudolf demands we reclaim the lands of Bremen, which are most properly his. He will lead the expedition into Bremen.
The National Army is 12000 strong, this will not be sufficient. However, mercenaries from Magdeburg promise they are available, for a hefty fee of course. On the kings authorization, I've dipped into the treasury, filling out the National Army to about 20000.
November 25th, 1419
Word comes from the King in bremen, that a substantial force of Bremen soldiers have been spotted sieging Holstein, but they have not returned to Bremen, and the King has begin his siege with no more than minor resistance.
December 6th, 1419
The weather remains pacific in Bremen despite the season, the siege has continued with very few losses to the cold, or the enemy. The King reports that still the 23000 strong Bremen army is sieging Holstein and not thinking of returning to break our own siege.
At home, trade continues and there have been no declarations of war against us. Hopefully, the siege will end in Bremen with our victory, but it is unclear what we may win. If Bremen claims Holstein their army could push ours back and retake Bremen, then marching on Hannover. But more likely is peace with nothing gained for the effort on our part.
