Are You Hungary for Conquest?

[The_Emperor]

Ok guys, now that the Turkish Campaign is nearing an end. The time has come for the Hungarian Campaign to be started.

V2.01 (VI with Patch)
Expert DIfficulty
Total Domination
Write ups requested.

Send me your email address and I wil place you on the list... I also request that at the end of each reign a savegame is sent to me at ralphwolf@clara.co.uk

I will start the first reign at the end of the week.

Who's Hungary for Conquest?

[Alrowan]

well im not going to sign up, but after attempting Hungary on Expert, and always getting wiped out by the byz and germans double teaming me, i suggest you take one of those two out asap

good luck

[hellenes]

count me in

arxidamos2003@yahoo.gr

[Cheetah]

And me too http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

cheetah_tw@freemail.hu

[The Wizard]

Quote[/b] (Alrowan @ Oct. 22 2003,09:18)]well im not going to sign up, but after attempting Hungary on Expert, and always getting wiped out by the byz and germans double teaming me, i suggest you take one of those two out asap

good luck
You? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

Well, I seem to be pretty well but that's mainly because I quickly conquered most of the surrounding rebel provinces and then letting the Byzantines and the Egyptians impale each other on sharp metal objects, while the HRE was busy with the expanding French, who are in their turn busy with the Italians. Once I started a war with the Byzantines it at first looked pretty bad but eventually it turned out ok because they were very busy with fighting the Egyptians.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[The_Emperor]

Ok fellas I have just finished a quick reign in the interests of starting this campaign rolling.

The reign of King Laszlo was one of Bribery minor conquests of rebel provinces, the forging of alliances and province development... We have broken into the Steppe provinces and are positioned on the flank of Poland in Volhynia forcing them to expand Westwards (or into troublesome Lithuania)

The game has been sent on.

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - ?) Current King of Hungary

Cheetah

dessa

[Monk]

Well, i think i will have to pass on this one. I am having trouble finding enough free time to finish up both Spanish and Turkish Write ups now, and i doubt i could fit another in.

I may sign up later on down the road, that is if you still need another King.

But anyway GL to you all, may your Kings live long and win many victories http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Cheetah]

Could I start the campaign? Of course, only if it is fine with hellenes. There is long holliday in Hungary and I could start it right now ... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

PS. could you send the save as a zip file? thx

[hellenes]

Savegame recieved and i played couple of turns (time,time... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif ) plenty of possibilities to expand the east waits to subdue itself to magyar might
Im just waitin to those avars...

ps:sorry cheetach i couldnt resist the temptation... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Drucius]

Can I chuck my hat in the ring, or is it too late?

[Cheetah]

Quote[/b] (hellenes @ Oct. 22 2003,15:39)]Savegame recieved and i played couple of turns (time,time... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif ) plenty of possibilities to expand the east waits to subdue itself to magyar might
Im just waitin to those avars...

ps:sorry cheetach i couldnt resist the temptation... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

hehe, no problem, I know that the early expansion is the greatest fun http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

BTW, going east (and south) is a good idea http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Oh, yes and could you pile up a huge, huge, huge army of mil.sergs and székely for me? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[The Wizard]

Don't forget the Avar nobles...

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Drucius @ Oct. 23 2003,02:18)]Can I chuck my hat in the ring, or is it too late?
Nope its not too late... there will be a few guys before you in line but it should be alright.

I assume your email is the same as the one I have on my Tzars campaign list.

[Shahed]

I'd love to participate but I still have to write my Turk PBM story, post images etc.

GREAT JOB on the Turks PBM guys. Total Victory http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jacque Schtrapp]

I'd like to have a go if the list still has room. Haven't done the PBM thing yet, but I've enjoyed reading about you guys exeriences.

[The_Emperor]

Woah, Hungary is going down well... Welcome aboard all http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Ok then guys here is the updated list.

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - ? ) Current King of Hungary.

Cheetah

Dessa

Drucius

Sinan Are you in this campaign?

Jacque Schtrapp An Email Address is needed.

Ok I have Drucius and Sinan's emails from the other Campaign lists, are you up for this Sinan?... I sill need yours Jacque, Post it or PM it if you like.

[Demon of Light]

Welcome to all newcomers It is good to see new faces giving this a shot.

[Cheetah]

Any news about King László I.?

[The_Emperor]

The Growing Nation
The Reign of King László I of Hungary.

1087AD
The King's Cheif Aide walked into the room, the King was kneeled before the cross in silent prayer. King Laszlo was a Truly Pious man, he spent a lot of time at prayer speaking to God.

The King Finished his prayer and turned to his aide.

The Lord has given us a great task. Our nation has stood for too long squashed between large empires. The Time has come for us to expand or die in this world

My Lord, we do not have the resources to expand far, we cannot field a large army at the moment

For now we must expand quickly, but we do not have the time to build an army. I suspect the Polish to the North will also be looking to establish themelves as a power. We do have money in the treasury, I want you to bribe the local warlords and gain their support

My Lord our treasury is not that full, we may run short of money in the years ahead

The King smiled
I never said it would be easy, however I will make plans for the development of our Farmlands... the years ahead will be trying times for us. Now go and make preparations

Generosity of the Pope
By 1089AD, King László's treasury was running low. He could not afford much in the way of an army or bribery. A Papal Messenger arrived in the King's court.

The Messenger was admitted into the presence of the King, and in front of everyone he opened up a scroll.

By the Grace of God, His holy father The Pope offers King László of Hungary this offering of Money in recognition of his work, spreading the glory of Christianity into the East

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/hungary/papalcash.jpg

His Reverance the Pope has been most generous over these difficult years, this is the third such gift he has sent us. Tell the Pope I graciously accept his gift and pledge to continue to drive back the infidels

The Invasion of Wallachia
It was 1093AD, and a small army was mustered by King László. With the King at its head, he marched South to Wallachia, there he would face the last free rebels between his Kingdom and the Northern frontier of Byzantium.

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/hungary/wallachia.jpg

The outcome of the battle would not be in doubt, for only a single unit of Spearmen stood against the Army that had been mustered.

King László watched as the enemy chose the best ground on the edge of a nearby mountain.

Send the Horse Archers around the other side of the enemy and have them begin harassing them, we will approach the hill from the side with the Infantry out in front

The Spearmen held their ground unable to reach the horse archers who were slowly picking off the men. As the Hungarian lines approached, the Spearmen charged downhill into the Hungarian Infantry. The trap was complete when the King and his Horsemen flanked the enemy from behind, with the Horse Archers charging in from behind, the enemy Spearmen tried to run, but retreat was impossible

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/hungary/wallachia2.jpg

Caught in such a vice the Spearmen were massacred, and before long the Rebel General was knocked down by a Hungarian horseman and captured.

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/hungary/wallachia3.jpg

The Final moments of King László
By 1105AD Hungary had captured Volhynia by Convincing the Rebel General to defect. The Hungarian treasury was growing, and all of King László's efforts of developing Farmland and the Building of Mines, were at last paying off.

King László The Pious died before the year was out Leaving his oldest son Prince László to take up the throne of Hungary.

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/HRE/death.jpg

With the Capture of Volhynia Hungary was free to expand Eastwards, and now was making enough money to field a good army.

[Cheetah]

Nice. And any news about King László II.? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[The Wizard]

Well, he certainly can't wait for the Hussars to arrive... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jacque Schtrapp]

It's been almost four days without any news. What word have we of Laszlo II? While the King is off fighting wars his people are growing restless http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Cheetah]

Yeah, where is King László II.? Is he still alive? Or did he die while defending the frontiers of Hungary?

PS. I wont be here next week, it would be nice if I could finish my part on this week-end.

[The_Emperor]

Ok I have just recieved the Savegame from Hellenes and he's done a good job.

I have forwarded the file on to Cheetah.

Goodluck

Here is the list again.

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

dessa

Drucius

Sinan

Jacque Strappe

[Cheetah]

Nice http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[The Wizard]

If you mess it up, Cheetah... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Cheetah]

I will do my best to mess it up http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[dessa14]

hey if you mess it up i've gotta fix it and i want conquest remember the people who repair previous mistakes don't go down in history the ones that do absolutley nothin but kill lots of people do
thanks dessa

[The_Emperor]

Ok an update for the masses.

Cheetah sent me the savegame even though his reign did not finish. He did say that he would not be able to play again until after Sunday because he would be away. He did say to hand the game on if we needed to get it going again quickly.

However I think he should be allowed to finish what he started. If everyone can hang on for the moment that would be great.

Just thought I should let everyone know what is happening with this campaign and that it has not died an early death.

King Geza II is 37, so we have are about halfway through his rule. I'm sure we won't have to wait too long for the crown to pass.

[Cheetah]

I am back. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Thx Emperor.

I am trying to mess up things http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif but we are still in a superb position. We will be soon in war with the Bzyantines and the Egyptians, and I am thinking about to attack the HRE and/or the Italians. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[dessa14]

a 2 front war i'll be snapped i believe. oh well good diplomacy can always save the day.
thanks dessa

[Jacque Schtrapp]

No visible progress in two weeks? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

[Cheetah]

It is visible to me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif As said I was away for a week.

[dessa14]

its nearly been another two weeks has anything happened.
thanks dessa

[Jacque Schtrapp]

What has happened to this PBM? The last progress was posted one MONTH ago today. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

[The_Emperor]

Yeah sorry guys I have been rather busy over the past few weeks, over this past month i have had computer problems and other things to take care of in my life, plus pre-christmas rush and everything else.

However now seems like a good time to call for updates on PBM Campaigns.

At any rate I have not heard anything from Cheetah and I still have his old savegame. I will PM him and make sure we can get this moving again.

[Cheetah]

Much to the relief of all concerned the reign of the current king is nearing to it's end. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Sorry guys, I can play only on weekends and I have to fight huge battles vs Egyptian archer&peasant armies. Which is not really difficult just very time consuming. Running around with all those cav archers http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

I will send the savegame to Emperor today or tomorrow.

[The_Emperor]

Ok sounds good.

Thanks for the update Cheetah.

here is the list, just to remind everyone of who's turn is where...

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

dessa

Drucius

Sinan

Jacque Schtrapp

[Cheetah]

King Géza is dead. Long live István II. the new King of Hungary http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[dessa14]

yay for me king istvan when do i get the file
thanks dessa

[The_Emperor]

Alright Savegame Recieved and sent on to Dessa.

The Year is 1161 and King Istvan II has taken up the crown at age 25. Hungary now controls most of the eastern provinces and is expanding south towards Syria against the Egyptians.

Enjoy

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - 1161)

Dessa
King Istvan II (1161 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

Drucius

Sinan

Jacque Schtrapp

[Queen Lauralanthalasa Solostaran]

I'm in.

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Queen Lauralanthalasa Solostaran @ Nov. 30 2003,16:51)]I'm in.
Fair enough provide me with a valid email address by either posting it or sending a PM and I will place you on the list.

Cheers. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[The Wizard]

Hail, fine maiden from Ansalon (Queen) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[edit]N/m, Qualinesti... ^^; Anyhoo, I think I prefer Solamnia. That, or Storm's Keep.[/OT]

[dessa14]

when i king istvan arrived to the throne at 27 i looked at the kingdom and said two things Not enough heavy infantry
and poor economy with money just keeping the kingdom afloat.
a war with egypt was ended with the defeat of the egyptian sultan and heirs at Sinai causing the end of his sultanate well made alliances with the italians and a ceasefire with the byzantines gave the nation the chance to build up a trading fleet and build up its major trading provinces including antioch, tripoli, khazar and constantinople.
towards the end of king istvan's reign poland invaded although their invasion caused great damage to hungary the hungarians hit back quick taking back their capital and taking poland and austria, but due to this impetuos act of vengence it left the kingdom in a strategically weak position, but then with the trade empire under construction king isvan died leaving the kingdom to his 37 year old heir king ???? (ive forgotton emperor will give you it when he posts).
famous battles include the battle of antioch (pictures coming later)
and sinai (same as above)
thanks dessa

[Paxx]

Hey just noticed the topic
Is there room for me?

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Paxx @ Dec. 13 2003,09:09)]Hey just noticed the topic
Is there room for me?
Sure thing Paxx, send me an email address and I'll put you on the list.

Ok guys, I have recieved the savegame from Dessa and have sent it on to Drucius.

Here is the current list...

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - 1161)

Dessa
King Istvan II (1161 - 1198)

Drucius
King Kalman I (1198 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

Sinan

Jacque Schtrapp

[Demon of Light]

Drucius flaked on the Byzantine game so I'd suggest not waiting long before the game goes to the next person.

[The Wizard]

Yup, haven't seen him in a looong time. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/handball.gif

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Demon of Light @ Dec. 14 2003,05:59)]Drucius flaked on the Byzantine game so I'd suggest not waiting long before the game goes to the next person.
Very well, if I don't hear anything from him by Wednesday (either by posting in here or by email or PM) I think I shall assume that he is not on the campaign and I will move over to the next person...

[Paxx]

paxakakios@hotmail.com

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif

[econ21]

I've lost track of this game - anyone care to post a screenshot of the map?

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Dec. 14 2003,21:52)]I've lost track of this game - anyone care to post a screenshot of the map?
Sure thing Simon here is the current map of the Hungarian Empire in 1198AD.

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.net/hungary/hunmap.jpg

Ok Paxx I have added you on the list.

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - 1161)

Dessa
King Istvan II (1161 - 1198)

Drucius
King Kalman I (1198 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

Sinan

Jacque Schtrapp

Paxx

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Demon of Light]

What an... odd looking map. I've never seen the Italians become a power.

[dessa14]

they weren't as big at the start of my campaign france,HRE still existed back in those days but the because of the way my trade ships were set up i couldn't go to war with them but also at the end of my campaign i couldn't either because of the trade ships and the reactionary war with poland.
thanks dessa

[Cheetah]

Yeah, it is an interesting twist to see the Italians to became super-powers. I expect some though naval battles. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Whoever is the next king should beef up the navy. The problem is that soon there will be no one else to trade with.

[dessa14]

they really need to beef up the army they now have the income especially up in the hungary/poland area very weak (as i said the reactionary war destroyed alot of the miltary) and during my lifetime i didn't build very many troops (cheetah built far too many joggaby IMO) i think it would be smart to finish off the poles and sit and wait building up miltary forces (naval & land) and just send spies around and mess up their provinces.
just my opinion
thanks dessa

[Paxx]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Dec. 14 2003,18:58)]Ok Paxx I have added you on the list.
thx Emperor, waiting for my time... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/handball.gif

[Cheetah]

I use jobbagy for beseiging, for pacifing provinces, and in general for keeping the population happy. They are the equivalent of peasants, in fact jobbagy means peasant in Hungarian. They are not for fighting, that is for sure, though they are javeliners, so might even get a few kills in battle. Man to man basis they have the same upkeep as peasants, and I prefer them because of the javelins.

[The_Emperor]

Ok well just remember we have just under Forty Years until the Golden Horde Turn up...

Something tells me the endless numbers of Jobbagy won't be too useful against them http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Demon of Light]

Whatever Cheetah did can't compare with what happened in the King of England game. There were stacks upon stacks upon stacks of urban militia and regular spearman.

[Paxx]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Dec. 15 2003,14:36)]Ok well just remember we have just under Forty Years until the Golden Horde Turn up...
let them come.....we have open matters.... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (Demon of Light @ Dec. 16 2003,04:39)]Whatever Cheetah did can't compare with what happened in the King of England game. There were stacks upon stacks upon stacks of urban militia and regular spearman.
All of them in England at one point, if I remember correctly...or are we not supposed to talk about that?

[dessa14]

i used the joggaby effieciently and they caused many a kill i just used them behind the heavy infantry and in front of the archers and they tore up nubian spearmen and the ?? infantry big square shield guys. oh well they did me pretty good i had half an army of them once (the other half were AVAR nobles boy they snap) they while not winning the battle caused 3 times the amount of kills the enemy did with good troops. they ain't that bad it is just when you have nothing to protect them.
thanks dessa

[Drucius]

It is 1220 and King Kalman 1st is dead. Long live King Karoly 1st

Who's next?

[Cheetah]

Wow, it was fast. What is the state of the Empire? Any naval battles with the Italians?

[Cheetah]

Here is the first part of my write up. Second part coming soon.


The reign and death of King Géza II.

King Géza was crowned as king of all Hungarians in the year of 1128. He was not the brightest of the heirs, say the least, but he was a great warrior and he had great selfconfidence in his abilities which made an ambitious ruler. In the first years of his reign he faced two main challenges: one was the ongoing war with the mighty Byzantine Empire, the other was the unsettled border dispute with the less mighty Lithuanian rebels.
According to the weight of the opposing armies King Géza marshalled most of his forces into the old city Constantinople, in which they faced two huge Byzantine armies gathering in Trebizond and Nicea. In contrast, the Lithuanian garrison could only muster a few steppe cavalry, 2 mounted xbows and a handful of conscripted woodsmen.

The Lithuanian rebels sensed this weakness and marched onto the field of battle in the subsequent 3 years with increasingly stronger and stronger forces. The first two battles had been won by the sturdy woodsmen general Vak Fylep, but in the third year the Lithuanian garrison would have been badly outclassed and outnumber if not the arrival of Tarkhan Bastu. The rebels emerged with a 4 star general leading 8 bands of Slavic warriors and a few urban militias. The only light of hope for the garrison was Bastu, governor of Constantinople -5 star general- leading an army of steppe cavalry. In the ensuing epic battle the rebels got the upper hand in the opening moves. Bastu planed a trap, accordingly he positioned his woodsmen in the forest -on the basis of the obvious assumption that woodsmen should fight well in the forest- positioned some steppe cavalry into an other forest patch and finally took position in between the two forest with his 2 units of xbowmen (Bastu was cav archer). Alas, the rebels quickly discovered the trap and rushed the woodsmen hiding in the forest. The ferocious charge of the Slavic warriors was too much even for the battle hardened woodsmen and soon they were running for their lives. The shadow of ignomious defeat hanged over the battlefield since some of the steppe cavalry routed as well. Soon it was only Bastu, the 2 mounted xbowmen and 2 steppe cavalry in the other forest that were at Bastu's disposal. He quickly called up the remaining steppe cavalry reinforcements but these units were nowhere near of the action. Bastu was soon fighting for his life and only the charge of the 2 steppe cav was able to save it. Luckily the Slavic warriors exhausted themselves in the forest, were scattered all over the battlefield and entered out of the forest one by one. Bastu quickly realised the favourable situation and regained the initiative of the battle. Routed the emerging Slavic bands one by one and when finally the reinforcements arrived routed the remaining of the rebel army with one last overpowering charge. Victory to the brave Bastu The charge of the light cavalry saved the day
After this ignominious defeat the Lithuanians rebelled no more. The focus of the attention shifted to the eastern Mediterranean where the army of the King Géza reached the critical mass.

The Byzantine campaign was opened by the attack on Nicea, one of the finest provinces of the empire. The Byzantine forces were overpowered and decided to retreat without offering a battle. In the next year, however, they counter attacked with all of the might of the Byzantine Empire. An army of thousand and few hundred strong was defending Nicea under the command of Sir Béla András -one of the best of the Hungarian generals, 4 stars- against an army counting more than 2 thousand men. Alas, or perhaps luckily, the quality of the Byzantine forces were questionable and the Sir Béla won a solid victory by slauthering more than two thousands Byzantines with a loss of a few hundred (killed:2189 : 182:lost). This one battle changed history forever, the Byzantine dominance of the eastern Medditeranium was over, and the once mighty Byzantine Empire was relegated to the level of declining minor factions.

Despite of the news of the glorious victory of Nicea the King could not sleep well: a new threat was looming over the horizon. The Sultan of Egypt gathered his numerous armies and minions, marched north from the sunny Egypt (why, o why?), defeated the emerging Turkish tribes, and by exploiting the weakness of the Byzantines conquered most of Asia Minor. The Hungarian army in Nicea faced and even more numerous and even more dangerous foe than ever before.

[Drucius]

My turn was relatively quiet, actually. The Poles were desperate for peace, which suited me since Il Papa didn't fancy it much. Some expansion in the east through diplomatic means and lots of alliances, as is my wont. The main thing for me was to prepare us for the horde, so it was all about modernising the infrastructure, which was seriously rustic, and getting some sophisticated troops together. I think my successor should be able to defend Khazar since there's still a decade to go before they turn up. Also, I've managed to increase the bank balance to 560,000 - odd florins so money's not a problem. The Italians have been busy fending off the Almohad (rather unsuccessfully), so they've left me alone mostly. I could have dived in against them, since they're pretty much permanently excommunicated, but I thought it was more important to ready the empire for invasion. Plus our fleets aren't up to the job, just yet.

[dessa14]

well i completely forgot about updating the infrastructure but also remember all the trade infrastructure is new, the fleet was created by me (1 or 2 ships existed before) i continued the construction of AVAR NOBLES who saved the kings life once (great battle, they charged down the hill and routed the army it was great.) but also remember i was still in the feudal age when my king died there was no need for infrastructure upgrade.
thanks dessa

[Drucius]

I wasn't criticising your rule, illustrious ancestor

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[The_Emperor]

Great stuff Drucius, modernisation is not a bad thing especially in the face of the comming threat

Keep it up http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

Nice Write up Cheetah can't wait to hear the battle accounts of the war with the Egyptian Hordes http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

We must hear more of the story of the Rise of Hungary http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[Drucius]

The Hungarian save file is now available in the PBM Upload thingy, so whoever is next can go grab it there (I think it's Sinan).

Thanks to Tosa for overcoming some teething problems.

[dessa14]

hey give us a Screen of the map at the moment
thanks dessa

[Drucius]

You could download the save file and have a good root around, if you want.

Unless you're Australian, of course, in which case, you could just have a good look around.

[The_Emperor]

Alright People,

I have had no response from Sinan about taking over the reign, so it looks like Jacque Schtrapp is next in the line of succession.

Ok guys a change in the rules... Email Addresses are No Longer Required for this campaign, but I will still manage the lists.

Instead of Emails we will use the Org's PBEM File Uploader.

Link to the PBEM File Uploader (http://www.totalwar.org/Downloads/Uploaders/pbmupload.php)

If you click the link below you can view the contents of the download folder with the current Savegame.

View PBEM Folder (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/)

I request that all future uploads of the Campaign file are saved in a ZIP file for convenience to members, and that the current year of the game should be included in the filename so we can sort out whats what

I will PM Jacque in due course to notify him of his turn.


Oh and you requested a map... Here it is. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

http://www.ralphwolf.clara.co.uk/hungary/hunmap2.jpg

[The_Emperor]

Alright guys, I just got a response from Jacque.

He is currently too busy to take up the campaign, so I guess that means Paxx is next in line.

[dessa14]

whoa the polish really did carve the italians up now if the italians didn't have sea surpremecy it would be all over for them, and the almohads really did turn on the heel, during my rule they were horribly weak and being beaten up by everyone. i tried to help them up as much as possible without waging war with the italians.
thanks dessa

[Paxx]

Hi all, happy new year
Ok guys game received. I'll do my best

[Paxx]

My sad report so far...

King Karoly I, son of Kalman I
was crowned at 1220, taking over a wealthy empire, allied to almost everyone. In the first inspection of my army, found out that there were no serious heavy infantry to use towards West, or to hold position against the deadly Horde. But the hit & run-raised troops was respected, as well as the building order over the empire that Drucius commanded.
By the first 2 years Egypt was conquered and seemed that no more will trouble us, and Lithuania was set as the gathering point of my generals forth to Poland. By year 1225 most Polish castles were under siege. But my walk through Poland was not costless. Many treaties were cancelled and 2 of them were punished for their bad choice to support the weak Polish King.
First was the King of Danes wich with a decisive battle leaded by me, was driven into his castle. Normandy was abandoned and became our province but not Dane(?), because of the reappearance of the Pope who threated me with excomunication. Such situation would be not wise-the message was torn into pieces- but had to obey.The Danish King won't be a trouble in the future.
Second the people of Novgorod whose armies were defeated easily. By that time, about 1228, Poland was conquered and the empire reached the borders of our only ally by then, France.
The result of these hostilities was the reduced profits from commerce, translated in a 16000 anual profit than 21000 received from King Kalman I.
I was ready to attack Italy but hesitated in front of the economic disaster such move would make. The Italian ships are all over all seas and my fleets could not stand an attack of them. So I decided to no to and leave this matter for my successor. If the empire decides to declare war to Italy, she must learn to walk on her own feet, and rely on the wealthy treasury and the farms of her provinces, cause commerce and alliances will be irreparable lost.
That choice was also forbiden to me, because of -what else- the f***ing Horde whose invasion at 1231, although predicted and prepared from my predecessor, was neglected by me, and my punishment will be harsh.
I feel like Denethor, steward of Minas Tirith.
Georgia IS lost-abandoned would rather say. But I proudly resisted and held my ground in Khazar against the 14k Horde fighting them among the forests. The first wave was sent away but in the second one, there will no Theoden and Rohan cavalary or Aragorn to save me...

[dessa14]

tis my fault why you could not crush the enemy. my decision to end the construction of troops was to be your failing, and the silly sending of thousands of troops to their deaths was also to lower the counts.
thanks dessa

[Paxx]

wtf??? i think i lost one of my heirs at the last defending battle against the horde...

[Paxx]

Save game uploaded, you can find it here (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/)

let me show you some pictures after a short report
The horde troubled me less than I expected. Italy's King died leaving no heirs, so rebels took over their lands and was quite easy to conqer. After that Pope was my next target and was defeated within a year But by the last years Almohads declared war leaving the empire with a negative anual icome...

This is what I received
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/1220.JPG
And this is what I managed to do
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/1245.JPG
The end of the Horde
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/endhorde.JPG
End of the Pope
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/endpapacy.JPG
The 60% of the map conquered
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/lesservic.JPG
And the economy few years before my King's death
http://homepages.pathfinder.gr/Paxx/TW/economy.JPG

WHO IS NEXT?

[The_Emperor]

Woah easy there Paxx , great work http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-thumbsup.gif
Glad you left some stuff for the next guy.

Speaking of the next guy...
(Checks the list to see who the next guy is, and finds no name)

Alright that's it, Hungary needs a new king to finish off... Errm, Everyone else on the map actually http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-grin2.gif

We Need an Heir http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-help.gif

First person to post here can take over the campaign. This is an SOS going out across the Org

We await our next monarch http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-juggle.gif

[Paxx]

Many thanx Emperor
but I think that the low loyalty and the negative annual income will be a trouble for the next one

[fruitfly]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Jan. 16 2004,13:38)]Alright that's it, Hungary needs a new king to finish off... Errm, Everyone else on the map actually http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-grin2.gif

We Need an Heir http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-help.gif

First person to post here can take over the campaign. This is an SOS going out across the Org

We await our next monarch http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-juggle.gif
I'll give it a try if that's OK.

Better make sure there's someone else in line too though, because by the time I've had a civil war and half the dead factions have respawned I'm sure there'll still be plenty left to do. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-glasses2.gif

[The_Emperor]

Ok then we have a winner

Thanks for answering the Call fruitfly

Feel free to download the file from the Org's PBEM Filespace and continue on.

Here is the line of Kings.

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - 1161)

Dessa
King Istvan II (1161 - 1198)

Drucius
King Kalman I (1198 - 1220)

Paxx
King Karoly I (1220 - 1245)

fruitfly
King ? (1245 - ?) Current King of Hungary.

[fruitfly]

I've downloaded the game and it seems to work OK. It's kind of daunting taking over such an enormous empire with troops all over the place and no idea what's where though.

It looks like Paxx did a great job of mopping up all the former Italian provinces in double-quick time so there are really just the Almohads to take care of. We've still got plenty of florins too, so I don't think losing money will be a serious handicap.

[Paxx]

Quote[/b] (fruitfly @ Jan. 17 2004,10:05)]It looks like Paxx did a great job of mopping up all the former Italian provinces in double-quick time so there are really just the Almohads to take care of. We've still got plenty of florins too, so I don't think losing money will be a serious handicap.
and thats why our predecessors foreseed and managed to spread our ships all over the map, so moving the army wasn't a problem.
Anyway, give much attention to the loyalty of your provinces, and keep us informed http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[econ21]

Fruitfly - I know these endgames can be very daunting and time consuming. Personally, I would fight out the major battles for fun but where it is a foregone conclusion think you can autoresolve. Writing a nice finish to the campaign is more important that spending an age micromanaging stuff that doesn't really matter anymore (given the empire's overwhelming position of strength).

[fruitfly]

My turn in the French PBM arrived sooner than expected, so I'm going to get that polished off first and then concentrate on this later in the week.

I'm glad autoresolving isn't frowned upon in the circumstances.

[Mount Suribachi]

If you need another King I'm free to do it.

[Paxx]

Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ Jan. 25 2004,09:25)]If you need another King I'm free to do it.
that's up to the Emperor I guess http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[fruitfly]

Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ Jan. 25 2004,13:25)]If you need another King I'm free to do it.
I've played through it now so the writeup should be sorted by the end of the week.

There's no reason why we couldn't have alternate endings though. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-book2.gif

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Paxx @ Jan. 25 2004,16:33)]
Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ Jan. 25 2004,09:25)]If you need another King I'm free to do it.
that's up to the Emperor I guess http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Yeah and you are most welcome to join in as always Mount Suribachi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

(providing we have not yet finished off all opponents) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[fruitfly]

Apologies to anyone waiting for the final writeup in this campaign, but I've been so busy this week that I haven't had time to get it in a state where it's fit to post. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif

I'm on holiday next week, but I promise it'll appear when I get back.

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (fruitfly @ Jan. 30 2004,12:53)]Apologies to anyone waiting for the final writeup in this campaign, but I've been so busy this week that I haven't had time to get it in a state where it's fit to post. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif

I'm on holiday next week, but I promise it'll appear when I get back.
Final Write-Up for this Campaign?

Looks like we have done it, congratulations and many thanks to all who took part

You all have a share in this victory

[fruitfly]

What follows is the transcript of a set of notes used as the basis for a lecture on homo sapiens anthropology. The associated list of references reveals information from diverse sources, including surviving manuscripts and paintings from the time, as well as the multiple personalities of the academic in question.


Throughout our studies of history during the so-called middle ages, one of the pervading socio-economic trends has been the inexorable rise of the Hungarian empire, the descendents of the Magyars conquering and assimilating surrounding cultures until the point at which today's lecture picks up the tale, the reign of their last warrior king, Bela II.

As custom dictated, Bela assumed the role of monarch following the death of his father in 1246. Clearly, to our more developed intellects, such a system of inherited governance seems archaic in the extreme, but to the peoples of this period military might far outweighed any other political factors and this was always best bestowed only on the closest and most trusted of blood relatives.

The empire which Bela's father had bequeathed him spanned the most densely populated and technologically advanced region of the planet at that time. Indeed, such had been the military successes of Bela's forefathers that only one swathe of land stood between the kingdom of Hungary and total domination of the region. Much of this territory was in the hands of the Almohads.

In order to understand the nature of the struggles that had taken place between both peoples and cultures throughout this period, it is necessary to look in more detail at the major forces affecting the lives of ordinary people. Archaeological studies have shown that religion played a major role in all walks of life, being both a means of maintaining the social heirarchy and one of compensating for the hardships that people endured by promising them paradise in the widely-believed-in afterlife. Thanks to the establishment of such a system, a strong ruler who was able to weild both military and religious influence over their subjects could bend whole continents to their will. Because of this, the clash between Almohads and Hungarians was one not just of military might, but also of religious ideals, the Hungarians extolling the virtues of Catholicism and the Almohads those of Islam.

War had already begun by the time that Bela II took the throne and whilst Hungarian forces consolidated their positions during the early months of his reign the Almohads looked to counterattack and try to break the stranglehold that their more numerous enemies held on the continent. A major pitched battle was fought in Toulouse, one which seriously tested the resolve of both sides for the bloody conflict that was to follow. Blessed with the flexibility of mounted skirmishing units, but being exposed by a lack of foot archers, scholars predict that the Hungarian general would have looked to harry and tire the enemy before the main lines of battle were joined. Indeed, according to some records that have survived from the Hungarian court of the day, it appears that this was a common military tactic of the time. The general perception is that the sheer weight of numbers the Almohads committed to the battle of Toulouse made a protracted melee inevitable and with their superior numbers and trained, fanatical soldiers the Muslim warriors breached Hungarian lines, prompting the Catholic general to turn and flee. Shamed by the cowardice of their commander, Hungarian troops then rallied, routing and capturing the enemy general, an act of heroism that prompted their own leader to rejoin the battle. In an attempt to right the wrongs of his earlier actions, the Hungarian general was killed in action, but the valour of his men told in the end and they were able to vanquish the enemy.

http://www.dystopia.ws/random/hungarypbm/hung01.jpg

The Almohad attack, a costly one for both sides, prompted Bela to adopt a more aggressive approach to foreign policy and two years later a co-ordinated invasion of Normandy, Brittany, Anjou, Aquitaine, Navarre and Aragon plunged the Islamic empire into disarray. Almohad generals, unclear what to do when faced by such a large scale assult on their territories abandoned their holdings to regroup in neighbouring friendly regions, only to find those too held by Hungarian forces. Many thousands of Almohad soldiers were therefore captured without battle ever being joined, with Aragon the only stronghold that the Almohads attempted to defend.

http://www.dystopia.ws/random/hungarypbm/hung02.jpg

Even here, the battle turned out to be more of an ordered retreat than a concerted effort to stem the tide of the Hungarian advance, the Almohad army being out-manouvered and withdrawing with many men still uncommitted to battle.

These events of 1248 proved a mortal blow to the Almohad cause, the loss of much of their territory and most of their military in such a short space of time one from which their Kalifah would never recover. The following year he personally led a vain attempt to recapture Aragon and died, heirless, in his bid to do so. With his life went the last anti-Hungarian resistance posed by the followers of Islam.

Bela had overwhelming military might at his disposal, but with the removal of the last opponents of the Church became more focused on establishing the Hungarian monarchy as the true defender and upholder of the Catholic faith, a move which would see the position of both himself and his heirs secured for generations to come. The reemergence of English and Italian forces provided him with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Europe just where religious power lay and with the burning of English and Aragonese kings for heresy, their armies were quickly persuaded to swear fealty to the Hungarian defenders of the Church instead, many men seeing no point in fighting for the damned when they could equally well fight on the side of their saviour.

http://www.dystopia.ws/random/hungarypbm/hung03.jpg

Despite suffering a minor military setback during the conquest of the remaining Byzantine island strongholds in the Mediterranean, Bela's son and heir Prince Geza led a successful attack on the depleted army of Emperor Andronicus II to put an end to resistance from Orthodox Christians, whilst Bela himself prepared for the last great political challenge of his reign, the reemergence of the Papacy and resulting bid by its Catholic quango to wrest power over the church and therefore the people from his grasp.

Bela adopted a three-pronged approach to dealing with this newly emerging threat. Firstly, he abandoned Rome and Naples to the massing Papal armies; secondly he dispatched a grand inquisitor to Rome to try the newly installed Pontiff for heresy, thereby confirming his rightful position of head of the church; and thirdly he ordered a simultaneous invasion of Rome and Naples to crush all remaining resistance once and for all.

http://www.dystopia.ws/random/hungarypbm/hung04.jpg

The public execution of their leader for crimes against the church did much to take the sting out of the papal rebellion and many troops defected to the Hungarian side as a result. Consequently it was only a rag-tag assortment of men that stood firm in Naples in the face of the final Hungarian assult. Faced by a better trained, better equipped and more mobile force, the Papal soldiers were routed and butchered without mercy and with their death came the end of the last obstacle between Bela, Hungary and total domination of Europe.

http://www.dystopia.ws/random/hungarypbm/hung05.jpg

IN NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITUS SANCTI reads the epitaph on the tomb of Bela II. Actions of conquest in the name of father, son and that of the church dominated both his life and those of the people of his era, an era in which the Hungarian empire established itself as the foremost power on Earth.

[The_Emperor]

An excellent write-up.

So here again is the line of Hungarian Kings.

Thanks to all who took part

The_Emperor
King Laszlo I (1087 - 1105)

hellenes
King Laszlo II (1105 - 1128)

Cheetah
King Geza II (1128 - 1161)

Dessa
King Istvan II (1161 - 1198)

Drucius
King Kalman I (1198 - 1220)

Paxx
King Karoly I (1220 - 1245)

fruitfly
King Bela II (1245 - Final Domination)