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The_Emperor
03-04-2004, 15:04
Yes you did read it correctly, Wales is getting the PBEM Treatment. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-yes.gif

Expert Difficulty, And the rules are...

THERE ARE NO RULES (Well except for the standard Write ups and titles being assigned to each King)

So get out your Longbows, ready your arrowheads and prepare to turn your enemies into pincushions

Who wants a go?

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

Sociopsychoactive
03-04-2004, 15:06
I would love to, but keep me on hold as my copy of MTW is;t working right now.

I wanna play, I really do, but don;t go putting me in first as I may well not get it fixed by then.

Btw, I'm honurary wel;sh myself, and living in wales http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

The_Emperor
03-04-2004, 19:47
Sure thing well let me know when you want to have a go.

Come on anyone else interested in this Challenging PBEM set in the Viking Era?

Register your interest below

econ21
03-04-2004, 19:52
I'm like Sociopyschoactive - and like St Augustine talking about celibacy - yes, but please not now I would like to join but am still slugging through the Byztanine PBM. After that I have commitments until next Friday. I would be free to join in from the 13th March onwards.

Mysterium
03-04-2004, 20:01
I'd love to join in. I'm on a trip this weekend, but I don't think that's a problem, is it?

The_Emperor
03-04-2004, 20:11
As is the case I will do the first reign, however I also will be off on a trip this weekend.

So at this stage, this thread is for people to put their names down until I get around to starting this campaign off. There is no rush at the moment.

katank
03-05-2004, 23:56
hi, I would like to join.

The_Emperor
03-08-2004, 09:57
Ok so far we have...

The_Emperor

Mysterium

Katank

Simon Appleton

As for Sociopsychoactive let me know if you decide to join in later on.

Anyway I'll make a start on the first reign tonight. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

econ21
03-08-2004, 11:06
Hi, Emperor - please put me down after Katank, cheers
Simon

AggonyDuck
03-08-2004, 13:23
I'd like to try.. :)

The_Emperor
03-08-2004, 22:29
Quote[/b] (1pain1Duck @ Mar. 08 2004,12:23)]I'd like to try.. :)

So here is the List again...
Oh and Welcome aboard 1pain1Duck, your name has been added.

The_Emperor
King Caradoc I (793 - ?) The Current King of Wales

Mysterium

Katank

Simon Appleton

1pain1Duck

The_Emperor
03-09-2004, 22:49
The Reign of Caradoc I King of Wales

There was a great frenzy in the air as the sturdy Celtic Warriors gathered near the great settlement.

It was mid-793 AD, Caradoc the King of the Welsh was about to address his people. Throughout the crowds warriors could be heard boasting about their past glories, drink was passing freely and many men were excited by the prospect of a new campaign...

Before Long a stocky man stood upon a wooden platform, Great warriors of our people, behold your King

A roar of approval came up from the gathering crowd as Caradoc himself stood beside the man on the platform, he was a tall man of 29 years of age. His Rough Justice in the violent repression of numerous rebellions over the past few years had earned him a fearsome reputation... No-one dared to speak out against him and if some thought he was oppressive, they were frightened enough to keep those thoughts to themselves

Great warriors of this age, your time has come. For many centuries our people have survived in this land against all invaders.

The Romans Came, and they failed to subdue our ancestors... They would not be the last, for years since the hated Saxon Kings arrived and pushed our people further and further back.

But just like the Romans before them they overlooked the courage of people who live in this land

The gathering warriors once again cheered with approval.

Now our time has come, signs and omens in the Skies to the Northeast point to a major crisis looming for the Saxon Kingdoms of Mercia, Northumbria and the Southern Saxons, and we shall be ready to hasten their downfall

Go back to your villages and prepare yourselves for War, the Saxons of the South shall be the first to endure our wrath

The Welsh people set about their tasks with eager anticipation, from the Hills and valleys they will come and wage war upon their enemies.

son of spam
03-09-2004, 23:42
I'll have a go with the welsh, especially since there are no rules http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

The_Emperor
03-10-2004, 18:43
Alright the year is 823AD, and King Caradoc I died at the healthy age of 59.

His Eldest Son the brave Prince Conan (who distinguished himself in battle alongside the king when the Saxons were crushed) has taken the throne.

Long live King Conan I and Queen Fenells of the Scots

I shall let my successor choose a title for my King, but my chief achievement was wiping out the Saxons.

The game has been uploaded, and now I must go back to my write up, I have a big battle to write about in the shape of the Saxon's Last stand in Dornsaete

The_Emperor
King Caradoc I (793 - 823)

Mysterium
King Conan I (823 - ?) The Current Welsh King

Katank

Simon Appleton

1pain1Duck

son of spam

The_Emperor
03-10-2004, 19:09
The Reign of King Caradoc I

The Quick Strike
Late in 793 a small Welsh raiding force crossed from Cerniu into the nearby region of Defnas.

The Saxons were taken by surprise and the small garisson of 100 men, led by the aptly named 'Coeldred The Unready' was forced to retreat to the nearby warrior hold.

In 794 the gathering Welsh advanced on the warrior Hold and its rabble within.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emperor-welsh01.jpg

Almost immediately a breach was made in the wooden defences protecting the settlement and the Welsh archers with a clear field of view let loose the fury of their bows upon the enemy.

Before long the gathered Welsh warriors, fearsome in their Celtic war paints were eager to storm in and massacre everyone within... The enemy didn't have a chance and all 100 men were butchered with only Ten Men falling to the enemy.

This small skirmish was merely a warning to the Saxons of a greater danger to come... The Army of King Caradoc himself.

The King's Son
The year of Our Lord 794 was to also see another key development, the King's firstborn son Prince Conan came of age, taking his place on the fields of battle.

Even at such a young age Prince Conan had a reputation for being Angry and Irritable with a great Killer Instinct on the battlefield... Some even nicknamed him Conan The Barbarian as a result of seeing these traits surface on the battlefield.

The_Emperor
03-10-2004, 20:15
Preparations for conquest

What do you mean WE are NOT ready? The advisor to the King was shaking in his boots... Bad news was not something to tell King Caradoc, for it was whispered that he will mark you as a rebel and have you and your family executed alongside the guilty and innocent alike...

The advisor stuttered as he continued to speak...

S-Sire we have not enough Warriors to strike at the heart of the Saxons, it will take years to raise an army

The King was pacing impatiently back and forth, finally he knocked a Mug off the table letting out his frustration.

I don't care how long it takes, raise me an army, get contributions from every village, we must get ready to meet the Saxons on their own ground... Don't fail me

The advisor bowed and as he walked to leave paused in the doorway of the great hall.

Sire, what of the Rebel warlords in Defet and Clwyd? Surely they must be of more pressing concern than the Saxons.

The King looked back at the man with a steely gaze... I decide how best to use our forces, they are of no threat to us

The advisor hurried away and the king pondered the words of the man, for all his talents this advisor had become a little too persuasive for his own good... I'll deal with you when I deal with those rebels, rest assured your name will make it onto the list of traitors

The Welsh invaded Sumorsaet in 801AD... the Vikings withdrew back to their homeland provinces of West Seaxe and Dornsaete, their forces remained very large and potentially dangerous.

The Alliances
As the Welsh consolidated their strength, alliances quickly came about. A Bishop arrived on behalf of The King of Northumbria, who warned of the Pagan devils that come from across the Waves... An alliance was formed to secure the Northern edge of the Welsh nation.

He would not be the last to arrive as before long a princess arrived from the King of the Scots...

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emperor-welsh03.jpg

The marriage of Prince Conan did little to dampen his enthusiasm for combat and before long he was forced to join the King's army as it crossed into Sumorsaete ready for the final push against the enemy...

Once the campaign was over there would be plenty of time to spend with his beloved bride.

The final push began the following year as West Seaxe was invaded, the Saxon King abandoned his hall... preparing for a final stand in Dornsaet.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emperor-welsh04.jpg

Three years after the invasion of West Seaxe a large rebellion was seen on the border following a swift Viking Raid, With the Bulk of the Welsh Armies stuck between the Saxons and Rebels, One threat had to be eliminated...

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emperor-welsh05.jpg

King Caradoc could wait no longer, the threat of the Saxons had to be eliminated once and for all

With over 1,000 men on each side, the battle for Dornsaet would be bloody and brutal...

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emperor-welsh06.jpg

econ21
03-10-2004, 21:15
Go, Emperor Sounds like a very aggressive start to the campaign. I am a little worried about a repetition of what happened to Nigel in the PBM game (wiping out a faction to see it re-emerge too strong) but I trust you know what you are doing. Good luck

Paxx
03-10-2004, 21:36
Yes lads give them what they deserve I wish I could join the match but in the army there is not many time... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif

The_Emperor
03-10-2004, 21:59
Quote[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Mar. 10 2004,20:15)]Go, Emperor Sounds like a very aggressive start to the campaign. I am a little worried about a repetition of what happened to Nigel in the PBM game (wiping out a faction to see it re-emerge too strong) but I trust you know what you are doing. Good luck
Don't worry, the Saxons were surrounded and eliminated and i have made sure that we took their old provinces...

In fact, Note to Successor: It might be prudent to sack some Rebel provinces in the East just to be sure. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Anyway I must get back on, I have a massive collection of Screenies from the Battle of Dornsaete to sift through and decide what to include...

It was a very interesting fight.

Mysterium
03-10-2004, 22:10
Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Mar. 10 2004,12:59)]In fact, Note to Successor: It might be prudent to sack some Rebel provinces in the East just to be sure. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
PRUDENCY be DAMNED I plan on taking the Viking homelands next

JUTLAND OR BUST Now if i can just remember where i left my ship . . . http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-lost.gif

I'll get crackin' tonight.


Quote[/b] ]Anyway I must get back on, I have a massive collection of Screenies from the Battle of Dornsaete to sift through and decide what to include...

It was a very interesting fight

Looking forward to the read

katank
03-10-2004, 23:39
you do know that you have no deep sea ships and can't reach them right?
I sympathize with the feeling though as I feel like trashing their homelands myself except when I'm playing as them
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

The_Emperor
03-10-2004, 23:44
Ok guys, I have whittled down the number of screenies from that battle to Eleven main ones that I wish to include

(don't ask how many I have, but it was a funny battle with some very strange deployments done by the enemy, I just had to get the basis)

In fairness to our Modem users I will not post them all in my Write-up in this thread, instead they will be presented as clickable Web Links rather than Images within the post.

I hope you can all appreciate that. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif


Quote[/b] ]you do know that you have no deep sea ships and can't reach them right?
I sympathize with the feeling though as I feel like trashing their homelands myself except when I'm playing as them


Actually when my King kicked the bucket a number of provinces were already constructing the First of our Ships... It shouldn't take too many years to get a Navy Going.

Mysterium
03-10-2004, 23:46
No ships, right . . . then we'll just . . . attack . . . the . . . WELSH

Wait, no, we're Welsh . . . http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif . . . well, PRUDENCE be DAMNED anyway. SOMEone's getting trounced . . .

Maybe I should be the 'Overeager?'. Emperor, did you mean that I was to choose your King's name, or that my reign would make your King's name clear?

Mysterium
03-11-2004, 07:33
As the chill of fall settled over Wales, the beat of mason’s hammers and the groan of scaffolds fell silent. The clang of the blacksmith and the rumble of the carter’s wheels, the rasp of the carpenter’s lathes and the cries of the errand boys faded from the land. King Conan’s great castle of Llangurig in Pouis was complete. Across the land, men waited for word of a great feast that was to be held in honor of its majesty, but no word came. Men questioned each other, but none knew any news, and if any asked those who kept the King’s company, the subject was quickly changed. Rumor spread that the king was ill.

The deep winter that year was among the worst any could remember. The royal palace was all but abandoned in favor of the thick masonry of Llangurig, and most of the King’s men moved into the castle with him. By the eve of the New Year, the Year of Our Lord 835, the rumors had thickened into a semblance of fact. The King was dying.

Spring came mercifully early, and the thaw melted fields full of snow and turned the roads into mires of mud. But the bones of King Conan did not thaw. The bright sun struck him heaped beneath piles of furs, his bed placed in the middle of the long, low room that he had commanded to be built to resemble a great drinking hall. Fires roared in hearths at either end, but no warmth reached him. Thus Prince Cadwallon found him in his chambers.

The King’s rheumy eyes turned toward the sound of thick oak door’s scrape across the floor. “Cadwallon” he called, voice rasping yet strong.

“Father,” Cadwallon answered. He was dressed in all the finery of the Crown Prince; fur-lined cloak that slipped over the thick stones, thin crown, bright mail shirt and wide-hilted sword.

“Servants out” the King bellowed. “Cadwallon, bring that chair over. Sit.” The prince retrieved the chair while two servants quickly slipped from the room. “My son, my time is at hand. My only regret is that I could not do for you as my father did for me. I haven’t shown you battle and glory, as I was shown. I became a man on the field of battle, born from the blood of the Saxons” The King’s eyes glinted at the memory even while his head fell to the pillows from the exertion, and his breath came in short, shallow gulps. “My father, King Caradoc the First, Scourge of the Saxons.”

“But you are years into your manhood, and what have I taught you? What have I given you? Nothing but statecraft. Assassins and spies, marriages, carrying favor and worries of noble blood. And what has it brought you? A kingdom divided. My father gave me lands doubled and redoubled from what he had, and to you, all I can give is Cantware.” The King managed to lift himself to one elbow beneath the huge mound of furs, and his powerful eyes fixed Cadwallon. The Prince knew that his father was a warrior at heart, and the concerns of the kingdom had always been a responsibility, not a pleasure. The tentative peace with the Mercians had only held because of the endless shuffling of troops along the borders, while all Conan had wanted to do was march into their lands and ride down the Mercian peasants like water under a longboat’s keel.

“You know the Mercians are planning treachery, my son. But they are no longer your only enemy. Look to your uncles when I am gone. Look to your uncles, for some you must watch their example, and others . . . others, you . . .” the King’s words dissolved in a fit of coughing. He fell to the bed while he heaved, then slowly raised himself as the fit subsided. “Others, you must watch their actions. Look to Caradoc, and to Idwal. They loved me, and will love you as well. Their skill in battle is great - greater than mine - and Idwal’s head for numbers is an asset. But Iago, Cadwallon. Iago is not to be trusted. His loyalty was never great, and now is even less. And your twin brother, Howel, is easily swayed, and resents you. They two will plot for your throne. The birthright that could have been his – but for a trick of God – has been taken by you.”

Conan rested for a moment longer, then fixed his eye on Cadwallon once again. “Always remember than, Cadwallon. It could have been you who came from the womb second, clinging to the heel of your brother Howel.” Prince Cadwallon flushed darkly for a moment, but Conan’s words rolled forward like a man on horseback. “I do not say your rule is not ordained of God. Just that God can be fickle, and should be trusted no more than men.”

Conan slowly turned, his feet and bare legs emerging from the bottom of the quilts. He sat up painstakingly on the wide bed, then placed his bare feet on the sun-warmed stone floor. Cadwallon rose to his feet, but made no move to help his father lest he shame him. With aching slowness, the large frame of the once-great warrior stood from the bed, reached down, and grasped the mug of mead from the table nearby. Cadwallon reached down and grabbed the other, and raised it high as his father did also. “All hail King Cadwallon ap Conan, Lord of the Welsh”

econ21
03-11-2004, 10:31
Very nice writing, Msyterium - shame it sounds like a death story, as I'd love to hear more of the same.

The_Emperor
03-11-2004, 22:08
The Battle of Dornsaete

War had raged between the Saxon Kingdom and the Welsh, slowly but surely the Saxons gave ground before their enemy, even abandoning their Greatest prize of West Seaxe to the enemy.

In doing so the Arm of Wales became long and it took years for enough troops to be raised by King Caradoc to face his enemies...

Finally on a day in 808AD, the fate of both Kingdoms was to hang in the Balance in one great struggle.

In some places the borders of Wales were left lightly guarded as troops poured South to face the Saxon army holed up in Dornsaet, should the army of Caradoc fall the Welsh kingdom would be completely open to attack.

King Behriric of the Saxons was a man with nothing more to lose, he had already given up most of his Kingdom to the Welsh foe, but in Dornsaet he still retained his most valued prize, a Inn frequented by Mercenaries.

Spending the last of his treasury on tropps to fight for his cause the Saxons held a large army... All their hopes lay in crushing the Welsh in one critical battle to turn the tide...

The Confrontation
The Welsh troops arrived in Dornsaet quickly and behind a hill King Caradoc addressed his troops, his sons Conan and Caradoc beside him ready for battle with their personal guard.

Great men of Wales, by great struggle and the grace of God we have arrived at this moment, our Hated Saxon enemies lie before us.

Make no mistake they still have great manpower, well over 1,000 men. Though we have more than matched them in numbers, we must not be complacent for the Saxons are trapped with nowhere to run and like a trapped wild animal they will fight hard.

King Caradoc Turned to His sons finally to Prince Conan and Caradoc. I am counting on both of you on this day, fight as true brothers with valour

The King turned and ordered his men up the Hill as the sky began to slowly darken with rainclouds...

As Welsh banners slowly appeared at the top of the hill the Saxons gathering in the field below faltered... As King Caradoc watched he saw something very strange happen.

The Bulk of the Saxon army reeled off Left towards the Woods, while the enemy King and his Sons withdrew back and prepared to circle around towards the Welsh right.

Battle Image 1 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b01.jpg)

Battle Image 2 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b02.jpg)

The Welsh held their ground at the top of the Hill and watched the Saxon King as he assumed a comfortable position on hill nearby... The King Turned to his sons,

What do you make of that?

Prince Conan smiled, The man is running from us to the safety of a Hill, isolated as he is we should attack him.

Prince Caradoc cut in, While that is true, I suspect that he also WANTS us to follow him. He has made himself vulnerable at one end of the field while his men remain at the other. If we chase him we expose our rear to his army. If we split our forces neither force will be able to help the other if things go badly

King Caradoc smiled at the exchange between his sons, Your brother is correct Conan, the enemy is attempting to lure us into exposing our rear. However you are also right he is a coward in abandoning his position and his men...

Before the King finished speaking the enemy moved as the Saxon infantry emerged from the woods and advanced towards the hill their King was positioned on, however their path would cross the Welsh lines.

The Welsh repositioned themselves to face a threat from two directions, as the rain began to fall.

Battle Image 3 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b03.jpg)

As the rain subsided, King Caradoc stood drew his sword, Prince Conan come with me, we charge into combat with the enemy on our Leftt flank, Prince Caradoc, take charge of our men up here

The King and his heir charged into battle on the right flank, one of the Saxon Princes advanced close to the Welsh lines, Prince Caradoc responded with a volley of arrows.

Battle Image 4 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b04.jpg)

After a successful charge the Celtic Warriors engaged the Saxon infantry, Four companies of Fyrdmen hit a unit of Celts... Their lines held strong and other Welsh units moved to support.

Battle Image 5 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b05.jpg)

Seeing their chance King Caradoc cried out to Prince Conan who was fighting well but had lost a number of his bodyguards. Charge with me, we hit them hard on the flank as the King and his son once again charged the enemy Prince Caradoc sent a group of Welsh horsemen to advance around behind the troops... The Charge was deadly as the Fyrdmen were hit from the flanks and rear by Cavalry and Celtic warriors.

They were surrounded on all sides.

Battle Image 6 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b06.jpg)

After the loss of those troops a small rout began but the Saxons rallied and fought back again and again... Only to be defeated again.

The battle on the Left quickly turned into a massacre.

Meanwhile the Saxon King slowly moved from his hilltop position on the Right flank of the action, however his efforts were not going unnoticed and a great number of Celtic warriors stood on the hill watching his every move.

Battle Image 7 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b07.jpg)

The Saxon King could not avoid combat for much longer, and when the heavens once again opened and the rain came down again, he charged into the fray with his son at his side.

Prince Caradoc entered into the fighting with his infantry, and as the rain came down and the skys roared more men led by the victorious King and his Heir came rushing in

Battle Image 8 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b08.jpg)

As a rumble of thunder was heard in the distance, Welsh troops surrounded him and his son on all sides. Both fought on bravely cutting down men around, until his Son was pulled from his horse and knocked unconscious with the hilt of a sword...

Upon seeing the Capture of his son the Saxon King looked up and caught sight of his rival rushing in to claim his head.

Battle Image 9 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b09.jpg)

The Saxon King lost his nerve and dug his heels into the side of his horse as he charged and hacked his way out of the great host of men who had engulfed him...

Finally he galloped away as fast as his horse could speed him. But there was nowhere else to run to.

Battle Image 10 (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-b10.jpg)

The Welsh now had command of the open country and before long the Saxon King was hunted down and captured, along with his remaining sons who were driven from the field...

With the flight of the Saxon King the rain eased off, it was almost as if God himself was pleased by the outcome of the battle.

As skies cleared the living and the dead were counted...

Battle End Stats (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/story/emp-welsh-be11.jpg)

The fate of the Saxons was sealed and their King and his sons endured humiliating deaths as captives, rather than a glorious end on the battlefield.

The end of Caradoc's reign

Following his final victory against the Saxons, King Caradoc crushed the rebels in Defet and Clwyd, as Prince Caradoc added Suth Seaxe to his domain with a victory against the rebels with the unexpected capture of a small Viking raiding force led by a Viking Prince...

In a most unlucky development for the captive Prince the Viking King refused to pay the ransom for his shamed son and was swiftly executed.

King Caradoc lived until the year 823AD, and with his Death his eldest son Conan, became King. Prince Caradoc was a Commander equal to his late father and remained greatly loyal to his brother.

Theirs was the bond of brotherhood strengthened by the shared experience of that great battle.

Mysterium
03-11-2004, 22:37
Emperor: Very nice write-up. Quite a good battle as well. Sorry I jumped the gun in the thread, should we shift things to make the narrative flow?

Mr. Appleton: Thanks. Unfortunately, Conan's reign was relatively uneventful. I only fought one battle against some bandits the whole time, and spent most of my years in intrigue instead. I'll be doing a little more for my Italy PBEM, though. After all, I sacked Constantinople, and that's not the sort of thing one can just gloss over

The_Emperor
03-11-2004, 23:44
Quote[/b] (Mysterium @ Mar. 11 2004,21:37)]Emperor: Very nice write-up. Quite a good battle as well. Sorry I jumped the gun in the thread, should we shift things to make the narrative flow?
There is a lot I cut out of the battle, for one thing the fighting against the main Saxon Fyrdmen near the woods was a lot longer than it appeared in the write-up.

After those four units were surrounded the enemy sent in more Fyrdmen and archers and it rapidly became a case of isolate, flank destroy... and on to the next unit.

Still I was really surprised at the strange troop movements done by the enemy, first splitting their army and then getting the greater half of it to walk right by our lines at the base of the hill

EDIT: Oops I forgot image 5 of the Four fyrdmen units charging in, that has now been added. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif

econ21
03-11-2004, 23:49
Well fought, as usual, Emperor. Where are we now with this campaign? I infer Katank is next in line, although I think he is still on his Sicilian PBM and recently pulled out another thread. Has he had a wake-up call?

The_Emperor
03-12-2004, 00:03
Quote[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Mar. 11 2004,22:49)]Well fought, as usual, Emperor. Where are we now with this campaign? I infer Katank is next in line, although I think he is still on his Sicilian PBM and recently pulled out another thread. Has he had a wake-up call?

Ok a message has been sent requesting his presence on the campaign.

Here is the list.

The_Emperor
King Caradoc I (793 - 823) The Scourge of the Saxons

Mysterium
King Conan I (823 - 835)

Katank
King Cadwallon I (835 - ) The Current Welsh King

Simon Appleton

1pain1Duck

Mysterium
03-12-2004, 00:17
I'm content to be either Conan the Barbarian, or to defer to my heir as to my naming. That could be an interesting trend. Although if he names me something lame, I might have to go all Hamlet the Elder on him . . .

katank
03-12-2004, 02:01
thanx for the notice, I got the wakeup call. I downloaded the savegame but have yet to start. I have almost finished with my sicilian game so I think I can play this one.

Can't think of non lame title for predecessor tho, off the top of my head. *cringes in fear of mysterium going hamlet the elder on me* http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-behead.gif

Mysterium
03-12-2004, 19:51
Don't worry, no beheading. I'll just wander around like a good senile old ghost, muttering about the Mercians and wearing my beaver up.

katank
03-12-2004, 22:38
darn mercians are annoying. I don't like em on my borders. They out general us. I did find many mercs in our inns though so I think we might be able to take them out.

I took the island of mannau, a nice little acquisition for us and a nice naval base. Currently building units and ships like mad and boosting economy through farming trade.

Gearing up for war soon against the Mercians. We are the richest and I think we can easily out produce them.

no rules, right? so I can cross them and pound them to dust, right?
*goes back to planning enormous simultaneous invasion that would wipe the mercians off the map in a matter of years*
*evil laugh* http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

son of spam
03-14-2004, 20:05
Sorry folks,

Something came up and I can't play MTW for a while (*looks at parents* *runs away*)

please remove my name. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif

katank
03-16-2004, 01:51
sorry everyone, as I stated in the Sicilian thread, it appears that no one is able to load my savegames without CTds so I can't participate in PBMs any more.

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

sorry and I apologize for any inconvienience this may have cause

econ21
03-16-2004, 21:13
Sorry to hear of your troubles, Katank. I guess that means I take over the throne? I'll download the savegame and check it out.

econ21
03-17-2004, 01:34
Sumorsaete, 850AD

My Lord, we are betrayed the Welsh noble tore through the great hall and fell to his knees in front of King Candwallon. The Mercians, my Lord, they have betrayed us - the alliance is shattered and their armies have invaded our lands.

Candwallon felt something unexpected stirr inside him, something quite unlike the panic that emanated from the exhausted noble at his feet. It was a dour settling feeling - the inevitable had come and now the future, although grim, was decided. Fifteen years of peace were at an end. Now he must devote everything to a fight to the death, whether Wales' or Mercia's.

Where have they struck? Candwallon asked the noble in a calm, low voice.

Clwyd was overrun by a mounted column and the main Mercian army has swept aside Lord Caradoc's defence of West Seaxe. Both provinces are now under siege.

So be it. Candwallon was disappointed that neither of his garrisons had been able to halt the invaders. He had clearly miscalculated in trying to safeguard his borders. But he had sizable forces elsewhere in the kingdom and it was likely that the Mercians had depleted their garrisons in order to strike at West Saexe in such strength.

On your feet, boyo Candwallon encouraged the noble, confidently raising him up and looking him straight in the eye. The Mercians have given us their best shot - now it's our turn to strike back.

The_Emperor
03-18-2004, 09:23
I wondered how long it would be until the Mercians invaded. Well goodluck with that one Simon, be sure that you can conquer all their lands before you wipe them out...

We don't want this to go Saxon on us (and the strategic situation is very similar to that ill fated campaign)

Goodluck and Give em hell http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

econ21
03-18-2004, 10:27
Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Mar. 18 2004,02:23)]We don't want this to go Saxon on us (and the strategic situation is very similar to that ill fated campaign)
Um, you are right - I had not realised the similarity; in the Saxon campaign, the Saxons conquered Wales and then were attacked by the Mercians; in this campaign, Wales conquered the Saxon lands and then were attacked by the Mercians. My being surprise-attacked twice by the same enemy (& even in the same province) begins to look like carelessness http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-oops.gif

I shall tread carefully...

Big King Sanctaphrax
03-18-2004, 17:21
*waves flag patriotically*

AggonyDuck
03-23-2004, 22:21
Any news? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif

The_Emperor
03-23-2004, 22:40
Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Mar. 18 2004,16:21)]*waves flag patriotically*
BKS where have you been mate? I thought you'd be right here after this thread popped up.

Anyway, does your flag waving mean you want to participate? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

well here is the list.

The_Emperor
King Caradoc I (793 - 823) The Scourge of the Saxons

Mysterium
King Conan I (823 - 835) The Barbarian

Simon Appleton
King Cadwallon I (835 - ) The Current Welsh King

1pain1Duck

Big King Sanctaphrax?

econ21
03-24-2004, 00:17
860 AD, Wrocen Saetan

“Tell me about the war with Mercia again, father – I want to hear all of it.”, the young Prince Caradoc said looking expectantly at his father.

Reluctantly, Cadwallion turned from the orders he was drafting and frowned at the eleven-year old lying on a bed in their living quarters.

“When I was three, the evil Mercians stabbed us in the back, I know that part”, the boy prompted Cadwallion. “But you drove them out of our lands the very next year, didn’t you, father?”

“That much is true.” Sighed the King, resigned to his temporary duty as the court historian and story-teller to tired boys. “But the Mercians were like wolves, as they slunk away from one place, they reappeared to threaten another.”

“I know, I know … my brother Mervyn had just come of age and had been ordered to take the Mercian province of Hwicce. He rode into the province from Gwent at the head of an army. But there he was met King Edmund of Mercia himself and a host of great armoured axemen. So Mervyn quickly rode all the way back”

“Caradoc, you must not cheek your brother Mervyn so … one day he will be your King.” Cadwallion gently reprimanded. The King did not know whether the unhappy look on Caradoc’s face was at the thought of his father’s passing or something darker. Even at this early age, Caradoc was a boy to watch. Cadwallion felt a slight unease about the future of the dissolute Mervyn.

“Mervyn had no choice but to retreat, as we also did from Vrocen Saetan. The Mercians had vast armies in their interior that we had been unaware of, but which then reinforced their borders. That was our darkest hour. All along the line, we were outnumbered and facing Mercian leaders quite frankly superior to our own. Further to the north, the Irish were growing to be a second menace – eliminating the Scots and expanding into the lands of the Northumbrians.”

“But then we were saved?”

“From the Mercians? Yes, we were saved … although in truth I know not whether it was by the grace of God or through the perfidy of our enemies. For just as King Edmund marched with his armies to our borders, schemers back in the Mercian homelands turned against him and crowned his brother Redwald King. Mercia erupted into civil war, with both sides commanding powerful armies.”

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_civilwar.jpg

Two years after the Mercians attack Wales, deliverance comes through civil war in Mercia

“And while the Mercians were fighting each other, you triumphed?”

“That is the short of it, yes. I cut a path through the Mercian kingdom – bypassing Edmund and the rebels massed on our borders, but driving deep into the Redwald’s territory. Redwald was utterly fearless, but an unhinged loon. Not the best combination in a King…”

Cadwallion threw a glance at his son, who smiled appreciatively.

“So I managed to surround Redwald in East Engle, far from his main armies. The brave fool relied on an army of peasants to defend him.” Cadwallion shook his head.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Redwald0.jpg

Cadwallion snares the unhinged Mercian King Redwald who has only peasants and a small escort to protect him.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Redwald1.jpg

The utterly fearless Redwald and his men fight bravely.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Redwald2.jpg

But there can only be one outcome to the uneven contest…

“Even then, with the death of Redwald, the Mercians still did not end their civil war. Eventually, Redwald’s successor, King Edgar, triumphed. But by then the civil war had fatally weakened the Mercians and we had grown strong.”

“And this year, I promise we will end this war.” Cadwallion whispered.

The King turned to look at his young son, but the boy was already asleep.

Big King Sanctaphrax
03-24-2004, 18:36
Ah, I'd love to participate, but my playing skills are such that a game on expert usually results in a quick death...as seen in Mount Suribachi's Mercian campaign a while back. So, I won't participate, but I'll offer support and cheer from the sidlines if that's ok with you guys http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

The_Emperor
03-24-2004, 18:39
Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Mar. 24 2004,17:36)]Ah, I'd love to participate, but my playing skills are such that a game on expert usually results in a quick death...as seen in Mount Suribachi's Mercian campaign a while back. So, I won't participate, but I'll offer support and cheer from the sidlines if that's ok with you guys http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
At any rate feel free to download the savegames and have a practice run...

In addition you may also remember that I was the one who presided over the demise of the Saxons, so we all have our failed games from time to time.

Big King Sanctaphrax
03-24-2004, 18:54
Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Mar. 24 2004,17:39)]
Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Mar. 24 2004,17:36)]Ah, I'd love to participate, but my playing skills are such that a game on expert usually results in a quick death...as seen in Mount Suribachi's Mercian campaign a while back. So, I won't participate, but I'll offer support and cheer from the sidlines if that's ok with you guys http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
At any rate feel free to download the savegames and have a practice run...

In addition you may also remember that I was the one who presided over the demise of the Saxons, so we all have our failed games from time to time.
Cheers, man. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-yes.gif

econ21
03-24-2004, 23:19
The Battle of Hwicce, AD 860

The wind howled around the hillside as Rhodri Mardi listened to Lord Madyn, King of Kantware, address the Welsh army:

“Men of the valleys, for too long we have been driven in exile from our rightful lands. The Engles and the Saxons hounded our ancestors from their homes. They called us wealas, or slaves, and thought they could confine us to lands of that name. But we have grown stronger. The fight back began with King Caradoc, who vanquished the Saxons. Now before you stand the last remnants of the once mighty Engles. This is our hour, this is the dawn of a new age – when the wealas or Welsh once more become masters of Britain”

The Welsh warriors roared approval and the clamour reverberated around the valley.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce1.jpg

Lord Madyn chooses to rely on the power of the bow to wear down the last army of Mercia.

Rhodri quickly fell in behind Lord Madyn - as a royal bodyguard it was his duty to stay close. The youngest of the small escort, Rhodri felt awkward and conspicuous alongside the older veterans who moved with a gruff indifference. Far below him, he could see a small force of Mercians. This is going to be easy, he thought. Lord Madyn had included many archers in the advance guard and with the advantage of elevation, these would slaughter the Mercians below. But almost immediately, the enemy began to march to their right and, as Madyn’s eyes followed their path, he saw they were moving to join a larger body of Mercians already climbing the slope near a large wooded portion of the hill.

“Turn to the left” Madyn cried out, the Welsh commander had also seen what Rhodri’s young eyes had spotted. “Climb higher – we must not let them get the high ground”

There then followed a race, as the Welsh moved to cut off the approach of the Mercians up the hill. Just at the moment the Welsh army crossed the T of the enemy advance, Rhodri noticed movement in the woods to their right. Mercian mounted sergeants had climbed the hill and now were breaking out of the treeline and charging the flank of the Welsh advance.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce2.jpg

Madyn’s men beat the Mercians to the high ground, but with not a minute to spare.

“Archers Pull back Get away from there Spearmen – to the woods Run” Madyn shouted urgently.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce3.jpg

Madyn’s quick reaction to the surprise approach of the Mercian cavalry saves his advance guard of archers from anhilation.

Several companies of Welsh infantry moved to intercept the Mercian horse and soon had disappeared into the woods on the left.

The bodyguard now halted to the rear of the Welsh line and Rhodri could see the open stretch of the hill to his centre and right. Already ascending the base of the hill was the bulk of the Mercian army. I thought we were supposed to be attacking? Mused Rhodri.

“Archers – halt and turn to face the enemy. Fire at will” Lord Madyn cried out.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce4.jpg

The battle begins in earnest - a contest between Welsh bows and Mercian spears.

Looking at the many companies of Mercians climbing the hill, Rhodri held his breath. While the Welsh advance guard had plenty of archers, the number of warriors with swords and spears were going to be stretched rather thin.

The interval between the onset of the Welsh archery fire and the closing of the Mercian advance was worryingly short. Preoccupied with the main Mercian advance in the centre, Rhodri allowed himself to be distracted from the invisible struggle going on in the wood to his left. Suddenly, a band of well-armoured Mercian horse rode out of the wood towards the unprotected Welsh archers on the ridge of the hill. But this time, Madyn had no reserves of infantry to hold them back. Disaster threatened.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce5.jpg

A band of Mercian royal bodyguards emerges undetected from the wooded slopes to reek havoc on the interior of the Welsh battleline.

“With me Follow me” Madyn spurred his horse towards the intruders. Rhodri felt excitement and fear rise up inside him. King Cadwallon had ordered all his commanders never to risk their lives in the field of battle, valuing their leadership over their individual prowess at arms. Lord Madyn had perhaps the coolest head of all the Welsh generals, a master of numbers and man of unparalleled acumen. But the situation was desperate and so Rhodri found himself galloping alongside his liege, racing after the enemy horse that threatened to rampage through the Welsh lines.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce6.jpg

Lord Madyn counter-charges the Mercian horse.

The next few minutes raced past Madyn, in the clamour of sword on shield and the exhilaration of personal combat. Catching their quarry in the flank, Madyn’s escort rode down the Mercian horse. But no sooner had that threat been eliminated, but another arose. A company of Mercian fyrd had got past the Welsh front line and was menacing the Welsh archers massed to the rear. Lord Madyn again ordered a charge. Once again, the Mercians were caught in the flank but now the odds were much less favourable. Fortunately, a company of Welsh archers put aside their bows and closed ranks to charge the front of the fyrd. In the bitter fighting that followed, veteran after veteran fell from their horse until the company of fyrd was wiped out to a man.

In the pause, an exhausted Rhodri turned to survey the scene. He was appalled by the devastation he saw. Where once there had been a thousand Welsh warriors arrayed in battle lines, there were now only huddles of bedraggled fighters. The archers remained largely unmolested, but they had exhausted their arrows. Madyn ordered them to retreat:

“Send word to the rear guard, we need them now” he urged one archer captain.

Already fresh Mercian troops were arriving on the battle and although a few Welsh foot had reached the foot of the hill, they were exhausted and demoralised by the horrendous losses they had taken. The fresh Mercian troops fought a bitter melee with the remnants of the Welsh advance guard and Rhodri was dismayed to see his compatriots begin to flee. All that remained of the Welsh on the battlefield were Lord Madyn’s escort and the unit of archers that had joined them in routing the fyrd – both operating at less than half strength.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce7.jpg

The exhausted Welsh advance guard are routed by fresh Mercian reinforcements.

“Steady, boys, steady.” Madyn said softly. “This has been a hard fight. Let’s see who can fight the longest.”

Rhodri sat on his horse on the hillside, watching his fellow countrymen being pursued by the vengeful Mercians. The few archers by his side had finally exhausted their arrows and were ordered to withdraw, leaving Lord Madyn and eight of his escort as the sole unbroken Welsh presence on the field. After what seemed like an age, he heard a cry from the top of the hill and turned to see a band of Welsh horsemen arrive on the scene, to turn the tables on the pursuing Mercians. Turning back, he looked to his right and was horrified to see a handful of armoured Mercian cavalry charging straight at Lord Madyn’s position.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce8.jpg

Lord Madyn’s escort make their third charge of the day.

“At the charge, men, at the charge – meet them at the charge” Lord Madyn again led the escort forward to meet the new danger. The two small bands of riders were both in deadly earnest and after a bitter struggle, soon only Lord Madyn and Rhodri remained of their band.

More Mercian spearmen approached, but up the hill there were at last signs of the Welsh rear guard approaching in strength. Only the leading company of horse were in range of the enemy, but Madyn shouted to them to stay back:

“Keep away from the spears, lads – they’ll not stand for long.”

As soon as the Welsh horse started to withdraw back up the hill, the Mercians gave up their pursuit and lost heart.

“Now” Madyn shouted out to the horse, “Now’s your chance”

Rhodri watched with elation as the Welsh horse tore down the hill towards the routing Mercians. Then he turned back and saw Lord Madyn careening off after the fleeing Mercians. With a wry smile of admiration, Rhodri spurred his horse after his liege.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce9.jpg

Lord Madyn rides in pursuit of the defeated Mercian army as a weary Rhodri struggles to keep up.

The cost of the battle was high, but it was the decisive and last encounter of the nine year long war with Mercia.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Hwicce10.jpg


Later that evening, Rhodri was feasting with Lord Madyn when word arrived from the other Welsh armies who had struck Wrocen Saetan and Mierce. Both had been unopposed and King Edmund I had been captured among the Mercians fleeing the overwhelming Welsh advances. King Cadwallion had accepted the formal surrender of the Mercians and magnanimously offered to work together with them to form a strong united kingdom.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Merciadead.jpg

Lord Madyn laughed affably at Rhodri:

“Ain’t that always the way of it, boyo? Some poor buggers do all the work and some other bleeders get all the credit”

econ21
03-25-2004, 08:57
I feel rather guilty about this, but I have completed this campaign. For some reason I did not realise there was someone on the list behind me - sorry 1pain1Duck - and by the time I became aware, I was already in the Orkneys and preparing to invade Ireland. Maybe we can start a new PBM thread with a different faction and 1pain1Duck can join that? I suspect the VI campaign may be a little short for good PBM.

I'll post the gory details of the rest of the campaign soon (unlike the brief war with Mercia, that against Ireland was a long slog).

econ21
03-25-2004, 17:49
AD877 Munster

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Caradoc.jpg

Prince Caradoc, second and favoured child of King Cadwallon, in his prime.

My father taught me many things. As a child, I listened keenly to his stories of war and state craft. He came to throne in AD 835 at the young age of 22 and for fifteen years under him, our nation enjoyed peace and prosperity. The only conflict in those years had been a minor expedition to seize Manau in the Irish Sea in AD 840. Father had long been troubled by a vision of an alternative destiny in which a grey seer named Katank urged our nation to take Manau as the next step towards our ultimate destiny. When the Irish made a failed attempt to take Manau, father knew he must act immediately. He landed not a moment too soon, for already a second Irish invasion force was debarking on the western shores. Fortunately, the Irish were still our allies at the time, so we did not come to blows. However, the Irish army was larger than ours and would by rights have had full claim to the island. Consequently, father adopted a ruthless strategy. He stayed his army on the field of battle, refusing to heed the calls of the Irish to join in their assault. While the Irish Gallowglasses, Bonnachts and Kerns over-ran the rebels, the Welsh army stood immobile on the field. By the end of the day, the rebels were routed but the Irish army had lost many men and was now clearly inferior to our own. The aggrieved Irish general abandoned Manau in disgust and lingering Irish resentment led to their siding with Mercia rather than with us in the war that came a decade later. But I admired this story of father’s ruthless guile and remembered it.

The end of the war with Mercia in AD860 brought only a short respite from conflict. The Irish, having vanquished the Scots, were overrunning Pictish and Northumbrian provinces with impunity. When they reached Orcades, father knew he had to act. The year I came of age, in AD864, father struck at the Irish in Dec Saetan. The war with Mercia had led to the creation of a large powerful Welsh army and it was concentrated on our narrow northern border. The Irish too mustered many warriors but by contrast were dispersed throughout northern Britain and their homeland. As a result, father was able to drive northward on a narrow front. The outnumbered Irish were forced to surrender four provinces one by one without a struggle. The only blood that was shed was at sea, where a bitter contest raged around the entire coast of the British Isles. By AD867, attrition and our higher rate of production had begun to give us control of the sea. And at the same time, the real contest began on land.

My father’s advance had trapped an Irish force in Elmete and I was commanded to lead an army to destroy it. To my surprise, I was surprised joined by an army from Northumbria – our allies who had hitherto been fighting a losing struggle against the Irish.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Elmete1.jpg

The Northumbrians join Prince Caradoc in reducing the surrounded Irish army in Elmete.

Despite our alliance, the Northumbrians were becoming a growing concern to us. This was not only because were they able to recruit formidable huscarls. More importantly, as we drove the Irish further north, the Irish lines shortened while our border with Northumbria grew longer – soon we would have to deploy the majority of our forces in garrisons around the Northumbrian lands. How long father would tolerate this dilution of our strength, I did not know. Consequently, I recalled my father’s stratagem at Manau and so, while our impetuous Northumbrian allies charged forward at Elmete, I ordered my army to hold. The Irish included many formidable Gallowglass and ultimately drove off the unsupported Northumbrians.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Elmete2.jpg

Caradoc ruthlessly refuses to support the Northumbrian attack and so it is routed.

However, the Northumbrians had fought bravely, severely depleting the Irish ranks. As a result, we were able to drive the remaining Irish away with a few volleys of our archery and a swift cavalry charge.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Elmete3.jpg

The depleted and tired Irish defenders are easy meat for the fresh Welsh troops.

As a result of the Manau gambit, Elmete was captured for the loss of only five of our men. But the tactic enraged the Northumbrian king and the next year he foolishly sent his armies against us, shattering our alliance. They achieved nothing but the guarantee of their destruction the following year.

AD869 was a year of fire. While my father seized Athfolta from the Irish, I and two other Welsh generals fought fierce battles for the Northumbrian homelands. The scent of death brought the Vikings back to the mainland and their king took Beornice from the Northumbrians. In three bitter battles against Northumbria, we lost twelve hundred men. But we killed or captured three times that many enemies while I personally won the reputation as a skilled attacker. Their lands taken and their armies under siege, the Northumbrians were a defeated people and joined the united kingdom in AD 871.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Northdead.jpg

The last of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms falls under Welsh rule

With the demise of Northumbria, my father’s ambition grew and he resolved to end the Irish war in his lifetime.

econ21
03-25-2004, 17:56
AD 878 Ulster

My work is done. The Irish are defeated. Ten years ago, our total control of the sea had left their army divided – half trapped in the Scottish highlands, the rest fearfully awaiting our landfall on the Irish coast.

Slowly, we tightened the noose around the neck of their Scottish armies. My favourite son, Caradoc, slaughtered 1800 trapped in a pocket in Fib in AD 870 and earned the reputation of being an expert attacker. But there were reverses. The same year, my fourth son, Prince Iago proved to be a chinless wonder, calling off an advance into Sci when he found himself outnumbered two to one. Two years later, as Caradoc seized Sci, the Scots counter-attacked and with 2850 men over-ran Lord Ewion in Cait. Ewion’s death on the field of battle still haunts me. As I was fighting my way into the Orcades, I had failed to see the danger of Ewion’s position guarding our rear and had provided him with only 800 men.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Cait1.jpg

Lord Ewion is surprised by a large Irish army striking from Sci.

Ewion and his men fought bravely. When their arrows were exhausted, the archers drew their swords and joined the small Welsh force in charging down the winter slopes into the Irish. But the odds against them were too great and Ewion, together with most of his men, fell on the field of battle.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Cait2.jpg

Ewion and his army are anhilated – the only Welsh defeat in the fourteen year long war with Ireland.

In my anger, I commanded Caradoc to destroy the Irish in Cait. He raised many mercenaries to lead the assault, as with no possibility of escape for the Irish, it was clear that the struggle would be bloody and too many Welsh lives had been lost in the war already.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Cait3.jpg

Prince Caradoc moves to avenge Lord Ewion.

Caradoc fought a clever battle, outmaneouvring the Welsh on the mountain sides and driving them down to the coast. There, with the advantage of height for our longbowmen, we forced the Irish to attack uphill.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Cait4.jpg

Driven off the high ground, the Irish army turns on their Welsh pursuers.

After a fierce struggle, our mercenaries prevailed - Viking Carls and Mercian Mounted Sergeants in particular distinguished themselves in the vicious melee.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Cait5.jpg

After fierce fighting, the Welsh get the upper hand - their mercenary cavalry tearing into Irish skirmishers along the beach.

Lord Ewion was avenged, although not forgotten. His death was a lesson I resolved to keep in mind as my eye turned to Ireland itself.

To prepare for the invasion of Ireland, I resolved to assert my authority throughout the British mainland. Consequently, Prince Conan marched to end the remnants of the Pictish kingdom in Monoth, while Prince Iago and Lord Madyn overran the rebel provinces of Domon and Beornice.

With the landings in Ireland in AD874, I planned to once more to divide the Irish army into two. I led an army of 3000 into Brega while Caradoc led a similarly large force into Connacht. The provincial garrisons were hopelessly outnumbered and retreated into their keeps, with the excess fleeing to join either the Irish King trapped in Ulster or the isolated southern Irish provinces.

The next year, I moved to challenge King Niall III in Ulster while Caradoc took Munster. However, mindful of Lord Ewion’s earlier fate, I made sure that the new garrisons replacing us in Brega and Connacht were adequate. This was fortunate, for while I fought King Niall in Ulster, 3300 Irish from the Southern provinces attempted to break the siege of Brega.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Ulster1.jpg

The final showdown.

The battle of Ulster was a messy and ragged affair, fought over a central wood that prevented our most powerful weapon, the longbow, for exerting its proper effect on the battle. The Irish fought without discipline, strategy or tactics but simply poured through the wood into the centre of our lines.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Ulster2.jpg

King Caradoc is amazed to see the outnumbered and outmatched Irish advancing in an uncoordinated headlong frontal charge.

King Niall III himself was in the front of the attack.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Ulster3.jpg

King Niall III is in the forefront of the attack, but unsupported and fighting on horseback against infantry in a wood, the end is inevitable…

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Ulster4.jpg

A brave man, making a good end…

The early loss of their king disheartened the Irish and the rest of battle was scarcely worthy of the name, as we chased the ragged Irish army out of the central wood and off the battlefield.

The final battle of the war was in Brega, where Lord Griffith had to avoid the fate of Lord Ewion - holding against an Irish army nearly twice the size of his own.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Brega1.jpg

Ireland’s last chance for survival.

Fortunately, Griffith commanded a well balanced Welsh army, typical of those that had led us to victory to victory in the last 25 years. He deployed a mix of armoured spearmen and fierce Celt warriors as his frontline, backed by several companies of archers and with horsemen on the flanks.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Brega2.jpg

Lord Griffith has a strong army and a fine position.

Our arrows rained down on the approaching Irish, targeting the Gallowglass and royal bodyguards in particular. Then, before the great mass of Bonnachts could dispatch their javelins, our spearmen and warriors charged towards them down the hill.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_Brega3.jpg

The death of their leader to archery coinciding with the charge of the Welsh down the hill is too much for the Irish.

The enemy could not stand and the day was ours.

The death of King Niall left the Irish without a successor and so a once great house disappeared from history. The next year, Caradoc seized the last rebel province and in AD 877 all resistance to our rule had ended in the isles of Britain and Ireland.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Welsh_victory.jpg

After centuries of Anglo-Saxon domination, King Cadwallon returns control of the British Isles to the Britons.

Now Prince Caradoc urges me to take our warriors further afield, to forcibly unite with Celtic France and to strike back at the Vikings that are menacing so much of Christendom. But I am old and my work is done. The task of creating a strong united Britain set by my predecessors is complete. It will be a land in which Celt and Saxon, Pict and Engle, Scot and Irish, can live together in harmony and equality. A proud and free country, which, with God’s grace, may act as a light to others in these dark days.

AggonyDuck
03-25-2004, 21:20
Nice writing, and u must had one nice reign lol http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

The_Emperor
03-27-2004, 22:22
Well there we have it... Total Domination.

Congrats to all who took part. (By the way Simon, how many factions did you steamroll over?)

econ21
03-28-2004, 00:39
Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Mar. 27 2004,15:22)](By the way Simon, how many factions did you steamroll over?)

As I recall, I eliminated four factions:

- Two, the Mercians and the Northumbrians, attacked me while allied to me, grrr. Both kinda committed suicide - the Mercians by immediately entering into a vicious civil war; the Northumbrians by lying under my steam-roller. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif

- The third faction (Irish) were getting too powerful to leave alone so had to be dealt; they had wiped out the Scots and were tearing into the Picts and Northumbrians.

- The other faction (Picts) had been reduced by the Irish to single province when I reached into them and so did not rely count as a proper faction when I over-ran them.

The_Emperor
03-28-2004, 13:27
Ok Simon, what title do you want for your King?

econ21
03-28-2004, 23:52
I guess the best epitath would be:

King Cadwallion I, King of all the Britons

Thanks for hosting this thread, Emperor, and also for successfully breaking out of the Welsh's initial starting position - I suspect that's the tricky bit and that once it's done, the Welsh are a very competitive faction.

The_Emperor
04-08-2004, 18:08
Here it is once again,

The Final (and rather short) Line of Welsh Kings...

The_Emperor
King Caradoc I (793 - 823) The Scourge of the Saxons

Mysterium
King Conan I (823 - 835) The Barbarian

Simon Appleton King of all the Britons
King Cadwallon I (835 - Total Victory)