The Glorious Might of Egypt!

[The_Emperor]

Welcome Children of the Nile...

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, I have finally decided to go ahead and do an Egyptian PBEM.

All I require is for you to post your interest below.

I will use the Org's PBEM Uploader to transfer the game, so once again no email address is required.

Org PBEM Uploader (http://www.totalwar.org/Downloads/Uploaders/pbmupload.php)

I am undecided as to if I will play the first reign or not.
For now Post your interest and We'll sort it out.

There will be a list, and Titles will be given to each ruler after his death. Write ups are indeed requested for each reign, make them good ones http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

Apart from that just have fun http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Now who's up for being a Sultan?

[Demon of Light]

I have an idea for the first reign. I have a question though. Can version 2.0 games be played by people with version 2.1? If the answer is yes, then I have a surprise for everyone...

[econ21]

I'm interested, Emperor. Not sure about the 2.0 and 2.1 compatibility question, though, Demon.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (Demon of Light @ May 07 2004,23:07)]I have an idea for the first reign. I have a question though. Can version 2.0 games be played by people with version 2.1? If the answer is yes, then I have a surprise for everyone...
Yes, I'm pretty sure they can.

[Drucius]

I am busting to be a part of this, and I promise a write-up of unparalleled beauty. Well, a write-up.

[The Wizard]

Hmm, I like this. Sign me up as last please.

Never doubt my eagerness http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif



~Wiz

[Chimpyang]

I'll have a go at it , now i've done Aragorn and Poland's a little way away. btw what the surprise Demon?

[Demon of Light]

Unless someone can tell me why I'm getting cannot copy SultanElCid: The system cannot read from the specified device, I'm afraid my idea is a bust. (This is an attempt to transfer a .rar file from a 3 1/2 floppy to the hard drive)

[The_Emperor]

Thats a shame DOL, can you not make a start in V2.01?

Here is the list, thus far...

Demon of Light

Simon Appleton

Drucius

The Wizard

Chimpyang

I'll place myself on a later reign if its alright.

[The Wizard]

Nah, you can have my place, I'm a bit busy with a lot of projects for school the next few weeks http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-confused.gif



~Wiz

[AggonyDuck]

I like to sign up :)

[Demon of Light]

OK. I think I got it now. A bit annoying to pull off but I think I've been successful. All I need is confirmation. If someone with version 2.01 would please download the game called Sultan El Cid to see if it works, that would be great. Don't comment extensively on what you see though. That's part of the surprise

Emperor: Why don't you take a look at the game and tell me if it is acceptable to you as a starting point. If it is not, I'll start this the conventional way.

[Herodotus]

As long as its on expert sign me up.

[The_Emperor]

Ok Demon I have checked the game and it loads correctly.

Interesting situation on the map.

Well Simon Appleton is next up then, I'll PM him to download it.

[econ21]

I am sorry, but I think we need a more conventional starting point for this campaign. I uploaded Demon's savegame, but the situation looked pretty hopeless. Demon of Light will hate me for saying this, but it reminded me rather of an unfortunate episode in the Kings of England campaign.

I did the best I could - winning four battles against the odds and even holding on to Antioch against the Byzantines. But the second year of the game, the Spanish steamrollered Valencia and a year later they killed my heirless Sultan after storming the keep.

I guess there is an interesting story behind Demon's savegame, but given the number of folk signing up for this campaign I am not sure this is place to tell it.

[Demon of Light]

To be blunt, this isn't easy. That's sort of the whole point. If we start up a game now as Egypt, we'll win. No question. I wanted something difficult where the outcome would be in doubt. The starting point is as close to hopeless as you'll get. That said, I played it out myself and got the good Sultan ransomed off to Egypt after Valencia was lost. I survived long enough to pass the game off to my heir.

Anyways, you are the first in line and as such, it is your right to play the first reign from whatever point you choose. Maybe later I'll make this game into a sort of competion. Until then, feel free to give the game a conventional start.

P.S: I'm still on version 2.0 so that might complicate my future participation. Downloading the patch doesn't work. I don't suppose someone (preferably an American because of postage costs) could mail a CD with the patch? That's how I got it last time with version 1.01

P.S.S: I'm not really wild about being compared to Dramicus. I had a idea about a potentially interesting starting point for a game. I didn't wreck one in progress because I had an itch to spice things up. That said, I'm not really going to get worked up over the comparison either so no need to worry about a negative reaction.

[econ21]

OK, I'll take another look. Now that I understand the rationale - to increase the difficulty level - and that it is salvageable. (I did not realise your King could be ransomed.)

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] ]If we start up a game now as Egypt, we'll win. No question.

It is possible, but Egypt isn't the best faction to play as especially in the High Period when the Catholics really tech up.

Also not all PBEM players are veterans, it could be that this situation may be too difficult for them.

If its challenge your after, it might be better to start a new game where the AI has been given more money compared to our faction...

That game of yours looks to be a little too difficult, and if we have to ransom back our Sultan chances are we will be in serious debt and unable to build anything for a long time

[AggonyDuck]

I actually played from there a bit and noticed that if u can hold on to Antioch and manage to ransom your king u can by 1158 have a trading post in antioch with a ship in the sea and I managed to get an alliance with Byzantium. We could continue from there because we're soon gettin' a horde of heirs who can easily be a force to reckoned with and if we get our trade up we can be a force to reckoned with in about the year 1250... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Anyways I think if we would play this campaign it would be a very different one, basically a merchant empire, the Sultanate of Antioch.... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
So I can upload the save I made when Sultan Ali died in 1558 and Simon if u want u could continue from there.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-yes.gif
(btw the reign will be short because no micromanagement at all....)

Well anyway I'll upload it up and u can see if u want to continue from there... :)
(and I'll do a write up if u continue the campaign for my reign)

[alman9898]

I've never played as a muslim faction or on expert level so this'll be interesting. can I join?

also, when I take in-game screenshots and go to view them in the TGAs... the screenshots dont work. How do I change them to like jpg or gif? File extensions are hidden on my XP and I dont know how to include them in the filenames http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-help.gif

[econ21]

OK, I've had another look at Demon's savegame. As the Emperor predicted, ransoming back the Sultan puts the kingdom in a debt. I can't see how it can hold both of its last two provinces - Antioch and Egypt - with the Byzantines having wiped out the Turks and now gunning for us. 1pain1duck's Antioch solution is innovative and well-played but to be honest, continuing on from it does not sound like a fun reign. An additional problem I have with both Demon's and the Antioch savegame is that I don't feel I own them - they are more like challenges, than the result of a story, when the story aspect of these PBMs is what I find compelling.

What I propose is starting a conventional Egyptian campaign. I'll take the first reign. If others want to continue with Demon and 1pain1duck's campaign, it is easy to do now that they are uploaded - perhaps they should have another thread? I'll start on expert, 2.01 as the Emperor specified, but I wonder if he has any objection to starting off on the Glorious Achievements setting? Afterall, players can still go for Total Domination in a GA game but not vice-versa. Starting it off as GA gives a little more spice and information to the game, and also gives players more to work off in any role-playing they want to do.

[Demon of Light]

Sounds like a plan. I'll open up a thread and write a story that tells everyone how we got to that point. I'd like to thank 1pain1duck for playing this out and doing a better job of it than I did. I would greatly appreciate a write-up from him.


Dr. Appleton: Perhaps we'll see you on the sister thread? We will very much need experienced players for this game. A strong Sultan on the fourth reign might do wonders.

edit: a few write-ups in the bank might do wonders for your being able to feel ownership of the game.

[AggonyDuck]

Okay a normal game it is. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[The_Emperor]

Yeah GA is probably a good bet, I just wasn't too sure about Egypt having any good GA Goals.

I'm sure Simon Appleton will be starting one off soon enough and get us underway...

Given the size of the current list I will not participate in favor of getting as many people having a turn as possible.

I will however keep an eye on managing this one and post list updates and map shots from time to time. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[econ21]

1087, the Arabian desert

Only the restless sleep of Al Afdal Shahinshah disturbed the peace of the Bedouin encampment. Night falls hard in the sands of Arabia. Temperatures fall precipitously and most creatures of the desert, like the Bedouin themselves, retreat into shelter. But the sound of Shahinshah’s imaginings escaped the muffling walls of his tent and gave a ghostly quality to the moonless night.

In his dreams, Shahinshah saw his Sultan lie dead in a foreign land. The Kingdom of Egypt was ablaze and the Sultan’s son was held captive by infidels.

Then in the vision, the years passed and a new Sultan came to the throne. But the throne was not in the great palace of Cairo, but in a grey merchant house in Antioch. The glory of Egypt was lost, the Kingdom reduced to a single province and the Sultan little more than a petty merchant prince imprisoned in Antioch.

Shahinshah woke from the dream in anger. This vision of the future must not come to pass. Hurriedly, he rose and grabbed his sword belt. The sudden activity woke another warrior sleeping in the tent:

“Captain, what are you doing?”

“I am riding to Tripoli … I must see the Sultan.”

“But at this hour … you will surely become lost.”

“Have faith, Hamid. Allah sends the stars to guide us … as he now sends me to guide our young Sultan.”

With that, Shahinshah left the tent and headed towards the camels. Hamid rubbed his eyes and reluctantly crawled out of his blanket. He and the other men would have to move fast if they hoped to catch up with their captain.


1087, Tripoli

Sultan al Mustali sat forward keenly to watch the tired, sand-baked figure flowing into the throne-room. A fine figure even when covered with dust and dirt, Shahinshah was the Kingdom’s greatest general, as shrewd and charismatic as he was brave. Shahinshah approached the young Sultan and bowed his head as he went down on one knee.

“My Lord, I am grateful for you seeing me at this hour.”

“You need no appointments with me, Al Afdal. What is it that has brought you all the way from Arabia?”

“A vision in the night, my Lord. And the need to light the fires of war.”

The Sultan sat back in his throne. This audience was not going to be brief.

“Tell me everything”


1087, Cairo

Ahmed al Mukawakkil looked surreptitiously around the palace before turning to his fellow conspirator.

“So your men will follow me?”

“Yes, they have no love for the Sultan. He was a fool to leave Cairo. Soon it will be ours.”

Mukawakkil smiled. The Sultan was a fool but he, Mukawakkil, must proceed carefully. “But we need to make sure other provinces will follow us. Send out messengers to each of their leaders.”

Suddenly, there came the sound of approaching heavy boots from the hallway. Al Mukawakkil held up his finger to silence his co-conspirator. As the mailed Ghulams marched into the room, Al Mukawakkil’s hand slid down to touch the hilt of his scimitar. A stern Ghulam captain strode up to the two men and then abruptly bowed before Al Mukawakkil. Perplexed, the plotter stuttered:

“What is this? What do you want?”

The Ghulam held out two scrolls of parchment, both with the Sultan’s personal seal, before bowing again.

“My Lord, allow me to be the first to honour you as the new Amir of Egypt and Qadi-al-Quda. The Sultan wishes you to levy troops for the army and send at once all available soldiers to Tripoli.”

Amir of Egypt? Qadi-al-Quda? Al Mukawakkil gave a dazed smile, before turning to the shadowy figure on his left.

“About that other matter.” he said quietly “Belay my previous order…”.


1087 Tripoli

Sultan al Mustali looked sadly at the proud figure of Shahinshah.

“General, you have persuaded me. You are right - we must strike pre-emptively or our children will not forgive us.”

Shahinshah smiled triumphantly and rose hurriedly.

“My Lord, this is a most wise decision. Syria is like a dagger at the throat of our kingdom. I will muster my warriors at once…”

“I am sorry, my friend, there is something I have not yet told you. You must prepare for disappointment … You cannot lead the invasion.”

Shahinshah stopped suddenly and turned, his eyes rounded in surprise and puzzlement.

“I know your skills as a commander far outmatch my own. And I know that as a consequence, more of our soldiers will fall in the battles to come than if you were at their head. But you must understand – I have to lead by example. My young sons must see what is required from our family and I can only teach by showing them.”

The captain lowered his head in assent.

“Your majesty, it is proper that you should lead us into battle. I only ask that I be given a frontline command, to protect another part of our kingdom.”

The Sultan nodded gently – he would have to make his own mistakes on the battlefield, but he could not hope for a safer pair of hands to hold another part of the front.

“I will lead the march into Syria. You will garrison Antioch. I can spare only a few peasants. But under your command, I am sure they will fight like veterans.”

Shahinshah acknowledged the compliment, but wondered if the Sultan understood how closely the Turkish army matched that of Egypt. While Egypt should be able to take Syria in a surprise attack, whether it could hold on to it and to Antioch during the ensuing war was another matter.

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

In AD1088, Sultan al Mustali I leads the invasion of Syria

[econ21]

1098, Syria

The years following the seizure of Syria had been a tense time for Sultan al Mustali. Shahinshah, now Amir of Syria, had been correct – al Mustali had gone to war with Turkey without realising that he had no numerical superiority over his enemy. Fortunately, the Turks had been stunned by the unprovoked attack and did not respond aggressively. Nonetheless, it took almost a decade of steadily training more soldiers before Sultan al Mustali felt confident enough to renew his attack. In that time, al Mustali tried in vain to court first the Almohads and then the Byzantines into an alliance. But Egypt remained alone. Undaunted, al Mustali led an army into Edessa in 1097. The Turks did not oppose the invasion, but instead sent an emissary offering terms.

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

“Opinions, gentlemen?” Sultan al Mustali asked his counselor's.

“We should accept, your majesty” opined the greasy figure of Mutawakkil, Amir of Egypt and Qadi-al-Quda. “We have much building work to be done at home and have made important gains at little cost.”

Amir Shahinshah broke in: “The Qadi-al-Quda is right. We should accept … if we wish to be a people that scavenges in the desert for gains that come at little cost.”

With relief, Sultan al Mustali turned from the unctuous figure of Mutawakkil to Shahinshah: “And what kind of people do you wish us to be?”

“The kind that is prepared to sacrifice for the greater good. The kind that is not swayed by petty titles and minor gains. The kind that is focused on the prize and relentless in its pursuit.”

“The prize?”

“To escape the desert … to defy the crusaders … to spread Islam throughout the known world. In a word, the prize is Europe.”

Mutawakkil scoffed: “The desert sun has gone to your head, general. Or perhaps it is one too many of those strange draughts drunk in this occupied province of yours.”

“That is enough, gentlemen. I value and respect your advice. But this offer of a ceasefire confirms that at last we have the Turks on the run. Qadi-al-Quda, compose a suitably ambiguous reply to the Turkish Sultan. General, ready an army for me to lead into Armenia.”


1099, Armenia

Sultan al Mustali looked around him at the force Shahinshah had mustered for him to command. With nearly 1400 men, it was four times the size of the army he had led into Syria eleven years ago and even now dwarfed the Turkish army that Sultan Kaikosru had gathered to oppose him.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Armenia1.jpg

Sultan al Mustali brings his rival to battle

The Turkish army was composed mainly of horse archers, while the Egyptian army was largely on foot although with a sizable number of camel-mounted Bedouins as well. Al Mustali struggled to control his large force as it advanced over a wooded hill that stood between him and the enemy. The desert archers became strung out and were left without protective screens of Nubian spearmen; the spearmen themselves became mired in the woods while the Bedouins lagged behind in the rear. By contrast, the Turks employed their skirmishing tactics brilliantly, raining arrows down on the spearmen and over-running unsupported Egyptian foot archers. Egyptian casualties mounted, but their army was too large, and their opponents too lightly armed, to be stopped. As the Egyptians moved down off the wooded hill and into a valley, the Turks in desperation launched a charge with all their Ghulam cavalry.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Armenia2.jpg

The Turkish ghulams charge the advancing Egyptians, as the horse archers rain death from afar.

As the Egyptian spearmen struggled to join the fray, only Mustali’s personal escort and some accompanying Bedouin could be found to meet the charge of the Turkish ghulams. Mustali fought with valour born of desperation as, one after another, his bodyguard were slain. Soon only one of his companions was left. In the chaos and confusion of battle, Mustali found himself trading blows with his rival, the Turkish Sultan Kaikosru. A great warrior, the enemy Sultan pulled back when he recognised Mustali’s crown and paused to laugh at the spectacle of Mustali, frantically parrying blows from the Turkish ghulams.

“Isn’t this what you wanted, great Sultan? Blood and death? What else do you fight for, if not the pleasure of it? I, I fight for my land and my people who you have attacked. But you, do you even know what you are fighting for?”

By that point, the Turkish ghulams around Mustali had also halted, to allow their Sultan to speak. Mustali found himself embarrassed and without words. The silver-tongued Shahinshah would have had a fine retort, Mustali thought. But the general’s words about sacrifice, destiny and conquering Europe seemed rather hollow when away from the man’s considerable charm. The awkward silence was interrupted by the approach of the lagging Egyptian spearmen. Kaikosru turned his horse, shouting to Mustali:

“This is not over yet” and then pulled down his visor, before heading his horse away from the battlefield.

Mustali spurred his own mount in pursuit, but was unable to catch his adversary.

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

Sultan al Mustali pursues his Turkish counterpart from the field of battle in Armenia.

[econ21]

1101, Rum

“My Lord, I still think this offensive is a mistake.” protested Amir al Mutawakkil, the Qadi-al-Quda. “Our workshops in Egypt and Arabia have not produced enough mail to equip our infantry. Even my own personal company is unarmoured. We should consolidate and wait until we have trained armoured Saracens to carry the battle.”

“Have faith, Amir. We have driven the Turks to this last redoubt and now we merely need to finish things.” Sultan al Mustali said wearily. “And, as you know, Amir Shahinshah has managed to secure the services of some armoured foot from Europe to aid us in the battle.”

“But two years ago we suffered heavily at the hands of the Turks despite outnumbering them nearly three to one. We lost more men than they did then. My spies inform me that, for their last stand, they have mustered an army that outnumbers ours. If tomorrow’s battle goes as badly for us as the last, we will be defeated.”

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Rum1.jpg

The denouement of the war with the Turks

Al Mustali hoped he could conceal the momentary doubt he felt. Mutawakkil was right – tomorrow, there was the potential for disaster for the kingdom.

At that moment, Prince Nasir staggered into the tent, lurching unevenly in a dazed stupor.

The Sultan’s eyes flared and he said quietly:

“Qadi-al-Quda, would you please excuse us?”

The rotund Amir bowed and slinked out of the tent, although once outside, he loitered just close enough to hear the angrily exchanges within.

“Nasir You shame me And on the eve of battle”

“What does it matter, father? Unlike my brothers, you have given me no independent command. All you require is my body on the battlefield, not my mind. And my body will be there.” Nasir slouched down onto a couch, mumbling. “Even Amir Shahinshah gets to lead his own army, but not me, not your third-born.”

Al Mustali tried to control his temper as Nasir continued his rant.

“He is not who you think he is, father. Shahinshah consorts with the Old Man of the Mountains.”

“And you know this how?” said Al Mustali, quietly. “No... don’t answer that. Has it not occurred to you that the Amir may consort with Hassan but still have my interests at heart?” Al Mustali then added, looking pointedly at Nasir. “As no doubt do any others of my house who also visit the Assassins.”

Nasir did not answer, but shuffled uneasily with glassy eyes, so the Sultan continued in a conciliatory voice:

“Dear Nasir, you are precious to me and will always have my love. Surely it is an honour that you, of all my sons, are the only one to ride at my side into battle? I need you with me tomorrow for the same reason as Hassan seeks your loyalty – for your killer instinct. Now – rest my son. We rise at first light.”

The Sultan lay the drugged form of his son down on the couch and tenderly covered him with a cloth.

Outside Al Mutawakkil scuttled away, watched from the shadows by a wiry man with a spear.


The final battle

Amir al Mutawakkil shifted uneasily. The arrows from the Turkish horse archers were raining uncomfortably close to his unarmoured Nubians. The Sultan had learnt from his last battle and made sure his desert archers were closely supported by heavier troops. So far, the desert archers were taking the brunt of the enemy’s barrage and so far, they were giving a good account of themselves as, one by one, Turkish horse archers were felled by the Egyptian volleys.

Al Mutawakkil raised his eyes to the wooded hill that overlooked their position in the valley. The enemy was on that hill, with many archers, and storming it was not a prospect that appealed to the rotund Amir. But to this point, Sultan al Mustali was fighting cleverly – refusing to advance up the hill and instead engaging in archery duels on the plain. And for now the Egyptians were getting the better of this contest.

“Over there, my Lord” one of the Amir’s men shouted. Al Mutawakkil turned to his left, seeing a troop of Turkish bedouin’s emerge from the wood on the hill and charge down toward the Egyptian archers. The Amir was reassured to see armoured spearmen hired from Europe marching to intercept. Then a second flurry of movement caught Al Mutawakkil’s eye. With mail glinting in the sunlight, a troop of fine Ghulam cavalry was charging straight toward the Amir’s position. Already, Egyptian archers were scattering.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Rum2.jpg

The last charge of Sultan Kaikosru of the Turks

On a hill overlooking the contest, Sultan al Mutali watched the charge of the Turkish ghulams. The charge was led by none other than the Turkish Sultan Kaikosru himself. But it was unsupported. The bloodbath in Armenia had at least drained the Turks of most of their heavy cavalry.

“Send the Italian infantry to meet the charge.” Al Mutali ordered.

Soon the ghulams were entangled in a forest of spears – armoured Italian infantry to the front, followed by companies of Nubians charging in from the rear. With a slow inevitability, the fine mailed horseman succumbed to the mass of infantry around them until in the end there remained only one lone rider – a great figure in the finest armour, lashing at those around with lethal blows of a heavy mace.

From afar, Sultan Al Mutali watched his brave Turkish counterpart. “Pull back the Nubians.” he ordered. “Send word to Prince Nasir, now is his hour.”

Slowly, the unarmoured Nubians pulled away from the melee, as Prince Nasir’s own troop of ghulams trotted at a leisurely pace around to the rear of the embattled Turkish Sultan. Prince Nasir lowered his lance and, with a thunder of hooves, a wave of death engulfed the valiant Turkish sovereign.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Rum3.jpg

Prince Nasir rides down the valiant Sultan Kaikosru

Amir Al Mutawakkil dusted himself off the ground. He was lucky to have survived the charge of the Turkish ghulams, he thought. But his relief was short lived. Sultan al Mustali had ordered a general advance. The Egyptian spearmen were to storm the wooded hill to their front, leaving their archers to fend off the remaining Turkish horsemen.

The Amir puffed up the hill, breathlessly. Few Turkish arrows hampered the Egyptian advance, but through the trees the Amir could see dense formations of Turkish spearmen advancing to meet them.

“Charge” the Amir shouted, as his men crested the hill and crashed into the thick undergrowth that topped it.

The Amir kept at a safe distance, but the conflict was confused, with no clear battlelines. Hopefully, the sheer numbers of the Nubians and the armour of the few European mercenary foot would give the Egyptians the advantage, the Amir thought. Out of breath and trembling, he rested against a tree but then heard a faint sound of movement coming from the behind it. He turned slowly and was shocked to see a wiry man pointing a spear at him. The Amir noticed the man wore the golden colour of Egypt, rather than the olive green of the Turks.

“Oh, praise be to Allah - you are Egyptian” Al Mutawakkil said with relief.

“Amir Shahinshah sends his compliments” the warrior said, before plunging his spear into the appalled Amir’s chest. “He said to say, you may consider yourself relieved of those posts of office you were so undeservedly awarded.”

No others learnt of the Amir’s death until his body was found after the battle. The Egyptians eventually drove the enemy out of the wood. The second wave of the Turkish army merely consisted of more horse archers and companies of peasants who, deprived of their Sultan, were easily driven away. With the death of Sultan Kaikorsu, the Turkish dynasty ended – his heirs having perished two years earlier in the bitter fighting in Armenia.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/simon.appleton1/Rum4.jpg

The Egyptian infantry drive the Turks out of the woods and into oblivion.


1113, Rum

Amir Shahinshah looked sadly at the dead Sultan Al Mutali.

“You would not listen to me.” he shook his head. “I implored you. I told you – you must fulfil your destiny. The road to Constantinople was clear. After storming Rum, you should have waged war on the Roman Empire. You could have bequeathed your son a fabulous estate, but instead – what have you to show for the last decade of your rule?”

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

Amir Shahinshah, eminence grise of the Egyptian kingdom.

“Instead of fighting, you contented yourself with building. Well, in the end, people must be true to their nature. And you were first and foremost a builder, not a warrior. But you have allowed the people to grow fat. Why, look at your last born - the chinless wonder, Muhammad He cannot compare to those you raised during your campaigns … great warriors like Mustali and Baybars.”

“But while you were true to your nature, you betrayed our destiny. I will make sure your son and heir Mustali is not content with mere building, trade and farming. Each year, armoured companies of Saracens march out of my stronghold in Arabia while troops of fine Armenian horse are mustering here in Rum. Our warships already guard the coast and soon will enter Roman waters.”

“I must leave you now, old friend. I must once more ride to my new Sultan and light the fires of war.”

As the aged Shahinshah turned to leave the Sultan's lifeless body, he saw Prince Nasir standing in the doorway.

“Don’t worry, old man. I have not been here long. Just long enough to hear your crack-brained ranting.” Nasir smiled.

“Nasir, I have always liked you. Do not cross me now.” Shahinshah warned.

“Or what? You will do to me what you have done to my father?” Nasir snorted. “By the way, what did you do to my father? Our physicians are sure he died of natural causes. Still, I suppose if the Old Man of the Mountains can make a severed head talk, he can pull off a trick like this.”

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

Long after its formation, the cult of the Assassins will continue to exert a sinister influence over the fate of Egypt.

“Nasir, you are high on hashish again. No one will listen to you. Now out of my way.” Shahinshah pushed past Nasir and exited the room, leaving the young man staring blurry eyed at the dead form of his father.

“Rest, father, rest.” Nasir said gently. “Pay no heed to the ravings of that deluded old warrior. You have started our family on a path to glory and have earned your peace.”

Nasir made to touch the hand of his dead father, but then – preferring to remember the warmth of their contact in life – stopped, bowed his head one last time and took his leave.

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

All hail the new Sultan of Egypt, al Mustali II

[Savegame uploaded as Egypt1113.zip]

[The_Emperor]

Excellent work

I love the write-up, and the war with the Turks for us to break out to face the frontier with Byzantium.

Great Stuff

Ok fellas here is the list.

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali I (1087 - 1113 AD)

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - ?) The Current Ruler of Egypt

The Wizard

Chimpyang

1pain1Duck

Herodotus

alman9898

Drucius, your up next mate... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[The Wizard]

Shahinshah/shahanshah is Iranian Persian for 'King of Kings'... just thought I'd mention that, Simon, though I doubt you don't know it already.



~Wiz

[Drucius]

Do I really have to follow *that*? Man, what a write-up...

[Drucius]

Quick update:

I've played about 13 years and we're on the verge of invading Constantinople.

[Drucius]

Sultan al Mustali II is dead and the save file is uploaded as The Egyptians 1130.rar.

Have fun with it, Wizard

[The Wizard]

I'll start Thursday... busy week ahead with French, maths and geography tests...



~Wiz http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif

[The_Emperor]

Ok then Wizard, keep us informed how its going.

Any thoughts on titles guys?

Oh here is the list.

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali I (1087 - 1113 AD)

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan al Adil I (1130 - ?) Current ruler of Egypt

Chimpyang

1pain1Duck

Herodotus

alman9898



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

[econ21]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ May 22 2004,15:09)]Any thoughts on titles guys?
I like the suggestion in another thread (I think it was Nigel's) that successor's give their predecessors titles. (That may sound like an abdication of responsibility given that I went first, but...)

[The Wizard]

That is a grand idea, it is how it went in the real world usually...

Except with crazy idiots like Louis XV, of course... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

About the game: played a few years... interesting position, and too bad to note that Egypt is not loved politically. Oh well... then they shall come to love our swords http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif



~Wiz

[Demon of Light]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ May 22 2004,13:09)]Ok then Wizard, keep us informed how its going.

Any thoughts on titles guys?

Oh here is the list.

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali I (1087 - 1113 AD)

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan al Adil I (1130 - ?) Current ruler of Egypt

Chimpyang

1pain1Duck

Herodotus

alman9898



http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
Let me look at that list here...umm hmmm. Just as I thought. It's incomplete. Here we go.


Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali I (1087 - 1113 AD)

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan al Adil I (1130 - ?) Current ruler of Egypt

Chimpyang

1pain1Duck

Herodotus http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif All hail the Creator of the PBM http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

alman9898

[econ21]

I wonder, is there an ETA on a write-up from Drucius or a progress report from the Wizard?

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Simon Appleton @ May 27 2004,18:21)]I wonder, is there an ETA on a write-up from Drucius or a progress report from the Wizard?
I'll do a chase up.

[The Wizard]

Sultan al Adil is dead Long live Sultan Alî

Write-up will follow.



~Wiz http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-2thumbsup.gif

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

If it's alright, I'll take a stab whenever it's convenient.

Llywelyn

[Shahed]

Simon That was a brilliant write up I loved it

[Chimpyang]

Again I have to ask..whatis the file called? and is it uploaded yet?

[The Wizard]

I have just uploaded it; the name is TheEgyptians_1160.rar

Enjoy, I hope you like what I left you



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

[Drucius]

Lo, all..

Write up to follow, i've been really busy recently.

I have deemed it fit for my predecessor to be known as 'Great Father Of The Empire, Vanquisher Of Turks'

[Chimpyang]

Ok file uploaded, it's called Egypt 1161 PB.rar

[The Wizard]

Wha...? 1161? One year after the death of al Adil, his beloved son Ali dies?



~Wiz http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif

[Chimpyang]

huh?

[Chimpyang]

i ahve probably been playing the worng savegame, doh http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif

[The Wizard]

TheEgyptians_1160.rar

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



~Wiz

[The_Emperor]

Sounds like Chimpyang is getting some practice in... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Ok here is the list, Write-Ups and titles are indeed requested.

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali (1087 - 1113 AD) 'Great Father Of The Empire, Vanquisher Of Turks'

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan Al Adil (1130 - 1160 AD)

Chimpyang
Sultan Ali (1160 - ?) Current Ruler of Egypt

1pain1Duck

Herodotus

alman9898

Llywelyn ap Gruffydd

[Chimpyang]

ok my reign is finished my sultan died in 1187 have uploaded Egyptian1187.rar onto filespace.

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Chimpyang @ June 06 2004,13:18)]ok my reign is finished my sultan died in 1187 have uploaded Egyptian1187.rar onto filespace.
Excellent.

I have sent a PM to 1pain1Duck to notify him of his turn.

[AggonyDuck]

Okay, I'll start on it tomorrow... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[AggonyDuck]

Sultan Khalîl I is dead. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif
He died at the age of 69 in the year 1231. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
And he didn't leave the empire in a good shape lol. 10,000 germans on one front and 16,000 mongols on the other.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
And to make matters worse I've got 2000 veteran Mamluk Corps in Normandy lol...they crossed Europe because they got caught behind enemy lines. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif
Oh and only thing that we've got to stop the mongols are 3000 AHC in Armenia.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Btw the next one in line will have a somewhat short rule because poor al Adil is in his 40's...
But I'll upload the save now.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[alman9898]

Im a retard

[econ21]

Assailed by hordes of Mongolds AND Germans - sounds interesting

Any chance of getting write-ups from Drucius and Wizard ? (I know the spirit of Sultan Ali has been reborn as a Scilian so Chimpyang's will probably come later.)

[AggonyDuck]

Oh and as a small advice use your castles wisely and watch out for those Mounted X-Bows, they've slaughtered my Mamluk Cav way too many times.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif
Btw I hope you know how to use Armenian Heavies en masse.... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif
Oh and btw the Germans are the minor threat atm and are easily held at bay when you deal with the Mongols.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[alman9898]

IM a retard

[AggonyDuck]

Nooooooo Not my prized veteran Mamluk Corps http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

[alman9898]

Im a retard

[Herodotus]

Uh, Alman, its not you're turn yet. Been playing 5 years now and I must say that my predecessor deserves to be known as Khalîl the Eccentric (stupid all horse armies). Have spent time reorganizing our armies etc, I disbanded a pile of the Armenian cavalry (low valour ones) which were wasting money (thousands were being lost each year). No real challenge to my power as yet. Germans are massive but they have no strong army to oppose me, the Horde has spread out north and west and I have retaken Khazar with a Jihad. I had a good fight with the Horde in Khazar when they stormed the castle, fought to the last man 300 - 900.

[The Wizard]

This is indeed a very confused campaign, not only have we had people choosing the wrong savegame, now we have two players doing the same reign...

Anyway, I have some of my write-up done, but it's exam week and I'd also rather not release it until after Drucius has (to avoid confusion).

Oh, and Herodotus, my predecessor al Mustali II started to recruit Armenians, al Adil (me) proceeded to make them important parts of the army, giving important positions and commands to Armenians.

And I don't like to brag, but even with an ongoing war with the Byzantines (they were actually snuffed out the year al Adil died - he had experienced three Byzantine emperors), ongoing building projects, the rise of the Fatimid navy to Mediterranean domination and a massive expansion of the army in numbers and technology, I managed to increase the treasury tenfold. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif



~Wiz http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-curtain.gif

[The_Emperor]

Ok guys, this has been getting very confusing, people are climbing over each other to play the Sultan...

At any rate it is Herodotus' turn as Sultan on the list. alman9898 is his successor.

[mambaman]

This is already gripping stuff Simon-excellent-am very much looking forward to the next installment

How do these PBEMs work anyway?

A

[AggonyDuck]

Quote[/b] (Herodotus @ June 10 2004,12:09)]Uh, Alman, its not you're turn yet. Been playing 5 years now and I must say that my predecessor deserves to be known as Khalîl the Eccentric (stupid all horse armies). Have spent time reorganizing our armies etc, I disbanded a pile of the Armenian cavalry (low valour ones) which were wasting money (thousands were being lost each year). No real challenge to my power as yet. Germans are massive but they have no strong army to oppose me, the Horde has spread out north and west and I have retaken Khazar with a Jihad. I had a good fight with the Horde in Khazar when they stormed the castle, fought to the last man 300 - 900.
Don't mock my Sultan... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif
All cav armies kick butt but sadly Khalîl I didn't have the time to properly fund the building to build all cav on the western fronts. For example do I need to mention that my Mamluks fought their way to Normandy lol.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
And nothing beats the sight of a massive cavalry charge... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-2thumbsup.gif (had a few during my reign)

See Herodotus the problem lies in that our play styles vary a lot. I've always been a hardcore cavalry user and believe in crushing the first wave of troops with a huge cavalry charge then just easily rout the unorganised reinforcements before they get in formation. I've also used that tactic of a massed cavalry charge against the Horde in my earlier campaigns and it has worked fine. The last one was the polish on High and my retainers which are comparable with the Armenians kicked some serious GH butt. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
But anyways good luck... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[mambaman]

oops sorry bout that guys-my last post was out of sequence-didnt see all the other pages

i guess waiting for Drusius's write up like everyone else but appreciate that college/Uni/School is kinda taking priority for many at mo (the wonders of being 'grown up' and working for yourself-lol http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-toff.gif )

I await the next installment with trepidation

A

[mambaman]

i'm with Duck on the Cavalry thing-i used to be a Tank Commander (2 RTR) and have firmly brought my war style to the Total War Games-i have always found that Cav heavy armies with many Horse Archers and a small number of Infantry and Spearmen (to counter theirs) does the trick for me

Its all a matter of style i guess but like Duck i cant kick the drug of watching a full on Cavalry charge in motion............ http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-smile.gif

[Chimpyang]

I think it's time to update the list again.

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] ]I think it's time to update the list again.

Indeed it is, so here it is.

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali (1087 - 1113 AD) 'Great Father Of The Empire, Vanquisher Of Turks'

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan Al Adil (1130 - 1160 AD) 'The Vanquisher of the Byzantines'

Chimpyang
Sultan Ali (1160 - 1187 AD)

1pain1Duck
Sultan Khalîl (1187 - 1231 AD) 'The Eccentric'

Herodotus
Sultan Al Adil II (1231 - ? ) The Current Ruler of Egypt

alman9898

Llywelyn ap Gruffydd

Here is a map of the state of our lands, please be aware the Mongols have arrived in their usual place north of the black sea...
http://www.imperator.v21hosting.co.uk/emap1232.jpg

Oh and here are our GA points. You guys might want to consider taking Cyranacia from the Almos to decrease their points lead and bolster ours.
http://www.imperator.v21hosting.co.uk/ega1232.jpg

[Chimpyang]

Hmm i declare that my father to be the Expansionist and give him the title of Vanquisher of the Byzantines.

[alman9898]

sorry i didnt see your name herodotus... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

[The Wizard]

I would advise our current Sûltan to make haste conquering north Africa and the Iberian peninsular... before the Holy Roman Empire does.



~Wiz

[Chimpyang]

Also weakening the HRE mihgt be a good tong term plan, they ahve a lot of GA points at the moment.

[The Wizard]

Well, in my reign I brought a terrible defeat to them as they invaded the emirate of Bulgaria with a crusade... unfortunately, the civil war that sparked out of it wasn't large enough to profit from it (and I was too busy ending the Byzantine empire).

Also, I can't really give a title to al Mustali II before Drucius puts up his write-up.

Another thing; I am a bit worried about the fact that since al Adil died, the borders have not expanded past those I stopped at...



~Wiz

[alman9898]

How do I take screenshots of certain portions of the screen? f2 is regular screenie but...

[The_Emperor]

WHat I did was to press the Print Screen button and then paste the screenshot into Paint Shop Pro and alter it in size, etc.

Nothing special, but it works. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[The Wizard]

I use a little piece of software called 'GrabClipSave'... it's quite handy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif



~Wiz

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (The Wizard @ June 11 2004,19:01)]I use a little piece of software called 'GrabClipSave'... it's quite handy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif



~Wiz
Yeah I used it before but after I installed it on my new Win 2000 PC it crashed whenever a pic was taken...

[Herodotus]

Sultan Al Adil the II is dead at age 53. I am willing to retract my name for Khalil 'the eccentric' until I have read his write-up. I'm not sure if its a fair name at the moment. I died while personally pushing the Almohads across africa, picking up a nice ransom when they retreated with nowhere to go (there was a rebel province behind them). Then I died as predicted after a short (but not uneventful) reign of eight years.
Write up will come as soon as possible, I too have exams around the corner.

Will upload the file now its called: The Egyptians 1240PBM

[alman9898]

ok, now it's my turn. I'll play it now http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[Herodotus]

https://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Leonardo_123/Before.jpg

Al Adill the II ascended the throne an accomplished man, and though he was not destined to be ruler for long, being already of mature age, he was the right man for the right time. The vast Golden Horde had emerged from the endless steppe to threaten the Northern extremity of the Sultanate, and the German giant stretched from the Balkans to the Pyrenees and from the Mediterranean to the distant North Sea beyond the pillars of Hercules. A cool mind was required to deal with these threats. Providentially ad Adill the II possessed a mind of Ice.
The Sultans first move baffled many in his Egyptian Court.
One young courtesan voiced his opinion to the Sultan. Why oh Venerable Sultan do you order your fleets westward when the enemy is close at hand?
The Sultan looked upon the doubter with utter contempt, whom was visibly shaking under the Sultans fearsome glare. The young man lost control of his bladder and the Sultan smiled maliciously.
The grand scheme is for me to know alone........ But for you boy who art so curious I will make an exception, I shall send you with my ships so that you may know personally what it is I intend by sending my ships westward. Remove this boy from my sight, and clean up that mess
Sick of his tiresome courtesans the Sultan retired to his study, set deep in the Citidel to avoid the sounds of construction from the new fortifications going up all around. Somehow the Sultan new he would never see those walls finished so he had resigned to ignore them as much as possible. Reports of the Sultans laziness were in reality unfounded, they were simply stories made up by those not in his confidence, invented to fill the gaps in his life story. Esteemed servants of the passed Sultan such as myself were privy to his true actions. Many a night did the Sultan burn candles into the twilight hours, seeing to the needs of the Sultanate, and when he could find spare time he did not waste it on relaxation, rather he studied at the University and did broaden his awesome knowledge.
On ascending the throne the Sultan was displeased with the system of taxation, the dispensation of armies and agents, and even some of his governors. From his remote working quarters the Sultan set about reading many reports, he adjusted tax rates, disbanded units, re-assigned titles and spread forth his agents across the Sultanate. The flow of orders poured out form Egypt, so many in such a short space of time that the price of paper almost rose two-fold. Unfortunately the message to retreat from Khazar was lost by shipwreck, the garrison was lost to the man and only by the grapevine across the Black Sea was it learnt that the men fought valiantly to the end, killing three Mongols for every Egyptian. Another message sent by rumour has it that the Mongols had acquired some mortars but were unfamiliar with their use, the result being that they placed them too close to the castle walls and were promptly mowed down by arrow fire. The loss of the message and its subsequent effect was not lost on the Sultan; from that point on he ordered that all messages were to be sent twice, so that if the first message befell some disaster, the second may still make it through. The Sultan had by now reviewed his armed forces extensively and had come to the conclusion that the time was not yet right to cross the Caucasus and confront the Mongols. Instead he declared a jihad to Khazar which was supported enthusiastically by the restless Arabs, many flocked to the calling and soon the northward journey had begun.
In the Balkans the Sultan deemed his armies ready for an offensive. Word was sent to General al Mutatid to begin the attack. During an attack an Officer captured some Germans who told him an interesting story in exchange for their lives. Apparently they had recently come from Western Europe to reinforce against our attacks. They told him of a courageous Muslim Prince, a Great Warrior, who was leading a totally mounted host through Europe. Also they told him that the Germans were assembling a great army to contend with this force. Of details to the Muslim armies exact whereabouts he could not obtain as the men said they had heard the story second hand, they swore on the stories authenticity and begged for their lives and exclaimed that the officer had promised them such. His promise did not stop him from selling the men as slaves however.
The Officer reported this story to his General who had it written out twice and forwarded immediately to the Sultan. Before the day was over the messages were on their way to Egypt (an hour apart) in a couple of svelte ships built for the purpose.
When the Sultan read the message he let out a giant sigh, for the first time in one and a half years he smiled a real smile. Perhaps he thought of more pleasant days when he and his brothers played together and had not to think of great responsibilities and the consequences of ones actions.

************************************************************

News arrived from the Balkans; the Germans had fallen back to Hungary from where they launched a vigorous counter attack. The Germans were defeated but according to an anonymous soldier 'they are numberless like ants, when one is killed there is always another to take his place'. I am sure some German said the same of us; such was the state of things at that time.
In the north the Sultans orders had been carried out with surprising efficiency, the new army had assembled at Trebizond and was waiting for the jihad to arrive when some disturbing news was brought to General al Ikhshid's attention. The Mongols had struck first and were now in possession of Georgia. If the Mongols reinforced, they would be in a strong position to wreak havoc on the Sultanates soft underbelly. Therefore the General al Ikhshid under his own initiative and against the Sultans order to wait for the jihad, marched on Georgia and wrested it back from the Mongols who retreated to the castle after a short battle.
General al Ikhshid dispatched messengers to the Sultan and to the leader of the jihad to advise them of his change in location and to inform the Sultan that he was stepping down as General immediately for disobeying the Sultans orders.
Reports now flowed into Egypt and Sultan al Adill the II was pleased to hear that his new system of taxation was popular with the people and that loyalty had risen significantly as a result.
The report from the Crimea interested the Sultan greatly, as it seemed to be completely at the mercy of the Mongols. The Sultan had decided to move all infantry (but for 100 Saracen infantrymen) from the Crimea to Trebizond as part of the mobilisation there, he also lowered the tax rate to minimal to boost loyalty.
The Sultan received General al Ikhshid's message and thanked Allah for such a brilliant and loyal General. He sent a message in response which praised the General for his initiative, absolved him of any charges and affirmed his status as commander in chief of the Northern Army.
The Sultan was now imbued with religious zeal, he called forth his Amirs and informed them of his plan for a holy war against the Germans. The word spread like lightning and once more was taken up with the most enthusiasm by the Arabs. They came not only from Arabia but from across the Sultanate, Arab warriors by the thousand. Also the peoples of the Egyptian coasts enthusiastically supplied ships to transport the men and warships to destroy the tiny but wily German Navy (the German Navy in question here was their tiny Southern Navy, the Northern German Navy of the time was estimated to be much larger by Egyptian Admirals).

************************************************************

When the jihad to Khazar reached Georgia, General al Ikhshid ordered the advance, he left behind a force to continue the siege of the Mongols (the Mongols when hearing of the departure of the most of the army sallied forth and were soundly beaten).
A massive decisive battle was now expected by General al Ikhshid, and he sent messages to the Sultan saying “be prepared in case the battle is lost”.
The Mongol army uncharacteristically fled although leaving a garrison.

https://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Leonardo_123/NorthernArmy.jpg

Khazar was reoccupied but the Sultan unaware of these events heeded the Generals words and started recruiting a new army.
News now arrived that the Sultan had long waited for, the Mamluk Cavalry army was returning by sea from the West, Prince Ali was safe and returning with the majority of his men and horses.

https://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Leonardo_123/Prince_Ali.jpg

The Sultan still in the dark as to events in Khazar sent forth orders that a Prince Ali and a third of his men should come to Egypt, so that if the Northern army were destroyed there would be an elite core for the new army.
He ordered that a further third should be put under the command of a loyal officer and sent to Khazar on the basis that the Sultan did not wish General al Ikhshid to fail through lack of support that was readily available. The remaining third were to be sent to Greece under a loyal officer to stiffen the tired soldiers of that front.

************************************************************

The Sultan received word from General al Ikhshid, the Mongols had attacked but were solidly defeated (10 Mongols to the Egyptian) but unfortunately this was followed by a disastrous castle assault where the 10 Egyptians died per Mongol slain.
Still the General wrote, the army and the front were safe and secure and waiting for orders.
On reading this news the Sultan decided to put his new army to use. “Allah has bid me call forth these men, I shall not disband them back to civilian life or let them fall into the employ of foreigners, but shall use them to spread the true word of Allah as must be his supreme bidding”.
He called forth the captains of his new army to deliver to them a speech. It twas to be the last speech the Sultan would make in the Egyptian Court, and it is one of the few of his speeches that was recorded for posterity.
“Praise be Allah, he in his eternal wisdom has gathered this fine and loyal host of men before me. It is time my men to take the true word of Allah unto our misguided brothers the Almohads. The blood of our Muslim brothers shall be spilt by our hands but we shall be absolved of our sins by Allah, for the millions of souls we shall save by the preaching of the true word of Allah to the conquered peoples. Take my word and speak it to the soldiers, of every rank. Speak it so that they may not feel misgivings for this war that has been set before us by Allah. Go my brothers collect the provisions Prepare your steeds Call the men to arms Allah Akbah Allah Akbar”

************************************************************

As if to teach some divine lesson to the Sultan, Allah spread fear amongst the Almohads and the Egyptians marched unopposed to Tunisia. There the Sultan fell ill and lay in his deathbed, so that though the true word of Allah was spread thus far the Sultan was robbed of the glory of battle that he had so lusted after.
In his final days the Sultan accepted that Allah had taught him a lesson in humility. He died listening to reports from across the Sultanate, refusing to rest even as death knocked on the door. The Sultan died in the knowledge that his forces had crossed the Danube and that his second jihad was victorious. It is said he died after hearing this with that cold, calculating and malicious smile upon his face. The news of victory had not been quite true, his servants were too afraid to tell him the truth, the jihad had won the day in casualties only, hence the claim to victory, they had been pushed back across the Danube and the Balkans was now more insecure than it had been for along time.
Since Sultan al Adill the II’s death people have said many nasty things about him, they say he was a man of scant mercy and some have even called him a butcher and though I cannot disagree that he was at times a cold man, I say remember the scale of the threats he faced, in the face of the Mongols and the Germans mercy was a weakness he could not afford. Remember the man for his many acts of charity, remember the man for his compassionate taxation policy (which had moved the Sultanate out of the red by his death) and remember him for his Magnificent Building Program.

https://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Leonardo_123/Sultan.jpg

https://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Leonardo_123/After.jpg

[The Wizard]

It's Allahu Akhbar, God is Great; Allah Akhbar simply means God Great http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif



~Wiz, nitpicking http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[alman9898]

also herodotus, I think you new need to use a different image host because this one doesnt seem to allow hotlinking (ie, I need to copy and paste the pic's url and go back to the org to see the pic) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[Herodotus]

Yeah well, you knew what I was saying.
Could you reccommend somewher to host the pics alman?

[alman9898]

Walagata.com (http://www.walagata.com)
Photobucket.com (https://www.photobucket.com)

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

[alman9898]

egypt is in a dreadful state... I don't think i am ready for expert. We're in serious debt and the hungarians, germans, almohads, and golden horde are after us. I won my first battle but every since then it's gone downhill

[The_Emperor]

Just do as best as you can... they are certainly one of the harder factions to master in the later periods.

[econ21]

Quote[/b] (alman9898 @ June 18 2004,18:13)]egypt is in a dreadful state... I don't think i am ready for expert. We're in serious debt
One thing I noted from Herodotus's screenshot was that the fleet seems to have stayed in the med. If the kingdom is in money trouble, getting a trade network running to the Baltic may be the single biggest thing you can do to improve your finances (along with concomittant upgrading of merchant houses).

[alman9898]

the Germans are everywhere... Im sinking any ships I can take out

[The_Emperor]

Also never overlook the benefits of conquering and pillaging a province, and ransoming any prisoners if you find your military budget it getting too large...

During my recent single player game as the Byzantines I pretty much bankrupted the Empire to create a decent military to hold off the Mongols when they arrived, my finances went into the red as a result of my massive troop & naval upkeep.

After disbanding a few corrupt officials and sending my armies storming through Hungary and Spain, pretty soon I was back on track through the Pillaging and ransoming.

War can be good for business.

[alman9898]

My current obj. have been to destroy everything Germany has... but where the thickest fighting is to be... not many buildings to pillage are there. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-dizzy2.gif

[alman9898]

I don't think I'm going to get around to finishing my turn so is it ok if I pass on the torch and let the next player play my reign?

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

What is the name of the save game?

I will pick this up tonight.

Llywelyn

[alman9898]

The Egyptians 1240PBM

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

Well, after reviewing the situation, I think we stand a good chance of advancing the kingdom.

After reading Herodotus' writeup, I mistakenly thought that Ali was the crown prince which would make him, like, 43 years old. I didn't realize that Khalil is now Sultan at a mere 22 years old. It seems that I will have a pivotal reign in our kingdom.

I had intended to play this reign in it's entirety this evening, but as I will no doubt reign for some time, be patient with me and give me a few days. I want to do it right and take my time.

Llywelyn

[Herodotus]

Quote[/b] ]Khalil is now Sultan at a mere 22 years old
Yeah and he's kinda weak, I think he's a chinless wonder or something. But it should make your turn and the game more interesting.

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

I just wanted to give everyone an update. The Khan of the Golden Horde met with an untimely end at the hands of one of my many assassins. Boo hoo. After the Horde fell into disarray, the Polish reappeared with around 4000 troops in Kiev.

Still fighting with the HRE. This war is really draining the $$$.

Llywelyn

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

OK. I'm finished.
Sultan Khalil II died in 1270 after a mostly prosperous reign. I did manage to pretty much drain the treasury, but the Germans are now reeling back through central Europe. The last year, when the Sultan died, the massive rebel forces in Russia all became the Byzantines reincarnated. So, now my successor will have a major hurdle to overcome. You have a huge force to your north you must defend against, but except for that, we are in a good position to conquer all of Europe.

I will writeup my reign tomorrow and post it.

Llywelyn

[The Wizard]

How did you manage to drain the treasury?

Throughout all my reign (as the namesake of Herodotus' sultan) I was at war with the HRE, the Byzantines, and even the Almohads (who dared invade Egypt), but I still managed to increase the treasury tenfold.



~Wiz

[The_Emperor]

Excellent,

Here is the list thus far...

Simon Appleton
Sultan Al Mustali (1087 - 1113 AD) 'Great Father Of The Empire, Vanquisher Of Turks'

Drucius
Sultan Al Mustali II (1113 - 1130 AD)

The Wizard
Sultan Al Adil (1130 - 1160 AD)

Chimpyang
Sultan Ali (1160 - 1187 AD)

1pain1Duck
Sultan Khalîl (1187 - 1231 AD)

Herodotus
Sultan Al Adil II (1231 - 1240 AD)

Llywelyn ap Gruffydd
Sultan Khalil II (1240 - 1270)

Sadly our line appears to have ended... We need an heir http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-help.gif

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

Wizard

Early on, I decided to break the back of the Germans so that total conquest would be inevitable. I was afraid that if the HRE were to take the Iberian peninsula, it would all be over for us. Since I had the Khan of the Golden Horde assassinated very quickly, the defeat of the Germans became my primary concern, along with building trade routes and sending agents to virtually every province so we could see what was going on.

Since the armies of the HRE and our own were equal in numbers, I had to spend a large sum of money to gain the advantage. I also bribed my way into large portions of Russia to protect our flank.

I really expected Khalil to live a bit longer than he did. The year before he died, I invaded Denmark, which the Germans held, but the Byzantines reappeared and the massive rebel armies in Russia all converted to be Byzantines.

Bummer.

I had intended to deal with the rebels and establish a nice little economy before I handed it over, but it was not to be.

But, Egypt is in a strong position.
We have naval superiority and we have the largest military, by far. Following some more battles with the HRE and the inevitable war with the Byzantines, the army should be pared down to a point at which huge revenues should be possible. There is a modest positive cash flow currently.

When I took over, there was a negative cash flow, if I remember correctly.

Llywelyn

[Llywelyn ap Gruffydd]

1240 AD:
Only hours after Sultan Khalil II became the leader of all Egypt,
Abu Sa'id al Amir bowed low before the throne.
You're Majesty. With your permission, I will set sail for Gibralter.
The Sultan grinned slightly and said simply, Go.
With only his word a fleet of naval vessels set sail to blockade northern Africa.
It was always his contention that the Almohad Khalifah, if he were so inclined, could invade northern Africa by sea and Khalil was loathe to trust his Muslim brothers as much as his father did.

Elsewhere in central Europe, the great Jihad sent to Hungary was ordered to proceed as planned.
They would be accompanied by the entire central army. When the forces of the HRE realized the might facing them, they turned and fled. The Jihad was successful.

Later that year, a son was born. As the Sultan cradled the infant in his arms, he thought about the kingdom he would leave to this little one. I will expand the empire of my fathers, young one, for you. One day, you will be a great Sultan with a mighty empire to lead. You will need a mighty name. Good night, Prince Muhammed.

January, 1241 AD:
My lord, Khan Ogadai is dead. There is chaos in the Horde. All of their generals are fighting for the right to rule.
This was the report the Sultan had been waiting for. Known to only a few, the Sultan had ordered the Khan's death. Now his attention could be focused entirely on his nemesis, the HRE.
There were scattered reports of a large force of Polish infantry and cavalry in the Kiev region, but since this was a rebel province, it was of little concern.

1242 AD:
Loyalist forces have sprung the attack they have planned for in Cyrenacia. They are soundly defeated by Egyptian forces.

1243 AD:
Egyptian forces conquer Chernigov when rebel forces there decide battle would be futile.

1244 AD:
Rebel forces regroup and enter Chrenigov en masse. Egyptian forces withdraw from the province. Volga-Bulgaria is also conquered this year.

1247 AD:
Muscovy and Ryazan are added to the kingdom. Prince as Salih comes of age. The Papacy are eliminated.

1248 AD:
Prince al Mustali is born.

1250 AD:
Carpathia is taken from the HRE.

1251 AD:
Jihad takes Wallachia. The Polish king dies and their forces degenerate.

1252 AD:
The HRE move into Kiev to gain a stronghold in the east.

1253 AD:
Another Jihad is declared and sent to Moldavia along with the bulk of the central army. The total number is around 5800 troops. The HRE moves into Bulgaria and Moldavia is conquered.
This same year, the Almohads launch a Jihad against Egypt. They will have to move by land through northern Africa. They will not succeed.

1254 AD:
The black and yellow banners begun to appear over the crest of the hill, waving gently in the breeze. My lord, the Germans mean to fight to the last. said abu Amar. The general's stern demeanor made the lieutenant feel oddly at ease. abu Amar had been with the general in many battles and knew that he was as good as they get. He had complete faith. The general surveyed the field one more time and slowly spoke, This day will be remembered by our children's children as the day Allah opened the door to Europe. We will walk proudly into the land he has given to us. This will be our finest hour and our adversary will run from the field, broken. Give the command to attack. And with that, one of the greatest Egyptian military victories began.

The year 1254 is the jewel in the crown of Sultan Khalil II. Kiev is conquered. The seige in Moldavia ends in victory. The large battle with the HRE takes place in Bulgaria. Egyptian losses are heavy (around 750 men), but over 3000 Germans are taken prisoner and many more are killed in the battle. When the negotiations take place, the ransom is refused and over 3000 German troops become slaves of the kingdom. This effectively opens the door to central European expansion.

1256 AD:
Pereyslavl, Austria, and Poland are added to the empire.

1257 AD:
Prussia is conquered. The English king dies and their forces degenerate.

1258 AD:
Pomerania and Bohemia are conquered.

1261 AD:
Chernigov and Silesia are conquered. The Pope in exile leads a rebellion in Rome and Naples with around 4000 troops and easily dispatch the Sicilians from the region.

1262 AD:
Silesia is abandoned when a large German force enters it.

1263 AD:
Lithuania is conquered.

1264 AD:
A large rebel force invade Muscovy and it must be abandoned.

1265 AD:
Lithuania is lost to the rebels. Brandenburg and Silesia are conquered.

1266 AD:
Saxony is conquered. This isolates the German forces in Denmark. They should be easy to pick off.

1267 AD:
Venice is conquered.

1270 AD:
Denmark is conquered. The rebel forces in Russia join forces with the Byzantines in hiding forming an enormous military power in the north. The HRE Emperor Heinrich V dies. Sadly, before Khalil II could engage the Byzantine threat or secure central Europe completely, he fell ill one day late in autumn and died quickly.