For Faith or Greed? A Broken Crescent AAR

[Galain_Ironhide]

1190 -

No Rest for the Best
After only 4 weeks of Kingdom occupation of Alexandria, a messenger arrives at the gates of the city.

The message is for Balian de Ibelin to immediately sail to the city of Tyre with a portion of his most battle hardened regiments and await further instruction once he arrives. Word had filtered through, only days before, about talk of Baldwin's mandate for a Northern Army and many knew that the King would soon be requesting the presence of his most trusted General.

Not a moment too soon either. The disdain between Balian and Prince Guy had intensified greatly. Had they be made to sit in another Court session together, one of the two may not have been alive at the end of it. Balian did not agree on Guy's harsh leadership and lack of vision for his subjects and conversely, Prince Guy could not embrace Balian's wishes for leniency on the local populace. Whilst Prince Guy was the Duke, he knew he did not hold the same respect that Balian did, which made him viciously jealous of his counterpart.

Balian boarded the Royal Navy boats with his men and set for Tyre. The majority of the successful Ayyubid-Latin War veterans have stayed in the Egyptian Quarter as garrison for Alexandria, Qahir and Bilbeis.

He docks some 10 days later. He and his army assemble at the city dock.

Balian's son, John, Duke of Tripoli, meets up with his father. It has been over five and a half years since they last spoke to each other as a consequence of the Ayyubid-Latin War. They share a night of drinking and catching up on old times.

The next morning, the orders come through to march onto the Castle of Aleppo.

Rest in Peace, Tyrant of Kerak
Unexpectantly, Lord Raynald de Chatillon is found dead in his bed chamber. The Chirugeon has pronounced that his heart had given way in the night. His wife, Ermangarde was the first to find him.

Raynald finest acheivement was the extension of the Principality of Kerak, aquiring Tayma and Aqaba. He will forever be most remembered though for the atrocities he caused unto the local populaces when he overthrew the former commanding bodies of those towns. May the Lord have mercy on his soul, for Raynald showed none to so many.

Raymond Joins the March
The Northern Army gathers most of its strength from Acre and Tartus, plus Mercenary Geonese Crossbowmen from Antioch. Whilst finalising provisions and men in the large trade border city of Antioch, the old Duke Raymond de Tripoli advised his intensions of joining the march and the conquest of Aleppo. Balian, an old friend of the Duke's is more than happy to have such a skilled soldier by his side, plus an impressive body guard entourage at his command. Now all they had to do was get to Aleppo before the Turks tried again.

Aleppo
The Northern Army finally reaches the outskirts of the Castle of Aleppo and as spies had reported, they encounter the main fighting force of the independant nation led by General Mustafa. With large numbers of missle cavalry present within the lines of the enemy, Raymond has enlisted the services of 3 companies of Mercenary Turkopoles to counter them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Balian orders his troops to meet the enemy on the field of Battle.

Thanks to the Turkish Sultanates failed attack last year, the army of Aleppo was already weakened.


The enemy army had horse archers on both the left and right flanks stretching almost to the very reaches of the naked eye, plus in the centre was the small contingent of foot infantry with enemy general standing guard. Balian orders the main body of his cavalry to remain behind the infantry. He then orders the Turkopole Mercenaries to the right flank. His intension is to first engage the enemy with these men to draw their attention away from the main attacking body for long enough to create confusion.


The turkopoles gallop away to the outside right, Balian then selects along with himself, his Mounted Seargents and Templar Knights to follow behind in close pursuit to also engage the enemies flanking horse archers. The galloping turkopoles immediately start making kills, though they too being in the firing line, start to take a few casualties as well.

Only having eyes for the menacing, skirmishing turkopoles, the enemy flank was not watching the other approaching Kingdom cavalry. The Aleppo army is suddenly caught up by Balian and his men. Now the fight truly begins. This draws the other far enemy flank in towards Balian.


Back at the main enbodiement of the Kingdom army, Raymond de Tripoli sees the hole that this has caused in the enemy lines with their other flank racing towards Balian. Raymond orders the rest of the Cavalry to follow him to the left flank and also orders the Kingdom infantry to deviate northwest a little and then charge into the mellee.

Raymond's Knights Hospitallers and Poulin Lancers manage to flank totally around the left side of the army, they charge in. Raymond however is singled out by his banner by the enemy General and they begin to fight toe to toe.


The main body of the enemy army is trapped between Balian's Cavalry and the infantry. They are beginning to fight a losing battle.

The locals fight savagely for their homeland.

Seeing Duke Raymond in trouble against General Mustafa, the dismounted Turkopole Archers break ranks from the rear of the rest of the fighting group and engage the General as well! Armed with spears, the turkopoles surprise Raymond and more so, Mustafa, with their accurate deadliness.

Ultimately it is a Turkopole spear that kills the Aleppo General.

The morale of the enemy is crushed, sending them into full retreat.

The enemy was utterly annihilated. Balian and Raymond proved to be a good combination of leadership.

The handful of prisoners were released.

Knowing now that only a small garrison of troops guarded the castle. Balian and Raymond lay seige.


Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Rebecca de Lusignan
Prince Guy's eldest Daughter, Rebecca, comes of age and is enlisted to take up to take up the role of an emissary until a suitable benefactor can be found to take her hand.


Another Adoption for Duke Hugh
Duke Hugh de Antioch adopts Hugh of Jerusalem, a young almost scrawny looking nobleman, who was born in Jerusalem and studied the arts of the Royal Courts in the capital city. Hugh of Jerusalem is sent to Hama to govern the large township.


Death and a Birth
Raynald de Chatillon, Lord of Kerak, passes away. His wife Ermangarde becomes temporary regent of the Principality of Kerak.
Born to the world is a new son to John de Ibelin, Anseu. Duke John names the child after Prince Anseu de Tiberias, a close personal friend.


Death Now Comes in Bigger Packages
The new Seige Works in Jerusalem rolls its first Catapault off the production line. Whilst Artilliary has always been an important aspect of warfare almost everywhere, Baldwin previously thought it unneccessary. However, a few high casualty seiges and battles had finally convinced Baldwin to begin constructing them. Seige Works were also starting to be developped in other places around the Kingdom.

An Important Alliance
With the threat of the expanding Turkish Sultanate now looming over the Levant, the Kingdoms of Armenia and Georgia have agreed to an alliance. This completes an important power bloc in the levant as now the Kingdoms of Jerusalem, Armenia and Georgia are united as one against Turkish aggression.

[Ferret]

congrats on reaching page two! I like the new format much better, perhaps with a zoomed in minimap at the end of each update to show overall progress?

[Galain_Ironhide]

congrats on reaching page two! I like the new format much better, perhaps with a zoomed in minimap at the end of each update to show overall progress?

Thanks.

Also a good idea with the minimap, I'll try and implement it within the next few posts.

Stay tuned!

Galain.

[Timsup2nothin]

Excellent work...completely different from my own style, but I find it terrific entertainment.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1191 -

Sally Forth
The seige of Aleppo was faring well. Balian had constructed plans for an attack in the early part of the year, just as the warmer winds were beginning to blow. Part of Balian's plans was to have two forces of equal strength, attack from different corners of the Castles walls, slowly bleeding them dry. Two units of Turkopole archers were ordered to move north of Balian's and Raymond's position, set up camp and await for more reinforcements that were to arrive from Hama.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The commander of the Aleppo forces, Strike Captain Ahmed, spotted the weaker archers move out from the main attacking force from the old Castles wall. Seeing that this could well and truly be his only chance for success, Ahmed orders his troops to sally out from the walls and attack the Turkopoles. If a surprise attack was successful, Ahmed could then sure up a defensive postion on the hillside to thwart the oncoming bulk that was Balians Army. Initially the plan worked, the Turkopoles still holding the ladders, braced themselves for the onslaught. Captain Phillippe of Tartus orders one of his men to run for Balian's camp to bring aid.

A unit of horse archers and three units of heavily armed infantry raced towards the Turkopoles.

But before the enemy had even come within firing distance, Phillipe's scout had returned with the news that Balian was already on his way.

As the independant muslim nation's force approached within range, the Turkopoles began to rain death upon them.

Meanwhile, earlier while still at base camp, Balian had noticed movement from the castles South Gate. Still in mid preperation for the seige, something was not right, he hastily orders his men to break camp and march at forced pace towards where he ordered his Turkopoles to set up. Balian, Raymond and the men of the Northern Army rush at a furious pace to get to the intended location. As Balian rides over the crest, he can already see the showers of arrows flying in the distance. He orders the men to begin running and then orders Raymond, the Templars and Hospitallers race ahead and engage.

The enemy crash hard into the Turkopoles. The kingdom men hold them at bay for time being. But it seems that it may be in vein.

The attack horn of Hospitaller Knights bellows through the air, the rear unit of enemy Heavy infantry pull away from the fight with the Turkopoles and race towards the advancing Knights. The crunch of armor and flesh upon each other is sickening as they smash into one another. It is however the Heavy infantry who are overwhelmed. Ahmed begins to think that staying behind the walls could have been a better idea.

Taking many casualties but still defiant, the Turkopoles fought tooth and nail as the Kingdom reinforcements finally came into attack range. It was becoming obvious that the Aleppo Army was sunddenly outnumbered and was becoming outclassed. Ahmed, riding amongst his Horse Archers could only take little satisfaction in the knowledge that he had managed killed a good score of Kingdom Cavalry in the process.

Until finally Strike Captain Ahmed was slain. The enemy was broken and tried in vein to run back to the safety of the castle. They were all cut down whilst running. There was no one left to keep guard.

Aleppo's Sally proved to be disastrous. Had they waited the seiged insidethey may have yet taken a few more Kingdom men with them. With no other forces within the castle, Balain de Ibelin was able to enter straight through the gates and into the city centre without any further squabble.


Ahmed had made it all too easy for the Kingdom. Utterly defeated and no fighting spirit left, Aleppo graciously accepted the rule of the Kingdom.

All Prisoners were allowed to return to their families.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem now shares borders with the Turkish Sultanate.

Georgian Allies Under Attack
An emissary for our allies, the Georgians, arrives at the gates of Aleppo and advises Duke Raymond de Tripoli that Georgia has been invaded by the Kypchaks at the frontier city of Kutaisi. One could read between the lines that the diplomatic visit was actually to bargain for help, but in logistical terms Kutaisi was too far away to provide support. Raymond regrettably turns the Georgian emissary away.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Later that year, the Georgians have been defeated at the walls and the city is sacked. Let us pray for the unfortunate who perished.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1192 - The Levant Erupts

Alliance Broken

The Eastern Roman Empire have invaded our fellow allies and neighbours, the Kingdom of Armenia! Whats more they have requested that Baldwin join the fight and wipe Armenia out! Baldwin enraged with the their greed, promptly sends message to the Romans that invading Armenia is as if they have invaded Jerusalem itself. He ends the alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire and whilst military support is currently out of the question, Baldwin sends the Armenian King tributes to help in the fight against their foe. The Romans may have been allies in the past, and even been the determining factor behind the creation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, however now they have gone too far. No matter what there will be no further alliances with the Romans as long as Baldwin lives.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Georgia Invaded Again
Georgia has been invaded again, but this time in the south. Their Castle at Mardin, which is east of Edessa has been attacked by the Turkish Sultanate with support from the Abbasid Caliphate.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Georgians send emissiaries to plea to King Baldwin to bring arms against the foes of the Cross.

War!
This time, Baldwin complies. The Kingdom was going to war once more. He despatches Balian de Ibelin with the Northern Army.

Instead of marching through Turkish lands to Mardin and risking an ambush, Balian marches his men to the gates of Edessa and lays seige. The Turks were surprised, they did not expect the Kingdom of Jerusalem to come to the aid of the Georgians.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The plan worked. The Turks seiging the Georgians at Mardin, pulled out of their seige to double back and relieve Edessa. Now they had a two front war.
Mardin however still had the Abbasids at their doorstep with a massive army gathered on its borders.

Now That Open War is Upon Us
With the Levant now being tangled in the preludes of an upcoming war, Baldwin immediately sets about increasing the size of the Northern Army. Baldwin enlists the Duke of Tripoli, John de Ibelin, to be in charge of recruiting, training and armouring the new breed ,which will protect the Holy Land and its king.

Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Mini-map inside

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Status of the Levant
The Levant was beginning to boil over. Powerful nations of two major faiths have emerged and are now trying to sqeeze one another into submission. The Kingdom of Jerusalem was now a healthy economic power, holding key land. Their allies, the Armenians held land to the west and the Georgians, who covered ground from the North to the Northwest of Jerusalem also is a key power in the area. The Eastern Roman Empire, in their Imperialistic ways, are trying to obtain land from the Armenians. Whilst the powerful Turks with the aid from the Abbasids are driving north, attempting to dislodge the Georgians from their lands.


A new de Ibelin
John de Ibelin is a father once more.


Storm
A wild storm lashes the coastal villages near Aqaba. A few of the Kingdom civilians sustain injuries, though no deaths. However strange ships are wrecked in the bay belonging to pirates. The mercy of Gods has bought veangance over those who defy him!

[Galain_Ironhide]

1193 -

Georgia in Peril
The Kingdom of Georgia are under relentless attack it seems, from all corners. The Kypchak Confederacy have successfully invaded Kutaisi to the far Northwest and now they seige the castle of Tblisi.

Let us pray they can withstand this attack.

Turkish Raiders
The Turkish Sultanate have been blockading one of our most important Trade routes at the sea port of Jaffa. The Turks have a weak navy only capable of spot raids. Two Kingdom ships move in and promptly dispose of the threat.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

More Lands to Acquire
Still residing as Regent of the Principality of Kerak, Lady Ermangarde, widow of Raynald de Chattillon, sends forth a request to Prince Guy de Lusignan, to assist in the acquisition of more land . The small Independent Muslim nation Medina, just east of Tayma, is the intended target . Raynald was close to the de Lusignan's for years, which Ermangarde knew she might be able to take advantage of. Prince Guy accepts with the offers of extra income and booty going into his own coffers back at Alexandria. The Prince sets out with a small contingent of men that he managed to gather along the way. With war going on in the north, there was no way that King Baldwin would allow a large army to march in the south.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Seige of Edessa Holds
Balian de Ibelin and Raymond de Tripoli have layed seige to the Turkish Sultanate held city of Edessa for just over 5 months. With enemy reinforcements closing in, Balian knows that the battle for Edessa may well be fought just as much on the outside of the walls, just as it might on the walls. The decision is to hold tight, cutting the city off. News has also reached Balian that the first elements of the Kingdom's new army regiments were nearing the plains of Edessa, led by none other than Duke John, Balians oldest son. They shall come in handy once the fighting commences.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

John De Ibelin crosses the bridge and joins his father a few days later. A great host of men now sit at the gates of the Turks

Abbasids Attack Mardin
With the Turkish Sultanate pulling out of the invasion at Mardin, the Abbasids have moved in and taken over the seige on the Georgian city. The only possibility for survival now was aid from their Allies.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Upon hearing this, King Baldwin orders Raymond de Tripoli to mobilise from Edessa with a portion of the Northern Army and march through enemy territory to the war stricken city of Mardin to engage the Abbasids. This would be risky manoeveur, for the Turks that had left Mardin in the previous year were yet to be located. Raymond took an alternative route, marching as close west as possible to Harran and then turning north, straight up to Mardin.
After a forced march, Raymond and his army approached the outskirts of the city.
Upon seeing the Kingdom Banners flapping proudly in the breeze off in the distance, the Abbasid captain, knowing that now he was outnumbered, lifts the seige and leads his army to the Northern side of the city.

Again to the Abbasids dismay, they have been caught by a Georgian reinforcement army has marched south to also bring aid. The Georgians request our presence in battle, Raymond is only happy to comply.

Again they retreat and then ony days later the Abbasid Caliphate leave Mardin all together. However, there still remains a large contingent of enemy troops on the border, rumoured to be under the command of Turkish Crown Prince Az-Zahir.

Victorious without bloodshed, a sense of immortalism washed over some of the newer troops within Raymond's command. Now however, the Kingdom of Jerusalem is at war with two very worthy and powerful opponents, through only trying to protect its allies. Come what may, the years to come will be challenging indeed.

Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Thankyou, May the Lord Bless You and Your Country
The King of Georgia is most thankful for the aid provided by Raymond de Tripoli. He sends an emissiary to King Baldwin to acknowledge this.


Mercenaries of the Levant
During the journey to the city of Mardin, Raymond pays three companies of Archer Auxillia join his army. Perfect with the bow and deadly with the sword, these men were definately feared whoever they fought.


Status Report
The lines are drawn in the sand. The Turks have begun to raid Armenian lands too, thus bringing them into the war. Now the three Christian powers of the Levant stand as one against the tyranny that is the Turkish Sultanate and the Abbasid Caliphate.



Foreign Alliance
Our emissaries report of the Alliance between the Sultanate of Ghazni and the Malikate of Sindh. Being too far away to cause any immediate threat, the alliance of these two countries are of little value to Baldwin at the moment.

[barcamartin]

Lovely, looks like there's an awsome conflict up ahead.

Good luck, and KUTGW !!

[Galain_Ironhide]

1194 -

Diyarbakir and Harran

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With Mardin now fully free of enemy troops and the seige of Edessa having a massive influx of Kingdom troops that have joined it, Raymond de Tripoli reprovisions his men, with the aid of the Georgians and marches west to the Turkish castle of Diyarbakir.
Only days earlier, a messenger had broken through to Raymond with the instructions to do so. Balian de Ibelin had a plan that would put intense pressure on the Turkish Sultanate's armed forces. Raymond was to seige Diyarbakir while John de Ibelin marches to Harran and lays seige there. With all this happening, including the already existing seige of Edessa, Balian hopes the Turkish aggression will become submissive and put them on the back foot. Logistically, with Raymond already north in Mardin, this would be the perfect plan.
Raymond reaches the gates of Diyabakir after a week of marching and the seige begins.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Within days of Raymond reaching his destination, John de Ibelin, eldest son of Balian, reached the gates of Harran.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Armed with Catapaults - the first from the production line, John wastes no time and attacks immediately

A small garrison is all that protects the small Turkish town, the Kingdom well and truly outnumbers their enemy.

The catapaults begin to fire their load of death onto the wooden palisades. The Turkish army scurries about to get into position for when the wall imminently falls.

Finally a large portion of the wall collapses.

The Kingdom men rush in through the breach. The battle is over almost immediately the small garrison is no match for Duke Johns troops.


John de Ibelin being cut from the same linen as his father, occupies the town, sparing the citizens their lives for their allegiance to the Kingdom. Christianity will be brought into their lives at a later date.

Our allies, Georgians are happy to finally have a friendly neighbour in the region.

With Harran now under Kingdom control and Edessa and Diyarbakir under heavy seige, the Turkish eastern front is looking shaky.

Reports have leaked through to the Royal Court of Jerusalem that the Sultan is furious with the sudden loss of control of his provinces and he vows that the infidels will pay in blood as a consequence. Attack, not defense was obviously the Sultans best virtue.

From Attacker to Defender
The seige of Edessa had gone unhindered by the Turks for over a year. This is until a large host of Turkish reinforcements march around Edessa and attack Balian from the south. Drawing Balian away from the outside of the city and into the dunes, they were trying to use the desert to their advantage.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Balian forms his men into defensive positions awaits his attackers approach.

He has two enemy armies heading for him, the reinforcements from the south and the beseiged army that has sallied from the east.


The reinforcement army is first to crash into the kingdom of Jerusalems front line of spears like a wave upon a rock. The fighting is fierce as the Turks fight with determination to dislodge the infedels from their lands.

With the Turks heavily relying on breaking the Kingdom front line, Balian finds the opportunity to flank his cavalry around the left side of the battle and break out into the middle of the enemy lines. His plan is to create as much havoc for the unprepared enemy as much as possible.

His plan works perfectly as the rear of the reinforcement army is torn apart by the knights of the Kingdom.
The Edessa Castle garrison finally reaches the front line of the battle.

Initially they are able to push Balian and his knights back from the flailing Turkish reinforcement troops.
But eventually they too are overwhelmed and the battle suddenly becomes a whitewash. The Castle Garrison find themselves broken and retreating.

Balian and his cavalry take many prisoners.

The battle is soon over, the Kingdom have used the terrain and the conditions to their advantage perfectly. Something of which the Turks thought they would be the masters of.

After some interrogation, Balian releases his captives.

Because Edessa's garrison was all but taken prisoner, this left only just over one hundred Turks in charge of the defense of the city.
Balian rides to the gates of the city and proposes that in exchange for their freedom, the remaining Turkish soldiers must march out with the other captives back to Turkish lands and hand Edessa over to the Kingdom.
The thinly spread garrison, led by a common trooper,who was left in charge after all the ranking officers were killed or captured in the sally attempt, immediatley complied with Balian's offer, handing the city over. Balian and his triumphant army march through the gates and begin the occupation of the Kingdoms newest addition.

Battle of Diyarbakir
News of Edessa falling to the Kingdom raised the spirits of the men sieging the Turkish castle of Diyarbakir. After a short seige of three months, Raymond orders the attack.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Kingdom troops rush to the walls, the enemy use fire arrows to repel them.

The overwhelming size of Raymonds force is too much for the Turkish Sultanate defenders. Holes in their defence have opened everywhere along the walls.

The Italian Crossbowmen manage to break the gate and are amongst the first to taste battle. Even fighting against the enemy cavalry their morale was high enough to break anything.

With the Crossbowmen providing an excellent front, Raymond now had plenty of room to enter with the cavalry. The enemy took a beating and retreated back to the castle keep.

The enemy eventually surrenders. The day is won.

In one year the Kingdom of Jerusalem has all but driven the Turks out of the north of the Levant. The Turks however will not go down without a fight. They will try to take back what they believe is theirs.

Pockets Of Resistance
For what was a massive undertaking in deploying three armies to dismantle three Turkish Sultanate strongholds, their still remained a few small pockets of resistance. The Knights of Hospitaller, Outremer and Latin were dispatched to take care of this menace.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

All skirmishes were short and easily taken care of by the men of the Kingdom.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Independent's Not coming to the Peace Table
Most disappointing chapter of the campaign was the original Diyarbakir Independant Army not agreeing to a peace treaty with the Kingdom. The Diyarbakir Army had been dislodged from the castle during the Turkish Sultanate invasion only just a few years before. The knowledge that infidels would now be running their former glorious castle must have been too much to bear. Balian regroups some of his hardest troops and marches out to intercept them.
The battle begins south of the castle, close to the border.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As soon as the Kingdom men approach, it becomes evident that this army was not expecting us. Hurriedly they attempt to turn about face.

With the enemy spear men still at the wrong side of the battle, Balian orders the cavalry charge. Hundreds of enemy soldiers are mowed dowed by the charging cavalry.

The fight is very one sided to begin. Balian and his bodyguards are in the thick of the action.

A small fightback by the Independant Army as their archers manage to find targets with their arrows. However, by now the Kingdom Infantry have entered into the battle and have tipped the balance.

Until ultimately the Independant army is wiped out. Most are taken prisoner from the panic of fleeing.

The 719 prisoners are marched to Edessa where many are given the choice by Balian de Ibelin to bare arms under the banner of the Kingdom. Many take the offer up, however their role would turn out to be minimal as they are dispatched around the Kingdom to help fill town militia's.

Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Prince Guy Reaches Medina
Prince Guy finally reaches the far eastern city of Medina. The Independent nation of Medina is ready for Guy, they sit and await their destiny. Slighty annoyed with himself for taking up this 'crusade' in the name of Kerak, the Prince looks for the best strategy to have this battle over and done with as quick as possible, so he may return home. The enemy however have done their homework with their fortification, this was not going to be over so quick afterall. The decision is to starve them out for a while.


Naval Skirmishes
The Turkish Sultanate continue to peck away at the Kingdoms trade routes, raiding with single boats around the coastal area.
The Kingdom navy manage to dispose of many of the threats easily though.



Boniface de Ibelin
Boniface de Ibelin, son of Duke John, turns sixteen and is now of legal age. Growing up in the last couple of years under the wing of King Baldwin in the Royal court of Jerusalem, the young noble has had some gifted tutoring and shows much promise.

[Ferret]

I could have sworn that year said 1914

keep up the good work

[Galain_Ironhide]

1195 -

The Ceasefire

An Abbasid emissary arrives at the gates of the recently captured Turkish Castle of Diyarbakir and asks for the counsel of Raymond de Tripoli. The emissary brings an offer of a ceasefire between the Kingdom and the Abbasid Caliphate.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Thinking that the Abbasids had realised they made an error in invading Mardin thus bringing the Kingdom of Jerusalem into war against them. Raymond agrees to the ceasefire under the condition that the Abbasids never sets foot into Mardin or any other of the three Christian Allies provinces again. The treaty is signed and the Abbasid Emissary returns to Mosul. Raymond relished that he and Balian could now concentrate on the war against the Turks
The Betrayal
Peace only lasts a matter of months however as the Abbasid Army, under the command of Crown-Prince Az-Zahir, once again invades Mardin thus breaking the ceasefire. It has become apparent that the ceasefire between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Abbasids only served as a diversion to allow enough time for the Abbasid Crown Prince to amass a big enough invasion force.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Upon the request for help from the Georgian General, Papuna Amilakhvari, Balian de Ibelin mobilises the main contingent of the Northern Army and marches east at forced pace to Mardin to relieve the Georgian defenders.

The battle of Mardin
Just barely 10 miles south from the walls of Mardin, Balian encounters the Abbasid Crown Prince and his army who have moved to the plains for the ensuing battle. According to advance scouts, Georgian commander Papuna Amilakhvari has sallied his troops from the safety of the city's walls to reinforce the Balian and theKingdom troops.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Thanks to reliable intelligence from his spies, Balian is able to discover exactly the composition of the Abbasid threat.
The main enemy force led by Crown Prince Az-Zahir

Abbasid reinforcements with large contingent of artillery


Balian takes up position on a small rise on the open area.
Immediatley bad news arrives, through a forward scout that Balian sent forth to the city. General Papuna has been delayed! Balian curses under his breath. Have the Georgians deliberately timed their arrival late so that the Kingdom of Jerusalem will bleed the Abbasids out? Then once they arrive, take the victory away from Balian? It was not at all impossible and not ever unheard of. Papuna Amilakhvari was a wiley old General who knew how to get the best result for his own gain. By inadvertently arriving late he could ensure that his troops were the ones to ultimately finish of the Abbasid threat and take victory. Balian was not about to let that happen either.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Balian turns his attention back to the battle at hand and how he will despatch the Abbasid threat without expending too many of his own troops.
Balian orders his Mounted Turkpole archers over to the far left flank and sends them forward to engage as the Crown Prince’s first wave of troops approach. The Abbasid Reinforcements carry most of the Artillery and are not too far behind.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Turkopoles position themselves upon a small crest and are met by Ghulam Cavalry, they are first to taste action.

Balian then orders his mounted Seargents forward to the right flank. The Mounted Seargents manage to outflank the rear of the first advancing lines of enemy infantry from the right, they then initiate a charge from the rear, at first they are successful in causing casualties, however are then very quickly beaten back. They retreat back to Balian’s lines

Soon all out fighting begins as both the Kingdom infantry and the Abbasid first wave infantry engage in battle.
A scout arrives from over the crest from behind Balian’s position and advises the Kingdom General that the Georgians have finally arrived. Still bemused at their tardiness, Balian then jokes to himself that they may have already missed the fun.

The battle spreads across the plains and Balian along with his bodyguard is forced to join the fighting against the Abbasid first wave, his men are starting to take casualties when suddenly the enemy artillery fires upon the Kingdom troops. In the distance beyond the first wave of the enemy, the second wave reinforcement approach. The Georgians, now in full view, race to the aid of the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the battle at its most fiercest, is beginning to turn Balian de Ibelin’s way. Bedouin Camel Cavalry, widely regarded as the scourge of Western Knights are no match for the bravery of Balians men. They soon find themselves retreating.

Fighting amongst the infantry is bloody. Soon the spirit of Crown Prince Az-Zahirs men begins to break and many start to flee.

In order to save face and rekindle his men’s morale, the Crown Prince rides into the fray, he and his Bodyguard ferociously hack down many of the Kingdom men standing in their way.

Until ultimately sheer numbers alone undo the mighty Crown-Prince as he is felled from his horse and killed.

The Abbasid first wave crumbles and the Kingdom men form up for the second wave. In the near distance, the Georgians are still arriving. Balian orders his surviving cavalry back around to the far left flank once more to out manoeuvre the slow limbering enemy artillery. Again they are met by enemy Ghulam Cavalry. Outnumbered though, the Ghulams are easily beaten back.

Now with no protection, the Kingdom Knights charge the enemy artillery units. They are easily wiped out.

The Georgian infantry are finally close enough to mount a charge on the Abbasid reinforcements.

The Kingdom line holds strong when suddenly the Abbasid Ghulam Captain of the Reinforcement troops breaks through with with his cavalry and makes a charge for the Kingdom Dismounted Turkopole Archers. Dropping their bows, they don their spears and the unexpecting Ghulam crash into them.

Balian watches in astonishment as the Turkopoles easily fend off the enemy cavalry sending most of them to their deaths. The Abbasid Captain is also killed in the melee.
Now that Crown-Prince Az-Zahir, and also the captain of the reinforcement army lay dead, the remainder of the demoralised Abbasid Army flee in full retreat.

Balian de Ibelin had not only defeated the Abbasid Caliphate Army, he had totally annihilated them, with only taking 186 casualties combined with 40 Georgian casualties as opposed to the Abbasids who lost over 2100 men. 600 of which were taken prisoner.

The prisoners were later released.

The Accolades of Balian de Ibelin
After the crushing victory at Mardin, the men under the control of Balian de Ibelin soon label him as Balian the Champion. The name of which he has become labelled with spreads across the Middle East. Balian de Ibelin is now a most respected ally and enemy, to all that know of him.


Medina

After what seemed to be months of marching and then planning, Prince Guy de Lusignan finally makes ready to assault the large town of Medina.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Although largely outnumbered by the Kingdom Troops, the Arab occupants were definitely ready for whatever Guy had in stall for them. The Latin Prince gives the command and the Kingdom Archers open fire upon the walls.

Rams are bought to the gates and ladders hit the sides of the walls.

The Kingdom troops climb the ladders and quickly overwhelm the defenders on the walls.

It is not long before the rams break the gates open and Prince Guy orders the rest of his army inside. Fighting breaks out into the streets, but the enemy are no match and they retreat back to the town Square.

Until ultimately the rebel Arabs are defeated.

Just as Prince Guy had hoped, the actual fighting in Medina was very short. He claimed the Township in the name of Jerusalem and sent riders back to Kerak to inform, Lady Ermangarde that Medina now belonged under jusidiction of Kerak. All prisoners and associated offenders to the Cross were excecuted as a warning to the rest of the township. Fear of Guy bought peace to these lands this day.

Prince Guy then elects to remain in Medina for the next 3 months to see to its economic recovery, until a messenger arrives and advises that the Turks have begun a seige against King Baldwin at Edessa. Prince Guy heads for the north immediately to offer support and leadership, should his King be vanquished.

King Baldwin Beseiged at Edessa

With Edessa, Diyarbakir and Harran now under Baldwins rule and in relatively short time, Baldwin has moved his Royal Court to Edessa for the mean time to oversee the rebuilding of these provinces. With the bulk of the Northern Army with Balian de Ibelin at the Georgian province of Mardin, Edessa's defenses are underguarded. Obviously with intelligence back from his spies, the Turkish Sultan orders the immediate counterattack of Edessa.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The King immediately sends word to his most trusted General for aid. Although the job of expelling the Abbasids from Mardin is not yet complete, Balian immediately rushes back to Edessa with the Northern Army.

But Balian is too late and Turks mount their assault against the walls of Edessa. Outnumbered, but highly moraled due to the presence of their King, the kingdom troops await their destiny.

Guarded by mainly Seargent Spearmen and Italian Mercenary Crossbowmen, plus just over fifty of Baldwins Knights of Jerusalem, King Baldwin IV sets his men along the walls to await the barrage.

The battle takes a good turn to begin, as the first enemy ram that approached the gate erupts into fire. Archers in the tower signal that another ram is being pushed towards the gates though. The Seige tower and the ladders still make their way to the walls almost unhindered.

The second ram is bought into position as they attempt to bust the gate open.

The hour is zero and the enemy rush the walls. The Kingdom defenders fight with fierce audacity to keep the attackers at bay.

The Turks are beginning to win the fighting on the walls.

Taking a gamble, Baldwin seizes an opportunity to sally from the gates and pushes outward and into the oncoming Turks in front of the walls. The Kings personal Guards, the Knights of Jerusalem join him in the fight outside the walls. Not anticipating this move from the Latin King, this catches the enemy off guard at first.


More Kingdom men including Crossbowmen, join the fight outside the gates. Baldwin pushes his Bodyguard unit through the fray of hacking Turks and manages to clear himself from the conflict. He intends to then mount a charge at their rear.

Baldwin orders his men to charge back into the Turkish infantry who are still confused between fighting at ground level and trying to climb the walls to safety. The first charge kills and routs many enemy troops, quite possibly turning the ebb of the conflict.

Baldwin then breaks off and initiates another charge back into the rear of the unsuspecting enemy.

The second charge kils the enemy captain, sending the Turks into a full rout. Baldwin and his Bodyguard tend to capturing as many prisoners as they possibly can.

After a long bloody battle, the death toll is high. But King Baldwin has shown his courage and bold leadership in defending against a much stronger foe and ensuring the survival of his subjects.

It is truly a most heroic victory and as a result Baldwin will forever be known as the true Guardian of his people.

Not given to just letting his captured foes go free, Baldwin offers the prisoners back to the Turkish Sultan for a ransom. Amazingly the Sultan agrees and pays for his mens freedom. Perhaps the Turkish Sultanate was not so vile and disregarding to life after all.

King Baldwin orders his men back inside the city's gates. He then prepares them for the next assault should it come quickly.

Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Turks Invade Vahka
As well as beseiging Edessa, the Turkish Sultanate sends an army to the Armenian Citadel of Vahka. Whilst our spies keep a close eye on the conflict, the resources of the Kingdom of Jerusalem are too far stretched to offer any support to the Armenian Allies.


Bohemund the Handsome
Prince Guy de Lusignan's eldest son, Bohemund, has come of age and is ready to fight for good of his Faith and his King. With striking looks that could kure any fair maiden to the bedchamber, Bohemund de Lusignan is commonly known by his followers as ‘Bohemund the Handsome’.


Kingdom of Georgia Sends its Gratitude
After the battle of Mardin is won by Balian de Ibelin. The King of Georgia sends his most deepest thanks to Baldwin.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Shahed]

Got here through your sig. Great work!

[Chaotix]

I just read the whole AAR from the beginning, and it's great! You have a knack for storytelling, Galain. One question, though: how did Baldwin become "Malevolent"??

[Galain_Ironhide]

Got here through your sig. Great work!

Thanks Sinan, most appreciated!

I just read the whole AAR from the beginning, and it's great! You have a knack for storytelling, Galain. One question, though: how did Baldwin become "Malevolent"??

Thanks Chaotix27 - Damn Game mechanics! He mostly stayed in Jerusalem governing, you get bad traits for doing things like sticking around in one place like that for too long. Aside from that I had done my utmost in making sure he was chivalrous.

I've fallen off the tracks a little with this AAR lately but I do intend to return with more. Stay Tuned!
And again thanks for reading.

- Galain

[oz_wwjd]

I just finished reading this from the beginning and nice job so far,although I would like to see more battle accounts if you could fit them in.

[anweRU]

Excellent. I had downloaded BC but not played it yet. I'll have to start a campaign ASAP!