MTW Marj Ayyun 1179
Description
Saladin was not a commander to wait for the enemy or to allow earlier problems to deflect him. On hearing that he had invaded towards Sidon, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem ordered a counter-march to intercept the Saracen forces. Eventually, they reached a hilltop overlooking the Saracen encampment but, rather than waiting for their infantry to recover from the wearying march, the Frankish Crusaders advanced. Always impetuous - and in this case absolutely convinced that they were to have an easy victory by destroying the Saracens in camp - the nobles, knights and cavalry were soon disorganised and apart from the rest of the army. The supporting infantry was left straggling after, exhausted in the heat. Although there was a delay as Saracen skirmishers held off the Crusaders for a while, as the battle begins, the Crusader infantry forces are still not in proper positions to immediately affect the battle. The heavy knights may be too far forward, isolated from proper support and getting tired in their unsuitable, heavy armour.
Win Conditions
- Saladin must survive the battle to continue his campaign.
- Protect your army. Suffer too many deaths or routings and the battle is lost.
- King Baldwin's army must be driven off or slaughtered.
Saracen Army
- 60 Turcoman Horse
- 60 Mamluk Cavalry
- 60 Alan Mercenary Cavalry
- 60 Alan Mercenary Cavalry
- 60 Berber Camel
- 60 Alan Mercenary Cavalry
- 60 Ghazi Infantry
- 60 Saracen Infantry
- 60 Bedouin Camel Warriors
- 60 Bedouin Camel Warriors
- 60 Saracen Infantry
- 60 Turcoman Horse
- 60 Turcoman Horse
- 60 Ghulam Cavalry
- 60 Turcoman Horse
- 60 Saracen Infantry
Crusader Army
- 60 Feudal Foot Knights
- 60 Crossbowmen
- 60 Order Foot Soldiers
- 100 Peasants
- 100 Religious Fanatics
- 100 Billmen
- 100 Archers
- 100 Archers
- 100 Spearmen
- 100 Religious Fanatics
- 40 Late Royal Knights
- 60 Hobilars
- 40 Feudal Knights
- 100 Peasants
- 40 Knights Templar
- 60 Teutonic Knights
Tactics
Need input for this section.
Credits
The Background descriptions and Win Conditions are taken straight from the game text files in "\Medieval - Total War\Loc\Eng\", HISTCAMPAIGNS.TXT, HISTORICAL.TXT and CHANGES.TXT.
