The Camel Campaign

[Knight of the Rose]

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KotR’s Crazy Camel Campaign

After reading about a certain love of camels, and having (hopefully) served my time in the stables, I thought I would do something different. So I fired up a campaign with these settings:
MTW:VI, vanilla, 2.01, HIGH campaign, EXPERT difficulty, playing as Egypt
House rules:
• Can only train or retrain Beduin Camel Warriors
• No trade routes
• Can keep and fight with princes and kings, but cannot retrain them
• Cannot fight with any other unit, and after 10 turns (1215) must disband all non-camel units
• Cannot bribe
• Cannot Jihad
• Must capture, never kill prisoners, unless losing the battle

With these rules, we start the game:
1205: Egypt is rich, more than wealthy enough to pay the grand sum of 94 florins pr. Camel-unit. Starting training of camels wherever possible, starting a fort in Sinai, starting morale-boosting buildings in Egypt.
1207: Building keeps in Syria and Arabia to gain access to morale-buildings
1209: Well, how nice! France decides to throw a crusade at my camel-booming Khalifate, instantly bringing me at war with Tripoli and Antioch. I planned to take them out first nonetheless, so no big deal
1210: Instantly invading Tripoli with my hero al Din (three stars & countless acumen – cannot afford to loose him now) and 440 camels. The French field a mixed 812 men, but 500 are peasants. There are, however, also Order Foot and Templars. They get a good hill to defend, but I succeed in baiting out the crossbows and overwhelm them. The Order foot and some feudal knights charge in to save them, but they are flanked and charged in the back by my camels coming in from right and left. The templars wait at the extreme top of the hill, and when they finally engage, they are the last unit on the field, and they are overrun by camels. I loose 207 camels and kill 328 taking 192 prisoners, 70 thereof Order Foot
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/00000006.jpgFirst blood of the campaign, the ballista was placed to far from the main army
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/00000011.jpgThe Templars thought they had a good hill, but waited untill the rest of the army was overrun by the camels
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/00000012.jpgThe templars are destroyed, though their general escapes, much to my surprise
1212: Tripoli falls
1213: Trying to take out the French by invading Antioch with a full stack (586 camels), this time against a much more substantial enemy of 972, and only 150 of them peasants. Though the battle starts well when I trap a unit of turcopoles between three units of camels, it soon turns to worse. The French field many spearmen and many Order Foot, and though I flank them and make them run after me to a good killingzone, the battle is lost when I fail to get al Din out of harms way. 40 Templars charge right into his unit, and as I try to save the pieces, the Beduins soon break. Luckily al Din survived (and without “good runner”) but I lost 445 camels effectively stopping my lust for expansion for a couple of turns or more. I killed 591 good Frenchmen, so I reckon I’ll get them in the long run.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/templarcharge.jpgOh my God! Where did they come from?!?
1214: Three-star Prince Ali, with the reassuring *one* shield of loyalty, is sent to Tripoli to make sure the French doesn’t get any smart ideas. They stay put however, and I train camels like there was no tomorrow. Or perhaps more like there was a crusade coming my way…
1215: My ten turns are up, and I disband all non-camel, non-prince units, leaving me pretty thin on most fronts (counted 1100 camels total). In those 10 turns I only managed to gain one province and roughly lose 2/3 of my camels. Not a bad start. At least I produce 160 camels a turn from four provinces. Hopefully the Horde won’t come my way in 1230…

To be continued...

[Martok]

Heh. A very intriguing premise for a campaign indeed, KotR. ~;) It'll be interesting to see how things progress, particularly given the rules/guidelines you've set for yourself. Looking forward to it. :2thumbsup:

[Raz]

Ooh, camels... Can't wait for more... :2thumbsup:
And don't worry about those Mongols, they won't have a clue what hit them, they'll say "Hang on, I thought we were the horde here?" Also, you do know how hard western europe will be to take on? Gothic knights in heavy armour vs Camel Warriors with no armour + the penalty for camels in lush terrain... Hmm. Not to mention that your petty camel archers won't do a thing when their arrows bounce off that inch thick steel.

Oh, I haven't played vanilla for a while, does the HRE even produce gothic knights? I guess not because of all the requirements. :thinking:

[Knight of the Rose]

Raz: I only have Beduin Warriors. No Archers...

2nd Chapter: 1215-1230

1216: Spanish take Cyrencia through a bribe and open up my western front. I begin the second battle of Antioch with my 580 camels, but it ends in disaster as the numerous Order Foot tear them apart. The camels apparently don’t like pointy sticks. Even the crossbows do well against my camels, and rout them to my surprise. After the battle I realised they must have had the “there is no escape” morale bonus that together with Expert difficulty made them impossible to rout.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/crossbows.jpg
They may look like regulars, but these guys saved the day for the french
1217: French crusade hits Egypt. 360 camels and 40 Ghulams against 816 crusaders. This time a good victory, as the march through the desert fatigues the French. The desert bonus is also nice, and the camels actually does some damage unlike in Antioch. My bad luck (or bad choice of house rules) places the 200 prisoners in Antioch after their ransom. I would have preferred them back in France… I begin a steady buildup
1221: The Spanish declare a crusade against Egypt! This puts me at war with the Spanish in Cyrencia
1222: Cyrencia is duly attacked and again the desert is with me. I wait just outside the reach of their ranged troops until the fourth quarter (I play with timer on) and charge! Though it was a victory, the guys with pointy sticks took an awful lot of camels before routing. Western border turned out to be almos, so no more expanding in that direction. No only am I waiting for the crusade but I also need more camels. I don’t expect the almos to be my friends for the rest of the game.
1227: Attacks Antioch for the third time, with a horde (900) of camels, and it is a total disaster. I spread them out in a wide fan trying to flank wherever I could. But my left flank was hit by archers and spearmen, almost instantly routing them. My center and right flank did only little damage, and even when I caught an Order Foot of 20 between two princes, 8 Ghulams charging in the front, 12 in the back, the spearmen prevailed in the end, though ‘loosing badly’ most of the time… I lost 391 camels and ghulams and only killed 108 Frenchmen. At this point I’m a little surprised I’m not facing civil war.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/camels.jpg
A beautiful army full of camel warriors. So far...
1228: The Spanish crusade reaches Cyrencia, numbering 1372 eager crusaders. I can field 900 camels and once again had the desert on my side. This time I used the Ghulams as a “heavy cavalry wall”, making them both hold formation and hold position against the charging spears. This way I could hold them off while flanking with the camels. I never caught the 50 jinites that came along for the party, but won the battle none the less. Though the camels prevailed, once again I lost almost half my army.
1230: Buildup again for another run at Antioch, or perhaps a horde defence.

At this point I am almost ready to quit the campaign. The camels are not able to do much damage to spears or armoured units. The cavalry of the western armies are worthless however, and I have no problems with them. And in the desert, camels rule. Half of them die, yes, but they rule.
But the spearmen! Oh my! What can I do against the spearmen??? And I’ve yet to see serious action against polearms...:sweatdrop:

Do you think I can win this?

[bondovic]

Do you think I can win this?

Dude. That is a handful for anyone. I hope I can provoke you into seeing this through by saying 'No!'. :yes:

It sounds fun!

[Jxrc]

Seems a hard one to win but that's looks fun (I assume that your aim is a GA victory since you cannot really hope to conquer the whole map)

Some bending of your rules could make the campaign last a bit longer.

Would suggest to allow handgunners. Egyptian handgunners are not as good as the vanilla one so that it's not a huge bonus but with loads of micromanaging you could perhaps rout those pesky spearmen ... Will remain quite hard though.

[Martok]

Do you think I can win this?
Hard to say, although it's still probably too soon to tell. I think your main problem is going to come should you decide to invade mainland Europe, since (as Raz pointed out earlier) camels are penalized when fighting in lush terrain. Of course that's not really an issue yet since your current lands are all desert/arid/semi-arid provinces, but you may have some real difficulties should you attempt to expand beyond Anatolia and the Pyrenees. :sweatdrop:

[Tony Furze]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Camel_seitlich_trabend.jpg


WOW! That's bigger than I expected...camel training in the snow.

[Timsup2nothin]

Just for clarity, that snowbound camel is not an Arabian camel as would be ridden by our illustrious campaigner. Too humpy, too hairy.

[Raz]

... two too many humps, too. ~:joker:
I know, I know. if it had two too many humps it'd have no humps at all. But I just had to slip that joke in somewhere. :grin:

[Knight of the Rose]

In light of the recent...encouragement...I've decided to continue the campaign.

3rd Chapter: Return of the Jedi

1231: Bended the rules, nah – broke the rules by allowing retraining of princes and kings, as they are badly needed to take out the spearmen. I also began massive training of assasins and spies. I haven’t really mentioned them in the rules, so I thought it was ok. The horde arrived at Khazar only, and will probably not be a problem, at least not an immediate one. Once again I attack Antioch, as things has gotten personal with me and Mr. Cadoc (leader of the French). There are now only 441 frenchmen, yet it was another failure as the Order Foot cuts through my camels as a hot knife through butter. I managed to kill 82, and this is now officially a war of attrition.
1233: Rebellion in Antioch – apparently being excommed with the pope didn’t suit the crusaders in the holy land. It turned out to be quite a disappointment to me, as only a newbuildt hobilar joined the rebels and was crushed without a dent in the loyalist army. Check out my nemisis:
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/cadoc1.jpg
1234: 5th battle of Antioch, 1390 camels vs. 354 French. This time I finally realise why the Order Foot is giving me so much trouble.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/orderfoot1.jpg
Count the little flags… yeah – that’s 11 of them, right there, together with good defence, armour, 'no retreat' morale and anti-camel pointy sticks. Oy! I think I have a headache… I throw everything at them, charge in the front, flank and rear, make them run across the map forever. They won’t die. As a final frustrated move I engage my Sultan, and he dies. Oh, the bitterness. Killed 241 though… Next time Mr. Cadoc.
1235: Start throwing multiple assasins at Mr. Cadoc - nothing personal, I asure you :whip: . Even a general who is invincible in battle, is as vulnerable as a child when asleep. :stwmean: The assasins all fail though, even at good odds (17%)
1236: A hero! Fakhr al-Din, 5 star skilled attacker camel hero. I need you boy, I need you badly.
1241: My spies revealed a vice on Mr. Cadoc. "Spy Network" :inquisitive: It was the first time I ever revealed a vice, normally I don't use spies much. The effect was hard to tell. Seems loyalty for Mr. Cadoc went down from 10 to 5 shields though?
1242: The 6th battle of Antioch, with the camel hero in front and retrained princes at his side. In total 1880 camels and 60 Ghulams vs. 330 French. I’ll bet you al-Din won’t progress in virtues with these odds. The 11 valor beasts are now numbering 67, the rest of the French forces consist of Turcopoles and peasants. Once again the camels slice through everything but the jedi unit of Order Foot. And once again I throw camels into the jedies, to no use, as the French prevail without a dent. Then I run them around the map trying to excaust them. In the end I lead them onto a steep slope and at the lowest point I charge two Ghulam princes into their rear with hight advantage while the Order Foot Jedies slaughter an unit of camels set on hold formation - it only makes the camels last an instance longer, but this time it is enough! The Ghulams privail, and it is a victory! The retrained princes together with 6 star general proved to much for the Order Foot, though again they alone killed 350 camels before going down. A siege is begun.
1243: As the castle won’t fall without a direct assult I pull out to attack again the next turn.
1244: 7th battle of Antioch, and it’s a walk in the park, I even capture Mr. Cadoc. After a little questioning, he is ransomed back to France - or perhaps Cyprus. Yet 3 turcopoles manages to escape and makes the tatic a total failure as the siege continues. That was not the plan.
1245: Attacking with assasins, I take out the last three defenders in the next three turns. That’s another first… I had 8 assasins and there were three defenders locked up in the castle of death...
1250: The campaign is at a crossroad. The French are eliminated from the mainland, western border secure, not many Almos, but need more spies to asses their forces better. Turks have a massive army in Constantinople and are the most developed in the world. My best asset is Fakhr who is appointed Master of the Stables and thus became an 8 star when attacking.

Who do you think I should take on next? :juggle2:

/KotR

[bondovic]

Bleeding nice to hear the story is still going.

I understand that you don't allow training of Berber Camels? In that case I'd say harass the Turks into attacking you in sand desert climate. If you get a decisive victory - try and finish them off. Or take as much as possible. No neighbour should be allowed to go critical mass.

Gw! :egypt:

[Vladimir]

Elmo. All that prime desert land for training camels. Besides, camels with bows are an abomination!

[Martok]

I'd say take out the Turks if you can, otherwise attack the Almos -- and then go after the Turks. :yes:

[Knight of the Rose]

@Vladimir: IIRC I can't train Beduin Warriors in other than my starting desert provinces. I was *very* dissapointed when I discovered I couldn't train camels in Cyrencia. :wall: For the rest of the campaign I can only train 160 camels a turn, and the random number of princes that can be retrained, now I've opened that avenue. I have a lot of agents now though :beam:

And there are no Camel Archers in my unit pool, only plain good old Beduin Warriors. I decided that they would rule in the desert no matter what and have added armor to my training facilities. So now they are morale-boosted and carry a little armor. When attacking with the camel hero they're not half bad.

I think I'll take out the Turks, and will post a strategy-discussion post as soon as possible. As you might have guessed by now, my game-time in RL is quite limited. So have patience...:2thumbsup:

/KotR

[Vladimir]

@Vladimir: IIRC I can't train Beduin Warriors in other than my starting desert provinces. I was *very* dissapointed when I discovered I couldn't train camels in Cyrencia. :wall: For the rest of the campaign I can only train 160 camels a turn, and the random number of princes that can be retrained, now I've opened that avenue. I have a lot of agents now though :beam:

And there are no Camel Archers in my unit pool, only plain good old Beduin Warriors. I decided that they would rule in the desert no matter what and have added armor to my training facilities. So now they are morale-boosted and carry a little armor. When attacking with the camel hero they're not half bad.

I think I'll take out the Turks, and will post a strategy-discussion post as soon as possible. As you might have guessed by now, my game-time in RL is quite limited. So have patience...:2thumbsup:

/KotR

A simple change to the text files should allow you to be able to recruit camels all across the desert. Just remember the names of the provinces.

[seireikhaan]

A simple change to the text files should allow you to be able to recruit camels all across the desert. Just remember the names of the provinces.
Bear in mind that when modding, there isn't such a thing as 'Cyrenacia'. At least the editors I've used instead use "Libya" for Cyrenacia. Proved quite bothersome for a bit, until I'd figured it out.

[Ironsword]

Keep this up KoTR! This post has made me laugh so much.

"...The castle of death..." :laugh4:

[Knight of the Rose]

Preceding chapter 4: Planning the invasion;

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/strat.jpg

My forces are almost completely camels. The turks in Armenia consist of (besides cav and archers with I imagine will be the easiest to take out) 100 Armoured Spears (AS) 100 Regular spears (R) and 300 peasants (P). Lesser Armenia has 0 spears and 400 P. Rum has 184 AS, 285 R and 200 P. Nicea has 100 AS. Georgia has 25 Ghulams. Anatolia 60 R (& 6 star general). Constantinople 570 AS, 384 R & 100 P. Total known turk forces 5.533
The turks outnumber my invasionforce roughly 2:1, but the bulk of their forces are in Constantinople. It would be most desirable to trap one of their armies, but the board doesn't really show a good path to do so. Or am I wrong?

I'm currently considering invading Rum and Lesser Armenia in the first turn by 1) Completely emptying Syria into Rum 2) Moving camels from Antioch and Edessa into Lesser Armenia.
Turn 2 I could move some of the troops in Rum back to Syria to prevent a counter-move from Armenia, but in my experience the AI would more probably try to lift the siege in Rum. Therefore part of the troops successful in taking Lesser Armenia would go to Rum to repel that attack, a small part stay to keep the siege in LA and rest of them go for Anatolia.
Turn 3 would most likely see the relief force from Constantinople hitting the front after going through Trebizond. If I still have Rum, I wouldn't have taken the castle yet, and that could be a promising target for the Turks. That would be a massive battle, but at the same time I could move troops into Treb from Anatolia and into Armenia from Syria (only a few reinforcements from training turn 1 & 2 = 160 camels) and withdraw from Rum. This would completely isolate the newly liberated Rum.
Turn 4 Attack Rum with every available camel.

What do you think?

[Martok]

Well ideally, I think you want to take Armenia, Rum, and Lesser Armenia simultaneously if at all possible. If it's *not* possible, however, then your plan is as good as anything I could come up with. So long as you don't over-extend yourself and are prepared for that small horde in Constantinople to come after you, you should be okay.

Either day, though, I wish you luck! :sweatdrop: :medievalcheers:

[I of the Storm]

Sounds good. Although ... it's 1250: what about the GH? Did they turn up yet?

[bondovic]

I always tend to go for a single decisive victory and then picking up the pieces. Your plan plays to a scenario like this, which is why I appreciate it. All eggs in one basket? Sort of, but the timing seems right for such a manouvre. If you bet nothing you can't win. Your odds are good enough - go for broke! :2thumbsup:

[mps247]

This is such an interesting idea, and I like the way you have presented it! I burst out laughing at your posts. Even though it is a long way off, I really hope you won't stop with the Turks, but continue through the Byzantines, Hungarians, Germans, French - even the English on their island! Camels in Wessex would be quite a sight!

I think your plan is good. I would invade Lesser Armenia with everything you have in Tripoli, and Rum with everything in Edessa and one of your stacks in Syria. If you loose the battle for Lesser Armenia, but get Rum, I would consider withdrawing from Rum so you minimise the number of borders you have.

However, even if you lose Rum, as long as you get Lesser Armenia you have gained a province without increasing your borders. So, if you conquer Rum, and then the AI tries to lift the siege, perhaps it may be better to withdraw from Rum, and let the Turks have it back.

[Knight of the Rose]

4th Chapter: The Great Leap North, or, The End of the Turks 1250-1260

Considering the last entry, I actually did something different. I waited a turn and moved half my forces in Cyrenacia to the northen front, and only then began the attack on the Turks. This gave me an extra 400 camels for the invasion.

1250: Buildup…
1251: I began the backstab (Turks were my allies: “Well tough luck guys, I swear you can trust me in the next game. Honestly!” with an all out attack on three provinces: Lesser Armenia, Anatolia and Rum. The move proved a total success as they withdrew to castles in all three cases. But it only delayed the outcome… The attack must have been quite a shock to the Turkish Sultan who died from old age the same turn. At the same time I was announced to be the richest faction. And I didn’t even have a single trade post.
1252: Kept up the pace by attacking Armenia, and at the same time preventing a counter-move into now almost camel-empty Syria. It’s dead even, and the Turks decide to stand and fight this time. 1120 camels invade the region defended by 1176 Turks, but more importantly there are armoured spearmen in the ranks of the enemy. In the beginning it’s an even fight, but the camels quikly take down the horse archers and the medium cavalry, and when the spearmen are sandwiched between two or three units of camel warriors, they break and flee. Phew! Lost 245, but killed 305, and took 524 prisoners. But when the Turks proved unable to pay the ransom, it was a heavy blow to their fighting strength. At the same time the 246 Turks (hereof 120 peasants), under their second-best general 6-star al-Turkumani, sallied in Anatolia as their situation was hopeless. My captain was al-Qaim: a zero-star nobody, but backed up by 750 camels, he proved capable. Though he lost 200 camels he took Mr. Turkumani, but his fate was no different from his countrymen in Armenia. Thus the second turn of the attack showed a loss of over 1000 Turks and one of their finest generals. Furthermore the other sieges continued. The response force from Constantinople arrived in Trebizond, roughly 900 men under the leadership of Sultan Selim II. Not an especially frightening foe.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/selim2.jpg
1253: I attack Trebizond with more than 1000 camels in the belief that the “more troops get there first” rule would make the battle happen in Treb. In the process Armenia was abandoned: I was trying to catch and destroy the Armies, not slowly occupying Asia Minor. But I was fooled, big time. The Sultan marched into Rum, and put an end to the siege. I withdrew without a fight. Treb is won though. And Lesser Armenia sallies, as expected, and they were dealt with. Somewhat unexpectedly I’ve cut the Turkish empire in half. But is Treb to close to The Big C and its enormous garrison?
1254: Empties Treb for show-down battle in Rum. Thought I could cut them off completely by attacking Armenia simultaneously. But I was fooled again. Treb was taken by a small relief force and the Armenian garrison was bolstered from Rum. I had to retreat from both provinces, but the Turks withdrew from Rum. As an extra bonus Rum is abandoned completely and I take the castle.
1255: I renew the attacks on Armenia and Treb – housing the Sultan – now that the “trap ‘em in Rum” plan failed. The Sultan retreats to Nicea and the Turks withdraw without a fight in both provinces. I’m a little puzzeled at this, because I don’t outnumber them badly, perhaps I had 10-20 % more than them. They fear the camel.
1256: I imagined this should be a buildup round to consolidate the gains. But the Turks thought differently… They invade Treb with almost all their remaining forces – 3200 Turks. Their leader is the infamous Selim II. It could have been ‘Uncle Gazi’ (8-star former prince) who also joined the battle, but as he is not the Sultan, command goes to 1-star Selim II. My leader is 9-star ad-Din ‘The Camel Hero’, with 1800 camels, and the difference in command lures me to do this battle. There were a lot of spears in the Turks’ army, and as the armies faced each other on hills separated by a valley I realised I had placed my army and more importantly ad-Din within the reach of a trebuchet.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/camelhero.jpg
ad-Din and his host, just before they see a big rock splatter a couple of camels. General sniping? That is not a decent conduct!
The spears proved somewhat troublesome, and some camels had to be sacrificed to ensure rear charges. And yet it was a brilliant success. The spears didn’t kill the camels fast enough, and the archers and cavalry was overrun. The valor bonus played a big part here. Killed 470, but more importantly captured 880. And the Turks could not make the ransom!
1257: To exploit the recent victory ad-Din ‘Camel Hero’ ‘Fox of the Desert’ (& now skilled defender) takes on Nicea. The Turks invest Uncle Gazi, but he decides to lock himself up in the castle instead of fighting the camel horde and the ‘Desert Wind’ ad-Din. (I’m still working on a good nick-name for ad-Din. Perhaps ‘Matematician’ (ad-din, addin’ – get it?)) My Sultan dies of old age, and a new nobody is crowned. At this moment my royal line is quite incapable, and I use heroes and uncles in battle. As a result I continuously get reports of brewing plots. Meanwhile, Armenia falls to the camel siege.
1258: Success in Armenia opens up Georgia where they retreat and bring peace to the eastern front. At the western front, I make a little gamble and leaves Nicea and attacks Big C, though I’m a little short on camels. I anticipate a relief force going out from Constantinople to save Uncle Gazi. It turned out I was partial correct. There was a relief force, but it only consisted of Sultan Selim II. I imagine the shouts of joy in the Nicea Castle at the news of a recently arrived army from Constantinople, turning to desperate disappointment as it turns out to be the Sultan and nobody else. And then the news that the siege is lifted! What an utter surprise!
Well, the battle in Constantinople is close. 1300 camels vs. 1900 Turks. The initial setup reveals only three spear units. Rest of them archers and horse archers. This prompts a new tactic I called ‘The Camel Hammer’. Quite simple, really: Select all units. Click in the middle of enemy formation. Watch. When in range of enemy archers, run forward. When close, charge.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/camelcharge.jpg
The few camels caught by spears were slaughtered, but the enemy formation was scattered and the battle became a mess. Camels chasing HA’s in all directions. New reinforcements coming on, while my battered camels tried to regroup. A capture of all Turk spearunits trying to chase routing camels, and at the end a small defeat as I realised I had brought on all the reserves, and the Turks outnumbered me in the field. I gave up and left, killing roughly 1000 Turks, loosing 760 camels.
1259: Picking up the pieces, I attack the two last Turkish provinces, predominantly moving camels at Constantinople and a more modest against Nicea. Uncle Gazi returns to Big C, but facing the camel horde he takes the entire garrison and tries to retreat to Nicea. This makes the battle of Nicea a last stand for the Turks. If they win, the main army is safe and ready to cause all sorts of trouble. If they loose, they’ll lose everything. And it’s an equal battle. My new Sultan is in charge, maybe that was a mistake, but he could use the experience. 380 camels vs. 360 turks. https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/endofturks.jpg
Half of them armoured spears, which make the battle difficult. The battle opens, and the Turks have hidden the spearmen in a wood somewhere. Realising the opportunity, I rush the rest of them with all the camels. This time there is no gap in valor and the cavalry take their toll on the camels. At the same time the spears burst out of the woods to join the fight. But it is too late. The cavalry is broken by the camel horde, and the spears are run around the map. Before they are engaged the Sultan falls. A miserable fate for a miserable enemy. The first spears falls after a quick and fierce fight, being charged from all sides. The second unit, the last 100 of the Turks, are hit by 5 units of camel at the same time and breaks immediately. It is a victory! All 1434 Turks under uncle Gazi is caught and executed (no one could pay their ransom). Gunpowder comes online.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/strategy1260.jpg
So I'm victorious in this war. Right now the map screams for buildup, as I'm making +5k every round, and I'm a little thin on most fronts. No immediate threat though, so many options. The Hungarians are the most impressive enemy at the moment. I'm considering an invasion of Italy.

What do you think?

/KotR

[Martok]

Wow, KotR. I congratulate you on your victory over the nefarious Turks! ~:cheers:

As far as what your next move should be, I absolutely concur that your immediate needs should be to consolidate your new gains and beef up your defenses (particularly in Georgia and Big C). After that, I would probably go after the Sicilians or Italians, whichever one you feel is the greater threat.

As for your general ad-Din, I think his nickname should be The Great Camel. Surely he could crave no greater title. ~;)

[Timsup2nothin]

As for your general ad-Din, I think his nickname should be The Great Camel. Surely he could crave no greater title. ~;)

How about 'The Heavy Humper'?

[Martok]

How about 'The Heavy Humper'?
Heh. I would say probably not, if only because it would be too easy to imbue it with innuendo. Besides which, it's just not as complimentary. ~;p

[Knight of the Rose]

5th chapter: A new Hope

1260: The great build-up commences. I decide to win Africa before going Europe, as the Italians, Sicilians and Popists all duke it out for Italy. The horde and the Polish give and take, and the Hungarians face a camel horde in Big C. Uncle as-Sahin gains third star, and maybe he could be worth something…
1261-1267: Massive camel, naval and agent building. Treasury is filling quicker than I can spend the money though… Prince Ali comes of age, and he is just plain useless. He’s the heir though, and I consider making him lead the army through Africa to at least pick up a little command.
1268-1270: Starts massive naval combat against the Italians, both to undermine their income, but more importantly to make way for a general invasion of Italy. ‘The Uncle’ is made governor of Constantinople and gains 2 stars.
1271: Al-Adil, the second son (or so I thought – he later proved to be the Sultans little brother. M1TW could be a little more specific on these matters) comes of age. He has two stars, and so he’s in charge of the African trek. Italians are excommed, invaded by the pope, losing their trade and to make it all sweeter they loose a massive battle in Greece to the Hungarians immediately plunging them into civil war. They went from serious opponent to minor annoyance in one turn.
1272: Tunesia is invaded and the grand move west begun. Prince Adil is in charge of almost 2000 camels. It’s the Almos last territory, and they fight much more fiercely than expected! As I wasn’t paying attention the Almos had surrounded the Prince, and he was the last man fighting in his unit before being saved by a massive camel charge.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/alone.jpg
Hey guys, I could need a little help here!
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/escape.jpg
The Escape
They killed 312 camels, but it was the end of the Almos. Crete joined the rebels in the Italian civil war, and I took them with ‘the uncle’ in this turn as well.
1273: ‘The uncle’ gains his 6th star, and he is given the ‘Command of a thousand’ (or some such) bringing him to 8-star status. Just in time, as ad-Din ‘The Great Wind of the Camel’ suddenly discovers he has an odd number of toes. Oh dear.:no:
1274: The Prince al-Adil storms the castle in Tunesia and gains a third star.
1275: The attack on the Spanish in Africa is begun. Both a land invasion and a naval battle are planned, but the Spanish withdraw to the castle. At sea the Spanish ships are giving me a little trouble and the reinforcements have to walk from Tunesia to get to the front.:sweatdrop:
1276: I expected a counter-attack from the Spanish as the castle was about to fall this turn, and I wasn’t disappointed. Bringing in a lot of spears and archers but hardly any cavalry they number 2788 mixed troops. The most troublesome would prove to be the chivalric sergeants. Al-Adil could muster 1944 camels as well as his own bodyguard. It was a massive battle: The Spanish decided to charge straight into my formation (cleverly placed on a hilltop at the far end of the map) giving ample opportunity to flank at will. But the armoured spearmen, in the desert, fatigued by walking to the far end, still put up a good fight. :thumbsdown: Even the vanilla spearmen manage to do some damage. Only when charged from all sides completely cutting them off from the rest of their comrades they break, and in the end, the camel horde is victorious! I lost 937 camels, almost half my army, but the Spanish lost 2154 after failing to pay the ransom.
1277: I start a little rebuilding before resuming the attacks on the Spanish who continues to win naval battles. I also assassinated prince Ali, ‘the worthless’, making al-Adil crown prince. Or so I thought: My dynasty plans were foiled by the coming of age of a young Prince who became heir. That made al-Adil an uncle. A status he is currently contemplating. Perhaps it is time for a change of fortunes in the Egyptian court. As a curiosity ad-Din dies of old age, but as I don’t play with green generals there’s no loss.
1278: Preparing to go to Iberia, I have 1550 camels in Alger, the Spanish roughly 2100 in Morocco, the odd garrisons and 500 men in Portugal. I expect to have naval dominance in the near future, and a constant flow of camels.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/Iberianinvasion.jpg
How do you think I should outline the attack, maybe landing troops in Leon? And should al-Adil go all the way and claim the throne?

/KotR

[Martok]

How do you think I should outline the attack, maybe landing troops in Leon?
That, and/or possibly Castille itself. It looks like the Spanish have left most of Iberia woefully under-defended, so a naval invasion just about anywhere would probably be successful.



And should al-Adil go all the way and claim the throne?
Depends on how good/crappy the new crown prince is, and whether al-Adil would be worth more to you as a Sultan who'd eventually die, or as an effectively immortal general (since his successor will have the same stats).

If the new prince has at least semi-decent stats, then I would probably just let him become Sultan when the time comes. If he truly is worthless, however, then yes perhaps al-Adil should make a move.

[Knight of the Rose]

Well folks, both my own interest, and as far as I can tell yours as well, is failing for the campaing. So I've decided to end it with a blast.

The planned invasion of Iberia is abandoned and all available camels moved to docks all over the Egyptian empire. Ships as far as the eye can see are loaded with beduin warriors, bringing 'the great camel' and his followers to the shores of Italy. The goal is the city of cities. Rome is held by the scicilians as a part of a mighty struggle between the Italian factions. But now is the time to bring it under the heel of the camel Sultan, now is the day. The day of the camel.

Stay tuned for the report, the last on this topic, the final chapter.

/KotR

[mps247]

Stay tuned for the report, the last on this topic, the final chapter.

No, say it isn't so! Please say you will reconsider!!! Your campaign brings light to my dark existence (OK, not really, but it contributes - look, I'm trying to persuade you to continue, and using every trick I know).

Excuse me - I need to go and ~:mecry:

[Caliburn]

I for one find it very interesting, we haven't had any camels on snowy conditions here, nor in lush terrain... There should be a bang, but no end yet! I can see how it can get tedious, working your way upwards, and how difficult it can get if you can't reinforce your force via fleets (no trade doesn't mean no boats, though?).

Out of curiosity, what kind of improvements you use for the humpies? It's a horde, so you can't have them all superbly armoured and with +3 morale bonuses, but some just might...

I can imagine your "camel horde" taking a more defined shape: "heavy camel" or "cataphract camels" alongside "veteran light camel" and "camel light" wings!

[Martok]

Gah! Why would you quit?? Certainly my interest hasn't waned -- I promise you that. ~D

I've been eagerly waiting this whole time to see what would happen with Iberia, and whether al-Adil was going to make a grab for the throne. Surely you wouldn't deprive me.... :stare:

[Timsup2nothin]

I must confess my own somewhat demented interest has not waned either. What's that saying from the camel theater? The show must hump on, or something like that...

[Vladimir]

More CAMEL! please

[bamff]

I am the first to admit that I am no fan of these ill tempered and foul mannered beasts.....

BUT

I have hugely enjoyed reading of your exploits, Knight of the Rose, so add my voice to the growing cry of "Ride on, noble Camel Lord!"

[drone]

More CAMEL!
Guess what! I got a fever... and the only prescription... is more CAMEL!

[oz_wwjd]

Actually I'd love to see a +3 armour and weapon upgraded camel horde,although your opponents might not..

[Caliburn]

No iron in those parts, I'm afraid... But mosques and armourers and ribats and whatnot make them formidable anyway.

[Knight of the Rose]

WOW ~:eek: I noticed that the number of views of this thread was quite high - well at least compared to other topics, but I hadn't imagined such an outcry. One of the finer things in life is that you learn as long as you live. I've learned two things.

1) I can't quit this campaign just yet. I'm not allowed to :beam: Allright - I'll forget about Rome, try to knock out the Spanish, and at the same time cause some drama at the Egyptian High Court. I've deleted save after the somewhat suicidal mustering for the Italian attack and is now "Back on Track".

2) In order to make this campaing bearable, I need to mod. The production of four provinces just aren't enough to match the capabilities of the emergent superpowers of Europe. I need to make more camels, and at the same I need just a little more diversion to keep my interest.

Thus, the goal to beat the game with the original setup is lost. I happily contest, that it is impossible to win 60% as vanilla goes. If somebody else can prove me wrong, by all means go ahead. I don't have the stamina for it.

So I will try to get Camel Archers a part of my rooster, and train them in my African provinces, and make "normal" camels trainable in all my current provinces. This should give me a more enjoyable setup, and bring me and my camels to the heart of Europe.

And as to the nature of my camels: The Camels are now as per standard buildt with +2 armour and +5 (I think?) morale upgrades from the two morale buildings (Mosque and Ribat). The camels recruited in Egypt has extra armour, bringing them to +4. And yes - I use them in a somewhat twisted form of combined arms, having "light camels" (no armour, buildt in the beginning of the campaign) as flankers/bait/archer-targets), heavily armoured camels as main center, and high valour camels (veterans from previous battles) as second line gap-stoppers.

/KotR

[oz_wwjd]

Just a question but have you tried the tiberius mod? I think it adds Elite Bedouin Camel Warriors or something like that to the egyptians roster as I've fought against them numerous times and they seem to be tougher than stock camels..

[mps247]

I've learned two things.

1) I can't quit this campaign just yet. I'm not allowed to :beam:

Yes! Thank you! I've stopped crying now. :2thumbsup:

[Martok]

I just goes to show you, KotR: People are more interest in camels than they'd like to admit. ~;)

Can't wait for the next update! :egypt:

[Timsup2nothin]

I just goes to show you, KotR: People are more interest in camels than they'd like to admit. ~;)

Can't wait for the next update! :egypt:

How do you know we are people, not camels?

[mps247]

How do you know we are people, not camels?

Judging by the amount of camels KotR requires in this campaign, we would all have been recruited by now.

[Martok]

....And mps247 gets the award for the biggest laugh I've had this week. :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:


Knight of the Rose: So when are we going to get the next update, anyway? Inquiring minds want to know! :smash:

[Knight of the Rose]

I can now confirm I've modded and rigged the game, played a couple of hours tonight, and will have an update ready (perhaps) already tomorrow...

Teaser: There will be incidents, "lost" orders, murder, high treason, a massive desert battle and lots and lots of camels, more than ever before. :yes:

/KotR

[Martok]

:jumping:

[Kamakazi]

i await the update with great anticipation.........

[Knight of the Rose]

6th chapter: The Rise of a New Dynasty

1279: After travelling trough the harsh desert wastelands, and visiting numerous desert sheiks, al-Adil finally secured the aid of the Berber nomads. Though for the time being only in Algier. There were promises, however, that with sufficient donations, berber camels would be available in more provinces. Though the archer-warriors were looked down upon by the more rough beduins, who considered the bow a cowards weapon, al-Adil knew they could bring new possibilities to the battlefield. More importantly, these new warriors had sworn oaths in his name, not the Sultans. At the same time, all over the empire, new Beduin tribes, following the footsteps of conquest, were gathering forces. But these “young tribes” as they were referred to by the old beduin elite, sought to make a name for them selves. And new land, or at least the promise of such gains. In Cairo, the Sultan was more than pleased with these new recruits, but failed to realise the potential for change they brought with them. Who would question the legitimacy and value of the Sultan and his young prince? He could not imagine. But in Algier, al-Adil was openly securing the aid of many new beduin leaders. For now, there was not much he could offer. But Iberia had vast stretches of land capable of holding future beduin and berber warlords, and this capital was what al-Adil held in front of them. This same year uncle as-Sahin dies of old age.
1280: The current dynasty consists of the Sultan, the young heir, two youngsters soon to come of age (11 and 10 years respectively) and al-Adils uncle Mohammed. Al-Adil knew he’d have to act now, though he still faced a respectable outer enemy in the Spanish who had managed to gather impressive numbers in Morocco. Or maybe this enemy could turn into a more personal ally? With the help of the brotherhood of thieves in Algier, he managed to produce a summoning in the name of the Sultan of Prince Mohammed to the western front. As soon as these false orders were sent, prince al-Adil shipped another set of secret orders. This time to the brotherhood of knives in Constantinople. Their services had been frowned upon by the Sultan, but al-Adil were more appreciative of their worth. The young prince, currently enjoying the pleasures of the city and the attention from the old elite after being announced heir, was in the way of al-Adils progress. The price was high, and al-Adil could not raise the money with his current standing. But the brotherhood of knives knew that future contracts might be more valuable than immediate payment, and accepted the deal. In the summer, when a ceasefire with the Italians prompted a massive feast in Constantinople, the knives struck against the brothel the young prince had so carelessly ended his night. A night that ended his life as well.
1281: In Algier, prince Mohammed was now the heir, but this information escaped him most curiously. Apparently all the messengers and runners in Africa reported back to the network of informants ultimately held by al-Adil. Mohammed was not only summoned by the Sultan to defend Algier, but also to attack Morocco. So said his orders from Cairo, though there was a little detail with the signet on the orders. Mohammed considered this odd, but thought it came from the hardship endured by the ships fighting their way from Cairo through the Spanish blockade. In the spring, Al-Adils scouts, most benevolently put under Mohammeds charge, reported the Spanish had in large numbers withdrawn from Morocco. Trying to capitalise on this change of fortunes, he ordered a massive invasion. During the entire march reports kept flowing in on massive numbers of camels joining his own regiments. Though Mohammed never saw them himself, the reports were reassuring. At the day of the battle, the Spaniards had deployed spears in masses, and then there where handgunners, archers and militiamen as well. Mohammed felt glad that there were many more camels in reserve on the other side of the hill, just behind him. Without them, this battle would surely be lost. Had he known the Spanish totalled 2700 men, he would have hesitated, as this number was almost 4 times higher than the reports he received. But as he was assured the 800 men on the desert hill he could see himself was all the Spanish could field, he charged confident he would be the hero of the day, and the champion of the Sultan. Mohammed ordered a flanking manoeuvre on both the Spanish flanks and took charge of the main center in the army. As the attack was ordered, he closed in on the numerous chivalric sergeants with the Tower of Castille on their shields. They would fall, as all men did, against the might of the camels, and his ingenious tactics. He and his bodyguard lowered their lances: the beautiful desert morning would soon see his hour of triumph! The fighting was hard, though, and the many long spears were difficult to avoid. Somehow he and his men could not quite get close enough to kill, as long as the enemy wasn’t pressed on the flanks. He could hear the screams of his men as the fell. Where are the flankers? And where are the reinforcements?? He barely dodged a thrust from a spearman in yellow and delivered his own lance in the opponent’s chest. But in doing so, it broke, and disarmed him. As he looked up, there were only three bodyguards left, and not a camel nearby. Several camels were routing, and on the flanks there was noone to see. At this moment Mohammed realised he was abandoned. He realised that all the reports were fake, and he was to die this day. Was it the Sultan? He could not believe it! But his orders…? Just before three chivalric sergeants closed in and with their spears brought down his mount, he remembered the signet. The last thought he ever would have, was on al-Adil. Then an armoured spike went through his armour and ended his life.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/falloftheprince.jpg
The death of a Prince, and the end of a Rival
1282: A rival short, and a year away from the coming of age of the Sultans second son, everything was going according to plan for al-Adil. But it demanded high treason to assure the final goal, the ultimate goal. To be Sultan, instead of the Sultan. Again the brotherhood of knives were summoned. The Sultan received reports from one of his most trusted agents, the chief of internal security in Constantinople. Not only had he the same day heard the word of a disastrous defeat in Morocco, costing the life of his brother, but now he heard that a plot was brewing against him in Constantinople. As he entered the chiefs chamber in the imperial palace with his three bodyguards, he complained of this fact. “You have other things to worry about” the chief said, but it was not the chief, but a brother of the knife! As two of his bodyguards plunged in between them, he moved closer to his oldest bodyguard Fayed. Something was not quite as it should be with Fayed, the Sultan thought, but forgot it again as the assassin was brought down. Still in shock from the assault, the Sultan watched the two bodyguards hauled the body away, and he was alone with his last remaining bodyguard. “So the reports were right, Fayed. But… By Allah, you are not Fayed! Who are you?!?”. “Me, most illustrious Sultan?”, answered the man as he drew his knife. “I… am the backup.”
1283: The crowing of al-Adil in Cairo was the most spectacular feast in the empire since the celebration of the victory against the Turks.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/aladil.jpg
Long live the Sultan!
There were many of the chiefs of the young tribes present, and their joy was boundless. There were also, however, many of the old houses, who did not appreciate the change of fortunes. As he passed the cheering crowds, al-Adil knew that many things were demanded of him. Gold to ensure the loyalty of the informants he had gathered, gold for the loyalty of the brotherhood of knives, and more importantly land for the increasing number of young ambitious camel riders who had so recently joined his cause. If he could not deliver, their support would be just as loyal to him, as they had been to his uncle. He decided that he had to move against the Spanish, whose numbers had increased dramatically in the last year, and whose lands were rich enough to support many camels.
1284: (and back in a more reporting AAR-style) The first offensive action for al-Adil as Sultan, were against the Spanish in Morocco, who totalled 3950 men under the leadership of Lord d’Antequera (3 stars). Sultan al-Adil (3 stars) could muster 3700 camels, the highest number ever in the history of the Egyptian empire. I was quite surprised that 8 years after loosing 2100 men in Algier, going down to roughly 2000 in Morocco, they could rebuild their army so fast. That’s almost 2000 new recruits in 7 turns! I need to take down the Spanish fast. And what’s more disturbing: They have build plenty of spears! Of the 3950 men, more than 1000 are spearmen! And in the first line-up they field 600 of them. With 15 camels and a Sultan’s bodyguard, I can bring 621 men to the battle. So I’m outnumbered 1,5/1, but it’s desert fighting and I have berber camels, four units to be exact, meeting the precise number of CA I can control without loosing my mind. The Spanish place themselves on a hill in the middle of the map. That’s good, as I get room to move around them. As the main line approaches the Spanish head on, the archers move to the rear of the enemy formation. The first wave tries a fake attack on the front and right side of the enemy formation, whereas the main attack is made on the left. The fake attacks do cause some confusion, and more than one spearman-unit is caught in the flank. But there are many spearmen, and they tend to rescue each other. Only in one case the attack is successful and the spearmen slaughtered. The second wave goes to the right of the formation, and I win some and loose some. Then the entire first setup is either dead or exhausted, and I withdraw all to bring a new fresh 16. The Spanish do the same, their second mix features some militia sergeants and more archers. I move the entire host of camels past the Spanish left flank, and this causes them to abandon the hill in favour of a hill in the corner. My insults against the screen are wasted, and they fail to loose honour from map edge abuse. In the move, I caught a couple of rear-guard units, but can’t intercept the army proper, before they are in a good position. After some skirmishing on their new left flank, I withdraw all I’ve got left and bring on a third wave of camels. This time, the Spanish have many archers, and I make a ‘Camel Hammer’ move, but now the desert turns against me! After having to march across the entire battlefield to get to the Spanish cozy-corner, all my camels are at one bar stamina. Again I win some and loose some, but I tend to loose a little more than I win. I realise I properly have to wear down the Spanish, each attack killing more than they can reinforce. And I withdraw. I killed 1260 Spanish, many of them annoying spearmen, and lost 930 camels. I could ransom back 137 though, so I only effectively lost 800. At this point I build 500 camels a turn.

At this point al-Adils future can only assured by winning Iberia in the near future. Will he succeed, or will there be another dynasty on the throne of Egypt before the end of the next chapter? Can the Spanish be worn down, or will there be a fight for the lives of the two empires? Certainly, the two young princes, sons of the murdered Sultan, are not readily accepting the changes of fortune cemented by the birth of al-Adils first son this year. And will we ever see camels fighting in the snow? This campaign isn’t over yet.

/KotR

[Martok]

All hail al-Adil, Sultan of the Fatamid empire!! :medievalcheers:

I enjoyed your hand at a more prose-style narrative, KotR, and I hope we get to see more in the future. That was very well done. :bow:



I move the entire host of camels past the Spanish left flank, and this causes them to abandon the hill in favour of a hill in the corner. My insults against the screen are wasted, and they fail to loose honour from map edge abuse.
That was a nice piece of "bamff-esque" humor there. It totally cracked me up. :laugh4:

[bamff]

I move the entire host of camels past the Spanish left flank, and this causes them to abandon the hill in favour of a hill in the corner. My insults against the screen are wasted, and they fail to loose honour from map edge abuse./KotR

Many are the times that my generals have also tried this tactic of hurling insults at the screen, and on each instance, they too have met with similarly unfavourable results!

Another superb instalment, KotR.

I look forward to reading of the next time your warriors clamber aboard their foul beasts to lurch comically forward (you can't really charge on a camel, can you?) for the greater glory of the camel empire!

[Martok]

Are you going to have an update for us anytime soon, KotR? Or is al-Adil having trouble throwing the Spanish out of Iberia? :sweatdrop:

[Knight of the Rose]

The campaign is still alive, but RL is busy for the moment. Just been to a weeks conference in Utah, arrived back in Europe yesterday.

ETU (Estimated Time of Update) is in a week...:sweatdrop:

/KotR

[Timsup2nothin]

Location: in the stabels with the camels. Contemplating a career move.

KotR, I have to say that is one of the most troubling combinations I've ever seen.

[Martok]

The campaign is still alive, but RL is busy for the moment. Just been to a weeks conference in Utah, arrived back in Europe yesterday.

ETU (Estimated Time of Update) is in a week...:sweatdrop:

/KotR

Ah. Fair enough, then. ~:)

[Knight of the Rose]

7th chapter: The Iberian War 1285-1290

1285: [My notes from this year has been lost – there was a battle in Morocco lead by Sultan al-Adil that cost many losses on both sides, but no serious breakthrough. Will be edited into the story when I find the papers.]
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/wave.jpg
Wave after wave of beautiful camel warriors on their way to glory for the Empire!
1286: ‘The Uncle’ 8 star general attacks the now depleted garrison in Morocco with both veterans from the last two battles and fresh camels from Constantinople and Georgia. The veterans have two valor on their own, turning them into 6-valor beasts in the hands of ‘the uncle’. Numbers start to rule the game, as the Spanish withdraw without a fight, leaving a garrison in the castle to rot.
1287: First invasion of Iberia as Cordoba and Granada is attacked. No reason to wait for the castle in Morocco to fall, I must keep the momentum in order to take out the enemy, who seems to prepare for the camel horde. The garrison of Castille is 800 chivalric spearmen!!! First, the garrison of Morocco sallies, knowing there will be no relief force. The Sultan has decided to take charge of the siege after ‘the uncle’s departure to Iberia. Rumors have it, that after loosing two battles in a row, the Sultan could not bear another failure. But the successes of ‘the uncle’ are putting the Sultan in a bad light, and he knows it. So the sally must be repelled. Not only for the fate of Morocco, but for al-Adil’s dynasty. The Sultan commands 800 camels, and the Spanish have a force of 600 of mixed quality. Unfortunately we’re out of the desert now, but I’m on the defence. The spearmen once again fight well, so do the militia sergeants, but the might of the camel is strong, and the flanking charges take them down in the end. Lost 260, killed 270. I took 290 ransom, but this time they could afford it. A good victory to al-Adil who regains his third star! :2thumbsup: In Cordoba the attack is lead by prince Baybars with 560 camels under his command. The resistance is impressive though. 820 Spanish, mostly archers defend the region. Thinking he could take on the archers the prince attacks, with himself bravely in the center. The many archers take their toll on the camels, though, and the armoured arbalasters and crossbowmen fight well in melee. In the end, while chopping through a unit of militia sergeants, the prince is hit by multiple bolts in the backside, and the army routs. A miserable loss of an heir and 430 camels. :wall: The Spanish feel the pressure, though, as they loose 510 men as well. The major battle of the year is fought in Granada, where the fleeing army from Morocco is joined by fresh reinforcements and decides to stand against ‘the uncle’ 2.100 camels vs. 2.000 Spanish, 700 of those are spears!!! It is a long and bloody battle, and in the end, it is a victory. A costly one though, as I loose 1.700 camels! The Spanish loose the province and 1.700 men as well. This bloody year I lost 2.500 camels. In one year! The Spanish losses are identical, after the ransom has been paid. I wonder if my quest for breakthrough has been stalled?
1288: Spanish navy disrupts my supply-lines and new recruits land in Tunesia, a long way from the front. Both the Spanish and I rearrange forces predicting more battles to come. To put pressure on the Spanish I decide that the Constantinople garrison properly can spare one stack of camels. Or so I hope. Morocco falls.
1289: To keep the pressure I launch a new attack on Cordoba. Using the 80 % rule (keep province loyalty at 80 %) I empty Morocco and Granada to maximize the number of camels available for assault. It seems to me, that a province need to go under 80 % to actually rebel the first turn after conquest. Or maybe I’ve just been lucky so far. The tactic proves successful as the Spanish withdraw from Cordoba, leaving a garrison in the stronghold, while peace settles in the newly conquered territory.
1290: Expecting a battle in Cordoba, I once again keep other garrisons low. Yet I can’t resist the temptation to invade both Castille and Valencia. The provinces are badly defended, and the bulk of the Spanish are in Portugal. But the AI decides to remind me of the very present navy, transporting the main army from Portugal into Granada! The small siege party there is broken, and flees to Cordoba. In Valencia, the garrison proves a little stronger than I thought, 200 chiv.serg. and a crossbow-unit. I could have sworn that there was only 100 chiv.serg. before I attacked, and I didn’t think the AI could build two units a turn??? Well, my bad, and I abandon the river crossing. But in Castille I decide to fight with my 360 camels, against jinites (40) and royal knights (16 bodyguards to prince Filipe) and 120 hvy. archers. It’s quality vs. quantity, and camels have an edge against the mounted foes. In the beginning of the battle, the archers are lured a bit away from the knights and jinites. Surrounded and charged from all sides, the archers are massacred without support from their commander. The battle ends with a massive charge against the royal knights who fight very well. Prince Filipe himself kills 19 camel warriors, including my general, the knights’ total camel kills were 78! But in the end they are overwhelmed and drawn from their horses. Castille is now under siege, but the joy of that victory quickly faded to the news from the East.
A massive reappearance of Turks in Armenia immediately throws the Empire into its worst crisis. Not only is there reports of a huge army, but to add insult to injury, the Turks are bringing camel warriors! All the home provinces are sketchly defended, and Armenia is a landlocked province. Al-Adil is reluctant to abandon the destruction of the Spanish, whose success in Granada is about to be contested by 5 stacks of reinforcement camels. But now these camels are badly needed on the eastern front!
The situation at the beginning of 1291:
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/westernfront.jpg
The catholic zealots in Castillie doesn't seem too pleased with their camel rulers. Massive army in Morocco about to cross the strait.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/easternfront.jpg
While not excatly an overwhelming adversary, Sultan Aybar brings many followers. Soon it will be camel vs. camel!
Should he retreat slowly towards Egypt, make a stand at Cordoba, or try to Blitz the last remaining Spanish armies? What about the army in Georgia, should it withdraw in order to protect Asia Minor? What direction will the Turkish strike? The pressing situation needs quick answers and quick victories, if the dynasty is to survive. The very empire is in danger of being cut up from many sides, not the least from the many disappointed warriors who were given promises of spoil and conquest. Can a civil war be avoided when the Turks go on rampage?
This campaign has taken a serious turn in a bad direction. Is al-Adil the man to steer the empire through troubled waters? Stay tuned for the next update to the crazy camel campaign!

/KotR

[Martok]

Yikes, KotR. It is indeed most unfortunate timing for the Turks to have reappeared. ~:eek: Exactly how big of an army do they have in Armenia, anyway?

[Knight of the Rose]

The turks field 3.424 men in Armenia. My forces in Georgia number roughly 700 camels. All the surrounding regions has 40 camels! I can't spare any camels from Constantinople without inviting an attack from the quite strong Hungarians. So it's quite a matter of luck and an ability to soak up the losses of some territory, before the superior reinforcement ability I have through a massive empire and a bottomless income even out the odds a little. :sweatdrop:

/KotR

[Timsup2nothin]

I hope the Emperor's advisers recognize the danger and talk him out of blitzing the Spanish. The Spanish kings could go underground like the Turks did, and a Spanish reappearance is a lot uglier than the Turks.

[Knight of the Rose]

8th Chapter: The Rise of Al-Adil

Prelude: The conquest of the Turk and their Byzantine lands had given quite some knowledge in the use of the sword. Since the mid 13th century, the tribes had started to value this weapon and trained with it when out of the stables. This process now gave al-Adil a new weapon in his arsenal as camel warriors could now dismount as Arab Infantry. [This was a move to try to do something about the heavy spears that kept bugging me enormously – it’s not what developers intended, but it is what I need]
1291: In the west: Pulled out of Castille, as I had too few camels to keep the population in line. But as I intended to knock out the Spanish, and attacked where they still had an army of decent size: Portugal and Grenada.
In the East, all reinforcements are sent to regions barring any Turk progress towards Egypt, the border force in Georgia is sent south, and the wave of camels in Tunesia is recalled from the western front. If I can keep the Turks contained, they will soon feel the might of the Empire. Granada is a victory, assured by ‘the uncle’. It seems almost impossible to take down cornered chiv.sergeants with camels unless they are valor 5 or more. In Portugal the Spanish withdraw, and in both provinces a siege is begun. In Cordoba the siege is ended as the castle falls. Armenia garrison fortifies in the fort, but they are doomed.:skull:
1292: In the west: The Spanish has been brought to their knees. They are now only 310 in Leon, 10 (!) in Castille and 260 in Valencia. Less than one turn of camel-recruiting. But I need to take them down quickly. Castille is attacked with every available camel, keeping sieges and populations in check. The Spanish in Castille once again withdraw, facing impossible odds.
In the east: Turkish expansion begins as a move against both Rum and Syria in the same year. The fort in Armenia is assaulted and falls, taking down a disappointingly low number of Turks in the battle. Can you really take down a stockade with a torch? :inquisitive: The camels in Rum under a 0-star commander try to stay and fight in order to wear the enemy down a little, but fails miserably and I lose many more than they do. In Syria the odds are more even. 600 camels vs. 800 Turks attacking through the desert. Despite the inherent advantages of the desert it is a close battle, but it is a victory. The expansion has been stopped for now.:sweatdrop:
In Arabia the population rebels! They have always been somewhat low in loyalty, but open rebellion? They shall be put to the camel! :whip:
In Flandern, an English crusade appears, somewhat worringly. But as the objective is Muscovy I pay it no more attention.
1293: In the west: As both the king and the only prince is now held up in Leon, I once more rally all available camels and invade Leon. As the ‘uncle’s personal bodyguard is somewhat depleted, I dare not use him in the attack, and a 0-star camel captain is given charge. The sieges in three provinces are upheld, but Valencia is left alone for the moment. King Enrique does not stand idle in Leon, but takes his remaining army of chiv.sergeants and arbelasters to Castille in order to lift the siege. This gives me immediate control of Leon, and in Castille it’s 847 camels vs. 486 top-of-the notch western army. The camels dismounted to a great extend and hid in the woods. It was no great success however, as a single unit of chiv.sergeants simply churned through four Arab inf, attacking at different angles in the forrest. Argh, those heavy spears!!! :wall: I lost 400 camels and had to ransom an additional 100 back. The Spanish lost half their number, though, and the campaign continues. I’ve lost a battle, but I intend to win the war. Portugal falls and begins camel training.
The English crusade moves south to my amusement! That was a funny route to Muscovy! :laugh4:
In the East: As I dispatch camels to the rebellion in Arabia, the Turks move the bulk of their remaining forces to Syria. It’s 650 camels vs. 1.800 turks, so I withdraw to the castle. Reinforcements are coming to the region from all over the Empire and the tide is already beginning to turn.
1294: In the west: I pull out of Leon and make a move towards Castille. The numbers are heavily in my favour, and the Spanish abandon the province, freely giving me the castle of Madrid. Much rejoice in the camel camps! Now peace in the west is within grasp. Granada falls, leaving the Spanish with two provinces, Leon and Valencia. But then, completely unexpectedly, the English crusades lands in Morocco after secretly embarking in Normandy! What!?! :dizzy2: Obviously the English have no understanding of geography. It’s not the most fearsome of crusades, though, with only 346 men. But 80 of those are Knight Templars, and the 40 Berber camels in Marrakesh do not feel like fighting against these odds, but withdraw to the castle.
In the east: The siege in Rum is lifted as the camel horde makes the Turkish commander abandon his positions. An attack against Armenia fails though, as the Turkish Sultan relocates his army to the mountains. The numbers are now against the Turks, through a constant supply of camels, and the lack of training facilities in Armenia.
1295: In general, the population in the eastern empire is showing great disloyalty, perhaps due to the fact that an English crusade and a Spanish navy are effectively blocking the lines of communication. And in the western parts, the catholic population shows no love of the camel.
In the west: Many camels are needed to suppress the locals, but I still try to attack Leon. Though there is no military pressing need to finish the Spanish, their navy is really starting to bugger me, and the end of the Spanish would eliminate the entire navy with a stroke. But Leon resists the camel invasion, and I realise a period of rebuilding is needed before the peninsular can be won.
The English crusade goes east and attacks Algier.
In the east: Both Armenia and Syria, the sole remaining provinces of the Turks, are attacked. The Armenian garrison withdraws, expecting safe haven in Syria. But unknown by them, Syria is also under attack. It is the end of the Turks, as the Syrian army is defeated. Whew! That was a short, but fun, reappearance.:2thumbsup:
1296: Province Loyalty continues to pose problems and a couple more rebellions ensures that al-Mustansir, previously a no-name commander goes to three stars. With the title as Amir of Castille, he goes to four, and is now beginning to look as a young new ‘Camel Lord’. The turn is used to build and suppres.
The English crusade continues to stir up trouble, and I move quite a lot of camels in their direction. They attack Tunesia, and I stand and fight with 200 local camels, but they have a good general and the templars gives a good account of themselves.
1297: As I move against the crusade, it evades my army and re-attacks Algier! Now I’m certain they are completely lost: “Where are we? I guess this must be Lithuania. Never heard of camels and desert in Lithuania? I thought we would fight the golden horde? Well, this must be the place, it’s an odd looking church. Why does it have four towers?” :dizzy2: Oh the confusion.
Across the board I rebuild and reshuffle my forces. King Enrique dies, and leaves the Spanish with a broken empire, almost turned to dust. He was also their last competent commander.
1298: Finally I’m ready to attack Leon, now without any member of the royal line, and no commander worthy of mentioning. It’s a complete victory, and the castle is put under siege. As the crusade tries to re-enter Tunesia, it bumps into an army of 1.200 camels and is destroyed completely. The lines of communication have been reopened. :beam:
The Aragonese reappear in Navarra, with nice 5 stacks. Though they are not immediately at war with me as with the Turk reappearance, they will prove a contender in the near future.:sweatdrop:
1299: Build-up and reshuffle. Loyalty is back in the green all over the empire, and I start to add to the navy after years of panic camel recruiting.
1300: Valencia is attacked, and ‘the uncle’ scores another victory against a horde of urban militia. The Spanish are now finished in all but two castles, which will fall in 2-3 years. A massive victory on both fronts!

There are now three different routes to take, as I see it. There are three major factions left in the game: The Horde in the East, the Holy Roman Empire in the West and the Hungarians in the Middle. Italy is a mess (quite historically correct). My income of 13k florins are met by my expenses of 13k florins, so there is no need to wait and build further.

Whom should the Sultan of the Camels attack now? The steppes? The Italian peninsular? France? Pull a navy to Ireland? All options are open, as the Empire is at its strongest.

https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/east1301.jpg
In the East, the steppes are a seemingly easy target
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/italy1301.jpg
Italy is always a tempting prize
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/west1301.jpg
What plans have King Filip I for his Aragonese subjects?

/KotR

[Martok]

Another fine entry! Glad you were able to quickly crush the Turkish re-emergence, else they could've been a very serious problem for you. :sweatdrop: I also congratulate you on your impending victory over the Spaniards. ~:cheers:


I have to say, this passage had me laughing out loud:

1297: As I move against the crusade, it evades my army and re-attacks Algier! Now I’m certain they are completely lost: “Where are we? I guess this must be Lithuania. Never heard of camels and desert in Lithuania? I thought we would fight the golden horde? Well, this must be the place, it’s an odd looking church. Why does it have four towers?” :dizzy2: Oh the confusion.
Priceless! :laugh4:



There are now three different routes to take, as I see it. There are three major factions left in the game: The Horde in the East, the Holy Roman Empire in the West and the Hungarians in the Middle. Italy is a mess (quite historically correct). My income of 13k florins are met by my expenses of 13k florins, so there is no need to wait and build further.

Whom should the Sultan of the Camels attack now? The steppes? The Italian peninsular? France? Pull a navy to Ireland? All options are open, as the Empire is at its strongest.
I'd recommend that your next move (after you finish mopping up, of course) be to invade France and take on the HRE, as they appear to be developing into a major power (wonder of wonders :dizzy2:). Second option would be to challenge the Huns for supremacy is central/eastern Europe.

I'd leave the Mongols be for now -- you're in a strong defensive position holding Georgia, and would only be fighting the Horde's ideal battle if you were to invade the eastern steppes.

[bondovic]

A nice punitive campaign against the Hungarians could send them into civil war, which would open up a lot of options. Italy is potentially rich and well protected by the alps. The steppes should cause no problems for now, so ignore them.

In other words - 1: send Hungary into civil war using an overwhelming force, 2: secure Italy, 3: use Venice and Genoa to control the seas and the gates to France and the Balkans respectively. This way you won¨t be fighting in lush grasslands for a while yet.

Sounds feasible?

[Matrim]

I'd recommend that your next move (after you finish mopping up, of course) be to invade France and take on the HRE, as they appear to be developing into a major power (wonder of wonders :dizzy2:). Second option would be to challenge the Huns for supremacy is central/eastern Europe.

I'd leave the Mongols be for now -- you're in a strong defensive position holding Georgia, and would only be fighting the Horde's ideal battle if you were to invade the eastern steppes.

Normally, I would agree with this, but with an overwhelming force of Camel-fearing Horses amongst the mongols, it may be advantageous to strike them on the steppes. Your strengths of maneuverability would be lessened by it being the Mongols strength as well, but I've found that the Mongols generally lack the heavy spears you so wish to avoid. In my experiences at least.

[bamff]

I'm with Bondovic on this one methinks.....Greece & Bulgaria look very vulnerable, and a drive up through the Hungarian empire's soft underbelly may well spark their disintegration...

I love the recounting of the meandering route of the English crusade, by the way....clearly though the compass rose has appeared, there are few how know how to read it....

[Knight of the Rose]

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Though in the beginning I was inclined to go get the huns, I think they play an important strategic role for the moment. Both barring mongol expansion to the west and HRE expansion to the east. The last 20 turns or so has seen the fall of the once mighty French empire mostly by the hands of the HRE and an English reappearance. The HRE is now attacking its last few provinces. The Aragonese reappearance actually took place a few years after the French had nothing to counter a somewhat small rebellion in Navarre with.

In short, the Mongols and the Huns seem to keep eachother at bay while I can face them both at chokepoints. The HRE is something to worry about though.

But Italy looks nice too. Maybe to much trouble with the navies guarding the straights.

I'll make up my mind in a couple of days and continue the campaign.

/KotR

[Knight of the Rose]

9th chapter: The end of Empires, and of Sultan Al-Adil

1301: After deciding to take on the Germans, I rearrange fleets and armies to prepare for C-day (camel-day). The first mercenary camels appear in Georgia. Where were you 75 years ago? :furious3: Well, better late than never. In Iberia the Aragonese decides to attack Castille and make war with the camel. This they shall regret. :whip: I retreat to the castle, and make ready for war.
1302: In Castille, ‘the uncle’ tries to come to the garrisons aid, but there are precious few camels at his disposal, and the Aragonese field well equipped troops. With only 935 camels vs. 1.400 Aragonese, he manages to rout the enemy. This was one of the closest battles I have ever fought, and for quite some time I was certain it was lost. But a personal engagement from ‘the uncle’ and the general fear of camels won the day.
In France, the invasion has begun:
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/france1302.jpg
I plan to strike north, and have reinforcements fill up behind me, until I have spilt the HRE in two. Then I will move west to the sea and destroy the Germans. The invasion is lead by the 4-star camel lord, named ‘the scorpion’
In Valencia the Almos reappear! Iberia is now a patchwork of factions, but some hold far too many numbers to my liking! More work for ‘the uncle’:sweatdrop:
1303: French invasion rolls on according to plan. The Germans flee before the sight of the camel. In Iberia, the Aragonese once again attack Castille. ‘The uncle’ has retreated to Leon to refill his personal bodyguard, but his replacement wins the day none the less. It doesn’t seem like the Aragonese will be holding a place in history at this rate. The Spanish are defeated and their navy dissolved.
1304: I actually have spare camels in France, and I attack not only Ile-de-France, but also Genoa, in order to create maximum confusion. This year the Almos attack Castille, and the region has now been invaded four times in four years. The locals would be quite desperate, but there properly aren’t anyone left. I abandon the province and start rebuilding in Iberia. I consider falling back all the way to Cordoba to minimize the number of provinces to defend.
1305: The HRE dissolves into civil war with the loss of so many provinces in such a short time. The French also has a civil war. And to add to the fun, the Swiss appear! I’m sure their pointy sticks will prove no problem for the camel… The Genoa attack force shifts to Milan to further harass the Germans. Anjou is taken, according to plan.
In Iberia the Almos try to attack ‘the uncle’ in Leon, where he’s trying to muster as many camels as possible. It’s a close call, as 1.433 camels gather to meet 1.500 Almos under the relentless midday sun. Again it is a victory, and ‘the uncle’ shows his genius by killing almost a thousand Almos while only loosing 250 camels. This stabilizes the situation somewhat.
1306: As many provinces are battling rebels, further attacks are held off until they are resolved. The newly conquered provinces are battling with loyalty-problems and bolstered with extra camels.
1307: Brittany & Aquitane, the last two western german provinces are attacked, ‘the scorpion’ leading the attack on the latter province. Once again, the Germans retreat from Brittany, but have no option but to fight in Aquitane. ‘The scorpion’ fields 1.500 camels, vastly outnumbering the enemy of 900. It’s a sound victory, and the Emperor along with a number of nobles are captured and subsequently executed as the ransom fail to arrive. Buildup in Iberia, as the victories and forthcoming camel production in France assures the western front.
1308: Besides a rebel stack in Touluse, no one has the strength to attack my positions. I consolidate and prepare for a final re-re-conquista of Iberia
1309: Beefing up Cordoba, and bringing ‘the uncle’ in the south and ‘the scorpion’ in the north into attacking positions. The French king and two princes decides to attack Portugal on a whim. They are duly captured and ransomed back for 10.000 florins. That was an expensive holiday!
1310: The grand attack commences with ‘the uncle’ at the fore. Such a mighty wave of camels, that the Almos have no choice but to abandon the province. Castille is once again in the hands of Al-Adil, while ‘the scorpion’ gathers camels in the north.
1311: The French war proves to be a bother, as the French navy in the Mediterranean actually manages to cut off Europe from the camel breeding grounds in Africa and the Middle East. For the moment I’ll have to do with the local production. Valencia is attacked to provide the end of the Almos. The Camel Horde numbers 3.800 camels, the largest army to give battle to this date. The 3.000 Almos could not stop the onslaught, and are pushed back to the castle, with no hope of survival. Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish.
The Aragonese give Aquitane a try, but retreat without a fight facing numerous camel warriors massing at the chant of prey and bounty. As an unpleasant surprise the Golden Horde attacks Georgia in the far east! But as the garrison outnumbers the backstabbing horse-lovers, the attack is repelled. A futile attack providing nothing but a declaration of war. They will be dealt with in due time.:smash:
1312: Setup for the final battle of Iberia… Georgia reinforced. As the population of France has somewhat gotten used to their new rulers, Normandy is invaded to teach the French a lesson. They are alone, in their last province. Outnumbered, abandoned. A relic of a former massive empire. And they chose to: Abandon the province?!? :dizzy2: I was a little surprised, as I didn’t knew it was possible. The entire army is captured, the King is executed and the faction fallen. Farewell furious French.:2thumbsup:
1313: It’s the year of massive battles in the mountains of Iberia. ‘The uncle’ leads his host from Castille into the Aragonese stronghold, receiving reinforcements from the north raising the number of camels to 3.000. The Aragonese can only field half that number. And they are crushed in a major victory. A victory that ensured ‘the uncle’ his ninth star!
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/theuncle.jpg
‘The scorpion’ takes on Aragon, presently rebel-held. They number 770 catalans, against 1.200 camels, but the numerous chivalric sergeants with ‘no retreat’ bonus once again rout my army.

The fronts have now joined, and only a small province holds off the massive horde of camels at its doorsteps. But new threats are constantly facing the camel lords. In Syria, the Turks reappear! 18 years after they were last wiped out. But this time, their timing is better. The last couple of years before their reappearance, I was struggling with rebels, and actually have garrisons in the neighbouring provinces. To further support my case, they arrive in the desert, and only with 2.700 men. Most importantly, they have no camels! I expect a swift return to the steppes from where they came.

Al-Adil died this year, marking the end of an unimpressive personal career, but a remarkable growth of the Empire. My plan to use him in battles failed as the chiv.serg. held him off in the African desert, and I needed ‘the uncle’ to do battle instead. The new sultan is Nasir II. A completely unremarkable Sultan, except that he is inbred to the core. But a young prince of 16, Mohammed, came of age just before Al-Adil died. Unlike the rest of his family, he actually shows signs of talent. Maybe this will be the cause of intrigue in Egyptian court…
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/nasir2.jpg
The new Sultan, Inbred as starting vice. Not nice. But a Great Warrior. Maybe he shall have a Great Death:skull:
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/theprince.jpg
The Prince. The first with royal blood to hold talent:2thumbsup:
The Golden Horde is now the closest competitor, and has recently declared war. The western front seems somewhat secure.
https://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/KnightoftheRose_photos/westfront1314.jpg

I sense a camel vs. horse showdown in the near future…

/KotR

[bondovic]

Instant classic - "backstabbing horse-lovers". You continue to inspire me, KotR!

Can't wait to hear about the lumbering beasts hitting the dark scandinavian forrest. But I suppose we'll get stories of many a Camel Hammer raining on the horde's pony archers first? Nevertheless, I'm totally excited to find out how this epic tale ends! Bravo!

[Matrim]

Indeed, Sir Rose Knight; I wish my amateur AARs were half as entertaining! Your wordplay makes me giddy and jealous.

So, with the Horde at war with you in the East, and the English and what's left of the HRE awaiting in the West... you still have the Hun juggernaut to watch out for. Which will it be?

A) Advance into Russia, supplanting the steppe ponies with mounts of the humped-back persuasion?
B) Finish off the HRE and other usurpers in the West?
C) Fail due to a camel disease and be winked out of history? That would be horrible!

But on a serious note, good luck in your future ventures, I hope to hear more!

[Martok]

The Camel Horde vs. the (horse-heavy) Golden Horde. Should be an epic match-up. :2thumbsup:

[Knight of the Rose]

Thanks all! :2thumbsup:

These replies sure make it all worth it, and show me I'm on the right track.

I hope the next chapter will include a little more battle-reports though. Seem to be a lot of strategy in the late game and less action.

And yeah, there's no pressing need to take on the Minor Horde. England could be a target as well...

/KotR

[Knight of the Rose]

Dear all,

I've finally given up on the camel campaign. ~:mecry:

On one hand I feel a little bad about not being able to finish what I started, and bring you the final chapters on the camel crusade.

Yet on the other hand, I simply cannot dedicate the time and efford nessesary to finish the campaign and post it. It just isn't fun anymore.

I've started a Byz campaign yesterday, just for fun, and realized that I would rather spend my precious little gaming time on that.

Thank you for following the campaign, I've let you down, I know. The next time I post something, I'll finish it first, and then post.

Please bear with me, I've done my best. And I think I've proved that camels *can* rule the world, if you really want to.

/KotR

[The Lizard Pope]

Oh well, the game can be more of a grind towards the end.

Thanks for writing what you did though.

[Martok]

Dear all,

I've finally given up on the camel campaign. ~:mecry:

On one hand I feel a little bad about not being able to finish what I started, and bring you the final chapters on the camel crusade.

Yet on the other hand, I simply cannot dedicate the time and efford nessesary to finish the campaign and post it. It just isn't fun anymore.

Thank you for following the campaign, I've let you down, I know. The next time I post something, I'll finish it first, and then post.
Hey, you don't ever have to apologize for quitting a campaign that's no longer fun. That would defeat the purpose of playing games in the first place. :smash:



Please bear with me, I've done my best. And I think I've proved that camels *can* rule the world, if you really want to.

/KotR
Indeed you have, sir. I salute you, and extend my thanks & appreciation for your magnificent efforts. :bow:


Good luck with the Byzantines! ~:cheers:

[caravel]

In all seriousness winning a total victory playing vanilla on the hard difficulty as Egypt using nothing but camels is very possible. I might try this one day, though with a difference: I would include a modded unit prod file where Egypt's generals are also camels (so no Ghulam units) and Egypt can train absolutely nothing else except camels. Even with these restrictions I am confident that the campaign can be won.

:sultan:

[bondovic]

Hey, you don't ever have to apologize for quitting a campaign that's no longer fun. That would defeat the purpose of playing games in the first place.

Agreed!

Many thanks to you, Kotr, for bringing us this desert epic. I sure as :balloon2: was totally inspired! This thread goes into my Favorites. Blessings!

[Knight of the Rose]

In all seriousness winning a total victory playing vanilla on the hard difficulty as Egypt using nothing but camels is very possible. I might try this one day, though with a difference: I would include a modded unit prod file where Egypt's generals are also camels (so no Ghulam units) and Egypt can train absolutely nothing else except camels. Even with these restrictions I am confident that the campaign can be won.

:sultan:

I quite agree - if you allow trade routes and training of camels everywhere (or at least in 15 provinces - if you restrict training provinces you can go without trade.) there is nothing to stop you. When I trained camels in 40 provinces, my coffers where emptying due to the lack of trade.

I consider myself an able general, and was on average able to inflict roughly 1:1 losses on spear units and 2,5:1 losses (in my favour) to all other units. When you start with a reasonable income, you can easily get the ball running. I wish you the best of luck, should you ever enter such an adventure.

/KotR

[The Lizard Pope]

I'm just waiting for the Ballistae campaign....

[Martok]

Uff da! Now that would be painful in more ways than one.... :no:

[Ironside]

Uff da! Now that would be painful in more ways than one.... :no:

As long as you always auto-calc you got a chance. Your initial wave strength and lack of reinforcements are quite a killer in played out combat.

[Wasp]

Oh, this was a great camel campaign to read! Many thanks for writing that!