The Comnenian Restoration: A Byzantium AAR

[OverKnight]

Introduction

Welcome to my first attempt at an AAR. By popular demand, I will be playing Byzantium. I will be using Klink's (http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=80174) enhanced Garrison and Army Spam mod, which beefs up garrisons, gives extra money to the AI, and spams troops when the AI factions have excess funds. Difficulty is H/VH. I will also be using the following House Rules:

--Only battles with a noble in charge can be played, all others will be auto-calced.

--No sacking, only occupy or exterminate.

--No adoptions or MOH, I want to establish a linear Dynasty, no third cousins inheriting the Throne.

--No declarations of War unless there is a Casus Belli (trespassing, which includes Crusades :evilgrin: , assassinations, things like that).

--No betraying alliances.

--Accept reasonable peace offers.

--Two units to a fleet for naval transport.

--Balanced armies, no all HAs or all Varangian Guards forces.

I have no idea whether I've bitten of more than I can chew. For all I know, I'll be swarmed and the Byzzies won't even last to 1453.


Prologue

The Crown of Basileus did not rest easily on the brow of Alexius Comnenus after he was coronated by the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1081. He was an usurper, having seized the throne of the Roman Empire from Nicephorus III. Never mind that the Emperors since Isaac Comnenus, his uncle, had been dangerously incompetent or corrupt, his usurpation, despite his accomplishments as the leading General of the Empire, invited further treachery.

The external threats to the Roman Empire were even more worrying to Alexius. The Empire had fallen far from the heights it had reached under Justinian.

The Eastern Roman Empire at it's apex, c. 550, the reconquests of Justinian are shown in purple.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/LocationByzantineEmpire.png

The eruption of a new religion and it's warriors from Arabia had robbed the Empire of it possesions in Africa and the Levant. Slavs and Bulgars had taken much of its European holdings. The Empire, however, had survived the onslaught and under Basil II, known as the Bulgar Slayer, it had recovered much of its power.

The Eastern Roman Empire at the end of the reign of Basil II "The Bulgar-Slayer", c. 1025.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/ByzantineEmpire1025AD2lightpurple.PNG

It was hard for Alexius to believe that Basil's triumphant gains against the Bulgars were made just 50 years ago. For in 1071 the Empire had suffered a humliating defeat at Manzikert in Armenia against the Seljuk Turks. The Basileus Romanus IV Diogenes had been captured, throwing the Empire into unrest and chaos. The Turks, taking advantage of this, had poured across Anatolia, the heartland of the Empire, and took it for their own. The Empire was at its nadir, smaller than at any time in its history.

The extent of the Empire at the ascension of Alexius Comnenus as Emperor in 1081.
Actual
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Byzantium1081AD.PNG
In the game
https://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8344/byzempiremb2.jpg

Other enemies besides the Turks threatened the Empire as well. The Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt had been pushing north by land and sea. Norman adventurers in Italy had taken the south of the peninsula from the Empire for their own. The Great Schism between Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism had made the Pope in Rome an enemy of the Empire, and his word carried great weight among the Western Powers. The Germans with their so called "Holy Roman Empire" had been a thorn in the side of Byzantium since the days of Charlemagne. The Venetians, former allies and subjects of the Empire, were liable to turn on them at any moment if it advanced their mercantile interests. The Hungarians, yet another barbarous people in the tradition of the Slavs and Bulgars, menaced the Empire's northwestern frontier.

Constantinople was the envy of the known world, first in trade, wealth and architecture. Yet envy could lead to desire, and make the City and the Empire a target for conquest. After Manzikert, it was an open question as to whether it could be successfully defended, for the days of Roman dominance were long gone.

Yet it was the goal of Alexius to eventually restore this dominance. To bring the Empire back to the heights of Basil, of Justinian and even, perhaps, of Augustus. However, his immediate goal, one that might take his lifetime, was the mere survival of the Empire. Once the rebellious Themes were retaken and a Comnenian dynasty, beginning with his son, the Kaisar John, established, perhaps his heirs could accomplish a true rebirth of glory.

So, with the Empire in the balance between disaster and redemption, Alexius Comnenus began his reign.

[FactionHeir]

Sorry OK Something in your prologue doesn't make sense:

The Crown of Basileus did not rest easily on the brow of Alexius Comnenus after he was coronated by the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1181.


It was hard for Alexius to believe that was only 60 years ago. For in 1071 the Empire had suffered a humliating defeat at Manzikert in Armenia against the Seljuk Turks

So what year is it? :tongue:

[OverKnight]

Well, M2TW begins in 1180, but historically Alexius wasn't crowned until 1081. So the first year is going to be 1081, followed by 1082 and then we go to the normal two year progression. Manzikert was in 1071, but Basil's conquest of the Bulgars was in the 1020s, about 60 years ago.

It's good to know people are reading the AAR though, :P

Edit: I've rephrased the part you found confusing to make it more clear.

2nd Edit: This time I really, really edited it to make it clear. Leave me alone, I'm tired and clock watching at work. :P

[FactionHeir]

Heh. That explains it...kind of...except that M2TW starts in 1080 and not 1180...

[nurizeko]

Now I fancy starting a Byzantine campaign, the last vestiges of a great empire fighting for survival, defying the passage of history to make them live again, and even, to grow and dominate the known world again, I do love historical what-ifs.

I look forward to some more updates.

And nice images from the wiki. :)

[OverKnight]

1081
In game 1080

Alexius is faced with a difficult decision in the first year of his reign. There are many rebel provinces nearby to reclaim that were recently part of the Empire: Durazzo (better known to the Eastern Romans as Dyrrachium), Sofia (Sardica), Smyrna and Trebizond. However, the army is still shattered from Manzikert and would not be able to launch more than two simultaneous campaigns.

After much thought, Durazzo and Trebizond are ruled out because they are further away. The Basileus desperately wants to reestablish the frontier on the Danube and a presence in Anatolia, so Smyrna and Sofia are chosen. Alexius himself leads most of the garrison of Constantinople, to be reinforced with spearmen from Thessalonica, towards Sofia, while his son John, already positioned with troops south of Nicaea, is sent to reclaim Smyrna.

The two Roman fleets are ordered to meet in the waters off the rebel castle.

Alexius also decides to convert Nicosia to a town from a castle. No offenses are planned in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the income gained from turning the settlement into a trading port will be needed. The Basileus hopes he is making the right choice as he sends the orders, there will be little room for error in these first years.

Anna Comnenus is dispatched north to establish diplomatic contact with the Hungarians.

The focus of building in the Empire is on repairing the road network.

The lone Imperial merchant is sent west to look for gold in the Balkans.


1082

The Council of Nobles requests that Smyrna be taken, and promises 2500 florins if it is done, Alexius is happy to comply.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/takesmyrna1082.jpg

Basil of Loroten is sent from Constantinople to negotiate with the Turks.

Kaisar John begins the siege of Smyrna, men sent from Nicaea will soon join him.

A unit of Scythikons are recruited in Corinth and sent north to assist the Basileus.


1084

Alexius besieges Sofia, he is soon to be joined by reinforcements from Corinth and Thessalonica.

The siege of Smyrna continues as John receives orders from his father to starve the defenders out. According to Alexius, the Army is to weak to afford the loss of life assaults would cost.

[OverKnight]

1086

Alexius's rush to Sofia pays off as Hungarian forces are spotted approaching the already besieged castle.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hungaryforsofia1086.jpg

The Empires roads have been rebuilt, the next focus is farming.


1088

A Turkish diplomat arrives in Constantinople. After much negotiations, trade rights and a map exchange are arranged for a payment of 350 florins to the Imperial coffers. The Turk grumbles about the deal, and the Basileus himself would rather wreak a bloody vengeance on them for Manzikert, but for now a detente is preferable.

Alexius is again proven right when Smyrna capitulates without a fight. Kaisar John, though wanting to prove himself in battle, accepts the surrender and peacefully occupies the castle. A mere 80 florins is the result, though John gains the reputation of being noble in rule.

With one siege completed, John takes all his men, except for one unit, and boards the Imperial navy bound for Rhodes.

Anna Comnenus arrives in Bran to find the unmarried Prince Kalman there. Her charms prove as effective as her diplomatic skills.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/marriage1088.jpg

A marriage alliance is reached with Hungary with trade rights, a map exchange and the transfer of a 1000 florins to the treasury. Alexius is loathe to wed his daughter to a Barbarian, he would have preferred a promising young Roman like Nicophorus Bryennius, but the security of the Empire takes precedent. It is not the first time a Daughter of the Empire, born and bred in the Purple, has been married off to another nation to bind them to Byzantium.

[OverKnight]

1090

Bad news from Rome:

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/papworse1090.jpg

It is unknown why this has happened.

Kaisar John besieges Rhodes. The Council of Nobles, it seems always one step behind him, requests that the settlement be taken. Elite troops are promised if this is done.

Theotokios Olaskos marches out of Thessalonica with two units of militia. Hiring some mercenaries he proceeds west towards Durazzo. A recently recruited unit of Vardariotai rides from Corinth to join him.

Petros of Psolidi is dispatched from Constantinople to negotiate with the European powers. Demetrios Calaphates begins trading gold east of Zagreb.


1092

An emphasis on new churches marks the construction of the Empire.

Kaisar John loses his patience and attacks Rhodes at night in the middle of a rain storm.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/rhodes1092deploy.jpg

John's plan is to spread his forces out with two rams and a ladder to overwhelm the sparse defenders.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/rhodesattack.jpg

The defenders are driven back from the gates by the long range fire of the Trebizond archers. They are caught before then can retreat to the Castle square.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/rhodestodeath.jpg

A unit of rebel archers had engaged in a long range duel with Imperial archers that had scaled the wall with ladders. John rides them down after finishing the rebel footmen. Rhodes is taken with light casualties.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/rhodesvictory.jpg

So much for waiting them out, thinks John, let's see if Father can match this.

Rhodes is occupied for 66 florins. John, leaving two units behind, immediatley takes ship and sails north.

The Council of Nobles donates four units of Vardariotai to the cause as a reward.


1094

The starving rebels in Sofia sally out of their castle. The Empire's new allies offer assistance, but Alexius doubts they will arrive in time.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/sofiadeploy.jpg

The Basileus, having not built any siege equipment, easily forms a battle line and waits for the rebels.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/sofiainitial.jpg

The rebel infantry quickly routs and is pursued back through the gate.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/sofiaroutreal.jpg

The rebel horse archers do take a toll however before they are subdued.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/sofiavictory.jpg

Alexius is gratified by the occupation of Sofia. The Danube frontier is restored, he has gained a castle for his forces in Europe and the Empire is on its way to a restoration.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/largest1094.jpg

[Stuperman]

I am quite enjoying this OK, it's very well written.

[OverKnight]

1096

For an unknown reason, the Venetians view the Empire with increased contempt.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1096venicebad.jpg

An offer of marriage is refused for John, Alexius holds out hope for another marriage alliance.

Kaisar John sails north into the Black Sea.

Alexius, while building watchtowers on the Danube, notices that Bucharest is still in rebellion.

Basil of Loroton meets an Egyptian diplomat east of Adana. Trade rights and maps are exchanged.


1098

Durazzo surrenders to Theotokios Olaskos. A mighty one florin is gained from the occupation.

Basileus Alexius decides to besiege Bucharest, it might be useful as a settlement or as a tool in negotiations.


1100

Tweny years through the reign of Alexius, the Empire has seen both military, territorial and financial success.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ranking1100.jpg

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/finances1100.jpg

Still, there are many dangers out there for the resurgent Empire. A small Venetian force, two units of spear and one of bows, lays siege to Sofia and its depleted garrison.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/venicewar1100.jpg

The Basileus has no choice but to break of the siege of Bucharest and rush to releive Sofia. The Hungarians will take the settlement in 1102.

Kaisar John lands in northern Anatolia and besieges Trebizond.


1102

A Venetian force of knights and spearman assault the unwalled village of Durazzo. Years of war have reduced the once great city to a few buildings.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/durazzo1102.jpg

The Venetian horsemen recklessly charge the Imperial line in the village square.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/durazzorepulse.jpg

As the square turns into a charnel pit of screaming horses and dead men, Theotokios's Vardariotai swing around the setlement and close off the Venetian's line of retreat. Few survive the battle.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/durazzovictory.jpg

An offer of ransom is refused.

Alexius is confused as to why the Venetians chose to attack when they did, and with so few men. Has the reputation of the Empire fallen so far that the Republic thought it could strike with so little preperation?

We shall show them the error of their ways, Alexius grimly thinks as he marches to relieve Sofia.

The Venetian besiegers flee at the sight of the Imperial Army and are out of reach for the year. However, in a much more important development, the Hungarians still near Sofia honor the new alliance by joining in the chase.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hunvsven1102.jpg

Alexius is pleased, the Venetians probably did not consider that outcome of their treachery.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Empire, John, again forgoing caution, assaults Trebizond. The garrison and Castle has already been weakened by a failed Turkish assault, and he hopes to take advantage of this.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/trebdeploy1102.jpg

John again attacks at night and with his forces spread out, but this castle is better built than Rhodes.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/trebassault.jpg

Still, the gate is taken.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/trebgate.jpg

The garrison is eventually subdued, but it is a harder slog than Rhodes. John will remember that larger Castles, even with small garrisons, are difficult to take.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/trebvictory.jpg

[OverKnight]

I am quite enjoying this OK, it's very well written.

Thanks Stuperman, it's a little more book keeping than I thought going in, but I am enjoying it. It makes me slow down and think about my moves. But I'm still waiting for a satisfying field battle.

No matter what faction you are, it seems the first 20 or so turns is just running around with spear militia and peasant archers. :laugh4:

[OverKnight]

1104

A Jihad is called for Baghdad.

Venice is now the strongest faction.

Kaisar John, having reboarded the fleet after taking Trebizond, arrives off Caffa. As has become his style, he attacks at night.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/aacaffadeploy.jpg

John again divides his forces. Archers and spearmen assault two sides of the village, while John and the Vardariotai take the other two. The garrison is isolated and destroyed in increments.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/abcaffasorround.jpg

The last surviving unit huddles in the village square while it is shot to pieces, why waste men instead of arrows?

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/accaffaturkeyshoot.jpg

John is proud of the way his men handled the rebels, the Empire's superior numbers were used effectively.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/adcaffavictory.jpg

The Empire's presence in the Black Sea has been fully restored.

Basileus Alexius catches up with the small Venetian force that had briefly threatened Sofia.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/bavenallkill.jpg

None escape, and after a ransom offer is refused, none live.


1106

Agnes Herman, a Polish Princess, arrives near Sofia to negotiate trade rights. The Basileus is taken with her noble bearing, and arranges something a bit more far reaching than a treaty. Alexius's first offer is rejected, but some florins are added to sweeten the deal.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/cagnesneg.jpg

It's time for John to settle down.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/cbagneswed.jpg

Alexius had planned to search for eligible Princesses in western Europe, the Milanese or the Germans were considered, but he was losing patience. The Comnenus line must be secured and Agnes had several good qualities as a wife.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/acagnestree.jpg

The northern flank of the Empire was now secured with alliances. Of course even a marriage alliance was not iron clad, still this would allow Alexius to focus on the Venetians and the Turks, if it came to that.

The Known World:
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/eknownworld1106.jpg

An Imperial spy locates the Venetian Doge on the border and Alexius pursues him. Durazzo also has reinforcements on the way.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1104-1106/dpursue.jpg

John, a bit surprised that he now has a wife, takes ship from Caffa after building a watchtower.

[OverKnight]

1108

The Empire is now the most advanced faction, perhaps because of this, relations with Egypt fall to very poor.

John lands east of Trebizond and builds another watchtower, he is starting to become sick of them.

Alexius continues to pursue Doge Domenico, he appears to be heading to Durazzo.


1110

Domenico turns north to face Alexius, but does not attack. The Basileus decides to take matters into his own hands.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/aarasdeploy.jpg

The two armies deploy on opposite sides of a hill.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/abrasinitial.jpg

Perhaps intimidated by the presence of Horse Archers on his right flank, the Doge abandons the high ground. Alexius, after offering up a quick prayer of grattitude, is quite happy to take this gift.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/acrashighground.jpg

Perhaps realizing his error, Domenico sends his archers forward. This only compunds his mistake because many of them are trampled by the Imperial Bodyguard.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adrasarcherslay.jpg

The Doge and his Slav mercenaries rush in to save the archers, but are met by the Imperial line. The Slavs, arrow bit and reluctant to fight up hill, quickly break and the Venetian leader is left with only his retainers.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/aerasdogehold.jpg

The Basileus himself slays the man arrogant enough to believe he could take on the Roman Empire. The cavalry quickly takes many prisoners. A ransom offer is refused, and the few survivors rout.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/afrasvictory.jpg

Alexius, joined by much of the Durazzo garrison, advances toward Ragusa.

John, envious of his father's victory, continues construction of a chain of watchtowers in the mountains of northern Anatolia.

Four merchants leave Constantinople by ship to take advantage of trade resources available in Caffa and points north.

[StoneCold]

OK, you are steamrolling the AI to hell man... ease up on the pedal... :P

[gibsonsg91921]

i think hes doing so on purpose..

[OverKnight]

I'm sure the mod to boost garrisons and army spam will brake me whether I like it or not.

As for steamrolling, well I've just taken rebel settlements. As for the Venetians, they deserve no mercy as they invaded me. Not only that, but their initial move of the war was to besiege a castle with three units. :no:

[Stuperman]

This is really good so far, I look foreward to it, and I always defined steamrolling as >1 settlement per general per turn.

If you stick to your no adoption policy, your general situation might get tight soon.

[OverKnight]

1112

Barbus Selvo and three units of armoured spearmen are attacked southeast of Ragusa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/aaselvodeploy.jpg

Without missile troops of their own they are easy prey for the Empire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/abselvovictory.jpg

The way to Ragusa is open.


1114

An alliance and trade rights are achieved with Milan, it is hoped that this will balance out the Venetians.


1116

A Merchants Guild is accepted for Constantinople.

The keels for three new flotillas of Dromons are laid at Smyrna.

An exchange of trade rights and maps is arranged with the Germans. The Imperial diplomat might call them the "Holy Roman Empire" in negotiations, but Alexius will never let that name pass his lips.

The Imperial Army, now outside Ragusa, attacks Captain Balsamo, who has lead the majority of the garrison out of the Castle. Councillor Alessandro sallies out to assist him.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/baragusadeploy.jpg

The Empire has the high ground and uses it to shower the Venetians with arrows.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/bbragusainit.jpg

Arrow bit, the Venetians charge.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/bcragusarush.jpg

Led by an inexperienced Captain the Venetians quickly rout after the lines meet. While much of the cavalry pursues the fleeing men, the rest of the army turns to face the late Alessandro.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/bdragusafocusonales.jpg

The Venetian reinforcements are swarmed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/beragusaswarm.jpg

The Venetian noble is slain along with all of the Ragusa garrison, the survivors of the other army rout.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/bfragusavictory.jpg

Ragusa, empty of men, is occupied.


1118

Alexius finally has a grandson.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/cgeorge.jpg

The Basileus still worries about the integrity of the Comnenus line. Who will be the new Kaisar once he is gone and John is Basileus?

The Army in Ragusa stays put to rest and rearm.

Seven units of Dromons make their way through the Aegean towards the port of Corinth. They will be used as troop transports, as the overland route for reinforcement of Ragusa is too long.


1120

Kaisar John finishes his watchtower building expedition through the mountains and emerges near the Bosphorus.

The Venetians blockade Corinth. The Imperial navy immediatley responds.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/dnavycorinth.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/dnavyvic.jpg

The Restoration after 40 years:

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/efinances.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1112-1120/franking.jpg

[Northnovas]

OK, Nice battle pics. From that top view they almost like a painting with the shadows or even the metal miltary figures.
Try to keep that family tree trim.

[AussieGiant]

Nice read OK.

Very well done. I expect your house rules to start kicking in soon :sweatdrop:

It should be interesting to see you auto calc some of the more critical exchanges later in the game.

[OverKnight]

My family tree is a source of concern for me at the moment. Even though John has a son now, Alexius is unlikely to be alive when Georgios comes of age, meaning the new heir apparent will most likely be Andronicus. So it only took a generation for the stupid inheritance mechanics to kick in.

Depending on when Alexius kicks it, I could be running the game with just one family member until the others come of age. I'll have to be careful with John. :sweatdrop: It's annoying, because I get offers of adoption almost every turn, I hope it's not interfering with the spawning of biological family members.

Oh well, the Byzantines had some complicated ruling lines anyway. But one of the reasons I made a direct line of rule a priority for the AAR was because disputes over who was Emperor, and the internal struggles resulting from it, contributed to the decline of the Empire.

Ah well, I can chalk up any weird assignment of heirs to Palace intrigues. It'll add spice to the AAR. Though I wish they would reintroduce the ability to designate an heir and disinherit as well in a patch.

[Didz]

Nice to see others are producing AAR's. Loved the opening briefing and the battle reports. I get the impression your sticking to 2 years per turn, but are you using any mods?

The flags on your units look different to what I remember.

[OverKnight]

Indeed I'm sticking to 2 years a turn. I'm using Klink's garrison and army spamming mod as described in the Introduction in the first post, which also has my house rules. Also, I forgot to mention I'm using FactionHeir's VnV fixes.

As for the flags. . .I don't know. I hadn't played the Byzzies before so I'm not sure if it is a result of the patch or of something else.

[OverKnight]

1122

Another child is born to John and Agnes, though their creativity with names is questionable.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ageorgia.jpg

Reinforcements continue to converge on Ragusa by sea and land.

John continues to build watchtowers along the Turkish border as he makes his way to Smyrna.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/cjohntower.jpg

Volkanos of Zara reaches Riga to negotiate with the Russians. An alliance is reached and trade rights and maps are exchanged. Volkanos could have pressed for a harder deal, but he wishes to maintain a cordial relationship with the only other major Orthodox power.


1124

The Jihad called for Baghdad fails.

Caffa is ready to become a town. This is celebrated by a raising of the tax rate.

Kyriakos Loukites, the Empire's only spy, notices a noble led Venetian force coming down the Adriatic coast toward Ragusa. Alexius is pleased, as his army is nearly ready to deploy.

Petros of Psalida, the most influential diplomat of the Empire, reaches a trade agrrement and an exchange of maps with the Sicilians.

The Known World:
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dknownworld.jpg


1126

A Venetian fleet attacks a small Imperial flotilla transporting troops from Rhodes to Smyrna. The Imperial ships are forced to retreat. However, the Venetian Admiral goes pirate and is destroyed by a large force of ships gathering in Smyrna's harbor.

Nicosia is ready to become a large town.

John takes ship at Smyrna with a large army and meets up with the ships that had previously retreated.

Alexius departs Ragusa and heads northwest up the coast. The Venetian force that had been closing on Ragusa has withdrawn west, but another force appears to be heading east from Zagreb.

While he is not a commander in the field, Evangelos Exotrochos, Praetor of Constantinople, has done much for the Empire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bevangelos.jpg

He is a skilled, if little loved, administrator. The Empire will need coin as well as conquest to restore its rightful place in the world.


1128

It is confirmed that the Venetian force heading east from Zagreb is on the road to Sofia.

The two merchants who had departed to "points north" years ago arrive in Riga. Taking advantage of their trade rights, they begin dealing in amber.

John's fleet, brushing aside Venetian galleys, lands troops near Iraklion. The city is besieged.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ejohncrete.jpg

Another Venetian fleet is defeated off Ragusa, but a third blockades Nicaea. Shipwrights in that city and Constantinople quickly begin building new Dromons in response to this unexpected threat.


1130

The year begins with startling news.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ftruce.jpg

The Poles have allied with Venice! Alexius, livid, orders hostilities to cease against the Venetians so as not to endanger the alliance with Poland. The Basileus contents himself with building a watchtower to observe Venice and its port and then begins to march back to Ragusa.

John, giving his wife the cold shoulder, departs Crete. He briefly thinks of setting sail to Adana, still unclaimed, but decides against it. Best not to get between the Turks and Egyptians. Also, knowing their treachery, the Kaisar is sure the Venetians will strike again. He lands near Smyrna to deal with a small rebel force in the interior.

Theotokios Olaskos lands a small army northwest of Corinth to bring justice to some more rebels.

Two Sicilian units land south of Ragusa. Alexius is not amused. The Norman adventurers have plagued the Empire before. Their taking of Bari in 1071, the Empire's annus horribilis, had removed the last Imperial presence in Italy. If they strike again, the Normans will learn the same lesson as the Venetians. The Empire was back, it was gaining strength and its Basileus had a long memory.

[OverKnight]

1132

Kaisar John eliminates two units of rebels east of Smyrna and then returns to the Castle.

Theotokios faces a stiffer fight northwest of Corinth.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/arebel.jpg

But this rebellion is put down as well. Theotokios takes ships to Corinth to rearm his forces.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/abrebelvictory.jpg

In grudging accordance with the wishes of the Council of Nobles, Petros of Psalida opens negotiations with the Venetians. He reluctantly grants them trade rights for 700 florins and their map information. Imperial maps, however, are not part of the deal. As a reward, the Council recruits two units of Archer Militia for the capital.


1134

The year begins with a bad omen as a fierce storm strikes Smyrna.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/cstormsmyrna.jpg

John's fleet and army take heavy losses. The Kaisar, after the debacle at Iraklion and now this, wonders what he has done to offend God.

God's reply to John.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/bcrusade.jpg

Basileus Alexius is alarmed. While the target of the Crusade is Jerusalem, many Catholic armies will demand passage through his lands. If he refuses, they might attack, and if he lets them pass, they might attack anyway if the Crusade fails. It is an unenviable position.

The news gets worse as the Venetians renew their blockade of Nicaea.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/dwarveniceagain.jpg

The bright spot is that the Poles have abandoned their ill considered treaty with Venice. They will remain allies with the Empire instead, a wise decision.

Admiral Michael sails his new ships from Constantinople and clears the Sea of Mamara of Venetian galleys. He then proceeds south towards Smyrna to reinforce its battered fleet.

Alexius, now with a free hand, turns around again and marches to Zagreb. He ends the year outside the city, but is unable to besiege it.


1136


Antonio Selvo brings a massive Venetian Army east and attacks Alexius. The cornered nobles in Zagreb, not wanting to be sorrounded, join the attack as well. Doge Bartolomeo is one of them, but oddly enough, Gerardo Selvo leads the forces from the city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/eazagrebdeploy.jpg

Alexius deploys his infantry and archers on a small hill facing some windmills. His horse archers are deployed at a right angle from his left flank on a larger hill. The Basileus is hesitant to split his forces in the face of superior numbers, but an edge in mobility is all he has.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/ebinit.jpg

The Imperial horse archers sweep down and release volley after volley into the backs of the advancing Venetians. The enemy, however, is intent on the main line and shrugs off the losses. They charge the infantry.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/eccharge.jpg

The Imperial line extends a bit past the Venetian line on their left flank, the spearmen turn it.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/edturnflank.jpg

The Venetians left flank crumbles and routs, but the arrival of the Zagreb garrison negates this advantage. Alexius redeploys his right flank to deal with this new threat.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/ee2vencharge.jpg

A stalemate is developing as the lines hack at each other. Venetian cavalry is wearing down both flanks. The Imperial horse archers have kept up a steady hail of arrows into the Venetian rear, but it has not broken them. In order to relieve the Imperial infantry, more direct action will have to be taken.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/efhacharge.jpg

The results are satisfying.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/egchainrout.jpg

The battle descends into a pursuit of fleeing infantry and attacking the still resilient archers and nobles of the Venetians. Gerardo Selvo is killed, Doge Batolomeo is captured but Antonio Selvo escapes.

Over a quarter of Venice's soldiers have been crushed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/ehvictory.jpg

A ransom is offered but refused, killing all the prisoners is a bloody day's work.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/eiransom.jpg

Andronicus Comnenus, the Basileus's second son, comes of age in Constantinople.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1132-1136/fandron.jpg

He takes command of a small force of militia and heads toward Sofia. A Venetian army is close by and the Castle must be reinforced and a noble put in charge. Andronicus is unsure if he is the man for the job, but there is no one else available.

Kaisar John, cursing the storm, waits at Smyrna for repair and reinforcements before he takes ship, once again, for Crete.

The Sicilians, with a reinforced Army, take advantage of the Empire's entanglements and besiege Ragusa.

Alexius briefly considers heading south, but he has a job to finish at Zagreb. He besieges the city which is garrisoned by the pathetic survivors of the battle outside it.

Theotokios Olaskos takes ship from Corinth to relieve Ragusa. He prays that he will arrive in time.

[OverKnight]

1138

The Venetian force north of Sofia moves west, most likely in response to a desperate summons from Zagreb.

Theotokios's prayer is not granted as the Sicilians assault Ragusa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/aaragusa.jpg

The Castle is taken.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/abragusa.jpg

The Sicilians choose to occupy it.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/acragusa.jpg

Theotokios lands south of Ragusa.

Basileus Alexius is deeply troubled by the news from Ragusa, but proceeds with his assault on Zagreb. The remnants of the Venetian survivors from the battle outside the walls have taken refuge in the settlement, but it has still left a mark.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/bazagrebdeploy.jpg

Surprisingly, Doge Bartolomeo is spotted inside. It was thought he was killed when the ransom offer was refused. Alexius later learns that the Doge played dead among the execueted prisoners. It is of no concern as the Doge's second death is more permanent.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/bbzagrebresults.jpg

Zagreb is occupied, the Priests from Sofia are moved into the region to ensure the enforcement of new Church doctrines. Alexius dispatches some men to assist Theotokios, but remains in the city to maintain order.

Kaisar John sails from Smyrna, scattering some Venetian galleys on the way out of the harbor.

Plans are made to convert Corinth to a Large Town. With Ragusa in the west, Sofia in the north and Smyrna and Trebizond in the east, the Castle is not needed.


1140

Isaac Comnenus, the youngest son of the Basileus, comes of age. Alexius has a new granddaughter as well.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/cisaac16.jpg

Poland declares war on Russia. The Empire must choose which ally to keep.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/darussiapol.jpg

Alexius is still angry with the Polish over the Venetian debacle, he chooses the Russians. Agnes is not amused and gives John the cold shoulder.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/dexallypol.jpg

The Basilues is interested in how his youngest son will handle a command, he sends the boy to attack a small Venetian force.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/faisaacdeploy.jpg

Isaac turns out to be a bit of a prodigy, he deploys his men on the high ground, negating the Venetian's artillery superior range. They are showered with arrows untill Isaac leads a charge down the hill against the catapults.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/fbattackfromhill.jpg

The Venetians break and their leader is ridden down like a dog.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/fcriddendown.jpg

Isaac wins his spurs.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/fdvic.jpg

Theotokios, having recieved the reinforcements from Zagreb, besieges Ragusa. A Sicilian fleet is driven off before it can land their own reinforcements.

John lands east of Iraklion and besieges the city, he hopes for a better outcome this time. His fleet blockades the port.

Andronicus heads west from Sofia to pursue the Venetian army that had been in the area. He will also build watchtowers in the hinterlands of the Zagreb province.

Petros of Psalida exchanges maps and trade rights with the French.

The State of the Empire 60 years into the Restoration:

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/earank.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/ebfin.jpg


1142

Despite the cold spell in their marriage, another child is born to John and Agnes.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/gstef.jpg

Venice appears to have joined the Crusade as one of their Armies looks to have taken the Cross north of Zagreb. Isaac, returning from the field, has to manuever around them.

Volkanos arranges a trade of maps with Denmark. He also sells trade rights to them for 500 florins.

The sieges of Iraklion and Ragusa continue.


1144

Basileus Alexius dies peacefully in Zagreb.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/haalexdead.jpg

John is the new Basileus.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/hbbasjohn.jpg

The new Kaisar is a bit of a surprise.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/hcisaactree.jpg

There are rumors that Isaac had Alexius sign a proclamation making him Kaisar on his deathbed. There are other rumors that Alexius simply wanted the best general of the next generation to be in line for the throne. The truth of the matter proves elusive.

The new Kaisar orders that Zagreb be renamed in honor of the dead Basileus and his heroic victory there.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/hdalexium.jpg

The locals grumble and still call their city by the old name, but it is changed on Imperial maps.

The Council of Nobles, pleased that Iraklion has been blockaded, outfits three flotillas of fire ships for the capital.

Theotokios assaults Ragusa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/iaragdeploy.jpg

As the Castle has one gate, there will be little subtlety in the attack, though he does place archers with ladders close to the far wall.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/ibinit.jpg

The assault on the gate meets with resistance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/icburn.jpg

An aborted sortie by some knights leaves the gate open and the attackers pour in.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/idrush.jpg

A nasty cavalry battle develops in the interior of the Castle as the infantry is left behind to deal with the Venetians on the wall.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/ieswarm.jpg

The Venetians all rout before they can rally in the Castle square. Ragusa belongs to the Empire once again.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/ifvictory.jpg

Hearing of his Father's death, the new Basileus throws himself into an assault on Iraklion.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kadeploy.jpg

John divides his men to assault three gates. The north gate is undefended and quickly seized.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kbnorthgateempty.jpg

John delays his attack on the two defended gates as he waits for the Venetians to respond to the breach of the north gate. Some of the garrison is redeployed and then John orders the assaults on the east gate. . .

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kceastgate.jpg

. . .and the south gate to commence.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kdsouthgate.jpg

After heavy fighting at both gates, the Venetian leader, Councillor Cristiano, is immolated by a fire arrow. The Venetians fall back to the city square, which has been threatened by the Imperial forces from the north, and make their last stand there.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kesquare.jpg

Imperial troops swarm in from three directions and sorround the last Venetian spearmen.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kfsorround.jpg

They are put down, and Iraklion is occupied after a bloody fight.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/kvic.jpg

John mourns his Father after the victory, but is proud of what the Comnenus family has accomplished.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1138-1144/lmap.jpg

The Empire is on the path back to greatness. John hopes he can bring it to further glory.

[Odin]

I normally just read the AAR's and dont comment. I am making an exception because your last posting was an excellent read, great battle and nice gesture of renaming Zagreb.

Excellent AAR.

:medievalcheers:

[OverKnight]

Thanks Odin, I'll try to recruit a few Varangians in your name. :2thumbsup:

Unfortunately it seems that that at least the Garrison spawn part of the mod I'm using isn't working. I don't know why it isn't, but it's probably due to my own inexperience installing mods.

Despite that, I'm going to continue playing, and if it seems I'm steamrolling, I'll take steps then.

[OverKnight]

1146

A Merchants Guild is accepted for Nicaea.

Poland joins the Crusade.

Both main Imperial Armies are battered from their latest victories. John departs Iraklion for Smyrna to rearm, while Isaac waits in Alexium for reinforcements from Ragusa and Andronicus's army, which is still crossing through the Balkans. The Basileus has the luxury of time in the east as no there are no obvious threats, but the Kaisar is impatient to continue on to Venice.

The naval situation in the Adriatic is becoming dire. The Venetians already outnumber the Imperial Navy there, and they are much to closer to their main ports. Also the Venetian fleet off Iraklion appears to be heading west to make the balance worse. Admiral Foteinos, a bit desperate, decides to strike at the Venetians before he is outclassed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/aheroicnavy.jpg

The gamble pays off, but additional ships will be needed if the Adriatic is to be contested.


1148

A Spanish Princess arrives in Alexium to negotiate trade rights. The impressionable young Kaisar is taken with her, as she is fair and admirable.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/bamarriage.jpg

The Imperial Court is a bit scandalized by the fact that Princess Urraca, besides having a name that is jarring to civilized ears, is 20 years the elder of the Kaisar, but they say nothing to the besotted Isaac.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/bbmarriage.jpg

The Court is somewhat mollified when Andronicus marries a proper Imperial woman his own age.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/bcmarriage.jpg

Kyriakos Loukites infiltrates Venice.


1150

Asemopoulos Comnenus is born to Andronicus and Komana.

Four Crusader Armies are now on Imperial lands.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/ccrusades.jpg

Basileus John hates to give them free passage across his lands, particularly the Venetians, but blocking or attacking them could lead to war with all of Catholic Europe, including many of his allies. He grudgingly decides to let them pass. Constantinople and Nicaea recruit more troops just in case.

Captain Petros defeats some Rebels east of Trebizond.

Volkanos of Zara exchanges maps and trade rights with Scotland, while Petros of Psalida reaches the same deal with the Moors.


1152

An Explorers Guild is accepted for Iraklion.

Durazzo is finally ready to upgrade and build a wall.

Ioannes Comnenus is born to Isaac and Urraca, quelling rumors that she is too old to have children.

The Imperial Navy that had served with John begins to make its way to the Adriatic, they rout a Sicilian Navy on the way. A new fleet of fire ships, which will take up the defense of the Aegean, crushes a Venetian fleet east of Thessalonica.

John's reinforcement in Smyrna is interrupted by another Act of God.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/dflood.jpg

He is beginning to feel a bit like Job.

As the final forces gather near Alexium for the drive against Venice, a report from Kyriakos arrives from that city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/espyinveniceturks.jpg

The Kaisar is delighted the Turks are at war with his enemy. Venice will be difficult to take, but Isaac sets out anyway.

A Sicilian Army lands south of Ragusa. Even though the garrison has been depleted by sending men to Isaac, Theotokios rides out to meet them. He will not tolerate another siege.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/fdeploy.jpg

Theotokios, leary of the Sicilian edge in cavalry, stays at a distance, trading volleys with them. The Vardariotai reap a heavy toll among the Norman Lord's retainers.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/fgoad.jpg

The Sicilians, frustrated, charge into the Imperial line. Without infantry of their own, they are vulnerable against the Imperial spears.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/ffinish.jpg

The Vardariotai come up from behind and capture the Sicilian lordling as his forces rout.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/fresult.jpg

A ransom is accepted, but the battle still leaves a mark on the losing commander.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/ffear.jpg


1154

A Merchants Guild is accepted for Thessalonica.

Eleutherios Comnenus is born to Andronicus and Komana.

The garrison of Caffa pursues and destroys a band of brigands that had been troubling the city for years.

Trade rights and maps are exchanged with the English at Caen. The Empire has now made contact with every faction in the known world.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1146-1154/gknownworld.jpg

[OverKnight]

1156

Constantinople is on the verge of becoming a Huge City, all it will need is some improvements on the Walls of Theodosius.

An Imperial merchant is driven out of business in the Levant by an Egyptian.

Adelisa, a Sicilian Princess, arrives at Ragusa begging for a cease fire. Theotokios, who swears he remembers the same woman try to seduce him into serving King Roger a few years back, grudgingly passes on the offer to Basileus John. Over the strenuous objections of Kaisar Isaac, he approves. Trade rights, a 1000 florins now and 5000 over the next five years are demanded from Sicily in exchange for peace. They accept.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/asicilypeace.jpg

Basil of Loroton spots the German and Venetian Crusades north of Adana, a castle the Turks have recently taken from rebellious Armenians.

Isaac besieges Venice. Kyriakos is able to open the gates, but the Kaisar, knowing the strength of the garrison, chooses caution and decides to starve them out.


1158

The Venetians have no interest in starving. Believing they have the upper hand in quality of troops, they sally out to attack Isaac.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bavendeploy.jpg

"Rush the Gate!", commands Isaac. The Imperial troops must close before the Venetians can fully deploy and bring their crossbowmen and catapults to bear on them. Dropping their siege equipment, the men stream forward.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bbrushthegate.jpg

The horse and foot archers unleash whistling death into the disorganized mass of Venetians emerging from the gate. Screaming, the two armies meet.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bclinesmeet.jpg

The melee lacks manuever or subtlety as it is just two masses of men hacking and stabbing at each other while missiles fly in all directions. After a few bloody minutes, Doge Benasuto, caught out in front of his men, is unhorsed and killed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bddogedead.jpg

The Venetians run for the protection of their walls, but the Imperial troops are among them and rush through the gate with them.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/berout.jpg

Despairing of holding the walls or gate, and panicked by the loss of both their nobles, the Venetians run for the city square. The catapult crews are cut down without firing a shot.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bfrun.jpg

The Imperial horse runs down many of them, but Isaac calls them back before reaching the square. There are too many survivors, and they will fight hard with their backs against the wall. While the assault on the gate lacked any sophistication. . .

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bhaftermathgate.jpg

. . .it's time for a change of tactics. The Imperial Army splits into three parts.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bgsplit.jpg

The first will head straight in and engage the Venetians. The other two will converge on the square from the sides.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/biconverge.jpg

Weight of numbers eventually wears down fanatical resolve.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/bksorround.jpg

It is a Heroic Victory, but at a heavy cost.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/blvictory.jpg

The Empire is back in Northern Italy for the first time in three centuries. Despite the efforts of the Huns, Goths, Lombards, Franks and traitorous ex-vassals, the Empire has returned. No force in Heaven or Earth will dislodge them again. In order to drive this point home, Isaac, with no concensus from his councillors, decides to make an example out of Venice.

Such is the price of defiance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/cexterminate.jpg

Such is the price of treachery.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/dvendestroyed.jpg

His actions give Isaac a dark reputation.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1156/edread.jpg

[gibsonsg91921]

how did u change the name of zagreb to alexium? sounds interesting... is it possible with ur mod or did u just edit some game files..

[OverKnight]

If you click on the name in the city screen, you can enter a new name.

[gibsonsg91921]

whoa unmodded??? sweet!

[OverKnight]

Note: I will begin adding money to the AI factions roughly every 5 turns.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/caddmoney1160.jpg

This is to compensate for the failed implementation of the mod I was using.


1158 continued

An Explorers Guild is accepted for the newly seized city of Venice.

Basil of Loroton locates the former Venetian Crusade Army.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/alostcrusade.jpg

With the loss of their homeland, the Crusaders have descended into banditry. It seems the Egyptians will have quite the brigand problem, though Basileus John feels no pity for them.

Isaac destroys two small rebel armies in Venezia. Andronicus is dispatched back east.


1160

Constantinople receives an upgrade.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/bmastmerchcon.jpg

Voulgariotes Kamytzes avenges the loss of his fellow Imperial merchant near Antioch by driving the responsible Egyptian out of business.

A Sicilan Spy is expelled from Ragusa, it seems the Normans, despite the truce, are still interested in it.

The Western Imperial Army, after wiping out rebels, garrisons Venice. Reinforcements will be shuttled in from Ragusa.

The State of the Empire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/drank.jpg

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/efinances1160.jpg


1162

Milan and Sicily are now at war.

A German Spy is expelled from Venice. They might have bigger worries, however, as the Milanese take and exterminate Bologna. The smoke rising from the city can be seen from Imperial lands.

The German Crusade Army approaches Jerusalem.

Isaac defeats some more bandidts near Venice.

Admiral Draganos defeats some pirates in the Black Sea. He proceeeds south to station the Eastern Fleet at Iraklion.


1164

The German Crusade besieges Jerusalem, however the Egyptians counterattack and the besiegers are annihilated.

Daughters are born to Isaac, Ioannousa, and Andronicus, Stania.

A Heretic is tried and execueted near Bologna by Imperial priests before he could bring his lies into the Empire.


1166

A Sicilian Agent is again expelled from Ragusa.

Foteine is born to Andronicus and Komana.

Andronicus, taking some of the garrison of Sofia with him, routs some rebels south of the Castle. He moves on alone to Thessalonica.

Basileus John, believing that the Sicilians are about to break the truce, arranges a donation of 1000 florins to his allies the Milanese. He hopes to improve relations with them and aid them in their war against Sicily. John does not want to fight a two front war in Sicily if it comes to that.


1168

The Milanese gratefully pocket the florins and then lay siege to Venice.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/fbetrayedmilan.jpg

Enraged by Milanese treachery, and insulted they would send such a small force against him, Kaisar Isaac sallies from the city to face them. He chooses a dark and stormy night to face them as it matches his mood.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/gadeploy.jpg

The main Imperial Army gathers in front of the west gate while the Vardariotai deploy from the north gate to emerge on the Milanese left flank.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/gbinit.jpg

The army charges the siege engines and creates havoc among the surprised Milanese.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/gcattack.jpg

In the confusion, the Vardariotai stream in and kill Captain Gilio.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/gdleaderkill.jpg

The Milanese break and are pursued. Isaac notes that their Pavise Crossbowmen have the range and power to inflict casualties on his Horse Archers. He will have to change his tactics in the future.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/gevic.jpg

The prisoners are execueted for their treacherous attack.

Isaac, after recieving ship bound reinforcements, leaves a small garrison behind in Venice and moves to the bridge north of Bologna.

Sicilian forces, in a somewhat expected move, land near Ragusa.

One of the priests converting the heathen in Trebizond becomes convinced he is the messiah, his former brothers put him down quickly.


1170

A German diplomat arrives in Venice with an ultimatum.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/hdemand.jpg

The Basileus rejects the threat out of hand, after the Milanese debacle, he will not throw good money after bad.

The Sicilians besiege Ragusa. Theotokios, waiting for them to be the first to violate the truce, sallies out. Using a night attack, he is able to isolate the besiegers from their reinforcements.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/kdeploy.jpg

They are crushed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/kvic.jpg

Theotokios pursues the second Sicilian army. They flee, but Andronicus, dispatched from Thessalonica, blocks their line of retreat and they are trapped.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/ldeploy.jpg

They are destroyed as well.

Isaac moves south to attack Bologna. Kyriakos is able to open the gates.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/iadeploy.jpg

The Milanese are unable to defend two out of the three gates Isaac attacks and the city is taken.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/ibvic.jpg

Isaac decides to occupy the city as the Milanese have already exterminated it. Still, there is a great deal of unrest.

Pope Gregory is given a great deal of money to ignore the situation in the penninsula. Relations with the Papacy improve to so-so.


1172

Reinforcements for the west take ship in Smyrna.

A German agent is expelled from Bologna.

Malha is born to Urraca and Isaac.

Northern Italy is rife with Milanese Armies, the Kaisar decides to thin the herd by striking at Cristoforo Rossi, who has the Army closest to Bologna.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/madeploy.jpg

The Milanese have the advantage of height.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/mbinit.jpg

Isaac sends the Horse Archer to the flanks and rear of the Milanese Army, while the foot marches up the side of the hill with the gentlest slope.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/mcsorround.jpg

The Infantry begins to suffer from missile fire and are ordered to charge.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/mdcharge.jpg

The lines meet, which is when. . .

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/memeet.jpg

. . .Isaac orders his own retainers and the horse archers to attack Rossi.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/mfswarmleader.jpg

The Milanese leader is brought down, and the rout is on.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1158-1172/mgvic.jpg

Isaac then returns to Bologna.

[OverKnight]

1174

Rossana is born to Isaac and Urraca, the Comnenus Family, despite some inheritance concerns, is very secure.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/atree.jpg

A German agent is again expelled from Bologna, shortly after the city is besieged by the Milanese.

Isaac, not wanting to be trapped behind walls, sallies out to engage them. He briefly considers if he is playing into the their hands, for the Milanese could have assaulted the city with their artillery if they wished, but the Kaisar wants to maintain his freedom of movement.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/badeploy.jpg

As at Venice, the main Imperial line forms up across from the enemy while the Horse Archers go to the flanks and rear.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bbadvance.jpg

The Imperial cavalry catches the Pavise Crossbowmen too far ahead of the spearmen and puts them to flight while the Imperial infantry advances on their line.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bcscatterbowmen.jpg

The lines meets. The Vardariotai switch from pursuing crossbowmen to harrying the flanks of the Milanese spearmen. Threatened on multiple sides their line breaks.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bdhachargeflank.jpg

The battle devolves into a pursuit and the would be besiegers flee, living most of Milanese dead or prisoners. Isaac, outnumbered in Italy, shows no mercy to his captives.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bevictory.jpg

Andronicus crosses the Adriatic and lands in southern Italy. He begins to march across the peninsula towards Naples hiring some mercenaries as he goes. If the Sicilians think they can strike at the Empire with impunity because of the war with Milan, they are sadly mistaken. Andronicus, a religious man, is concerned about the lack of Orthodox priests with his army, Naples might be hard to occupy without their support. Still he is glad the Empire is returning to Italy in full strength.

Volkanos of Zara, hearing that there is a new Pope, arranges a gift of florins to Pope Bernardus. With the ongoing conflict in Italy, it will be of some importance to keep the Papal States at least nuetral.

The Orthodox faith has begun to wane in the Empire's Anatolian possesions as Turkish Imams preach Islam in the area. Basileus John considers this an aggressive act by the Turks, but not a Casus Belli. An Ikoner's Studio is ordered for Constantinople, and Orthodox priests in the area are ordered to Nicaea. As a city, it is more vulnerable to religious strife than Trebizond or Smyrna. More priests would be recruited, but with the missionary activity in Italy, the Empire has as many in service as it can.


1176

Despite Milanese losses, it is still a powerful nation. This is shown when the German "Empire" becomes their vassal after suing for peace.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/chrevassal.jpg

This is dire news. The Germans had threatened the Empire while they were still at war with Milan, and now the two nations form a collosus that sits astride Central Europe.

Milan, perhaps with a restored sense of confidence, again besieges Bologna with a small force.

Kaisar Isaac, confused as to what the Milanes hope to accomplish, is glad to sally out again.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dadeploy.jpg

The small enemy force doesn't stand a chance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dbvic.jpg

Isaac, tiring of this repetition, infiltrates two spies into Florence and moves south to besiege the city. He hopes for a quick victory against the small garrison, but the spies are unable to open the gates. Isaac, cursing his luck, settles down to build siege equipment.

Andronicus, after chasing off three units of Norman Knights at the rear of his army, besieges Naples. He could have brought the Knights to battle, but the pursuit would have brought him too far away to reach the city this year.


1178

Isaac hands off the assault of Florence to his subordinates.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/edeploy.jpg

The city is occupied. Though priests have been active in the region in the past few years, the majority of them had been sent south to preach near Naples. The city will require the presence of the Kaisar for the next few years. His execuetion of prisoners in the current war has led him to gain the moniker, "Isaac the Merciless". Fear will keep the Florentines in line, though his reputation is in contrast to the Basileus, who is known as, "John the Honourable".

The siege of Naples continues.


1180

The Spanish Crusade Army arrives at Jerusalem. The Basileus had begun to wonder if any the Crusaders would actually make it to the Holy City, as the Crusade was called in 1134.

The three units of Norman Knights that Andronicus had run off attack him. The garrison of Naples sallies out to assist.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fadeploy.jpg

Andronicus decides to focus on the garrison while deploying his mercenary spearmen to protect his rear. The Horse Archers will be sent out to engage the Knights at a distance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fbinit.jpg

The Horse Archers swing in behind the advancing Knights and begin to bring some of them down. The Normans, knowing they could not catch up, ignore the losses.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fcshoot.jpg

The garrison is quickly put to flight before they can form a battle line.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fdrout.jpg

However, the Norman Knights are able to bypass the mercenary spearmen with minimal casualties and charge in among the Imperial missile troops.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fecavonarcher.jpg

Andronicus, cursing his stupidity, has his own cavalry converge on them. The Sicilian triumph is short lived.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ffcharge.jpg

Most of the Knights are killed, and the garrison routs.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fgvic.jpg

The defenseless city of Naples is occupied. After many centuries, the Exarchate of Ravenna has been restored, with the notable exception of Rome.

The reinforcements sent from Smyrna in 1172 arrive near Bologna. Isaac marches from Florence to meet them.

Admiral Michael sails into the Tyrrhennian Sea from the Straits of Messina. He spots a Sicilian fleet off Rome.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/lsicilyfleetsunk.jpg

The fools have crammed a large army into a few ships. Weighed down and ponderous they are easy targets for Imperial Dromons. The army and fleet are sent to the bottom of the sea.

The triumphant news from the West, however, is matched by foul deeds in the East.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/gwar.jpg

The Turks besiege Trebizond and blockade Iraklion. Perhaps they grew threatned by the resurgent power of the Empire. Perhaps they seek to finish the job begun at Manzikert. It does not matter, for the old foe of the Empire is again at war with them.

Basileus John, both dreading and anticipating this conflict, orders the garrison of Trebizond to sally out. He is leary of having a mere captain lead the battle, but stout walls often only provide an illusion of safety.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/kadeploy.jpg

The Turks are driven off.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/kbvic.jpg

John is releived, but he would be more comfortable if a noble was in charge at Trebizond. While most of them are in the West, there is a candidate available.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hannounce.jpg

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/igeorgios.jpg

Despite the youth of his son, John orders him to Nicaea and from there to take ship to Trebizond.

The fleet at Iraklion easily defeats the Turkish fleet and moves east to threaten their trade.

Recruitment in the Eastern settlements goes into high gear. The Basileus marches east with his forces from Smyrna. He now regrets sending so many troops west, but some of the losses can be made good from militias. Even now Constantinople can produce so-called "Byzantine Infantry", superior to his castle trained spearmen.

With wars in the East and West of the Empire, it is a time of crisis, but also of oppurtunity. The following years will see if the Comnenian Restoration is only a failed chimera or a triumphant fact.

The State of the Empire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mrank.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/nfin1180.jpg

The Known World.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/knownworld1180.jpg

[kublikhan3]

AAAH, you've killed the entire Selvo family line! I shall have to redouble my drive to wipe out Byzantine in my AAR! :)

Seriously though, nice AAR. I noticed you got some rather large battles there. I'm guessing that's the mods at work.

[OverKnight]

1182

An Explorers Guild is accepted in Florence.

The Spanish Crusade is destroyed outside Jerusalem. It pains Basileus John that the Spaniards failed, if any Catholic power is to establish a presence in the Holy Land, he would prefer an ally.

John is quite happy, however, to have his son married before he boards ship in Nicaea.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/ageorgioswed.jpg

John's army enters Turkish territory and unites with reinforcements coming in from the capital and Nicaea. Priests travel ahead of the Imperial forces to make this a spiritual as well as a temporal offensive.

Admiral Draganos blockades Iconium's port.

Basil of Loroton trades updated maps with the Poles. Their lands are quiet extensive.

A large Milanese army approaches Bologna. Kaisar Isaac, now flush with reinforcements, attacks them to begin a new offensive.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/badeploy.jpg

Isaac deploys his men on a hill with the Vardariotai on the flanks and forward of the main line. To his surprise, the Milanese advance towards him. Perhaps they are confident due to their advantage in cavalry or artillery, or the Captain that leads them is inexperienced. Either way, Isaac is content to let them come to him.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/bbmiladvance.jpg

The Horse Archers sweep in on the flanks and begin to shower the marching Milanese with arrows. At the same time the enemy send their bowmen forward to soften up the imperial line.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/bcflank.jpg

The Imperial archers, with the height advantage, decimate their counterparts.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/bdarcherrout.jpg

The Milanese, with their archer screen fleeing and their artillery engaged in a long range duel with the Vardariotai, charge the Imperial line under heavy arrow fire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/becharge.jpg

The advance withers under a missile barrage and the arrow bit men who manage to meet the Imperial line soon break.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/bfrout.jpg

Isaac and the cavalry ride down most of the survivors. The prisoners are execueted.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/bgvic.jpg

With the path cleared to Milan, Isaac advances and besieges the city.


1184

The Milanese attempt to break the siege of their capital.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cadeploy.jpg

The terrain favors the Empire. Isaac deploys his men on a mountainside while the Vardariotai hide in a wood on the left flank.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cbinit.jpg

Imperial archers begin raining death on the first Milanese army, but their artillery begins lobbing rounds at them. The Horse Archer advance from hiding to deal with this threat.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cchaforward.jpg

The Milanese lack nothing for courage as they charge up the hill, but their resolve cannot defeat the advantage of height.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cddeadhorse.jpg

The first Milanese army withdraws, except for the artillery, as the garrison of Milan arrives.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/ce1leave2arrive.jpg

The Horse Archers sow chaos among the artillery as the second army charges up the slope.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cfhachargeart.jpg

The second Milanese army is just as valiant as the first, but it meets with the same result.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cg2charge.jpg

The second army breaks and flees. The cavalry springs into pursuit.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/ch2rout.jpg

The victory is complete.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/cirout.jpg

The Imperial Army surges into the defenseless city of Milan. Isaac decides to send a message to their Duke, cowering in Genoa, a treaty of alliance is a sacred document, the price of violating it is high.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/dfutile.jpg

A Merchants Guild is accepted for the city.

Georgia Comnenus comes of age in Constantinople. She and the diplomats of the Reich will scour Europe for a suitable husband.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/egeorgia.jpg

Isaac storms south after driving off the survivors of the last battle from Milan. His spies have managed to open the gates of the city and he takes it.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/fgenoaex.jpg

Duke Bernardo and the city are put to the sword.

The Basileus is deeply disturbed by the reports he is getting from Italy. What use is taking back Imperial lands if they are depopulated in the process?

John is faced with a more immediate problem as two small Turkish armies block his path to Iconium.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/gadeploy.jpg

Not wanting to lose men, for his Priests have told him that the Turkish capital is full to the bursting with soldiers, John uses the cover of darkness to seperately attack each army.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1184/gbvic.jpg

They are utterly destroyed, but in pursuing them the Basilues has been pulled away from Iconium. He will not reach the city this year.

[OverKnight]

AAAH, you've killed the entire Selvo family line! I shall have to redouble my drive to wipe out Byzantine in my AAR! :)

Seriously though, nice AAR. I noticed you got some rather large battles there. I'm guessing that's the mods at work.

Not only did I kill your precious Selvos, I put the lagoon city to the sword! :evilgrin:

The only mod I tried at the beginning is failing to work. I have instead been donating large amounts of money (50,000 to 100,000 florins) to each AI faction every 5 turns or so. I also have unit size set to large. All of which might explain the big battles.

Of course the AI is like Paris Hilton, it can have all the money in the world, but that doesn't make it any smarter.

[Stuperman]

Hey OK any chance there will be another update befor the KOTR election?
It looks like you'll have your hands full with the Chancellorship afterwords, and am really enjoying this AAR.

[OverKnight]

There will be one before the Election. It is difficult to serve two masters, so if I get elected Chancellor, the AAR will going on hiatus. However, I would resume once my term would be over.

[OverKnight]

1186

A Merchant Guild is declined for Genoa, John wishes no one Guild to monopolize his Empire.

Milan and France are now allies. The Empire's western border is ringed by an interlocked alliance now, two members of which are openly hostile. They call themselves the Western League.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/aantigreekleague.jpg

While the Germans and French are not at war with the Empire, there is little doubt they soon will be.

The Council of Nobles, pleased by the blockade of Cagliari, recruit three units of Dismounted Byzantine Lancers in the capital. John wonders why they didn't throw in the horses, but they will be useful for stiffening his infantry line against the Turks. The Basileus is also happy to learn that he is a grandfather, Margarito is born to Georgios and Theofano.

The new father lands in Trebizond. Wasting no time, he sets out east with most of the garrison. This will be a two front war against the Turks.

John attacks a Turkish army outside of Iconium. Crown Prince Tutush leads the garrison out of the city to battle.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/badeploy.jpg

John deploys on a hill far from the Turkish forces. He hopes the Turks will act like the arrogant Milanese and advance on him so they can be decimated by arrow fire. The Crown Prince is a more cagey foe however, and the three armies unite on their own hill and await the Basileus.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bbnobaitgather.jpg

John, wishing he had his son's luck, advances his forces on the Turks. He sends the Vardariotai ahead to nibble on their left flank. This causes some disruption but does not provoke a full attack. Tutush sends his own horse archers at the main Imperial line instead. One of the Turkoman units is sloppy and is routed by Imperial spearmen.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bchacaughtrun.jpg

The dispersion of their screen seems to goad the Crown Prince into action. First he sends his foot archers forward for inconclusive skirmishing, followed by his footmen.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bdcharge.jpg

The lines meet while the Vardariotai swing around to send arrows into the Turks' rear. Each of the forces right flanks is stronger, so they twirl a bit around each other, a move as old as the Phalanx.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/berightsadvance.jpg

John charges in to relieve his left flank and face the Crown Prince.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bftutushdie.jpg

Tutush is unhorsed and killed. The Turks break and the rout is on. The hillside is littered with the dead, but many more Turks than Romans.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bgaftermath.jpg

It is a stunning victory. Mindful of the bloody events in the west, and a bit giddy after such a triumph, John releases the prisoners. They take shelter in Iconium, and John is content to besiege the city. It will take time anyway for the priests to do their work. The Basileus is intent to enter Iconium as a liberator, not a butcher.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/bhvictory.jpg


1188

The Empire is again plagued by disasters.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/cdisaster.jpg

A merchant is lost and the three units of Dismounted Lancers lose men before they even see battle.

The siege of Iconium continues as Turkish forces converge from Adana. Georgios continues east.

Isaac, reinforced, moves to attack some rebels east of Genoa. The Kaisar is certain who is behind the Western League. Pope Vivianus, leader of the schismatic Catholic faith, is surely threatened by the return of the Empire to Italy and is assembling Catholic nations against him. Spies and priests stream south as Isaac the Merciless ponders his next move.


1190

The Moors, long time foes of the Papacy, beat Isaac to the punch.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/moorsinrome.jpg

Isaac, a bit frustrated, decides not to intervene. Let the Moors and the Papists fight it out. Another development cements his decision.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/dmassingfrench.jpg

It seems a third member of the Western League wishes to test the might of the Empire.

The Basileus, hearing of the worsening situation in the west, decides to strengthen his oldest alliance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/emarriage.jpg

The north flank of the Empire must be kept secure to ensure success in the west and east. It pains him to send a daughter to the Barbarians, but better one woman to continue an alliance, than a thousand men to defend a hostile frontier.

Georgios encounters a Turkish force east of Trebizond and wins his first victory.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/fgeorgiosvic.jpg


1192

Evangelos Exotrochos dies in Constantinople. The city may never have loved him, but without his expert administration happiness, revenue and population growth plummet. The overawed functionary who replaces him has to lower taxes.

Genoa accepts a Theologians Guild, it will be useful in bringing the light to the misguided Westerners.

The two French armies advance into Imperial territory, one approaches Genoa, while the other besieges Milan. The Empire is now at war with them.

The Kaisar, having already turned back north, moves in to relieve Milan. The French force might be adequate to siege a city, but it now faces the Imperial Army.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/kadeploy.jpg

The Vardariotai swing in behind the French as they approach the Imperial line. Knowing the garrison of Milan is behind them, perhaps the Gauls are attempting a break out.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/kbflankfire.jpg

The mostly militia force is confused and several units break off to to try to deal with the horse archers. It is a futile effort, it only leaves the others who move on the Imperial infantry outnumbered.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/kcconfused.jpg

Their Captain is slain and the French break.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/kdrout.jpg

None escape.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/kevictory.jpg

Isaac, enraged that he had to break off his plans against Rome, executes the prisoners. He ends the year ready to engage the second French army if they move on Genoa.

The Basileus, with a Turkish relief force closing in and the missionary work going well, decides to assault Iconium.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/gaiconium.jpg

John regrets his earlier mercy outside the walls, as the defenders put up a spirited fight.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/gbinit.jpg

Imperial forces make slow and bloody progress at the north and west gates, but the forces from the east are able to break through to the city square.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/gcbreakthrougfromeast.jpg

The Turks try to take back the square and are killed to a man in the process. It is a bloody fight, but John sticks to his originial intent and only occupies the city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/gdvictory.jpg

Stopping only to bury his dead, the Basileus wheels north and assaults the Turkish relief force.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/hareliefdeploy.jpg

The ground favors the Turks as they are uphill. John redeploys his men to their right flank in an attempt to negate this. He now faces most of the Turkish footmen, while their horse archers line the valley below.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/hbinit.jpg

John decides to charge the foot before the horse archers can interfere.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/hccharge.jpg

The gamble works as the Turkish line crumbles.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/hdrout.jpg

While his horse and footmen finish off and pursue the remnants of the broken Turks, John redeploys his archers to a outcrop of rock overlooking the valley to deal with the horse archers. Now the Empire has the advantage of height.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/heshoot.jpg

After a few exchanges of arrows, the horse archers, worn down, flee as well.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/hfvictory.jpg

The Basileus, not satisfied, drives his men east to meet two smaller Turkish armies. The Turks seem to somehow have unlimited funds to recruit a horde of men, he must destroy them piecemeal before they can coalesce.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/ideploy.jpg

The battle is fought up hill. John's tired men take more casualties than usual.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1192/ivic.jpg

The second, smaller army is routed as well.

The Basileus ends the year poised on the border to Adana.

[OverKnight]

Just a note to say I will be resuming the AAR very soon now that I have completed my term as Chancellor in KotR. The Reich's loss is the Empire's gain. :laugh4:

I have to review the 52 printed pages of the AAR and ponder the save a bit before continuing, but I should have an update shortly.

[OverKnight]

The Story so Far. . .

The Basileus Alexius Comnenus, newly crowned in 1081, launched a restoration of the Eastern Roman Empire to reverse its fortunes after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. At first, rebel Themes were reacquired, but soon the Empire found itself in conflict with the Venetian Republic. After a grinding war in the Balkans, the Aegean and Venice itself, the Empire was victorious. However, Milan, France and Sicily formed the Western League to combat the reentry of the Romans into Italy. Kaisar Isaac Comnenus, youngest son of Alexius and brother to the new Basileus John, launches a brutal campaign of conquest and extermination against the League. Soon all of northern Italy, except the Papal States, is in his hands, while the middle brother Andronicus launches an invasion into southern Italy from Ragusa. At the same time the Turks attack the Romans in Anatolia, and John, long awaiting this day, takes Iconium. The great war of reconquest has finally begun in the East as the West faces a French invasion and a decision over the fate of Rome.

The Major Campaigns of the Roman Empire 1081 - 1192
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/byzcampaign.jpg

The Known World 1192
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/knownworld1292.jpg

[uruk-hai]

Just a note to say I will be resuming the AAR very soon now that I have completed my term as Chancellor in KotR. The Reich's loss is the Empire's gain. :laugh4:

I have to review the 52 printed pages of the AAR and ponder the save a bit before continuing, but I should have an update shortly.


yeah!thats some great news.love reading this aar so far ,keep up the good work.long live the byzantine empire!long live the roman empire!got to love them byzantines.

[Stuperman]

Sweet.

[OverKnight]

The Comnenian Dynasty in 1192

The Imperial Family
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/familytree1192.jpg
1:Basileus John married to 2:Agnes of Poland. 4:Anna Comnena married to 3:King Kalman of Hungary.
5:Andronicus Comnenus married to 6:Komana. 7:Kaisar Isaac married to 8:Urraca of Spain.
9:Georgios Comnenus married to 10:Theofano. 12:Georgia Comnena married to 11:Prince Miklos of Hungary.

Basileus John the Honorable, currently on the Iconium-Adana border.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/john1192.jpg

Strategos Andronicus Comnenus, currently in Naples
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/andronicus1192.jpg

Kaisar Isaac the Merciless, currently outside Milan
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/isaac1192.jpg

Strategos Georgios Comnenus, currently near Tblisi
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/georgios1192.jpg

[OverKnight]

1194

The Moors reach a truce with the Papal States, but their armies do not leave the area of Rome.

Georgios is blessed with a son, Slavos.

Despite the fate of the first French army that briefly besieged Milan, a second French army, led by Perrin Gassou, besieges Genoa. Kaisar Isaac marches south to deal with them.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/aperrindeploy.jpg

Though the Frank heavy cavalry gives Isaac problems, the French are dispatched. The cowardly French general is the only one of his retinue to survive.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/bperrinvic.jpg

Basileus John turns back west to chase down a Turkish army that is threatening Iconium.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/c1turkdeploy.jpg

It is difficult to chase down so many Horse Archers, but John prevails.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/d1turkvic.jpg

The Basileus then marches east to begin the drive on Caesarea. He faces another Turk army.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/e2turkdeploy.jpg

This force is dispatched as well.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/1194/f2turkvic.jpg

Georgios besieges Tbilisi.


1196

A Theologians Guild in Alexium is denied.

The Moors abrogate their truce and besiege Rome.

The West of the Empire is quiet as Isaac brings his army south to monitor the siege. His plans will have to wait until it is resolved.

Georgios takes Tbilisi and then moves south to besiege Yerevan, which is garrisoned by a 61 year old General and his retinue. It seems John's offensive is receiving all of the Turk's attention. Shaykh al-Dawlah blocks his path.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ashaykdeploy.jpg

John is again victorious killing ad-Dawlah, but the Turk superiority in horse archers is telling.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bshaykvic.jpg

The Imperial Army is being ground down. Rather than retreat to rearm, a long journey to Smyrna, John reboubles his efforts to take Caesarea, there he can rebuild his army.


1198

Georgios has another son, Prousenus.

King Mallobo the Mad of Spain and his Crusader army besieges Jerusalem.

Georgios occupies Yerevan. The city is racked by religious unrest and it will take all of the Strategos's efforts to keep the city from rebelling. Until the city is stabilized, his campaign is over.

John reaches the outskirts of Caesarea. A small Turk army is outside the walls. John hopes that if he attacks this force, he will draw the garrison out. The Turk General would have it no other way, as he is Mustafa al-Dalwah, the brother of the slain Shaykh. Vengeance moves him this day.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/c1198casdeploy.jpg

The Basileus deploys on a hill overlooking the two armies.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/d1198casinit.jpg

The first army is routed quickly, but John has to give up the high ground to engage the second. A vicious fight develops in the valley.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/e1198secondarmy.jpg

The Turks have the edge in Horse Archers, but John ignores them seeking to press home his advantage in infantry. Both sides take heavy losses and Mustafa charges the Imperial line to break the stalemate.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/f1198casgenvgen.jpg

Joh countercharges with his escort. Cowardice overcome vengeance and Mustafa runs, but the few Vardariotai left to John pursue and he is cut down in a hail of arrows.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/g1198casmustafadead.jpg

The rest of the Turks run. A few stragglers board themselves up in Caesarea.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/h1198casvic.jpg

John, almost killed in the battle, is forced to besiege the Citadel with his worn down army. Reinforcements from Smyrna, Constantinople and Iconium are on their way, but can they reach the Basileus before a Turk relief force does?

Andronicus takes ship from Naples with most his army, lands near Palermo and besieges the Castle. In doing so he has out manuevered a Sicilian force making its way up the toe of Italy towards Naples.


1200

66 years after the Crusade was called and after many failed assaults, King Mallobo the Mad succeeds where everyone else has failed.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/i1200spanishcrusade.jpg

Reinforcements for John run into a Turk army on the road. They are defeated and driven back to Iconium. A spy in Caesarea is able to open the gates and the Basileus goads his battered army forward.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/j1200casoccupied.jpg

Leaving his army in Caesarea, he rallies some more reinforcements and defeats the obstinate Turks blocking his supply line.

The Moorish siege of Rome continues as Isaac seethes. The French have again besiege Genoa and he is forced to turn north. However, he does command all the Orthodox Priests in Italy to preach in the countryside surrounding Rome. They say if Rome followed the true path, it would not be under attack by the Infidels.

The finances of the Empire.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/k1200finances.jpg

The Known World in 1200.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/l1200knownworld.jpg

[OverKnight]

1202

The French, fearful of facing an enraged Kaisar Isaac, abandon their siege of Genoa and retreat down the road to Marseille. Gratified, Isaac turns south again and stops at the border to the Papal States. He will wait on the Moors before making a move.

Basileus John holds position halfway between Caesarea and Iconium to receive reinforcements.

Andronicus waits for catapults from Naples before assaulting the stout walls of Palermo.

Georgios, despite being needed to hold down Yerevan, begins building a series of watchtowers around the city.

Theotokios Olaskos passes away in Ragusa. While the Basileus is saddened to hear of the Strategos' passing, this means that all high positions in the Empire are now held by Comneni. This will ensure the Comnenian dynasty continues, and that the Empire remains strong.


1204

Basileus John's youngest children come of age. Velkonia is a haughty beauty, but has a knack for diplomacy.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/avelkonia.jpg

Stefanos is a gifted General and ruler, if a bit fey and tongue tied.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bstefanos.jpg

Stefanos will rule Constantinople in the name of his father, while Velkonia will be dispatched north, to see if the Rus would be interested in strengthening the current alliance.

Genoa is again besieged by the French. Isaac is loathe to leave the the area of Rome, still besieged, and the garrison is left to run them off.

Andronicus takes Palermo in a bloody assault and then attacks the remaining Sicilian army on the Island, routing it. Sicily is returned to the Empire, but the two battles show that the Empire requires stouter footmen than they currently have in the west. Hopefully Palermo will be able to train swordsmen to fight along the spearmen and stiffen the Imperial battle line.

The Turks, in the absence of the Basileus, besiege Caesarea. John relieves the siege and resumes training men at the Citadel.


1206

Spanish Jerusalem is besieged by the Egyptians.

The Sicilian Princess Adelisa, who has already negotiated a short lived peace earlier, arrives at Bologna asking for a truce.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/csicilypeace.jpg

Terms are haggled over, but Isaac accepts the offer. Now that the Normans have been expelled from Italy and Sicily, they are no longer a priority. There are more important targets to pursue.

The Moors, despite a lengthy siege and numerical superiority, abandon the siege of Rome and move to the coast. The Kaisar is not amused. He had hoped the infidels would have done the job for him, but it seems fate has intervened. Pope Vivianus's machinations against the Empire and his claims of sovreignty over Rome and Christianity can no longer be tolerated.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/epopevivianus.jpg

The Moorish siege of Rome has broken the people's faith in Catholicism and the Pope, more than two thirds them now follow Orthodox Christianity and look to the Patriarch of Constantinople as their shepherd. Isaac's spies assure him the gates will be open and that the Senate of Rome will be compliant if he takes the city, legitimizing the conquest. It is time to finally strike. The Kaisar moves across the Tiber and surrounds the Eternal City.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dwarpope.jpg

The gates are indeed opened and Isaac orders the assault.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fromedeploy.jpg

The Empire pours into the city on three sides. The Kaisar's contingent manages to catch a unit of Papal Spearmen at the north gate.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/gromecaught.jpg

The rest of the garrison is able to retreat to the main square.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hromerally.jpg

Imperial forces from the west gate reach the square first. Despite his bodyguard and guady set of armor, the Ponitff is quickly brought down.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/iromepopedeath.jpg

Despite the loss, the rest of the garrison fights on. It is a bloody slog, but in the end, the Isaac takes the city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/jromevic.jpg

Rome is returned to the Empire. All of Italy is now back where it belongs. In consideration of the population's conversion to the true faith, Isaac is merciful, for him, and only sacks the city. (OOC: I slipped up and momentarily forgot the only occupy or exterminate house rule, mea culpa, I deducted the extra florings gained.) The ferocity of the battle only serves to darken his reputation however.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/kisaacmauler.jpg

Basileus John, marching from Caesarea, faces a Turk army that is almost entirely mounted.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/lallcavdeploy.jpg

Despite this, John is able to use his advantage in bowmen to crush them. He marches on Adana, but a siege will have to wait until next year.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mallcavvic.jpg

While the Basileus is pleased to hear of the capture of Rome, rumors reach him that the Senate there is whispering in Isaac's ear, offering him the title of Augustus and leadership of a new Western Roman Empire. John hopes that his ambitious brother does not succumb to such empty blandishments.

[Northnovas]

OK, Glad to see your back on track. I enjoy the style of the storytelling. I don't know how you keep those names straight I would need the spell checker. Keep it going!

[gibsonsg91921]

haha emperor john the saint and prince isaac the merciless