Out of character thread XVI

[AussieGiant]

I just wonder how it would have turned out if the cavalry had followed their final orders. Jan would have been countercharged and, I think, smashed. Wonder if that would have caused a rout.

GH,

Is best not to go there. Three whole turns of inactivity from you cavalry is a game turner in any language.


You would have overwhelmed Hans and been able to more than likely hold off Jans cavalry also. I'd say you would have come out with a victory and a small but effective force at the end.

three one's, in a row on the same division...bloody hell. :oops:

I'm assuming what FH thought and you would have ordered them into the field to have them help you attack Hans.

[GeneralHankerchief]

TBH, I thought I had you with my infantry. The plan was to give Jan as much hell as possible while I finished up with you and then marched into the city to deal with his inferior army.

I saw an opportunity with Jan all alone at the gatehouse and wanted to take advantage of it.

[Privateerkev]

TBH, I thought I had you with my infantry. The plan was to give Jan as much hell as possible while I finished up with you and then marched into the city to deal with his inferior army.

I saw an opportunity with Jan all alone at the gatehouse and wanted to take advantage of it.

I had no idea at the time how close I came to Jan getting charged. I just didn't think of it. I thought my Great Cross could hold the door. I wanted the rest of the army up on the walls because I thought the big battle would be fought up there. Dassel sallying out really threw me.

This is what I loved about the battle. I had to make definite decisions with incomplete knowledge of the situation and limited communications with Jan's ally. It made things really exciting and nail-biting. :yes:

"no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy"

[TinCow]

One of the decisive actions at Bern actually occurred on the first turn of the cataclysm. If Friedrich Karolinger had kidnapped Hans' double gold Feudal Knights, they would never have reached the city. That would have significantly decreased the power of the charge into the flank of the low-level Lutheran mob on turn 4, probably preventing them from being routed off the field. They also would not have been available to help Hans kill off Hugo and carve through the Zweihanders and Forlorn Hope.

[Privateerkev]

One of the decisive actions at Bern actually occurred on the first turn of the cataclysm. If Friedrich Karolinger had kidnapped Hans' double gold Feudal Knights, they would never have reached the city. That would have significantly decreased the power of the charge into the flank of the low-level Lutheran mob on turn 4, probably preventing them from being routed off the field. They also would not have been available to help Hans kill off Hugo and carve through the Zweihanders and Forlorn Hope.

Another game altering variable was simply the turns that Jan and Hugo got on the field. If Jan was one earlier than he was, and Hugo one later than he was, it would have gone different. If Hugo was one earlier than he was, and Jan one later than he was, it would have gone different.

That part was nail biting too. I wanted in the battle so bad the anticipation was palpable. I knew OOC things were going on and had some IC hints as well. The random reserve army mechanic really tossed the whole battle into the air. :yes:

[AussieGiant]

*in a very thick japanese english accent*

Ahhh grasshoppers...so many things...so 'w'ittle time to 'w'earn.

We must sink more on this in our next'a wesson!!

Now!! Brack to wrok!!

[Northnovas]

Eisenhower Quote
Plans are nothing; planning is everything.

I see we have a debriefing go on!

"What if, how come, I thought... "

It's good to get this out to prevent post traumatic stress. We don't want to loose any good commanders.

It's interesting to see that the communications are being questioned. It always comes down to the communications and to see what other people perceived in the heat of battle. Of course no two see the same thing and to even read the same feedback and take a course of action different then the other person because of experience, their own perception and their current situation.

What is really neat is the final results and how each individual action brought a unique set of consequences to the avatars involved.

[FactionHeir]

I'm actually glad that GH did exactly what I thought he would do every single turn except the last one (I had thought he would run from the field rather than fight, although I had considered the possibility of him staying to fight as the main possibility)

As PK said, the turns when people entered the field were crucial. If PK had entered one turn earlier, I doubt any loyalists would have died in battle. If he had entered a turn later, Dassel would have escaped.

Regarding the feudal knights, I think it would have been difficult (prove me wrong) to kidnap them. Even if they had been, I think TC would have given me an extra unit pre-battle: I only received 1 DFK pre Bern because I had 19 units in my stack already.

[TinCow]

I don't remember what the odds I had drawn up were anymore, but I do remember that I was going to give Karolinger a die roll to succeed in getting them.

Also, 1 additional raw DFK is far less useful than a full double gold unit of knights charging into a flank.

[FactionHeir]

Fair enough. The main thing about the battle was that my units got +6xp but quite a few already had experience maxed, so overall, Dietrich benefitted from major stat boosts in comparison. Had I gotten a low xp unit, it wouldn't have fared much worse than a double gold: Double gold is 8 xp, normal unit would be 6xp.

Not planning to argue over who is right though as there is no issue to be arguing about :)

[Ramses II CP]

Personally I found it fascinating that both sides were so determined to force the issue as to make the siege become effectively a field battle. Given that even limited communication was possible between the city and Hugo, it appeared to me that Hans was walking the majority of his forces directly into a crushing pincer (And I gather that if the cavalry had obeyed orders things might have gone that way?). As it turned out, though, Dassel's lack of spearmen (And failed orders) was the decisive factor, even moreso than the poor quality and performance of Hugo's men. As usual in MTWII cavalry carries the day, even in a siege! I can't help imagining, however, what those swordsmen would've done to Jan's attack on the walls in the south.

...and if any of that seems like criticism, it is certainly not intended that way. I'm in no position make meaningful second guesses. :embarassed:

:egypt:

[TinCow]

NOTE: As of 1pm EST today, I have not received orders for the following people:

Elberhard (econ21) - Orders received
Tancred von Tyrolia (Dutch_guy) - Orders received
Friedrich Karolinger (Warmaster Horus)
Dieter von Kassel (Mini Econ) - Orders received

If any of the above players want to fight battles in 1332, I must receive your orders by 8pm EST tonight. I suspect that the only person this really applies to is Tancred von Tyrolia (Dutch_guy), but the others are listed just to make sure. Orders that do not involve battles can be submitted as late as this Sunday. I am aiming to start 1334 on Monday, with a slim chance of Sunday night.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Had the cavalry obeyed orders for the first time, I think Hugo's army wouldn't have been gutted during the sally and Hans's would've been mauled from both sides.

Had the cavalry obeyed orders for the second turn, then we might have had the same events as the following turn, minus Jan's cavalry charging. Depending on how much infantry I had left I would have either ordered a (successful) withdrawal or sent my men back into the city for unknown results.

For the 3rd time, well, considering where I ordered them it wouldn't have made much of an overall difference. Jan might have just died earlier and Bern wouldn't have fallen so easy, but Dietrich (and Hans) would still have died.

Ah well.

[Stuperman]

I'm still trying to figure out how han's BG took out all 4 of Hugo's cavalry untis and suffered so few causalties, overall my, er, Hugo's men didn't do especially well.

p.s. and I never got your smoke signals GH

[FactionHeir]

Actually it wasn't just my BG.

My BG, both my other cavalry, my infantry AND the archers behind your cavalry took out your cavalry, losing a DFK, my archers, half a AS and half my BG.

[Cecil XIX]

That makes more sense. After all this is Medieval II, not Rome.

*ba-doom tish*

[TinCow]

Battles Pending for 1332:

All of the following battles must be fought by the end of Sunday, November 25th. I will still accept non-battle related orders until then. However, I will not accept any changes to orders that have already been submitted that appear to me to be reactions to moves that have been made in the new save. That would be tantamount to peeking at other peoples' orders and I will not allow it.

Also, please be aware that this current save game does not represent all the orders that have been submitted. I have only made the changes necessary to allow people to fight battles against the AI. All other changes will be done after the battles are completed.

Note to all players fighting battles: If you have depleted units, feel free to merge them in any way you want, before and/or after your battle(s).

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-3.zip

Ehrhart Ruppel (FactionHeir):

You have traveled to Bern and taken command of the combined Loyalist and Catholic forces there. The army is pleased to have a leader once again and they eagerly await your orders. They stand ready to pacify Bern.

Note: I have already added the Small Church to the build queue, you do not need to do it. If you want to recruit any units from Bern at the end of the year with your new wealth, please let me know when you post your results.


Fritz von Kastilien (Ramses II CP):

You have defeated the Danes, retaken Stettin, and sacked the city. You can continue on and fight any of the armies around and north of Magdeburg, if you wish. There are three full stack Danish armies, 1 full stack Polish army, and 1 half stack Polish army. You may attack any of them, all of them, or none of them, depending on your wishes. You may attack them in any order you wish and at any time you wish (i.e. you can wait until after Dieter Bresch makes his attacks if you want). When you are done, you can return to Stettin. If you run out of movement points while doing this, use the following console command as often as you would like:

character_reset "Fritz von_Kastilien"


Dieter Bresch (Elite Ferret):

You have repelled the Polish assault on your citadel. It is now time to pacify the province and counterattack. There are three full stack Danish armies, 1 full stack Polish army, 1 half stack Polish army, and 1 rebel stack (representing the religious warfare). You may attack any of them, all of them, or none of them, depending on your wishes. You may attack them in any order you wish and at any time you wish. When you are done, you can return to Magdeburg. It would probably be best if you attacked the rebel army first. It must be destroyed this turn to prevent more damage to the citadel next year. Tancred von Tyrolia has offered to aid you in your attacks. You may use any of the units in his stack EXCEPT Tancred's bodyguards. You can pick them up immediately, or at any point during your fighting. For example, they may be good replacements for men lost in your first battle. If you run out of movement points while doing this, use the following console command as often as you would like:

character_reset "Dieter Bresch"


Karl Zirn (Northnovas):

Your army stands ready to attack the Hungarian army that is pressing on Zagreb. Defeat them and protect your County.


Lorenz Zirn (Roadkill - BATTLE TO BE FOUGHT BY NORTHNOVAS):

You sent a great deal of money to Ragusa and Arnold has recruited a powerful force for you. It consists of three regiments of DFKs, three regiments of Armoured Sergeants, and a regiment of Pavise Crossbowmen. All are outfitted with the best weapons and armor that the smiths of Ragusa can manufacture. Combined with the garrison of Vienna, you now control a strong host. However, this has taken a great deal of time and it is very late in the year. The only action you can take this year is to pacify the province. Do so immediately to prevent any further damage to Vienna.


Matthias Steffen (OverKnight):

The Crusaders who have refused to leave Outremer have been brought to join your army at the Iron Bridge. Your force is once again a power to be reckoned with. There is a band of rebels just north of the bridge. They are not blocking any trade that is important to you, but you may eliminate them if you wish. You may also strike at any Byzantine army that is within range, if you so desire.

[RoadKill]

I have a question. Did Jan die?

[Zim]

I have a question. Did Jan die?

Yep, along with Hans and Dietrich.

[FactionHeir]

Taking the save

[RoadKill]

Yep, along with Hans and Dietrich.

Wow how did that happen.

[Zim]

Wow how did that happen.

They all died in the ill fated Battle of Bern, when Jan and Hans led armies against Dietrich von Dassel.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=95046

[gibsonsg91921]

haha good to have you back roadkill. things are looking up for the principality of swabia, or as peter has dubbed them, the duchy of flanders

[FactionHeir]

Battle fought and won. Sending details to TC.
Save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-4.zip


Ehrhart has his own battle marker now :grin:

[Ramses II CP]

Nice one, ~500 kills out of one company of crossbow militia! I don't think I've ever had a battle where 'militia' anything killed half so many.

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

Ramses II CP,

FactionHeir is a freak of nature when playing tactical battles.

If he is given even two regiments of cavalry he will usually be able to annihilate nearly twice his number.

He had four or five top line cavalry units here...he could have taken on one of those gold chevron stacks and won in my opinion.

[Ramses II CP]

Oh but cavalry I understand, I think we can all do a trick or two there; this is MTWII after all. I admit I usually play on medium unit sizes, but even in battles where the enemy was climbing that hill near Damascus I've never had militia kill like that. I have to confess I always preferred archers to crossbowmen too, before, and I can see from the screenshots kinda what his layout was... I think I learned something today, s'all I'm saying. :laugh4:

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

Oh but cavalry I understand, I think we can all do a trick or two there; this is MTWII after all. I admit I usually play on medium unit sizes, but even in battles where the enemy was climbing that hill near Damascus I've never had militia kill like that. I have to confess I always preferred archers to crossbowmen too, before, and I can see from the screenshots kinda what his layout was... I think I learned something today, s'all I'm saying. :laugh4:

:egypt:

I always read FH's battle reports for that very reason...he's a freak and you can learn stuff from freaky people.

Just wait until you realise the level of destruction he can accomplish with cavalry...and it's beyond what you can think of. :beam:

[gibsonsg91921]

i believe he killed 700 with 2 generals bodyguards

[AussieGiant]

i believe he killed 700 with 2 generals bodyguards

Does that fit in with what you expected Ramses? :beam:

I expect that's not even close to his record.

Keep in mind when I say "freaky" it is with a great deal of respect.

[AussieGiant]

Battles Pending for 1332:


TC, did you move Arnold out of Ragusa to block the bloody sword wiedling merchants? I would expect the AI Venetian's to have a go that's all.

[TinCow]

No. Like I said, only made the moves necessary for the battles that need to be fought right now. I will do the rest of the moves on Sunday after I get home.

[AussieGiant]

No. Like I said, only made the moves necessary for the battles that need to be fought right now. I will do the rest of the moves on Sunday after I get home.

Yup...just ignore me. I'm reading but not understanding.

[Zim]

Yup...just ignore me. I'm reading but not understanding.

I think he's only fulfilled the movement orders for characters being set up for battles this turn. When he comes back from his Thanksgiving vacation trip on Sunday, he'll move the rest of the characters to finish up the turn, presumably including Arnold.

[AussieGiant]

I think he's only fulfilled the movement orders for characters being set up for battles this turn. When he comes back from his Thanksgiving vacation ttip on Sunday, he'll move the rest of the characters to finish up the turn, presumably including Arnold.

Thanks for the summary Zim...I'm multi tasking like a maniac right now and it effects my comprehension levels :dizzy2:

it's clear now thanks.:2thumbsup:

[econ21]

Just to say, Mini Econ and I are boarding the boats to Europe this turn. Players can send IC PMs this turn and get one reply, but then we will be out of communication until we make landfall.

[AussieGiant]

Just to say, Mini Econ and I are boarding the boats to Europe this turn. Players can send IC PMs this turn and get one reply, but then we will be out of communication until we make landfall.

What if I send a boat half way to meet you?

Or in fact take one myself and finish the journey with you?

:clown:

[gibsonsg91921]

i started an article in the wiki regarding the swabian civil war. please add to it - its just a skeleton now and i forget the name of the first battle.

https://forums.totalwar.org/wiki/index.php/Swabian_Civil_War

[FactionHeir]

Peter is not emperor yet and still he behaves as if we were not only that, but chancellor and supreme ruler too :laugh4:

[gibsonsg91921]

well, einstein ( :laugh4: ), if you remember correctly, elberhard put peter in charge until he returns. until then i can do whatever the @#$%^& i want! plus this is a plan approved by elberhard, so there. mwhahahaa

:clown:

[Ferret]

taking the save

Edit: battle fought and uploaded here: finally http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-5.rar

province pacified and one Danish army killed, although I released nearly 600 prisoners in exchange for a few Chivalry points :beam:
As well as Dieter gaining two command traits and some chivalry ones his bodyguard has gone from 2 bronze chevrons to 1 gold so I'm pretty chuffed.

screenies:
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4715/kotrrebelstartow1.th.jpg (https://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotrrebelstartow1.jpg)
https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2346/kotrrebelfinishfu7.th.jpg (https://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotrrebelfinishfu7.jpg)
https://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9392/kotrdanesstartay1.th.jpg (https://img131.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotrdanesstartay1.jpg)
https://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4763/kotrdanesfinishcc3.th.jpg (https://img220.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotrdanesfinishcc3.jpg)
https://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8396/kotrdanesprisonersbj7.th.jpg (https://img131.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotrdanesprisonersbj7.jpg)

[Zim]

i started an article in the wiki regarding the swabian civil war. please add to it - its just a skeleton now and i forget the name of the first battle.

https://forums.totalwar.org/wiki/index.php/Swabian_Civil_War

I added the entry for my character. I'm not sure if I can do much more, having just joined and knowing about most of the war merely from reading the history thread. Would anyone object if I took a crack at the Battle of Bern?

[gibsonsg91921]

go for it, if its a bad one people will edit it. anything is better than nothing

[Warmaster Horus]

Back for good. Sorry TC, school's been bothersome... I won't miss next orders.

[Zim]

Ok, I added an entry for the Battle of Bern. I'm not sure if its bad, but it is sorely lacking in pre 1330 information. Hopefully it is a decent outline of the battle and its consequences, but I'm sure it will require quite a few changes from more knowledgable players.

[Ferret]

save finally uploaded, sorry for the delay.

[gibsonsg91921]

its cool

nice battle of bern zim!

[Warluster]

I have added the entry for the Battle of the Flemish Crossroads. I hope its satisfactory.

[Northnovas]

I will pick up the last save and fight the two Austrian battles.

[Northnovas]

Here is the latest save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-6.zip

Zagreb

First few minutes was a panic I never seen the AI rush like that but the boys stood their ground. Maybe worth a battle report.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332zagreb1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332Zagreb6.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332Zagreb7.jpg

Prisoners were released. Zagreb has some breathing room.

Vienna

A little slow to get started.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332aVienna.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332aVienna91.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332aVienna92.jpg

A good day at the office for Lorenzo

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1332aVienna93.jpg

They were Rebels but if RK had his choice they all would have been executed.
Vienna pacified.

[AussieGiant]

Nice NN.

Go Team Austria!!!

Roadkill, well done, and from sitting on the couch no less. *joke*.

[Stuperman]

Happy thanks giving

or

Grey Cup Weekend

or

World Cup Draw weekend


depending on where you are.

[TinCow]

I believe that is all of the 'necessary' battles. There are two more remaining, for Fritz von Kastilien (Ramses II CP) and Matthias Steffen (OverKnight), but they are 'optional' given their submitted orders and the circumstances. If neither of those players have fought battles by the time I get home on Sunday, I will assume that they have chosen not to fight.

I am going to move the game forward on Sunday night, but there may be multiple battles during the AI turn, specifically for Fredericus Erlach (Stuperman), Arnold (AussieGiant), Peter von Kastilien (gibsonsg91921), and Lothar Steffen (me). Hopefully those can be done quickly enough so that I can post the 1334 turn report on Monday night.

[AussieGiant]

FYI

OverKnight will be fighting my battles. I'm not sure how much partying he is doing for Thanksgiving so...

...anyway.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the State side boys.

[OverKnight]

I still have to take a look at the save. If I fight the battle it'll be on saturday.

[Ramses II CP]

Well, I chose to wait and see what Dieter did, and now I'm in and out of town visiting family with less than reliable 'net connections (How do they survive?!?!). Definitely don't wait for me, I'll fight that Danish stack to the west of Stettin if I find some time, but if not no big deal. :2thumbsup:

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

Okay, it's only midnight, if I've got time to post I should fight that battle. Taking the save.

Done:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-7.zip

So I got my cavalry mauled at Stettin and decided I would only use it for routers here. All the way at the end of the battle, everything is routing except two companies of War Clerics, and there's Fritz chasing right in the middle of a sea of fleeing red. I look away for a sec, and then I hear the 'Charrrrge!' horn. Look back, and who should be charging through their own routers but two companies of War Clerics headed right for Fritz.

I admit I experienced a moment of combined horror and awe. That'd be a pretty funny way to die.

Naturally, though, they routed on contact with his guard. Ribaults+dread vs a captain led stack are almost an exploit.

:egypt:

Screenshots:

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R0e_3Nx2FsI/AAAAAAAAGxw/kJY8EOQwvpQ/s800/0081.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R0e_3tx2FtI/AAAAAAAAGx4/ZvUeUmqpd7M/s800/0082.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R0e_4dx2FuI/AAAAAAAAGyA/xMx0KM5BXWE/s800/0083.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R0e_-tx2F0I/AAAAAAAAGyw/gaJ7_kp1vn0/s800/0089.jpg

[AussieGiant]

Good job Ramses.

Good to see there are still some sphincter tightening moments...otherwise it would be boring.

:laugh4:

[RoadKill]

Thank you, Northvanus, battle well fought. And yes I would have executed every single one of them. :whip:

[GeneralHankerchief]

I've done some work on the Swabian Civil War wiki. It would be really great if we could complete the article.

[Zim]

It looks great, GH. Particularly the changes you made to the Battle of Bern entry. At this rate the article should be complete soon.

[Privateerkev]

I wouldn't expect the Battle of Bern to be completely done for awhile. Much of the underlying politics concerns avatars that are still alive. But we can fill in those gaps later when enough time has passed. :D

[Zim]

I wouldn't expect the Battle of Bern to be completely done for awhile. Much of the underlying politics concerns avatars that are still alive. But we can fill in those gaps later when enough time has passed. :D

True, we may soon have a "Battle of Bern: Political Consequences" section longer than the description of the battle itself. :yes:

At the rate turns go in KOTR, it could take weeks before the Cataclysm ends, and weeks more before all of the rebellions and other changes from it are resolved by the diet. :clown:

[Privateerkev]

True, we may soon have a "Battle of Bern: Political Consequences" section longer than the description of the battle itself. :yes:

At the rate turns go in KOTR, it could take weeks before the Cataclysm ends, and weeks more before all of the rebellions and other changes from it are resolved by the diet. :clown:

I was only talking about "Battle of Bern: Political Causes". The consequences will probably not be fully known for quite some time. :yes:

[Zim]

I was only talking about "Battle of Bern: Political Causes". The consequences will probably not be fully known for quite some time. :yes:

Doh! :clown:

I think I'll retract my last couple of posts and just say "Yay! The article is looking more complete!".

[OverKnight]

Just a quick note to say I won't be fighting Matt's optional battle this year. I'm still pretty wrecked from the Holiday and travel and I don't want to fight tired.

[TinCow]

Ok, I have advanced the game to the AI turn. I have autoresolved through the pending battles and the game consistently pops up only two for me:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1332-9.zip

Arnold (AussieGiant - Battle to be fought by OverKnight)

You took up a blocking position in the mountains to prevent the Venetians from besieging Ragusa. They are attempting to force the pass. Stop them or Ragusa will soon be surrounded.


This battle will be followed by one for Lothar Steffen, which I will (of course) fight. At least on my machine, Frankfurt and Genoa did not get assaulted when I clicked through via autoresolve. I assume this will hold true. If it does not, I will let you know and post the additional battles when they pop up.

Please do me a favor and DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE SAVE IF YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING A BATTLE. There are some changes that might raise a few eyebrows and I would like it if they could be introduced with my Cataclysm thread explanation showing why they happened. I still expect the 1334 turn report to be posted tomorrow evening, so I do not think that this is a major burden. If you simply cannot resist, please at least keep quiet about anything you see and do not send me PMs about it.

[Ramses II CP]

Since I'm one of those people who just can't resist fighting every interesting looking battle... I promise I'll resist in this case. I know the pain of a GM's hard work being spoiled and I won't contribute. :beam:

:egypt:

[gibsonsg91921]

ooo im excited

yet surprised petey isnt fighting? thats weird. i guess i better sally soon if i want to not die

[OverKnight]

Let me get some coffee in me, and I'll fight Arnold's battle.

[AussieGiant]

Go OK!!!

No pressure just kill em all!! :laugh4:

[OverKnight]

Battle has been fought and link sent to TC.

This one is worthy of a report, expect one shortly.

[Northnovas]

Excellent, things have been quiet any news is would be worth reading!

[Ramses II CP]

I'm interested to see how much of Lothar's army survives his siege too.

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

Battle has been fought and link sent to TC.

This one is worthy of a report, expect one shortly.


Ahhh, OK, you send TC a report but no me...should I be crapping my pants or something? :sweatdrop:

[OverKnight]

No crapping needed, I just posted the report.

[AussieGiant]

No crapping needed, I just posted the report.

Phew...

...man you gave me a heart stopping hour or so there OK.

I just read the result. I feel bad for the poor catapult guy.

Is the Duke really that horrible :beam:

Thanks for the great report.

[OverKnight]

I just read the result. I feel bad for the poor catapult guy OK.

Is the Duke really that horrible :beam:

Ummm. . .Arnold has mega-Dread, executes prisoners and stomps around in black armor, he is that bad. :laugh4: I tried to convey that his army is scared of him but also proud to serve under him.

[AussieGiant]

Ummm. . .Arnold has mega-Dread, executes prisoners and stomps around in black armor, he is that bad. :laugh4: I tried to convey that his army is scared of him but also proud to serve under him.

I got the scared bit...it could have been scarier :2thumbsup:

He is mega-Dread dude that is for sure. I'm not sure how to portray that actually. 10 dread is a first for me playing the game. There has been plenty of 8 and 9 skull dude's but I've never cracked 10.

I'm still trying to work out how such extreme dread can lead to the "Inspiring" moniker.

I tried in the last story thread.

[Ignoramus]

Best of luck with your sally, TC. Those Byzantines look as if they're going to scatter your men like sheep.

[gibsonsg91921]

Hey! From tomorrow until next Monday, I will be on vacation. If the next turn is posted tonight, I will still be able to make my choice. Other than that, I won't be anywhere near a computer. I will sally against the besieging army at Frankfurt if otherwise - but I won't be able to fight it. Auto-resolve it or have a proxy fight it for me, as long as Peter doesnt die. I guess if he does die, that's the course of the game, but if we can proxy fight it that would be cool. If not, I'm fine with that - Peter's affairs are sorted out if he dies. Until then, sayonara!

[FactionHeir]

According to the rules, there can be no proxies for players away for less than 3 or 4 weeks, so it would have to be autoresolved. If its not in your favor, it wouldn't be a good idea to sally thus.

[gibsonsg91921]

well, i think im gonna die and itll only get harder if i wait due to my army starving, so i might as well just get on with it

[econ21]

According to the rules, there can be no proxies for players away for less than 3 or 4 weeks, so it would have to be autoresolved. If its not in your favor, it wouldn't be a good idea to sally thus.

Yes - although the rules were designed with the thought that normally people on reserve duty could be kept in a safe place. With the cataclysm, there is a safe option but it often involves losing your army or something drastic.

If you are away for a week, Gibson, I think the best thing would be to stay under siege and not sally on an autoresolve. If the AI launches a siege assault, you may be back in time to play it or we can think about relaxing the no proxy rule.

If you insist on sallying on autoresolve, TC can do it but I would like you to confirm that before risking an inglorious death for Peter (autoresolves don't produce battle reports).

[FactionHeir]

Incidentally, TC promised to post the new turn tonight still, so there is a chance gibson gets to fight his battle yet.

[TinCow]

The next turn report will be posted in about 2 hours, give or take a bit.

[Ramses II CP]

Before he allows Peter to die Fritz will abandon Stettin and march to Peter's relief.

:egypt:

[gibsonsg91921]

the problem is, i dont want my entire army to starve before i get a chance to fight. if the AI didnt attack last turn, they're just waiting for a better shot. if he dies, i can refight the battle merely for the sake of screenshots and a battle report when i get back and create a cool battle report. but i figure that if the AI is waiting to attack, theyre not gonna be stronger than peters forces.

idk TC use your best judgement. if you think ill be better off waiting for the AI to assault, possibly still while im gone (especially if econ says we can proxy in that eventuality), go for it. i wont be able to even see this until next monday. if you think an auto-resolved sally will be better, go for it. but above all, dont have peter escape through a tunnel or something. he will fight the battle, until death. he has like 11 hitpoints so he wont die without a fight.

and ramses, that would be a nice story of brotherhood if you come save me despite my strong words against it - especially if stettin doesnt die in the meantime! what im saying is, ive disobeyed commands before, why not fritz if he felt compelled to do so? im feeling an anakin skywalker-mace windu-palpatine vibe on this one like in star wars 3. lol

[Privateerkev]

The next turn report will be posted in about 2 hours, give or take a bit.

Its has been two hours. And I am arbitrarily defining a "bit" to mean 1 minute. Therefore you are late. This is unacceptable. I will not be so forgiving next time. :whip:

:clown:

Ah the joy of not having an avatar for TC to punish... ^_^

[TinCow]

Please note that I almost immediately made a change to the save game after I posted the 1334 report. Use the kotr1334-2 save, not the kotr1334-1 save. The report has been updated to reflect this.

[gibsonsg91921]

im gonna try as hard as i can to fight the battle tonight - we'll see if we get lucky.

edit: im taking the save, wish me luck! forget the extra regiment of teutonic knights! if i die, it will be a glorious death killing all of my enemies! i'll either win or die - if im losing, peter is going on a 9 hitpoint killing spree. it will make a great battle report, or at least a slideshow with captions.

[FactionHeir]

:gah: What incompetence! *sulks*

[deguerra]

TinCow, are you honestly telling me Jans silly little letter of calling to arms netted him three (3!!!) units of militia, and my glorious call for a cursade against the french invaders netted me nothing!

:clown:

[TinCow]

The result in Antwerp was a combined effect of both of your actions. I apologize if that wasn't clear. You two are kind of tag-team partners for the moment, and you kind of clump together in my mind. If it makes you feel better, I will declare both of the Spear Militia units to be 'yours' so that you can move them even if Jan does not want you to (along with your Merc Crossbowmen).

[gibsonsg91921]

hey, if im unable to fight it tonight, its cuz my mom is working on the game computer. im trying as hard as i can. i should be able to fight it - possibly squeeze it in between 8:00 and 8:30 GMT - 6. lets get lucky!

[Privateerkev]

Just when I thought the Swabian drama was over...

:laugh4:

Good move Ig! After the battle of Bern, I was afraid that area was going to get boring! :beam:

[TinCow]

Ignoramus' orders were priceless. I'll happily post them, if he gives me permission to disclose them. Let's just say I did Athalwolf a favor by having him remain a few weeks behind Wolfgang.

[gibsonsg91921]

haha no duchy for you!

assuming i survive tonight anyways

[Ignoramus]

Ignoramus' orders were priceless. I'll happily post them, if he gives me permission to disclose them. Let's just say I did Athalwolf a favor by having him remain a few weeks behind Wolfgang.

Go right ahead TC, I don't mind at all.

[FactionHeir]

Well, Ignoramus wouldn't have been able to storm Staufen without siege equip...

[gibsonsg91921]

ok im definitely fighting it!

EDIT: fought

:balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon: :balloon:

too bad i already have a famous battle outside frankfurt because this one is cooler... lol

The Second Battle of Frankfurt was, by all accounts, a Heroic Victory!

(boy did i overestimate the danes)

pics coming soon. save uploaded - kotr1334-3.zip

endgame screenshot: http://123pichosting.com/images/5105frank6j.JPG

battle report posted, see you all next week! i will not even be able to tell what's going on until monday, so good luck!

[TinCow]

Here are Ignoramus' orders:


Wolfgang will import another unit of FC Men at Arms(I know he's miles from the coast, but there wasn't any stipulation about location) and march on Staufen(I assume the hiring of the MAA won't delay his march?)

On his march, he will call upon the peasantry to join him and also local nobles to cast their lot with him.

He will march as quickly as possible to avoid bumping into von Salza.

If we bump into von Salza, Wolfgang will proceed with his army waving a white flag of truce until the armies are about 100 metres apart.

Wolfgang will then cooly announce that von Salza broke the terms of the agreement, which was for Wolfgang to meet von Salza on the bridge which at the start of this turn he's currently standing.

Saying this, Wolfgang will call upon von Salza's men to surrender von Salza, who will be honourably treated, and offer them to take service with him. He will then proceed to Staufen.

If there's fighting, then I assume a PvP battle will commence.

At Staufen, the garrison(if there's any) will be called to surrender, otherwise Wolfgang will begin an assault.


At the same time, Warluster sent orders to move to Staufen, pacify the province, and then return to Metz. Since both wanted their avatars to march to Staufen first, I checked their traits and saw that Wolfgang had several major bonuses to movement, while Athalwolf had none. Just to make sure, I moved both armies to the same spot, reset their movement, check how far the game would let them go, then moved them back to their original positions. Wolfgang had a significantly larger movement radius, so that decided who arrived at Staufen first. Once that happened, I made sure that Athalwolf did not get too close to Wolfgang, so that a capture was not possible. I also tried to see if Athalwolf could still do something useful that turn, but in test autoresolves, he was defeated by both the Staufen and Metz rebel armies. Since Warluster wasn't able to fight his own battles, I asked econ21 and he said it would be best to skip the autoresolve under those circumstances (guaranteed defeat). So, I did the only remaining part of Athalwolf's orders that I could: I returned him to Metz and made the city less sympathetic to Wolfgang so that he can't just waltz in next time.

The issue regarding Ehrhart leaving troops behind was simply one of balance which I had decided before I got either Ignoramus' or Warluster's orders. He was about to gain an entire army with several very experienced units, along with more wealth than anyone else in the entire Reich. It seemed a bit unfair to give him extra units on top of all of that, especially since he had no wealth to speak of at the start of the year.

The real sticky question is what would have happened if Ehrhart had remained in Staufen. I'm not really sure about that, actually. I probably would have spawned a couple infantry units to let him 'hold the walls' for a single year. If Athalwolf had then come to his aid, a PvP battle would have occurred. Otherwise, Ehrhart would probably have been captured.

Hopefully that explains a bit how I arrived at this unusual result. Both sides are still powerful enough to survive until 1340, so I don't think I've forced any permanent changes on the Swabian situation.

[Zim]

TinCow, are you honestly telling me Jans silly little letter of calling to arms netted him three (3!!!) units of militia, and my glorious call for a cursade against the french invaders netted me nothing!

:clown:

Apparently Jan is just that much more inspiring than Ludwig. Must be why the French decided to attack Bruges instead of taking the terrible risk of going after my city.

:clown:

Having both spear militia be yours works for me. :yes:

[RoadKill]

I have question. Lorenz is getting old now, too soon too fast. I want him to have kids ancontinue on teh family name. Is there any possible way to force or mod him into the Royal Family. Maybe this can be an event?

[AussieGiant]

Hi RK,

Believe me I would have found out if there was. At this stage I'm pretty sure there isn't an option.

FH would be the guy to confirm that though.

[Ignoramus]

You could get econ to marry one of Elbehard's daughters to him. But they are going to be contested.

[AussieGiant]

You could get econ to marry one of Elbehard's daughters to him. But they are going to be contested.


I don't care about the issues...I WANT ONE!!! :yes:

[Cecil XIX]

You could get econ to marry one of Elbehard's daughters to him. But they are going to be contested.

Indeed, I've been doing some thinking about this. By my calculations there will be fourteen eligable bachelors and five fathers (including Alfgarda von Hamburg) of as yet underage boys.

Of course, a lot of things could disqualify someone. Assuming Elberhard doesn't want to marry his daughter to someone over fourty eliminates six candidates. If he doesn't want Eue to marry one of her blood relations that eliminates three. Also, one could assume that Karl Zirn and Lothar Steffen will support their son who is of age, rather than one of the younger ones. Finally, Elberhard might not want to wait more than ten turns for a groom turn sixteen.

With all that in mind, and judging by Elberhard's likely opinion of the various suitors, it is my completely unbiased that Eue's likely future husband will be found among Dieter von Kassel, Fritz Becker, Tancred Erlach, or any of the recruitable generals.

So yeah, it's probably gonna be crazy. What makes it crazier is that Elberhard needs to live until he's sixty-two for his other two daughters to become princesses. Nail-biting stuff.

[OverKnight]

Matthias isn't likely to be a suitor. It seems the game has thrust bachelorhood upon him, and it fits his character anyway, as he's married to his mission.

I'm a bit flummoxed as what to do in Outremer. Either of the Byz armies is more than a match for mine, and the best case scenario is that I'm able to destroy one while my own army gets mauled and is left vulnerable to the second. Not to mention the Turks or the Egyptians. I much preferred it when I was an ornery subordinate. :laugh4:

Any advice from the peanut gallery on what I should do?

[AussieGiant]

I'd say you are correct Cecil.

And that will sadly end Leopold's only male lineage as a son to the original emperor and the only one of the orginal four to do so at this time...damn it.

That's frustrating. :wall:

[AussieGiant]

Matthias isn't likely to be a suitor. It seems the game has thrust bachelorhood upon him, and it fits his character anyway, as he's married to his mission.

I'm a bit flummoxed as what to do in Outremer. Either of the Byz armies is more than a match for mine, and the best case scenario is that I'm able to destroy one while my own army gets mauled and is left vulnerable to the second. Not to mention the Turks or the Egyptians. I much preferred it when I was an ornery subordinate. :laugh4:

Any advice from the peanut gallery on what I should do?


OK...the fact that you stayed, show balls the size of Arnold's.

The situation as you described is the reason why I thought that at the time.

I'd move myself as close to the largest English army as possible. That's about the only thing I can think of.

[Privateerkev]

I much preferred it when I was an ornery subordinate. :laugh4:

Not as easy as you thought huh? Does it almost make you regret the hell you put Jan through? I know I instantly felt bad about what I did to poor Conrad...

:laugh4:

It's no accident that I was intending to have Jan go back to Outremer in semi-retirement as a crusty old crusader. Being King was fun but I was looking forward to being an "ornery subordinate" again. :yes:

As for princess marriages, I was planning on having Jan go for either of Siegfried's daughters. But then he died. So then I was planning on him going for one of Elberhard's daughters despite the massive age difference. (I was hoping no one would notice... :yes: )

But then Jan got married. :2thumbsup:


I don't care about the issues...I WANT ONE!!!

Ewwww....

Blech!

:clown:

[Zim]

With all that in mind, and judging by Elberhard's likely opinion of the various suitors, it is my completely unbiased that Eue's likely future husband will be found among Dieter von Kassel, Fritz Becker, Tancred Erlach, or any of the recruitable generals.


Go recruitable generals! :charge:

Also, the battle to sway Alexander Luther seems to have begun. :clown:

[Privateerkev]

BTW,

Happy birthday Cecil!!

:balloon2:

[Zim]

:birthday2: Happy Birthday, Herr Becker. Hopefully you get Prague as a birthday present.

[AussieGiant]

Happy Birthday Cecil!! :2thumbsup:

[FactionHeir]

Happy birthday Cecil.

And Ehrhart wants a princess too :grin:

[Ramses II CP]

Build a fort at the river crossing OK!

Okay maybe that's a bit cheap since the AI is so foolish about them, but that's what an intelligent person in your situation would attempt, to make a holding action to their rear with static defenses while defeating the enemy in front of them.

Alternately remember that cavalry cannot man siege engines. If preserving Antioch is your goal then press ahead against the Byzantines across the bridge. Ask if you can hire some Free Company Longbowmen afterward for the stakes. :laugh4:

:egypt:

[deguerra]

hey TinCow,

the only reason i asked about the troops was because any troops from bruges would not necessarily suffer the "danes" penalty. that being said, i think that would make keeping track even more difficult, so feel free to forget about that. my call to arms could just as easily have rallied people from antwerp.

[TinCow]

You are correct, people from Bruges would not suffer from the 'Danes' penalty. However, Bruges is currently occupied by the French, so you'll have to liberate it before you can recruit from the city. The only Flemish people you can get at the moment are three kinds listed in your special ability, which are not subject to the Danes penalty. Considering the decent quality of an army of arquebusiers and pikemen, and the cheap cost of the pikemen, I think the current situation is more than fair. If you had enough wealth, you could probably beat any AI force with just those three units, since Hand Gunners are decent in melee as well.

[edit] Ignoramus, your PM box is full, please make some space.

[Warmaster Horus]

[edit] Ignoramus, your PM box is full, please make some space.
The most often said sentence in the game again, no?

Happy Birthday Cecil!

[TinCow]

The most often said sentence in the game again, no?[/B]

Surprisingly, this is the first time it has happened during the cataclysm. Considering the ridiculous number of PMs I go through each turn to answer questions and clarify available options, I am surprised it hasn't happened more regularly.

[Privateerkev]

The most often said sentence in the game again, no?

By far... :yes:

Look through the old OOC threads sometime and you'll see it has been a constant in our lives. :laugh4:

[FactionHeir]

I remember saying it some 3 or 4 times myself :laugh4:

[Zim]

You are correct, people from Bruges would not suffer from the 'Danes' penalty. However, Bruges is currently occupied by the French, so you'll have to liberate it before you can recruit from the city. The only Flemish people you can get at the moment are three kinds listed in your special ability, which are not subject to the Danes penalty. Considering the decent quality of an army of arquebusiers and pikemen, and the cheap cost of the pikemen, I think the current situation is more than fair. If you had enough wealth, you could probably beat any AI force with just those three units, since Hand Gunners are decent in melee as well.

[edit] Ignoramus, your PM box is full, please make some space.

:study: Interesting...what would be the best way to use said units to defeat a large, high tech, well balanced French army in a field battle?

My interest is purely academic, of course, I have no practical reason for wanting to know...

:clown:

[Ramses II CP]

Line your pikes up in an arc around a hilltop with Arqs behind them and handgunners spread so thinly in front of them that the pikes stretch beyond the HG line. Then wait. Don't let cavalry get behind you!

I'm reasonably sure the AI assesses missile strength first to determine if it must attack or defend. With your gunpowder heavy units you should come out on top, so the AI should attack instead of defending. When they attack wait until the Handgunners are engaged in melee and then do the pike trick (Look it up in the Citadel, personally I don't use pikes so I don't remember the exact details). If their morale isn't shaky yet force your arqs to fire through your pike/HG lines.

Once the enemy has broken you can't pursue, however your gunpowder units will cause them to break and rout every time they try to engage again, so the battle should end with a comfortable victory as long as you don't run out of ammo before they run out of bodies.

:egypt:

[FactionHeir]

AI attacks if you have ~1.2x the amount of missile type units it has.

As for using pikes against cavalry, you'd best set them up in a square facing all directions. That of course leaves little room for your missiles, but you can squeeze them to the front ranks of pikes usually.
This beats any cavalry, but won't help against infantry usually.

Actually, Pikes are useless against infantry unless you have several pike regiments behind each other so the farther regiments can poke without disruption. Also, pikes tend to perform better when they have the lower ground and poorer when they have the higher ground. Counter-intuitive, but true.

[TinCow]

FactionHeir is the local tactical genius, so perhaps he can lend more insight. My experience is that, like in RTW, the pike 'phalanx' is essentially invincible to melee from the front. Thus, with enough pike units and proper positioning, you can create a solid line that cannot be breached by infantry or cavalry. If you then also place your arquebusiers in a place where they can fire, they can ravage the enemy without being vulnerable themselves. While arquebusiers do not have as much range as some of the more elite gunners, they are still very decent due to their armor piercing and morale penalty.

I would say the best formation would be to set up on a hill with the pikemen in a double refused line. The gunners could start out in front of the pikemen, then retreat behind them when the enemy got close (move early to make sure they get to safety in time). Then set up the gunners inside the safety of the refused line and take advantage of the hill elevation to allow them to fire over the heads of the pikemen into the enemy forces. Use cavalry and misc infantry as additional flank protection, if you have them.

If you don't have enough pikemen for a full line, I would go with a mixed line, alternating between pikemen and gunners, with the caveat that two gunner units are not placed next to each other (pikemen on each side). Then back each gunner units with whatever other melee infantry you have left. This will let the gunners fire at the oncoming enemy, and the irregular pike line will break up their charge and only allow units to close range at the gaps where the gunners are. You then have the gunners fall back before they are charged, and counter charge with the melee infantry that back them. Any enemy units that get stuck in these 'gaps' will be alone and surrounded on three sides by your units, resulting in major moral penalties and hopefully an eventual rout.

Of course, the key to all of this is a lot of pikemen and good terrain positioning. It requires a lot more micromanagement than other battle methods, but it works well under the right circumstances. Gunners are easily the best way to kill off heavily armored units quickly, so they are ideal for facing down triple gold stacks. Pikemen are also good for those, since they can hold back infantry and cavalry for a long while at minimal casualties. You do have to assemble enough of them to make a difference though. Crossbowmen and AP archers (like Longbowmen) are also a good compliment to the pike line, since they do not require a straight line of sight to fire and can give you a bit more versatility on unfavorable terrain.

[TinCow]

Actually, Pikes are useless against infantry unless you have several pike regiments behind each other so the farther regiments can poke without disruption.

Doesn't it work fine if you simply have them in a deep line rather than a thin one?

[FactionHeir]

Sometimes, but that means they get enveloped much easier, and the entire units normally tends to switch to swords if the entire first row is engaged anyway, so in the suggested set-up, the second unit would still be unengaged, but their pikes within poking range of any hostile that manages to break through the first unit.

[Zim]

Wow, actual advice when I thought I'd get a comment along the lines of "figure it out yourself, traitor!" :beam: .

*starts writing ideas down*

Thanks for the help. I've done ok with Tercios/Musketeers, but I've never been able to manage lower level pikemen and Arquebusiers. I think I'll play around with some custom battles to work on those strategies.

[FactionHeir]

Well, maybe I'm giving you wrong information to get you killed, traitor :grin2:

[Zim]

So I should do the opposite of your advice and set my pikemen in a short, thick single line with higher elevation to beat cavalry? :clown:

[Privateerkev]

So I should do the opposite of your advice and set my pikemen in a short, thick single line with higher elevation to beat cavalry? :clown:

No, you should turn your pikemen around. They work better when they have their backs to a full cavalry charge.

:clown:

[Zim]

No, you should turn your pikemen around. They work better when they have their backs to a full cavalry charge.

:clown:

That's not as crazy as it sounds. I remember many times in RTW flanking a phalangite unit with my cav meant total destruction...for the cavalry. :clown:

Does anyone else get the sudden worry that while everyone is fighting eachother, Swabia will go down in flames around us? :sweatdrop:

[TinCow]

Well, if FactionHeir is right about them switching to swords (which he probably is), then using two very thin lines would probably be best and would still result in a good amount of frontage. You can get a very long line if it is just 2 men deep, even if you have to back it with a second unit. On tactical issues, when in doubt, listen to FH. I think most of us would agree he far and away the best player in KOTR.

[Ramses II CP]

Okay, I can fight my battles now. Taking the save (And Hamburg :skull: ).

Battles fought, screenshots to come tonight:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1334-4.zip

Hamburg has been occupied peacefully in the name of Franconia and the Reich, the city awaits the return of her Duke and Prinz.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

I have a little explanation of how I sold the mercenaries on a peaceful occupation too, but it'll have to wait a bit. Suffice to say any Danes remaining in Hamburg are being rounded up as we speak.

:egypt:

[GeneralHankerchief]

If anyone else wants to make a bid for Luther, I suggest you do it ASAP. I'd like to weigh my options and make a decision within the next day. Thanks.

[Zim]

If anyone else wants to make a bid for Luther, I suggest you do it ASAP. I'd like to weigh my options and make a decision within the next day. Thanks.

Are we allowed to make a case for our characters, or will that just clutter up your inbox and annoy you? :clown:

[GeneralHankerchief]

Are we allowed to make a case for our characters, or will that just clutter up your inbox and annoy you? :clown:

Yes.

[Stuperman]

AI attacks if you have ~1.2x the amount of missile type units it has.


So, does that mean that Genoa won't get assaulted?

and if not, any tips for fighting an AI army with Superior Cav, and missiles, and they are slightly uphill from me.

[Zim]

So, does that mean that Genoa won't get assaulted?

and if not, any tips for fighting an AI army with Superior Cav, and missiles, and they are slightly uphill from me.

I don't have any tips, but I think he means that the AI will launch a melee attack on you if you have 1.2 times their number of missiles, even if you were the "attacker" in the battle. It figures it would lose more than you to a missile duel, so it charges. This was the answer to the old passive AI bug, I believe. It doesn't have to do with whether the AI decides to attack your stack with one of their's, or to assault a city.

In my experience the AI very rarely tries to starve you out, they just wait until they've built the "right" number of siege engines then attack. :yes:

[FactionHeir]

What Zim's first paragraph said. Basically field battles only and if you are attacker.

[TinCow]

Orders for 1334 are due at 8pm EST tonight, which is appoximately 6.5 hours from now. I have not yet received orders from:

Wolfgang Hummel (Ignoramus) - Orders received
Dieter Bresch (Elite Ferret) - Orders received
Tancred von Tyrolia (Dutch_guy) - Orders received

I am very much determined to finish the rest of the cataclysm in a prompt and timely manner. Thus, any players who do not have their orders in by the time limit will use the default choices, as stated in the rules. I will post the pending battles this evening and if everything goes well I may even be able to get the 1336 turn report up tomorrow night.

[Ramses II CP]

Unless there are any objections I'm going to take the save in a lil while and combine my companies down. I'll post again before I do it, just want to give anyone else a chance to do something important first since I'm just trying to save money. ;)

:egypt:

[TinCow]

Just make sure the new save is uploaded by 8pm EST, since I will need access to it to setup any pending battles.

[Ramses II CP]

Taking it now, it should be uploaded in about ten minutes, max.

Edit: Forget about it. I thought the spearmen would combine down so I had only 15 companies, but I'd have to disband something else too and it's not worth it.

Current save is still 4, I'll get a few killed next year.

:egypt:

[TinCow]

Thanks everyone for getting in your orders quickly. Please note that I have only made changes necessary for the battles to be fought. All game editing that is not necessary for the battles will be done at a later time.

Battles Pending:

Matthias Steffen (OverKnight):
Your army is ready to march out and attack the flanking Byzantine cavalry force. The English are nearby with a moderate sized force and they will honor the alliance by joining you in the attack. Be aware, however, that this will cause war between England and Byzantium. If the English are not able to hold back the Byzantine attacks that are bound to occur, Aleppo and Damascus could eventually be lost. Also, the Byzantine siege army is slow moving, but not completely incompetent. They will move while you are away. You will not be able to enter Antioch or return to the Iron Bridge after the battle. The best you will be able to do is camp at the Eastern Ford.

If you do not wish to attack under these circumstances, simply do not fight the battle. A change in orders is acceptable if this is the case.

Edmund Becker (CecilXIX):
You have marched west to pacify the province of Nuremburg. Your army stands ready to engage the enemy. The garrison of the city is available to aid you, if you want them to, so long as at least one unit is returned to the city after the battle.

Do not concern yourself with moving back to Prague. I will do that for you.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1334-5.zip

[Zim]

:2thumbsup: Woohoo! That turn went quickly. And the French didn't even come at my pathetic force with their super army.

[TinCow]

We're not at the AI turn yet. Don't count your chickens.

[Zim]

We're not at the AI turn yet. Don't count your chickens.

Doh!

Somehow I thought these were battles during the AI turn, although if I'd actually read the descriptions of them carefully I'd have known better. :clown:

Ah well, playing around with the kind of units I can hire in custom bridge battles suggests I have a chance as long as they don't bring those triple gold chevron guys (hmmm, I still have to try that two long thin lines of pikemen thing).

[Cecil XIX]

All right, I'm taking the save.

[Cecil XIX]

Turn complete.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1334-6.zip

[AussieGiant]

How did it go Cecil?

[Ramses II CP]

Couldn't be too bad, they were just rebels, right?

:egypt:

[Cecil XIX]

It went well enough that Becker's not fearful for Prague. Although MIITW up and quit before I could save after the first attempt, and the second ended up costing me about one hundred more men. 'Course, quite a few of those extra men were Bavarians so it doesn't matter. ~;)

[AussieGiant]

Well done.

I'm sure those Poles might give you a sterner test.

[TinCow]

FYI, I'm psyched about getting the 1336 turn report up tonight. It will make me very happy to have a 3 day turn around on the game, given the delays I have personally caused by being out of town for three weekends during the cataclysm.

I expect that OverKnight will be able to fight the battle before the 24 hour period expires, but even if he doesn't an autoresolve is a victory (I have checked) so I will push that forward. Thus, I will guarantee that the next turn report will be posted tonight. I cannot give a time estimate, though, as I actually have to fight a battle myself (pacifying Milan) before I do any changes.

[OverKnight]

Hmmmmm, the parameters set out in the battle queue are a bit different than I thought. I'm going to ponder a bit.

I will something in place before the deadline, either a battle or I might just hold.

[OverKnight]

I'm taking the save.

[Zim]

:2thumbsup: Almost another turn done! This one's been surprisingly quick, too.

[OverKnight]

I've uploaded the save.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1334-7.zip

[Zim]

I've uploaded the save.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1334-7.zip

How did it go, Overknight? ~:)

[FactionHeir]

New save is up:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1334-8.zip

[TinCow]

Perfect timing. My thanks to everyone for getting this all done quickly, especially FactionHeir and his impromptu and otherwise unplanned battle.

The next turn will be posted tonight, but don't get too eager about it. It will take me several hours and will likely be very late EST.

[FactionHeir]

No problem :grin:
Take your time with the turn write-up. Most of us are patient creatures ~:)

[deguerra]

to avoid constantly doubleposting in my thread yet still draw attention, ill just hijack this one :D

OverKnight, what did you think of the last Coat of Amrs for Outremer, and would you like a signature sized version, or are we still working on it?

As for the rest of you, once again, feel free to drop by with suggestions/demands/ideas/requests for you own. Except you Zim.

:clown:

[OverKnight]

How did it go, Overknight? ~:)

My report is up:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1763178&postcount=190

Only time will tell how I did. :sweatdrop:

As for the Coat of Arms, deguerra, I think I'd like to use the black Crusader Cross on the Gold background for Outremer without the crown or subshield. I like the color combo and simplicity. If I get arround to updating the Kingdom of Outremer thread I'll use the shield in the first post.

Nifty job and thanks for your efforts! :2thumbsup:

[deguerra]

ok. i agree that simplicity can be best :D does matt want a personal coat of arms (seperate from outremer) as well, or will he just use that one?

I'll put it together an post it in the coat of arms thread. I'll prbly have to edit my last post (I dont want to stretch econ21s nerves by double posting too much :D) so you may not see when its updated.

[FactionHeir]

Interesting battle OK. Kind of sad the Byz did not engage, but to be fair, they were the defenders, so they had no reason to.
I suppose you could describe it as the Byz trying to move their army across to outflank you, but you got the high ground first and managed to pepper them while they continued their march onwards to Antioch, unable to get up the cliffs.

[deguerra]

Ok, thats it FH, I want to know how you do that! I mean, yes, I can see how to win battles with cavalry, but somehow I always manage to lose quite a lot of the poor nobles doing so. How on earth do you kill/capture so many damn people and yet lose so few. Surely it takes at least SOME time befor they all turn tail and run!

:help: :beam:

[FactionHeir]

Timing. I normally play small unit sizes and that helps in bestowing you with an instinct of when the right time for a certain cavalry move has come. Its kind of a natural flow in a way, where you just know exactly which point to click and when.

Not something you can properly teach. You need to learn it on your own by fighting many (and I mean many) battles with only a few cavalry units and mainly infantry. Sounds weird, but that's when the AI actually gives you the time required to perfect your moves. So just use say one cavalry regiment and see how far you get rampaging through the enemy lines. With some skill, its entirely possible to kill 60% or more of the enemy numbers with a single cavalry regiment if played well.

[OverKnight]

That's about the size of it, FactionHeir, my first defeat in the PBM. In hindsight I could have been more aggressive, or brought the English into the fight, or maybe even been better off sitting on the bridge. We'll see.

But, Matthias talks a big game, and he can't just sit on his arse. However, if he looses his army, he's screwed because he can't instantly recruit a new one. Either Byz army is a match for his, so I guess I'm lucky I was able to whittle one of them down a bit. Still, I gave up a chokepoint.

As you can see, I'm conflicted over the outcome. :laugh4:

Edit: deguerra, I think I'll keep the simple Outremer design for Matt's personal coat of arms. He is the King, and has technically severed ties with Bavaria.

[FactionHeir]

I think you did quite well actually in that one. Even if that stack attacks you during the AI turn, your chances are definitely better in terms of beating it.

Some defeats are more glorious than a victory.

[deguerra]

Indeed, I think you did well. Matthias has probably the most daunting task of all of us ahdead of him, as he is effectively cut off from the rest of the world. I think preserving what army you have is top priority there.

edit: new outremer shileld posted in CoA thread

[AussieGiant]

Well done OK.

A necessity in my mind. You're really going to have to pull out all the stops to get Outremer back on track.

Very astute move keeping the English out the conflict for the moment. Without considerable help the Byz would rip through them in a flash. Best to let the diplomatic option hold the line rather than troops.

Econ,

Excellent story. Really a great read.

Pity Arnold's too old...

I certainly liked Mein Herr complete lack of answer when asked about the Duke :laugh4:

And there has been no burning of bridges my friend...if you blinked you'll notice in the IMS that Becker has made an announcement.

[Ramses II CP]

If it were a solo game I would've drug in the English, but given the larger situation and the losses already taken reclaiming Damascus and Aleppo it probably would've been a disaster in the coming years. I'm foolishly aggressive, but I think I would've gone after that stack in front of you first. You know if you beat them then the cavalry stack is far less of a threat, and if you lose at least you took a shot at them while still at full strength. :shrug:

Looked like a good fight though, you did all you could and kept your losses to a minimum.

:egypt:

[OverKnight]

To be honest Ramses, I don't think I can beat the stack to the north with my current forces. The infantry is silver chevrons, they've got 2 bombards and two trebs, and six units of Byz guard archers, which is pretty good in a melee. Their only weakness is no cav, but my own cav is depleted.

If I had a full strength army with 5 or 6 pavise Crossbowmen, I could probably take them. However I'm not willing to bet the farm on it with my current rag tag army.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm just saying I couldn't do it.

[Ramses II CP]

The cavalry situation is problematic, but I think you can safely count on the AI hanging it's artillery and archers out to dry. The question would be whether or not the artillery fires at all. A lot of times the AI's artillery crews do a little shuffle back and forth and never fire a shot... but sometimes they do shoot. If they did open fire before your cavalry cut them down you'd be in trouble on morale grounds even if not losses. Those gold and silver chevron units just don't break.

Anyway, my point re: the aggression thing was that I tend to think I can always beat the AI and that only my own mistakes lose battles. MTWII has a way of making a player arrogant like that. :laugh4: I'm trying to fight that instinct with Fritz because there's an intellect drawing up the AI armies now, so I totally have sympathy with your situation.

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

TC,

I did name Roadkill Count of Vienna in the House Austria thread number 296.

Cheers
AG

[TinCow]

Thanks. I looked through there before writing it, but must have missed it.

[TinCow]

Ignoramus, you PM box is full. Please make some space.

[RoadKill]

Just to make an announcement, I have finally fixed my MTW 2 (More like I just bought a new disc) and I got kingdoms to tag along with it. So I can resume playing once more!!!!

Just wondering though if I install Kingdoms will I be able to still load the KOTR saves.

[Ferret]

yes, a number of us here have it installed.

[Warmaster Horus]

That's why we need M2 patched to 1.3 to play, from what I understood.

TC, your sig... I'm totally jealous. "Absolute power only corrupts those who were pure to begin with"... :2thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

TC, your sig... I'm totally jealous. "Absolute power only corrupts those who were pure to begin with"... :2thumbsup:

Seconded, awesome sig :2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

[TinCow]

Since there are no mechanics to incorporate wealth back into the normal KOTR rules, I assume it will all essentially vanish. Spent it while ya got it.

[Cecil XIX]

Since there are no mechanics to incorporate wealth back into the normal KOTR rules, I assume it will all essentially vanish. Spent it while ya got it.

Hmm. So can I spend seven wealth to put two more buildings in Prague's build queue before the Gunsmith is finished?

[TinCow]

Sure. You'll then just have to make sure the next Chancellor doesn't remove them for his own reasons.

[FactionHeir]

The thing with building queues in M2TW is that they do not subtract the florins from the treasury unless they are about to be started, so you can queue a huge cathedral and an armor factory after your grain exchange and not be charged for it until your grain exchange is finished (and then you'll only be charged for the huge cathedral)

As the cataclysm ends, we will be subject to florin limitations again unless TC and econ decide that the HRE can get regular cash infusions to use up the wealth spent before 1340.

[TinCow]

Ah, since that's the case... no build queuing.

[Privateerkev]

Are we going to hold a vote to continue the cataclysm? I personally am looking forward to continuing with the "normal" game but I know in the beginning there was talk of keeping cataclysm rules if enough people wanted it and someone else was willing to run it.

[FactionHeir]

:jumping: Would definitely be nice to continue it.

[TinCow]

I do not think the cataclysm needs to continue. Everything is wrapping up very nicely and I think the game will naturally be back at something of a 'normal' state in 1340 anyway.

Plus, I've promised my wife I won't do any more.

[Privateerkev]

I believe the cataclysm did what we wanted it to do. So I'm happy with ending it. But if the majority of the game wants it, and someone will run it, then I'll think of something to keep me busy in the game until I can get an avatar. :D

[Cecil XIX]

How about placing one additional building at the start of the queue, then? That way all the money will be subtracted immidiately.

[FactionHeir]

I would even volunteer to continue to cataclysm if there's demand :grin: Not too busy till after the new year anyway.

Regarding placing a building at the start of the queue, that would indeed work, if there is already a building in the queue on which construction has commenced at least one turn before. I think you might even be able to stack as many as you wanted in that case (up to the limit of the queue itself). At least this works fine for repairs (stack all repairs before the building you are currently building and next turn all is repaired AND your building is continued)

[Warmaster Horus]

I would even volunteer to continue to cataclysm if there's demand

Watch out with saying stuff like that - you might find yourself in a position you might regret. It would be nice to continue the cataclysm, but TC has already done so much... Thanks again, Tincow!

[Northnovas]

I do not think the cataclysm needs to continue. Everything is wrapping up very nicely and I think the game will naturally be back at something of a 'normal' state in 1340 anyway.

Plus, I've promised my wife I won't do any more.

I second that. Lets get back to the normal game. I think we achieved the objective. I almost forgot how we were playing before the cataclysm. It will be like starting a new game.

[Ramses II CP]

For those of us who never played the original way, this way is a lot of fun, but it's obvious that it's a lot of work as well (Work I don't have the time or skill to accomplish myself). I'm sure the other way is fun as well, and less work.

:egypt:

[TinCow]

Since this turn looks like it may take a while, let's get things moving while we can. There may be more battles than this, but I know of these two for sure, so here they are...

Battles Pending:

Fritz von Kastilien (Ramses II CP):
You have taken the good people of Hamburg up on their offer to serve in your army. You have disbanded 11 units of mercenaries. In return, the people have joined you in the form of four regiments of Spear Militia, four regiments of Forlorn Hope, two regiments of Crosswbow Militia, and a regiment of Merchant Cavalry Militia.

Your army has marched out and now stands ready to attack the Danish force to the southwest of the city.


Jan von der Pfalz (Zin):
You have announced to the Flemish citizens of Antwerp that the Reich's English allies have sent a full army to attack the French at Bruges. You tell them that the hour is at hand to liberate their families and friends to the west. However, in order to ensure that the city remains in German control, rather than English, you will have to lead the assault on the city... and for that you need artillery of some kind.

The Flemish people are overjoyed at the thought of the recapture of Bruges. Within a few hours, they have found a few old, retired carpenters and a siege engineer. These men tell you that they believe than can construct a pair of trebuchets for you. They take all four of your wealth for supplies, saying that a fifth is not needed as they will not charge for their own labor. Within a few weeks, you have yourself a pair of trebuchets. They are somewhat rough looking and you do not think they are durable enough to withstand multiple battles, but they will get the job done at Bruges. (Note: The trebuchets will be disbanded after your battle, regardless of the result.)

You stand at the gates of the city, positioned just to the east of the English army. Your allies have a full force of heavy infantry and siege engines. Inside is a large, high-quality French force. It will be a bloody battle. Begin the assault when you are ready.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1336-2.zip

[Zim]

Taking the save. :2thumbsup:

[deguerra]

best of luck my friend. try not to destroy too much of my beautiful city with your damn shiny trebuchet

:clown:

[Ramses II CP]

Kill 'em all Zim. I'll be able to fight mine later, after I put the munchkin to bed.

:egypt:

[Zim]

My fellow Germans,

The battle is over, and the Empire was victorious. Our English allies fought bravely, but after their captain died, their morale was weakened. As the fighting got tougher in the town square, many Englishmen turned and fled, mostly due to the ferocity of a single, mostly intact unit of Dismounted Noble Knights.

Seeing this, and seeing his own men begin to flee, Jan charged his own bodyguard into their flank, again and again until they were destroyed. On the last chage, he fell from his horse when another member of his guard lost control of his horse and hit him. The French immediately fell upon Count Jan, killing him before Jan's men could inish off the French.

Bruges has been occupied peacefully, as per Jan's wishes. If it pleases the rest of the KOTR players and leaders, I would like a young Flemish noble who served under Jan in the assault, by the family name of Merode (unused general) to succeed Count Jan in controlling Bruges temporarily, until such a time as the Civil War ends. He has no current partisanship in the war, but wishes to negotiate with all sides.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1336-3.zip

[AussieGiant]

Great sig TC,

I'm looking forward to getting back to the "normal" game also.

It's going to be an incredible Diet.

I'd say we double all the normal times for this one.

I'd like to see Econ get a coat of arms...as the Kaiser it would be interesting to see what he puts in it :inquisitive:

edit- Christ Zim that's a bit brutal. Well done for taking it on the chin and announcing the news.

It might be better to put an official IC announcement in one of the IC threads. IMS would be the best I'd think.

[deguerra]

Zim! I didn't want you to get Jan killed over Bruges!! What is Ludwig going to do without his ally in Antwerp?

[Zim]

Great sig TC,

I'm looking forward to getting back to the "normal" game also.

It's going to be an incredible Diet.

I'd say we double all the normal times for this one.

I'd like to see Econ get a coat of arms...as the Kaiser it would be interesting to see what he puts in it :inquisitive:

edit- Christ Zim that's a bit brutal. Well done for taking it on the chin and announcing the news.

It might be better to put an official IC announcement in one of the IC threads. IMS would be the best I'd think.

The worst part is, on the final charge where e died, I was just mopping up, I could have had him hold back and I'd still win the assault (he'd reduced the unit of knights to a couple men). :sweatdrop:

I was thinking making an IMS announcement, but I want to hear back from Tincow on whether I can take the nonplayed recruitable general or not. If he lets me play him as one of Jan's men who took control of Bruges after isLord's death, I'll have the announcement be made by him.

[Cecil XIX]

Sorry for your loss, Zim. You're taking it well.

[Zim]

Sorry for your loss, Zim. You're taking it well.

Obviously you missed my temper tantrum at the computer. :clown:

Just when I start to get really fond of my Jan (I mean, really, a name with "von" and "der", where else would you see that?), I'd even figured out all of the personality traits I'd emphasize for him. :sweatdrop:

[Privateerkev]

Glad your getting back on the horse Zim.

But, just so you know, when I looked at the latest save game the other day, I didn't see Merode. Maybe TC and Econ sent him after bandits by himself since no one seemed to want him at the time. Or I missed him.

[Zim]

Tincow told me he was killed off by pm bit ago.

I guess I get another mystery character.

Anyway, it'll take mre than that for me to quit. Heck, haven't seen if I can kill a character in less than three turns yet! :clown:

[Ramses II CP]

Jan van der Pfalz will be missed, but he accomplishd a great thing with his death. Taking the save.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

The Danes have been annihilated and the prisoners executed. Losses were significant, I'm thinking I'll post a battle story (If I can get pictures uploaded, I'm out of town with an unreliable connection).

New save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1336-4.zip

:egypt:

[Zim]

I"ll try to get a report of Jan's death soon. Tales of failure are always fun. :clown:

So, if I end up having to pick a new house, what is the situation for all of them? Too many players, too few? Other than Swabia, Bavaria seems to have the lowest number of Electors.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Oops, now I feel bad for not getting back to you on that PM. :sorry:

Bavaria has a buttload of Steffens that are about to come of age. Obviously, the first one (Herrmann) is spoken for, but if you're willing to sit out the rest of the cataclysm and wait a few years you can easily get another one.

[AussieGiant]

Yes the Steffen's are going to be like rabbits in a few years...

[deguerra]

...and we all know what australians do to rabbits....:viking: :laugh4:


KILL them, you dirty minded people! :clown:

[Zim]

:clown: Ha, I don't think there was too much in the pm that would have affected my stupidity in the battle. Since most of Jan's retinue survived, I imagine that Luther is ok.

:sweatdrop: Sadly, I'm not sure if I'm patient enough to wait a few weeks. I'll have to see, I'm talking to Tincow right now and he'll get back to me tomorrow. I might stick around in Swabia as a Loyalist or something, since they're so low on Electors, without any likely to come of age any time soon..


Oops, now I feel bad for not getting back to you on that PM. :sorry:

Bavaria has a buttload of Steffens that are about to come of age. Obviously, the first one (Herrmann) is spoken for, but if you're willing to sit out the rest of the cataclysm and wait a few years you can easily get another one.

[Privateerkev]

Yes because it's family members that Austrian's sleep with, not rabbits.

:laugh4:

[AussieGiant]

There wont be a big enough fence to stop the Steffen's :laugh4:

And Jan getting himself toasted just proves my point.


...don't get involved with those nut job religious people...it's all bad news. :beam:

[deguerra]

if that was meant to read australians, then I don't feel insulted because I'm german. and if that was meant to read austrians then I fully agree...because I'm german :beam:

:clown:

[Zim]

There wont be a big enough fence to stop the Steffen's :laugh4:

And Jan getting himself toasted just proves my point.


...don't get involved with those nut job religious people...it's all bad news. :beam:

How is the Austrian house doing for generals? :beam:

[Privateerkev]

if that was meant to read australians, then I don't feel insulted because I'm german. and if that was meant to read austrians then I fully agree...because I'm german :beam:

At the first Diet, an Austrian officially asked for Duke Leopold to be married to his own sister. Currently, Arnold has been begging for the hand of his cousin's daughter.

Hence, House Austria has gotten quite a... reputation... :laugh4:

[deguerra]

ah i see...well I'm always up for austria bashing...:D

[AussieGiant]

It all about purity...we are quite prepared to deal with a two headed child as long as the blood lines are pure. :laugh4:

Arnold's about to become Dracula so the blood lines are going to extremely important. :yes:

...actually...that might not be a bad idea...I'm going to start drafting something up.

[Privateerkev]

It all about purity...we are quite prepared to deal with a two headed child as long as the blood lines are pure.

Arnold's about to become Dracula so the blood lines are going to extremely important.

...actually...that might not be a bad idea...I'm going to start drafting something up.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I wish HRE could get Vlad as a retinue. Can you imagine the extermination fest that would result as people try to race for Vlad?

[Zim]

I guess with only General Hankerchief advising me on picking a new House, I'll just have to roll a die or something. :clown:

[Privateerkev]

I guess with only General Hankerchief advising me on picking a new House, I'll just have to roll a die or something. :clown:

Econ would be a good one to ask what your options are. :yes:

[Zim]

Econ would be a good one to ask what your options are. :yes:

That sounds entirely too reasonable for me to attempt. :clown:

[AussieGiant]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I wish HRE could get Vlad as a retinue. Can you imagine the extermination fest that would result as people try to race for Vlad?


I wish they did too.

Given Austria's location in all this, Arnold would have been a perfect fit for it. I could only imagine some of the stories I could have written up about his life.

I think I'm going to come up with something that brushes against the fantasy side of things soon.

I did one a while back with some unseen force wave hitting Arnold and his army...another one might be in order.

[OverKnight]

If we're going to go Sci-Fi or fantasy, I'd rather have a few Tactical Nukes to thin out the Byzantines than a vampire.

Hell, I'd settle for an M-1 Abrams as part of my Cavalry, or given this is the HRE, a Leopard II. Orbital Lasers would be nice as well. :laugh4:

[Ramses II CP]

It's fairly amazing that Fritz wasn't the first of the 'new' avatars to die. I'm constantly throwing him into battle; I just haven't gotten it in my head that I need to fight differently than I have in SP games. Against the Danes he rode up and down the line directly in front of their hangunners and crossbowmen twice, and charged a company of Obudshaer who managed to be 'bracing' against it at the last second.

On that note, however, I strongly suspect that Obudshaer are actually bugged. I had some idea that this might be the case while trying to use them in my Danish campaign and finding them wildly ineffective, but both my Albanian and bodyguard cavalry were able to charge them during this battle and suffer no losses while killing dozens of them each time. The Albanians happened by accident, but Fritz had them from behind and they just turned in time.

In any case if you're popping more Danish stacks any time soon, I'd use swordstaves instead. The AI still doesn't use them correctly because he won't take them out of spearwall so they drag far behind the main group, but with a few chevrons and supported flanks they are %^$&ing deadly. I suspect a Danish stack with 6-8 swordstaves, 6-8 Norse archers, and the rest cavalry and artillery would be exceedingly deadly on the defense.

:egypt:

P.S. No, TC, I'm not asking to fight one of those. :sweatdrop: :sweatdrop: :sweatdrop:

[AussieGiant]

If we're going to go Sci-Fi or fantasy, I'd rather have a few Tactical Nukes to thin out the Byzantines than a vampire.

Hell, I'd settle for an M-1 Abrams as part of my Cavalry, or given this is the HRE, a Leopard II. Orbital Lasers would be nice as well. :laugh4:

Well yes, your situation is a little tricky out there OK so that's probably expected...:laugh4:

I'm sure a few vampires could thin out the ranks in record numbers. :yes:

[Zim]

Wow, my character is much more popular in death than in life. :clown: While I was hoping for a skyrocketting career culminating in a chancelorship, dying in one of the first counterstrikes against the hated Frenhc enemy isn't so bad a way to go.

[OverKnight]

I'm sure a few vampires could thin out the ranks in record numbers. :yes:

Vampire Crusaders? Sounds like a good B movie. It would be difficult to take the Cross if it burns your skin.

[AussieGiant]

Vampire Crusaders? Sounds like a good B movie. It would be difficult to take the Cross if it burns your skin.

But they are a special strain of vampires from Austria.

Daywalkers who have taken the cross. Sanctioned by the Pope and Prince Vlad himself.

[Privateerkev]

Blade 4: Blade in the Levant

Sucking blood in the name of the Holy Father

:laugh4:

[Zim]

Personally I want to see Crusader Vampires driving tanks that shoot lazer beams. :clown:

[TinCow]

I'm a bit busy. Can someone load up the 1336-1 save and make a mugshot of Jan von der Pfalz for the Memorial? NM, I did it.

I am now working on resolving the 1336 orders. However, some are very, very complex and it will take time to sort through. I have no ETA for the 1338 turn.

[FactionHeir]

You could get Vlad via console (similar to how Pfalz got Luther from TC), but I assume that this would take a lot of roleplaying and visible action on your avatar's part and then still be dependent on the normal pre-reqs minus the faction pre-req.

[Privateerkev]

I'm assuming we're basically done with console commands (except for AI money infusions) when the cataclysm ends. While the console was cool for the cataclysm, my personal preference would be to do without it afterwards. But it's something that can go up for an OOC vote if enough people want it.

To get Vlad, a Hungarian general has to exterminate a city between turn 160 and 205.

[GeneralHankerchief]

While the console was cool for the cataclysm, my personal preference would be to do without it afterwards.

If we want to vote on it, I request that we get it out of the way now. I don't want this upcoming Diet Session to be bogged down by OOC issues.

[Northnovas]

I really think we should move on it served it's purpose and TC and econ have done excellent work to make happen. I would like to get things back to "normal" and move on.

[TinCow]

As part of the last cataclysm save (the 1340 start save) I planned to spawn a few extra uber armies for some of our major AI opponents, but far away from our borders. The idea being that they may pop up to cause problems for us many turns from now and perhaps provide short term crises as we all try to figure out who's going to be the unlucky guy who has to face them. If you would all prefer that I not do this, I won't.

[Privateerkev]

My personal preference would be to not do it unless it's voted on. The idea was to shake up the apple cart and then let us figure out how to deal with it. Hiding little Easter eggs for us to deal with later is interesting but I'd rather that we decided on that as a group.

[gibsonsg91921]

Geez I have a lot to page through. Way to make it easy for me, ya little brats.

JK!

[Northnovas]

Now something like that seems fair for a challenge. I know I would like to get back to a Diet and the game mechanics. The vote was a cataclysm to balance things and we have done that. Though a little extra "icing" at the end won't hurt.:2thumbsup:

[Privateerkev]

Geez I have a lot to page through. Way to make it easy for me, ya little brats.

JK!

It's how we show love... :grin: