The Da Vinci Code a Templar Knights AAR

[Northnovas]

This AAR will involve the mod Stainless Steel which incorporates several mods. The faction will be the Templar Knights. The following rules will be incorporated to the game play. I will also show unique screen shots to the game.

1. Will not declare war on a Catholic Faction.
2. No diplomatic ties with non-catholic factions just economic.
3. Will join all Crusades called by the Pope.
4. Captured cities catholic occupy, rebel and orthodox sack, all others exterminate.
5. Armies composed of 10 inf, 3 art, 4 missile, 3 cav. (will try)
6. Naval movement 5 troops per ship, unlimited agents generals.
7. Family tree to the oldest son, no adoptions, man of the hour with good stats.

The year was 1080 the Outremer consisted of individual states. A new religion had blossomed in the growing empires of Egypt- Fatimid Caliphate and Turkey Seljuk Satanate. The Papacy was concerned of the state of Christians and artifacts in the Holy Land. They were entitled to protection and safety in the Holy Land. Their mission control 55 states and the Holy City Jerusalem.

Through much counsel and prayer a man was identified to lead a special organization that would be responsible for the Christian people and artifacts in the Outremer. The Order of the Templar Knights had been formed and the Grandmaster Hugues de Payns would be the faction leader. The capital would be Tortosa a fortress that will be the centre of a series of defences that will protect the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1080i-factann.jpg

The Grandmaster was of European nobility and his heritage is rumoured to be from Champagne in Burgundy. The Hugues de Payns Family:

The oldest son and successor to the Grandmaster Councillor Gottfried:
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1080f-gottfried.jpg

The Grandmaster did not care for his illegitimate son and his hopes were to pass the order to his second son from his current marriage Theoderics de Payns a boy raised to lead when he comes of age. Gottfrieds birth was suspect to being his removal from Europe and ending up in the Levant with some modest wealth.

The faith of the Templar’s was lead by Cardinal Andreas.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1080a-andreas.jpg
The diplomatic responsibilities belonged to a lone man stationed in Rome.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1080j-diplohenry.jpg

Financially there was some aid from Europe but the Grandmaster was determined to build his wealth and it must start with expansion. The Turks were in the far north the Egyptians in the south. Rebel cities surrounded them. The Templar Secret Service (TSS) was sent to investigate the surroundings.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1080e-athalwolf-spy.jpg

Councillor Gottfried moved his army out to Acre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1084b-acresiege.jpg

A siege was initiated but the Rebels had the superior numbers. The Counsellor had to withdraw when the Rebels sallied out.

Diplomat Henry was ordered to make contact with the European powers from while in Rome. His goal was to make trade treaties with the nations.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1084a-diplonews.jpg

The diplomatic reports filtered back to the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1087b-diplonews.jpg

The founding of a learned institution caught the attention of the Grandmaster and more of these places must be built.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1089a-bolognau.jpg

Other notices the availability of a faction princess available for marriage.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1092a-milanprincess.jpg

By the mid 1090’s the expansion was being hampered in the south by the rapid expansion of the Egyptians. The Holy City Jerusalem was under their control. Expansion would have to go north. The Council of Nobles requested the Fortress of Adana be taken this would be too far for supplying an army at this time.

Knowing the financial state of the Order, the Papacy issued the following decree.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1096a-papaldecree.jpg

Shortly after the Pope called a Crusade to Antioch; Councillor Gottfried had an army marching on the city. The Templar’s joined the Crusade.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1092b-antioch.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1099a-crusade.jpg

The city fell shortly after and was sacked the Explorers Guild was built in the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1100a-victory.jpg

The Pope was pleased and an alliance was formed to solidify the relationship between the Order and the Papacy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1100b-success.jpg

Councillor Gottfried’s standing increased but it would be short lived.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1101afactann.jpg

Cardinal Andres was working hard in the Antioch Region to promote the faith.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1094a-heretic.jpg

The end of a century and a new beginning The capturing of Antioch greatly assisted the financial overview. It was time to expand further; Aleppo would be the next target for Counsellor Gottfried.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1101b-financial.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1101c-map.jpg

The Grandmaster’s daughter comes of age.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1104a-princess.jpg

She will be sent to help the diplomatic corps and to find a husband that will further strengthen the Order’s standing. Here first mission.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1106a-mission.jpg

The Prince of Antioch is appointed. The Grandmaster’s son Theoderic comes of age. The Prince of Antioch will be the title bestowed and all lands to the faction heir of the Templar Order.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1107a-newprince.jpg

The Pope request more work to be done in Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1108a-newpopemiss.jpg

News reaches the Grandmaster that one of the faction leaders has died brining some uncertainty to the region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1108b-news.jpg

The Family Tree of de Payns
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110a-tree.jpg

The standing of the Order in the College and with the Pope:
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110dpopecollege.jpg

An overview of the Order:

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110cfinancial.jpg

The Siege of Aleppo

Councillor Gottfried had been besieging Aleppo for several years and his supplies were getting low. Only 25% remained and the men were getting restless and morale low, he feared desertion may soon follow. He ordered a night attack on the settlement.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110g-start.jpg

The army gathered and the rams attacked the main gate. The troops were moved in close to deflect missile fire on the battering rams.

The Councillor saw a sign of the cross and saw it has a good omen. He ordered the gates stormed and entered the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110h-cross.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110i-gates.jpg

The enemy was pinned into the town square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110k-centre.jpg

To get more leverage the Councillor brought his troops around to gain another point of attack. Disaster struck when he enemy had a spear regiment protecting the alley.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110j-death.jpg

The army lost the initiative and retreated the settlement was not taken.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110l-defeat.jpg

The Prince of Antioch was now the official heir to the Order.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110m-newheir.jpg

The Grandmaster was saddened by the news that there was no victory but pleased that his son was now heir.

[Warluster]

Good AAR NN! I eagerly await your next installment.

[Lt. Pinard]

Nice AAR. The Templar shall rule the world!!!!:smash:

I'll have to check out this stainless steel mod

[Northnovas]

The Early Years

The new crowned Prince Theodericus will have to make new plans to successfully capture Aleppo. The army in Antioch is trained and ready. The de Payns family tree.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1110atree.jpg

News received from other Royalty Courts

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1113aobituaries.jpg
Two strong supporters of the Order

The Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich as been excommunicated. The first merchant from Antioch heads out to build the trade for the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1115amerchant.jpg

The Princess is out on her travels to find a suitor and initiate diplomacy in the kingdoms she is traveling through. The Council has strongly urged contact with the Byzantines. This was done on her way through Constantinople. The Order was rewarded florins and trade rights were established.

1116 Rome

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1116apopeelection.jpg

The Pope is dead and elections to be held for his successor. The Templars have one vote in the College but there are many Cardinals undecided on a candidate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1117apoperesults.jpg

The Order plays diplomacy and have Cardinal Andreas vote for the Hungarian Zsigmond. They wish to secure better relations with their closes Catholic neighbour.
He does not win the Danish Cardinal is elected and is named Coelestinus III. The Templar Knights are still in high standing with the Papacy.

The issue of Aleppo is brought forward and the Grandmaster will take the initiative with his army from the capital and besiege the settlement. After several years the Rebel army sallies out.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1117aleppo.jpg

It was a clear victory this time and the city is sacked and transformed into a city from a fortress.

The new Pope challenges the Clergy of the Order to spread the word in the Aleppo region.

There are some new Princesses available for marriages, unfortunately there are no suitors in the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1116b-princesses.jpg

From the Diplomatic Corps news of passing and war

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1118adiplonews.jpg

Diplomat Henry traveling through the heart of Europe makes contact with the Polish Court. The barely accept a trade agreement. Henry continues west destination France.

The State of the Order by 1120

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1118b-map.jpg

The achillies heel for the Templar Knights at this stage is income. The financial overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1120afinancial.jpg

The Turks had made a successful Jihad on Baghdad.

WAR DECLARED!!!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1118c-war.jpg

It was only a mtter of time has both nations tried to capture the settlements around them.
The capital Tortosa is besieged by the Egyptians. The Knights bring reinforcements and the Egyptians retreat however the reinforcing army pursues to the shores of the Mediterranean and neutralizes the threat. A small ransom is accepted for the prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1120b-totsata.jpg

The religious power struggle continues in Europe with the Papacy and European Crowns.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122a-worms.jpg

More alliances announced the Kingdoms of Scotland and France have become allies. The Diplomat Henry contacts the Kingdom of Sicily and arranges the marriage for the Prince of Antioch. An alliance is formed between the two factions. Though the goal is France for an ally the Grandmaster felt Sicily's relations with the Papacy important. However, there is diplomatic discord with France and Sicily.

The capital is under siege again. Grandmaster Hugues has returned in time to take control of the defences. The Crown Prince Nassir is looking to crush the fledging capital.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122-tortsa.jpg

The capital is defended and the enemy defeated. They would not accept ransom for their men.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122d-victory.jpg

At the time the capital was under threat the Prince of Antioch moved south from Aleppo abandoning the plan to capture the Rebel settlement of Edessa and went for grand City of Damascus.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122e-damascus.jpg

The battle would bring more then the wealth of the city. The Prince situated himself on the best ground available. Neither side had the use of long range artillery.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122f-damascus.jpg

The melee was fierce and the initiative could not be gained from either side. The Prince’s Bodyguard unit was decimated in the fighting then a turn of events left the Knights with the victory and prize.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122g-damascus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122hprisoner.jpg
The Sultan Al-Musta”li pleads for his life.

The treasury is filled with florins.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1122i-ransom.jpg

Damascus populace is exterminated and order restored in the city.

More money comes into the treasury from the Papacy. Diplomat Henry is ordered by the Council to make contact Kingdom of France. They were not aware of the diplomat's orders and the tasks was easily achieved.

Along with the news from France comes word that the Knights ally the Kingdom of Sicily has joined in the fight. The Turks in the north have commenced hostilities against the Order and made a weak attempt to besiege Antioch. After a couple years they broke the siege and returned back to their borders. A state of war exists but no immediate action will be taken against them. The goal is Jerusalem and eliminating the Fatimid Caliphate.

More news from Europe

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1126a-diplonews.jpg

There is a request for military aid from a Kingdom in the far north, little is known of them.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1128akiev.jpg

The Knights of the Order receive some encouraging news from the Papacy and Grandmaster Hugues is pleased with the recognition of his work in the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1128b-tryoes.jpg

The war between England and Scotland has grown with France joining their allies the Scots.

The Princess Isabelle the Affectionate makes contact with the Venetians and secures trade rights with them. Diplomat Henry is successful in obtaining trade rights with the French and the Council is pleased with the florins coming into the treasury.

The Princess traits increase but a proper suitor must be found soon.
Faction Announcement a new member to the family

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1128c-factann.jpg

The Pope excommunicated the King of Scotland and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

1130 Castle of Acre

The Grandmaster moves out of Tortosa and heads for Acre where it is quickly assaulted and taken. Resistance is futile.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1130b-victory.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1130a-acre.jpg

The obituaries from Europe

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1130d-obits.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1131a-obit.jpg

A suitor is found for the Princess not a member of royalty but a noble form a good family and capable of commanding an army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132a-husband.jpg

News from the World of Science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132bscience.jpg

Faction announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132c-factannoun.jpg

The Grandmaster Seal is created by the Order and gives the Head of the Order further power.

The merchant from Antioch moves east to expand the Order’s commerce.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132-merchant.jpg
Though his skills are building there needs to be many more to follow him.

The Diplomat Henry continues talks with France in negotiation for an alliance but the French are not interested at this time. There will be further talks but the alliance with Sicily has become a concern.

Overviews of the Order by 1130

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132f-overview.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132g-popemeter.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132h-allies.jpg

The Caliphate make another attempt at Acre without success.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1134-acres.jpg

The Grandmaster is severely wounded in the battle but will survive.
He bestows a title to his son in law Prince of Acre.

[Northnovas]

The Early Years continued..

The decade opens with some news from the obituaries on European Royalty

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1132thekingisdead.jpg

The diplomatic news from Europe
The Hungarians and Kiev Rus end hostilities along with the Sicilians and The Holy Roman Empire.

An investigative agent reports back on the garrison of Jerusalem

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/garrison.jpg

The Templar Knights receive further recognition from the Pope but will it bring the financial backing that it so badly needs?

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1135optimum.jpg

The Prince of Acre moves out of the fortress and heads south where he encounters a small Caliphate Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/prince.jpg

It is easy victory but the Prince is severely wounded.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/victory1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/trait.jpg

The merchant Rainald continues further east to secure commerce for the order
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/merchant.jpg

King Philip the Chivalrous is excommunicated by the Pope and causes concerns with the Grandmaster who is trying to build an alliance with France. The excommunication creates a conflict and he will not push any further in the diplomacy for the time being.

By 1135 a large Rebel force has spawned outside of Damascus. The Grandmaster attends arriving with reinforcements to remove the Rebels. Not a well conceived plan.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/damascus.jpg

It is victory but costly and the Rebels still control the Region around the city.
The Grandmaster is severely wounded and retreats back in the city.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/trait2.jpg

Meanwhile the Prince of Acre is confronted with a larger enemy force has he nears Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/jerusalem.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/hill1.jpg
The Knights have the geographic advantage and neither side has artillery.
The enemy advances up the hill

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/victory1.jpg

Victory

The prisoners are ransomed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/ransom.jpg

1137

More diplomatic news reaches the court the Dodge of Venice is dead. There is also news of Princesses coming of age from various factions.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1137princesses.jpg

After coming close to Jerusalem the Prince continues south and strikes at the enemy fortress of Gaza. The garrison in Jerusalem had been reinforced it was thought better to strike the supply route of the enemy. A siege begins.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/gaza.jpg

A Kievan Rus diplomat arrives at the court and request trade rights which are granted. There is news that the French have warmed up to relations with the Order. The French and the Holy Roman Empire have signed an alliance.

The first artillery piece of the Order is built in Damascus

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/ballista.jpg

The siege on Gaza begins to wear on the Prince of Acre

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/gaza1.jpg

He is outnumbered and considers a retreat north with no possible reinforcements to his location.

A new family member comes of age Orraca
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/orraca.jpg

Family tree overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/familytree.jpg

The Grandmaster returns to the capital the Rebels outside of Damascus are still of concerned. The Prince of Antioch in charge of the garrison commences another attack on the Rebels.
The enemy had the advantage of the geography this time the Prince moves the force forward and to the left flank of the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/victory2.jpg

The Damascus region is secured from Rebels.

1140

Daughters of the Crowns of Europe available for marriage

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1140-princess.jpg

A new son in the family
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1141familytree.jpg

A status report on the finances of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1140report.jpg

New start in the decade College of Cardinal promotes a Templar. There are now 2 seats for the Order.

Religious turmoil in Antioch Region with 2 religions trying to convert the masses. There is no room for Heretics.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1142heretic.jpg

The family tree is expanding again with another son

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1144familytree.jpg

Other diplomatic news to reach the Outremer

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/diplonews.jpg

Two significant battles had taken place

Anitoch was besieged by a Turkish force and the Grand Councillor headed for the city with a small relief force to break the siege

The Grand Master brought his force a couple miles from the city by a small outpost. The Turks had the advantage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1145adana1.jpg

The Grandmaster used his Bodyguard regiment strategically and was able to outmanouver the enemy forces.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1145adana2.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1145adana3.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1145adana4.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1145heroic.jpg
It was a Heroic Victroy for the Knights The ransom was not accepted.

To the south the Prince of Acre breaks off the siege at Gaza and makes a tactical move north capturing the port facilities for Jerusalem.
The Fatimid counter with a force from the city and attack the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1146port.jpg

The Knights were slightly outnumbered but the Prince used the terrain he backed his men up along the shore. Unfortunately there was no naval presence for the Knights to retreat by water if required. The Knights maintained there position for the enemy onslaught..

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1146port2.jpg

The Fatima begin to enclose the position and attack the Order’s frontline.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1146port3.jpg

Fortunately the enemy general became involved in the close melee and was struck down. The Prince took advantage of the disorder and went on the offensive.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1146port4.jpg

A Clear Victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/1146victory.jpg

The Templar Knights have established themselves in the Outremer but for how long. There victories have been small and the enemy's strategy disorganized. They lack the finances to build from production centres they have. Will there prayers be answered??

[Northnovas]

The 1150’s

The decade involved three significant battles for the Order of the Templar Knights. The first involved the Prince of Acre and his attack on Jerusalem. The city had been besieged by the Knights and they were outnumbered by the garrison. However the Caliphate called up their Crown Prince in an attempt to lift the siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a2Jerusalem.jpg

The Prince of Acre was facing a larger force and felt confident that the defenders of the city were in no shape to fight in the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a3setup.jpg

The Prince of Acre had plenty of cavalry and a ballista crew. Artillery was still a rare sight on the desert battlefields. The Crown Prince of the Fatimid Caliphate was the reinforcing army and the inspiration to the defenders. Prior to the battle the Knights dispatched their 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants to intercept and capture the Crown Prince.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a4charge.jpg

The enemy charged and met the frontline of the Knights. Crashing through on some parts and reaching the ballista crew before they were of any use. The Prince of Acre was the only cavalry and at to jump in the fray to hold the enemy back.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a5overrun.jpg

The battle raged on till high noon with no apparent victor.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a6fight.jpg

The Caliphate reinforcements arrived. The Crown Prince came crashing into the left flank. The Knights ordered a withdraw from the field there were no units left to counter the newly arrived enemy reinforcements.
The Templar Knights retreated back to Acre they were not pursued. The Holy City would have to be another time.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a8defeat.jpg

The second significant battle was the Siege of Damascus. Captain Elberhard was in charge of the garrison and was not capable of sallying out to meet the attackers. The Prince of Antioch Councillor Theodericus arrived from the capital with some reinforcements.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1damascus.jpg

The garrison sallied out and met with the Prince but the Knights had difficulty locating the enemy unit in the desert. They were finally located behind a dune and the Prince realized his own foot soldiers were tried of the trek amassed his Body Guards and 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants against the light infantry and missile units of the Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c2charge.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c3charge.jpg

The enemy was cut down along with its Captain.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c4charge.jpg

The massed charge was complete and the enemy units fled.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c5charge.jpg

A daring cavalry charge by the Prince resulted in a clear victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c6victory.jpg

The third battle involved an offensive maneuver led by the Grandmaster against the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fortress of Adana. The prize was not only the fortress but the garrison who were personally led by Sultan Meliksah.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e1adanna.jpg

The gates were attacked by the battering ram and the men scaled the walls with ladders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e2ram.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e3ladders.jpg

The fight on the walls was fierce the Knights fighting for ever inch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e4fighting.jpg

The walls were cleared and the Knights made it into the fortress were the Sultan awaited with his unit and a regiment of dismounted spearmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e5centre.jpg

The Sultan was surrounded and the Grandmaster thought of the value of a captured King. The Sultan’s horsemen attacked and were getting the upper hand till the Grandmaster charged in with his units and all hell broke loose.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e6centre.jpg

The prize had lost its value.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e7sultanfalls.jpg

However, the enemy remained fighting till the last man.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e8centre.jpg

Victory had been obtained the Fortress was sacked but brought little wealth. The ransom was rejected on the Turkish prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e9victory.jpg

The final significant battle involved the 2nd Siege of Damascus. The Fatimid Caliphate had returned to the Damascus Region with a larger force to try a capture the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i1dmascus.jpg

The Councillor was governing the city and set up the defences.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i2attack.jpg

The gates were saved by the archers. Now it was up to the spearmen to keep the walls. The enemy attacked at two points.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i3gates.jpg

The fighting was fierce and the Knights were gaining the upper hand but exhaustion was setting in and there were still fresh enemy troops on the ground looking to get in.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i4walls.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i5walls.jpg

The Councillor then made a bold move. Another cavalry charge was ordered and his unit with the 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants sallied out of the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i6sallycharge.jpg

The cavalry poured forth striking at anything in their path.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i7charge.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i8finalpush.jpg

A Heroic Victory for the Councillor and the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i9heroicvict.jpg

Other matters that occurred in the Court of the Templar Knights

Financial report of 1150

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b1report.jpg

From the world of Science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b3science.jpg

The Grandmaster was very concerned with the delicate finances of the Order and some developments were made with the merchants of the Order. Some men were sent east to find valuable routes and more merchants were recruited with new buildings being built in the fledging cities.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b2merchant.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b4merchant.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/g1merchant.jpg

On the diplomatic front the only diplomat was now in the Iberian Peninsula.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d1henry.jpg
The Order was able to secure trade rights with Portugal, give map information to Spain and secure an alliance with the Byzantines through their Princess in the area. The Grandmaster thought an alliance with the Orthodox nation will assist in the war effort against the Turks. Shortly after the Byzantines declared war on the Seljuk Sultanate. The Moors had already declared war on the Byzantines.
Princess Orracca was travelling through Hungary trying to secure an alliance and a suitor. Things have been going slow. The Order does not have a good reputation with most Catholic nations other then the Papacy.
Other diplomatic news

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/g2diplonews.jpg

On a happier note another member was added to the family.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d2newmember.jpg

In Antioch the city was growing through its ports though the Heretics still preached causing unrest to the region. It took Cardinal Andreas to seek out and destroy the blasphemers. The culture continued to spread and Grandmaster erected milestones to acknowledge the Order’s work in the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f2historicsite.jpg

There were a couple less significant battles fought the Turks attempted another siege on Antioch but the Captain in charge of the garrison repelled the enemy force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1antioch.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h2draw.jpg

There was follow up to that victory by Captain Dieter who pursued the Turks to the Iron Bridge and crushed the remaining force. His bravery was recognized by the locals but the Grandmaster could not accept him into the order.
In Adana the Grandmaster attempted to clear the enemy from the fortress but could only mange a draw.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/k1alleppo.jpg

The victories were small but they were a step forward……..

[Northnovas]

A Goal Achieved

The Outremer in control by the Order of the Templar Knights

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a1Outremer1156.jpg

The diplomacy has been very difficult in Europe for the Diplomat Henry. Many nations are tolerant of the Order and the Papacy has been the only real supporter. There have been a lot of gifts of florins and maps just to secure trade rights. France and Hungary have been very hard nations to negotiate beyond trade rights.

The family tree the children of Councillor Theodericus will be coming of age soon. The relations of the Pope are excellent. There are still two seats in the college held by the Order’s Cardinals.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a111treeandpope1156.jpg

From the diplomatic front news is received that France has been reconciled but ally Sicily has been excommunicated. There are more princesses coming of age in Europe. Still no eligible bachelors

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a11111diploreport.jpg

The Fortress was receiving some harassment from the Turks but nothing of significance the Grandmaster arrived with some supplies and men. However it was a young Captain Dieter who proved himself again before the Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b1adanasiege1158.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b11MOH.jpg

Though sadley the brave soldier could not be admitted into the Order to such an important position. Commanders were needed but the Grandmaster could not permit his promotion.

More news received from Europe from France.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b11obits.jpg

There was also an election for a new Pope. The Order put there 2 votes behind the Hungarian candidate in hopes of fostering better relations with that country.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b111elections.jpg

The candidate from the Republic of Milan was chosen. It did not affect the overall relations between the Papacy and the Order. In fact the Pope bestowed a special order on to the Grandmaster for his work protecting Christians in the East.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b11111factannounce.jpg

Acre

Jens d’Alvarez the Prince of Acre had rebuilt his forces and was ready to move on to the Holy City. The plan had been put in motion. The Prince of Acre was moving out and would be joined by the Prince of Antioch Councillor Theodericus who was coming from Damascus with a fresh ballista crew and spearmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1aobjective.jpg

However, there were any forces blocking the road for d’Alervaz

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1jensbattle1158.jpg

Fortunately the Knights had the geographic advantage at the pass.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c11enemy.jpg

The Knights formed the wall at the top of the pass and the archers rained arrows has the enemy marched passed below them.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c111fight.jpg

It wasn’t long before the enemy turned and fled.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1111victory.jpg

The ransom was paid and florins for the treasury.

In the far northeast corner near Aleppo a ballista crew was heading for Damascus for refitting when they were caught by a Turkish Captain. The city garrison could not arrive in time to aid the crew.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d1aleppo1160.jpg

The Seljuk Sultanate had many armies roaming the land but they were small and appeared to be uncoordinated in their attacks.

A status report of 1861 on the Templar Knights financial and overview so far

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d1111861report.jpg

There was news from Northern Europe on a League that the merchants had formed to aid in their trading. The Grandmaster thought the same could be done here once his port facilities in Antioch grow and the mercantile men increase.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d11league.jpg

Remembering the minor defeat two years prior near Aleppo the Grandmaster attends the city and taking control of the garrison clears the Turkish Army from the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d11111aleppo1162.jpg

The Commanders and their title of the Order of the Templar Knights

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e1grandmaster.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e11ted.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e111jens.jpg

More news from the west especially the fall of the Seljuk Sultanate’s capital the Byzantines must be doing their job!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e1111news.jpg

The Prince of Acre is getting closer to his objective but there is one army of the Fatimid Caliphate blocking his way and would interfere with supply lines.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f1jensbattle.jpg

With the enemy out of the way a special report comes from the Intelligence Agency. Athalwolf who was thought long lost in the field sends a special report to the Order on the defenses of Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f11theprize.jpg

From Rome news reaches the Order that Pope Bonifacius VIII is dead and new elections are taking place.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f111election64.jpg

The Cardinals are instructed on the same strategy to support the Hungarian candidate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f1111results.jpg

The English have their first Pope and relations are still high.

In the northwest the Fortress of Adana is under siege by another weak enemy army. Captain Dieter is no where to be found. Another young Captain breaks the siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f11111adanna.jpg

While in Antioch the Grandmaster is also under siege by a larger enemy force yet he sallies forth. The Turks are not working in coordination.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f111111antioch.jpg

News arrives from Europe and there is something disturbing about the Holy Roman Empire some cataclysm has taken place?

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/g1obits.jpg

A special meeting takes place in the capital of Tortosa. Councillor Theodericus army from Damascus was handed over to the Prince of Acre his brother in law. The Councillor returned to the capital to meet with his father the Grandmaster. He was upset that he would not have the opportunity to capture the prize city. The Grandmaster felt best that his son-in law d’Alvarez was more then suited for the task and that his own son would have to be ready to defend the northern lands and a possible offensive in the near future. The Grandmaster was getting old and could not venture beyond the current borders. All his power would be going to his son and heir but he could not relinquish any titles has of yet except one. To appease his son he gave him the following title.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/g11meeting.jpg

The time was near the Prince of Acre was in the same position he was many years ago when he tried to besiege the Holy City. He faced the garrison and a reinforced army from the south.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1jerusalem.jpg

This time he would not turn back his destiny lay before him. Outnumbered he was ready to make his stand.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1deployment.jpg

Outside the Holy City the Prince of Acre was to face two armies. He must defeat one before the other arrived otherwise he was doomed. The Fatimid Caliphate armies consisted of javelin regiments, light infantry and light cavalry. Plus the Caliphate had one secret weapon not used in battle in the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h111maps.jpg

The first army attacked and the spearmen held the line. The Mounted Sergeants were able to scatter the Javelin regiments and they had no effect on the battle. The Knights had two ballista crews at their disposal.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1111first.jpg

The enemy were tough and time was being lost has the Knights continued to fight the first army. Then a lucky break

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h11111second.jpg

With the Captain lost to them the Caliphate of the first army began to waver. The second army was slowly approaching and just when the Prince was ready to shift his focus fire came from the sky. The Caliphate had a new weapon the catapult far more destructive then the ballista. There were several spearmen still in reserve waiting to meet the second army. The fireballs were affecting the Knights moral. The Prince ordered his light cavalry to attack the new weapon. Three attempts were made and on the final they were able to neutralize the weapon.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1111111catty.jpg

The Knights own artillery crews were caught in the melee and no longer effective.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h111111third.jpg

Just has the battle had reached its zenith the Crown Prince of the Caliphate committed his Bodyguard Unit into action and the Prince of Acre countered.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h11111111ransom.jpg

The Prince of Acre Jens d’Alvarez was the victor.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h111111111victory.jpg

With the victory came the spoils. A huge ransom for a Crown Prince and the Holy City Jerusalem was under The Templar Knights control. The city was sacked of the enemy’s wealth. Extermination would be too drastic in the Holy City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i1money.jpg

Another monument of the Order of the Templar Knights power

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i11marker.jpg

[Northnovas]

A King is Crowned

The Holy City is under the Knights control but there are more territories to capture and influence. It has been almost 100 years since the Order was established in the Outremer.

The Fortress of Antioch was still facing some harassment from the Turks. Nothing that the Grandmaster could handle

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/i111antioch.jpg

There were some heavy negotiations with France and England. With the new found wealth the Order purchased maps of the France and England territories. No Alliance could be purchased with Hungary at any reasonable price.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a1.jpg

Though Jerusalem was under the Templar Knights control there was still Fatimid Caliphate in the Region. The Prince of Acre now had to defend the prize.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/a11jerrusalem.jpg

With the expansion for trade there comes the risk of losing trade.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b1merchants.jpg

Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/b11factannouce.jpg

The Prince of Acre is recognized for his glorious victory and has been given to titles of the highest in the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d11kingjen.jpg
A King is crowned!

Other new members working for the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1bernhard.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c11karl.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c111fritz.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/c1111rainald.jpg

Another attack on the Holy City but of no real threat

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d1jensagain.jpg

The Intelligence Agency’s most experience agent and newest role of the Order


https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d111athawolf.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/d1111wilhelm.jpg

Athalwolf is dispatched to Gaza to see what the fortress holds and possible the next objective for the King

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/e1gaza.jpg

Not only are there new princesses coming of age in royal courts. Councillor Theodericus oldest daughter also comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f1princesses.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/f11mayor.jpg

The family tree of the de Payns and a financial status of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/g11170update.jpg

Again the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate attack the Fortress of Adana and the City of Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h1adana.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h11jerusalem.jpg

After 90 years the an Overview of the Order of the Templar Knights

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order/h111overview1170.jpg

There is still much to explore and conquor. Can the Caliphate be taken out soon? Can the Order's reputation improve with the other Catholic nations?

[Northnovas]

The Grandmaster departs from the mortal world

Grandmaster Hugues the Chivalrous passes away age the venerable age of 68. The Knights new leader is Grandmaster Theodericus and the designated Heir Jens d’Alvarus, King of Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/a1Hughesdeath.jpg

The de Payns Family Tree and Overview at the start of 1170

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/a2familytree1171.jpg

News from the other Courts of Europe brings news of leaders passing on and confusion in succession for the Holy Roman Empire and Aragonese Royal Court.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/a3obits1171.jpg

The Diplomat Henry secured Trade Rights with the Scots in Antwerp. Relations with Milan have improved to good but the French have dropped to poor. The alliance with Sicily is having a negative factor in diplomatic ties with the French.

The Grandmaster’s two daughters are ready for diplomatic duty.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/b1monicapayns.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/b3mayorpayns.jpg

The Grandmaster also felt that his sister Orraca was ready for marriage to a noble who has faith and loyalty. Though their father may not have approved the Grandmaster needs able commanders to field the Order's armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/b2wedding1173.jpg

The Intelligence Agency reports two Jihad Armies. The Moors are south of Jerusalem and Fatimid Caliphate are deep in their own territory near Mecca. Unfortunate their target is unknown at this time.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/c1jihadarmies1173.jpg

Antioch 1173

The city was besieged by the Seljuk Sultanate and the garrison was poorly equipped and outnumbered.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d1antioch1173.jpg

The garrison prepared for the attack fortunately the enemy had no artillery. They would be storming the walls with ladders and the gates with the battering ram. The garrison had no archers to neutralize the attack on the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d2antiocha1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d3antiocha2.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d4antiocha3.jpg

The walls were the first contact and the peasant units held their ground

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d5antiocha4.jpg

The enemy was taken off the walls and the peasants retreated to the centre square. The spearmen were left at the gates that were ready to burst open.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d5aantiocha4.jpg

The Turks busted through and the melee began at the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d6antiocha5.jpg

They could not hold and retreated for the centre square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d7antiocha6.jpg

The last line of defence and only few men left. The men of peasant birth fought like nobles of the Order. There valour in will not be forgotten by the Grandmaster

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d9antiocha8.jpg

The city is lost.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/d9aantiochdefeat.jpg

News reaches the Grandmaster of the fate of the citizens of Antioch. There is also good news the Sicily has declared war on the Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/e1diplo1174.jpg
There is also news of trouble in the Caliphate’s Kingdom Mecca is under Rebel control

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/e2mecca1174.jpg

Sad news from the Sicilian Court their King is dead. Also a faithful servant of the Order passes on.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/f1obit1176.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/f2cardinal1176.jpg
A truly loyal servant of the Templar Knights.

The College of Cardinals accepts two Templar Knights in to the College. A new member is born into the family.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/f3cardinalreport1176.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/f4factann1176.jpg

Gaza 1176

Councillor Jens moves on to Gaza from Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g1gaza1176.jpg

The fortress is lightly held and reinforcements are few to defend the fortress.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g2gazab1.jpg

The main gates are easily breached and the assault begins on the interior walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g3gazab2.jpg

The reinforcements arrive but are easily dealt with the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g4gazab3.jpg

The second wall is breached and the General Hamden is offered the opportunity to surrender.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g5gazab4.jpg

The Caliphate general attacka on an all out charge!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g6gazab5.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g7gazab6.jpg

The fortress is captured and under the Knights control

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g8gazavictory.jpg

Councillor Jens, King of Jerusalem releases the prisoner but shows no mercy for the populace.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/g9gazasts.jpg

Rome 1177

The Pope is dead a loyal ally and supporter of the Templar Knights

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/h1popedead1177.jpg

Surprisingly one of the Templar Cardinals is a Perferati along with Milanese Cardinal and Spanish Cardinal.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/h2election.jpg

Success!! A member of the Order is head of the Papacy this will only secure the alliance between the two factions even deeper.

Other diplomatic news of reconciliation and peace

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/h3diplo1177.jpg

College of Cardinals and it appears the young Pope Lucius III will be in power for sometime.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/h4college1177.jpg

Grandmaster Theodericus storms the poorly defended city of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/i1antioch1177.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/i2antiochvictory1177.jpg

The city is secured the prisoners are released. In the Town Square a monument is erected honouring the men who defended the city when it fell in 1173.

The merchant trade is doing well in the East and a replacement is being sent to continue the trade on the Silk Road.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/j1merchants1177.jpg

The Seljuk made a feeble attempt to retake Antioch and are soundly beaten.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/k1antioch1179.jpg

Some interesting news from the Merchant Guilhad trading in the African frontier. The great city of Alexandria is under Sicilian control. There are only a few cities under the Caliphate control.

Possible one great offensive push can subdue and remove the enemy securing the southern borders of the Outremer.

[Northnovas]

A Century of Rule : An Alliance Forms and a Great City Falls

1180

Overview of 100 years of rule and the Financial Report for the year. Also included a list of allies and enemies of the Templar Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180financial.jpg

The Family Tree a new member is added Phillip d’Alvarez

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180familytree.jpg

The Grandmaster
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/grandmastertheodericus.jpg

Jens the Conquer
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/jenstheconqueror.jpg

Edmund Weinmuth
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/edmundweinmuth.jpg

Monica on diplomatic mission
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180monica.jpg

Mayer Ambassador to Rome
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180mayer.jpg

From other Royal Courts of Europe

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180princesses.jpg

The Intelligence Agency confirms the merchant’s report on Alexandria. It is under Sicilian control.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180spyreport.jpg

Aleppo Region

The Grandmaster attended the city and granted title to his new brother in law Duke of Aleppo. The Duke of Norman birth came to the Outremer to take up the Cross. His first assignment would be the city of Edessa.

The Duke meant a small Seljuk force on the main road to the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180alleppo.jpg

The Templar Knights had the numbers and geography advantage but the enemy did not hold back

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a1alleppo.jpg


The main line was attacked with ferocity but it did not bend.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a2alleppo.jpg

The enemy general melee with the light cavalry on the Duke’s left flank. See an advantage the Duke joined in and charged the enemy general.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a3alleppoduke.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a4alleppoduke.jpg

Success the enemy general Evernos Celaluddevle was killed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a5alleppo.jpg

The remaining regiment lost the will to fight and retreated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180a6victory.jpg

The ransom was rejected by the enemy.

Some scholars from the library report news on Science and Technology. Also he the Head Surgeon is confounded on the troubles in Acre and no remedy in site.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180science.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1180sickness.jpg

Antioch faced with another siege in 1182 but the garrison easily defends the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1182antioch.jpg

News from Rome the Papacy has called a Crusade against Thorn the city belonging to the Polish Faction. The Grandmaster honours the agreement made with the Order and Papacy and declares the Templar Knights will join the Crusade. The first action against a Catholic faction and to lead will be the Duke of Aleppo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1182crusade.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1182crusadingknights.jpg

War is declared against Poland.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1182diplo.jpg

The Intelligence Agency follows up the situation with the Fatimid Caliphate and discovers that the faction is only in control of two cities. Plans are made for a final offensive.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1182lastcities.jpg

The Crusade grows!!!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1183diplo.jpg

The Seljuk Sultanate attempted another siege on Antioch with no success.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1185antioch.jpg

The Pope had ordered that the Fortress of Gaza should have a small chapel. The Duke of Gaza agreed and built a place of worship for the people. Shortly after the chapel was completed a Chapter House was also erected in the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1185chapterhouse.jpg

An alliance is formed and war is declared on the Templar Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1186diplowar.jpg

The Moors have joined the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate in an alliance against the Templar Knights. The concern is the Jihad Army of Moors near Antioch.
The Crusading Army of the Order reports back its findings in the west. A Jihad had been called against the Byzantine city of Constantinople and there is more then just a storm brewing.
On a side note the Crown Prince of the Seljuk Sultanate made a secret request for his father to be assassinated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1186constantinople.jpg

The Grandmaster oldest son comes of age and with ceremony he is granted the Heir title Prince of Antioch. He will be assigned the mission that was started by his Uncle Edmund and will lead an army to capture Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1186friederichdepayns.jpg

The Diplomat Henry still working in France but has been unable to improve relations with the French. When the Crusade was called against Thorn the relations with Holy Roman Empire and the Order improved but the Emperor had passed away and there was confusion on succession. The city of Frankfurt was under Rebel control.
There is also talk from the far north that the Republic of Novgorod has fallen. The Tsar had passed away a year earlier and the dynasty was in danger.

An alternate history for the Order for 1186

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1186history.jpg

The Grandmaster crosses the bridge on the road to Edessa with young Prince in hand. There is minor resistance

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1187alleppo.jpg

After the battle the Grandmaster is severely wounded and heads west for Antioch and leaves the Army of Antioch under his son’s command.

1187 A Great City Falls

The Jihad was a success. The Byzantine capital falls like ahouse of cards.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1187consty.jpg

Will the Duke of Aleppo be able to recapture the city with his Crusaders and keep the prize to himself?

[irish king]

Awesome AAR keep it up

[AussieGiant]

NN

I just read through it well done!! Is this with the new graphics card or the old one?

Well done!!

[Frodge]

Crackin' AAR! But you must stand by your allies, reconquer Constantinople for the Roman Empire and you will be richly rewarded, you knw it's the right thing to do.

[Northnovas]

Three Armies from the Order of the Templar Knights


The Armies of the Crusade, The Army of Antioch and The Army of Jerusalem were in key battles that shaped the decade of the 1190’s.

Constantinople 1190

The Duke of Aleppo with his Army of Crusaders quickly besieged the former Byzantine Capital that was now under the control of the Seljuk Sultanate. They were outnumbered but were waiting for their Byzantine Allies to bring up reinforcements. The weather was cold and wet but the spirits were high in the camp. This would be good practice for the Crusaders who were on their way to Thorn.
Early morning the Duke was awaken by an alarm in the camp. The Seljuk General had sallied out of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190Constantinople.jpg

The enemy General Nazim Celebi stormed out of the city. The Knights were on their own the closes allied army led by Byzantine Captain Marianos was not in position and no reinforcements had arrived from Nicaea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190Cona1.jpg

The Knights moral was high but the troops were inexperienced. The Duke was concerned for the pilgrims that made up a quarter of his army. The speed of the enemy was phenomenal. The siege equipment was dropped has each regiment tried to defend itself.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190cona2.jpg

The Pilgrims were on the right flank and were quickly pressed upon. The ballista crews did not even get an effective shot off during the onslaught. The Knights light cavalry were rushed to the left flank to fiend off the enemy horse archers.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190cona3.jpg

The Templar cavalry had some success and tried to sweep back to the right flank. The Duke could not engage his unit in combat because he was trying to rally the regiments of men who were starting to route. It was too late the battle was lost.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190cona4.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1190condefeat.jpg

Edessa 1192

The Army of Antioch led by the Prince had besieged the Seljuk settlement taking advantage of the confusion amongst the enemy commanders. The Templar Knights had enough supplies for a long siege but the prince made a bold move and ordered a night attack cutting the enemy army in half.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab2.jpg

Under the cover of darkness the Knights made it up to the city wall.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab3.jpg

The enemy quickly caught on what was happening and the alarm was sounded. The city garrison rushed for the ramparts and the battle for the walls began.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessaa4.jpg

The fighting for the city gates was fierce. The whole enemy garrison was committed to the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab4.jpg

The gate house was secured and the rest of the army was in and rushed for the city centre. The only defenders left were the General’s Bodyguards and a small regiment of spearmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab6.jpg

The enemy fought valiantly waiting for reinforcements. The Crown Prince Atilla arrived with his personal escort but could not do anything to stop the Knights from entering the city and fled. Abidin Baltaci the man responsible for the garrison was finally struck down. The battle was over.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab7.jpg

The battle was over the population was exterminated and 5100 florins added to the treasury

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192edessab8victory.jpg

Cairo 1194

The King of Jerusalem had brought his army far into the Caliphate territory the Ancient City of Cairo was the objective. He besieged the city in the early spring well aware of a large enemy army roaming the area. Prior to his siege he debated to meet this army in the open field but decided it unwise to deplete his army before a siege battle.

The Fatimid Caliphate Army of Captain Abdul-Dunya moved in and was ordered to lift the siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa1.jpg

The armies prepared themselves in the field of battle. The Caliphate would introduce a new weapon upon the Templar Knights. Large towers could be observed in the distance King d’Alvarez immediately identified what they were and ordered his cavalry to move.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa2.jpg

The weapons were confirmed and the cavalry of the St. John’s Order were moved in position to sweep around from the right flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa3.jpg

Soon the rest of the Templar Knights would know about the weapon when the fireballs began to rain down on their formations.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa4.jpg

The cavalry commanders quicken their pace before a route ensued. The Caliphate had several catapults to go with the trebuchets. The Templar Light Cavalry was also ordered into the melee to stop the catapults. They came from the left flank causing a pincer movement on the enemy rear guard.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa5.jpg

With the enemy artillery subdued the St. John Order of Knights turned their attention to the centre of the battlefield where their brothers of the Order were in a pitch battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa6.jpg

The battle continued into the early afternoon. The Templar Knights maintained their discipline and began to wear down the enemy. The King committed the last reserve of troops and in a timely started the turning point of the battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa8.jpg

The battle was over and a Heroic Victory for the King of Jerusalem. The city surrendered and the population exterminated. 11,000 florins were added to the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194cairoa9.jpg

By the 1195 the Templar Knights had proven themselves in the field of battle with three glorious armies and their commanders defending the realm. However, the decade was not over and there was still redemption for the Duke of Aleppo and his Crusaders.

[irish king]

awesome, sucks that crusader army got destroyed keep up the good work.

P.S. good job on your english AAR i just finished it.

[Northnovas]

Other Events and Minor Battles of the Order

After the defeat at Constantinople the Duke of Aleppo and his Crusaders fall back. Desertion runs through the camp and over 300 men flee from various units.

The Grandmaster’s second son Heinrich comes of age and is made Duke of Damascus by his father. He will train in Aleppo then be send to the Southern Theatre to assist his uncle the King of Jerusalem to fight the Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1191heinrichdepayns.jpg

A financial summary of the Templar Order there must be watchful spending.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1191moneyreport.jpg

Some other alternate history information

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1191orderhistory.jpg

A very minor disturbance occurred in Aleppo in 1192. An insurgent group of the Sultanate attempted to besiege the city. The Duke of Damascus headed north with a small army to clear the area and free the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192aleppoa1.jpg

However, no fighting occurred. The enemy fled prior to the Duke’s arrival.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1192aleppoa2.jpg

There was some death notifications made to the Grandmaster. The vulnerable Diplomat Henry the founder of the Templar Knight Diplomatic Corps passed away of old age in Frankfurt. More disturbing was the death of Spy Rudolf Ruppel in Medina. Rudolf had made several intelligence reports of the Caliphate upon is return to the city he was double crossed by an informant. He was captured and ruthlessly tortured before a horrifying death.

The Fortress of Adana was developing into a strategic position to monitor the flow of people and goods in and out of the Outremer. It was also the fastest route for travel that even enemy armies would use to make up time. The Grandmaster created a strike force army with the new Muslim Archers based in Adana.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1193adana.jpg

Another victory but the Grandmaster was severely wounded and obtained another battle scar.

Some more faction announcements a new princess is ready to serve for the Order and the Matriarch of the de Payns passes away peacefully.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194princessbraisa.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1193factanno.jpg

An Explorer’s Guild is built in Edessa and a report is made on Baghdad. This has been the location of the Seljuk Sultanate Sultan. He has been observed by the Order assassin who has carried out a few successful sabotage missions in the city. However, he feels it too risky to go after the Sultan himself.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194bagdad.jpg

A new spy is recruited from Jerusalem.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1194spy.jpg

Also reported form the Intelligence Agency that their initial reports of the Caliphate had been under estimated there was another city located further south Thebes.

Adana Strike Force sets out again in 1196 the Order observed a large Seljuk Sultanate Army trying to pass through the area. Under the command of the Grandmaster they strike out from the Fortress.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1196adanna.jpg

The City of Cairo is being rebuilt and a Theologians Guild is a created. The first diplomat from Cairo is assigned a journey west across the desert.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1196diplomat.jpg

Princess Mayer the Affectionate Ambassador to Rome is doing an excellent job keep the relations with the Papacy perfect. Further news from the ambassador that the King of France King Louis the Malevolent has been excommunicated and there is an Argonese Princess available. The Grandmaster has two sons eligible and should be looking at a diplomatic marriage.

There was another minor battle near Cairo has the Templar Knights clear out the enemy and prepare for an offensive on Thebes.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1199cairo.jpg

The City of Thebes looks ready for the picking according to the latest Intell report.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1199thebes.jpg

There is also a report that a very large Army of Moors (former Jihad) is just north of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1199moors.jpg

The area of the Outremer is diversified in beliefs but the Grandmaster will not stand for the increase in heretic talk growing in the region. He has ordered the clergy to round up these men and bring them to trial. Not all clergy are successful.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1199heretic.jpg

More training will be required and a Master Theologians Guild is built in Cairo. A new century awaits.......

[Northnovas]

A Noble Redeems Himself

Edessa 1195

The city had been under Templar control for a couple years and the Prince of Antioch Friedrich de Payns was responsible for its defences. The Army of Antioch had no quite been up to full strength when another attack came on to the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessa.jpg

The Seljuk was well equipped for a siege attack. The Knights split their defences to the walls and the city centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab2.jpg

The fighting on the wall was fierce but the Knights held their ground restricting the enemy movements coming off the tower. The archers remained above the gates firing upon the enemy. However the ram made it safely to the gate and was pounding away.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab3.jpg

The walls were secured from the enemy and the units either routed or died on the ramparts, unfortunately the battering ram did break through and the enemy entered.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab4.jpg

The exhausted defenders came down off the walls and fought for the entrance way. Their efforts were heroic but they were outnumbered and could not hold the enemy back. The city was breached the only defenders that remained were two depleted spearmen regiments, a ballista crew and the Princes’ own Bodyguard. The enemy gathered itself but stopped on the main street to the Town Square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab5.jpg

The enemy archers fired into the square with little effect. The ballista crews returned fire with full effect.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab6.jpg

The Seljuk remained holding their ground exchanging fire with two units in reserve. The Prince ordered a charge down the main street.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab6a.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab6b.jpg

The enemy reserve units did not move from their position.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab7.jpg

Finally the enemy Captain gave the order and charged down the main through fare. Under fire they reached the town square. A melee ensued committing the depleted Templar units. The Seljuk was getting the initiative forcing the Prince to commit his unit to fight again.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab7c.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab7d.jpg

The enemy unit retreated. There was still one more reserve unit on the street. The ballista crews regrouped and fired upon the enemy. The Prince committed a final charge down the street.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab8.jpg

The battle was over and the City of Edessa remained under Templar control.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1195edessab9victory.jpg


Constantinople 1197

The Duke of Aleppo was in a sorry state.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197dukeofaleppo.jpg

His army had all but deserted except a loyal veteran regiment of Spearmen. He had met with his allies and had been informed that the City of Constantinople was lightly garrisoned. The Duke reached into his own wealth and Christian persuasion and recruited what men he could to form an army to storm the city. The Byzantines had a substantial army ready to fight.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e1conn1.jpg

This group of mercenaries Crusaders were ready for anything.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e2conn2.jpg

The Templar Knights were storming the south gate and the Byzantines attacked the north gate under a barrage of heavy artillery support to pound the walls. The attack caused some confusion amongst the enemy garrison and the walls were quickly taken by the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e3conn3.jpg

The Knights rushed for the Town Square the Duke urging them on offering a reward to the regiment that gets there first. The Duke knew that control of the Square meant control of the city. The men rushed down shoulder to shoulder in excitement and greed. When they approached the opening an enemy unit of Javelin held them up. They could not get past because of the confined space. The Javelin Regiment was able to delay the Knights till the Duke charged up and pushed through to the square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e4conn4.jpg

The enemy General Nazim Celebi countered and the two Bodyguard Units clashed in the square. The two enemies meet again face to face and the Duke was not to be defeated this time.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e5conn5.jpg

The Byzantine’s had also reached the Square and the enemy garrison was doomed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e6conn8.jpg

A Clear Victory for the Knights and to take control of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e7conn9.jpg

The troops were rewarded and the city was sacked for 10,500 florins. Then the Duke received the best news of all. He was granted the Duke of Constantinople and advised by the Pope that the Crusade had ended successfully. The Holy Roman Empire had conquered the Fortress of Thorn.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1199thorncrusade.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1197e9conquor.jpg

It was time to reorganize and see waht the prize city could do for the Order.

Thanks for the postive feedback I am glad you are enjoying the read. More to follow..................

[Northnovas]

A New Century and Bad Omen
(I accidentally hit the end turn for the start of 1200)

Damascus 1201-1205

The city was only of minor status the Duke was busily fighting in Gaza and had not put to much time for governance. The garrison was 3 militia spearmen regiments. On a late spring day the Seljuk Sultanate besieged the city with a small army and attacked when the battering ram was completed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201damascus.jpg

The garrison had a slight advantage but no missile regiments to defend the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201damascus1.jpg

The garrison captain assessed the situation and ordered his troops to sally out and attack the enemy force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201damascus2.jpg

It was soon realized by the Knights that the attacking enemy comprised of missile regiments. Seljuk Archers. The melee ensued and the enemy was a tough foe at first.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201damascus3.jpg

A Close Victory was obtained by Captain Helmut

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201damascus4.jpg

The enemy was beaten off and retreated north. The garrison casualties were light and there were no men available locally for recruitment. Many had gone to the larger cities to join in the various army regiments. Supplies were adequately low for the city. Messengers and supply wagons were sent west to the capital.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a1damascus.jpg

The city had been supplied but the garrison was not topped up to full strength. The Seljuk had disappeared from the region only to be replaced by a larger force from the Fatimid Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a2damascus.jpg

This enemy was more prepared and brought a ram and ladders to take the city.
The garrison was divided one for the walls, one for the gate and one for the Town Square. The battle began on the walls has the enemy stormed up the ladders. The Knights held their ground and eventually turned back the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a3damascus.jpg

However the gates were smashed open and the enemy poured through. The garrison assigned tried to use the narrow opening to their advantage. The battle was fierce but the garrison had to eventually retreat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a4damascus.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a5damascus.jpg

The Caliphate poured into the city and for the Square to face the final defenders. Three regiments of enemy spearmen stormed the Square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a6damascus.jpg

The fighting was pitch and Captain Helmut of the Damascus Garrison was killed in the battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a7damascus.jpg

There were no survivors.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203a8damascus.jpg

Antioch 1204

The Grandmaster was furious at the news that a Templar City had fallen. He immediately headed east and picked up reinforcements from Aleppo where the new St John Minor Chapter House was build. They immediately headed south to Damascus.
The Grandmaster set up a quick siege army. He knew the city was in disrepair and the enemy garrison was not very large. He would quickly create an army of ladders and take the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203siege.jpg

When the ladders were complete the order was given and the city was taken back. The enemy would not accept a ransom offer and the prisoners were disposed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1204damascus.jpg

(Hit auto calculate by accident in the heat of the battle and continued on..)

The de Payn Family Tree

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201familytree.jpg

The latest royal member to come of age Princess Filipa daughter of the King of Jerusalem and niece to the Grandmaster will go forth and find a suitable suitor.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201flipa.jpg

Other diplomatic news Princess Mayer made contact with the Republic of Milan and traded maps her charm is improving in diplomatic circles.

Other news from Europe

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201fdiplo.jpg

An available Sicilian Princess, possible another marriage? Relations are perfect with this faction and affecting our relations with other factions.

A St. John Minor Chapter House is built in Aleppo. This will improve the quality of troops needed for the Templar Knights.
Other information from the world of science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1201science.jpg

Overview and Finances for the start of the new century

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/fin0.jpg

The Order has been stellar in its relationship with the Pope and holds two seats in the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202pope.jpg

The Governor of Constantinople has felt the isolation of his post. Finances are slim and he has not been able to fully supply his army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203edmund.jpg

The other disturbing new was Hungary declared war on the Byzantine Empire and the great city is under threat. The relations with the Hungarians have been so-so and declining. War maybe inevitable with this faction

Gaza 1203

The Duke of Damascus had formed a sizeable force and was preparing to head east into Caliphate territory towards Medina. A large Caliphate Army had gathered near Gaza and was a threat to supplies west to Cairo. The King of Jerusalem was in Cairo preparing a final push on Thebes. This enemy army needed to be removed. Even with the large garrison in Jerusalem public order was low.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n1gaza.jpg

The armies met on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Fatimid had the lower ground and the General moved his forces across for the higher ground covered by his artillery. The Knights took advantage of this manoeuvre and fired their artillery into the enemy force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n2gaza.jpg

The St. John Order’s regiment of cavalry was sent in to neutralize the enemy catapults.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n3gaza.jpg

The armies were again aligned and now the King moved forward his crossbow and heavy infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n5gaza.jpg

The cavalry attacked on the far right flank disrupting the javelin regiments. The Templar Spearmen also moved on the right flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n6gaza.jpg

The battle was almost in a dead lock has the Fatimid stood their ground under the heavy missile fire of the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n7gaza.jpg

The turning point came when the enemy General could not stomach anymore of the fighting and fled the battlefield.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1202n9gazan9.jpg

The enemy retreated on a near by fleet that has been blocking the Port of Jerusalem.


The City of Edessa came under attack by a small Seljuk Army but was quickly beaten off.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1204edessa.jpg

The status of the Caliphate was updated and the situation in Medina. It was also reported that Mecca was now under their control.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203medina.jpg

Other news reports came from the English Court

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203england.jpg


The King of Jerusalem erected a memorial to his army in the Battle for Cairo that occurred several years earlier.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1203memorial.jpg

There was some indecision with Templar Command in the region. The City of Alexandria rebelled and was a tempting opportunity to capture. The Duke of Damascus left with his army to come west from Gaza. Unfortunately the Sicilian Allies had mustered a large army and were in the process of recapturing the city.

The King would head for Thebes and the Duke of Damascus would garrison Cairo because of the unrest and support the King’s rearguard.

Thebes 1206

The King had made good progress to the Region. The Caliphate had formed an army to assist the garrison in the city. The Caliphate took the initiative and attacked the Templar Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a1thebes.jpg

The battle had started in the late afternoon and the armies were evenly matched. The Knights had a little more firepower in catapults but the Caliphate were moving quickly in the filed of battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a2thebes.jpg

The Caliphate General was making the most of his Light Cavalry and they caused some confusion along the King’s left flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a3thebes.jpg

The fighting in the centre was much more intense has the heavy foot infantry of the St John Order fought the Caliphate Spearmen. The crossbowmen tried to get their bolts into the melee but the armies massed that targets could not be identified.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a4thebes.jpg

The Caliphate reinforcements arrived and the enemy General Yaha the Lazy charged into the Templar weak left flank. They quickly silenced the ballista crew. The crossbowmen concentrated all their fire at the enemy general. The King had to intervene before all was lost.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a5thebes.jpg

Eventually the enemy General’s pulled back and fled the battlefield. The victory was hollow for the Knights. There were a lot of casualties and an attack on the city may not be possible. It could really be a Caliphate victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206a6thebes.jpg

Just has the King regrouped another attack was initiated by the Caliphate. King d’Alvarez tried to make a tactical withdraw but it ended in a route.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1206b1thebes.jpg

Other events that occurred a Master Merchant Guild was created in Constantinople hopefully this will increase the income for the Order.

Scotland was excommunicated by Pope Lucius III but the Scots then declared war on the Danes and were reconciled. Other diplomatic news

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1207diplo.jpg

The decade was closing that there had no new lands conquered. The victories were defensive in nature and a city was almost lost. It was time to regroup and reassess for the Templar Knights.

[Northnovas]

The Winds of Change

The financial situation for the Templar Order was precarious at best. There has been no assistance from other nations of the faith. The merchants have been slow building and the cost of the army upkeep has been rising.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210financial.jpg

Damascus 1210

Further pressure on the finances occurred when the City of Damascuswas besieged. The Garrison Captain was ordered to sally forth.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a1damascus.jpg

The Seljuk force was a little smaller but contained experience troops. When the garrison moved out the enemy withdrew further from the city limits. Weary of a trap the Captain held back the missile regiments to remain on the walls and sallied 3 regiments with one in reserve.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a2damascus.jpg

The enemy abandoned their siege equipment for better ground. The equipment was quickly destroyed. The garrison marched steadily out in order not to tire them themselves.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a3damascus.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a4damascus.jpg

The enemy situated themselves and dug in. They had a small javelin unit that was quickly neutralized. The garrison attacked the individual regiments rather then a full out assault. The Seljuk held their ground and did not support their regiments in combat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a5damascus.jpg

The enemy regiments were mainly spearmen and the Templar Cavalry commander had to attack and retreat enemy spearmen fighting infantry units.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a6damascus.jpg

The battle wore on to through the day and the garrison was tiring there were still fresh regiments of enemy troops. The Garrison Captain committed the last regiment of spearmen. The Garrison Captain fell in the ensuing melee.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a7damascus.jpg

The Templar’s pressed on and the enemy Captain’s unit was the last unit to commit to the battle. The fighting was fierce but the Seljuk Captain was also cut down in the fighting. However, the Seljuk did not falter and continued to the very end.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a8damascus.jpg

The siege had been lifted and victory achieved for now.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210a9damascus.jpg

News from the west raises concerns for the Grandmaster. It has been some time that a diplomat has been west. A diplomat was dispatched to report his findings.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1210Scotland.jpg

The Siege of Thebes had commenced. The King of Jerusalem was ready to quash the Fatimid footing west of the Red Sea.

Other news advises of another capital falling and relations with the Byzantines are going well. There is also news of a Danish Princess coming of age. Both the Grandmaster’s sons are still bachelors.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212diplomacy.jpg

More Orders are formed that are for teaching then fighting. They are promised protection in the Outremer by the Grandmaster to spread the Gospel and remove the Heretics roaming the land.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212Orders.jpg

Thebes 1212

The King of Jerusalem was ready the spy was inside and could be of assistance. The enemy garrison was light and there was not much resistance expected.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b1thebes.jpg

Success the gates were opened by the Templar agent!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b2thebes.jpg

The Fatimid had position their troops to defend the Square. There were a few small missile regiments that manned the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b3thebes.jpg

The Templar surrounded the Square and brought the ballista crew in.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b4thebes.jpg

The enemy held their ground and were unfazed by the ballista shot. They struck out and a bloody melee ensued.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b5thebes.jpg

King d’Alvarez committed his Unit to finish off the enemy. Yahya the Lazy did not fight like his name and fought till the end taking many casualties with him.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b6thebes.jpg

The Castle was captured resistance was futile!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212b7thebes.jpg

More news from the English Island and the times are a changing.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1212magnacarta.jpg

Edessa 1213

The Seljuk put more pressure on the Order by besieging Edessa. The Prince of Antioch was in the city rebuilding the Army of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c1edessa.jpg

The Prince sallied out under the cover of darkness. The sides were evenly matched.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c2edessa.jpg

The troops faced each other and only the light of the flaming arrows and ballista shot silhouetted the soldier’s formation.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c3edessa.jpg

The Prince rode out to remove the Seljuk Ballista crew. Success!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c4edessa.jpg

The enemy moved forward and like shadows quickly came out where they stopped short of the line. The Templar Crossbowmen fired continuously into the enemy formation they did not flinch remaining in formation.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c5edessa.jpg

The Prince moved up to the line from the enemy rear flank and both enemy regiments moved in after the Prince. The Templar line surged forward.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c6edessa.jpg

The siege was broken and it was a Heroic Victory for the Prince of Antioch

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1213c8edessa.jpg

Disturbing news from the Intelligence Agency just when they thought the Fatimid Caliphate were removed from the west region of the Red Sea but another city was located deep down the African Frontier. The King mobilized a force to capture the City of Dongla.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1215dongola.jpg

Princess Brasia tried to seduce a Hungarian Nobleman but was rejected.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1215brasia.jpg

To add further concern for the Outremer the Grandmaster hears of a new threat from the East and wonders if the fortification of the cities in the Outremer will be able to hold off this new army rumoured to be coming.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1215mongols.jpg

More news comes from the European Courts three rulers have passed on.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1218dynasty.jpg

From the Diplomatic Corps, France and Scotland have been reconciled but France is now at war with Milan. More importantly the Seljuk Sultanate requested a ceasefire. The Grandmaster agreed so that he can concentrate on the Caliphate and prepare for this army from the East.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1218diploinfo.jpg

The Pope promotes a Templar Cardinal to the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1218cardreport.jpg
The Navy of the Templar Order is in a sorry state. There have been some light guarded transport ships but their skill at fight Pirates has been dismal. The fleet blockaded in Jerusalem tried to break out but were defeated badly.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1218naval.jpg

The trouble continues for the Russian Dynasty with another death of their new ruler. Also changes in Poland.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1219dynasty.jpg

The decade closes and there was a request by the Council to eliminate the Crown Prince Hayaan of the Moors. The Crown Prince has travelled through the Outremer heading west from Gaza. His intentions were unknown since a state of war exists between the 2 but continued to move west without any aggression. The Grandmaster has no intentions of following up on the request made by the Council. His presences did stall the young de Payns in Cairo from striking out on Alexandria. The city has rebelled from their Sicilian rulers and is free for the taking. Also news that Mecca is under Rebel control.

[Northnovas]

They Arrived! The Outremer gets Crowded

1220 opens with some news from the Papacy another Templar Cardinal Jonas Engel has been promoted to the College. 3 seats are vacant and other diplomatic news the Orthodox Factions unite in a treaty. Two rulers lives end.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221diplomacy.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221endofdynasty.jpg

Dongla 1221

King d’Alvarez army was ready there was minimal siege equipment constructed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa1.jpg

Success the veteran agent had opened the gates there would be no battle for the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa2.jpg

Aws al-Fatimiyyun offered little resistance for the main streets but prepared a defence for the Centre of the City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa3.jpg

The Fatimid was surrounded by all entrances and exits.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa4.jpg

The melee ensued with the St. John heavy infantry leading the charge. The king held back his unit and watched the battle unfold.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa5.jpg

The Fatimid Spearmen were starting to falter al-Fatimiyyun committed himself into the melee.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa6.jpg

The Fatimid were quickly surrounded but fought hard. The Templar Knights were able to overcome and the general was knocked from his horse. The enemy did not weaken in resolve being leaderless.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa7.jpg

King d’Alvarez saw the opportunity and committed his unit to finish off the enemy. Victory was in hand.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa7.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1221donglaa8.jpg

The settlement was captured and strict measures were ordered by the King. Resistance was futile. A small amount of florins were added to the treasury.

From east of Baghdad news comes from the merchants on the Silk Road. This mysterious faction is now at the borders of the Outremer. No city has fallen but there is panic amongst the populace making it a dangerous place at best now.
The Grandmaster does not feel he is ready if no peace can be obtained with this menacing faction called the Mongols. There tactics are different then what the Order has been used too. Agents will be sent to find out more.

Alexandria 1222

Young Heinrich de Payns organized his army on the ancient city. His catapults were inadequate to breach the walls. He falls back.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1222Alex.jpg

The diplomat in Western Europe reports what happened when he arrived at the French Capital. The Grandmaster is still hoping of the possibility of an alliance with France. However his relations with England are much better.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1222diplo.jpg

The clergy is working hard spreading the Gospel and dispelling heretic talk.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1222heretic.jpg

On a positive note King d’Alvarez daughter Brasia marries a Venetian noble who joins the ranks of the Templar Order. The young noble makes east for the Outremer. Relations turn to poor with the Venetians.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1222marriage.jpg

Alexandria 1224

The Duke of Damascus commenced his second assault on the great city. This time better prepared.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa1.jpg

The catapults were reequipped with heavier ammo to breach the walls. They attacked the western gate which was not has reinforced has the southern gate from the first attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa2.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa3.jpg

Success the wall is breached and the attackers storm through. The enemy tried to block the flow of attackers. The bottle neck was making it difficult to get into the city. The enemy had plenty of missile regiments for support.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa4.jpg

The breached could not be stopped the Templar Knights were making a footing and allowed the cavalry regiments to squeeze through and charge for the city via the southern wall.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa5.jpg

The enemy had plenty of light cavalry in the Town Square. A melee of men and horse filled the square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa6.jpg

The Rebel general fell early in the battle however this did not change the heart of the enemy and they fought with more determination.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa7.jpg

The Duke now made his charge and stormed for the Town Square. The rest of his cavalry units were badly depleted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa8.jpg

The Square was a scene of chaos men on both sides falling. The Duke engaged into the centre of the storm. It was unknown what way the battle would swing. The Rebels were not going to surrender.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa9a.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa9.jpg

Finally the Square was captured but a Regiment of Rebel Archers away from the Square engagement escaped.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224alexa9b.jpg

The King of Jerusalem was pleased with the capture of the city and the Western Region was secure except for a Rebel Army on the road to Gaza. The city was sacked this allowed for the upgrading of the Capital Tortosa to another level of fortress.

Other news the King’s oldest son comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224comingofage.jpg

The Rebel Army in the west region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1227rebels.jpg

More news of death from the Royal Courts and another Princess there are several eligible bachelors in the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1224obits.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1226info.jpg

Crusade 1226

The Pope has called for a Crusade on Zagreb, a city under Venetian control. The Dodge has been excommunicated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1226Crusade.jpg

A dilemma has occurred for the Grandmaster under the mandate of the Order of the Templar Knights all Crusades will be joined. However, his newest commander nephew in law de Palma wants to go and seek vengeance against his family for their lost ways. He is close to the city but has no troops. He conducted a massive recruitment of mercenaries but not enough for a Crusading Army.
The Duke of Constantinople demands to go on another Crusade but has so much unrest that he cannot leave the city without it revolting from his control. This is certainly a problem for the Grandmaster.

The ex Duke of Vienna de Parma assisted the Byzantine allies to remove a Rebel Force from their lands.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1228allyhelp.jpg

The Byzantines were grateful for the assistance and report that they have lost their Emperor and a Princess is available for marriage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1228byzantines.jpg

The Crusade grows but no Order of theTemplar Knights yet!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1228Crusade.jpg

The young d’Alvarez is granted a new title Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier. The King’s youngest son comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1228factannounce.jpg

Further obituary reading

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1228obits.jpg

As the decade comes to an end another clergy of the Templar Knights is promoted to the college.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1229cardreport.jpg

The latest intelligence reports on Medina. Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier is gathering a large force to capture Medina and then to finish off the Fatimid Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1230medina.jpg

They have arrived!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1229horde.jpg

The Golden Horde but no cities have been attacked. Baghdad is still under Seljuk rule.

Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20I/1230overview.jpg

A progressive pace to claim the Outremer but what will these Mongols do to the Order of the Templar Knights and their land holdings??

[Northnovas]

1230 Family Tree

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1230familytree.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1231grandmaster-1.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1231king.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1231DukeofConstantinople.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/PrinceofAntioch.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/DukeofDamascus.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/DukeofVienna.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1231DukeofAlexandria.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1231phillipdalvarez.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/MayortheAffectionate.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/MonicadePayns.jpg

[Northnovas]

No Peace in the Outremer

The St. John Order builds a Chapter House in the Capital Tortosa. The Templar Knights will need all the high quality troops they can obtain from all the corners of the Outremer.

The Mongols are spotted and the first army is investigated so many horse riders.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1232mogolreport.jpg

The Thebes Region is secured and the ecomomy starts to pick up.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1232merchant.jpg

Though rioting continues in Cairo and the Master Theologians Guild is damaged again with other religious buildings. The Crusade grows Crown of Aragon joins it’s Catholic Brethren

The Order looses a faithful servant in the Damascus Region. Some say the news of the tide of the threatening Horde caused his heart to stop. There is panic in the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1233cardinal.jpg

The Grandmaster receives the Diplomatic News of 1233 but nothing on the Mongol Faction

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1233diploreport.jpg

Besides war death affects the Royal Courts of Europe.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1233obit2.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1233obits1.jpg

Pope Lucius III is getting old and feeels the current religious Orders are not following the true word and begins his Papal Inquistion.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1233inquistition.jpg

The Younger d’Alvarez comes of age and removes the Rebel Army from the Gaza Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234rebelvictory.jpg

The Council makes a new request after the failure to remove the Crown Prince of the Moors a new target is identified the leader of the Horde Khanzada Jebe the Tyrant.

1234 Damascus is under siege by the Mongol Horde the panic of the populace is now in frenzy. Many people had fled hearing of the incoming army. Two regiments of Crossbowmen arrived from Jerusalem. Will it be enough?

The Order is now at war with the Mongols.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234diploreport.jpg

Hungary joins the Crusade and relations between the Order and the Hungarians improve possible strengthening their relations. Diplomats and Princess are in Hungarian lands to negotiate.

Fearing for his land the King of Jerusalem decides to leaves Cairo and heads back to the Holy City. His son Phillip is granted the title Duke of Cairo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234dukeofcairo.jpg

1234 Siege of Damascus.

Garrison Captain Jobst was the senior Army Officer and in command of the city defenses what he was about to face was something no European soldier had experienced.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a1damascus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a2damascus.jpg

The enemy reached the wall with their ladder there were only the Missile Regiments on the walls. The rest of the units were bracing for the breach at the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a3damascus.jpg

The enemy was repelled from the walls the Crossbow Regiments proved their worth but the gate could not hold to the assault of the battering ram. The fight for the city began.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a4damascus.jpg

The Knights fought valiantly and the Mongols were pinned in the tight quarters. The second army began to move for the open gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a6damascus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a5damascus.jpg

The Mongols were too many and they began their foothold on the main throughway. The two Army leaders clashed and both were killed by each others sword. The men on either side continued but the superior numbers of the Mongols overcame the garrison. The city was lost. The Valiant efforts of Captain Jobst will not be forgotten by the Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a7damascus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1234a8damascus.jpg

It was a close battle.
Prisoners executed and the city populace terminated. However, the Mongols did not try to pacify the town after their destruction they moved on and the city was under Rebel control.

The Crusade ends Pope Lucius III dies in Rome elections are called and the College of Cardinals convenes in Rome.

Cardinal Engles does some heavy politicking to get himself in position to succeed his Templar Brother has Pope.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1235nicholas4.jpg

His candidates do not stand well with the other Catholic Factions. Denmark is contacted and maps are gifted to them. Hungary is promised an alliance and will vote for the Templar candidate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1235papalelection.jpg

Jonas Engel age 27 is elected Pope Nicholas IV and the Grandmaster does not have to concern huimself with Papal relations for a long time.

An alliance is formalized with Hungary and the Byzantine Hungarian War ends. Other nations are reconciled.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1236diplonews.jpg

Medina 1236

The Duke of Alexandria arrives at Medina to face the Rebel Army holding the city. A large force has been assembled because after Median was Mecca the last Caliphate city was next The Spy opened the gates and the siege equipment was not required. The city was captured with minimal casualties.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1236medina.jpg

Mecca was next for the Grandmaster of the Hospitalier Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1238medinareport.jpg

One concern was no leadership from the Fatimid Caliphate could be located. Where are they hiding? At at unknown city or at sea?

Report on the Horde not far from the capital

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1238mongolreport.jpg

Pope Nicholas IV chooses an Order of the Knights Templar clergy to replace his Cardinal seat in the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1239card.jpg

Diplomatic news formal trade rights are agreed upon with the Kingdom of Leon-Castille Spanish. War breaks out between the Hungarians and Byzantines a side must be chosen. The Grandmaster elects to stay with the Byzantines; Constantinople is in a precarious situation. Even though this allaince breahces the Charter of the Order to have an alliance with an Orthodox Faction.
Princess Mayer has been doing an excellent job in her diplomatic work and in her old age her charm has increased.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1239mayer.jpg

The final diplomatic report to the Grandmaster and some relations have improved.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1239diplo.jpg

[Northnovas]

An Old Foe is Gone

The 1240 start with a new weapon intriguing the Grandmaster and orders the development of this weapon to be incorporated into the army. Edessa is the first production centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240newweapon.jpg

The Cardinal reports a new Cardinal to the College

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240cardnews.jpg

A new family member Dimarus Herden son of Silvestro da Parma and Princess Brasia
The City of Antioch is besieged by the Mongols.

Damascus is recaptured and occupied from the Rebels. The Prince is severely wounded in the fight.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240damascus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/damascusvictory.jpg

The Duke of Alexandria moves out of Medina and sets course to Mecca and the final blow. The large Caliphate Forces along the coast poses a threat but the duke gambles for the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240Mecca.jpg

The Battle of Medina 1240

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa1.jpg

The Duke arrived at the city walls and wasted no time in attacking the city. He was equipped with catapults and trebuchets and did not require to build rams and ladders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa2.jpg

The wall was breached and the Knights made a 2 prong attack for the Town Square. There was some resistance with the light cavalry garrison but the centre was reached.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa3.jpg

The battle was fierce with many casualties on both sides.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa4.jpg

The Caliphate Garrison Captain was stricken down in the battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa5.jpg

The last 2 spear regiments remained to defend the St John Order infantry continue to push supported by the Templar Spearmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa6.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa7.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240medinaa8.jpg

The city was captured and resistance was futile. The Fatimid Caliphate was no more.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240factiondestroyed.jpg

Overview and Pope meter

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240popemetre.jpg
Things are going very well with the Order and the Papacy.

A financial report for 1240

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1240report.jpg

War breaks out between the Seljuk and Republic of Novograd. The Grandmaster debates this issue he would like to finish his work against the Seljuk however that would be another alliance with an Orthodox Faction. There is jealously amongst the European Brothers and are suspicious and cautious to openly support the Templar Knights and the work in the Outremer.

Ansehelm d’Alvarez accepts another title Duke of Mecca. He will remain in the city to secure public order and law before heading north.

By 1242 the Order of the Templar Knights is the most advance faction.

The Grandmaster leaves the capital Tortosa to aid Antioch. Upon arrival the Mongol Armies retreated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1242antioch.jpg

1243 Constantinople

Rioting engulfs the city and the noble Silvestro da Parma is killed trying to quell the rioters. The future of the city leadership is in jeopardy. The aging Duke final brings calm and stability to the city.

Civil Disobedience also occurs in the France on news that King Milobor was excommunicated. There is no chance of a Templar French Alliance.

Another male is born into the family to the Duke of Constantinople.

A marriage proposal is accepted. The aging Princess was married the Grandmaster needed generals to lead his armies. There was also news of an available Princess from the Aragonese Court. Both sons are still bachelors and concerns are raised by their father.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1243lukasmarriage.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1244aragonesprincess.jpg

A state of war still exists with the Moors and news received that the Capital of Cordoba has fallen.

A couple birth announcements of 1246

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1246factann.jpg

The Grandmaster followed the last Mongol Army east to the Seljuk – Templar border and a watchtower was erected. The rest of the Army was located and appeared to be regrouping.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1248mongols.jpg

Albrecht the Unorthodox a known witch hunter failed a second time to clear the Heretic from the Constantinople Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1246heretic.jpg
Is his faith lacking???

A suitor approached the Grandmaster for the hand of Monica de Payns who was doing diplomat duty in Rome. The young noble appeared to be a strong character and accepted the marriage proposal. The Prince of Antioch was enraged that another obstacle could be in his way for succession. The Order was in need of strong leaders but there is discord among the successors.

There was another marriage proposal in the works with Princess Felipa niece of the Grandmaster. She has a particular Hungarian noble in mind.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1248failedmarriage.jpg

The proposal backfired and the Princess remained in Hungary with the noble. It is a disgrace to the Grandmaster’s family.

Another Cardinal from the Order was promoted to the College. Things were going extremely well with the Papacy. There was a succession of French kings and King Michel successor to King Milobor remained excommunicated. France has a great distrust for the Tempalr Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1248cardreport.jpg

The Mongols appeared to have regrouped and were heading west again. The City of Edessa was being prepared for an attack and the new Duke in charge of the garrison.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1249mongols.jpg

The Grandmaster and the Prince of Antioch formed a defensive position at the bridge effectively blocking the most direct route west. The Order of the old guard is aging and it is time for succession to the younger members but are they ready?

[Northnovas]

Changing of the Guard – A Secret Meeting

The Region of Constantinople has become a hotbed of theology discussions. The elderly Duke has been able to keep the situation to a simmer. In response to the talk out there amongst the Orthodox Clergy and the Heretics there is round up of the Heretics and the leader Aaron is captured and put to trial. He had escaped 3 previous attempts because of sympathetic Orthodox leanings. He was not spared this time.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1249heretics.jpg

The talented Duke of Alexandria Ansehelm d’Alvarez has mobilized his Army in the far south now that the populace has calmed down. Heading north he removes Rebel Armies out of the way remnants of the Fatimid Caliphate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1249rebels.jpg

The Diplomat Elrhart de Paive made contact with the Moors and offered a Ceasefire which was just accepted.

The Family Tree at 1251

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1251familytree.jpg

The Financial Report

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1251financial.jpg

The inevitable has happened. Edmund the Chivalrous Duke of Constantinople passed away. Extra men were added to the Garrison and waiting arrival of the new noble from the Outremer. Can they hold the city?

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1251edmund.jpg

The Mongols have reformed and are moving west past Edessa. The Bridge to Antioch was secured by the Prince of Antioch. The Horde took the northern route.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1251mongols.jpg

The forces in the south have mobilized on the East and West Banks of the Red Sea. From Thebes a large Army has been mobilized under the command of Captain Sigismund. He removed a large force from the Region and further stabilized the populace.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1252rebels.jpg

The Duke of Alexandria clears another Rebel force from the Mecca Region. Peace and security for the Region. He is severely wounded in the skirmish.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1252Rebels2.jpg

For his deed in Thebes Captain Sigismund was promoted into the Order by a special writ of the Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1252MOH.jpg

While there is peace with the Moors a bizarre request came in from the Crown Prince Affan the Fat to remove his father for a handsome price. The relations with the Byzantine Allies improved to Good. The other faithful Ally the Sicilians report their King passed away and there is a new House of Nobles forming.
King Fergus the Chivalrous of Scotland has been excommunicated.

A report from Spy Fritz Raspe on the City of Basra.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1252basara.jpg

The Diplomat Herrman Weinmuth contacted the Seljuk Sultanate in Baghdad and agreed to a trade agreement between the two nations.

The Mongols had arrived at the North Region of Antioch seeing the bridge secured the headed south. The ford was also secured by the Duke of Damascus. The Mongols avoided any contacted and headed further south towards the capital Tortosa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1254mongols.jpg

All Nobles of the Order and Armies were brought to the Tortosa Region. The King of Jerusalem even made a trip to the capital to meet with the Grandmaster.

Continued success with the South Armies by the Duke of Alexandria and Sigismund.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1255mongols.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1255rebels.jpg

The Grandmaster and the King of Jerusalem meet in a Secret Council with representatives of the Papacy. Both men are aging and there time is short this Mongol Army is the most difficult enemy they have ever faced.
The Grandmaster had decided to end the de Payns family has the leaders of the Templar Knights. The succession will go to Ansehelm who will be the designated Heir. If the Grandmaster goes first the King will temporarily hold office till his son Ansehelm can reach the capital. Ansehelm has proven his worth with destruction of the Fatimid Caliphate. A man like him was needed for this new enemy. Friedrich and Heinrich will keep their titles but old no more power then a noble of the Order. This will be held in secrecy till the Grandmasters death.

By the middle of the decade the Order of the Templar Knights is the strongest faction. The City of Budapest has fallen and the relations with the French have improved to Reasonable.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257relations.jpg

A notice of passing of members in the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257factann.jpg

The Tortosa Region is in a panic the Horde is near the city. The Templar Knights have brought most of their Army and commanders to the capital. The strategy of goading the Mongols to battle at a bridge or river attack had not worked now they were in an open field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257mongols.jpg

Khanzada Bayan the Wrathful made the first move and struck at the army north of the city the Duke of Damascus Army of the Interior. The Grandmaster was able to utilize his forces has reinforcements. (Editor’s note to get more men on the field I let the AI control the reinforcements, big mistake!)

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257a5.jpg

The Mongols would be sandwiched by the Templar Knights

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257a1.jpg

The terrain was rocky and steep. The Mongols were scattered and their Horse Archers easily covered the ground. The Duke of Damascus took the high ground and hoped his crossbowmen could inflict damage on the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257a2.jpg

The Duke was able to hold his own and a few of his men engaged some of the enemy preventing them from using their arrows. However, the action was fast and furious waiting for the Grandmaster’s Armies to get in place.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257a3.jpg

The battle raged on the steep hills and the Knights were beginning to tire chasing the horsemen. The Grandmaster’s Army was pulling from the filed and the Duke did not know what had happened.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257a4.jpg

By late afternoon the battle was over.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/a6defeat.jpg

The Templar Knights had not faced such a defeat in their history this was a dark day and the news was even grimmer when it was found that the Grandmaster had been captured and not ransomed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257leaderkilled.jpg

There was now a new Grandmaster in the Order of the Templar Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1257leadernew.jpg

The Pope sends his condolences and has called a Crusade to Riga against the Polish Faction. Riga had just been conquered by the Poles from the Novograd Republic.

The end of another decade

Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1260overview.jpg

Financial

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1260financial.jpg

Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1260factann.jpg

1260 Family Tree

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1260tree.jpg

I have fought the Mongols before but never have the difficulty I am right now. I can’t even get screenshots in because so much is happening. They are sticking together making open field battles impossible.:wall:

[Northnovas]

The Winds of Change

The year opened with some diplomatic news from Europe in relation to the Crusade to Riga. More nations were joining and Poland was facing more enemies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1261diplonews.jpg

The Grandmaster Jen d’Alvarez, King of Jerusalem, vanquisher of the Fatimid Caliphate was now facing the Order’s greatest enemy for the first time. His army outnumbered the Mongol Army and was the most experienced general of the Templar Knights. He gathered his force south of the Port of Antioch and set up for the attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/Jensloss.jpg

The battle was over before it started the Mongols speed and tenacity quickly overcame the old King and his army was in tatters

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1261a1.jpg

The King could no longer stay on the battlefield and ordered the retreat of his army. It was everyman for himself. The Mongols executed the prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/Jenscrushingdefeat.jpg

Another great defeat to the Templar Knights it was the third crushing military defeat there was no way to beat this Mongol Army. The King died that night traveling back to the haven of the capital Tortosa.

A new Grandmaster of the Templar Knights Ansehelm d’Alvarez, Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier, Duke of Alexandria and soon to be Crowned King of Jerusalem following his father. The Crown of Jerusalem was to be in possession of the Grandmaster of the Templar Knights. Other titles would soon follow.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1261newleader.jpg

By 1263 the Crusade is still growing with Holy Roman Empire joining. No longer able to contain himself Heinrich Duke of Damascus recruits men and joins the Crusade. The loss of his father and the fighting in the Outremer where he has failed to establish himself seeks the Crusade has a means to correct the errors in his way for surly the trouble that has fallen upon the family and the Order are his fault.
The Templar Knights are regarded has the Strongest Faction despite their military setbacks.

The Grandmaster receives his Crown in the Holy City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263factann.jpg

A new Duke of Medina young Sigismund riding up from the south with the Grandmaster and their armies is given the title.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263newduke.jpg

The City of Antioch is besieged and the garrison commanded by Captain Otto secures the walls but is facing 3 Mongol Armies. The Prince of Antioch was not able to bring his reinforcements to the city.

The Prince engages the Mongols north of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263antioch.jpg

The Prince is no field commander and is soundly beaten back. The City of Antioch is still under siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263antiochdefeat.jpg

The Mongols make a daring knight attack on the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1264antioch.jpg

The Mongols sneak up on the walls with ladders but the alarm is quickly sounded

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b1.jpg

The siege towers are put in motion and the best infantry are guarding the walls. Every available archer is firing upon the enemy who only rain more arrows back in return.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b2.jpg

The Knights are having success on the walls beating back both attacks. However they could not inflict any damage on the battering ram.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b3.jpg

The gates are finally breached and the enemy pours in to the city. There is little resistance has the knights left their reserves in the Town Square for the final melee.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b5.jpg

The two sides engage and a Khan is lost in the battle. However, the supporting Mongol Armies rush for the open gates and there is no stopping them.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b6.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263b7.jpg

There are too many of them and the city falls to the Great Horde. It is a defeat but they did loose a Khan in the battle. Another Garrison Captain of the Order defending against great odds to the last man

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1264defeat.jpg

The Mongols now have a base in the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1263mongolhomeland.jpg

The Mongols have secured a base and moved on the Capital Tortosa now under siege. The Cardinal Goodwine the Unorthodox dies in the panic filling the city. News reaches the Garrison that the relief armies from the south have arrived and the Grandmaster was in the area.

Celebrity News from the year 1263

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1264celebnews.jpg

The time had come for the Grandmaster to meet his sworn enemy. The Templar Knights situated themselves on the river ford south of Antioch. The new weapon from Edessa had been manufactured but not delivered to the army. He would have to make do without them. The Mongols were the first to strike from the City of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267ansehelm2.jpg

The Grandmaster could not have situated his army in a better location. The Khan in his overconfidence attacked immediately crossing the ford.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c1.jpg

In fact the Khan was so overconfident he led the charge across and was the first to feel the sting from the crossbows bolts and spear tips of the infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c2.jpg

The rest of his army followed and were quickly across the water. When the last of the enemy reached the shore the Knights countered with a heavy cavalry charge of 3 regiments. The Mongols did not see them coming.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c3.jpg

The battle was fierce but the Knights were able to keep the edge and prevent the Mongols from utilizing their archer capabilities.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c4.jpg

The Khan fell in the scrum but the resolve of the Mongols did not change and they were pressed further back.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c5.jpg

The Grandmaster ordered the charge of his personal unit and that was the push needed. The Mongols began to fall back and units started to route.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267c6.jpg

The Templar Knights pushed through savoring the victory and chased the fleeing soldiers down. Final a Heroic Victory the Order can rally around. There was a fine ransom to be paid for the prisoners. The offer of 4000 florins was declined and the prisoners were executed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267capitalvictory.jpg

The Grandmaster had just rallied his army and resting them when the Mongols struck out again in the same circumstances. Though this time led by a foolish Captain

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1266ansehelm.jpg

Another Heroic Victory the prisoners were ransomed for 1500 florins and the Mongols accepted the offer. The Grandmaster felt there was no Khan in charge of the army they were given a chance to live.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1266victory1.jpg

Two consecutive and decisive victories is what the Knights needed to regain their confidence.

The Grandmaster has proven himself again first with the Caliphate and now the Mongols. He only prayed that other men of the Order could be inspired to fight and defeat the Mongols.

The City of Tortosa was still under siege and the Duke of Medina had arrived to help lift the siege. The Mongol Khan Bayan the Wrathful attacked just has the reinforcements were reaching the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267capital.jpg

The Garrison secured themselves behind the great walls of the fortress and would wait till the reinforcements arrived.
The Mongols moved in the battering ram but the rest of the army was back some distance and were engaging the reinforcing army of the Duke.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267d1.jpg

The Duke quickly took advantage of the situation and had almost snuck up on the besieging army. The Mongol force was split between attacking the walls and defending themselves.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267d2.jpg

The catapults of the Knights quickly destroyed the siege equipment and the Khan was caught in the fight and put to the sword. Three Khans have fallen in the past 2 years.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267d3.jpg

The first gate was breached and the Mongols moved in with ladders. The command was given and the 2 cavalry regiments of the Garrison charged out finishing of the enemy with ladders and the battering ram crew. They quickly got out to the open field and assisted the Duke in finishing off the rest of the Mongol Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267d4.jpg

Another victory for the Templar Knights the small amount of prisoners was executed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267capitalvictory.jpg

The news from the Crusaders they had reached Constantinople and were recruiting more men. The Crown of Aragon had joined the Crusade and almost ever nation in Europe was at war with Poland.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267diplo.jpg

There had been victories for the Templar Knights but one key battle was still to take place at the Iron Bridge in the Antioch Region. The Prince of Antioch a shell of his former self was in charge of the Army of Antioch. He had just received the new weapons produced in Edessa. His job was to secure the bridge area and prevent the Mongols from breaking out north. The Grandmaster has fallen back to Aleppo to supply his army and recruit men before returning to the Antioch Region. The Mongols had made the first move.

1267 Iron Bridge

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267ironbridge.jpg

The Prince had set up his forces in a defensive manner and his bombard crews were given a nice hill for elevation. The Mongols had several trebuchets and began firing fireballs across the river. The Prince returned the fire with his new weapon.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267i1.jpg

The two exchanged fire but no one made a move for the bridge the Mongols could just reach the opposite side with their missiles. The Prince moved his Muslim Archer Regiments up because their long range and to return fire upon the enemy. It was the beginning of the end. The Templar Archers could not keep up the return fire pace and were getting decimated before ordered to retreat back out of range.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267i2.jpg

The Mongols made there move and crossed the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267i3.jpg

It was over before it started the Prince tried to coordinate a pincer movement on the enemy they were too fast and secured a foothold. From there they easily moved off from the bridge. The Spearmen Regiments put up little resistance and easily routed. There was a counter charge of heavy cavalry but it was not enough. The Bombard Crews were quickly silenced and Prince had no more counter moves.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267i4.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1267irondefeat.jpg

The Grandmaster was disappointed in the news and just when he thought he was seeing a break in the enemy they quickly closed the gap. The City of Antioch revolted and the Mongols seemed to have rallied and be on the move again. They were receiving more reinforcements from the Far East and returning to travelling in concentrated packs. There was only a small opportunity left for the Templar Knights to strike. The Mongols were much weaker when they were not supporting each other.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1269mongols.jpg

[Northnovas]

A Prince to a Pauper

The City of Antioch is under Rebel control and some Mongol Armies are still in the region. The Duke of Medina was assigned to recapture the city. While preparing for the attack he was confronted with a Mongol Army led by Captain Nayuk.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1269Antioch.jpg

The Duke did not want to commit any troops to a costly battle. Artillery and Archers were used. It was an average defeat but the casualties were minimal.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1269Antioch2.jpg

There is disturbing news from the west with the English. The English King had died and no successor they are in a bitter war with the French and the Scots.

The Mongols have organized and appear to be on the move they have passed the City of Aleppo and made no effort to battle with the Grandmaster who was in the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1270Mongols.jpg

The Crusading Army traveling through the Sofia Region encounters some Rebels for it’s first engagement.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1270Rebels.jpg

Disturbing news from the Antioch Region the Prince of Antioch rebels and renounces all allegiances to the Grandmaster and the Order of the Templar Knights. His army is reduced with only a handful of men remaining with him.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1272Traitor.jpg

The Duke of Medina was thinking of capturing the Prince but the City of Antioch was the bigger prize.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1272Traitor2.jpg

Riga 1273 news reaches the Crusading Army and the Duke of Damascus the crusade was a success and the city has been captured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1273Crusade.jpg

Other diplomatic news the Podesta di Milan was dead and Milan was at war with the Holy Roman Empire. The Venetians have been excommunicated.

The traitor Friedrich still maintained the title Prince of Antioch launches an attack against the Duke of Medina.

The Duke is outnumbered but concentrates his force against the traitor hoping to capture him before the rest of the Army arrives from Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1274Antioch.jpg

The traitor Prince was able to hold of the attack till the reinforcements arrived and the tide turned against the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1274a2.jpg

With the arrival of the reinforcements Duke of Medina was overcome and lost his life in the battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1274a3.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1274a4.jpg

Available in your local monastery best seller of 1274

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275Book.jpg

Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275factann.jpg

The Holy Roman Empire and the Republic of Milan agree to a ceasefire

After the battle at Antioch the traitor Prince heads north to the infamous bridge were he was soundly defeated years prior by the Mongols. On hearing of his movement the Grandmaster puts a bounty on his head dead or alive. A young Captain Bernhard with reinforcements cuts of the pass at the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275Friederich.jpg

Both sides face off at the bridge and utilizing their archers exchange fire. The Captain has a catapult to put to use.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred1.jpg


https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred2.jpg

Flaming arrows rain back and forth the Captain then orders a regiment of spearmen across to push back the archers.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred3.jpg

There is some resistance from the rebels but the Knights prevailed and push the men back.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred4.jpg

The traitor Prince engages the Knights and is able to route the unit however another unit has crossed and the Captain commits his unit. The Prince waits.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred5.jpg

The two leaders engage at the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred6.jpg

The traitor sees that his army is starting to route and flees like the coward he is from the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred7.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275fred8.jpg

The Grandmaster is pleased with the news but disappointed that the traitor is still at large. However, he should pose no threat at the moment. By special decree Captain Bernhard is promoted and is the Man of the Hour and will be entitled to titles of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275MoH.jpg

The Duke of Edessa has moved out the city with troops and removed a Rebel Army from the Region. He continued south to reinforce current armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1275rebels.jpg

There is a Russian Princess available for marriage however the Grandmaster is not looking for an Orthodox Alliance and seeing no other royalty available will have to marry a local noble lady.
The Mongols marching south past Damascus it would appear the Holy City could be there objective.

Jona de Cana of Templar Knights is promoted to the Sacred College. The total is six seats.

The English Capital London has fallen!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1276London.jpg

The Grandmaster moved out of Aleppo and besieged the City of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1278Antioch.jpg

The city was assaulted and retaken the traitor Prince was searched for in the city. There were many sympathizers to Friedrich and his personal wealth hidden within the city was confiscated and added to the Treasury. (21,000 florins)

The Cardinal Dietrich Merowinger passed away along with news the Moorish Sultan passed on. A ceasefire was announced between Venice and Hungary. Further faction announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1279factann.jpg

The merchant Bernhard Roht from Alexandria established trade deep in the African sub Sahara.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1279merchant.jpg

The most disturbing news from the British Isles.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1279England.jpg

The latest Intelligence on the Mongols confirms the objective is Jerusalem. The bridge was blocked and they continued to swing south then fight for the passage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1279mongols.jpg

[Northnovas]

200 Years of Service

The Order of the Templar Knights is over 200 years old. Grandmaster Ansehelm is the Fourth Grandmaster of the Order. The wealth has been a gradual and many artefacts in their possession. The greatest threat against the Order has been the Mongol invasion. This has prevented the Order from expanding but they have been able to keep the Mongols had bay and have not lost any lands or cities to them. It has been a war of attrition.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1280overview.jpg

The Templar Knights have kept perfect relations with the Papacy and have been slowly filling the Sacred College. There are 6 Cardinals in the College and the last 2 Popes have come from the Order the present Pope Nicholas IV is also a Templar Knight.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1280popemeter.jpg

Besides the Papacy the only two strong allies have been the Sicilians through marriage and the Byzantines. The Orthodox alliance though forbiddden was out of necessity for survival in the early days of the Order. It was one less faction to defend against when the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate were the main enemies to content with from the beginnings. The Caliphate had been destroyed by the Knights and a ceasefire had been agreed upon with the Seljuk when the Mongols invaded. The Mongols have attacked no other faction but the Templar Knights.

The first Grandmaster was from the de Payns Family and once had connections back to France. Unfortunately that bond could not be re-established with the French Kings and their fighting with the Papacy. However, the de Payns family line was weakening and after the 2nd Grandmaster Theoderics a secret agreement was made and the power shifted from the de Payns to the d’Alvarez. Grandmaster Ansehelm is the second generation of that family and is currently looking for a wife. A political marriage was being explored but there have been no catholic Princesses from Europe.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1280Tree.jpg

By 1281 the military expansion had been nil. The Pope ordered the Knights to spread the word through the men of the cloth and identified Adana Region for an increase in the Gospel. Financial incentives were given and another Father Henry Guiskard was promoted to the College. There was also a movement to round up the Heretics in the Constantinople Region to quell unrest.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1281heretic.jpg

Things were also beginning to heat up again. In Europe France had declared war on Sicily and the Mongols had made there move in the Jerusalem Region and besieged the Holy City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1281mongols.jpg

[Northnovas]

The Holy Land Defended

There were a series of battles that took place in the Jerusalem Region 1282-1289

The Grandmaster had arrived in the region and was assessing the enemy armies when he discovered many of the Mongol Commanders were not travelling with the armies. He made a calculated move near the Port of Jerusalem to attack and separate the commanders from their armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a11.jpg

The enemy was difficult to locate amongst the mountains.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a2.jpg

The infantry were reserved and all cavalry units were ordered to engage the enemy including the Grandmaster’s own Bodyguards.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a3.jpg

The enemy was engaged and a fierce melee ensued.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a5.jpg

However, it wasn’t long before some enemy reinforcements arrived. The Knights had the numbers but the Mongols had the superior troops.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a6.jpg

The Khan backed off when he realized he could not save the other unit. The terrain worked against him and he was cornered into a high wall. The catapult and crossbowmen went to work.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a7.jpg

After some time and losing men the Khan charged out from his position and engaged the infantry of heavy knights and spearmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a8.jpg

It was a victory the Khan and the Regimental captain were killed in battle. It a small but it was a win and that is what the Knights needed to build on to protect the Holy City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282a9victory.jpg

The Mongols had backed away and lifted their siege of Jerusalem. They withdrew southeast. Except one army that went for the bridge protected by the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282b1.jpg

The armies had barely made it on to the field when the whole front line was met with the first assault of Horse Archers and Infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282b2.jpg

The Mongols had plenty of artillery in trebuchets and a new weapon called rockets. The order was given and a cavalry charge was ordered to remove the Rocket Crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282b3.jpg

The right flank was also given orders and a cavalry charge held off the enemies initial volleys of missiles. The rockets were silenced and the right flank protected.

The Knights catapult was taken out early by enemy fireballs. The Bombard Crew was the only artillery support and with so many targets they were not has effective has they could have been. The front line was holding but the heavy infantry was tiring and with minor success had the start the enemy just seemed to have a deeper reserve of troops.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282b6.jpg

General Otterbach committed to the fight but fell half way through the battle. The men continued to fight killing the enemy Captain but there were not enough troops to stop the enemy charge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1282b7.jpg

The enemy troops were executed.

The fighting was getting worse and by 1284 the city was protected but the Mongols were in control of the southern half of the region.

Captain Rudolf a cavalry man who was the Grandmasters reserve and support army saw a break in the Mongols defences and attacked Khan Abaqha who was alone.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284c1.jpg

This was a full cavalry engagement and the Khan was located outnumbered but yet superior in fighting ability the Captain did what he could to ensure a victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284c2.jpg

Another Khan dead and there appeared to be no replacements forth coming for the enemy commanders. The Captain was promoted and made a member of the Order for his heroics.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284MOH.jpg

By the end of 1284 the Mongol Captain Chagduk remained in the bridge location from the previous battle. The Grandmaster arrived in the area and was seeking revenge for the death of the young noble Otterbach.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284d1.jpg

The Mongols put up little resistance and it was an easy victory. The Grandmaster had his vengeance and released the prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284d2.jpg

The Mongol Captain Chagduk cut from the main force retreated north and his tattered army was harassed by villagers and Garrison Captains all the way north to the Damascus Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284d4.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284d5.jpg

By the following here the Mongols had withdrew from the Jerusalem Region and headed north for Damascus. Again a Khan was in the lead of the army and confronted by the Garrison Captain. Damascus was the supply and reserve centre for the Grandmaster’s Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1285e1.jpg

The engagement took place on the Damascus road and the Khan was quickly surrounded by spearmen and a regiment of heavy cavalry. It was another victory and another enemy general down.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1285e2.jpg

The charge on Damascus by the Mongols was stalled after this engagement.

The Grandmaster continued to peck away at the Horde and found a strong army led by a Captain away from the main force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1285f1.jpg

It was a quick and morale building victory for the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1285f2.jpg

The prisoners were ransomed but it was rejected by the Khan.

By 1287 the Mongols were stalled and regrouping the Templar Knights were the strongest faction.

P 1287 mongols

Captain Rudolf now the Duke of Gaza was supplied and moved east and to the south of the Mongol Army. The Grandmaster remained at the bridge protecting Jerusalem.

The Mongols made an advance move that caught the Duke of Gaza off guard and in unfamiliar terrain.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g1.jpg

Both armies were well equipped and the Duke took a defensive stand.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g2.jpg

Again the cavalry played a significant part in the early battle keeping the Horse Archers at bay and away from the infantry. The lacking part for the Duke was only one Bombard Crew.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g4.jpg

The Knights cavalry were engaged on the flanks and could not counter the charge of Mongols to hit the center.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g5.jpg

Fortunately the center was manned by the Order of St. John’s and they appeared to be taking the brunt of the repeated Mongol charges.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g6.jpg

However like the earlier battle of the decade the stamina of the Knights could not hold back the waves of enemy troops that seemed to have appeared from nowhere. The Knights had the larger army on the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g7.jpg

Eventually the fatigue took its toll and the troops began to route under the pressure of hand to hand combat and the volley of arrows that rained down on them. The Bombard Crew fired till the metal was white and could fire no more. They were the last men left on the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g8.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288g9.jpg

That was the last significant engagement of the decade and the situation appeared to be in a stalemate. There were less enemy commanders and no reinforcements on the horizon but the Knights could not get the decisive battle for the knock out punch.

[Northnovas]

The Other News

The Grandmaster married a woman whose family was of noble standing in the Order. After the marriage the Heinrich the still designated Heir married a Danish Princess. The Grandmaster was upset that the Princess could not be found for him.

Some other family news of 1284

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284factann.jpg

The most significant news to the Court other then the military news was the death of Pope Nicholas IV. Elections were held and another Templar Knight stood for election.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1284papalelection.jpg

No diplomacy was needed to elect Pope Pius II

Diplomacy was needed to with the Danish and the Kievan Rus to secure maps of their lands.

The former lands of the Caliphate are on opposite ends. The Region of Mecca is secure and the city is growing producing merchants to exploit the resources.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1287mecca.jpg

However, in the West lands the Cities of Cairo and Alexandria are draining resources with their large garrisons to maintain public order.
There are strong heretic teachings converting Templar clergy. They are proving too difficult to capture and bring to trial.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1290heretic.jpg

Other important news for the family is the coming of age of 2 young men whose fathers were fine general of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1290factann.jpg

The Pope is pleased with the success of the teachings in Adana and promotes another Knight to the College. Maximillian the Unorthodox replaces a French Cardinal.

A new Mission from Pope Pius II

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1288newmission.jpg

From the World of Science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1287science.jpg

Relations with the Byzantine have been good politically but economically they have been beating Templar merchants off the trading routes causing some tension. Things are abysmal with Poland where a state of war still exist and with the Crown of Aragon reasonable.

End of decade summary

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1290financial.jpg

[Northnovas]

Men of the Order of the Templar Knights (not the Order of the Illuminate)

Grandmaster (President)
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Grandmaster.jpg

Duke of Damascus (Vice President)
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofDamascus.jpg

Duke of Cairo (Secretary)
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofCairo.jpg

Duke of Constantinople (Treasurer)
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofConstantinople.jpg

Duke of Edessa
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofEdessa.jpg

Duke of Gaza (Sgt of Arms)
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofGaza.jpg

Duke of Thebes
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DukeofThebes.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/ElberhardWeinmuth.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/DimarusHerden.jpg

[Bomberboy]

Good AAR, I like how you've set it.

[Northnovas]

Thanks, Bomberboy for the input! I am glad you like it.

A Tale of Two Cities

The Templar Order has been hampered from expansion because of the Mongol invasion. The Mongols are still in the Jerusalem Region with a large force but their command structure is weakening.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1290Overview.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1291factAnn.jpg

The first skirmish for the Holy City has begun the Duke of Edessa attacked the Horde marching for Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1291a1.jpg

There was a chance of capturing the tail end of the enemy army put the Mongols are so adapt at supporting their units. The Duke removed a Captain from the field and damaged the artillery before ordering a general withdraw from the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1292a2.jpg

1293 Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1293factann.jpg

The Pope is pleased with the work of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1293mission.jpg

Jerusalem is besieged! The Grandmaster reacts attacking quickly in the night hitting the outer flank of the Mongol Army and seperating the enemy commanders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294b1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294b2.jpg

The retreating Mongols are hit by Garrison Captains in their retreat

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294c1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294c2.jpg

Jerusalem 1294

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d1.jpg

The Mongols attempt to breach the walls of the Holy City. The newly appointed King of Jerusalem has the support of the Grandmaster and the Duke of Edessa has reinforcements.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294dmap.jpg

The Southern gate is defended for the onslaught

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d2.jpg

The ladders reach the walls first meeting the defending Spearmen and Crossbows Regiments

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d3.jpg

The attackers are repelled from the walls

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d4.jpg

Meanwhile the Duke of Edessa reaches the front of the South Gate and the attackers are momentarily diverted. The Mongols concentrate on the new threat in the filed. Unfortunately his army retreats and the Garrison did not come out of the city to support the Duke.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d5.jpg

The walls secured the battering ram neutralized the Knights open the gates and charge the remaining Mongols.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d6.jpg

The fighting is intense but the fresh regiments of Knights are enough to route the Mongol attackers

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d7.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d8.jpg

The Grandmaster maneuvered around the city to the north and defeated the Mongol Army positioned at the north of the city

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d9.jpg

The carnage was high but the city defended and 2 Mongol Armies defeated. However, there were still several large armies and the Knights were not concentrated and in need of reinforcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d10.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294d11.jpg

1294 Fact Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1294factann.jpg

1294 Jerusalem Besieged!

The Holy City was attacked again but the Knights could not rally enough troops to stop the Mongol Invaders.

1294 Fall of Jerusalem

The King of Jerusalem died of wounds received in battle. The city in now in the hands of the Golden Horde.

1295 Fact Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1295Factann.jpg

Disturbing news from Constantinople the city is in a great unrest from religious turmoil.
Citizens and Soldiers have been killed there seems to be no means of calming the population. Two great cities lost to the Order!

The Duke of Edessa was left in the Jerusalem Region with a small force the Mongols were reorganizing their armies. The Duke thought he would take advantage of the lull and disrepair of the city defenses.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1296f1.jpg

It was a bloody battle and the Knights entered the city but could not hold the position.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1296f2.jpg

The Knights retreat to Acre to reassess the situation.

1297 Fact Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1297factann.jpg

The Grandmaster led a small force out of Acre for Jerusalem the Mongol Garrison was small led by Khan Aradai the Wrathful who had a price on his head from the Council.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1297g1.jpg

The night attack was swift and surprised the defenders. The Mongols were removed from the Holy City.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1297g2.jpg

The Mongols scattered and went into small groups heading north. The city was occupied and the mess cleaned up and repaired.

Disturbing news from Cairo the city has been infected with a sickness.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1297plague.jpg

Matters in Constantinople are worse then first reported. The city has revolted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1297revolt.jpg

The Duke responded quickly by placing the city under siege and vows to capture and prosecute the ring leaders.

1299 the plague lingers in the City of Cairo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299cairo.jpg

Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299factann.jpg

Basra 1299

The young noble Elberhard Weinmuth arrives with his army to the City of Basra. The city has been in control of a Rebel Leader who did not wish to negotiate with the Order. The spies have been sitting in the city for some time and the intelligence report was up to date. The Young Elberhard hired a new weapon for the capture of Basra.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h1.jpg

Elephants hired by the Order lead the way on the attack of the city flying the Templar Knights colours.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h2.jpg

The spies had opened the gates and quick access was gained. The Rebels regrouped in the Town Square.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h3.jpg

The Elephants were unstoppable leading the charge followed by the rest of the army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h4.jpg

The Elephants reached the Town Square but by this time they were out of control and stomping everything in their path.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h5.jpg

The Rebels were defeated and the City of Basra was under Templar control

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h6.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1299h7.jpg

The city was sacked and 5000 florins were added to the coffers.

Another century is ending and The Order of the Templar Knights are established in the Outremer but they still have a long struggle ahead of them.

[Northnovas]

A New Era

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1300newera.jpg

The first decade of the new century is relatively quite in the Outremer there were only 2 significant military events that took place.

The City of Constantinople was under Rebel control and the Duke had maintained a siege of the city. The siege was doing well till panic set in when the Byzantine Allies showed up with two large armies to "assist". The Duke acted quickly and moved on the Rebels.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1305Constantinople.jpg

The city was taken by Duke Johannes de Castro and monies seized from the Rebels and Orthodox supporters (23,000) florins were added to the treasury and the city was back under the Templar Knights control but there was uneasiness in the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1305con.jpg

The other significant battle took place in the Tortosa Region with the Grandmaster himself. The Mongol Armies had reformed in this Region but were posing no threat. There were minor skirmishes but nothing of significance. The Grandmaster had left the Holy City and rallied an army along the way to fight the remaining Mongols.
When his army arrived he met up with Councillor Heinrich they outnumbered their Mongol foes but the Grandmaster made a daring night attack trying to capture or destroy the Mongol Leader Kahn Orda the Merciless.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1308Tortosa.jpg

The Knights had split the Mongol army in half and the Mongols were not looking for fight and had tried to elude the Grandmaster. Knowing his infantry could not catch the fleeing army a large cavalry charge was ordered and all light and heavy cavalry pursued the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1308a1.jpg

The Kahn’s personal Bodyguard unit was involved along with a Regiment of Heavy Cavalry. However casaulties were minimal because they were more interested in fleeing then fighting.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1308a2.jpg

The losses were minimal on both sides but the Order scored a strategic victory because all of the Mongol Armies retreated east and out of the region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1308a3.jpg

There were Rebel Armies removed from the Outremer proper and the work of a young noble was recognized by the Grandmaster and he was accepted into the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1305MoH.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1305Mecca.jpg

A great earthquake struck the Alexandria Region and the loss of a clergyman who was just promoted to Cardinal. There were other losses through natural causes of clergy and merchants but the most significant Faction Announcement was the birth of a son to the Grandmaster. Peter de Alvarez was born in 1306.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1302Alexandria.jpg

The good news from the Egyptian Frontier was the sickness affecting Cairo had passed and the city is returning to normal.

There was succession in the European Royal Courts with the death of the King of France, Crown of Argonese and the Hungarian Ruler. There was also some unrest amongst the nobles in Scotland on succession of the Scottish King.

Some other exciting news a diplomat Wenzel Bresch had made it to the Scottish Isles and was exploring the island for remains of the English Faction and to observe the power of the Scots on the island.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1306diplomat.jpg

There were a few annoying heretics removed and the Secret Service was successful removing a Mongol Diplomat from Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1303assassin.jpg

The young Duke of Basra was building a city and erecting watch towers on the border of the unknown lands.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1305Basra.jpg

The Order of the Templar Knights were the most advance and largest faction by 1305 by the end of the decade they were the strongest and new merchants had gone out to re-establish trade routes. The financial situation was stabilizing and growing to support the armies in the field. There was a secret wealth building within the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1309financial.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1300Overview.jpg

[Privateerkev]

I'm sad to see the Oliphants meet such a tragic end. :(

But at least they did their duty. Was certainly funny to see them flying Templar colors. I put them in my English armies all the time in my SP games. Great fun. :2thumbsup:

[Galain_Ironhide]

Man, that Mongol invasion was insane! You did well to hold them at bay as long as you did. I particularly liked the way you covered it.
Keep it up.:2thumbsup:

[Northnovas]

I'm sad to see the Oliphants meet such a tragic end. :(

But at least they did their duty. Was certainly funny to see them flying Templar colors. I put them in my English armies all the time in my SP games. Great fun. :2thumbsup:

It was my first time using them and it won't be the last I hope. They are expensive to up keep! At least I have them at my disposal for the next threat.



Man, that Mongol invasion was insane! You did well to hold them at bay as long as you did. I particularly liked the way you covered it.
Keep it up.

The Mongols are challenging and very frustrating in open field and I don't have the skills of the game like some players in this forum. I was tempted a few times to pack it in. They have taken a lot of resources and time and most likely prevent a campaign victory but I will stick it out and see waht happens.

[Northnovas]

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

The Horde had stalled in the Damascus Region. The Mongol Faction Heir had been separated and was with a small army south of the Templar capital Tortosa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1309horde.jpg

The Templar Knights had established several ports in the Red Sea but were unable to defend the shipping lanes from Pirates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1309redsea.jpg

The Diplomat in The Scottish Isles confirms that the Scots are the largest faction in the world and the Byzantines are recognized has the strongest. Though there is some turmoil in the Scottish Kingdom has a Regent is trying to gain control of the vacant throne.
The Duke of Edessa returned home to the city and died peacefully.

Financial Report of 1311

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1311financial.jpg

The Grandmaster is updated on the Papacy’s business and finds another Knight in the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1311religion.jpg

From the western city of the Empire there is news of more unrest.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1311riotconnie.jpg

The Great City of Alexandria reports of an earthquake with minor casualties and no damage to the city. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark are now at war.
Ortwinus de Briho is promoted to the College of Cardinals and six members of the Order hold seats. A daughter is born into the Grandmaster’s family.

The Scots regulate further controls in the conquered City of London.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1312football.jpg

In the Constantinople Region the Knights Secret Agency went out to eliminate some of the Orthodox preachers causing unrest. The agent involved was unsuccessful trying to eliminate 3 members fortunately he was not detected.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1314mission.jpg

There was one minor skirmish with the Mongols that favoured the Order but nothing significant came from it. The Grandmaster knew this would be a war of attrition and was trying to pick the right battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1314victory.jpg

The Duke of Constantinople seeks permission from the Grandmaster to allow a new member into the Order and successor for the city. The member is from nobility in the Region and may hopefully calm the situation.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1315adoption.jpg

The Duke of Cairo has gained control of the city and region and easily removed some Rebels from the area.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1315rebels.jpg

1318 Battle of Mount Soriel

The two armies were reorganizing and ready to strike. The Grandmaster moved first and in a surprise night attack split the Mongol Army unfortunately the enemy got away. However, the strategy of dividing the armies worked and allowed Councillor Heinrich to make his move.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318a1.jpg

Councillor Heinrich had the superior numbers but it was little comfort fighting this enemy. The Councillor took position on the highest ground and waited.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b2.jpg

The Mongols charged from two areas and the Councillor worked on his right flank committing his cavalry to beat back the enemy. His centre and left were secured with the enemy firing volleys and retreating.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b3.jpg

The battle raged on the right flank and a stroke of luck was granted to the Order. The Khan had fallen in battle. The death was felt through the enemy ranks and for the first time the enemy was wavering in battle and several units routed from the field. The Knights pressed on securing the right flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b4.jpg

The enemy archers were keeping their distance and the enemy was rallying shaken units. The Knights centre pressed forward. Regiments from the first Crusaders pressed forward trying to take advantage of the Mongol disorganization.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b5.jpg

The Mongols rallied and committed troops to the centre of the battlefield. They had the advantage of the cavalry but the Councillor countered with spearmen and heavy infantry regiments.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b6.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b7.jpg

The battle raged on but the Knights were tiring and some of the units were too exhausted to fight, some began to retreat. The Councillor battered himself rallied what he could and retreated for middle ground. His men would make their stand here, the Mongols did not pursue.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b8.jpg

It was over tactically it was a defeat but strategically it was a victory. The Mongol leader fell in battle and the successor was divided from the main army. There were only a few remaining leaders left. It was a war of attrition and would the Knights find enough men for the knock out blow.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318b9.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1318kahn.jpg

The Duke of Alexandria was able to remove a Rebel Army from the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320alexandria.jpg

The decade started and ended with action in the Red Sea Admiral Kurt happily reported that all Pirates had been removed and all shipping lanes were open and safe for commerce.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320redsea.jpg

The de Payns family had a new member Arnold.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320familtree.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320financial.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320overview.jpg

[Northnovas]

A Mighty Foe Vanquished

The Mongol Wars 1320-1323

The war of attrition had finally eaten away the Golden Horde. They were no longer the numbers once feared. There command chain was almost broken and they had a little of their supplies left.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320Mongols.jpg

The Grandmaster plan was to isolate the Horde and keep them in a Region exhausting their ability to forage from the land.

Damascus Pass

The Grandmaster moved first with a night attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a1.jpg

The Mongols charged forth with their mighty Horse Archers the only counter was Heavy Cavalry and the Regiments of St John’s Order moved in clashing on the open field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a4.jpg

The melee was fierce and the Mongols moved up their infantry to support the Horse Units. The Knights held back all infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a5.jpg

As the enemy infantry moved in closer for support the second wave of Templar Cavalry was unleashed. Through the darkness the Knights charged down the hill.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a6.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a7.jpg

Following the great charge the infantry units followed up and engaged the enemy infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a8.jpg

The enemy leaders were caught in the last melee and were struck down causing panic in the enemy ranks. For only a second time the Templar Knights saw the indecision of the Mongols and saw the enemy flee from the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a9.jpg

Victory

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1320a2.jpg

Odullah Flats

The Grandmaster and Councillor had coordinated their armies for the second attack and Councillor Heinrich was to lead the initial assault.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b1.jpg

The Councillor had brought his army off the main road and had the Grandmaster reinforcing the rear flank. The Mongols were in two small groups to his left and right.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b3.jpg

Once again the Horse Archers pressed forward through the sparse vegetation raining arrows down on the Knights. A quick counter moved pushed the Archers back.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b4.jpg

The Grandmaster had brought his men up and sat to the left of Councillor Heinrich they now formed a wall. The Mongols were trying to converge to the centre to support each other. Another wave of Knights charged forward.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b5.jpg

A tragic event took place behind the Templar lines. Councillor Heinrich was stuck down by enemy fire. However, the line did not waiver.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b6.jpg

The battle began to heat up has the troops rallied to their fallen leader. The Mongol Generals charged their units into the scrum.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b7.jpg

They were quickly surrounded and knocked from their horses. The Faction Leader of the Mongols was no more.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b8.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321b2.jpg

Another victory the Golden Horde was definitely on the run. The loss of Councillor Heinrich was felt through the Order he was a good man from a noble family. The reason the line did not falter was the work of his Captain who was promoted to command by Grandmaster Ansehelm the Merciless.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1321MoH.jpg

The Grandmaster young son Phillip was in no position to be designated Heir so the regent authority for Faction Heir was in the hands of the Duke of Constantinople for the time being.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1322newfh.jpg

The Golden Horde was also in a state of transition and the last of the Khans was named.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1322newkahn.jpg

The Mongols were a concern and no longer was the threat they had been from earlier years the Grandmaster preparing for one final blow.

The Battle on the Silk Road 1323

The stage had been set and the armies lined up. This would be the last stand for the Kahn.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323d1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323d3.jpg

The Grandmaster did not hold back and marched for the high terrain. The armies clashed with their horses but it was the Knights infantry that won the day capturing the last family members of the Mongolian Empire.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323d4.jpg

The ransom was proposed but would not be considered for negotiations the enemy leaders were but to death. The Outremer was safe for now.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323d5.jpg


https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323d2.jpg

The news of the Templar victory spread rapidly through the Mediterranean and the Pope blessed the Order and Grandmaster Ansehelm for their work and duty in the name of Christianity.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1323saint.jpg

The Outremer was at peace but for how long? The Seljuk Sultanate held the northern lands and the Byzantines held the lands northwest. Could Constantinople be reunited with the rest of the Outremer? The two factions have been long time allies and the current Byzantine Ruler has passed away. The African lands were barren and the settlements sparse. They were also in control of the Knights other ally the Sicilians. A special meeting would take place discussing the expansion of the Order.

Diplomatic news from Europe the tour of the Scottish Isles was completed and no positive negotiations came from talks with the Scots. Diplomat Wenzel Bresch advises there is some turmoil in the Scottish Household has another Regent passed away.

Other disturbing news was the French victory over Milan the events were confirmed by the diplomat in the area.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1324milan.jpg

Ana the Affectionate eldest daughter of the Grandmaster has completed her training and will be sent to some the European Courts for diplomatic talks and find a possible suitor.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1327princess.jpg

The Constantinople Region has been pacified a bit. Some of the more Orthodox clergy had been removed under suspicious means. The area was also being cleared of Heretics trying to take advantage of the unrest.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20II/1329science.jpg

There has been great progress in man's ability to adapt and progress. What lies ahead in the field of war?

[Northnovas]

Council of 1329

The Order of the Templar Knights held a special meeting in Jerusalem to discuss the future of the Order. The Mongols were defeated and the wealth was accumulating. Decisions had to be made of where the wealth and treasure would be stored and spent along with the next course of action war with the Byzantines or the Seljuk Sultanate.
One action that would be taken was the state of war that exist between Poland and the Order. The Pope was issuing a Crusade to Riga and the Duke of Adana would take the cross for the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/1329Council.jpg

The Treasury

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/1330Cash.jpg

Major Crises

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/MTW2004.jpg
The game crashed on the AI turn (171). I tried several saves and could not get past the error. I went back one save further and just playing the AI moved to turn 173. It appears this is a common problem in the game and the log identifies something that was not happening in the AI turn.
Evaluating to see if the AAR will continue this is the first time I have come across this problem and saving every turn would be impractical waiting for the next CTD.

1329 Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/1329Overview.jpg

[Northnovas]

After the Grand Council of Tortosa 1329

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1329Council.jpg

The talks concluded positively with the Order of Templar Knights and the Papacy. The alliance between the 2 was solidified further and the exchange of wealth and religious artefacts made between the two allies. The Order had gained unprecedented wealth and allowed them to financially support the European Courts in financial enterprises. It was also decreed that the Order of the Templar Knights were the sole protectors of the Outremer and no other nation shall advance into the territories of the Order. Any breach would be an act of war against the Order and the Papacy.

The Order was now spending the wealth to expand and upgrade their cities for commerce and defence. The plan was discussed for the next military operation to expand their influence. The Grandmaster was concerned of the growing influence of the Byzantines in the Region and the security of Constantinople. The Papacy was concerned of the Seljuk Sultanate influence in the area. The Orthodox factions were the only ones at war with the Seljuk. The Knights should set an example and plunder what is left before it is too late.

The Second Crusade of Riga was called and many nations declared war against Poland the Order also renewed their action against the Poles and joined the Crusade.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1338crusader.jpg

The Papacy offered financial assistance for joining and the next military action was agreed upon. Relations are perfect between the two factions.

The Holy Roman Emperor and Venetian ruler passed away. There was also the death of Councillor Johannes Duke of Constantinople. A respectful calmness remained in the great city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1339factann.jpg

The Duke of Cairo the Grandmaster Ansehelm brother Phillip would be the Councillor of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1339FactionHeir.jpg

The Treasury Report of 1339 and the significance of the Byzantine influence

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1339financial.jpg

A new member comes of age the son of the late Heinrich de Payns who is granted the family title Duke of Tortosa by the Grandmaster.

Gunther d'Ulhoa is appointed the Duke of Constantinople.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1341factannoun.jpg

The Crusade on Riga two factions have appeared in the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1342crusadeupdate.jpg

Another mysterious illness as returned to Cairo and appears to be much worse then the sickness decades before causing some panic amongst the populace.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1344cairo.jpg

The sickness is referred to has the Black Death and it is affecting many nations across Europe.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1344plague.jpg

The Danish Allies are at war with the French. The Hungarian Ruler passed away from the Black Death and the mortality rate is increasing causing panic all through Europe.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1348mortality.jpg

Cardinal Fredericus de Mota is appointed Arch Bishop of the Realm
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1347archbishop.jpg

Bishop Heinrich de Limos is appointed to the College to represent the Order and bringing the seats to 7 and possible securing another Knight into the Papacy.

The Second Crusade of Riga ends successfully with the Scots conquoring the city. The Knights Crusading Army is in the Constantinople Region and will return to the Outremer.

The Kingdoms of Scotland and Hungary are now at war having just fought together in the Crusade. The Holy Roman Empire has been reconciled by the Pope.

The City of Constantinople has been calm and there was an increase in the faith but interference from some men have forced the clergy to persecute rather then preach to keep peace in the region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1348heretic.jpg

There has been news the city of Nuremburg the Capital City of the HRE has fallen and the Emperor is dead. The King of Spain has also passed on and in Hungary a Regent has taken control of the Royal House has the newest ruler suddenly died from the Black Death.

The Black Death has spread throughout the Outremer many of the members are affected.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350plague.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1348factann.jpg

The half way mark of the century and man’s progress is noted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350science.jpg

The financial overview of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350finaces.jpg

An army of elephants is quite expensive to maintain especially one equipped with artillery. The Grandmaster received confirmation that the Duke of Basra has left his city and is heading north to Baghdad the Capital City of the Seljuk Sultanate.

[Northnovas]

Unfinished Business with an Old Foe

The Duke of Basra had marched north and was approaching the City of Baghdad. The Grandmaster was concerned at the cost of the young Duke’s Mercenary Army. Elephants were very expensive to maintain.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350baghdad.jpg

Diplomat Otto Goodwinson approached the Seljuk Court and offered the Sultan to be a vassal. He was flatly refused all trade agreements were cancelled. The Seljuk Sultanate were very upset with the diplomatic talks, war was looming. The relations with the Byzantines greatly improved after this diplomatic meeting.

The Duke of Basra attacked the City of Baghdad. It was lightly defended.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350a1.jpg

The Elephant Artillery attacked the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350a3.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350a4.jpg

The Populace was exterminated and 16,000 florins were added to the treasury. The Duke’s mercenary army was disbanded.

Death was now in every corner of the Outremer.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1350plague-1.jpg

Bishop Lukas Weinmuth is promoted to the College and the Pope excommunicates Dodge Benvunuto the Brave of the Venetian Republic.

The plague has claimed a few nobles of the Order. Elberhard Weinmuth is appointed the Duke of Baghdad.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1351factann.jpg

The cost of running an empire The Order of the Templar Knights is recognized has the strongest faction.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1351finances.jpg

The Seljuk Sultanate are down to one Region. A spy has infiltrated the capital Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1351mosul.jpg

The Seljuk – Byzantine War is continuing and the Seljuk seem to be ignoring the Knights sending armies north through the Edessa Region to fight the Byzantines.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1351mosulregion.jpg

The Year 1353 brings the passing Kievan Rus Duke and Pope Pius the II the Merciless. An election is called by the College of Cardinals.

There was some debate if a Templar Knight should take the Papacy Cardinal Johannes was 63 years of age and would not be around long. There was consideration to hand over to another faction.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1353elections.jpg

In the end Pope Johannes the Missionary was elected. The excommunicated factions were reconciled they included France, Poland and Republic of Venice.

Death still lingers in the land and it is a logistics nightmare trying to keep infected and clean nobles and armies from merging. The economy is at a standstill there is a negative cash flow with the commerce closed from the Black Death.

The Knights moved against the supply route of the Seljuk in the Mosul – Edessa border. The Duke of Adana had returned from Constantinople and was not affected by the sickness. The Duke of Edessa and his army were infected and would be the reinforcements.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1353b1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1352b2.jpg

The prisoners were ransomed and 1,500 florins returned to the treasury.

Diplomatic news reports the Scottish and Russian Dynasties are in grave trouble to find heirs and regents have been appointed to administer the affairs of the realm.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1354deathpasses.jpg

Another Knight promoted to the College Bishop Wolfgang Windeck.

Agent Ruppert Emolt (spy) was reported missing from the Mosul Region and the worst is feared.
Though the sickness is waning many cities and members are still affected and there is still little stimulus in the economy.

The Grandmaster's only son comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1353factann.jpg

The fleet that had sailed from Antioch to Helsinki was destroyed by pirates in the Baltic Sea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1354naval.jpg

The Order is starting to rebound from the Black Death with only pockets of the sickness remaining. The treasury is starting to fill up

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1356plague.jpg

The Grandmaster second daughter comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1355princess.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1356factann.jpg

Hostilities end between France and the Republic of Venice. King Fulkes the Tyrant of France is excommunicated.

Mosul-Edessa Border

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1357c1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1357c2.jpg

There was only a meager sum for the family member.

The Grandmaster permitted his daughter Maria d’Alvarez to marry Karl d’Allmeida Duke of Edessa.

Another Templar victory

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1359d1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1359d2.jpg

Economy back on track

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1359financial.jpg

[Northnovas]

Another Faction Vanquished

The financial state of the Order is in relative good shape for such an enterprising faction.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360financial.jpg

The Byzantines are the Knights main rival for power. The Byzantines had just signed a truce with the Moors.

The fighting intensifies with the Knights and the Seljuk. The city of Edessa is under siege.

Edessa-Mosul Border 1360

The Duke of Tortosa strikes against an in coming Seljuk Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a1.jpg

The Seljuk comes out with heavy firepower but the Knights ranks do not bend. Templar cavalry is sent out to the flanks. The Knights respond with the firepower from mortar and bombard crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a2.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a3.jpg

The Knights Cavalry flank around the enemy frontline and go after the trebuchet crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a5.jpg

The Seljuk waited for the advancing Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a6.jpg

The Knights attack the centre line and a fierce battle ensues.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a7.jpg

The enemy general is cut down and the enemy line begins to falter. The regiments begin to waiver and route one by one.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a8.jpg

The Duke achieves another victory. The Seljuk refused the ransom offered.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360a9.jpg


Siege of Edessa 1360

The Duke is faced with a small enemy force outside his gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360b1.jpg

He sallies forth to take on the enemy outside the main gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360b3.jpg

The enemy retreated from the gates leaving their bombard crew exposed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360b4.jpg

The Knights continued forward and engaged the enemy troops .

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360b6.jpg

The Duke of Edessa was victorious the ransom was not accepted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1360b7.jpg

The cities of Antioch and Tortosa were still affected by the sickness.

The youngest daughter of the Grandmaster comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362Briatz.jpg

By 1362 the Byzantines are recognized has the strongest faction.

The Duke of Tortosa was maintaining the border and found the Crown Prince of the Seljuk Sultanate was in the area with a small army.


crews almost wiping then out before they were rescued by the Duke.https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c1.jpg

The two armies met on a desert hill top.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c3.jpg

The enemy held the high ground the Knights advanced slowly up the hill in the blazing noon sun.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c4.jpg

The Crown Prince foolishly engaged his unit in overwhelming odds.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c5.jpg

The Prince was knocked from his horse and captured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c6.jpg

While the main engagement was at the top of the hill the Seljuk had snuck a regiment down and engaged the artillery

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c7.jpg

The Duke achieved another victory and ransomed the Prince back to the Sultan. The ransom was refused.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1362c8.jpg

The Templar Knights are rewarded with two more seats in the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1364cardreport.jpg

The Duke of Edessa is faced with another enemy force at the gates and sallies out to meet them.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1363d2.jpg

News from Rome the Pope has passed away and elections will beheld for a new Pope. The Templar Knights again have another candidate for the position.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1363papalelections.jpg

Again there is thought of another faction taking the Papacy but it was only a brief thought.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1363winner.jpg

Templar Knight Lothar the Missionary is appointed Pope Eugenius III

The Kingdom of France is reconciled and a truce is signed with the Kingdom of Hungary and Republic of Novogorod.

The Byzantines and the Knights jostle for the position of strongest faction.

By 1365 Pope Eugenius III has excommunicated the Holy Roman Empire and the Knights allies the Kingdom of Sicily.

A member of the former Royal Family comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1365factann.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1365king.jpg

The Masjid in Mosul was sabotaged by Agent de Briho. The Grandmaster’s son Peter takes the appointment of the Prince of Antioch has the successor of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1368peter.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1368factann.jpg

The Venetian Dodge and the King of Portugal passed away. The Order of the Templar Knights are recognized as the strongest faction.

The Duke of Basra and the Duke of Tortosa converge on the Seljuk Capital of Mosul the last strong hold of the Sultan. The city is besieged.

The Sultan decides to sally and strike at the Duke of Basra who has the smaller force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369f1.jpg

The Duke’s elephants with cannons play an intricate part in the battle at the start.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369f2.jpg

Unfortunately the elephants become uncontrollable and run rampant amongst the ranks. The elephants are put down to prevent further harm.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369f4.jpg

The Sultan is taken down early in the battle.
The enemy begins to retreat into the city and the Knights are right behind.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369f5.jpg

It is a clear victory for the Order. The city populace is exterminated and 7,000 florins added to the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369f6.jpg

The Seljuk Sultanate are no more.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369sultan.jpg

While the Knights celebrate their victory word comes from the east of a new threat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1368threat.jpg

The Generals who fought the Mongols are aging and the new generation is untested. The showdown with the Byzantines is coming closer. The Grandmaster not sure of the future of the Order under his son Peter and marries off his youngest daughter Braitz to Peter de Payns possible returning the leadership back to the founding family.

Financial report of 1369

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1369report.jpg

[oz_wwjd]

Nice work so far.Looking forward to the report of how your empire will hold up against the might of the Timurid Empire and their elephant hordes.

[Northnovas]

The Second Wave 1370

An ominous opening to the decade rumours from the East had been confirmed. A great army has reformed and their making their way west. The Cities of Basra and Baghdad have an air of nervousness the Grandmaster is in the City of Baghdad.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1370Timurids.jpg

Goodwine has been rewarded for his victory over the Seljuk and appointed the Duke of Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1371factann.jpg

The Templar Knights Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1371Overview.jpg

The Grandmaster is aging and is concerned about his successor. He agrees to leave his brother Phillip Councillor Heir followed by the Duke of Alexandria. Both men are of age but the concerns for the Grandmaster’s son Peter to take control will be a detriment to the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1371PetertheMad.jpg

Peter has been titled the Prince of Antioch is the only Commander in the West. He has resurrected the Army of Antioch to prepare for their mortal enemy the Byzantines. Peter is convinced the Orthodox ally is working against the Order and must be destroyed. His army heads west to Adana.

The Treasury is ordered to reserve funds for a war chest. The Knights are mobilizing.

The Timurids have been spotted northeast of Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1371timuridsarrive.jpg

News arrives from Baghdad the Grandmaster Ansehelm has passed away and Phillip is the new Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1374grandmasterdies.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1374factionann.jpg

Otrwinus the Honourable is the Councillor of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1375dukeofalex.jpg

The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire also passes away and the faction is reconciled however the Kingdom of Scotland is excommunicated.

The Timurid Army in the Mosul Pass and watched intelligence reveals the Khan is leading the Army. There are no supporting armies in the pass.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1374kingoftims.jpg

The Duke of Alexandria passes away and position of Councillor of the Order is passed to Goodwine dePayns.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1377factann.jpg

The Second Wave of Timurids arrived from the East entering the Mosul Region. They were not detected by Order Field Agents.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1377Mosul.jpg

This second group of leaders appear capable to lead.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1377miranthepious.jpg

The Duke of Basra has cleared the Rebel Army from Baghdad. He is equipped with a large mercenary army heading for Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1377rebels.jpg

The Timurids are travelling in same formation of their predecessors. They appear to have no main goal and it was decided to attack this neutral faction so they can be contained. Under the Papal Decree of 1329 the Order declared war against the Timurids. All armies gravitate to the Mosul Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1377Mosul.jpg

The Khan’s Army is attacked in the Mosul Pass by the Duke of Edessa

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a1.jpg

The Duke lacked cavalry but he had elephants. The enemy was facing it’s own special weapon.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a2.jpg

The Knights remained on the higher ground and braced for the oncoming enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a3.jpg

The elephants easily won the Duke’s right flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a4.jpg

Unfortunately things were not going well on the left flank. The Knights were holding but the casualties were mounting.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a5.jpg

A fortunate break occurred the Khan was caught up in the front line rallying his troops when an arrow struck him in the face.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a6.jpg

The Timurids began to falter with their leader down. The battle quickly became a route unfortunately there were no Templar cavalry units to clean up the routers.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a7.jpg

The first battle and victory achieved. The ransom was refused.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378a8.jpg

The Order is at war and Goodwine de Payns is the new Grandmaster. Phillip the Cruel died of pneumonia in Mosul. The Old Guard is gone.
The de Payns have returned to the power. Though the two families de Payns and d’Alvarez are strongly intertwined with Goodwine’s wife being a d’Alvarez daughter of Ansehelm.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1378factann.jpg

The two families now share the power for now.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380familytree.jpg

Other diplomatic information the King of France passes away and France is now at war with the Venetians. Relations with the French are so-so because of the Order's Venetian Alliance.

While elephants shake the ground around Mosul an earthquake rocks the City of Constantinople.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380earthquake.jpg

The Pope has ordered the Duke of Mosul to convert the local population.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380mission.jpg

Some family members join in the new missionary work.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380noblesdaughters.jpg

The Army of Jerusalem led by Arnold de Payns has reached the Mosul Region and removes a Rebel Army interfering with the supplies to Mosul. All Commanders except Peter the Mad are in the Mosul region to fight the Timurids.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380rebels.jpg

The Treasury has created the war chest to fight this new enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1380financial.jpg

[Ferret]

Nice to see this still going strong, and finally something that may dent your Empire! Keep it coming :2thumbsup:

[Northnovas]

A Traitor in the Order

The Grandmaster receives news Denmark and the Byzantine rulers have died and wonder if it will affect their alliances with the two factions. Relations have vastly improved with Portugal and some would consider perfect.

Bishop Kurt Santiago is promoted to the College of Cardinals. The Kingdom of France has been reconciled.

The Order of the Templar Knights is considered the strongest faction for the time being.

In 1381 the French King dies. The Duke of Mosul receives special recognition from the Pope for the missionary work of spreading the word in the Mosul Region.

The young Duke of Basra could no longer resist the temptation of power with his mercenary army and rebels against the Order.

The young Arnold de Payns is dispatched with the Army of Jerusalem to capture and kill the traitor.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383traitor.jpg

The traitor tried to find sanctuary in a monastery but was refused any aid. He took his army to high ground and waited.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a2.jpg

The Rebel Duke had several regiments of heavy cavalry but the Templar Spearmen were up to the challenge and easily countered the cavalry attacks.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a3.jpg

Both generals were in the middle of the scrum one to save his life the other looking for the reward and recognition.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a4.jpg

The rebel cavalry were decimated and the Knights pressed on closer to their goal.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a5.jpg

The generals met up again this time there was no escape for the Rebel Duke.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a6.jpg

Finally the Rebel was captured, cut down and quartered. No one Rebels against the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a7.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1383a8.jpg

The young de Payns will be rewarded for his effort.

The Timurids make no effort to advance further west. There is tactical movement to contain them but the Knights cannot find the right time in the open field.

The Royal Courts of Europe are seeing many changes has rulers pass away from the Republic of Venice, Kingdom of Hungary, Kingdom of Aragon and the possible end of a dynasty in Poland.

The Region of Constantinople saw a different battle has the clergy rounded up and had several Heretics executed.

The Field Agents in the Mosul Region were woeful inadequate in trying to remove the Timurids senior command.

News from the far north of another faction destroyed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1386kiev.jpg

The order is lacking experienced commanders and none of the new generation come close to Ansehelm d’Alvarez attributes to fight this new horde. A young noble is brought into the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1386henry.jpg

The Grandmaster agrees for a political marriage and arranges to marry a Princess from the Danish Court solidifying the alliances. This is the second political marriage between the two factions.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387marriage.jpg

The Grandmaster finally sees a break in the Timurids positioning and launches an attack. Unfortunately he has no supporting commanders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b1.jpg

The Knights cannot set up the artillery correctly because of the sandstorm that blew in. The army cautiously moves forward.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b2.jpg

The Knights prepare a massive cavalry charge though they are out numbered in cavalry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b3.jpg

The Knights are the ones with the artillery elephants but they are two small to make a difference. The Timurids respond with Grand Bombard fire however they were soon silenced by the Knights mortar crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b5.jpg

The close combat commenced but the Timurids seem to have an endless supply of men. Their army was cut down to half but the Knights were getting tired.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b6.jpg

The enemy held their position and the Knights were exhausted and could not continue to fight. The units began to retreat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b7.jpg

This battle belonged to the Timurids. The Templar prisoners were executed. The Timurids were now the strongest faction.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387b8.jpg

There was concern about a Crusade being called against the Sicilians and the City of Tunis. Fortunately the Pope reconciled the faction and saved the Grandmaster the decision of warring against a long time ally.
Bishop Andreas Guiskard is elevated to the College of Cardinals.

Diplomat Wenzell Bresch explores the former lands of the Kievan Rus to find Byzantines in control of the area and a map exchange is made with their allies.

Battle of Mosul Flats

The Duke of Edessa and the young noble Henry Wahren isolate Khanzada Husayn the Pious from the main army and engage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c1.jpg

The Timurids were sandwiched between the 2 armies. The enemy general made for high ground and attacked Wahern’s smaller force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c2.jpg

The Bombard crews quickly opened up and targeted the large elephant crews of the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c3.jpg

The enemy had the higher ground and the communication was lost with Commander Wahren’s Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c4.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c5.jpg

The Knights marched up the sandy terrain shaken by some of the elephants running amok.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c6.jpg

It wasn’t long before the Knights fled from the terror of the large beast.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c7.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1387c8.jpg

All the prisoners were executed including Henry Wahren.

By 1389 the Templar Knights are recognized as the most advanced faction their closes rival their allies the Byzantines.
However the military struggles are evident in the map of the Region. The Timurids are abundant and reinforced. No city has been besieged or lost by the Knights but they have not been able to secure a field battle since the first contact.
The Grandmaster is deciding to withdraw to the safety of the cities and let the enemy come to them. Most of the cities are now supported with cannon defenses.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1389mapoftims.jpg

[Northnovas]

Another Century Ends

There has been no progress against the Timurids but it has not discouraged nobles from joining the Order. The Grandmasters niece Ana who was on diplomatic work in Northern Europe has found a suitor who wishes to join the Order. Good commanders are in short supply and the marriage is approved.

The Kingdom of Scotland and Hungary have called a truce. This is reflecting the power the Scots have gained by fighting for land in Central Europe. The Knights Danish Allies have also signed a truce with the Kingdom of France.

A Russian and Aragonese Princesses have come of age. The aging Councillor Dimarus is still available. There could be a union of political convenience. The Kingdom of Aragon and Hungary sign an alliance.

Another young wealthy noble of Northern European stock joins the Order and is appointed Duke of Gaza.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1391markusritter.jpg

More recruitment takes place as the Grandmaster marries off his sister Castelhana to a young noble from the Papacy highly recommended by his Holiness.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1393maxsand.jpg

The Byzantine ruler has passed away and a regent has been selected to administer the realm. There is some uneasiness within the Byzantine Empire. The Prince of Antioch Peter the Mad was pulled from his watchtower duty along the Byzantine Border to be married to a young noble woman of the court Cara de Calvo. Grandmaster Goodwine did not need any incidents to take place with his allies by his mad nephew.

The College of Cardinal now has 10 clergy from the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395cardreport.jpg

The Agents of the Order have had no success removing threats however their intelligence gather has greatly improved to watch the Timurid Army and for investigating cities.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395nicea.jpg

There has been a lot of unrest with Heretics and Witches sprouting up taking advantage of the Timurid Army marching the countryside. Many have been rounded up and executed some have been fortunate too escape and continue their teachings.

A dark cloud approaching Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395mosul.jpg

Again Khanzada Husyan was alone and targeted for an attack. He still had several regiments of elephants. The plan was not to engage early with the enemy.
Arnold de Payns moved from his defensive position.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395d1.jpg

With the use of a ballista and bombard crew he moved them close enough under concealment and opened fired on the centre ranks.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395d3.jpg

There was some initial success some of the elephants panicked and inflicted casualties amongst their ranks.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395d2.jpg

Unfortunately there was no enough firepower and some small cavalry charges that were of no worth. The main armies did not engage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395d4.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1395d5.jpg

The Timurids executed all prisoners captured.

Councillor Dimarus takes in another noble to replace Henry but one with a little more of an edge to fight the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1396gerharddulhoa.jpg

The noble Otterbach makes a name for himself clearing a Rebel Army from the coastal towns on his way to Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1396rebels.jpg

The Grandmaster orders the rest of the settlements to be policed and cleaned up of Rebel scum.

Medina Region

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1398rebelsmedina.jpg

Thebes Region

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1398rebelsthebes.jpg

The Grandmaster was pleased with the young Captains work that he is commissioned and accepted in the Order. His loyalty above reproach he is given command of the Egyptian Frontier.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1398edmund.jpg

Miron the Pious takes the initiative on the newest commander of the Templar Knights and orders a nights attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e1.jpg

Commander d’Ulhoa tries to use his artillery to his advantage. Though he is limited by the target what is even more disturbing is the enemy reinforcements that arrive on the field and he cannot summon any aid.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e2.jpg

The Knights prepare for the onslaught of enemy troops.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e3.jpg

The Knights are almost surrounded enemy reinforcements begin to show up on the north side of the battlefield.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e4.jpg

The Knights are quickly surrounded and fight to gain a safe retreat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e5.jpg

The route begins and there is no turning back. The 6 regiments of Merchant Cavalry that started in the battle were decimated. It was over when it started. The Timurids executed the prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399e6.jpg

The futility of the Field Agents confirmed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399failedmission.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1399factann.jpg
Otterbach is appointed the prestigious position of King of Jerusalem and is forming army to reinforce the Mosul Region.

The century comes to a close and the Order is in a tight situation. The war of attrition is not working against the enemy. Though their movement has been contained the resources of the Order are being drained. There will have to be a new strategy for the new century.

[Northnovas]

Siege of Mosul 1401-1404

The Knights had withdrawn from the fields of Mosul and away from the fortress. The Timurids under the blackness of the moonless night and the pelting rain made for the walls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a1.jpg


The rainfall was like a steady waterfall only the flash of lightning temporarily show silhouettes of the men out of the darkness. The thunder was so loud and frequent that it could not be distinguishes from the cannon fire from the fortress towers or enemies artillery.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a2.jpg

The enemy’s siege equipment was destroyed early in the attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a3.jpg

The Timurids stormed the wall with ladders bringing their heavy infantry. The Knights had several regiments of spearmen manning the wall.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a4.jpg
The fighting was intense but the enemy gained the upper hand and controlled the gatehouse of the fortress.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a5-1.jpg

The Knights smartly retreated to the secondary wall leaving a hand full of men to delay the enemy entering the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a6-1.jpg

The enemy elephants had also breached the outer wall from the east and were making their way to the second gate.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a7.jpg

The enemy attack on the secondary fortifications took little time to overtake. All the units retreated to the third and last wall of defence. The storm was relentless.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a8.jpg

The enemy approached the final gate and lined up to attack the last line of defence.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a9-1.jpg

The Knights had luck on their side and the final wall could not be breached. A close victory for the Templar Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a11.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401a12.jpg

The defender of the fortress is recognized and adopted by Councillor Dimarus

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401dieterdebarros.jpg

The Financial Report of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401finances.jpg

From the World of Science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1401science.jpg

The Knights are the most advanced civilization and the Guild request the removal of a Venetian Merchant from the Constantinople Region. The assignation attempt failed it will have to be a business transaction.

The Pope has called another Crusade to Riga this would be the Third Crusade against the city and this time the Scots would be the excommunicated faction. The relations with the Danes are perfect but poor with the French.

Mosul is besieged again by the Timurids.

1404 Mosul

Another night attack is made on the fortress but the weather is much more favourable to the crews of the cannon towers.
Again the siege equipment is stopped early.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b1.jpg

The enemy heavy infantry remains in the area of the broken ram and then try to advance to the walls making excellent targets for the archers.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b2.jpg

The siege tower was next to fall but the enemy was not dissuaded and launched an attack with their ladders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b4.jpg

The Knights were ready and the moral was high amongst the men and their new commander.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b5.jpg

The enemy was routed from the walls. The first defence held. A regiment of spearmen were sent out to remove the enemy ladders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b6.jpg

Another close victory for the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404b6.jpg

The Crusade grows with Sicily, Venice and Leon-Castille and declaring war against the Scots.

Jonas Otterbach is appointed Lord Seneschal and King of Jerusalem.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404dking.jpg

More Rebel Armies are removed from the interior by the brave men of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404rebelvictory.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404Rebels.jpg

An unfortunate event occurred in Basra when Father Sifridus tried to remove a witch from the community. The Priest was over come by the witches spell.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1404shamed.jpg

Dieter de Barros is appointed Commander of the Knights by the Grandmaster for his defensive successes in Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1405commander.jpg

The Guild donates a monetary sum to the treasurer for the removal of the Venetian Merchant

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1405merchant.jpg

The Rebel Armies are being removed easily but the Timurids are another matter. The Knights strategy appeard to be working.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1405Rebels.jpg

[Northnovas]

Road to Edessa

The Timurids back off of Mosul and continue west to Edessa. The Council request the removal of the Khan Dayir the Pious.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1406Timurids.jpg

A Byzantine Princess comes of age. Some shocking news arrives from the Iberian Peninsula.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1406portugal.jpg

The Witch Crueza from Basra is located near Baghdad and brought to trial.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1407witch.jpg

A new Archbishop of the Realm is appointed in Cairo.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1408archbishop.jpg

The Third Crusade to Riga grows with Hungary and Poland declaring war on the Scots.

The Timurids besiege the City of Edessa. The city is ill prepared for an assault on it’s walls.

The Hungarian Ruler passed away and Councillor Dimarus marries a lady of the court Riva de Paiva. A Spanish Princess comes of age.

Other Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410factionannouncements.jpg

The newest member to the Templar Knights from the Fortress of Mosul.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410anewmember.jpg

Battle of the Eastern Desert 1410

The City of Edessa was besieged the Timuirds were concentrated around the city. The Templar Knights under the command of the Councillor and mustered their forces east of the enemy. The largest battle to take place in field of battle, the Knights with 4 commanders and over 40,500 men the Timurids with 5 commanders and over 30,000 men. (zero added for effect)

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z1.jpg

The Councillor had the centre of the field and was confronted with a small force enemy force. Reinforcements were pouring on to the field from both sides.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z2.jpg

The Knights attacked first to remove the enemy horse archers.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z3.jpg

Khan Tungge commits his unit early into the fray.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z4.jpg

The Knights were getting the upper hand in the battle. All reinforcements had arrived but not engaged fully. The Timurids bring the elephants to gain the initiative.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z5.jpg

Khan Tungge falls in battle the Knights concentrate missile fire on the elephants one regiments has broken and running amok.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z6.jpg

The Knights were able to neutralize the elephant regiments. The reinforcements arrived to the centre of the battlefield. Like any major battle a turning point occurs that determines the outcome. A second regiment of elephants routed and begun to run through the men in the field at the time the reinforced heavy cavalry arrived. The Knights run right into the stampeding elephants causing casualties and all the Knights Calvary route.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z7.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410z8.jpg

The cavalry could not be rrallied and there was nothing to counter the last Timurids charge. The battle was over.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1411z9.jpg

It was a crushing defeat. The enemy loss a general but the Knights lost 2 one being the Duke of Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1412z11.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1413pow.jpg

The Family Tree

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410newtree.jpg

The Finacial Report.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410finances.jpg

How long can Edessa withstand the siege???

[Northnovas]

Stalemate Continues in the Levant

The Timurids continued the Siege of Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410edessa.jpg

After the last major battle the Templar Knights withdrawal from the field was disorganized and the generals were scattered in small armies. The Timurids attacked the beaten Knights. Several small battles took place in around the City of Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410e1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410e2.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410e3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1410e4.jpg
The prisoners were executed.

The Knights were rebuilding their armies and looking for new members. A distant relative of the de Payns from France joins the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1411depayns.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1411

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1414factann.jpg

The largest battle to take place in the History of the Order is commemorated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1411monument.jpg

In the City of Constantinople sickness strikes the population. Tally:
2702 citizens and 106 soldiers killed

Councillor Dimarus attacks a small enemy force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1413defeat.jpg

Peter the Mad is in the Constantinople Region but he does not enter the city. The death toll now stands at 5192 citizen and 208 soldiers dead.

The King of Jerusalem secures a minor victory for the Order against the Timurids.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1413victory.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1414

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1414factann.jpg

The City of Edessa is safe for the time being the Timurids lifted the siege moving pass the city. Manfred Bresch is appointed Duke of Edessa.

The victors of the Third Crusade to Riga

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1414riga.jpg

Constantinople sees no relief the death toll stands at 7496 citizens killed 226 soldiers killed.

The Knights Danish allies are at war with the Kingdom of France. The Knights Sicilian allies sign a ceasefire with France.

The Grandmaster leaves the capital for the Edessa Region with a small force and meets a small enemy force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1416victory.jpg

Rome 1417

Pope Eugenius III dies and an election is called for the successor. The candidates:

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1417papalelection.jpg

The election goes to Dieter the Missionary who is now Pope Alexander VI of the Order of the Templar Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1417papalwinner.jpg

The Kingdom of Scotland and the the Holy Roman Empire are reconciled.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1419cardreport.jpg

A new weapon is developed in Constantinople

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1417newweapon.jpg

The stalemate continues the Timurids have backed off from Edessa they had made attempts to continue west but the bridges were blocked and they retreated rather then try to cross. The Knights are struggling to build an army of quality soldiers to produce the knock out punch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1419edessa.jpg

The Timurids continue to live off the land with no city for a supply base. The two armies jockey for position trying to obtain a complete victory.

[Northnovas]

Calm before the Storm

The decade continues with the stalemate in the Outremer. Like two great warriors face to face in the ring each sizing the opponent up and waiting for the time to strike.

Thorsten de Payns is appointed Duke of Basra and other faction news.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1420factann.jpg

From the cultured part of the Western World

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1420art.jpg

The trade war with the Byzantine Allies heats up has another route is lost.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1420merchant.jpg

A new member to the family and appointments in the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1422factann.jpg

Lorenz Scherer is appointed Duke and Commander of the Nile Army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1422dukeofgaza.jpg

The allied capital is kept under a watchful eye.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1423nicaea.jpg

A Rebel Army is cleared from the Damascus Region from a force mustered in Gaza and enroute to the Edessa Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1423damascusrebels.jpg

The Sicilian Allies reports the death of their ruler. The Byzantine Allies are at war with the Kingdom of Poland. The Republic of Venice is at war with the Republic of Novgorod.
Faction Announcements of 1426

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1426factann.jpg

The meeting of the armies in Edessa Region

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1426tims.jpg

Dodge Rambaldo of the Republic of Venice has been excommunicated and the King of Spain passes away.

Faction Announcements of 1429 and Financial Report

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1429factann.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1429finances.jpg


One battle did take place a minor scrum occurred and quickly enlarged to a bigger battle before the Knights withdrew.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%20III/1429battle.jpg

The Grandmaster puts out a call for new recruits and will try to form the most elite units to rid this Horde from the Outremer.

[Northnovas]

The times they are not changing 1430-1440

The Grandmaster makes the first move with fresh troops from the west and the support of the King of Jerusalem he strikes at a perceived weak point of the enemy army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a1.jpg

The Knights are placed out along the dune. The Grandmaster only has a small window of opportunity before the enemy reinforcements arrive. He strikes with a massive cavalry charge. 5 regiments of horse from the St. John Order swoop down on the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a4.jpg

The enemy counters with their cavalry and a large scrum takes place between the two armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a5.jpg

The enemy movement is swift and they engage the Knights front line just has the King of Jerusalem arrives with reinforcements. The Knights appear to have the initiative.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a6.jpg

The great cross is brought onto the field to inspire the men and it appears to working. They pick up the pace in their fighting.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a7.jpg

The Knights hold the line and an opportunity arises that the Khan is taken from his horse and killed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a8.jpg

The enemy is relentless their leader down and they press harder. The Knights continue to hold but for how long. The battle drags on for hours in to the mid afternoon.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a9.jpg

Grandmaster Goodwine fails to keep the initiative and drive the first enemy army of he field. The enemy’s reinforcements arrive… elephants and all hell breaks loose.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a99.jpg

It is over too soon. The Knights that have remained flee the field has the elephants have their way trampling men.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431a999.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431adefeat.jpg
The Timurids execute the prisoners they have captured.

The Order’s wealth is accumulating and where the victories on the battlefield are scarce there are many in commerce and forge stronger alliances with the wealthy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431banking.jpg

A young noble from Europe is married to Constanca de Payns niece to the Grandmaster. He is quickly given a command in the Odessa Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1431kniess.jpg

A monument is placed where the last Templar defeat happened a year ago. When will there be monuments of significant victories like in the days of Grandmaster Ansehelm?

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1432monument.jpg

Relations with Hungary improve and word is received the Polish Ruler is dead.

By 1434 the Timurids were still boxed in Manfred the Chivalrous moved in to cover the Grandmaster’s retreating army. The Timurids move out southeast of Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434b1.jpg

Manfred spread his forces out to cover the route the Timurids had taken.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434b2.jpg

The enemy was well prepared fro their offensive and several squadrons of elephants could be seen amongst the enemy ranks.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434b3.jpg

The Timurids charged full bore with horse and elephants. The Knights made a valiant attempt to hold their ground.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434b4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434b5.jpg

Their efforts proved futile has they were crushed it was everyman for himself has they tries to escape the battlefield. All prisoners were executed.

Some Faction Announcements for the year 1434

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1434factann.jpg

Manfred de Alvarez is promoted to the College of Cardinals and relations with the Byzantine allies are perfect in diplomatic circles.

After some brief victories the Timurids made no effort to break out of their box till 1437. In a series of night raids the Timurids pushed northeast. The Knights retreated because they commanders could not coordinate their support of each other in the night. The Timurids attacks were relentless finally leave the Knights no further options but to stand and fight.

The first occurred with the newest commander Dietrich Kniess.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437c1.jpg

Kniess kept his army at close quarter and using the cover of darkness attempted to avoid the enemy and retreat from the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437c3.jpg

Unfortunately he could not leave the battle field unscathed and took a many casualties trying to escape the volley of enemy arrows.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437C4.jpg

Arnold de Payns was the second commander caught in the enemies night tactics and could not retreat any further.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437D1.jpg

The young commander identified a defensive position and prepared his forces.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437d2.jpg

The missile regiments and artillery appeared to holding the enemy at bay at the start of the battle. Then the enemy made a full charge of heavy cavalry and the center ranks collapsed. They could not be rallied.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437d3.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437d4.jpg

The prisoners were executed.

The Fourth Crusade of Riga is called against the Venetians. The Templar Knights quicky joined and appoint a Crusader to lead the army. A state of war now exists between the Republic of Venice and the Templar Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437crusader.jpg

A Crusader from the Second Crusades passes away peacefully. The Duke of Constantinople position will be passed onto Peter the Mad of the Third Crusade. His army will wait in Constantinople and join the Crusaders marching through.

The Kingdom of Scotland has been excommunicated by the Pope Alexander the VI. The Pope appoints Phillipp de Dardia to the College. The Knights have 7 seats.

Also news received of another faction destroyed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1437hungary.jpg

The King of Spain is dead.

Councillor Dimarus sits in Mosul recruiting men for the Edessa Region. The Grandmaster has no heirs an it is unknown who will succeed Dimarus.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438councillor.jpg

The Kingdom of France is excommunicated and the Crusade grows with nations declaring war against the Venetians.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438crusades.jpg

The Timurids slowly move east and the Knights capitalized on the lead army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438e1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438e2.jpg

A victory small but important the enemy prisoners are executed swiftly and enemy flee the area east.

Faction Announcements of 1438

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438factann.jpg

The Grandmaster recruits two agents from Antioch who slowly begin to take out Timurid Captains gaining valuable experience in the process.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1438lima.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1440raspe.jpg

The Crusade grows with the Holy Roman Empire the Pope orders the Knights to spread the word into Orthodox lands. A Knights Danish Allies are now at war with Novgorod.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1440mission.jpg

A new commander is recruited from Mosul

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1440newmembersousa.jpg

Overview of 1440

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1440over.jpg

The Timurids south of Edessa

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1440tims.jpg

[Northnovas]

The Breakout or Break Through? 1440-1450

Faction Announcements of 1441

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1441factann.jpg

The Crusaders march through the Constantinople Region picking up some clergy on their way to Riga.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1441crusadepriests.jpg

Agent Theodericus de Lima looses his life in an attempt to remove Miran the Pious.

The Khan was shaken by the attempt on his life and lost a battle to the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1441a1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1441a2.jpg

There was plenty of movement in and around Edessa. Kniess had little time to enjoy his recent victory. He was pursued by several armies and could not retreat any further standing his ground south of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b1.jpg

It was a night attack and Kniess had no reinforcements to help him.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b2.jpg

There were plenty of Muslim Archers in Kniess' Army and commenced them to fire at will creating a rain of flaming arrows on the approaching enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b3.jpg

The enemy’s cavalry moved in returning fire.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b4.jpg

The Timurids also had a Heavy Bombard unit for support and successfully knocked out the Knights Bombard Crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b5.jpg

The Elephants were moving into the melee supported by the Khan’s Bodyguard Unit. The archers concentrated all fire on the Elephants and the Khan.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b6.jpg

The Khan General is struck down by a flaming arrow.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b7.jpg

The loss of the Khan did not phase the enemy soldiers. The reinforcements arrived and pressed on to the Order’s defences.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b8.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b9.jpg

Another loss on the field

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1443b99.jpg

On some religious news a Catholic scholar proposes some new thinking.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1444learning.jpg

Other news from the Cardinal the passing of Siegfried the Unorthodox and the promotion of another

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1446cardreport.jpg

The Pope is pleased with the work of the Templar Knights in spreading the Gospel where directed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1446gospel.jpg

The Timurids finally crossed the river that had been their barrier. They were now in smaller armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1446tims.jpg

The Timurids were spread out and unsupported in some instances. The Knights overly pursued these small pockets.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1446c1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1445c2.jpg

The Council approaches the Grandmaster and advises that there are settlements ripe for the taking. The Byzantines are loosing settlements to Rebels it was time to assist their ally. The settlement of Rhodes was the target. Men and Ships were recruited from Constantinople for invasion of the island.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1447blockade.jpg

1447 Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1447factann-1.jpg

More enemy pockets attacked and routed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1447d2.jpg

Jonas de Payns Duke of Adana is an up and coming general. He is appointed the title Commander of Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1447commanderofknights.jpg

East of Aleppo de Payns reinforces de Sousa who managed to recruit 2 Elephant Regiments against a large Timurids force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e1.jpg

The terrain was rough and both sides quickly tried to grab the high ground.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e3.jpg

The cavalry units quickly clashed the Knights had the elephants on their side for this battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e4.jpg

The Timurids had the Bombard Crews and the Knights responded with the Elephant Cannons.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e5.jpg

The Knights maintained the initiative and in the end ran down the retreating units.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e6.jpg

A clear victory for the Templar Knights the enemy prisoners were ransomed and it was accepted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e7.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448e8.jpg

A couple more minor victories were achieved splitting the enemy forces further

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448f1.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448g1.jpg

Maximillian de Sandin executed his prisoners rather then ransom the elephants back to the enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1448g2.jpg

The location of the Timurids by 1449 a formidable force still in the Edessa Region, the other areas smaller unsupported armies and the Men of the Order are gaining confidence.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1449tims.jpg

Financial Report of 1450

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450financial.jpg

[Northnovas]

Its Over!!! 1450-1459

The Timurids financial power is what is paying for their armies to remain in the Outremer. The Byzantines are the overall most powerful faction.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450finance.jpg

The mission to Rhodes was running behind. The Byzantines had already besieged the Rebel settlement.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450rhodes.jpg

A new Knight of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450Ulrich.jpg

The Timurids have spread out in to smaller pockets and besiege the great city of Antioch.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450antioch.jpg

A series of battles take place with in the year and the first battle to remove the last Timurids in the Edessa Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a1.jpg

Sandin takes command of a small outpost waiting for reinforcements from Edessa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a2.jpg

The enemy brings their elephants closer to the post. The Knights return with bombard fire trying to excite the elephants.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a3.jpg

The enemy follows up with heavy cavalry support of lancers and archers. The Knights hold their position.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a4.jpg

The enemy elephants begin to run amok and are no longer effective, the Knights avoid their path.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a5.jpg

The Khan Khanzada commits his units to rally the faltering cavalry charge. Sandin counters and the two generals duel, though Sandin has the support of his infantry.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a6.jpg

The reinforcements arrive and the enemy is in no position to fight to armies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a7.jpg

The day is won.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a8.jpg

It was a great victory but at a great cost two Templar Knights fall in battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450a9.jpg

The Edessa Bridge

Jonas de Payns was protecting the important bridge that was preventing the Timurids from rejoining. The enemy had split into the Aleppo and Edessa Regions. This bridge was their only communication link and the Templar Knights had control for now.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b1.jpg

Jonas de Payns could not believe his luck he was in a classical defensive position that was well documented by Grandmaster Ansehelm in the fight with the Mongols. The Timurids were determined to take the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b2.jpg

The Knights commenced a rain of arrows on to the opposite bank supported by bombard fire. The Timurids waivered but continued.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b3.jpg

The order was given and the charged commenced every available missile concentrated on the enemy crossing the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b4.jpg

The enemy had managed to reach the other end of the bridge where a wall of spearmen waited.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b5.jpg

The Knights committed the elephant regiments and the enemy broke.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b6.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b7.jpg

It was clear victory the Khan had barely escaped with his life but the bridge was secured for the time being.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1450b9.jpg

The return to the Bridge 1452

Jonas de Payns had successfully repelled an eastern attack but now he faced one from the west and a much stronger force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c1.jpg

The Knights prepared for the same defence. However their supplies from Tortosa had not arrived and they were low. The Timurids had also brought their elephants to the fight.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c2.jpg

The Timurids moved quickly with a heavy cavalry charge over the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c3.jpg

Things did not go has planned the enemy charged quickly following up with the elephants. They could not produce enough missile fire to stall them on the bridge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c4.jpg

The frontline broke and the enemy gained a foothold on the riverbank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c5.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c6.jpg

The Khan was overconfident in his success and was cut down by the last missile regiment.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c7.jpg

It was a clear defeat this time for de Payns but a great enemy general had fallen and no commander to lead the remaining force.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452c8.jpg

The clergy arrive first to Rhodes and it was no longer under enemy control. There was better time then to spread the gospel on the Heretics and Witches practicing on the island. The invasion force remained on standby.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452rhodes.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1453rhodes.jpg

After the second battle of the bridge the Timurids lines of communications were open but they were still spread out. The Grandmaster felt that he had gained the initiative and an order was made to remove the small pockets at all cost to prevent a regrouping.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452victory.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1452victory2.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1453newnoble.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1453rebels.jpg

To continue........

[Northnovas]

It's Over! (Part II) 1455-1459


The Council requested that the pressure on the Venetians be kept up and to Block the Port of Ragusa. The veteran Army of the Third Crusade was heading south towards Venetian territory.

Edessa 1455

After Sandin's victory early in the decade he relentlessly hunted down small pockets of the enemy armies. He finally game face to face with Khan Khanzada Miron.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d1.jpg

There was no chance of letting this man escape with overwhelming odds in his favour Sandin was leading the charge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d3.jpg

The battle was fierce and the enemy was far stronger then the numbers appeared.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d5.jpg

However the odds were overwhelming and there was no way the Knights were going to loose the prize they sought.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d6.jpg

It was a great victory the Edessa Region was now clear of all hostile forces.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455d7.jpg

With the fall of Khan Khanzada Miron only one Khan remained with an army in the Antioch Region.

1455 last khan

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455lastkhan.jpg

Another member joins the Order through marriage to the Family.

1456 new members

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1456newmember.jpg

The King of Jerusalem left the city to aid in the cause and removed some Rebels from Damascus.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1456rebels.jpg

Antioch was again under siege by the Timurids. There was only two army groups Antioch and Aleppo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1456tims.jpg

Grandmaster Goodwine moved to relieve the city of Antioch and rid the enemy from the Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e1.jpg

The battle opened with the Knights cannon fire. Great fortune….

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e2.jpg

Dayir the Pious had fallen. One great enemy general down the Timurids communication was broken. The Knights moved in with a cavalry charge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e4.jpg

The Knights morale was high and they continued to press into the enemy lines only to gain greater success.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e5.jpg

It was a free for all now. The Knights could not be stopped has they continued on a broken army.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e6.jpg

The city was free.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e7.jpg

The Khan Khanzada was wounded and captured. There was a significant price for his release but the Grandmaster could not let the enemy have another opportunity.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1458e8.jpg

After the city was relieved the Grandmaster pressed on and located the last Khan of the Timurids hiding in the hills between Antioch and Tortosa.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f1.jpg

The Knights again had the significant numbers but could not under estimate the enemy force no matter how small.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f2.jpg

The Timurids possessed a very elite and experienced elephant regiment the Knights committed some horse archers to harass the elephants.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f3.jpg

The elephants were not deterred by the horse archers and made it to the top of the ridge silencing the cannon crews.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f5.jpg

The Knights were loosing the battle the elephants could not be stopped. Another stroke of Good Fortune……

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f6.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459f7.jpg

The most significant battle ended the decade.

Other news that had occurred outside the Outremer

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1455printingpress.jpg

The passing of the Spanish King which would open the opportunity for an alliance and the passing of the Byzantine Ruler which could end an existing alliance

Councillor Edmunds was married to a Spanish Princess forming a new alliance with Spain.

The most important news that reached all the western and eastern courts was …..

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459timsgone.jpg
It was finally over and at great cost.

Overview/Finances.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459fiancial.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1459overview-1.jpg

67 Turns to capture 36 territories. It is time to break a long standing alliance and put Constantinople in jeopardy.

[Chaotix]

Great AAR, and you managed to take down both the Mongols and the Timurids! Is this the end of the AAR, or are you going to continue to fight the Byzantines? They look pretty tough...

[cassu]

excellent AAR, hope you dont stop now even if the biggest enemies are gone :dizzy2:

[Northnovas]

The Constantinople Accord 1460

After the defeat of the Timurids there was a peace in the Outremer. Diplomat Elberhard Hummel arranged for the Constantinople Council inviting his Holiness Pope Alexander VI, Grandmaster Goodwine, Councillor Edmund, Jonas de Payns and Governor of Constantinople Peter d’Alvarez. All the family members of the Order were represented.

The Templar Knights met with the Papal officials to discuss the Orthodox question in the Outremer. The Byzantines were the strongest faction known and their influence was growing destroying several Catholic factions. The Knights had saved the Western and Eastern factions from the Hordes of the East. Now it was time to solidify the faith and bring the Templar power to its fullest potential.

The second longest alliance held amongst nations was to be severed and the armies prepared to move into position to capture and link the city of Constantinople with the rest of the empire. The Pope and Grandmaster agree to the terms and initiate the steps to implement war with the Byzantines. Should there be any crusades called the Knights will not commit men to the call till the Byzantines are defeated. This mission was too important and time was of the essence.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1460conniecouncil.jpg

Though the enemy was defeated there was a campaign to remove Rebels factions from remnants of defeated armies. The young generals went into the countryside and removed them.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1460rebels1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1461rebels2.jpg

The Grandmaster was in a joyous mood and permitted the marriage of one of his nieces to potential recruits of nobility who wanted to join the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1461fredericus.jpg

There was a new generation coming of age Peter the Chivalrous sons were ready to take command and prepared to govern the great city of Constantinople.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1461nikolaus.jpg

Through the diplomatic circles the Knights maintain relations with one old ally before they break with another

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1461diplosicily.jpg

Relations with the Byzantines drop to amiable the Scottish dynasty is in trouble with the passing of their ruler.

A very influential Rebel with unknown origins is removed from the Adana Region

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1463rebels3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1464rebels4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1465rebels5.jpg

Faction Announcements the King of Jerusalem’s son comes of age and a young noble is titled for his work against the Timurids.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1461factionann.jpg

A new Duke of Mosul is appointed by the Grandmaster

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1464dukeofmosul.jpg

A Byzantine settlements are infiltrated

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1464caesarea.jpg

Diplomat Hans de Colton attends the Byzantine capital and demands the Caesarea Region be given to the Knights he is outright refused.
Agent Peter von Saint Omer is killed trying to infiltrate Iconium.

The Ruler of Russia has passed away and a regent is appointed other diplomatic news

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1465diplonews.jpg

A new seal is created in the Order given the position of Grandmaster greater authority and recognition.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1465factann.jpg

The diplomatic talks in Nicaea have become more intense has the Order demands a tribute from the Byzantines. The Order’s armies are mobilizing to the Byzantine Borders.
Another marriage into the family

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1466courcy.jpg

The blockade of the Venetian Port was successful and the Council funds 3 Knights Hospitaller for the capital city.
Now the Council would like a trade agreement with the Moors.
Relations with the Byzantines is now rated at so-so has more demands for tribute are read to the Court.

Edessa 1468

The Duke of Edessa mobilises a force from the city to remove the last threat from the Outremer. Baybars Bursali of Seljuk Sultanate decent has been in the Edessa-Mosulregions for years and was suspected of supplying the Timurids in the last stages of the war.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a1.jpg

The Duke masses his force and immediately goes on the offensive. He will not let the olf fox escape.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a2.jpg

The Knights utilize their missile regiments to soften up the rebel centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a3.jpg

The first contact is with the Frankish Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a4.jpg

The generals meet on the field the “old fox” is a worthy opponent.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a5.jpg

Victory

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1468a6.jpg
The Region is at peace.

Cardinal report of 1470 the Pope picks members from other factions

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470cardreport.jpg

Another young noble comes of age in Constantinople

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470factann.jpg

Financial report
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470financialreport.jpg

Object achieved by Diplomat Hans de Coton

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470alliance.jpg

[Northnovas]

Operation Gateway 1470-1479

It was time for the Templar Knights to make their move and unify Constantinople with the rest of the empire. A low level diplomat was send to the Byzantine Capital.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470coton.jpg

The demands were read to the Byzantine Court

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471war.jpg

They were flatly rejected. It was time for the offensive campaign to begin. All generals went to the prepared SOP. War had been declared!

The first attacks were the lightly defended island fortress.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471a1.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471a2.jpg

The Citadel of Diyarbakir was besieged. Near Caesarea the first field battle took place between the former allies.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c1.jpg

The enemy attacked with reinforcements coming from Caesarea. The enemy contained heavy infantry regiments that were rained upon by flaming arrows has they advanced.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c2.jpg

Before the infantry units could engage combat the Knights ordered a cavalry charge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c3.jpg

The enemy units were scattering just has the reinforcements arrived.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c4.jpg

Again the Knights cavalry came in to support the infantry and route the last enemy regiment.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c5.jpg

Victory

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471c6.jpg
The Citadel of Caesarea was besieged.

Iconium was the next city to fall before the year end.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1471f1.jpg

The Venetians were reconciled and a state of war still existed between the two nations.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470allies.jpg

Other announcements de Ponte was appointed the Duke of Alexandria. There was a large force in the African frontier. Councillor Edmunds had made his way to the coast from the Red Sea to take some of these veterans with him to the Byzantine shores. The capture of Rhodes and Nicosia brought advance naval technology to the Templar Knights bigger and faster ships could be built for the navy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1470dukeofalexandria.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1473factann.jpg

The Venetian ruler had passed away and peace could be obtainable with the faction.

Another young general in the Constantinople Region ready to fight for his father
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1473gunther.jpg

A new Lord Seneschal
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1473sandin.jpg

The agency reports the northeast corner of the Byzantine Empire is lightly defended. The enemy’s armies must be in the field for the cities are only small garrisons.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1473yerevan.jpg

The Citadel of Caesarea easily falls.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474caesarea.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474factann.jpg

The siege ends in Diyarbakir with a Templar victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g1.jpg

The Byzantine capital of Niceaa is under attack.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474h1.jpg

There was no need for a long siege there was plenty of artillery and a new weapon for the Knights “Mighty Mary”

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g2.jpg

A siege tower was placed on the far right flank as a diversion. The garrison committed itself to the front gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g3.jpg

The breach in the wall was made and the knights charged forward

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g5.jpg

The young general made a charge through the gates and was heading for the town centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g6.jpg

Victory was at hand the Byzantine capital had been captured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g7.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474g8.jpg

An up and coming agent removed some orthodox priest to clear the for the catholic clergy in Iconium.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474scherer.jpg

The Master Spy of the agency was in Sinop trying to locate the new capital and see what the enemy had prepared on the Black Sea coastal cities.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1474sinop.jpg

The Duke of Constantinople’s youngest son comes of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1476cominofage.jpg

Another new member to the Order by marriage to the Grandmaster’s niece

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1476cominofage.jpg

A preliminary financial report: The sacking of the enemy’s cities had been very profitable to the war effort.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1476report.jpg

Further intelligence of the remaining Byzantines cities in the Dardanelles

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1476spyreport.jpg

The Byzantines and French sign a truce and the Templar allies the Danes have declared war on the Byzantines.

Faction announcements of 1477

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1477factann.jpg

The Citadel of Canakkale falls Operation Gateway is a success. Constantinople is linked by more then one region to the rest of the empire.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1477j1.jpg

Yerevan had fallen into chaos and was no longer under Byzantine control. The Knights besieged the city with a small force. The Byzantines also had interest in the city and attacked the besiegers.
It was a close battle but not a victory for the Knights. The only defeat in the campaign.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1477k1.jpg

The Orthodox Bishop was removed from the Constantinople Region he was trying to create unrest in the predominant catholic region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1479assassin.jpg

Obits of 1479

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1479obit.jpg

Pope Meter

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1479popemeter.jpg
Relations are perfect and the Pope is pleased with the Order's work. Heretics are being tried and executed all over the empire.

Overview.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1479overview.jpg

[GMaximus]

A realy enjoyable read. I congratulate you for a job well done! Definately one of my favourite reads, even more so as I don't yet have M2TW. :applause:

[Wraith94]

This is my favorite AAR I've ever read, even more than the Iberian Wars. However, there are two things I wanna know...

1. How on earth did you manage to fight a two-front war against the Turks and Fatimids? I was playing one and I could barely afford fighting just the Fatimids. (Then again, I was playing 6.1, not 4.0)

2. How on earth did you never get Jihad-ed? In the game I mentioned above, I got Jihaded at Jerusalem just before I was gonna wipe on the Fatimids in Arabia. Now I have three full-stack armies around Jerusalem defending against three fulll-stack armies (From the Fatimids, Turks, and Khwarazim Empire) as well as two more half-stack armies from the Khwarazims and Fatimids. ARRRGH!

[Northnovas]

A realy enjoyable read. I congratulate you for a job well done! Definately one of my favourite reads, even more so as I don't yet have M2TW. :applause:

Thanks it's a bit of work but it's been fun. I hope you get the game soon and join the fun.


This is my favorite AAR I've ever read, even more than the Iberian Wars. However, there are two things I wanna know...

1. How on earth did you manage to fight a two-front war against the Turks and Fatimids? I was playing one and I could barely afford fighting just the Fatimids. (Then again, I was playing 6.1, not 4.0)

2. How on earth did you never get Jihad-ed? In the game I mentioned above, I got Jihaded at Jerusalem just before I was gonna wipe on the Fatimids in Arabia. Now I have three full-stack armies around Jerusalem defending against three fulll-stack armies (From the Fatimids, Turks, and Khwarazim Empire) as well as two more half-stack armies from the Khwarazims and Fatimids. ARRRGH!

Well the wonky AI. The Turks got in a war with the Byzantines early and left me alone. The first enemy was the Fatimids and I could concentrate on them grabbing Acre and Jerusalem quickly helped. The two front was limited and not an issue. I was conscious of it and tried to prevent it.
Now Mongols and Timurids that is another issue all together. :wall:

Good point about the Jihad. They were called but it was Baghdad and I think another city. I never had one against a city in my control. :sweatdrop:

[Northnovas]

Expanding an Empire 1480-1489

After 400 years the Family Tree of the Templar Knights de Payns and d'Alvarez

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480tree.jpg

The Grandmaster hears news of his friend and ally passing away. The bond will be strengthened between the Danes and the Templar Knights. The Isle of Rhodes is still under sickness. 1067 citizens have died this pass year.

Faction Announcements of 1480

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480factann.jpg

The war machine continues to produce against the Byzantines.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480finances.jpg

Hans de Coton arrives at the Venetian Court and arranges for a ceasefire between the two factions. The offer was barely accepted but there was peace between the two catholic factions.
A Scottish Diplomat Gille Patric mac Ghemgell arrived in the capital. He was quietly removed by Agent Schere.
Heretic talk was spread and some members of the clergy were unsuccessful removing the Heretics some had even joined the movement. The Heretic Spartacus of Rhodes was the most troublesome and could not be removed from the island.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480heresay.jpg

Naval loss to the Byzantines

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480naval1.jpg

News arrives from Rome the Pope Alexander VI is dead. The College of Cardinals was sitting for a successor to be chosen. The College consisted of four factions and three are allies to the Knights. A Templar successor was obvious.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482popegreg.jpg

To secure the Spanish vote the newly elected Pope Gregory X called for the following.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482inquisition.jpg

The Danish Candidate passes away after the election and is replaced by a Knight. The Order holds seven seats. France is reconciled.

The treasury is strapped with the war effort and all building queues are stopped.
Rhodes is still greatly affected by the sickness and there is a general unrest. The offer of becoming a vassal to the Byzantines is flatly refused.

Thorsten de Payns commander of the Third Crusading Army besieges the City of Belgrade and captures it from the Byzantines. The city is sacked for the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482belgrade.jpg

The newest family member Lothar de Lima is assigned Rebel patrol and begins to remove Rebel Armies from the interior.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1480rebels.jpg

The Duke of Edessa captures the Rebel City of Yerevan.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482yerevan.jpg

Althalwolf Otterbach encounters an enemy force along the southern shores of the Black Sea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a1.jpg

The Templar Knights appeared to have the upper hand with the number of soldiers on the field.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a2.jpg

The two sides quickly clashed as all of the Knights front line was engaged.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a3.jpg

The right flank began to falter from the push of the enemy heavy infantry. Otterbach committed his troops to shore up the line.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a4.jpg
Both enemy generals were engaged with the cavalry of the St. John Order and they both fell in combat.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a5.jpg

Unfortunately the Knights could not get the initiative from the leaderless army the Knights began to tire and fell back

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a6.jpg

The battle was a defeat for the Order but two enemy generals had fallen in combat. The Byzantines released their prisoners.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1482a7.jpg

By 1483 the unrest was so bad with the sickness in the City of Rhodes that the citizens are now rioting trying to remove the sick people.

Fact announcements of 1483

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1483factann.jpg

The Council was disappointed that the mission to trade with the Moors failed.

More lightly defended cities.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1483tbilisi.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1483trebizond.jpg

Veteran Agent Scherer dies trying to remove a Heretic from the streets of capital .He did not look both ways crossing the street and was hit by an oxen cart.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1483assassin.jpg

Bad news from Rhodes the citizens have revolted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485revolt.jpg

Pope Gregory X assigns his first mission to the Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485mission.jpg

Rhodes has a new master and the sickness is still in the city. Reinforcements have arrived the Prince of Acre arrived from Nicosia to bring the settlement back into the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485rhodes.jpg

Councillor Edmunds is now on the mainland and after a short siege attacks the Smyrna Citadel.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485smyrna.jpg

Peter the Chivalrous picked up where Otterbach was defeated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485b1.jpg

Though the Knights had brought a secret weapon something the Byzantines had only heard of but never seen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485b2.jpg
The good ole elephants with cannons charged down the enemy’s right flank.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485b3.jpg

The Byzantines had never seen anything like this and stopped in their tracks. the fear and shock was too great.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485b4.jpg

A victory had been achieved

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1485b5.jpg

The Knights released their prisoners.

The Scots requested a ceasefire but would not offer anything else their offer was rejected. The heresy throughout the land was rampant and the church was doing it’s best to remove it. They were aided with a new text.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1486moreheresay.jpg

A 1486 agreement with the Republic of Venice reinstated trade rights between the two factions.

The City of Sinop falls and is sacked.

More naval defeats

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1486smyrna.jpg

Denmark new King has been excommunicated

The assault on Rhodes is complete and the city has been recaptured. The city was occupied.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1488rhodes.jpg

A new member to the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1489newmember.jpg

A Theologians Guild is built in Sinop

Diplomatic talks in Thorn provide new maps from the Republic of Novograd

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1488novograd.jpg

Triboziod is besieged and the Pope’s mission has been completed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1489missioncomplete.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1488hersey.jpg

Though Heretics are becoming an issue with their teachings throughout the empire afew good clergy have been lost.

Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1489overview.jpg

There are only a few settlements on the Eastern Shore of the Black Sea. The Byzantines are strong in the former lands of Hungary and Poland. The Danes were now at war with the Byzantines. It was time to meet up and join their ally. Plans were put in place for Operation North Star.


Only 47 turns left and 25 more settlements. Would have like to been finished but will complete the AAR after a little vacation. :holiday:

[GMaximus]

Looks like the Templars need a better navy... Oh well, at least they can make up for it on land. It reminds me of my Pontic RTR campaign in a way.

Hopefully, you'll make it and complete the goal... That'd crown this whole thing, and imagine germans' (if those are germans (Holy Roman Empireers-ish) over there; I'm having trouble understanding who's who on the map, except for the Templars and Byzantines) expressions when the Templars were out of sudden in eastern Europe. Come to think, this entire scenario of Templars attacking Byzantines to connect themselves with Danes in Poland. this is still awesome.

Have a good vacation! I'll be eagerly waiting for the next update.

[GMaximus]

Come to think, this entire scenario of Templars attacking Byzantines to connect themselves with Danes in Poland. this is still awesome.
What I meant to say there is that 'This entire scenario of Templars attacking Byzantines to connect themselves with the Danes in Poland is quite weird. But this is still awesome.' I just got lost in thoughts and forgot to type those missing bits.

[Wraith94]

Here's hoping this AAR isn't dead, when it's so close to the end :(

[Northnovas]

Operation North Star 1489-1499

Grandmaster Goodwine had had a restful stay on the Islands and was now back in the capital Tortosa. He was a widower his Danish wife Kirsten passed on a decade ago. Now was the time to implement his final push to remove the Byzantines and unite with his brothers in the north.
The Byzantines were at war with the Templar Knights, the Danes, the Poles and the Venetians. Their only ally was the Republic of Novgorod.
The Grandmaster could not participate in this campaign because of his advanced age. Councillor Edmund his chosen heir would lead this operation he was successful in the Dardanelles and will continue north. Pope Gregory X was not happy with Edmund has the next Grandmaster but could not influence the Council’s decision or the Grandmaster. Since the Grandmaster had no children the Pope wished the leadership to return to the de Payns family. The original line of the Order.

The war with the Byzantines was progressing slowly and the class of the enemy troops appeared to be much more advanced. The Knights have been successful capturing settlements and sacking to support the war effort. However they have not faced the enemy in the open field.

The key to advancing north was the Citadel of Sofia. It had been besieged and the Byzantines appeared to making an attempt to lift the siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1490Sofia.jpg

On the seas the fleet was well equipped however the Byzantines were attacking the older fleets and defeats were occurring in the Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea fleet was sunk.

News from the world of science, a new weapon for armies

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492machines.jpg

The King of France passes away and at the State Funeral Pope Gregory X announces a Crusade to Norrkoeping …. the Danish Capital.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492crusade.jpg

Countries immediately join and a crisis occurred in diplomacy. The Pope had duped the Grandmaster.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492alliesdeclare.jpg

Blood is thicker then ink and the Grandmaster remains with his Danish Ally. The alliance with the Crown of Aragon is in tatters. He will deal with Pope Gregory in private.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492crusadegrows.jpg

The Duke of Edessa attacks the Citadel Tbilisi after besieging the citadel for several years.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492tibilisi.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1492tibili.jpg

The citadel is sacked and 16,000 florins added to the treasury. Dietrich Kniess Duke of Edessa is also appointed the Duke of Tbilisi.

The forces are building around Sofia it was time to take the Citadel.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494sofia.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494sofia1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494sofia2.jpg

The citadel is sacked and 14,000 added to the treasury. The d’Alvarez family are re-establishing themselves has fighting men in line with their descendant Grandmaster Ansehelm d’Alvarez vanquisher of the Fatimid and Mongols.

To generate more revenue the Fortress of Adana is being converted to a city. The Heretics are causing great concern with their teachings. They are in most regions with Mecca having the greatest unrest. Good men of the cloth have been lost to their cause.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494heresy.jpg

The settlement is ready to revolt and more troops are used to garrison the city. The Arch Bishop and Cardinal have left Cairo to address the issue. The Duke of Cairo is also going to bring peace.

Grandmaster Goodwine the Malevolent
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494grandmaster.jpg

A Royal Army spotted between Sofia and Belgrade.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1494prince.jpg

Faction Announcements 1495

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1495factann.jpg

A bold invasion across the Black Sea commenced from Sinop, its target Caffa. The new fleet of ships from the Mediterranean ferried the men and the Duke of Adana.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1495c1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1495c2.jpg

The settlement was captured and 45,000 florins were added to the treasury. Prince of Theodosia Jonas dePayns requested that a Cathedral be built in Jerusalem to honour his family. The Grandmaster ordered another cathedral for Cairo.

Princess Aleksandra of the Byzantine Court offered a diplomatic ceasefire. The counter offer was the Byzantines to become vassals of the Knights. No compromise was made.

The City of Mecca was rioting.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497mecca.jpg

Scotland declares war on the Danes and joins the Crusade.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497factann.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497flood.jpg

Trebizond 1497

The Citadel had been besieged for years with the arrival of reinforcements the attack is given led by the Duke of Aleppo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497d1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497d2.jpg

The citadel is sacked and 15,000 added to the treasury.

First naval victory in the Mediterranean Sea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497naval.jpg

The Grandmaster has died.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497oldgrandmaster.jpg

The new Grandmaster of the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1497newgrandmaster.jpg

The Isle of Rhodes is cleaned and an old enemy is removed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1499spartacus.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Order%20IV/1499factann.jpg

[Northnovas]

Operation North Start cont’

The Region of Bran was the focus for the Templar Knights both the Grandmaster and Councillor were in the region and the Byzantines were reinforcing the citadel. There was not enough siege equipment to assault the citadel at the moment.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1499Bran.jpg

A Byzantine relief force was stopped and the enemy general was killed. The Councillor ransomed the prisoners and it was accepted.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1499a1.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1499a2.jpg

The beginning of a new century the Russian Ruler has passed away and an Aragonese Princess comes of age. The citizens of Mecca riot damaging the market 1922 citizens are killed and 56 soldiers trying to quell the riot. The Arch Bishop and Cardinal are in the region to remove the Heretics.

Faction Announcements of 1500

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1500factann.jpg

Financial Report of the Treasurer

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1500financial.jpg

Overview of the Empire

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1500Overview.jpg

Allies Sicily, Denmark and the Papacy at war with Byzantines, Scotland and Poland.

The standing with the Pope is still perfect and the rift is slowly healing.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1500popemeter.jpg

The rioting continues in Mecca the wharf has been damaged and 2824 citizens killed and 172 soldiers.

Faction Announcements of 1501

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1501factann.jpg

Bucharest 1501

The Knights take the City of Bucharest. The settlement is sacked 8300 citizens killed and 39000 florins to the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1501bucharest2.jpg

Rebels are removed from Aleppo Region

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1501rebels.jpg

There is civil unrest in the empire

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503civilunrest.jpg

The Pope recognizes the Order’s work against the Orthodox and promotes another clergy to the College.
Hostilities cease between Scotland and Denmark

Faction Announcements of 1503

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503factann.jpg

Athens 1503

The ancient city is lightly defended and captured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503athens.jpg

22000 florins are added to the treasury

The Citadel of Rostov is captured and more florins added to the treasury the Knights have almost secured all the shores of the Black Sea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503rostov.jpg

A new member is recruited in Mosul and is being sent to the Mecca Region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503michel.jpg

Another recruited in Belgrade

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503engel.jpg

Councillor Thorsten ambushed an influential Byzantine noble near Sofia

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1503ambush.jpg

Lothar de Lima is affected with the illness that has struck Rostov 817 civilians have died.

Duke d’Alvarez is having a hard time controlling the populace of Bucharest.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1504civildisorder.jpg

Relations with the Holy Roman Empire is so-so

Naval victories are becoming frequent against the Byzantines

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1504naval.jpg

Rebels removed from Basra Region and Rostov

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1504rebels.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1504rebels1.jpg

Captain Sigismund is recognized for his work and is accepted into the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1504moh.jpg

Bucharest Revolt 1506

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1506bucharest.jpg

Trouble in Athens

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1506athens.jpg

More naval victories and Rebels crushed in Basra.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1506naval.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1506rebels.jpg

The Leader of the Sicilian Allies dies and there is concern about the dynasty of the Scottish Throne.

Scouts report that the Polish Kingdom no longer exist and the Byzantines are responsible. One less enemy to fight.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1507factdestr.jpg

Even though the Order did not join the Crusade the Pope still promoted Fredericus de Coton to the College.

The Byzantines face new enemies, Scotland and France declare war the Grandmaster concern is the land that can be lost to France or Scotland. The push north must be faster.
The King of Scotland dies.

Rostov is still under sickness along with the City of Gaza affecting Kynza de Lima

The City of Bucharest is recaptured from the rebels. Duke d’Alvarez orders the extermination of the settlement to maintain public order. 17,000 souls are exterminated.

To maintain order in the Athens Region the Guild of Assassins is put in to operation and the begin the systematic removal of the Byzantine clergy preaching in the countryside.

The legacy of the late Grandmaster Goodwine comes to fuitation The Cathedral of Jerusalem is buikt the first of it's kind in the world

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1510cathedralofjersu.jpg

continuing.....

[Northnovas]

Operation North Part III

By 1510 Bucharest was in full control and a Theologians Guild was accepted in the city. The City of Gaza is still affected with sickness 1381 citizens have died and 44 soldiers. Another Cathedral is built in Cairo. Cardinal John Hummel is accepted into the College.

From the world of science

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1510clock.jpg

Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1510factann.jpg

Finances and Overview

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1510finances.jpg

Relations with the Republic of Venice is so-so

The Grandmaster captures the Citadel of Bran

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1510bran.jpg

The citadel is sacked for 24000 florins.

The City of Gaza is still affected with sickness and the City of Athens revolts.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1512athens.jpg

Cardinal Markus de Veer is accepted into the College as the Pope continues to amend relations.

Ulrich the Chivalrous captures the Citadel of Corinth

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1512bran.jpg

The citadel is sacked for 18000

The Duke of Edessa fails to capture the Citadel of Sarkel

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1512sarkel.jpg

The Duke pays a 2000 florin ransom to have his men returned.

The Templar Knights have gained naval supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1512naval.jpg

News is received that the Moorish and Arogonese Rulers have died. Bad news continues for the citizens of Gaza.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1512gaza.jpg

Cardinal Report

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1513cardreport.jpg

1513 Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1513factann.jpg

The Byzantine Capital is infiltrated

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1513satumare.jpg

Shortly after the Citadel is attacked and captured by Lord Fritz Engel

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1513victory.jpg

The enemy prisoners were released and the settlement sacked for 15000 florins.

A Venetian agent found in Sofia. Relations with Venice are abysmal. France and Sicily are at war.

Nickolas d’Alvarez marches on Thesssolonica besieging the city and finding Prince Artemois is inside with the garrison

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/15151a.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/15152a.jpg

The city is captured and the Prince falls in battle. The city is sacked for 27000 florins.

After the capture of Thessolonica, Councillor Thorsten removes some Rebels from the region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515rebels.jpg

Mean while Gunther d’Alvarez was continuing his push north besieging Isai Byzantine reinforcements arrived to break the siege.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z1.jpg

The Knights went for high ground they were facing the enemy in the east when scouts reported that reinforcements were arriving from the west d’Alvarez was unsure how much time he had before he was caught in the middle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z2.jpg

The Order had their Elephants Artillery to keep the diversion on the right flank. The enemy spearmen regiments attempted to stop the elephants.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z3.jpg

The Byzantines hit the line with small artillery support. The Knights hold there own the enemy general rushes to the line to support his troops.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z4.jpg

Meanwhile the Serbian Knights with the Light Cavalry silence the Byzantine guns.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z5.jpg

The Byzantines divert troops to try an silence the Elephant Guns that are causing havoc to their right flank ...... no success.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z6.jpg

The Byzantine Captain Koulianos arrives the Knights are stuck between two armies. The enemy General Aleksandris had fallen in battle. General d’Alvarez attempts to take hold of the situation.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z7.jpg

The Knights rally around the Cross the heavy infantry prepared for the two-sided onslaught.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z8.jpg

The Byzantines gain the area the first enemy wave has fallen but their reinforcements were able to push the Knights back. General D’Alvarez falls back and rallies at a rear point with the Crossbowmen.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z9.jpg

Off to the far right flank a regiment of Knights from the Order are holding their own against several enemy regiments. They are the last half strength infantry regiment.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z91.jpg

The Armenian Light Infantry go beyond their duty has they continue to wreck havoc on shaken enemy units.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z92.jpg

The enemy had the superior numbers still and advanced on the last remaining Order units.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z92a.jpg

The Crossbowmen continued countless rounds into the advancing enemy cheered on by their commander.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z93.jpg

The battle was won historians will say it was an average victory but for the Order the name d’Alvarez achieved a great victory.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515z94.jpg

The Byzantines accepted the ransom for the prisoners the Citadel of Isai was captured and sacked for 14000 florins.

A new member is brought into the family

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1515newhusband.jpg

Another settlement captured Bryansk. The citadel is sacked for 20000 florins

Another new member of the Order by adoption

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1518adoption.jpg

Sicily and the Holy Roman Empire have been excommunicated.

In the settlements the Citadel of Bryansk accepts a Swordsmith’s Guild. There is rioting in one of the newly conquered cities.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1518riot.jpg

The Duke of Edessa takes Sarkel on his second attempt. More florins for the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1518sarkel.jpg

The Grandmaster is only two Regions from the Baltic Sea coastline.

[Northnovas]

Operation North Star 1518-1529

By 1518 the Scots were asking for a ceasefire but would not negotiate any other terms. The talks failed between the two factions. Rioting continued in Athens fortunately nobody was hurt nor damage to property.

A new King was appointed by the Grandmaster

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1518king.jpg

Lorenz de Seabra was the last Heretic to be tried and executed from the Mecca Region. There was now order in the region.

The Grandmaster continues north on the Fortress of Halych and receives an intel report

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1519halych.jpg

The news of 1521 the King of Aragon has passed on and the settlement of Thessalonica is rioting. 2661 citizens killed and 150 soldiers.
In the Far East Rebels are removed from the Baghdad Region. The Eastern Border is again calm and public order restored.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1521rebels.jpg

The Duke of Rostov makes off with a princess from the Arogonese Court who was doing diplomatic duty in the region.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1522princesses.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1524

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1524factann.jpg

The Duke of Edessa and Sarkel has a son come of age.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1522kniess.jpg

Grandmaster Edmund assaults the Fortress of Halych and captures it without difficulty. The fortress is sacked and 13500 florins added to the treasury. In the Athens Region the Orthodox clergy are being removed and master assassin is developing for the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1524asassin.jpg

A new member in to the Order by marriage to the Duke of Edessa’s daughter

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1525decastro.jpg

With the Fortress of Halych captured the Grandmaster was not far from his goal. It was only then that not only Warsaw but Stettin was under Byzantine control and the Danes were loosing ground to the Crusaders.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1525warsaw.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1525stettin.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1527

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1527factann.jpg

The City of Kiev was captured by the Knights and 20000 florin from the looting of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1527kiev.jpg

Fritz Engel finally captured the City of Krakow.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1527krakow.jpg

17000 florins to the Treasury

Diplomatic talks with the Venetians was unsuccessful

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1527diplotalks.jpg

The Byzantine Emperor is dead and a Byzantine agent was found in Rostov but the war still rages on. The Cathedral of Constantinople is completed.

Faction Announcements of 1528

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1528factann.jpg

Grandmaster sees his operational plan failing. He is still far from the Baltic and his allies appear to be loosing territory, he is getting too old to campaign. He will reclaim the former Polish capital of Warsaw. He will have to come up with a new plan a mend his rift with the Papacy. Though the relations have remained perfect and Cardinals of the Order are filling the College vacancies. It was time to go back to the original terms of the alliance.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1527halych.jpg

[Northnovas]

A New Leader a New City 1528-1539

Do to the internal strife in the Venetian administration the City of Budapest falls to Rebels and brings an opportunity to the Order.
Even though the Order has it own unrest in the conquored orthodox lands.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1528budapestrebels.jpg https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1530civilunrest.jpg

A Venetian and Sicilian Princesses come of age. The Kingdoms and France and Denmark end their hostilities. This is good news to the Grandmaster.

From the Belgrade Citadel a new member is recruited to the Order.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/anewmember.jpg

The top agent of the Order infiltrated the Venetian Court and found the Royal Family unguarded.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1530hugues.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1530family.jpg

A message is sent to the Venetian king do not interfere with the Order the Princess was removed.

An eager Captain of the Knights attacked the Rebel settlement of Budapest.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1530budpapest.jpg

Unfortunately his eagerness was not enough to win the city from the Rebels.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1530budapest1.jpg

Councillor Thorsten Faction Heir and loyal servant to the Order passed away. Grandmaster Edmund then appoints the Duke of Sofia – Bucharest Jan d’Alvarez has Councillor of the Order. This was the agreement made with the Papacy to return one of the two families to the leadership of the Order.
Jan was the son of the late Peter Duke of Constantinople who brought the great city under Templar control. Peter was the son of Grandmaster Goodwine the Malevolent, and grandson of the greatest Grandmaster of the Order Jens d’Alvarez vanquisher of the Fatimid and Mongols. The Order of the Templar Knights was returning back to one of the founding families.

Agent Hugues de Sandin remained in Durazzo sabotaging an artist studio to disrupt the public order in the city.

The City of Krakow revolted and Duke Engel had to leave the city then besieging Rebels.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1531krakow.jpg

News arrives from the Nordic lands the Crusade was successful. The Danish Capital city fell to the Crusaders of Leon-Bastille. This was most disturbing to the Grandmaster but the Danes were holding the rest of their lands. The Pope appointed another Cardinal to the College has agreed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533crusade.jpg

The Duke of Thessalonica had his settlement revolt and fought back by recapturing the city and exterminating the rebellious populace.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533thessalonica.jpg

Warsaw 1533

Grandmaster Edmund had arrived at Warsaw and was besieging the city. The Byzantine Prince Ioannis sallied out to meet the Knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s1.jpg

A lone enemy commander stood out the gates alone and was peppered with cannon and missile fire.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s2.jpg

It wasn’t long before the unit was decimated.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s3.jpg

The walls were breached and the Knights charged through. The Panzerelephants leading the way to the city centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s4.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s5.jpg

The Prince makes a last stand for the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s6.jpg

The fighting was intense the enemy not giving up.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s7.jpg

The Knights were finally closing in and the enemy Prince was surrounded his bodyguards rapidly fallen to the wayside.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s8.jpg

The Grandmaster is victorious and the City of Warsaw is captured. 30000 florins added to the treasury.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1533s9.jpg

The City of Caffa is affected with sickness 2704 citizens and 90 soldiers have died.
The City of Corinth is rioting and the gunsmith building is destroyed. 907 citizens have been killed along with 28 soldiers.
Cardinal Heinrich de Guilhade was promoted to the College. The Kingdom of Scotland and Denmark sign a ceasefire. The Pope excommunicates the Scots.
By 1534 the Order of the Templar Knights were recognized has the most advance faction.

The newest general de Menesses retakes Budapest the city is occupied and only the Rebel leaders are punished by death.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1534budapest.jpg

Agent Hugues de Sandin the most experienced agent in the Order to captured and killed while attempting to sabotage the City Watch.

WAR! In an unprecedented move against the Charter the Grandmaster declares war on the Republic of Venice. The Pope makes no statement but is delighted the Order is involved with catholic business. Relations improve with several factions. The Venetian power in waning and they are despised by most European Factions.

Unrest continues in Corinth 1957 citizens have died in the month but no soldiers killed.

Another new member a senior noble from Sicilian descent marries into the family.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1536newmember.jpg

News from the west reports the Moors a faction with no contact with the Order has been destroyed. The Sicilians are believed to be responsible for their demise.

The Pope appoints two more Order members to the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1536cardreport.jpg

The Danes and the Republic of Novgorod sign a ceasefire.

Faction Announcements of 1536

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1536factann.jpg

Newest family member to come of age

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1536newmember.jpg

The City of Corinth revolted the city was quickly recaptured and the an extermination order was given to quell further revolts.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1537corinth.jpg

Stettin Region 1538

Grandmaster Edmund was ill his old battle wounds were catching up to him. He was disheartened by the failure of his plan Operation North Star and to meet his Danish brothers. He snuck through the orthodox territory with his regiment of Sudanese Tribesmen and the Bishop to the Baltic Coast. When he arrived by the shoreline of the cold north waters he removed a flask from his tunic and poured the water of the Nile into the sea. His dreamed unfulfilled. He requested his last rights be read and ordered his entourage to return him back to Tortosa. There will be no more fighting.

The Pope had made a public statement to the Order to cease hostilities with the Republic of Venice but secretly it did not affect their relationship.

GRANDMASTER EDMUND IS DEAD! The news flashed through the Empire.

Jan d’Alvarez is Grandmaster of the Order d'Alvarez has returned has head of the family. The Papacy is please. His first proclamation is moving the venerable Capital of Tortosa to the ancient City of Constantinople.
The Councillor of the Order and Faction Heir was the Grandmaster’s brother Bernhard the Chivalrous, Duke of Constantinople.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538berhard.jpg

The City of Caffa citizens are still dying 2301 more citizens have died.


Krakow 1538

The City of Karkow was ready for the taking Duke Engel had received reinforcements from Arnold the Chivalrous.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k1.jpg


https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k2.jpg

When the walls were breached the two armies clashed like the meeting of two rushing rivers the fighting was fierce.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k3.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k4.jpg

The generals were fighting with their men to encourage them on to fight. Arnold the Chivalrous was knocked from his horse and butchered by the Rebels.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k5.jpg

The Duke of Krakow arrived to rally the men of Arnold’s army to keep fighting and get their revenge.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k6.jpg

The fighting continued and was fierce in the Town Square and the streets leading to the centre.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1538k7.jpg

The Knights finally gained the initiative and the Square was coming under their control.

Victory was achieved and the loss of Arnold was devastating to the Duke. He ordered the extermination of the city to rid the Rebels.

The Grandmaster agreed to a ceasefire and trade rights with the Kingdom of Scotland since they were no lo0nger at war with the Danish Allies. A Theologians Guild was built in the City of Corinth.
A message arrived from the Pope that the Grandmaster did not have to break its alliance with the Sicilians they were now in good standing. Grandmaster Jan had no intention of breaking the longest alliance in the western world..

In the year 1539 Pope Gregorius X died and the College of Cardinals convened to elect a successor. The Order continued with a member has Pope.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539pope.jpg

Has a result of Pope Honorius II election the following factions were returned to the church.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539diplonews.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1539

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539factann.jpg

Newest family member to come of age

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539lima.jpg

The Venetian City of Durazzo is captured by the Order.

1539 durazzo

Captain Ulrich is awarded membership into the Order for his service and work to the Templar Knights.

Relations with the Sicilians are solidified with a marriage between the two factions. Grandmaster Jan marries Princess Margherita[/B. Here are the other conditions.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539diploagree.jpg

Financial/Overview of 1539

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539financialreport.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1539overview.jpg

So close but time is running out…….. 5 more settlements needed.. will there be war with the [B]French?

[Northnovas]

The End is Near 1539-1549


The Byzantine Court is in a bit of confusion as their ruler passes away and it could be the end of a dynasty. The Byzantines are asked to become vassals of the Order and they flatly refused. A Merchant Guild is built in Thessalonica. Cardinal Peter Ritter is promoted to the College.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540diploinfo.jpg

Faction Announcements of 1540

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540factann.jpg

The Citadel of Arta is captured and sacked. 8300 florins are added to the treasury

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540arta.jpg

The Venetians sally out of Durazzo.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540durazzo.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540durazzo1.jpg

The settlement is taken and 7400 florins added to the treasury.

Diplomat Dietrich Coton has entered negotiations with the Republic of Novgorod for the purchase of Thorn.

The last Venetian settlement

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540ragusa.jpg

Breslau 1540

The Byzantines sally out against the Captain who was ordered to besiege and wait for reinforcements.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540breslau.jpg

The enemy moved out of the gates quickly. The Captain held the line and commenced a volley of missiles and artillery towards the gates.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b1.jpghttps://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b2.jpg

The enemy general falls under the enemy missile fire.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b3.jpg

The Knights charge forward to a shaken enemy.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b4.jpg

The Knights continue to pepper the gates with missile fire for the units still thinking of sallying out of the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b5.jpg

The Town Square taken with few unit left to defend it

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540b6.jpg

A Heroic Victory was achieved.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1540bresleuvictor.jpg

The Council request to remove Iakovos Radinos is cancelled to their delight.

A Theologians Guild is built in Budapest.
Relations with the Scots turn to reasonable. Hostilities cease between the Kingdoms of Leon-Castille and France.

1542 Faction Announcements

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1542factann.jpg

The newest member of the Order

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1542newfamilymember.jpg

Diplomat de Coton had been in secret negotiations with the Republic of Novgorod the final deal was agreed upon The Warsaw Purchase of 1542. The Citadel of Thorn was purchased and not conquored by the Templar Knights. The objective was in sight but the Byzantine had other enemies at their door. The newly aquired settlement made victory of the Byzantines possible. Stettin was the final objective.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1542offer.jpg

All available men and in the Baltic Region were directed towards the last Byzantine stronghold.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1542thefinalpush.jpg

The relations with the Papacy was perfect.

After the take over of Thorn there were some minor disturbances and a small Rebel Army was removed.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1543rebels.jpg

To celebrate the recent victory and solidify the alliance with the Danes the Grandmaster permits his brother Bernhard to marry the Danish Princess Dorothea.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1543marriage.jpg

Relations with the French worsen over the marriage.

Faction Announcements of 1545

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1545factionannouncements.jpg

By 1545 the Templar Knights have reached Stettin and besiege the city.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1545stettin.jpg

Diplomat Steffin secures maps with the Crown of Aragon and The Holy Roman Empire.

In 1546 the Pope excommunicates the Order’s Allies Sicily and Denmark.

Faction Announcements of 1546

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1546factann.jpg

The last remaining cities of the Order’s enemies are Stettin and Ragusa. The Byzantine Region is swamped with foreign troops. The Grandmaster is concerned the prize may fall in to the wrong hands. An alliance is offered to the Crown of Aragon but it was rejected.

The Byzantine Prince Modestos is causing some grief with the Knights supply line. It was time to capture the citadel and end this war.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1547defeat.jpg

The Scots were also creating concern in the Breslau Region.

The Duke of Warsaw removed the Byzantine Prince from the region and the supply lines were opened. The order was given and the citadel was attacked

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549stettin.jpg

Captain Wenzel has the Eastern wall the main force has already engaged the enemy and it is lightly defended.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s2.jpg

The wall is soon captured and the gatehouse secured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s3.jpg

The elephants have entered the citadel to do their damage.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s4.jpg

There is resistance in the interior has the enemy bodyguard units attempt to stop the advancing knights.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s5.jpg

The second wall is attacked and the Byzantines counter attack committing the Emperor’s troops.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s6.jpg

Emperor Nikitas falls in battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s7.jpg

The last gate is opened and there are few defenders left.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s8.jpg

Most of the fighting is outside the last wall and the elephants begin to run amok.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s9.jpg

The citadel is secured.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s99.jpg

Victory has been achieved. The Fortress of Stettin in under order control. 11000 florins are the reward.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549s999.jpg

The Order of the Templar Knights report mission accomplished.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549victory.jpg

Grandmaster Jan and Pope Honorius II along with the members of the Triple Alliance Kingdoms of Sicily and Denmark are pleased. Domination is complete with Sicily and the Order controlling over 3/4 of the Western World.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549overview.jpg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/The%20Order%205/1549finacialreport.jpg




The END


*******************************

Well it has been a while to get this done and now it is officially over. I was detremined to have it with some kind of ending.
It had been so long that I forgot my original house rules. Some inadvertently were broken. It was 9 months ago that I started I wished to have been completed sooner. I did rush the end and auto calculated battles to save time. It was a work in progress.
In the latest debate this was a turtle build. That is the way I play inf act the last few turns I was still building when I should have been recruiting for the final push ~:doh: I was going through the motions of building and kept forgetting the end was near.
I have enjoyed the mod with a few bugs that did not affect the gameplay. The one minor bug affecting the story was the loss of the family tree after the Faction Leader’s death especially in battle but it does come back after a few turns. The start of the tree is incorrect but it is okay after the 2nd generation very minor in the game play.
Thanks for the positive comments it is very encouraging to keep going. I just wished I was more of a writer but it has been a pleasure. Cheers! ~:cheers:

[GMaximus]

It's nice to see that the Templars managed to fullfill all their goals. Too bad we didn't get to see Templars in America. :beam:

A very good AAR! :yes: I also must congratulate you for going through the entire game, as I personally never have the patience to reach even the Timurid Invasion, now that I finally have M2TW...

(By the way, is it just me, or does France really look somewhat like Charlemagne's Empire?)

[Northnovas]

Thanx GM. My patience was tried a few times. You know I never really looked at the end map but I think that is a keen observation about France. :2thumbsup: