The Legacy of the Venetian Empire.

The year is 1080 and Europe is split into an array of factions all united under the banner of Catholicism all claiming that they want to rid the world of infidels to allow the Pope and the Catholic faith to be the dominant religion. However, each faction has its own ideas of dominance, and claiming Europe, Africa and the Middle East as their own, to forge a great empire in their name. One such faction is Venice, who are currently in control of 3 cities, Venice, Ragusa and Iraklion. Their Empire however is not united, with one or more rebel cities separating them. The task of uniting the Venetian lands lies with the faction leader Doge Domenico and great military commanders such as Cristiano Selvo. This is their tale.

(( This is my first AAR so feedback is very much appreciated. I will add screenshots when I come to fight someone other than rebels. ))

The year 1080 is now coming to an end, but this is the beginning of the Venetian Empire’s plans for domination. Doge Domenico, the Faction Leader called a council to decided on the immediate plans. All the generals of the Empire attended including the great Cristiano Selvo who has become known as the greatest commander of the Faction. Domenico had only one thing on his mind, and that was to first conquer the cities that lined the East coast of the Adriatic Sea. All in attendance agreed. However, the first attack was not to be led by Cristiano Selvo, but another man…

Councillor Bartolomeo mobilised the troops he already had under his command, which he was using to guard the Northern Frontier and immediately moved to attack Zagreb. By 1081 the city fell, and the first stage of the plan had been completed. The rest of the year was a peaceful one.

The Holy Roman Empire up until this point had been fairly quiet, at first sending a diplomat to secure trade rights which was accepted by Domenico. However, their motivations were put under question when a spy of theirs was found in Venice. Perhaps they were planning for war. Domenico immediately ordered that all cities with a border to the Holy Roman Empire be garrisoned.

With the threat from the Holy Roman Empire increasing, Domenico decided that the time was ripe to strike at Durazzo to firm up the economy. Cristiano Selvo was ordered to mobilize a small army, and was sent north from Iraklion to conquer Durazzo. The city fell with ease, however the local inhabitants did not take to kindly to their new owners, and the city was put to the sword. The eastern coastline of the Adriatic had been secured. Small garrisons were left in the cities, and Selvo was ordered to mobilize an army to conquer Florence.

It would take 2 years for a sufficient army to be built from a struggling economy. Domenico sent diplomats to all neighbouring factions, selling trade rights to them in a bid to bolster the economy. An alliance was also struck with France, who could prove beneficial should a war be started with the Holy Roman Empire. Whilst all this was going on, Selvo was now laying siege to Florence with his army, and it would fall within the year. Another successful battle for Cristiano Selvo.

Over the next few years, the Venetian’s relations would once again decrease with the Holy Roman Empire. In 1086 they sent a diplomat to Venice, threatening to attack unless a fee was paid to them. Needless to say Domenico refused. They would send another spy to Venice in 1088. War surely cannot be far away.

It was not just with the Holy Roman Empire which relations would decrease. Milan had also begun to send agents to Venice, but these were captured and executed.

A plan has been hatched by Domenico. He has decided to rally his troops and attack the neighbouring city of Bologna, and kick the Germans out of Italy for good.

(( I shall be adopting a slightly different format from know on. Also, there shall be some screenies :D ))

1089
“My Lord, my Lord,” shouted the messenger as he scurried into the council room. The room was full with all the Generals of the Venetian army, as well as the Faction Leader, Doge Domenico. They all turned to the messenger with a great deal of curiosity. No-one said a word; they waited for the messenger to finish. “I bring terrible news. The navy of the Holy Roman Empire has blockaded our port at Durazzo.” There was a unified gasp from everyone in attendance.

“So, the Germans have a navy? Ha!” Spoke Domenico. “Send a message to Admiral Lorenzo. Tell him to set sail for Durazzo, and sink every one of their ships.” The messenger nodded, and he scurried from the room. “This is what I have been waiting for,” Domenico said with a grin on his face. “Cristiano, take an army to Bologna. We shall kick these pesky Germans from Northern Italy at once.” Cristiano nodded, but before leaving, he had something to ask. “I would like to take your Grandson, Benasuto with me. I plan to use the cover of darkness to attack, and I will need someone who is skilled in night attacks.” The King nodded, and the two Generals left the room to prepare for war.

The small navy had not set sail from Venice, and soon the navy of the HRE was insight. It was only 2 ships strong in comparison to Venice’s 5 ship strong force, all veterans of previous combat. The German navy was destroyed. Trade was allowed to continue freely once more.

1091
It had now been two years since Cristiano Selvo had been tasked to take the city of Bologna. Much of that time had been spent training units in Ragusa and transporting them to Northern Italy. Now that had been completed, they were camped outside the city walls of Bologna. Cristiano called all his Captains together to brief them on the attack. “We will attack tonight, and take the enemy by surprise. We will use our siege weapons to break down the city walls, and our rams to break through the gates. Once the gate is down, I want all infantry units to flood through the gate before they have a chance to block it. Hopefully the infantry can hold up long enough for the cavalry to rush through the gaps in the walls, and circle the enemy. One final thing, I have reports that the enemy King is in this very city. He shall not leave the battlefield alive.” The Captains saluted, and were sent to prepare their units for battle.

The sun had been down a good few hours, and the citizens of Bologna were settling down for the night, but they were awoken by thunderous noises. The siege weapons had already begun pelting the walls, and the ram was already at the gates. The armies had mobilised just in time to get into position at the gates, before they were destroyed. The Venetian Infantry poured in, and it was not long before the breaches in the walls were stormed by the cavalry. The HRE army was surrounded. The enemy King fell as his cavalry were engulfed by spearman. Not one enemy unit remained; they had all been either killed or captured. The captives were offered back to the HRE for a fee, but they refused, and were promptly put to the sword.
Battle for Bologna Results: Clear Victory

1092
The great victory at Bologna was still fresh in people’s minds when the capital city, Venice, was attacked. It was not the Holy Roman Empire who were the offenders, but the Milanese.

“An army of over 900 has besieged Venice. The King requests reinforcements.” This was the message sent to every general in neighbouring cities. Only one person responded to the call, and that was Cristiano Selvo. By the time he had mobilised his forces, he was too late. The small garrison, only just over 200 strong had been defeated and the King of Venice had been killed. This was a sad day for Venice, and the people would mourn his death for months to come.
Battle for Venice Results: Clear Defeat

1093
The new King called a council. All the generals attended.

“As you are aware, Domenico was killed in the defence of Venice. We must forge a plan to take back that city, and avenge my father’s death.” One man came forward, the great General Cristiano Selvo.

“The plan is a simple one,” he said. “We must call a truce with the Holy Roman Empire and also Milan…”

“WHAT!?” shouted the new King. “My father would turn in his grave if he heard you saying this.”

“Please, let me finish. We must call a truce with both nations because our economy is not stable enough to fight one war, let alone two. We will only be passive until we can afford to create a big army with which to take their own Capital, Milan. When that is done, we should send 3 armies to take their remaining cities, Bern, Genoa and finally Venice all within the same month, so nowhere can be reinforced. Milan will crumble, and put us on a good foothold for which to fight the Germans.”

“Very well. I can see your thinking. Do as your plan suggests.”

“Thankyou, My Lord.” He signalled to the other generals. “Come, we have battles to plan.

Within the hour, diplomats were sent to Milan and the Holy Roman Empire, offering up ceasefires. They were both accepted, but Venice had found itself a new enemy.

“The Byzantines are attacking at Iraklion,” said the messenger in a hurried state. The King was silent for a few moments. “We cannot send reinforcements. They will have to fight on their own.”

Battle for Iraklion (Pre Battle Info)
This city had been forgotten. It was poorly equipped to defend itself in a siege, with just wooden walls protecting it. Only 2 units of spearmen and 1 unit of archers were the defending force, but this was a blessing.

The enemy made its move forward to the castle gate. The archers began to pick of the soldiers and cavalry as they approached. They were unable to stop them, but they had done their jobs. The gates were breached, and the enemy cavalry charged in, only to be met with a line of spears. Wave after wave of horsemen fell. The archers picked off the ones yet to get through the walls, and before long the Byzantines were routing. This was a great day for Venice.
Battle for Iraklion Results
Heroic Victory

At the same time that the battle at Iraklion was raging, Cristiano had put part 1 of his plan into action. He attacked Milan, once again at night. The city was lightly defended; just over 200 men were there. The 700 of Venice stood outside the gates, awaiting the destruction of the walls. As soon as the breach in the walls came, they flooded through, immediately defeating the unit that was defending the breach. Then, the enemy General came charging into the ranks of spearman that had been deployed. He died there and then. The remnants of the units were defeated, and Milan was taken. The city was sacked, and the prisoners were offered back to the Milanese. Upon their refusal, they were killed.
Battle for Milan Results Clear Victory

1095
A Turkish diplomat arrived at the gates of Zagreb offering an Alliance, Trade Rights and Map Info. The governor accepted, even if though they were Muslims.

The furious Milanese immediately besieged Milan. However, Genoa is besieged by a Venetian army commanded by Barbus Selvo. Another army is seen in the east, heading straight for Venice.