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/...0i-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/...-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/...0a-andreas.jpg
The diplomatic responsibilities belonged to a lone man stationed in Rome.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...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/...alwolf-spy.jpg
Councillor Gottfried moved his army out to Acre.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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/...-diplonews.jpg
The diplomatic reports filtered back to the Outremer.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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/...a-bolognau.jpg
Other notices the availability of a faction princess available for marriage.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...anprincess.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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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/...2b-antioch.jpg
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The city fell shortly after and was sacked the Explorers Guild was built in the city.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...0a-victory.jpg
The Pope was pleased and an alliance was formed to solidify the relationship between the Order and the Papacy.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Councillor Gottfried’s standing increased but it would be short lived.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Cardinal Andres was working hard in the Antioch Region to promote the faith.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Grandmaster’s daughter comes of age.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...a-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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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/...-newprince.jpg
The Pope request more work to be done in Antioch.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
News reaches the Grandmaster that one of the faction leaders has died brining some uncertainty to the region.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Family Tree of de Payns
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...1110a-tree.jpg
The standing of the Order in the College and with the Pope:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
An overview of the Order:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The enemy was pinned into the town square.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...10k-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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The army lost the initiative and retreated the settlement was not taken.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Prince of Antioch was now the official heir to the Order.
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/...0m-newheir.jpg
The Grandmaster was saddened by the news that there was no victory but pleased that his son was now heir.
