Almohad Kaliphate (V.I. version)

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06-08-2003, 17:50
Monk

well my reign is over i died of 56 (or course) in the year 1131 (omg i died last time in 1131 what is it with me and that year?) anyways, it was a very fun 18 years. the Italians returned, Jihads and war. im sending all the things (files, screenies and all) at 5pm tonight. ive got some things to do today so i'll send the stuff later. but to keep u satisfied for now here's a few points,

*kept peace with our brothers The Egyptians

*Built many things, built castles to strengthen rule

*fought the Italians

no more untill i give out the short story that was my life.
06-08-2003, 18:03
KukriKhan

Good to hear Monk At least you got past that 11-year reign blockade you used to have. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

Woo-hoo Two write-ups to read soon (SeljukSinan and Monk).

Maniac please prepare...you are next.
06-08-2003, 18:46
Mount Suribachi

Wow, we're cooking with gas now...at this rate I'll be getting the savegame in a few days time....

*starts limbering up*

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/smokin.gif
06-08-2003, 19:55
Shahed

I'll be posting my write up tonight. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

Kukri thanks for the savegame. Actually my bro saved over the quiksave on which I had initially started. SO I had to restart from beginning and played the game thru on Friday night. SO actually I have the Yusuf I save. Was aggravating but I do have all the screenies sorted now.

I think I must be the slowest SP player around. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/shock.gif
06-08-2003, 20:06
KukriKhan

...I think I must be the slowest SP player around.

Maybe just the 'most careful'. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

Our own Gregoshi claims to have never finished his original and only SP campaign (from Oct 2002).
06-08-2003, 21:57
Monk

sent the files to you KukriKhan. i thought i'd wait to post my write up untill after Seljuk posted his. that way it'd be less confusing for those who read it.
06-08-2003, 22:17
Shahed

Thx mate. I working on it right now.......
06-08-2003, 22:29
Shahed

deleted and reposted further down.
06-08-2003, 23:27
Monk

jeez how can i follow that? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/joker.gif
06-08-2003, 23:32
Shahed

I am doing the 2nd part, now. That is more along the timeline...this happened here...in this year etc.

I thought I should take this opportunity to do some research on the Almos and post it in an educational sense.
06-08-2003, 23:38
Monk

ah i see, well great job so far. looking forward to more http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-09-2003, 02:58
KukriKhan

Received the saveGame from Monk, checked, zipped & mailed to Maniac.

Excellent introduction SeljukSinan. That's going to look great in the final product.

Monk: good thinking on waiting for your write-up. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
06-09-2003, 03:20
Monk

no problem KukriKhan, i thought it'd be a bit strange for me, Yusuf II, to report before Yusuf I.
06-09-2003, 06:25
Mount Suribachi

Wow Seljuk That was one of the best write ups I've ever read Can't wait for part 2 http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

You've set a high standard for us all to follow - which is no bad thing http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/smokin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/smokin.gif
06-09-2003, 14:25
Maniac

No email from you...the mailbox seems to be functioning right. Could you try again? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif

How big is the zip?
06-09-2003, 14:42
KukriKhan

Please email me to insure I got your correct address. It's 531KB, zipped.

jim@jimcee.com
06-09-2003, 16:52
Shahed

In the next few minutes i will post the complete story of Khalipha Yusuf the First, as narrated by a Ghulam of his court.

I shoudl mention beforehand, that part of this story is based on the game. The other part is based on histrocial reality as best as I know. Any mistakes in dates or information, can be attributed to me alone.

I have written in a typically Islamic style. The story is a creation, and does not endorse violence against any group or nation. Neither does it condone it.

Please keep these points in mind when reading.

Hope you enjoy. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wave.gif
06-09-2003, 17:26
Shahed

Al Hijri 506.

The court of Khalipha Yusuf I is assembled to lead the Al Muwahhidun Khaliphate.

The age of Islam is high, the new religion has charged forth from the sands of Arabia and is taking the world by storm. The warriors of the new faith fear only the wrath of their Lord. The children of the Faith charged with religious zeal have formed Islamic societies unrivalled to what the Romans called the barbarians of the north. Christendom is slow to awake to the emerging power of the world of Islam. Gradually the Christian societies are building up their people to wage war on Islam. The Islamic world has excelled on the social, economic and scientific fields. There is no society in the Mediteranean and in Europe which is as culturally blessed as the country of the Muwahhidun. Scholars from across the world travel to the states of Cordoba and Granada to study at the universities, to educate themselves in earthly disciplines. Many of these never return as they see a dark age in comparison in their own northern european lands. Many of these never return and themselves become followers of the Faith.

http://www.newview.org/BeckyAndCarol/sevilla.jpg

These people feel that there is in Islam no concept identical to theirs of religion. Islam is a comprehensive cultural system cast as a seamless unity, which compasses the great questions that treat of eternity to the minutiae of daily life, and is defined in part by the binding and changeless word of God, revealed to the Messengers, and in part by those words and actions of the Messenger that were inspired by God. This definition is contained in the Shariah (Path to life-giving water), a body of law that is constituted of the Qur'an (Recitation), or Koran, which records the revealed words of God; the Sunnah (Tradition), which consists of the Messenger's sayings (Qawli), deeds (Faili) and tacit approvals (Taqriri) that were inspired by God; Ijma (Consensus), which records opinions representing the consensus of the Companions of the Messenger; and the Qiyas (Analogy), a method of analogical reasoning. Nothing remotely comparable to this is found anywhere in the recorded history of the world; an entire way of life presented in, essentially, abstract form, as a coherent body of law, by one man, realized through his force of personality and qualities of military, political and spiritual leadership, and set by him on a course that carried it to world ascendancy.

http://www.thechessdrum.net/65thSqua...oorish_Art.jpg

http://www.nrcsa.com/nh_df/7652/7652...orish_arch.jpg

http://www.thechessdrum.net/65thSqua...oors_Chess.gif

http://www.thechessdrum.net/65thSqua...sh_Warrior.jpg

With the Berber conquest of central Hispania, a civilization was born which cradled Christian, Jewish and Islamic peoples. While Christians moved north to speed away from the tide, others moved into the Khalipahte and onto the Middle East where they found a new life unheard and unseen in their own lands. In the Khaliphate the three great rivals of the house of God, the Christian, the Jew, the Muslim share the same streets and neighbourhoods. They enjoy the same high standards of living, stroll in the same magnificent parks and gardens. Study in the same great universities and enjoy the same blossoming of civillization.

http://www.afro.uu.se/kurser/images/ALHAMBRA.gif

http://www.math.tifr.res.in/~pablo/cordoba.jpg

This is the aspect of convivencia, that living together well that has been the emblem of Muwahhid Spain. How will the future judge our civillisation ? If we read the prose, and the poetry, it produces, listen to the music, watch the dance, admire the architecture, it is truly a golden age, men and women of the three great faiths combined and mingle their talents and sensibilities to create something unique in European culture.

Alas. The peace shall not last long, as the fire of war brews ever closer. The Pope has asked for the people of Christendom to rise against the Muslim world. The Khalipha and his council are holding a war meeting. The Muwahiddun wish for peace but recognise that Christendom has vast arrays of weaponry and manpower ready to help the Aragonese and Spanish Kings conquer this land of ours. The council stands united. We must be the first to wage war, we must be the first to strike before the balance of military might shifty from our favor. The Khalipha signs letters to tribal and military chiefs, and to civil administrators. The gates of Cordoba open to a fury of horsemen as messengers burst through the gatesm carrying the message of war throughout the land. The tribes of North Africa are assembled and move toewards the battlefield of Iberia. The Khalipha shall be know in history as Yusuf I Al Muntasir El Hispania, the Liberator/Protector of Spain.

The Khalipha also lays out his plans for reuniting the Muslim world. The Miuslim world must be united.
As the Khalipha is the successor to the Prophetm there can be only one.

At the council, Amirs are appointed as heads of each region.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf4.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf5.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf6.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf7.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf8.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...mp1/yusuf9.jpg
06-09-2003, 17:26
Shahed

1088: The borders are closed and troop training and recruitment begins.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf12.jpg

1089: An Heir matures Prince Yusuf II.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf11.jpg

1090: An Heir matures Prince Ali I.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf15.jpg

1092: A mosque is built in Codoba, marking the status of the province as the capitol the the Muwahhidun Khaliphate.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf13.jpg

1093: Final battle preparations are underway. The war is hours near. Two main strike forces are assembled. One led by the Khalifa himslef, the other led by Prince Yusuf II. The plan of attack is to strike both the main Spanish provinces simultaneously. This is to maximise the inital impact of the attack, and thrives on the element of surprise. The two strike armies are know as Teer (Arrow displyed by the green) and Khanjar (Dagger, displayed by red), led by the Khalipha and Prince Yusuf respectively. Prince Ali's standard can be seen amidst the Khanjar.

The timing is crucial as the Spanish King is reported on campaign against the Navarre rebels. As such he should not be able to intervene in the initial battles personally. An Emissary (blue arrow) is dispatched to Navarre to ensure that the Spanish King is indeed in Navarre with a large force as spies indicate.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf14.jpg

The Spainish provinces must be attacked simultaneoously also becuase of the rebel threat from east and west. The independence minded Portuguese may take advantage of the war to invade Cordoba from the west. While El Cid, the legendary commander may intervene from Valencia.

The Khalipha surveys the troops, closely and issues final instructions. The men and the nation realise that the Muwahhidun must be treacherous and merciless, faced with a willing foe. The Khalipha addresses the troops arrayed outside the city of Cordoba.

Our very existence is threatened, our way of life, our society are the targets of the enemy. Our principles and all that we have worked for lie at the mercy of the enemy. God has instructed us in the Recitation, we must defend our nation and our society. We must destroy those who wish to destroy us, and slay them where they stand. We shall not fail and we shall not waiver from the task before us. March brave warriors, show the enemy no mercy, take no prisoners. May God be with you.

With this closing sentence the fields echoed with the sound of swords being unsheathed, and with war cries of God is Great. The women and children atop the city walls cheered as their husbands, fathers, brothers marched to meet the enemy. Many of the families do not expect to see their loved ones return.

It is my belief that the Khalipha did not wish to issue an order to kill all prisoners. However I believe he understands the necessity of annihiliating our enemy as an example. Our forces are outnumbered and under supplied we must not allow any enemy soldiers to return to face us on the field a second time. Victory must be swift and decisive.

The First Battle for Leon
The Kahlipha's army crosses the border under the bright rays of the Iberian sun. The army is composed largely of North African tribals. Squadrons of Berber, camel mounted tribesmen flank the Khalipha's Ghulams. The Spanish force consists largely of light cavalry. The Muslim army takes a defensive position deploying 5 battalions of Cabiyle archers. The men grow impetous. The Spaniards take the bait, thinking to destroy the desert archers, and advance from all sides upon the steadfast Muwahid. On the command of the Khalipha a messenger sounds the horn. The battlefield awakens to the shouts of the battalion commanders: Make ready Take Aim Lead to target Fire Fire Fire In one volley half the advancing light cavalry is decimated. The Berbers move forward to charge the remaining cavalry. The Spanish withdraw up a hill and await the inevitable camel charge. Once the Berber Camel squadrons arrive at the hill, led by the Khaliph, the Spainish light cavalry breaks and routs retreating into Leon Fort.

The Battle for Castille
Prince Yusuf marches into Castille. The Spanish do not have as many light cavalrymen, since most of these forces were eliminated in Leon. The Muwahid are outnumbered 4 to 1. The Spaniards do have 2-3 squadrons of light cavalry. Prince Ali senses the danger that the enemy may use numerical superiority to attack. He orders the army to march on a small hill. The Muwahiddun take up a defensive position and Prince Ali marches forward, bravely inciting the enemy to chase him. As the enemy light cavalry approches the Prince they are destroyed by a hail of arrows. Prince Yusuf charges out from behind the archers and the 2 Princes with 20 Ghulam engage the Spanish Javelinmen, routing the enemy. The enemy general springs an ambush from a forest at the foot of the hill. The two Princes continue to harass the enemy further away while Almohad Urban Militia engage the ambush force. The Spanish spearmen and urban militia prove no match for the Muwahid. The army regroups and rests before mounting a final assualt on the main enemy force. As the army approaches the enemy charge down to engage but to no avail. They stand no chance and withdraw with whatever men they have left. Castille is taken, the enemy remain besieged in their forts.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf17.jpg

1094:
Rebellion in Navarre
Meanwhile in Navarre the people of the province rebel against their Spanish masters. The Spanish King is now engaged in suppressing an insurrection.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf18.jpg

Assault on Leon Fort
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf21.jpg

The peasants break open the gate, and destroy portions of the fort's walls. The rest of the army forms outside the gates.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle1.jpg

Once again the archers devastate the enemy cavalry.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle2.jpg

The attack is launched through a breach in the east wall.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle3.jpg

The Khalipha charges through the main gate.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle4.jpg

While another attack is launched from a breach in the west wall.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle5.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle6.jpg

The Khalipha's bodyguards attack and kill the enemy general.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...eoncastle7.jpg

Leon is secured.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf22.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf23.jpg
06-09-2003, 17:26
Shahed

1096: The Aragonese send an emissary with a treacherous offer of alliance. The Khalipha rejects the offer outright. The Emissary is given a message to take to his King: war is immiment and cannot be averted, by any means other than a complete non aggression pact signed by the Crusading nations. Followed by free trade and traffic rights between the Crusading nations and the Khaliphate.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf28.jpg

Loyalist Rebellion in Castille
The population remains defiant in this province and rebels. The loyalists are supported by Spanish forces moving in from Navarre. The Khalipha issues orders to prepare for an assualt on the mountainous region of Navarre.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf24.jpg

The desert archers form closely.....
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf61.jpg

.......to darken the sky with arrows.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf62.jpg

The enemy take heavy casualties from missile fire. Almohad Urban Militia start a flanking maneuver from the east, while Militia Sargents begin flanking from the west. A squadron of Saharan Cavalry rushes past the flankers and beings a wide encirclement.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf63.jpg

The first company of Militia Sargents clashed with enemy attackers.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf64.jpg

While Almohad Urban Militia cut through the enemy spearmen.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf66.jpg

Lastly, the Berbers and Ghulams are called into action. The Khalipha himself leads the Ghulams.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf67.jpg

The enemy army is doomed. Some of our soldiers pity them but remind themselves that their enemy does not want peace, but the riches of their lands, and the subjugation of their families. The unit leaders instruct the buglers to sound the final assualt. As the horns blow the unit commanders reissue orders to execute any enemy soldiers still alive on the field or those who attempt to surrender. In my heart I chant a silent prayer for them, for their salvation, may God grant us His mercy.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf68.jpg

The enemy has nowhere to run as our cavalry close in from the rear.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf69.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf70.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf71.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf25.jpg

I sit beneath an olive tree, surveying the field below us, thinking how this battle and this war is changing us. My thoughts are interupted as I see a lone horseman riding towards our camp at full gallop. Before I can stand to my feet a platoon of Saharan Cavalrymen canter past me and towards the approaching horseman. Peering through the telescope at a nearby position, I distinguish him as a Nubian, from his strong composure and magnificent build. These men are chosen as long distance riders for their physical strength and endurance. He is escorted through the field by our men. I rush to the Khalipha's tent to hear of the news. The Nubian reads out a message from the commander of Cyrenacia Fort: The Egyptians have been spotted massing in the desert in what are clear preparations for an invasion. The Khalipha is presented with a scroll detailing the situation in the Eastern Sahara.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf26.jpg

The Khalifa studies the map carefully, and writes a reply to the desert commander with his own hand. Prepare the tribes for battle. Send your most trusted diplomat to negociate a peace. Await no further instructions, maintain the peace if possible. Should the Egyptians threaten you further, your objective is Al-Cairah (Cairo). March to their capitol and once seized, set up a defence in the Sinai. Your forces will be reinforced as soon as our armies reach the borders of the French. The Nubian bows and with a change of horse, gallops away to his destination.

1098: The legendary El Cid joins our forces.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf31.jpg

The council of war meets to discuss the progress of the campaign. So far our attack has met some resisitance, but the Spanish have failed to hold any ground and are essentially finished. The final plans are laid out for the attack on Navarre and Aragon. Our trusted Emissary is dispatched to Portugal in order to convince the Portuguese leader to join us.

Castille becomes the headquarters and supply base. Valancia will be reinforced, our forces prepare to move into Navarre & Aragon. We have entered the final stage of the Iberian Campaign.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf32.jpg

The Battle for Valencia
Our forces move into Valencia to support El Cid. King Sancho of the Aragonese sends a force in an attempt to stop us.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf33.jpg

The enemy sets up a small defence ahead of the bridge. The main enemy force stays further behind in case the bridge falls. Our troops under El Cid march to meet the enemy at the bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia1.jpg

A unit of enemy Royal Knights guards the bridge. Although I cannot see from this distance whose banner the unit flies, I am certain that this unit is led by an Aragonese Prince. The Royal Knights are a formidable opponent and must never be underestimated. I can distinguish from here, various battle colors, indicating that this is a veteran elite unit which has fought battles before.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia2.jpg

However fierce the enemy knights may be in hand to hand combat. They will stand no chance once our archers open fire.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia3.jpg
06-09-2003, 17:28
Shahed

The brave knights stand fast as they begun to get cut down by a hail of arrows.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia4.jpg

One of our Berber squadrons ventures to close to the bridge....
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia5.jpg

.....and suffers casualties from the enemy archers, before pulling back to safety.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia6.jpg

Meanwhile our men watch in amazememt. The last of the enemy knights falls. It appears they decided to stand under fire and die defending the bridge. May God grant them peace.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia7.jpg

Our archers now train their fire on enemy militiamen, destroying an entire unit before...
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia8.jpg

..El Cid leads the charge across the bridge. His squadron suffers some casualties to the enemy before crossing.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/.../valencia9.jpg

El Cid is the first to engage an enemy soldier.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...valencia10.jpg

The rest of our men surge forward to cross the bridge, encouraged by the general's spirit.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...valencia11.jpg

The enemy King realises the futility of the fight and withdraws from battle. Our light cavalry dash to intercept whatever stragllers of the enemy may be left behind.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...valencia12.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...valencia13.jpg

The battle is over. One of our Berber sqaudron lost many men. Valencia is ours.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf34.jpg

1100: The Portuguese join us.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf35.jpg

The Khalifa leads an attack into Navarre to finish the Spanish, while El Cid crosses the border into Aragon. The Portuguese are reinforced from Leon.

An Italian fleet is sighted off the coast in the Gulf of Valencia. This is not a merchant fleet and adequate resources are left behind in Valencia to ensure that any enemy raid can be effectively repulsed.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf36.jpg

The Battle for Navarre
As we go into battle we realise that this is the last hold of the Spanish in Iberia, this brutal war shall soon be over. We shall soon be able to return home to our families.
In this battle like in all the rest against the Spaniards we shall be relying on our archers defeating the agile enemy light cavalrymen from a distance.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf37.jpg

We encounter the enemy at the entry to a pass into Navarre.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav1.jpg

The Spanish Jinette squadrons fan out. We are severly disadvantaged in mobility. The Khalipha orders a retreat, and we set up a defensive position.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav2.jpg

Before our men have finished assembly, we face the first Spanish strike.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav3.jpg

A furious fight begins as our militiamen attempt to hold off the enemy cavalry.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav4.jpg

Our Ghulams begin a flanking maneuver....
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav5.jpg

...while our archers pin down enemy reinforcements.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav6.jpg
06-09-2003, 17:28
Shahed

Our Ghulams complete the flanking maneuver.The enemy horsemen are surrounded on three sides, but fight bravely to the death. The first enemy attack is defeated.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav7.jpg

Our forces reform to face another squadron of Jinettes. Archers let loose. The Spanish King dispatches a Prince to intervene, in vain.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav8.jpg

Before the Prince arrives with reinforcements our archers devastate the enemy horsemen.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/nav9.jpg

We reform to face the enemy reinforcements. The Spanish Prince charges into battle valiantly. Our militaimen hold down the Prince and his knights. The Spanish King leads a 3rd wave in order to save his son. It is an effort too late, once again our Ghulams race to outflank the incoming enemy formation. Our archers open fire on the furthest enemy troops to minimise our own losses to friendly fire.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/nav10.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/nav11.jpg

The Spanish army breaks. The Prince is killed, the Spanish King flees from the battlefield along with the remnants of his army.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/nav12.jpg

We reform once again and march trough the pass, confidently towards the Navarre capitol. The Spaniards are crushed and no longer pose any significant threat.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/nav13.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf43.jpg

The Battle for Aragon
This was by far the most difficult and tiring battle of the Iberian campaign. the Aragonese King displayed a sound knowledge of the tactics of deception. El Cid himself was caught off guard and had to fight for his life. 2 squadrons of Berber sacrificed themselves this day to save their general's life.

We met the enemy on a river with two bridges. The enemy deployed 2 units of archers on the west bridge. While his main force straddled the east bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara1.jpg

Enemy forces on the west bridge used as bait.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara2.jpg

Our mounted units led by El Cid divert to the west bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara3.jpg

While our main force of militiamen marches for the east bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara4.jpg

El Cid leads the charge across the west bridge, with 2 squadrons of Spanish Jinettes. The enemy King now redirects most of his main force to the west bridge, in a cunning move to trap our commander.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara5.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara6.jpg

El Cid is forced to beat a hurried retreat over the bridge. The Berbers show their true valor by charging across the bridge to hold the enemy while their esteemed general evades the enemy attack. The green arrows show the movement of allied troops, while the red show those of the enemy (in this screenshot).
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara7.jpg

Meanwhile our forces launch an all out assault on the east bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara8.jpg

An enemy Prince leads the counterattck on the east bridge.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...camp1/ara9.jpg

He is quickly overwhelmed by our militia.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara10.jpg

Once the Prince is killed the remaining enemy force withdraw westward, chased by our militiamen.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara11.jpg

On the west bridge, the battle has been reduced to a personal combat between King Sancho of the Aragonese, and El Cid. 2 Berber tribesmen support El Cid as he fights the enemy King in hand to hand comabat.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara12.jpg
06-09-2003, 17:29
Shahed

King Sancho falls under El Cid's lance, to the resounding cheers of our men.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara13.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf40.jpg

An enemy militia unit which was attempting to save King Sancho is trapped by a militia of our own. El Cid, though fatigued from the long combat and the sole survivor of his unit, charges into battle once again.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara14.jpg

The enemy army is completely destroyed as it attempts to escape from the battlefield.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...amp1/ara15.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf41.jpg

The Aragonese Kingdom is eliminated and the Iberian campaign is complete. We all breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to returning home.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf42.jpg

1101-->1112
The campaign for the Iberiand peninsula thus ends in victory. We return to our capital amongst cheers of joy welcomed as heroes by our people. The Khalipha is revered by the people, even the Christians and the Jews. As he has brought an end to the division of Hispania. The people call him Yusuf I Al Muntasir El Hispania.

The Holy Roman Emperor sends an emissary with a proposal of alliance which is accepted by the Khalipha. The Germans are also a Crusading nation and their swords shall certainly turn against us in the future. I believe that the Khalipha senses the end of his reign and wishes to pass a secure and stable kingdom for the young and valiant Yusuf II. The English King also sends a proposal of alliance, which out leader accepts as well. The English are a Crusader nation, as such we must accept that we shall have to eventually deal them the same fate as the other Crusaders. We cannot be at peace with an enemy who plots under the guise of an alliance. Nevertheless in the interests of rebuilding the country and providing some rest to our troops we preserve the peace.

We have no navy as yet. Algeria & Tunisia have been marked for naval production. The infrastructure is already being built to produce a navy capable of controlling the Mediterranean. In the sea the Byzantines, Italians and Sicilians have much power. The Italians have raided our territories 3 times. Twice they failed but on one occasion we were unable to repulse their raid, and Valencia was briefly lost to the enemy.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf44.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf45.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf50.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf51.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf46.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf47.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf48.jpg

The Khalipha organised a successful counter attack.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf53.jpg

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf54.jpg

Another Prince came of age before the Khalipha's passing. Prince Ibrahim.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf55.jpg

The strength of the Italians meant that they could even raid as far south as Morrocco. Naturally their attempts were in vain and the Berbers chased them back into the sea.
http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf60.jpg

Today Yusuf I has past away, and I write this final paragraph before I take my leave from court. His reign has been glorious. Though there has been terrible bloodshed, we are now feared by the Crusader nations. The entire nation is in mourning of the Khalipha's passing. Khalipha Yusuf the Second has ascended the throne. He is a great man and much respected by his friends and foes alike. He has a huge burden of responsibility as he must ensure that the Muwahhidun Khaliphate continues to grow as the most cultured and civillised society in the Western world. There are many threats to the nation. Internally the church continues to gain an uneasy influence amongst it's followers. Although most Christians are very happy under the rule of the Muwahhidun, there are some extremists who wish to overthrow the state and wage war gainst the Muslims, much like their Crusader counterparts further north and across the Gulf of Valencia. The Muslims too are becoming more extreme, in a resposne to the Crusader threat fanatical sects are forming to launch Jihad against the Crusaders.

The Egyptians have been kept in check by a massing of popular support against them by the people of the Eastern Sahara. There are reports that up to 20 squadrons of Saharan tribesmen can be raised at a moments notice to repulse any Egyptian endeavor.

As for myslef I will leave the court as my master is gone. Yusuf the Second has been like my own child and I have sought to help him wherever I can. I have sought to impart on him all the knowledge of this life that I posses. I trust in him and believe that he will take the necessary actions to preserve our blossoming civilisation. I am increasingly drawn to a branch of Islam, that I know little of but have heard much about.

http://webplaza.pt.lu/shahid/images/...p1/yusuf56.jpg

The history of the origin of Sufism records that during the lifetime of the Prophet Mohammed, centuries ago, there was a group of pious individuals from different nations who, guided by the Laws of Islam, sought for the direct experience of the Divine. Companions of the Prophet, they were people of principles practicing certain disciplines and meditations for the sake of purification, the realization of Divine love, and the understanding of reality. They were the Lovers of God who sought union with Him through losing the limited self in His Divinity (fana), and remaining alive in that Reality (bagha).

These individuals met on the platform, or suffe, of the mosque where Prophet Mohammed used to pray in Medina, Arabia. They would meet there almost everyday to discuss the ways to inner knowledge, the truths of revelation, and the meanings of the verses of the Koran. Thus the platform of that mosque in Medina became the first gathering place of one of the most influential groups in the history of mankind's spiritual civilization. They were called ahle suffe, the People of the Platform.

These individuals cultivated the seed of a school of spiritual practice based on knowledge of the self, and thus free of the trappings of tradition and superstition, a knowledge of the inner heart apart from the customary beliefs of their contemporary society as well as those of future civilizations. It is from this group that all the schools of Sufism that have ever existed owe their origin, for by pursuing the path of unsullied inner knowledge they were the founders of Sufism, and the binding link between its subsequent developments.

I will be leaving for Jebel Al Tareq (Gibraltar) with some of our warriors who like me wish to further our education and give thanks to our Lord for our success in battle. At dusk our dhow shall sail to the Seljuk state. There we will visit Konya to study at the school of the Dervish. Thereafter I Intend to travel to Baghdad (Gift of God), to visit this ancient city and learn from her people. From there I shall cross the desert alone to Damashq (Damascus). After praying at the Al Quds and the tomb of Jesus in Palestine I shall turn east once again through the sands of Arabia towards the trader's city on the Persian Gulf. From there I shall return to India from where my ancestors came. Should life permit I shall return to the service of my home in Iberia.

Allah-e-Imanet (I go as I came, a possesion in the hands of God).

http://www.ias.org/images/title_bars/hope4humanity.gif
06-09-2003, 20:29
Mount Suribachi

SeljukSinan - outstanding mate, absolutely outstanding. Someone give that man a prize What a fantastic write-up. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/cool.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

You have started the Almohad Kaliphate (the game and the story) in the best way possible.

Favourite bit? El Cid, or should that be, Amir Cid, killing the Aragonese king in a 1 on 1 duel to the death Great stuff

Crikey, I can't wait till its my turn http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-09-2003, 21:23
some_totalwar_dude

*snif* http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/mecry.gif beautifull, just beautifull.

realy outstanding work seljuk http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif
06-09-2003, 22:47
Maniac

Great work, Seljuk Hope I'll manage to write something as good when I finish my reign. Although my battle skills suck. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif
06-10-2003, 00:02
Monk

A famous italian historian walks the grounds of the palace in morroco. He has been granted permission to look upon the records from the years 1113-1131, or otherwise known as the reign of Yusuf II. The historian enters the great library and begins his search. Surprisingly he can find nothing on Yusuf II except a vague refrence in the history of Yusuf I. He was said to lead the armies of the Kalipha with great ferocity and showed no fear. He searches even more, piling book upon book looking for anything. Then finaly, late one june evening he finds a small book. it apears to have been hidden away and forgoten, he picks it up and blows the dust off it. The cover is of a red cloth and much has been torn over the years. he sits down with the book,takes out his slightly stained reading glasses and opens the book.

On the first page was inscribed in arabic;

This is the record of the Kalipha Yusuf II written to his decendants.

The old man laughed with joy and turned the page.the following is what the old man read and turned over the The historical comunity

If you are reading this then i myself have most likely died. My name is Yusuf II, when my father died in 1113 i was charged with the task of succeding him. as i came to find he was a great leader to manadge not only the Tribes of africa, but to defeat the Spanish and Aragonese to claim the Iberian penisilar. this document outlines my greatest achievments for any future refrence, i pray they may be of some use.

the old man reading smiled as if he had found gold, he continued reading to find a complete account of the Kalipha's reign and life.

First entry

the year is now 1114. I never before imagined how vulnerable our positions are in spain. i must do somthing about this before it gets out of hand, last month i ordered that we raise taxes in all provences to help fund a new build of off not only forts but military forces. i began work on forts in castile and portugal, i also assumed command of the army in cordoba

Second Entry 1115

I now understand what my father ment when late one night he reguarded to the italians as 'infidelic dogs of the earth'. they have invaded Leon, the small garison there was taken completly by surprise, there was around 200 men there and they all lost their lives. enraged by this the people, islamic and christian alike, called for action, i began gathering the nececary men to counter their raid.

Third entry, 1116

Unbeleivable Why does father test me with such hardships? The italians have invaded and taken Tunisia i am rallying a Jihad to capture the Provence but it will take another year for it to be ready. I went ahead and launched a counter attack in castile and drove the italians back into the sea, those who were captured were executed on the spot.

forth entry, 1116

With all these happenings i had myself a good laugh with my servants. i began to talk with an ivisible person and carried out a conversation with them, i could hardly keep a straight face when they witnessed this. although i told them i was only having fun with them, there were some who didnt beleive me, but i dont care what they say.

fith entry, 1117

the Jihad was finaly ready to retake our lost lands. i ordered them to depart at once, as soon as they arrived on the feild the italians atemped to flee. however realizing they were traped they began to put up a fight. although their efforts were in vein they fought bravely, i must comend the general of their army. since he fought so well i decided to ransom him back to his king, it is my wish to face him on the feild of combat myself one day.

battle of Tunisia ended with 200 casualties on our side and about 300 on theirs, the exact numbers are not known.

sixth entry, 1118

it had to happen in all his arrogence the italian king along with his son invaded castile from the ocean, what he didnt count on was facing myself with the 400 militia men raised in the previous years. the battle was a short one. i took care of him myself and killed his son, when his own flesh and blood fell in combat the king ran for his own pathetic life, after chasing him for several Kilometers we captureds him and killed his bodyguard. i ransomed him back to his own kingdom for 5 thousand florins, with these a began construction on castles in Castile and one in Aragon.

The old man closed the book and stood up. it was late and he had to rest for now. he took the book with him and retired to his room.

this is part 1, ill finish it up later. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-10-2003, 01:41
Simovek

Hey thats pretty cool. I never even thought about something like this.

I like the two different ways you guys are telling your stories. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-10-2003, 05:28
Degtyarev14.5

How do you get the building summary at the beginning of each turn?

I have VI (naturally, else I wouldn't be posting here), but my building notifications still come one-at-a-time as they have always done.

Just curious,
A.
06-10-2003, 06:49
Leet Eriksson

Great job seljuk,i just realised how important urban militias are(not AUMs,just ordinary ones) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/tongue.gif i never train alot of them until i tried them today
06-10-2003, 08:07
Brutal DLX

Nice posts, Sinan. But the real El Cid would surely rotate in his grave if he heard that you bribed him to join the Moors. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-10-2003, 08:09
Alrowan

wow... speachles sinan
06-10-2003, 09:04
Maniac

Received the email. Will start playing although I won't be very fast since I'll want to take the right screenshots and all http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif But I have a lot of time so I won't take ages either...hopefully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]How do you get the building summary at the beginning of each turn?

Turn off Display Non Critical Messages. It is in the drop down (right) menu next to the minimap in the campaign map.
06-10-2003, 13:02
The_Emperor

Wow, thats quite an account of the war... The Chroniclers have been very busy. (all those embedded reporters clearly did the trick then)

Emperor now waits patiently for his turn on the throne, to take Europe by storm with the Warriors of Islam. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wave.gif
06-10-2003, 16:59
Dîn-Heru

Breathtaking, SeljukSinan, simply breathtaking. Exellent story Monk, hopefully part two will arrive soon.

Brutal DLX, el Cid appearently was in the service of a moor at one time, so he probably wouldn't rotate in his grave. ( not much anyway http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif )
06-10-2003, 19:50
econ21

Quite brilliant reporting, SeljukSinan - I felt like I was playing your game. Your gameplay was also exemplary I have never stormed bridges or fought sieges with so few casualties.

I'm looking forward to hearing how Monk dealt with those Italians (sounds like they picked up a few tricks from the Vikings&#33http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif.

I think I am now second in line [after Mount Suribachi], but may have to take a long business trip next week. I hope the timing comes together so please keep me in line, Kukrikhan. However, just advance warning that if I get overcome by events and do not respond to receipt of the save game after the alotted 2 day interval, please accept my apologies and skip over me.
06-10-2003, 20:11
Demon of Light

Dr. Appleton: Maybe you can trade places with Mount Suribachi if it starts looking like the game will get to you when you are off on your business trip.
Just a side note but can I get the name of your Polish king? I was working on the Glorious reigns of the Kings of Poland when I realized that your king's name didn't show up in your write-up. ( I look forward to your write up here BTW. You always manage to weave a story with your game. Looks like SeljukSinan raised the bar too so... yeah. Did I mention I was looking forward to it?)

SeljukSinan: WOW
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
06-11-2003, 02:04
Monk

i wish i had more time to write this thing, however i'll get part two out tomorrow afernoon. no worries im alive http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-11-2003, 02:59
KukriKhan

No worries, Simon Appleton; we'll apply the regular rules when it's your turn, and if you're OBE we'll understand. Best of luck on your trip (in case we miss your departure).

Appreciate the heads-up.
06-11-2003, 11:06
Alrowan

ok, i got the email with the save game http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-11-2003, 11:55
KukriKhan

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Alrowan @ June 11 2003,03:06)]ok, i got the email with the save game http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

Sorry for the mix-up Alrowan. You are on both lists (1.1 and VI). The saveGame you received is the 1.1 version. There are a few guys ahead of you on this one.

The VI list (as of 11 June):

SeljukSinan (Khalipha Yusuf I)
Monk (Khalipha Yusuf II)
Maniac (Current Khalipha, Umar)
Mount Suribachi
Simon Appleton
Skie Mirror Silvanoshei
ArseClown
Alrowan
Demon of Light
ChaosLord
06-11-2003, 15:58
Alrowan

lol, thanks for the heads up, i wondered why i was soon soon http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif lucky for me i havent had time to open it yet
06-11-2003, 19:49
Maniac

Still playing. Very uneventful so far http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif . The building of the navy is so slow arrgh...I wanna kick some Italian butt http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-12-2003, 17:44
The_Emperor

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (KukriKhan @ June 11 2003,11:55)]

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Alrowan @ June 11 2003,03:06)]ok, i got the email with the save game http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

Sorry for the mix-up Alrowan. You are on both lists (1.1 and VI). The saveGame you received is the 1.1 version. There are a few guys ahead of you on this one.

The VI list (as of 11 June):

SeljukSinan (Khalipha Yusuf I)
Monk (Khalipha Yusuf II)
Maniac (Current Khalipha, Umar)
Mount Suribachi
Simon Appleton
Skie Mirror Silvanoshei
ArseClown
Alrowan
Demon of Light
ChaosLord

Make sure you stick my name on there somewhere Kuri... Reading all those posts has made me want to join in.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-12-2003, 21:27
Maniac

OK. I am done with my reign. Sent the savegame to KukriKhan.
I'll work on the report now. I wish to make it good and it might take me a few days. I might also be gone for the weekend so might not complete it before next week. Kukri, please give me some time.
06-13-2003, 02:25
KukriKhan

File received from Maniac, checked, archived, zipped and mailed to Mount Suribachi.

Maniac: no problem m8. Thanks for the advisory - we'll look for word from you sometime Monday.

The_Emporer: you're in m8.

The 12 June list:

SeljukSinan (Khalipha Yusuf I)
Monk (Khalipha Yusuf II)
Maniac (Khalipha Umar)
Mount Suribachi (current Khalipha: Ismail I)
Simon Appleton
Skie Mirror Silvanoshei
ArseClown
Alrowan
Demon of Light
ChaosLord
The_Emporer
06-13-2003, 07:23
Mount Suribachi

OK thanks KK, got the save and installed it no probs. Had a quick look this morning at *my* empire....muwahahahaha

Anyways, this being emporer thing is a lot of work. Main inital objectives -

Develop a trade network

Finish off the Italians

Ismael is 21 so my reign could take quite a while....what I'll do is just regularly post with Ismaels age - thats the easiest way of keeping track of my progression I guess
06-13-2003, 09:59
The_Emperor

Thanks Kukri,

I'll see how well I do with the sprawling Empire when my turn comes.

Maybe we should declare war on the Pope to eliminate the Crusading advantage?
06-13-2003, 12:15
Mount Suribachi

I can reliably inform you that Ismael is considering conquering the whole of the Italian peninsula for just that reason...
06-14-2003, 06:45
Mount Suribachi

Update - Ismael is now 26. Took the castles in Genoa & Tuscany, just invaded Venice, Milan will follow shortly, then its the Popes turn muwahahahahahaah

Ismael will be a busy boy for the next 30 years and I hope to achieve much in that time, given the base that my forefathers SeljukSinan, Monk & Maniac have given me.
06-16-2003, 06:56
Mount Suribachi

Ismael is now 33 and I'm fighting lotsa battles...the French have started crusading against me.

They will not live to regret this. I will wipe them out.

All of them.
06-17-2003, 06:59
Mount Suribachi

I got in a good 3 hours play last night and Ismael is now...34 http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

Fighting lotsa battles against big French armies - had one 3000 strong army counterattack me last night.
06-17-2003, 07:46
Maniac

I am still writting a review of my reign. It's in diary style, but since the first half of my reign was quite uneventful and boring I am trying to add some humor [you'll see how much it sucks]
06-17-2003, 22:52
Demon of Light

Did Monk ever finish is write-up?

Edit: Monk finished the write, even if it was a little late. Monk wrote what follows

===========================

hah and you guys thought i forgot about my write up http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif. well i did http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif but oh well. better late then never i suppose, lets continue...sorry http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/MnkYus2VV.jpg
The old man awoke from his sleep. a month had passed and he was back in Italy in his home. he had not been able to read any of the Book since his trip so when he finaly sat down and put on his glasses he was so excited he could barly hold the book without trembling

1119

Well things seem to have calmed down with the italians, after that failed invasion they seem to have dissapeared from our shores, my guess is a war with the French but i cannot be sure.

1123

Wow it has been 4 years since i wrote in this old book. i feel that i have neglected it, however that has been my reign as of late. nothing is going on and no excitement what-soever.

1125

War almost broke out in the East this year. a misunderstanding almost lead to all out war with the Egyptians. i was able to convince them that in no way are we spying on them, however i assued that that any agression would be met and delt with swift justice. they soon backed out and recalled their troops from the border

1127

I have become ill. it is nothing to worry about, the italians retuirned this year, we were able to figtht them off with little casualties. i manadged to secure a cease-fire for the time being. how long it will last i cannot tell.

1128

My illness is growing worse by the years passing. fortunatly all threats to our mighty state have been delt with and i am confident that it will stay this way for my time on earth.

1130

I was wrong, for the last year i have spent fighting the Italians, their raiding is becoming a headache. even though they wewre repelled i sence that an all out war will come soon enough between our two nations. Allah be with us if that ever happens

The old man closes the book as there is no more writen, he expects that the Khalipha died in 1131. he feels sorry he did not have the time to read the rest at an earlier time but many things have been in his life. The old man stands upa nd exits his house, he goes to the Museum and turns the book in there.

on the back pages he discovers this small picture

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1131Monk.jpg

he smiles and leaves...
06-18-2003, 19:39
Maniac

I am done with my write up and am waiting for Kukri to upload my files.

And, no, I don't think Monk finished his. Sly one...
06-19-2003, 07:34
Mount Suribachi

Ismail I is now 36 and still fighting the French...
06-19-2003, 09:37
Maniac

Here's my write up. Didn't have much inspiration and time so it's not that good but I hope it'll serve its purpose. Notes of warning:
Lame teenage humor ahead.
Horrible battle tactics ahead.
Will upload replays later.
-----------------------------------

Umar slowly ran his hand along the beautiful surface of the leather cover of his soon to be diary. Since he inherited the throne from his father Umar decided to keep notes on important things that happen throughout the years of his rules. Before his death he’d give it to his son so he would learn from his father’s achievements and mistakes.

Year 1131

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1131start.JPG
This year my great fathers, Allah bless him, died from an illness and now I am the new Kalifah of our glorious Almohad Kaliphate. I held a meeting with all the high officials of the Kaliphate to decide further plans. Here’s what I have planned for the future:
1) Build a powerful navy.
2) Conquer and butcher the insolent Italians.
3) Raise taxes so I can build a world famous harem...errr...empire.
4) Improve faith and happiness of the people
5) Improve economy. Improve Farmlands.

One of the men at the council mentioned my chin looked strange, damn him.
6) Get someone to kill Lord Iraf.
7) Grow a beard. [Do not shave]

I have started work on these things immediately. Also I’ve been busy in the harem but none of the women got pregnant. Allah, give me strength.

Year 1132

Still no child.

Things to do:
1) Check if those darn women aren’t secretly using birth control herbs.

Year 1133

Still no child

Things to do:
1) Send someone to check out those potency raising mushrooms.

Year 1134

I still have no heir The mushrooms didn’t help, although after three dozes Allah himself visited me and took me to fly around with him. That was great fun and honor.

Is it because my ancestors were some inbred perverts that I can’t have children?

Things to do:
1) Try out the weigh balls on my “little elephant”.
2) Get more of those mushrooms.

Year 1135

Still no child and those weighs are giving me horrible pain. Good news is my economical plans are going well and people aren’t worried about high taxes, nor is our army slacking off.

Year 1136

I need a kid. Really. Pretty please.

Things to do:
1) Get a plantation of the mushrooms in my palace.
2) Fly around with Allah again.

Year 1137

French Bishops are gathering in Navarre and Aragon. I ordered some assassins trained to get rid of them. Those heathens aren’t only blabbering about that god of theirs; they are also spreading word that the great mushrooms are addictive and should not be used.

Things to do:
1) Kill the French Bishops
2) Rename the mushrooms to Umarian Mushrooms and encourage their growth and distribution.

Year 1138

Still no heir. Some mad tribal shaman visited me and said he knew a ritual called “Unfreeze” which would help me get a child. I finished my lunch of Umarian Mushrooms and agreed to try it, what followed is better left undocumented.

Year 1139

Thank you, Allah I finally have a son I instantly ordered a shipment of treasure sent to the shaman.

On another note our navy is slowly growing.

Year 1140

We have several trained assassins and the mission to purge the French spies has started successfully.

Our ships started easily sinking the rotten Italian boats floating near the shores of our lands.

Year 1141

I sent an emissary to the Egyptians with an offer of alliance but the insolent fool rejected the offer.
Things to do:
1) Ban Umarian Mushroom export to Egypt

Year 1142

All the plans are going smoothly but slowly.

Year 1143

People of the Kaliphate truly acknowledge the work I’ve done for our glorious lands.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1143Umar.jpg

Year 1144-5

News reached me that the Sicilians are no more.
I sent an offer of alliance to the French (obviously making a trap for them) but they didn’t fall for it.

Year 1146-7

I have two sons now

Things to do:
1) Send another gift to the shaman.

Year 1148

The Italians have declared peace with us and sent an emissary begging for an alliance. My spies have reported that the idiots are having a civil war. This makes our upcoming sea assault easier. I had the emissary kicked out of my palace and sent an assassin after his pathetic head.

Year 1149

Our navy has gotten strong and is guarding most shores of our lands. The ships have also reached Italian lands and are preparing to sink their patrolling fleets so our armies can land on shore.
The Hungarians offered an alliance but since they were allies of the Italians I quickly refused.
A third son of mine was born (have to love that shamanistic magic).
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1149shores.jpg

Year 1150

The Italian fleet is wide scattered and persistent but we’re quickly wearing it down.

Year 1151

The coward Italian Doge has died in his bed and left his sons for us to slaughter.
Yet another child of mine is born.
Things to do:
1) Send a big shipment of Umarian Mushrooms to the shaman.

Year 1152-3

The Italian fleet was finally reduced to almost nothing and our armies are preparing to attack.

Year 1154

We have launched a massive offensive, landing our armies in Genoa, Tuscany and Corsica.
The defenders in Genoa and Corsica cowardly entrenched themselves in their forts. The defenders of Tuscany with their arrived reinforcements decided to show some courage.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/TuscDploy1154.jpg

An excerpt from the Almohad general’s diary:

“Soft wind gently brushed against my weather-beaten cheeks as I looked at the horizon, where the Italian army, superior in numbers to ours, took position on a hill. Expecting them to take advantage of numbers I ordered my soldiers to take a defensive position but the Italians started marching away. Waiting for a bit I realized they were too cowardly to attack so slowly I started moving my army forward. The steps of the soldiers merged with the gusts of wind to form a peaceful melody...a silence against the storm.

My eyes caught view of the enemy general and his unit of spearmen. Their spears were polished, their eyes - filled with arrogance, but I knew they didn’t have the determination and courage of my soldiers. The rest of the rival army took position near a forest, in a beautiful valley covered in lush grass. I slowly pressed my soldiers onward keeping aware of any traps and stopping occasionally to let the men rest. We were nearing the enemy general and there was still no sight of traps, it seems the fool underestimated himself. Our Berber warriors peppered his unit with arrows, bringing at least two dozen of the Italians down. The militiamen then stormed forth and engulfed the enemy, drowning the Italians in their own crimson blood and making the survivors of the unit flee in terror which could be easily heard in their screams which were louder than the sound of cutting flesh, crushing bones and beating metal against metal. As per orders of our Great Kalifah every captured foe was to be slain immediately.

The rest of the Italians stayed in their place, oblivious to the death of their general. I quickly regrouped my soldiers and positioned them on a hill overlooking the valley. The Italians turned to face us, even from the distance I could see fear in their eyes. The heathens finally realized that their general was dead. With a bit of maneuvering, to keep the enemy out of the forest, my soldiers charged downhill, raising a cloud of dust and cleaving through the enemy ranks like a scythe through a meadow. It rained that day in the green valley...No, not in water but in the fairest liquid ever – blood. Tuscany was ours...”

[Replay]

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/TuscVic1154.jpg

My oldest son, Ismail, has grown up to be a good prince and I’ll be glad to give over my rule of the Kaliphate to him when time comes (As well as my giant harem and the mushroom plantations).

Year 1155

The small fort in Corsica would have held for a long time so I ordered it stormed and every defender slain. The assault was successful and the fort was taken with minimal casualties.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/CorsiDeply1155.jpg

[Replay]

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/C...cCastl1155.jpg

The Italians sent in their soldiers to retake Genoa and our troops suffered a shameful defeat.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/GenoaDploy1155.jpg

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/GeneoDft1155.jpg

Year 1156

Loyalist rebellions arose in Corsica and Tuscany and I ordered reinforcements sent to help defend our newly conquered provinces.
My son, Yusuf, has matured. Yet another fine member of the royal family.

Year 1157

The feeble rebel army in Corsica was easily squashed by our professional and much bigger army.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/C...sDeply1157.jpg

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1157Corsica2.jpg

The battle in Tuscany was the biggest in my reign. The battle was long, energy draining and bloody with the victor unclear for awhile. But in the end our soldiers emerged victorious with two dead Italians for every Almohad soldier who died defending the name of Allah that day.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/TuscDploy1157.jpg

[Replay]

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/TuscnyVic1157.jpg

Year 1158

The year was spent strengthening our holdings in the Apennine peninsula and preparing to crush the Italians. My health is not what it used to be though and I am afraid my dream of conquering the Apennine peninsula will have to be accomplished by my son, Ismail. I trust he will do that.

Year 1159

I feel I don’t have many days left to live. My last order was the re-conquering of Genoa which is now in hands of the tiny army of Italian rebels. It seems the Doge is still having internal problems.

The battle was easily won but the small unit of enemy militiamen surprised us by their fighting prowess and took down a fair amount of soldiers.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/ReInvGenoa1159.jpg

[Replay]

https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/VictryGenoa1159.jpg

I write this as I feel the shadow of death lurking behind the corner (or is it from that Umarian Mushroom treatment?). Ismail, my son, I entrust our glorious Kaliphate into your hands and only ask you to defeat the rest of the Italians. May Allah be with you and aid you in your reign.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/UmarI_56_1159.jpg https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/EoRmini1159.jpg
06-19-2003, 14:02
KukriKhan

Excellent write-up Maniac, especially the 'shroom bits, LoL. Gave your piece a distinctive 'flavor'.

I'll get those replays up as soon as time allows.
06-20-2003, 07:34
Mount Suribachi

Ismail is now 39, still fighting the French, who are doomed, but fighting tenaciously, and the HRE launched an attack as well...silly Germans. Meanwhile the pope keeps calling for crusades against me...will be a bit hard to do soon tho, hehe.
06-22-2003, 06:33
DrHaphazard

Hey I have been reading this thread with relish and it is certainly a fantastic idea. While I'm not the greatest player ever I'd love a chance to join in. Realistically speaking, however, it seems unlikely that I'd ever get a turn with so many people ahead of me. Oh well, I'll throw my name in the ring anyway...

DrHaphazard - dleib@tulane.edu

I was wondering why yall chose to do Conquest instead of Glorious Achievements. More freedom of action I guess...

In any case great idea, excellent execution and I hope I can join the family tree.
06-22-2003, 07:35
Mount Suribachi

Ismail is now 41, France has had a civil war and its once mighty Kingdom is now reduced to Sicily and Wessex. The HRE are down to 2 provinces and the Pope is fingering his ring nervously...
06-23-2003, 13:23
KukriKhan

The player list, as of June 23:

SeljukSinan (Khalipha Yusuf I)
Monk (Khalipha Yusuf II)
Maniac (Khalipha Umar)
Mount Suribachi (current Khalipha: Ismail I)
Simon Appleton
Skie Mirror Silvanoshei
ArseClown
Alrowan
Demon of Light
ChaosLord
The_Emporer
DrHaphazard

Note: Maniac: my apologies on getting your replays uploaded. I'm having some trouble making them linkable - but I haven't given up. Thanks for your patience.
06-23-2003, 15:29
DrHaphazard

Hey thanks a lot Kukri, although like i said the odds of me ever playing are very slim, or i'll probably end up only cleaning up after everyone else does the hard work.

By the way, what looks to be the next faction? I kinda think HRE would be good, or English. I'd let someone else start HRE though http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/tongue.gif too hard to make money.

Oh yeah and for the next one, since we have so many willing to play this campaign thing, perhaps we can split the people into two teams and see which side can do better ruling whatever faction yall decide on. That might add an unnecessary level of competitiveness however.

OH and finally, I've noticed in yalls reports that you very rarely talk about money (actually I didn't see any references at all when i skimmed through.) For example i noticed that when Maniac started out in 1131 he had 7389 florins, but by 1149 he had only 1684 florins in the treasury.

Certainly this is no criticism of Maniac, he obviously did a good job, but i was wondering how much emphasis yall place on money. For me its one of my top concerns and i don't like to spend more than i make if i can help it. Do yall prefer to get money by ransoming prisoners?

Anyways just a phenomenon i noticed, great work yall.
06-23-2003, 16:42
Mount Suribachi

The English have been done (as have Poland). Someone earlier in the thread suggested Novgorod, which KK took on board I think.

As for 2 teams, well, we do have 2 teams - a VI and a non-VI team http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

And apologies to all (especially Simon Appleton) who have been waiting what must seem like forever for me to finish the game...I've had lots of battles to fight and not a huge amount of time http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif but I hope to get in a good few hours tonight http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
06-23-2003, 17:05
The_Emperor

I sugguested to Kikri a High period Russian campaign... Bound to be shorter but with the Golden Horde making their storming entrance in 1230, it promises to be a rough ride to Total Domination

Of course we also have the new VI factions like the Hungarians and the Aragonese.

We don't want to play a faction that is too easy because the game may be over too soon.

Anyway lets just see how this one goes... maybe this will end like the English campaign where we had a player who made nearly every province Rebel on purpose Who knows what will happen in Total war. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-23-2003, 17:40
insolent1

The French on high would be a great game for you lot to play as you start with a split empire & a lot of enemies
06-23-2003, 17:50
The_Emperor

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (insolent1 @ June 23 2003,17:40)]The French on high would be a great game for you lot to play as you start with a split empire & a lot of enemies

Sorry but playing the French goes against my natural instincts... its much more enjoyable to invade the country, take its resources and stick two fingers up at the locals

But hey, I am English http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/joker.gif

Actually my real reason for disliking the French side is that they have no unique units. They are just a boring side to play as. Sorry guys
06-23-2003, 17:54
jones21

Been reading the post all of them are great.It looks like fun. I was wondering if in the new campaign i could be able to sign up to play?
06-23-2003, 21:41
Mount Suribachi

OK guys calm down, we're only halfway thru this one.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif Plenty of time when all the map is orange to talk about whos next (tho I think Byzantium in High, having to recapture Constantinople would be good). Just think of poor old KukriKahn and all the great work he's done on this thread...having another 2 (VI & non-VI) threads on the go would be tooooo much even for him http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wave.gif

Anyways, I got in another 3 hours tonight and progressed 3 years, Ismail is now 44, the Pope is no more and the French and HRE are tenaciously clinging on to their tiny Kingdoms. I have nearly accomplished all my goals for my reign and I've still got another 12 years to go...

Who's next in the firing line?

Hungary?...Egypt?...hmmmmmm....
06-24-2003, 16:40
Demon of Light

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ June 23 2003,08:42)]And apologies to all (especially Simon Appleton) who have been waiting what must seem like forever for me to finish the game...I've had lots of battles to fight and not a huge amount of time http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif but I hope to get in a good few hours tonight http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

I'd not worry about Simon Appleton. He said he was going on a business trip. Your rate of progress likely works in his favor as it allows him to go on his business trip and back w/out missing his turn.
06-24-2003, 23:19
KukriKhan

You guys are right: a third campaign to manage would be just a little more than I could handle right now. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif

However, on the subject of our next project: I'm trying to think of a way to make it as interesting as these, but also competitive. Maybe have all players begin, for example as Byz, High, Hard, and race to conquer Constantinople. Ealiest year of conquering wins. Write-up & pics required. Not sure how to prevent/check for cheating yet. Any thoughts on how to best structure that from you guys? Maybe make a mandatory save each year rule, so the referee (me, or whoever) could check florin levels, etc ?

I'd throw in a real, live, authentic Kukri blade as a prize.

p.s. Hopefully in RTW we won't have to jump thru all these hoops to play each other on the strat map. Let's keep our fingers and Kukri's crossed. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-25-2003, 15:13
DrHaphazard

Hah, nonsense Kukri, i think we should work to burden you as much as possible http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/tongue.gif

We'd definetly need a moderator for each team if we did a two team idea. But of course that's all in the future.

Hey kukri do you mean that every player would be by himself in the Race to Constantinople game? I think its better to stick with the team idea, mainly because I'd lose if I played by myself http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/rolleyes.gif Also there'd be less reading to do http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif

Anyway i definetly think its the teamwork aspect that people like so much about what youre doin here KK, but then again im sure some of these other guys would enjoy the chance to compete against eachother.

As for cheating...perhaps just screenshots of the map would suffice if money is all you're worried about. Of course i don't know what all the cheats are, so maybe saved games are necessary for something like a cheat that reduces build time.
06-26-2003, 03:29
KukriKhan

Good idea, DrHaphazard, I hadn't thought of that: two teams of 3-4, 5 players each with a specific goal to achieve. A hard one. Like Novgorads, High, Expert, race to Antioch.

Kind of like a relay race. The two teams could choose their sequence of players to play. I'd still like to require write ups and screenshots, so non-player readers could enjoy the race too.

Thoughts, you guys?
06-26-2003, 05:05
DrHaphazard

Hmmm relay race...i hadn't thought of it that way. Very interesting...Definetly puts more pressure on people to preform though. Antioch is probably a good point to try and get to because it would take longer to get there by sea than by land, so you just gotta slog right through the byz and turks. Did you pick Antioch for any particular reason? We could make it something like Morocco or perhaps even better Egypt.

Hmm I really kinda like that idea. Would have to practice up with the Russians though, never played as them.
06-26-2003, 07:00
Mount Suribachi

Ismail is 49, the sands of time are ticking....or something http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/wacko.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/dizzy.gif

HRE no more, France no more.
06-26-2003, 09:52
The_Emperor

Quote:

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ June 26 2003,07:00)]Ismail is 49, the sands of time are ticking....or something http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/wacko.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/dizzy.gif

HRE no more, France no more.

Sounds like the game will soon be over... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif
06-26-2003, 10:17
Mount Suribachi

Nah, although Denmark, England, Novgorod, Poland are all 3-4 provinces and easily conquerable, Byzantium own the Eastern half of the map...it will be one hell of a war when it happens...
06-26-2003, 10:40
The_Emperor

Oh well, Sound slike when my Turn comes, I will be clearing up the rebel provinces or maybe hitting the final nail in the coffin of Byzantium.

By the way has the Golden Horde turned up yet? I can see a fun war brewing in the East http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
06-26-2003, 16:42
Mount Suribachi

I'm in 1189 I think, no sign of the Horde yet. Not sure when they're meant to arrive either, but yes, I would imagine that they and Byzantium will destroy each other and the almos will pick up the pieces.

BTW, the in-laws are coming tonight, so I probly won't get to play again till Sunday http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/frown.gif
06-26-2003, 17:49
The_Emperor

I think the Horde turn up in 1230 or sometime around that. So when the High Period begins (and new units are made avaliable) upgrade those armies and prepare for the battle

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