Battle reports thread - King of the Romans PBM

**OverKnight** · 05-10-2007, 00:30

The Battle South of Acre, 1192

News of a Egyptian relief force on its way north to Acre reached Otto from the agent in the castle. With Count Hans having besieged the fortress, and the Kaiser overseeing the final preparations for the move on Jerusalem, Otto decided to take much of the Crusade south around Acre and intercept the large Egyptian force. They seek to break the siege, Otto thought, or to help in the event of Hans's attack, but I'm not going to give them that opportunity. I will destroy them so that our way to Jerusalem will be clear.

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Coming out of the hills from the east, the Crusade caught the Egyptians on the road to Acre. Squinting into the setting sun, Otto saw trebuchets and catapults turning toward his forces as the Saracens redeployed to face the unexpected threat. A shiver ran down his spine, he remembered the terrible damage the wooden monsters had inflicted on the Crusade when he had fought side by side with Maximillian against the Turks at Adana. They must be our first target, I will not have my men suffer under a constant barrage.

Making up his mind, Otto ordered the deployment of his army. The infantry was to deploy in a line. The crossbowmen would also be in a line behind them. Taking advanatge of the slope of the hill, they would be able to fire in a flat trajectory without endangering the men in front. The cavalry would be in column on the right.

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The infantry were ordered forward a bit to counter the Egyptian deployment, while the crossbrowmen stayed on the ridge of the hill. Otto, among the cavalry, ordered the column forward. If they respond to the flanking manuever with their horse archers, I'll charge them. If it's infantry, I'll bring up my own. If they choose to ignore us, then we shall see how their dread machines stand up to Imperial lance and sword.

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The Saracen horse archers and bowmen advanced to skirmish with the Imperial infantry, with their spearmen following behind. Ordering his men to a trot, Otto smiled, the fools were ignoring his cavalry, a terrible mistake. Soon the column had redeployed to a line abreast facing the artillery.

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Otto could see the machines firing at his infantry, but due to the hill their aim was off. Still some of his Crusaders were falling, and the infantry lines were about to meet. Time to gut them.

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With Otto and the mailed Knight charging the catapults, Jonas von Mahren and the Teutons rushed the trebuchets.

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There would be no more artillery fire.

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The Saracen infantry, already outclassed by the Imperial footmen, now faced the prospect of an attack from the rear. They broke and were pursued.

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Captain Youseff and the Mamluk horse archers tried to stem the tide, but they broke as well. The Captain was eventually run down by the mailed knights.

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After the battle, Otto could not help but feel satisifed. The infidels were routed, none of them would trouble the Reich again and he had been able to leave behind the duties of Chancellor for a time. It was good to lead men in battle again.

The Butcher's Bill:

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**FactionHeir** · 05-10-2007, 00:45

The Fall of Acre, 1192

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Hans surveyed the fortress that lay before him. So that is Acre, he thought to himself. The walls that rose in front of him did not seem as imposing as the spy had reported, but nonetheless it was defended. A heathen noble had taken refuge inside, unable to support his unholy kindred that were battling just south of Hans' position with the chancellor. As such, it was left to Hans to take Acre while the reinforcements were delayed, and he had to do so swiftly.

He gave a short speech to incite the men to battle and immediately ordered them forward towards the gate, which the spy had reportedly opened. He could only hope that this was true and there would be no surprises.

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As he advanced, he noticed how the heathens had only manned the left section of the wall. It would certainly cost some Imperial lives he thought to himself. Lives, that were his to protect, as he was the commanding general with whom lay the responsibility.

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As such, Hans was glad when he saw the Egyptian spearmen disappear from the walls only to withdraw further inward. Could it be true? Was the enemy abandoning the battlements?

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When the gates opened before him, he was still in disbelief at such a bland tactical error on side of the enemy general, and it seemed that just in that moment the noble must have realized his mistake and his bodyguard advanced back towards the gate.

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It was too late however, as Hans had quickly ordered his bodyguard to stand to the left of the gate, his swordsmen to the right and the spears in the center, breaking the approaching heathens swiftly and removing their leader from command.

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As the general fell from his horse, Hans pushed his bodyguard forward into the masses of the heathen horde, striking about him with god-given fury, breaking their morale and chasing them towards their last stand.

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As he approached the castle square, Hans noticed how several spearmen regiments, who had been resting there advanced out towards him. Quickly he ordered his men to stand ground and his tired own spearmen forward to stop the advance while sending his groups of religious fanatics around the other side to strike the enemy in the rear.

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As Hans noticed the enemy spears starting to waver and holes opening in their formation, he ordered his bodyguard forward into the horde of spears. His gamble was successful and the spears quickly dissipated and broke.

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Riding with haste, he managed to slay several before they were able to reach the castle square, where they bravely made their last stand, catching several of Hans' entourage offguard and unhorsing them. Driving his men further onward against the enemy spears, Hans ordered a regiment of crusaders to break through the enemy lines at high cost to grant a third route of attack. Again, his gamble paid off and the enemy spears started to get distracted from three side now, as the fanatics closed in.

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Within minutes, the battle was won and Hans bloodied all over. A strange feeling overcame him as he gazed upong the pile of bodies that his horse strode on and his sword, which bore the blood of countless heathens he had slain today. With some shock, he realized he took a liking to fighting at the frontline to save the lives of as many men as he could, and after the battle, he was informed that he must have slain over 100 men. It did however take the lives of his personal entourage, mostly men he did not know much about, save Adalberth, who smiled upon the reckless young noble after his first victory.

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Once the celebration died down on the field, Hans quickly ordered his men to take from the heathens whatever they wished and to strip all buildings of religious items that did not resemble those of the catholic church. He would see to Acre being christianized and its populace brought into the fold.

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**Ituralde** · 05-10-2007, 18:07

Battle in Southern Austria, 1192:

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Leopold surveyed the battlefield in front of him. He despised rebels. It was not that he could sympathize with their dedication to take up arms to enforce their goals, but he despised their stupidity, their zealousness. Taking up arms was all fine, but not layint them down when faced with a superior fighting forde that will crush you just bordered insanity. Those rebels had come today to fight unitl death and death they should receive.

Leopold set his troops up in a defensive position, preparing a slow and ordered advance to the rise occupied by the Rebel forces. Driven by their zeal however the Rebels decided to charge into Leopolds superior forces, which he quickly reorganized into a defensive position.

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The initial assault was devastating to the attackers as more and more Armoured Sergeants swarmed over the enemies on all sides. Leopold glanced quickly to the right wing where Rainer, his trusted friend had taken command of his cavalry and was slowly moving towards the enemies flank. The only nuisance were the Hussite Crossbowmen whose bolts had caused considerable damage to Leopolds troops. Giving Rainer some more minutes to get into position Leopold finally raises his sword to call the charge.

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Driving his enemies before him, while the bolts of his Crossbowmen take their deadly toll around them, Leopold erupts in dark laugther as one after another fleeing Rebel falls to his sword. They had asked for death and he was delivering.

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**Dutch_guy** · 05-11-2007, 18:46

Placeholder for the battle of Breslau, both of them.

**econ21** · 05-11-2007, 23:58

The Capture of Jerusalem, 1194

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Kaiser Henry turned surprised to Chancellor Otto: “A relief army? I never expected this would be a real battle.”

Otto shrugged his shoulders: “A few regiments of spearmen and siege engines - they are no real threat to us, Sire.”

Henry nodded and studied the map thoughtfully. “Very well, I’ll take some crusader sergeants through the front gates and evict that ridiculous Egyptian governor. Chancellor, I would be indebted to you if you would command the bulk of our forces and see off the relief army. Your tactics were so exemplary at Acre, I see no reason why you should not demonstrate them again.”

The Chancellor bowed and then left, with Hans and Jonas following eagerly behind.

As the knights left, Dusan Kolar emerged from the shadow. Henry looked up fleetingly at the tall black cloaked figure and then returned to staring at the map.

“You did not tell them.” Dusan observed.

The Kaiser rolled up the map impatiently. “I have already advised the Chancellor of my intentions regarding Jerusalem. The fact that he chose me to command this assault suggests he can abide by them.”

Dusan snorted. “He could hardly deny you, the Kaiser, the right to be in at the end of this “glorious crusade””

Henry looked up angrily: “Now look here, I am becoming sick of your sarcasm and insinuations. We came here to return Jerusalem to the Pope and that is what we will do.”

Dusan nodded and raised an eyebrow. “But you are keeping the Chancellor, the other Counts and most of your “crusaders” away from the city, just in case they do not share your vision?”

“Jonas is a model of chivalry: even you with all your cynicism cannot fail to be impressed by that. I trust him completely. Otto too is a good man.” Henry paused, deliberately omitting to mention Hans. “But our men are tired and excited; I cannot vouch for how they will behave when they are finally in the holy city. I do not want it desecrated by the blood of innocents. I will take a few good men into the city. After we have turfed out the governor, Jonas will talk to the city council. We will arrange a bloodless occupation. But yes, you are right - by distracting our men, the relief army has made that job easier.”

“You are making a mistake.” said Dusan. Henry ignored him, so the pagan magician continued. “Jerusalem is a large city. If you sacked it, it could give you 20,000 florins. Will the Diet understand your abstemiousness? And if you show mercy now, will the local people respect you? Or see you as weak?”

Henry turned his back on Dusan, so the magician added after a pause:

“Weak, like your father always said you were.”

Henry spun round and advanced angrily on a smiling Dusan.

“Remember your position, Kolar! You are not indispensable.”

“Get rid of me, Kaiser? Would that be strictly legal? Is it not against your precious charter, or something?”

Henry looked at Dusan vindictively: “There are men in the Reich who would be glad to see you gone: Maximillan, for example, who you drove away to rot in Adana. If asked Maximillan or, maybe Hans, I am sure they would be happy to arrange for you to be removed.”

The smile was gone from Dusan’s face now: “Sire, you have lost your way again. You came here for a reason - to begin the transformation of the Reich into a power that dominates Europe and the Mediterranean as the Roman Empire did of old. But with your holier than thou attitude and squeamishness over shedding blood, you have forgotten how the old Romans subdued Jerusalem."

Dusan paused for effect, then said emphatically:

"You will learn.”

With that he left the room. The doleful eyes of Ernest, the Kaiser's dog followed Dusan out of the room. Henry looked down at Ernst sadly and muttered: “I’ve never understood what you see in that man.”

*****

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Kurt Altman was proud to ride into battle with the Chancellor. Although Altman was a veteran warrior, this was his first day serving with the Chancellor's bodyguard. Disease and casualties were taking a toll amongst the crusaders. Those experienced soldiers like Kurt who survived the ordeals of the crusade often found opportunities for advancement.

Like most Germans on the crusade, after the departure of Dietrich, Kurt recognised Duke Otto as the finest general in the army. To face the spearmen and war machines of the Egyptian relief army, Duke Otto had arranged his army in a similar formation to that used outside Acre. Jonas and the remnants of the mailed knights were on the right flank; Hans and the Teutons on the left. The centre was held by the unhorsed and dismounted knights, flanked by fanatics and screened by a regiment of pavisse crossbowmen.

Kurt immediately understood his general’s battle plan: hit the siege engines at the rear with the cavalry while the heavy infantry engaged the Saracens frontally. Otto himself stood in reserve behind the front line, positioned to best control the course of the battle. Unlike the over-eager Kaiser, Kurt was sure, Otto was one general who would not go gallivanting off into the enemy line as soon as the battle opened.

Kurt looked confidently over at his general, but was alarmed to see Otto peering anxiously at the approaching Egyptian relief army.

“Sire?” asked Kurt, wondering what on earth could unnerve his general at this early stage of the battle.

The Chancellor looked sharply at Kurt, taking in his white hairs and gnarled skin: “You, man, are your eyes still good?”

Kurt smiled: “Sire, the captain of your guard does not let in blind men to be your bodyguards.”

Despite his evident anxiety, Otto smiled: “Very well. Tell me, what do you see there, in the Egyptian lines? Right at the back, behind the archers, behind the spear line, behind the siege engines.”

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Kurt squinted. “It looks like … looks like a regiment of Saracens, Sire; on foot, with lances.”

Otto asked intensely: “Is it moving?”

“No, Sire, they are just standing there while the war engines prepare to fire. I think they are guarding them, Sire.”

The Chancellor shook his head admiringly: “They are learning, by God, they are learning.”

One of his aides stepped up: “Shall I call off the cavalry, Sire?”

Otto held up his hand. “No, by God, we cannot stand here under their fire and slug it out with them frontally. The cavalry go in. The Egyptians have got another thing coming if they think one regiment of foot can stop our knights.”

*****

Kurt watched the cavalry move in, riding hard. He could see Jonas detach the regiment of mailed knights to take a small group of Saracens in the flank…

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…while along the front line, the German infantry moved to intercept the Egyptians marching to relieve Jerusalem:

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In the distance, Kurt could see Jonas’s bodyguard crash into the Egyptian war machines.

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The veteran warrior watched in admiration as Jonas artfully disengaged his men but then plunged them back into the fray:

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Kurt’s eyes returned to the struggle nearer at hand. Otto was signalling to a band of fanatics to move up alongside Jonas’s mailed knights and begin to turn the enemy’s left flank:

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In the distance, Kurt could make out Hans charging into the right flank of the enemy artillery park. A double envelopment, Kurt thought admiringly, why couldn’t the Kaiser try something like this outside Adana?

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Just as Kurt was getting comfortable, admiring the way the battle was unfolding in such an ordered, favourable manner, he heard the Chancellor call out:

“Charge!”

What?! The Chancellor was directing his bodyguard towards some enemy archers skirmishing in the Egyptian front lines! This was just like what the Kaiser did at Adana - what was it about noblemen and archers? They only have to see one to want to run them down! Must be something “unchivalrous” about a peasant shooting down a knight.

Kurt spurred his horse to follow the Chancellor. One thing Kurt knew from long experience was that a cavalry charge seldom stops at its intended target, especially when led by a high lord such as Duke Otto. The discipline the Lords expected of their underlings seldom seemed to be applicable to themselves. Soon, Otto’s bodyguard were fighting in the middle of the enemy front line, amid the lances of the Saracen foot. Kurt looked in alarm as he spotted Otto surrounded by a sea of enemy spears…

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Oh my God, thought Kurt, oh my God - my first day on his bodyguard and I am going to see the Chancellor get himself killed. Christ Almighty, the Kaiser will never forgive me! The veteran warrior spurred his horse into the mass of the Egyptian foot, hacking and slashing, desperately trying to reach the isolated Chancellor.

But when Kurt finally reached the Chancellor, he saw him laughing, casually striking blows left and right. Then Kurt looked at the Egyptians milling around them - the fight had gone out of them. While the many enemy infantry could have easily unhorsed the two German knights, the only thought of the Egyptians was to get away from them, from the battle. It was over.

*****

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Kurt later learnt that the Kaiser’s entry into Jerusalem had been uneventful. The Egyptian governor had attempted to stop the crusaders in the narrow city streets. But the Germans had simply formed schiltron and the governor’s mounted bodyguard was quickly despatched.

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After the battle, the Chancellor warmly thanked Kurt for his keen eyes and for his coming to his master’s assistance, even if it was not required.

“I have a special assignment for you.” The Chancellor said to Kurt. “The Kaiser has ordered a Teutonic knight to join the retinue of every crusading general here in Jerusalem. I want to return the favour - I want you to join the Kaiser’s bodyguard.”

Kurt bowed deeply, rendered speechless by the honour. As the pair approached the Kaiser, sitting in the main hall of the palace of Jerusalem, the Chancellor discretely pointed out one of the courtiers, a tall commanding figure with a long black cloak:

“There is one man in particular I want you to keep an eye on….”

*****

The butcher's bill:

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OOC: For OK:

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**OverKnight** · 05-12-2007, 01:09

The Battle North of Acre, 1196

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Otto looked down at the Egyptian force bathed in moonlight. "They're growing desperate Jonas. As soon as their men are trained they're sent against us, and without cavalry or bowmen."

Count von Mahren looked at the Chancellor impassively, "The sooner we kill them, the sooner I can take the first ship home. The Crusade is over, the Pope has Jerusalem and our work is done. I wish to see Franconia again."

Otto grimaced and rubbed the scar on his face. His body ached, new wounds and old ones were laced across it, testament to the hard fighting of the past few years. Sighing, Otto replied, "I understand your desire to return home, to rest. I too yearn to see the Alps again, to see snow in winter, but I would say our work here has just begun. We must defend Jerusalem and carve out a place for the Reich to do it. This is not the last army of infidels we will face."

Jonas grunted, unconvinced, "Maybe for you Chancellor, but it is for me. Now let's be done with it."

Otto shook his head and spit, "There's no challenge to this. We'll have our foot hold their line while the cavalry will take them in the flank and rear. An old trick, but I'll keep doing it until they learn."

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The lines closed on each other as the cavalry took up flanking positions. The lines met in a clash of metal.

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Then the cavalry took the Egyptians from behind, and the rout was on.

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The last man was brought down, none escaped.

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An offer of ransom was refused. The prisoners were put to the sword.

The Butcher's Bill:

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Now, for Otto the way was clear to Antioch, and for Jonas, home.

**Ignoramus** · 05-17-2007, 00:11

*placeholder*

**FactionHeir** · 05-20-2007, 14:06

Battle on the hills of Adana, 1208

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Hans had been pursuing the enemy ever since they abandoned their siege of Adana, Mandorf's resting place. It was clear why they dared not fight him with Adana's garrison as reinforcements, for the enemy had mustered only spearmen and a few horse archers. Admittedly the Turks also brought along an entire siege train, but what good were catapults and ballistae against good German steel and commitment, Hans thought to himself. His men were weary from the long march across the hills, so Hans decided to give a short speech to inspire his men for the upcoming battle.

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As he surveyed the hill covered landscape, he decided to position his force atop the largest one to the west, leaving his enemy to likely deploy in the valley beneath him or at the far north west. His tactical move seemed to play out nicely as he noticed the first few Turkish banners crop up beneath him.

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Hans waited and watched his enemy reform below, wondering whether they would dare move up the hill to face him or whether he would have to order his knights down the slope. It seemed that the Turks currently had no intention of coming to him, so Hans moved his men closer towards the battleline, allowing his Armenians to start unloading their arrows onto the heathens.

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It was not until long that the Islamic horde realized that they would have to come to him or be shot to pieces by his archers, and their horse archers started galopping up the steep slope. Hans watched in amusement as these hapless horsemen were dismounted by the rain of his Armenians' arrows. As he turned to survey the rest of the battlefield, Hans suddenly heard some clamor coming from the main bulk of the Turks, followed by the searing heat of fireballs flying over his position, one of them hitting the few Teuton veterans he had brought along, with devastating effect.

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So it seems these catapults do have some use in the open. But not for long he decided, and sent his cavalry down the hill right into the Turk's right flank, followed by his brother Elberhard on his right and a regiment of Feudals each with them.

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The Turkish archers, already dismayed by the loss of their kin to the hail of arrows immediately started to lose heart and rout as they noticed that the Germans had decided to charge them head-on.
Hans ordered the Feudals to follow the horse archers to see them off the field while he and his brother went straight for the artillery.

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As they slaughtered the crews unopposed, stopping the rain of fireballs, Hans could see exactly why: The entire Turkish army, or rather what remained of it, was charging uphill against his heavily fortified position, with their general leading the charge.

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Hans could only laugh loudly at this tactical mistake and ordered his Feudals to give up chase and charge the rear of the Turkish infantry instead while motioning for his infantry to surround the heathen noble. He was not sure whether they could see his waving of not, but Adalberth, who he had left in command with the Teutons, must have been thinking the same, for the general was quickly surrounded and unhorsed.

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Once the heathens noticed their general had shown cowardice and surrended to the Germans, they all broke and fled for the hills from whence they came. Hans and his knights managed to capture all the cowards save the horse archers which his heavy cavalry was not capable of pursuing.

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---

Hans looked up from the letter Adalberth had handed him. It was indeed a grim day that the Turks refused to pay the ransom for their captured general and just about 400 of their men. As Hans could not risk letting them run free and threaten the infant outremer kingdom, he ordered them to be put to the sword.

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Afterwards, he wrote a letter to his father, among other issues, detailing the events that passed on this day.

---

As Hans held the newly arrived letter in his hands and skimmed through the lines, he motioned for Adalberth to call in his brother, Elberhard. So father allows me to do it, I am glad. As Elberhard entered his tent, Hans rose, ordered Elberhard to kneel, and spoke: "Elberhard of Swabia, for your services to the empire and your valor in battle, I hereby promote you to knight of the empire. Rise, Knight Elberhard of Swabia, and walk with pride."

**econ21** · 05-21-2007, 13:48

Outside of Acre, 1208

Kurt Altman looked at Henry watching the Egyptian army approach. The Kaiser was in a dark mood and had become unreadable. The veteran warrior turned followed his master’s eyes to observe the enemy. Both Egyptian and Imperial armies were trying to claim a central hill in the middle of the battleground outside Acre. However, it was clear that neither side would achieve uncontested control of the hill before their two lines met. This was going to be a messy meeting engagement.

“Where is Otto?” barked Henry. “The man should be here by now!”

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Henry spoke harshly to Kurt: “Put the pavise crossbowmen in front, I want them to get a clear shot at the enemy.”

Duke Otto had organised the training of many pavise crossbowmen in Acre – it was to be one of the few advantages the Imperials had over the Egyptians in the battle.

Kurt looked at his Kaiser with ill concealed apprehension. Henry snarled back. “Yes, yes, Kurt. I know what you are thinking. Just make sure the heavy infantry are close behind this time.”

The rebuke stung the veteran warrior – Henry was blaming him for the mishap during the opening of the battle for Antioch. Forget about it, focus on the enemy, Kurt told himself. The Egyptians approached – like the Imperial army, they had regiments of Turcopoles on each flank. Unlike the Imperial army, the Egyptians pushed aggressively forward with theirs.

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Kurt saw the enemy Turcopoles approach so close he could see the whites of their eyes.

“Charge!” Kurt heard Henry roar. Damn it, thought Kurt, it has gotten to the point where the Kaiser cannot see an enemy before he launches into a precipitous charge! Who is going to command the army while Henry is galvinating off? There is no Ulrich here today to pick up the pieces.

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Carried away by the ferocious charge, Kurt could not observe what was happening in the centre of the battle. The Imperial line was assaulted by three regiments of Tabardariyya, fierce axe-wielding guards of the Sultan.

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The battle was in the balance.

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The Kaiser’s own charge had lost impetus and he withdrew his escort to regroup and reform. In the temporary calm, he ordered that all his knights - other than his own escort - make for the rear of the Egyptian lines and hunt down the Egyptian general, Nasir ad Din.

“And send a rider to Duke Otto. He must come here at full speed, we need him now, not tomorrow!”

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Kurt’s keen eyes could make out the contest at the rear of the enemy lines. It was not going well. Closer to home, in front of him several regiments of spear wielding Saracen militia were massing to attack.

Henry roared in frustration: “Forwards!”, charging forwards once more towards the enemy.

To Kurt’s horror, the spears of the Saracens were braced when the charge hit home. A bitter struggle developed. Even Henry realised the inefficiency of the engagement and ordered his escort to retire once more.

“Pull out, Sire, pull out!” Shouted Kurt, but as his escort retreated, the Kaiser stubbornly remained at the rear, alone and hacking at the Saracen spearmen.

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When the Kaiser finally retired, one of Otto’s aides had arrived. The Duke and his escort had arrived at the side of the Kaiser’s men, riding at full speed.

“Tell your master to charge, now!” the Kaiser barked at the Duke’s liaison.

The aide looked at the lines of Saracen spearmen facing the German cavalry and said tremulously:

“You wish my master to charge into a spear wall?”

“Damn it, don’t question me, fool! Tell Duke Otto to find an opening in their lines or make one!”

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Kurt watched anxiously as his old master, Duke Otto, led his escort in a furious charge into a small gap in the Egyptian lines. However, the enemy were not caught napping and a regiment of Saracen spearmen on the Duke’s flank charged to try to close the opening.

In horror, Kurt saw his old Duke had been snared by a mob of enemy spearmen.

“Sire, the Duke!” Kurt called out to the Kaiser.

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For a second, Kurt thought he saw a mask fall from Henry’s face, as the grim façade cracked and a sliver of vulnerable humanity broke through. Henry strained to make out the form of Duke Otto, hacking and slashing at the Saracen militia surrounding him. For that brief moment, it looked to Kurt as if the Kaiser feared losing everything – risked losing his soul.

Henry cried in anguish: “Pull back men, with me! We ride to the Duke’s aid!” The Kaiser turned to Kurt “Bring our Turcomans in, God damn it. We pay them to fight – let’s see them fight.”

Kurt raised his sword to signal understanding and then rode to call the fleet footed Turcomans to charge into the rear of the Saracens mobbing the Duke.

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By the time Kurt had cut his way to Duke Otto’s side, the battle had swung decisively in favour of the Reich. Otto’s veterans – Kurt’s old friends – had smashed the Saracen militia. Now the Egyptian army was streaming to the rear in rout. Only a few determined bands of Tabardariyya had reformed and continued to cause mischief.

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Kurt noticed the wound on Duke Otto’s leg, but then heard Henry call out:

“Otto! Nasir ad Din has slain my young knights! I would have my vengeance!”

Kurt looked appalled as in pain Otto raised his head. The Kaiser had looked so alarmed at losing the Duke a moment ago, and now he was sending him wounded on the most dangerous mission of the battle? As Otto closed his visor, it was not possible to see the wounded Duke’s expression, but as he turned and led his men off, his body language oozed reluctance, disdain and hurt.

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After the battle, Kurt gingerly approached the Kaiser:

“My Lord, Duke Otto is injured. Will you see him?”

Henry spoke callously: “It is but a leg wound. You may attend to your old master in Acre. I have business in Jerusalem.”

Kurt watched the darkened face of his master, as he turned and cantered over to a black cloaked figure waiting on the road to Jerusalem.

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**OverKnight** · 05-23-2007, 02:38

The Assault on Jerusalem, 1210

Otto stood south of Jerusalem, gazing at the huge city while his newly promoted Master Archer, Jan, and his Teutonic Knight, Lucas, stood with him. Dark clouds hung over the Holy City as if to highlight its state of unrest. The Muslim residents had thrown off the authority of the Pope, and Kaiser Henry, much to Otto's surprise, had ordered him to take back the city in the name of the Church.

Jan, leaning on his bow, spoke up, "So, your Majesty, how are we to take the city with two rams and a siege tower?"

There was a tinge of levity mixed with respect in his voice and Otto chuckled and rubbed the scar on his face.

"It is quite simple Jan, I will order the Saracens to open the gates. They will have no choice but to obey their rightful King."

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"Don't call me 'your Majesty' anyway Jan. I am grateful for the title, but we'll have to see what the Diet thinks about it in the next session. Besides, you've been with me since we took Bern, you knew me when I was an appallingly eager young Ritter."

"As for how we're to take the city with what has been left to us, each of us will take a gate. Jan, you will take the depleted unit of Pavise Crossbowmen and a unit of Turkopoles and deploy the siege tower at the east gate. Use the same tactic we employed at Bern, hold the attention of any rebel units holding the gate for as long as you can, when they withdraw to respond to the other attacks, take the gate and join in for what's left of the fighting."

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Otto turned to Captain Lucas, the Teuton. The man had stood aloof from the joking. Otto had once berated him in front of his fellow sworn knights over the affair with Count Hans, and they were not old friends. Still Otto had seen potential in him after the dash through Hungary. He had requested him when the Teutonic order had offered him a liasion after the city had been taken for the first time.

"Lucas, you shall lead one of our rams, half the infantry and crossbowmen and the other unit of Turcopoles against the South Gate. You are to attack as soon as we are deployed."

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"I will take the rest of the army and the remaining ram and attack the west gate."

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"Our numbers are almost equal with the rebels, but the quality of our men is greater. By spreading out the enemy I hope to exploit our superiority all at once so we overwhelm them and sustain less casualties. Not only do we have to take the city, we have to hold it once were done. If we're bled too much we won't be able to."

Lucas spoke up.

"Your Majesty," he said without irony, "If one of the rams burn, what should we do? What if they both do?"

Otto nodded grimly, "It is a concern. If a ram burns, the men assigned to that gate will move to the next. If both burn, we'll fall back to the tower. The rest is in God's hands."

As if on cue, it began to rain.

Otto looked up and smiled as water trailed down his face.

"It's not exactly a burning cross in the sky, but it'll keep the rams wet. I'll take it."

Turning back to his retinue, he spoke in a more serious tone, "You have your orders, deploy your men. God willing we shall meet in the center of the city."

-----

Otto's force, while losing some men to arrow fire, breached the gate and ran off the cavalry unit guarding it.

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Captain Lucas had a harder time of it at the south gate, he was met by spearmen. The fighting was very fierce.

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The melee was in the balance until the rebel leader was slain.

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The rebels fled back to the main square, with the Imperials in pursuit.

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Succesive waves of spearmen, horsemen, and camel riders broke themselves against Otto's men as they advanced on the square. Otto, glad to be back in the field, was very active in the fight.

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Jan held the attention of the two spear units holding the east gate as long as he could. When they departed to respond to the advancing forces to the south and west, he took the gate.

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A grim battle developed in the main square of Jerusalem as Otto and Lucas met. The rebels, their morale restored and bolstered by the two units from the east, were putting up a determined resistance. There would be no yielding today, they would make the Empire bleed if they could.

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While Otto was winning, the fight in the sqaure was turning into a battle of attrition. If this continued there might not be enough men to hold the city.

But then unexpected help came from the east.

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The Turcopoles charged into the back of the rebel spearmen and broke their cohesion. Sorrounded, they doggedly fought on, but their numbers were waning.

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They Saracens fought to the last man.

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Otto, Jan and Lucas did indeed meet in the center of the city. As Otto was congratulating his retinue a member of the city's Christian population approached him.

"My lord, you are truly the guardian of this city. Please take these relics we hid from the rebels with our thanks."

The man handed Otto a small chest. After he had left, Otto opened it. Inside were a number of relics suspiciously similar to the ones presented to Kaiser Henry when he had taken the city, who knew if they were real.

Seeing the last item in the chest, Otto let out a very un-Christian oath.

It was a Chalice.

-----

The Christian and Jewish quarters of the city were spared, for Otto would not harm his fellow Catholics and he remembered the Jewish Physician who had skillfully healed his leg. The Muslim quarter, however, was sacked for 18,000 florins. 3,000 who had aided the rebels lost their lives.

The Butcher's Bill:

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**TevashSzat** · 05-24-2007, 03:22

The Assault of Rheims 1216

Duke Scherer stood outside of the city of Rheims laughing at what he has hearing from his advisors. Preliminary reports said that the city was only held by a few hundred militiamen along with some ballistas. The French sent a quick reinforcement group which is camped nearby but it only consisted of some poorly trained peasantry and some cheaply bought mercenary.

He wanted the battle to go perfectly well; Rheims was going to be the first French city captured by him and did not want much blood of his men on his hands. The battle was all but won the night before given his numerical superiority, but the Duke and his advisors planned a little bit extra for the French.

As noon broke, final preperations were set for the assault. The assault was to occur simultaneously on two sides of the city wall. The cavalry of the army was to destroy and reinforcements while the infantry takes the city.

As soon as the battle started, something surprising occurred. There was no derfenders at the southern wall of the city leaving no opposition to the troops bearing ladders and battering rams. French reinforcements came quickly, but they were too little and too late and was overran quickly by cavalry. Once the walls were taken and the gates down, the elite infantry was sent through the city taking out any opposition while the cavalry rode down and took the lightly defended city square.

Later in the evening, Duke Scherer allowed his men to have a night's rest and loot the city as they saw fit.

Casualties:

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**Dutch_guy** · 05-25-2007, 12:04

Battle placeholder for the massive battle near Krakow.

**FactionHeir** · 06-06-2007, 11:36

Assault on the citadel of Sofia, 1228 AD

Hans grabbed the note from the ragged messenger and gestured to Dirk to pay him. Inpatiently, he scrolled it open and read the few lines that had been scribbled rather hastily onto it.
Good Hans thought out loud, managing to raise Adalberth's eyebrow. "It is time we pressed on to capture Sofia", spoke Hans "tell the men to break camp." "My young lord, how are we to take this mighty citadel without any siege equipment if I may ask?" Adalberth looked clearly confused. "This message my good man is from our spy within. He has managed to put the guard captain to sleep and steal his uniform. The gates are wide open for us." "Oh, then we should truly make haste."
It had been a long journey from the hills to the east to this castle. Truly impressive were Hans first thoughts when he had seen it. It would be his first time attacking such a well defended place, for Hungarian reinforcements were rumored to be arriving from north west and both the citadel and the reinforcements would exclusively be knights on foot.

Hans did not wish to lose valuable time on long speeches and decided to only speak of bravery so his men would stand their ground against the hard odds that they were facing. His mounted knights and crossbowmen would be of little help this day and his spearmen would at best be able to hold their ground against the enemy prince - if they even got that far.

After his short speech, Hans held up high the grail that he had received from his father and asked his men "Do you know what this is, soldiers of the empire? This is the most holy grail and it is rumored that it will grant vigor and salvation to any chivalrous man who gives his best in battle, whatever the odds!" His men would need all the encouragement they could get, for today would be a long battle. Hans walked over to the Feudal knights to his right and gave the commander orders to ride as quickly as he could to the northwest to intercept the Hungarian reinforcements before they would reach the citadel. To the mailed knights, he commanded to stand their ground and screen against any armies that could have been missed in their back. Hans would not be taking any chances today.

As usual, Hans put himself at the front of his army and rode through the widely opened first gate, his infantry far behind him, and decided to charge the first best target he could see: a regiment of dismounted chivalric knights, ignoring the feudals scrambling for the inner gate.

The Chivalric knights quickly ran up the small hill surrounding the walls to prevent being impaled completely, and only a quarter of their men fell to the initial charge.

However, they were distraught over the masses of German infantry pouring through the entrance gate and their comrades running for their lives and started to flee.

Hans pursued and captured every one of them while ordering his infantry to keep moving forward and take the second gate.

Meanwhile, the tired Feudal knights were in the vincinity of the reinforcements.

The commander urged his knights to charge the footknight regiment with which the enemy captain travelled with success: The captain was impaled by an Imperial lance immediately, but his men did not flee, contrary to what the commander had expected.

Back in the citadel, some knights were still on the battlements manning the towers that shot mercilessly at his men, but as they noticed how the gates fell, they abandoned their positions and headed for the inner gate. They were intercepted and surrounded by Hans' men, yet put up a good fight, not a single one of them abandoning their oath to their nation.

The Feudal knight commander kept charging his knights into the flanks of his enemy and finally, some of them started to break and run even faster towards the citadel. "Damnation" he shouted and urged his men to fight even harder, but several knights got entangled and fell to the footknights. Eventually, all of the reinforcements routed except for the leaderless footknight regiment at the front which made it through the gate and now held its ground against the mounted knights. After what seemed like hours, the footknights had yet to lose more than a handful of men while the feudal knights were starting to waver as their commander was struck and fell off his horse. The second in command quickly had the knights retreat out the citadel, causing the footknights to cheer and march on towards the citadel's main plaza: A mistake, for the second in command was no fool and his feint worked perfectly, as he charged into the rear of the footknights, finally routing them.

Hans was the first to ride through the last gate of this wretched citadel. I had never expected this place to be this big he noted to himself. My men look weary, I wonder whether they will hold up against the fresh troops in the plaza, who are fighting for their lives, their homes, their fortune. But this was no time for doubts as he clenched his fists around his sword and ordered his men to charge the Magyar prince head on.

Hans motioned to his crossbowmnen to screen off the enemy footknights coming down the walls so they would not be able to interfere, albeit at a high cost to these meek missile troops.

Adalberth, at the back of Hans' entourage shouted to the spearmen to run faster and infiltrate the ranks of the prince's bodyguard, which they did under heavy casualties. It was worth it however as soon half the bodyguard lay dead on the floor.

Hans meanwhile ordered his footknights to run around the back of the enemy and strike their rear.

The results were devastating, even though his footknights were exhausted. Enemy knights fell like petals from a rose under blows from German steel.

However not all was well at the other side of the citadel, for the Feudal knights, while pursuing the cowardly reinforcements ran into a footknight ambush at the second inner gate and fell quickly to their blades, running for their lives.

Hans however did not know what was happening at the other end of the citadel. All he cared about was to bring down the enemy prince and claim victory this day. It would not be long that his wish be fulfilled as the prince, struck both by Hans and several footknights fell from his horse.

Without their leader and the Germans having finally managed to mount their flag on top of the citadel, the remaining knights accepted their fate and surrended to Hans.

**TinCow** · 06-07-2007, 02:09

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"GONE?! What do you mean they are gone?!"

The Austrian peasant gulped, confusion clouding his face.

"M'lord...?"

Lothar Steffen grabbed the man by his shirt and yanked him forward.

"WHERE?!"

"Er... uh... Ea... East. M'lord. East, m'lord."

The Bavarian youth let out a bellow of rage; his face crimson and his veins throbbing. He shoved the peasant away forcefully, then turned and looked towards the rising sun. The man stumbled and fell into the dirt. He was too stunned to stand up. Why is he not happy? The Hungarian army is gone! It is certain victory.

The eldest of the Steffen brothers turned back to the dirty form sprawled on the ground. "How many are left?"

"Uh, not many m'lord. Not many at all. Just ruffians and merchants, no proper soldiers. Some with bows, some with axes, and a small mounted contingent." The man's eyes flicked over the ranks of armored knights and spearmen standing stretching down the road. "Nothing to compare with your men, m'lord."

Lothar Steffen scream in frustration.

It cannot be like this! Not like this! This was to be my grand blooding! The battle that would bring me fame and glory. A fearless General and his small group of loyal soldiers facing insurmountable odds against a vicious foe! All for the salvation of the innocent citizens of the Reich!

Lothar spat on the ground.

Outnumbered three to one! Hell, even two to one would have sounded good in the taverns. We outnumber them now two to one. How can I ever receive a Knighthood for a squabble like this? No one in the Diet will even notice the battle!

He shook his head and stared at the horizon. Smoke from the early morning fires could be seen rising from the distant smudge that was Zagreb. Smoke from cooking fires. The city was waking; breakfast was being prepared.

I have already left a large host behind to prove myself. If taking a small host was enough to get me noticed once, perhaps it will work again.

The Bavarian turned back to the peasant. He was on his feet again and was attempting to brush the dirt from what passed for his clothing.

"You."

The man stopped and looked up, a wary expression on his face.

"Yes, you. Go back to the city. Find some vagabonds and tell them that I will pay each of them half a silver florin if they open all of the city gates when my men come."

The peasant bowed. "Y.. Yes m'lord." He paused. "Now, m'lord?"

"YES BLOODY NOW!" Lothar put his hand on his scabbard and started to draw his sword, but the man was already off and running. The teenager turned to his lieutenants.

"Split the regiments into three groups. Send one each to the North, East, and South gates of the city. I want them to take the gatehouses and prevent anyone from fleeing the city."

One of the men cocked his head. "What of the west gate?"

"I will enter at the west gate with my personal guard. I will deal with the garrison personally. Once the gates are secured and you are sure that none can slip pass, advance through the streets towards the town square. Herd all the Hungarians you can find towards that spot, but do not, DO NOT, attack them. Do you understand me?"

The men all nodded. "Good, now go!"

One way or another, I am going to have my glory.

...

The gates pealed open before him, just as expected. He didn't even have to slow his mount to a walk. The first man into the city, that should count for something.

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He paused momentary when he cleared the walls. Turning his head from side to side, Lothar realized quickly that there was no opposition to be found. He let out another yelp of frustration. "FIND ME SOMEONE TO KILL!"

They rode through the city, making as much noise as possible. Austrian heads poked out of windows to see what the commotion was about. After several minutes, the commoners started vanishing quickly, followed by the sound of crossboards being thrown across doors and windows. When they rounded the next corner, they found a large group of mounted swordsmen facing them. Lothar shrieked with joy and charged.

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He had fought dozens of opponents in hundreds of individual combats during his short life, but it had always been with blunted practice weapons; the killing blow held back. Now, for the first time, he felt the added resistance as his sword dug into a body. He looked into the face of his wounded opponent and saw disbelief. He pulled back his arm and marveled at the extra strength required to drag his blade from its living scabbard. The dying wish to keep the instrument of their demise. Blood fountained.

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Lothar laughed and turned to find his next victim. The Hungarian horse outnumbered his men two to one, but they were poorly trained. Half of them fell before the first of his own bodyguard was unhorsed. Through the din of battle, the pounding of boots could be heard further down the street. A large body of unarmored archers turned the corner and saw the battle. They drew long, curved swords rushed to support their horsemen. Lothar whooped with glee and kicked his horse into the thickest part of the melee.

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Metal rang on metal. The shrieks of death surrounded him, echoing off the walls of the city. Echoing... He turned in his saddle and saw a group of Hungarian axemen assaulting a wall of Bavarian knights in the town square. His regiments had completed their cordon and arrived in the city as ordered. Despite the long axes, the Hungarians were not faring well. There were nearly fifty bodies scattered in the square and Lothar could not see a single Imperial uniform amongst them. They are dying too fast! They must fight harder!

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He pulled back from the lines and galloped to his knights. "Pull back! Let them have the square! Do not attack these men!" The Bavarians looked at him and hesitated. He pointed his bloodied sword at the nearest knight. "I SAID PULL BACK!" He did not wait to see them comply, the axemen were going nowhere and his bodyguard were still heavily engaged. Only moments after he rejoined the struggle, the remaining horsemen broke and attempted to flee.

"STAND AND FIGHT! STAND AND FIGHT YOU COWARDLY BASTARDS!" Lothar began cutting down the fleeing Hungarians, but none would face him. His men followed suit and soon every last mounted foe was down. He turned his full fury on the archers, who were falling even faster than their brethren had. "Fight like men damn you!"

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More footsteps thundered on the pavement and two regiments of Bavarian foot appeared in the rear of the Hungarians. Lothar gestured at them frantically. "DO NOT ATTACK! STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND HOLD YOUR GROUND! GODDAMN IT I SAID HOLD YOUR GROUND!" By this point his own guards were beginning to look at him warily. I will have my battle and the rest be damned!

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But the young general's bloodlust was too much for the Hungarians and they attempted to flee as well. Lothar screamed in frustration. "No quarter! No quarter!" Another massacre began.

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After a few moments, only the handful of axemen in the town square were left standing. They had slain over a hundred men, yet only seven of his personal guard were down. The axemen were trapped, they lined up in an orderly rows, a last ditch attempt at a protective battle line. Lothar's guard rode in to engage them.

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They put up more of a fight than the cavalry and the archers, felling eight horsemen in the first moments of the melee, but their weapons were slow and unwieldy. Once they stuck in a body, they were nearly impossible to remove. Thus vulnerable after their initial success, the Hungarians were butchered like the rest.

It took Lothar a few moments to realize there was no one left to fight. I have won! I have won a great victory! I have personally slaughtered an entire army. He looked around the town square. It was covered with the bodies of the Hungarian dead. They were clad like peasants and their weapons were crude.

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Lothar dismounted and tried to walk, but the thick tangle of limbs made him stumble and reel. Why are they not celebrating? My men should be celebrating... I... He staggered, his arm outstretched, before collapsing to his knees. Can't breathe... He tore off his helmet and gulped air into his lungs. It took him several moments to notice the stench. He was a victorious warrior, the bodies of his slain enemies lying scattered around him like cut wheat. A few still writhed and moaned. Glory... He vomited.

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**Ituralde** · 06-07-2007, 19:15

Damascus, 1228:

PART I:

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Night had descended over the desert just east of Damascus and already the chill of the night had descended. Leopold moved uncomfortably, the chill being amplified by his armour. Slowly he turned his head around to gaze upon the columns of soldiers beside him. Many of them carrying the white Coat of those that had taken up the cross. It filled him with pride to see these men marching alongside him, but as he looked ahead he was also filled with dread.

Aradai the Wrathful was known to be a great general and as he surveyed the Mongol Horde before him he couldn't help but appreciate his adversary. His army did not seem surprised but was instead well prepared and had taken up a defensive position near a steep hill. His infantry deployed in the front while a large screen of Cavalry could just be made out stretching across the horizon.
Henry hadn't lied when he had cautioned Leopold to attack those Mongols head on.

Lifting a hand lazily he gave the sign to advance. There was nothing for them but to advance. Leopold was on the left flank along with most of the Cavalry while Fredericus von Hamburg had taken to the right. As he looked to his right he saw Rainer and gave a brief smile: "Let's see what these Mongols are mad of, ey? I bet they bleed just the same when our steel greets them!"

And thus the German line advanced steadily under the defensive fire of the Mongol Infantry. Their arrows lighting the sky and taking a deadly toll among the Imperial troops.

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Soon both lines met at the foot of the hill. Suddenly Leopold realized that this was quite a steep incline and with Mongols fighting every inch of the way it would be an ordeal to take it from them. Raising his sword high above him he ordered his escort to charge. Accompanied by two hundred Crusader Knights the earth trembled as the Heavy Knights advanced on the Mongol position.

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After the initial shock the advance was quickly stalled and with arrows peppering the Knights back every inch was gained at a high cost of Christian blood that soon covered the slope making it treacherous footing that slowed the advance even more.

The right flank under Fredericus von Hamburg had a lighter incline and thus could advance quicker and soon the Mongols were surrounded. Led by Aradai the Wrathful they were not going to give in.

Many German warriors died, before the Imperial Knights had finally gained the height and were able to slaughter Aradai in close combat. Finally the resistance had been broken and without their fear of Aaradais wrath the remaining Mongols soon fled the field. All that was left, was a field of carnage.

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A lot of Germans had paid a steep price for this initial victory against the Horse Lords.

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Wearily Leopold rode forward to meet Fredericus von Hamburg amids the carnage: "You fought well today, but thas only been the first step. Tomorrow our true goal awaits us. The Mongol Khan and his heir! You have shown bravery and could leave now, an honourable man."

He looked at Fredericus expectingly and then nodded: "I wouldn't have thought anything else. I am glad to have you at my side tomorrow!"

As von Hamburg retreated, Rainer rode up to his master: "What do we do with the prisoners, mein Herr?"

"Kill them, we can not bother to guard them and the last thing their Khan will receive from me is a call for ransom!"

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**Ituralde** · 06-07-2007, 20:29

Damascus ,1228:

Part II

I am Gerhardt von Schenk, the biographer of Duke Leopold of Austria.
This is the story of his death:

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After thoroughly defeating the Mongol invasors led by Aradai the Wrathful in a bloody night battle, Leopold continued to march on their Khan Jebuk and his Heir Khanzada Batudhun who were besieging Damascus, goal of the Second Imperial Crusade, which was led by Duke Leopold of Austria!

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Battle was met just East of the city, where a large cliffside dominated the battlefield. Through his superior maneuvering and tactical knowledge of the land, Duke Leopold was able to field his men on top of the cliff, while sturdy German warriors protected the right and left flanks.

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The foolish Khan Jebuk knew that he was doomed should Leopold the Mighty decide to attack. Desperately he sent his warriors in to defeat the stout Christian followers of my master in a headlong assault. The Imperial line held firm against the onslaught.

On their right flank!

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And on their left flank!

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As Leopold the Honourable saw Khan Jebuk approaching he ordered his men to join battle with the leader of his enemies. He rushed his Cavalry forward and fought against the heathen Horse Lords!
Such was the ferocity of his attack that soon all of Jebuk the Cowards bodyguard had perished, and giving true meaning to his name, the Great Khan of the Mongol Horde decided to flee the battlefield.

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Duke Leopolds men were quicker though and overtook and captured him!
His Ornate Armour could not save him from German steel!

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With their Khan captured it now lay with his Heir Khanzada to defeat the Imperial Crusade. His forces at come in on the Imperial right flank and were now pushing to get through. Spurred onwards by his recent success, Leopold the Brave stormed forward to attack Khanzada Batundhun the Unsuccessful.

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It was a brief fight and soon Khandaza Batundhun was surrounded and followed his Khan into Imperial emprisonment. The tide of battle had turned and Duke Leopold the Chivalrous charged his knights headlong into the next enemies and into the next after that. Spurring his men onward to defeat each and every Mongol left on the field.

It was at this moment when a stray arrow hit Duke Leopold the Healthy through his visor, taking out one of his eyes. Blinded in such way he fought on mercilessly against the Mongols surrounding him, slaying away and sending hundreds of them to the grave!
His arm tired though and the Mongols had him surrounded. Not able to see his opponents clearly Leopold the Merciless was overwhelmed and killed by those marauding dogs!

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Encouraged by the death of their greatest leader the Imperial forces surged onward and killed every Mongol they could find, earning the Reich a Clear Victory over the Mongol heathens!

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Fredericus von Hamburg was with my formes master to all of this and fought bravely at his side. For these services he shall forever be known as Fredericus the Brave!

Once the battle was over, the Mongol prisoners were rounded up. Fredericus who had now taken command was still contemplating what to do with his foes when Rainer, the most trusted of my masters bodyguards arrived from the field of battle, carrying with him the mutilated body of Duke Leopold.

As he saw the men before him that were responsible for his death he dismounted, took the sword of my master, he had gathered from the field and advanced on Khan Jebuk filled with righteous fury. One swift stroke was all it took to behead the leader of our foes. A second beheaded Khanzada Batudhun. Seeing this, our soldiers let their emotions run free and slaughtered those Horse Lords foolish enough to surrender to the Imperial might!

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**OverKnight** · 06-08-2007, 05:54

"Don't you dare throw your life away!"

Otto looked up from sharpening his sword, his last task before going into battle. Normally, his wife's rages bemused him, but not now. Otto had been in a black mood since learning of Leopold's death.

"The Mongols must be stopped," Otto replied, continuing to scrape the whetstone on the blade, "Leopold must be avenged."

Otto's flat, grim voice matched the sound of stone on steel.

"Why now Otto? Wait a year, let the horselord come to you. This is madness! Leopold rode willingly to his death, why should you follow him?"

In reply, the stone continued to travel along the sword edge, unceasing.

"Yes, he was a great general, but he's dead, what good is any of this for him now?"

The grate of stone on steel continued.

"Let Khan Jebe continue to Jerusalem, face him there, and gain the gratitude of the Pope. They will ally with us again. Think!!!"

Otto continued to hone the blade to a fine edge.

"Listen to me you fool! Honor will only get you killed!"

Otto stood abruptly. Casting the stone aside, he glared at Elsebeth with a naked sword in his hand. The Princess stood her ground, staring at her husband.

Otto sheathed his sword, his expression grim again, "I am not a fool, Elsebeth, I am a coward."

"Ah, so it's pride then, not honor. Would you die to prove a point to a dead man?"

Otto gently took Elsebeth by the shoulders.

"One way or the other, my dear, I'm running out of time. The Mongols must be stopped. Leopold must be avenged. Outremer must be defended. I must strike now."

Elsebeth bit her lip and looked away.

"That's not true! There's still time! Years!"

Otto leaned in and kissed his wife.

"Of course, I must go, I'll try not to die."

----

The Battle of Galilee, 1228

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Otto scanned the terrain east of the Sea of Galilee. The situation was not good. The Mongols had the high ground, 14 units capable of withering missile fire from that hill and superior numbers and quality in cavalry.

Otto turned to his Lieutenants, Jan the Master Archer and Lucas the Teuton.

"Jan, since we'll be marching uphill, the crossbowmen will be deployed in front of the infantry line in a loose formation. That way, they can shoot more effectively with a flat trajectory and not risk harming our own men. I hope putting them in a skirmish line will cut down on casualties from the Mongols' arrows. You must emphasize to them that no matter what happens, they are to stand and fight if attacked."

Jan nodded, but looked a bit doubtful. Otto turned to Lucas, who would be commanding the cavalry.

"You Sir, are to gather the Knights and Turkopoles on the right flank. They're outnumbered, but maybe we can create a local superiority. I hope the crossbowmen will be enough to protect our left flank."

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"By putting the crossbowmen out in front, I'm hoping to lure the enemy to us, rather than have us slog uphill to them. Still, if we have to attack, we'll focus on their lancers and infantry. Trying to chase down their horse archers while the first two are still in play would be suicidal."

Otto looked at his two commanders sternly and spoke in a fell tone, "We must kill Khan Jebe at all costs. Even if we are defeated, if he dies, the Mongol forces in the Levant will collapse."

----

The Mongols did not take the bait and Otto was forced to march his men uphill until the crossbowmen were in range.

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Two units of Mongol Heavy Horse Archers took advantage of the lack of a cavalry screen on the left flank and engaged three units of the Pavise Crossbowmen in a long range duel.

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The Mongols got the worst of it and Jebe decided to advance some of his footmen to balance the scales. The losses began to mount among the crossbowmen and Otto decided to advance his infantry line to compensate.

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The Mongols footmen began to withdraw to their original positions. Otto, frustrated that they would not advance to meet him on his terms, rode ahead of the infantry to goad Jebe into a mistake.

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Reining in his horse in front of the Mongols, Otto yelled, "Khhaaaaan! Khan Jebe! Come and fight me you coward! Are you frightened? I'm all alone. Will you not face me in a duel?!"

The Mongol lines did not move.

Otto, hoping that Elsebeth would not hear about it, decided to use a more direct method.

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Otto and his retainers killed many archers, but the Mongols again did not take the bait. Losing some men, and arrow bit himself, Otto ordered the infantry to advance while the Mongol foot archers were still retreating.

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The Infantry line pulled up in front of the Mongols. Yet still they would not charge.

Otto, again behind the lines, and bleeding and angry, yelled to Jan, "Have the crossbowmen target the Lancers! Maybe that will get their attention!"

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Bolts began to take a heavy toll among the Mongol heavy calvary. Still they held their ground waiting for their own archers to form up again. The Turkopoles on the right flank, having exhausted their arrows, took advantage of the lull to finish a unit of isolated horse archers.

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Still, even after most of the crossbowmen had run out of bolts, the Mongols did not advance.

"Cowards!", Otto screamed, "They think to mop us up after we've loosed all our missiles. Nein, we'll go right for them!"

Pointing his sword at the banner of the Khan, Otto bellowed, "A thousand florins to the men who kill Jebe! Charge!"

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Even the crossbowmen who had run out of bolts were ordered into the melee, motivated by Otto and greed.

The Mongols, surprised by the charge, were thrown back. The Lancers could not use their fearsome charge. The footmen were unable to decide whether to use their bows or swords. Confusion reigned as the Army of Outremer swarmed over them.

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Many men would claim the thousand florins.

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Still, the Mongols recovered and the horsemen from their right flank charged into the melee, though too late to save their Khan. They fought with tenacity despite the loss. The ground became soaked in blood.

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The battle devolved into a swirling maelstrom as units crisscrossed the battlefield hunting each other. The Imperials had the upper hand now, but the remaining Mongol units would quickly rally if put to flight, adding to the confusion. Even now, Otto's men took heavy casualties.

Eventually the few remaining Mongols retreated, but they never routed.

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----

After the battle was over, Otto, bleeding from several wounds, returned to the peak of the hill. Looking at the tangled mass of men and horses where the lines had met, he mourned his losses. Victory was his, but almost two thirds of his men would not live to see it.

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Hunting among the piles of corpses, Otto found his prey. Removing the helm sculpted to look like a demon's fierce visage, the King of Outremer looked upon the dead features of the last Khan of the Mongols. In contrast to the helm, Jube seemed to have a look of shock and surprise on his face.

"You should have charged when you had the chance, Mauler," Otto spat as he drew his well sharpened sword.

The Khan's neck proved as obstinate as his army, as it took Otto four chops from his blade to sever Jube's head.

"Rest in peace, Leopold," prayed Otto as he placed the head in a canvas bag. He limped back to his horse with blood running down his armor, the Council must be informed of the destruction of the Mongols and, a shudder ran through Otto, his wife placated.

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**flyd** · 06-09-2007, 06:35

Damscus, 1230

There is no doubt that Damascus is a holy city. Even the road to it is special. It seems that the only path leading to it is the narrow path, whether you're traveling a short distance from Jerusalem to persecute Christians, or sailing all the way from Germany to seek personal glory.

Some who did not know him well might be surprised, but Fredericus von Hamburg was not a pious man. He was largely motivated by the potential for personal gain. Sure, he joined the outcry against Heinrich when Rome was sacked, but that was largely because the will of the Diet had been circumvented, and Franconia put in danger as a result. Yes, he did join in calling for the first crusade, but it would mean that many of the rival generals would be sent half the world away. It only left him and von Kastilien, but when von Kastilien was named Duke, and with western Franconia still generally quiet, he gladly joined the second crusade, for there were new lands, enemies, and titles in the Outremer.

But that was before the journey on the Road was taken. I cannot say exactly what it is. Maybe it's seeing the masses of people abandon everything they have, except a cross and a sword, and march happily into danger. Maybe it's being stuck for a long time on the same boat as Conrad Salier, who would only talk of religious matters, and would only leave you alone if you were reading the Bible. Maybe Jesus spoke to him on the way. Whatever it was, one thing was clear, von Hamburg was a different man. When he joined Leopold in calling for a direct attack on the Mongols, he justified it by saying that it was the only way to protect the Christians in the city. The difference was, this time he meant it.

But it was not over yet. There was one more curve in the Road.

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This was it, the final battle. Sir Fredericus the Brave vs. Sir Medhat the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Fredericus. Conrad Salier, Karl Zirn, Jan von Hamburg, and Elberhard were also there, as were 1500 other Germans, two spies who sabotaged the gates, and a friendly and largely Christian population. Less than 1000 Saracens stood in the way, largely militia and horse archers, with a few catapults.

There was a question of who would be the first to enter the city. It would certainly be the position of honor, but it was highly risky. He who advanced first would come under prolonged missile fire, and would have to face the enemy frontally immediately upon entering the city. Though the crusade had come far and been through much, it was still possible to die here just as anywhere else. Fredericus was determined to ignore the ceremonial significance of the battle, and treat it with proper tactics. He did not want to waste any lives that were not expendable. Well, that's not to say that some are expendable, it's just that, well, some lives like being expended. As such, the religious fanatics got the honor of storming the gate.

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They quickly secured the immediate area of the gate, attacking nearby Saracen units, and scaling the walls to kill the archers and javelinmen. The other troops followed at a normal pace. A large number of Saracens came down the main street, directly from the city square. The fanatics blocking that route were soon no longer able to hold, and the regular troops moved in, with about half of the enemy army attempting to come down that street.

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While there were some skirmishes on the side, and some units went around, most of the early fighting occurred on that street. At first a regiment of crusader sergeants held the line, and when they became exhausted, they were replaced by militia armed with halberds. Unlike the sergeants, they went on the offensive, and being attacked by lightly armored horses and men, did very well with their fearsome weapons.

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Both regiments took their turn, and were eventually replaced by armored sergeants, as other units made it along the side streets to envelop what remained of the enemy. About half of the enemy army remained, and they concentrated at the city center. The enemy general was still there, a small number of horse archers, much of the remaining militia, and three batteries of catapults. The presence of catapults was particularly worrisome.

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Because of the danger posed by the catapults, all the remaining units were ordered to charge up the street and immediately engage the enemy.

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The enemy infantry was partially encircled, and since they had nowhere to retreat, all that remained to do was to wait for them to be cut down. Strangely enough, the enemy general, along with his numerous and heavily armored bodyguard, merely looked on.

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After dispatching the rest of the enemy army, the German troops surrounded the enemy general.

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One of the halberdier regiments carefully closed in on the general's bodyguard, in formation, with their halberds in a defensive position. They came close enough to initiate communication.

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Soon, one of the halberdiers reported back to Fredericus. Apparently, the enemy general offered to surrender the city. This was the response:

"Now!? Now he wants to surrender? After he watched every last one of his men get killed. Right there, right in front of him. Every last one. Even the last one died while trying to stab with his spear. And now he wants to surrender? Does he also wish to return to Egypt on a comfortable carriage, with all the wine he can drink, served by 50 beautiful women? Does he also..."

By this point, the halberdier had already returned to his formation, and they attacked, being quickly followed by the surrounding infantry.

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Some of the general's bodyguard attempted to escape the infantry, but the entire German army collapsed to the city center.

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The city was spared any looting and destruction. The Road has come to an end.

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**TevashSzat** · 06-10-2007, 15:44

Battle West of Paris 1232

After Paris has been stabilized somewhat and the Swabian House Army has been reinforced, Duke Scherer began planning forays into French territory. He planned to strike at Caen quickly cutting Bruges off to be taken later and granting a closer are for reoutfitting his army.

His hopes were dashed however when an assassin happened to have found a large French force massing only a week away from Paris preparing to take back their capital. Not wanting to be under siege for a month or two, the Duke decided to take out his army and fight the French on the ground of his choosing. The Swabian House Army has still not recovered fully from their early conquests of Rheims and Paris, but the Duke thought that the battle would be won easily.

As he began to prepare for battle, scouts reported that the French force was larger than previously though, with a full 400 men more than the Duke’s army. To make matters worse, French reinforcements were hiding nearby and consisted of another 650 men. The French outnumbered the Duke two to one. He however could not retreat back to Paris as the French would easily have cut him off and then assaulted from two sides so he decided to fight a defensive battle and hope for the best.

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As the main French army began to move towards the Duke, he had a pleasant surprise. Some French reinforcements got lost on their way to the battle and were seen right behind the Swabian army isolated and unable to be helped by others. The Duke quickly ordered most of his men to charge at the French reinforcements and they were quickly annihilated.

The French main army seeing their reinforcements getting butchered, started to march at a faster pace towards the Duke, but he was on the top of a big hill and the Swabian army was already back in position by the time French skirmishers reached the line.

The Duke’s plan was simple. He and his cavalry regiments would hide on a small hill near the right flank of his infantry line. His crossbowmen would cut down the French as they marched upwards. They would be pulled back towards the left flank as the infantry lines engaged and then his cavalry would sweep down and hopefully take the French by surprise.

The plan did not go through smoothly to say the least. The French charged at the Swabian crossbowman earlier than expected and they had to be withdrawn without doing significant damage. Once the infantry lines were engaged, the Duke and his cavalry were seen by the opposing French general and they engaged in a bloody fight. Off towards the left flank, French cavalry engaged his crossbowmen and they were unable to help the left flank of the infantry line, which was held only by halberd militia. The militia was quickly overrun and it seemed as if the whole infantry line would collapse upon itself.

Fortunately, the French general had to retreat once most of his cavalry was gone and the Duke was able to help the right flank. His crossbowmen also defeated the French cavalry that charged at them and barely stopped the left flank from collapsing. French reinforcements however came and charged into the fray buckling the Swabian flank. It seemed that the Duke’s whole infantry line would start to rout if it weren’t for a great stroke of luck.

The French general too busy with saving his own skin than helping his troops was running away when he ran right into some of the Duke’s mounted crossbowmen. He was killed and the French morale was destroyed. Slowly, but surely, the French infantry began to flee and the Swabian morale was restored. It wasn’t long before the whole French army was in full retreat.

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**econ21** · 06-05-2007, 23:16

The battle of Southern Syria, 1226 AD

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Henry let the scroll fall to the floor. “We assassinated a Princess?” he asked Horst incredulously.

The young Teuton could not meet the Kaiser’s eye. “A French Princess by the name of Agnesot.” he mumbled.

Henry shook his head. “May God have mercy on her soul, and ours. How many more assassinations have we been behind?”

Horst shrugged: “I do not know, Sire, it seems there are several mentioned each Diet report. You now have a reputation for being fine with political murders.”

Henry’s face darkened: “Not once in my time in office as Chancellor did I authorise an assassin to so much as get out of bed, let alone kill a young woman! I promised Hans my support on condition that he would follow the path of light and this is road he follows. I told him we were cursed: that if he was Kaiser, every blow from our assassins would scar his immortal soul. And now the father must pay for the sins of the son.”

Horst tried to placate him: “Sire, this is beyond your control. And it could have been worse - Prinz Hummel could been elected.”

Henry spat out contemptuously: “At least with that snake you knew where you stood.”

Then, as rapidly as it had arrived, the fire seemed to leave Henry and he slumped back in his seat.

“The Reich seems set on a path of remorseless expansion. Rheims sacked, Paris sacked, Durazzo sacked, Sofia … no doubt due to be sacked. We are marauding across Europe. We are no different from the horse lords. At least they have the decency not to worship a loving god or spout balderdash about chivalry…”

Horst looked alarmed: “My lord, you are beginning to sound like Kolar again!”

Henry looked at Horst pityingly: “Kolar taught me many things. His words taught me that just because the church says one thing does not make it right. And his actions taught me that just because an act is expedient for your kingdom does not make it right either.”

It was not clear to Henry whether Horst understood his meaning or not, but it did not matter. Looking at the Teuton’s mutilated hands, the Kaiser had no inclination to debate the merits and failings of the monster who inflicted that torture.

“I am too old for this. Too old to be a puppet, a figurehead, for the new generation.” Henry paused, watching the figure of Kurt Altman come into his tent. “I am weary. And I am losing my touch. I thought I could just march out and attack the horse lords. It took my son to remind me that, by the Charter, I required Diet approval first.”

Kurt saluted the Kaiser and said almost under his breath: “Well, that at least is one thing you won’t have to worry about, Sire.”

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

*****

Kurt heard the Kaiser give the opening speech - the veteran warrior thought he could detect in it something of young Elberhard, especially the Kaiser’s quip that his men should feel pity for the Mongols and ”especially their horses to support such boney arses.”. However, there was something more authentic in Henry’s closing call to his men to ”pray, you brave fools.”.

Seeking to replay the victory at Antioch, Henry deployed on the highest piece of ground he could find. However, it was but a gentle slope. The Imperial left was anchored by some heights, but the right was wide open and this was where Henry placed most of his cavalry, including his own escort.

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It seemed only moments before Mongol heavy archers were moving fast towards the pavise crossbows stationed on the right of the Imperial line. Damnation, cursed Kurt and he urged the supporting heavy infantry forward to protect his missile troops. They caught the first Mongol regiment just in time.

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While the heavy archers seemed to stumble into their charge, the Mongol attack on the German centre right was more deliberate. First, light lancers struck, followed by heavy lancers and soon even the Mongol general, Bayan the Wrathful, joined the assault.

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For a moment, Kurt imagined that the centre would hold. Stout German spearmen could perhaps hold off the finest Mongol cavalry. But then he realised that what was missing was heart - as a regiment of sergeant spearmen started to break and run to the rear, it looked as if the whole Imperial position would collapse. Kurt heard the Kaiser cry:

“Send in the cavalry! Orders to the regiments on the right: forward charge! Bodyguard, ride with me!”

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The fighting was hectic and brutal - Henry hand no time to carefully manoeuvre his army; his aides had only one instruction - to ride along the line and make sure that every regiment was in action.

Eventually, the sheer weight of the Imperial forces committed - eight regiments of foot and five of horse - prevailed over the seven regiments of Mongol horse in the melee. But it would not be fair to say the Mongols broke. They merely died. If the odd regiment did rout, it was only to rally seconds later and return to the fray. Soon all that was left of entire Mongol regiments was a single horseman or two, still wandering the battlefield looking for a fight.

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Once through the Mongol cavalry, Kurt saw Henry rejoice to see below clumps of Mongol infantry and archers. The Kaiser had been studiously ignoring the throngs of light Mongol horse archers still unengaged. He knew from bitter experience with the Mameluks that sending German cavalry in pursuit of such foes was a fool’s errand - the cavalry would be whittled down and never catch their enemy, or even bitterly regret it when they did finally come to blows. No, the Kaiser was too savy to chase horse archers, but Mongol infantry could not flee.

“Hah!” shouted Henry. “There they are, boys! At ‘em!”

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After the battle, Kurt wondered if Henry had failed as a commander that day - if his tactics of headlong charges into the enemy were crude and inefficient. But at the time, there was no time. Everything happened so quickly - the chaos of battle was so great, any careful manoeuvring seemed impossible. And when a regiment was out of combat, the relentless archery from the Mongol horse was withering. A regiment of halberd militia was reduced from 80 to 20 merely marching from its victorious melee against the Mongol heavy cavalry down to meet the Mongol infantry. The Kaiser reasoned that the safest place for any German to be was at the throat of a Mongol and even with the wisdom of hindsight, Kurt could not quarrel with that.

The only Germans who were not in melee or racing towards it that day were the pavise crossbowmen in the rear. If Henry did make one mistake that battle, it was in taking his eye of the enemy general, Bayan the Wrathful, who we last left locked in the opening central melee. Bayan was a mighty warlord, cruel and cunning, driven by rage. Somehow while his heavy cavalry were dying all around him in the central melee, he broke through to the rear.

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There, he lay about the pavise crossbowmen, charging into regiment after regiment with only a handful of fellow riders to guard him. Slowly, the German command realised what was happening behind its lines, but it lacked any reserves to counter the marauding warlord. Eventually almost all the regiments of crossbows in the army were tasked with shooting down the Mongol general.

“Stand and fight! He is only one man! Shoot him! Shoot him!”

Bayan was soon stripped of his escort, but his own fine armour seemed impervious to even the steel stringed arbalests of the Germans. Volley after volley of the crossbowmen succeeded only in killing their own kind, the unfortunate ones that Bayan visited on his own indomitable solo charges.

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Eventually, the inevitable happened.

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It will never be known with certainty, but from discussions after the battle, Kurt came to the conclusion that Bayan alone probably claimed more crossbowmen’s lives than all seven regiments of Mongol horse archers.

Shortly after Bayan’s death - and even perhaps as a consequence of it - Henry finally broke through the Mongol infantry. Unlike their mounted counterparts, significant numbers of the Mongol foot did turn and run. Whether they could possibly have known of their leader’s death, far to the German rear, Kurt was never sure. But Mongol communications and battlefield coordination were exemplary, so it could not be ruled out.

Kurt looked at Henry - he seemed almost maddened and cried out, fierce in battle:

“There’s still more of them lads! Look, down there! The foot archers! Charge!”

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While the German centre was charging forward, smashing into regiment after regiment of Mongol foot, the flanks were suffering grievously from the Mongol horse archers. On the German right, when the horse archers had sufficiently weakened a regiment of mailed knights and one of sergeant spearmen, the Mongols closed in for the kill and routed them. It was now a bloody war of attrition - a race to see who could kill the most, the fastest: the Germans on the centre or the Mongols on the flanks.

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Such was the ferocity of the fighting that it seemed to die out suddenly, but with almost every Mongol on the field dead or, in the case of some foot, captured. Only one enemy regiment of any significance remained at the end: a unit of Mongol infantry that had rallied and returned to the fight.

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After the battle, Henry wandered the battlefield whispering:

“My knights, my poor knights, where are they all gone?”

His cavalry had been almost annihilated, along with most of his spearmen and a good proportion of the rest of his troops.

“I must contact Otto and Leopold immediately.” breathed Henry to Kurt Altman. “It is most urgent.”

If one Mongol stack could do this while attacking, how would Leopold’s crusade fare against three Mongol stacks each with the advantage of defence?

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*****

After the battle, Kurt Altman presented Henry with 240 Mongol prisoners and asked about their fate. Henry looked conflicted, the bitterness of his losses and his newfound ferocity in battle darkening his countenance. But then he seemed to soften, as if his true nature reasserted himself.

“Those men do not have riding boots. They are almost all infantry. And infantry we can deal with. I have heard the Mongols have a considerable war chest from all their depravations. Let them spend some of it to get those fellows back. Besides - the Mongols want to come to Christian civilisation. Let us show them how civilised men wage war.”

Kurt nodded, unsurprised to see his master’s chivalry emerge even under this most extraordinary of trials. But the veteran warrior was equally unsurprised when the heartless horse lord Khan refused the ransom and invited the Germans to put to the sword those Mongols unworthy enough to surrender rather than die fighting.

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