Battle reports thread - King of the Romans PBM

**AussieGiant** · 07-19-2007, 19:19

Budapest 1252

Might I suggest we we set up in a three pronged attack my Duke?

The young Duke Arnold looked up from the map of Budapest City to scowl at his Military Engineer Sigfreid.

Sigfreid you blithering idiot, THEIR REBELS!! What's even worse, their rebels in Austria, and you know I can't stand disloyalty!!

Looking back down at the map Arnold could see Sigismund von Mahren from the corner of his eye. Without looking up Arnold continued speaking almost in a whisper.

Their all going to die, they know it, we know it, and so does God...

Arnold was pleased to see Sigismund face show no sign of emotion at that statement. Sigismund was going to earn his spurs come hell or high water tonight and sieges we always a dangerous place for cavalry.

Placing both mailed fists on the city map Arnold again gazed back at his Captains and advisers.

Right you scum!! This isn't the real battle, this is just a warm up. The real battle is following us about half a years march from here. Three Hungarian armies are heading this way to recapture their Capital. What they don't realise is we will have it safely back under Austrian control by the time they turn up!!!

What that means is we are ending this charade tonight. We will go in under cover of darkness in a concentrated force.

No pissing about, no diversions, nothing but straight up slaughter.

First man into the square gets a night with my horse and my eternal gratitude for restoring Austrian lands to me.

Gazing steadily at his troops Arnold could sense their anticipation.

More importantly men, we MUST get this over an done with, so we can wheel and turn to face the oncoming Hungarian's with enough time to rearm and repair this city!!

The situation:

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Frontal Assault:

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The towers make it to the wall:

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The gate comes down:

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The right flank gets decimated:

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The battle for the gate:

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Sigismund forces his way through gaining his Knighthood:

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Sigismund presses home the attack:

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Victory!!!

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Crap I forgot to take screen shots of the stats until this point!!

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**Stig** · 07-20-2007, 14:41

Near Thorn, 1254 AD

Ansehelm looked to his right and to his left. What he saw was what was called the Franconian Household Army. A well trained and strong army, made up of Knights, Sergeants and Mercenaries, one of the few strong and professional armies left in Europe at this time. And now it would be tested. On a hill not far away there was a strong Russian army, it had penetrated deep into the Reich and here, near the Vistula it came to a fight. The Russians seemed ready, they had everything in their favour; a hill, numbers and they were battleworn. But Ansehelm had one advantage, the FHA existed of veterans, of men who fought for their own survival on numerous occassions, of men who knew how to win against the odds.

Ansehelm rode to the nearest group of infantry.
"Are you ready for it Gert?"
"As ready as I'll ever be sir, and so are the men," Von Runstede answered.
"That's good. Gert, I want you to lead the attack of the infantry, you're an experienced man, hence why I gave you this job. I know you prefered to be Thorn's garrisons commander, but you're one of the best captains I know."
"Thank you sir."
"Now listen, till the archers come into shooting range we will march together, but at that moment I want you to take over control of the infantry and steadely march on the enemy. I will take the cavalry and charge their infantry lines. They are mostly militia and will quickly fall, I will pull my cavalry out and you can send in some groups to deal with the remaining Russians. Prepare to come under heavy missile fire as your slow marching ranks will be an ideal target for their Horse Archers, but try to lure them to charge you, I will send my cavalry around their flank and attack them from behind. Oh, and good luck."
"You too sir."

Ansehelm marches the army towards the enemy.

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It's over, and the Russians are finished.

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Artillery is seized.

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Victory for the Reich!!!

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**AussieGiant** · 07-20-2007, 18:13

Budapest 1254

Having penned his last wishes should he die, Arnold looked around the palatial interior of his residence in Budapest. He knew, as Duke, no one would be living has he would, given the situation.

Outside he could here the crying of women and children already. The siege had just begun and already pestilence had started taken the lives of the weak.

What to do thought Arnold...

His spy has alerted him to the fact that none of the Hungarian commanders had the skill to command troops at night. He knew that a night raid would see him victorious against this Hungarian force, but what of the other two.

It would be a long and grinding year if chose to sit behind the walls of Budapest.

Gazing into the fire Arnold was lost in thought.

Across the room his adviser the Military Engineer Sigfried could see the his Lords eyes turn a shade of madness he has never seen before.

Standing, Arnold drew his father sword looking down it's blade, as he walked out side the feel of his Field Plate Armour gave his a sense of invincibility, his confidence grew and the rush of adrenaline that came with a decision filled his eyes with tears!!

“Sigismund!!! Prepare the men!! We're going to attack!! Sigfried get out here and tell me the range of these Hungarian siege weapons.”

At that moment, out of an ally came a young women screaming for her life. Behind her a solider in the Austrian heavy foot regiment could be seen close behind.

Arnold stepped forward sword in hand, in one efficient swing he decapitated the solider. Head and body tumbled to the ground, blood sprayed both Arnold and onlookers alike.

Silence...

...into that silence Arnold's sword could be heard sliding back into its scabbard.

“Sigismund whip the blood off your face and move!!!! Sigfried, get some men to clean this up and pay the girls father for his troubles."

Looking at body guardsmen through bloody eyes he whispers.

"Tell your fellow soldiers, that I will not tolerate indiscipline and if they can't comply I will hunt them down in their sleep!!"

Sigismund takes out some catapults

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The skirmishing continues

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Arnold presses forward

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Hungarian artillery is still functioning

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Hungarian last stand

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Victory

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Sigismund chasing down the scum

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Arnold joins the slaughter

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Clear Victory

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A Dread Knight joins the party

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And so does a Notorious Berserker

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**AussieGiant** · 07-21-2007, 14:17

Budapest 1254 continued

The fury on Arnold face caused sheer terror in most. His captains and Sigismund seem to be the only one's able to walk and talk without being frozen in horror by his presence. By contrast Grom the Berserker and the Dread Knight Bane seemed oblivious to it all and casually spoke about the coming battle.

“That effeminate, wine swilling piece of crap Hans has said the last words he ever will to me!!!

By god I'm going to take his challenge one step further. I want BOTH Hungarian armies destroyed today!!”

The startled look on his captains faces was clear to see.

“But my lord that is madness!”; said one of the younger captains

Arnold turned on the newly appointed man, his eyes rimmed red from lack of sleep.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!!”

The Berserker Grom laid his huge hand on the young Captains shoulder and removed him Arnold view with his huge frame. Arnold walk up to the Berserker's chest and tilted his head to speak with him as his eyes only reached his throat.

“Grom, stand aside.” said Arnold quietly.

Grom's answer was a simple shake of his massive head in disagreement.

By now everyone in the Command tent was watching the unfolding scene in silence.

“GROM, I SAID MOVE!!”

The giant berserker did move.

Bane moved up beside the young Duke. His hallow voice cutting through the tension.

“My Lord, let him be, you have preparation to attend to if you wish to attack two armies in one day.”

Nobody moved as Arnold considered the words spoken by the Dread Knight. Moments passed, the air in the tent became oppressive with the silence.

The Dread Knight placed his hand on the Duke shoulder, gently guiding him towards the map placed on the Command tents main table.

The tension visibly eased as Arnold began barking orders about the coming battle.

The Situation:

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Set up:

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Arnold and Sigismund on the right flank:

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The Hungarians press the advantage:

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The tide turns:

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Reinforcement arrive:

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Victory:

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Stats:

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What do you think the Dread Duke does?

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Arnold fulfills his ambition to make his father proud:

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That evening:

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The situation:

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The night brings no cover from the artillery:

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The battle lines meet:

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It's over before it begins:

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Victory:

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Confirmed:

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Stats:

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Money over Dread...not likely:

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**Ituralde** · 07-22-2007, 20:46

1254, in the forests of Northern Germany

It was still dark as Siegfried von Kastillien surveyed his men. He was feeling out of breath already, his arm aching and his armour dented in several places. Not to mention the grizzly sights he had trouble putting out of his head. He surpressed a sudden urge to vomit, not that there was much left in his stomach. It had only just begun though. The recent encounter with the Danish army just to the North of them had just been a warm-up for the real fight. Mainly Militia it had been an easy victory.

Looking ahead he knew, that the upcoming battle would not be as easy. This time they faced battle-hardened War Clerics supported by highly trained Infantry Militia. Once again Emperor Jobst had decided to deploy Siegfried on the right of the Imperial line, leading the cavalry to make the decisive flanking attack, just like the one that had broken the Militia in the previous battle.

The Danish, although surprised and disrupted by the Imperial night attacks, had nevertheless managed to hole up in a dense forest. Siegfried cursed, this would negate much of their cavalry's effectiveness. Still, they had no other choice but to advance, and so they did. The Imperial line advancing slowly through a hail of Danish crossbow bolts.

The infantry charged forward, the Armoured Sergeants forming a solid line, while the Dismounted Feudal Knights were supposed to hold the left flank in the deepest part of the forest. For Siegfried it was simple to take his men around the right flank of the enemy and once the lines had engaged he ordered his men to charge!

The impact of the Imperial cavalry was brutal, but the War Clerics were abundant in numbers and had lined up behind their Infantry line, ready to countercharge the Imperial attackers. Siegfried lashed out to his left and right, but soon the battle lines had dissovled and turned into a confusing slugfest for both sides. Slowly the Imperials seemed to be gaining the upper hand though. Several times, fleeing Danish troops passed Siegfried and his short attempts of following them brought him further and further from the main battle.

Slowly the clamour of battle died down and it seemed as though Emperor Jobst had led his men to another victory, but above several cries of jubilation, Siegfried could still hear the sound of battle, this time coming from the other side of the battle line. There wasn't supposed to be anyone there expect for the Imperial Pavises who had covered their initial advance and suddenly Siegfried realized that the hail of their bolts had stopped about halfway through the battle.

Cursing loudly he spurred his horse onwards and ordered his men to follow. Sure enough several War Clerics had used the cover of the woods to attack the unprotected Imperial missiles. As Siegfried charged he saw Emperor Jobst accompanied by some Teutonic Knights leave the woods to his right and soon the remaining War Clerics had been dispersed. The Imperial Missiles had been severely crippled though.

Now that the battle was over, Siegfried could no longer hold back the images of hacked limbs and strewn bodies. Raising his helmet he relieves the meagre contents of his stomach onto the field. Recovering just in time to see Emperor Jobst approach his bodyguard. Hopefully he hadn't noticed Siegfrieds temporary weakness.

"You fought well tonight, Siegfried! There's only a small contigent left, if we hurry we can catch them before sunrise and then hurry north to lift the siege of Hamburg! Once we're through there is no doubt that you will be knighted for your bravery!"

Apparently, he hadn't.

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Early Morning:

The last of the Danish that had surrounded them were composed of a mixture of troops and had brought several pieces of artillery with them. Lacking a sufficient number of Missile troops, Emperor Jobst had seen no other option but to charge the enemy, who had decided to make their last stand upon a small hill overlooking the approaching Imperial Army.

Once again Siegfried found himself on the right flank, leading the cavalry, this time accompanied a little closer by Emperor Jobst, who would be following his charge. The Imperials advanced slowly onto the Danish position, and it didn't take long before fiery balls were hurtled from the catapults brought to the field by the Danish.

Shortly before the Imperial lines closed in, Siegfried noticed how one of the fireballs hit the Emperor's bodyguard square on, the screams of horse and riders was terrible to behold, but already he had spurred his horse forward, which was carrying him into battle.

Once again the Danish were engaged head on by the Imperial infantry while the Teutonic Knights along with Siegfried and Jobst bodyguard made short process with the remaining Danish forces.

It was not until the battle was over that Siegfried noticed something was wrong. During the fight more and more cries of: "For the Emperor! For Jobst!" had been heard than in the more recent battles. The soldiers seemed to have been driven by some inner fury and the assault and been brutal and short. The joy over the victory seemed muted.

"Siegfried, Siegfried! Come at once!" It was Dieter, the trusted follower of Emperor Jobst who was now approaching him. "Come quick, it's the Emperor, he's dying!" Numbed by the shock of these news Siegfried quickly follows Dieter back to the place where the catapult shot has disrupted the Emperor's bodyguard. It was a grizzly sight that greeted him and it was all Siegfried could do not to avert his gaze or vomit once more.

Charred bodies were scattered and the stench of burning flesh hung in the air. Two bodyguards lay on the ground, their whole body covered in blackened flesh, their faces distorted in agony, their horses had fared little better, one had a large wound on his neck, where another man had put the horse out of misery. Amidst the carnage lay a barely recognizable figure. If Dieter hadn't told him so he would have never recognized him as Jobst.

Still numbed Siegfried kneels down by his Emperor. His lips are cracked from the heat and his face has been cleaned of the black ash, revealing the blisters of his burns. Only the eyes seem to be untouched by the horror visited upon his body as Jobst focuses on Siegfried. "Fought well... you did!" his voice was thin and he had to lean closer to hear the man in front of him.

"My heir... you! Long... live... ... Kaiser!" with that the last glow left in his eyes vanishes. Only now Siegfried takes in the men surrounding him. The Knight who had been holding Jobst upright and in whose arms the Emperor had died. Dieter who was standing behind him, looking at him approvingly and the rest of the Emperors bodyguard standing around him. Slowly the men kneeled before him to acknowledge their new Emperor.

Still numbed, Siegfrieds gaze returns to the charred Emperor, unable to tear his gaze away he fells the warm streaks, as tears run down his face and for once his desire to vomit is succumbed by the feelings of loss and confusion overwhelming him.

OOC: Pictures follow, as always!

**Ituralde** · 07-22-2007, 20:48

Placeholder for the defense of Hamburg.

**flyd** · 07-22-2007, 23:33

Edessa, 1256

"They found out!"

"Who," the Chancellor paused, trying to put as much emphasis as possible on every syllable spoken, perhaps in an attempt to convey the annoyance he felt due to receiving such an undetailed report, "and... what?"

"The Mongols, about the other ford!"

That could have been expected. There was another possible place to cross the Euphrates, at least in the dry season. It was somewhere north of Edessa, at the foot of a mountain range. The terrain is very rough, and after only nominal scouting, we had thought that it was impossible to follow the northern bank of the Euphrates down to the plains of Aleppo. This seems to have proven less correct than initially hoped.

"No matter," the Chancellor responded, "Salier will be able to make it up there while the enemy is held up here. His army is sufficiently large now to take them on."

Oh, but this scout was not yet done. "They've gone to the north. A part of their army has already crossed the river. Edessa has been bypassed."

The Chancellor's expression darkened. He was obviously unhappy with this, even though it was actually good news. I had to speak up.

"Sir, this isn't a bad thing. Edessa has been saved. We can still set up a defense around Aleppo and the rivers in Syria. It will take them a long time to make it along that bank. We still control the southern bridge."

I don't think he heard me.

"How many of them have already crossed?" He asked.

"About one half, their armies can only cross one at a time. The third one has probably crossed at least in part by now. I would expect the fourth one to still be on this side."

"Excellent. They've had to abandon the formation they've held so far, and cross single-file. Mobilize the entire army. I want to be at that ford before dark."

North of Edessa, near the Euphrates, 1256

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As we reached the end of the plateau, the scouts reported that the trailing Mongol army was just ahead, and that it had not yet descended to the river. We would have to fight uphill, as there was a small rise before the drop off. The next Mongol army was down by the river, but it had not yet crossed, and would be able to turn around rather quickly. The first two armies were probably not a factor. The Chancellor had a point, this was an improvement over attacking them in completely open terrain, where they would, without a doubt, be able to bring at least three of their armies to bear against you. As a counter-point, there were still two very large Mongol armies ahead. I was also somewhat concerned about the Chancellor's plan, which he relayed to us as we were marching. It basically consisted of charging straight for the Mongol center and destroying their heavy cavalry, artillery, and, most importantly, killing their general. He intended to repeat this maneuver for the second army. He did not seem particularly concerned about large numbers of horse archers that would, by this stage, be surrounding our army. I guess he didn't fear arrows much, but they have been known to maim and kill.

We deployed in a battle formation at the last moment. The sun had already set behind the tall peaks beyond the Euphrates, and the first Mongol army was just over the crest.

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The enemy must have been somewhat surprised to see a mighty army of the Reich as they came over the crest. They quickly turned around, artillery and all, and began to withdraw, without a doubt in an attempt to link up with their second army.

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If there was any sense to the Chancellor's plan, it was that we would be taking on the core of each Mongol army separately. If they combined, it would be even more suicidal than before. This is why the order to charge up the hill was given. As we came up the hill, the enemy archers and artillery began to fire.

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I imagine that most who had never seen the Mongols in battle before, including me, were taken aback by the sight. I need not think of words to describe it, for the Chancellor spoke up at that very moment.

"Wow, it's beautiful. Reminds me of a snowstorm in Franconia. The arrows look just like snowflakes caught in a strong wind."

Of course, somebody from the back had to respond: "Did you have a volcano in Franconia too, or did the giant balls of fire accompany the snow from the clouds?"

Ah, nothing like humor to take your mind off the fact that your commander may be going ever so slightly insane.

We charged up the hill and attacked the Mongol center. We plowed through the infantry, we killed the lancers, we destroyed the artillery. But most of all, we collapsed around the Mongol general.

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Berkei the Wrathful fell.

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The rest of the Mongol center fled. However, we had quite a problem.

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One of the knights that had been fighting a bit further up the hill rode up to us.

"Five," he said, "five squadrons of heavy lancers up there. We lost many men, I don't think we can make it up that hill to take on five, especially under all this... aaaaaaaarrrrgghghrhhhhh!!!"

"... arrow fire, I think he meant," I added.

Five was a bit much. There wasn't complete intelligence on the enemy army composition before we set out. But, as it turned out, there were no heavy lancers in the first group, and yes, five in the second. If the situation had been reversed, this might have even worked, as we could have made a well-organized, concentrated attack. But with the army scattered and depleted, many horse archers around, and a long way, uphill, to get to them, it did seem impossible. At this stage, I wondered just how grave a situation would have to be, before the Chancellor started to begin to consider withdrawing.

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"Well, I suppose there is no point in wasting lives. It would be difficult to fight all those lancers uphill. Let us regroup at Edessa. We shall attack those horse archers behind us on our way out."

And so it was. We attacked some horse archers that had gotten behind us, but they fled quickly, probably due to the death of their general. Once the way was clear, the infantry was sent first, and what was left with the cavalry, the Chancellor's own bodyguard, and two veteran groups of knights, covered the rear, attacking any enemy horse who dared get too close. During this, they took heavy arrow fire.

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In the end, the Chancellor was the last to leave the field of battle.

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Result:

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