For Faith or Greed? A Broken Crescent AAR

[Galain_Ironhide]

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Kingdom of Jerusalem

Main objective: ultimate victory for Kingdom of Jerusalem – capture 60 regions.
Secondry Objective: Remain as close as possible to all of the main characters’ traits. Ie: Balian de Ibelin and Raymond de Tripoli are chivalrous, where as Prince Guy and Raynald De Chatillon are Dread Generals and likely to be ruthless.
Adoptions allowed.
GC/Battle Difficulty VH/H

As told by Sir Galain Ironhide, Templar Knight de Outremer.

1174. Baldwin IV has become of age and taken full control from his regent, Count Raymond III of Tripoli, of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Born a Leper and quite often sickly, the King must overcome many issues much more important than of that of his own health.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem in the early days of BaldwinIV

The city of Jerusalem


In the Beginning-

Inundated with betrayal, insolence and a complete lack of knowledge of the enemy, the Kingdom of Jerusalem has struggled through the past 75 years since it was created after the First Holy Crusade in 1099.
Many times over the years, when complete victory of Christendom, over the Muslim nations across the Levant, looked achievable, greed for power would stand in the way, thus sending shattering cracks through the fragile Kingdoms’ foundations. As a result of this decaying rulership, the Kingdom now consists of only 7 provinces, or county’s as they are otherwise known. The biggest losses of late were the Principality of Antioch who, although still of French origin, have severed all ties and the County of Edessa who had been only recently overrun by the Turks.

The seven remaining cities of the Kingdom


Baldwin, son of Almaric must show that he is not only capable of ruling this holy land, but what’s more, do what his predecessors have failed to do: Solidify and expand the Kingdom and guarantee its survival.
Although currently not at war with any of the Muslim Nations the threat of being overwhelmed by their constant presence strikes fear into many an experienced Knights’ heart. A new Sultan, Saladin (or pronounced Salahuddin) of the Ayyubid Sultanate has risen to take charge of his people in Egypt, and being the highly influential man he is, was able to coax the Emir of Damascus to bow at his feet and become part of his empire. Damascus, who was once an ally of the Kingdom, was betrayed during the Second Crusade in 1148 and has not forgotten our backstabbing ways. Thus, as a result, the Ayyubid Sultanate now surrounds the Kingdom to the North and the South. Let us pray that he does not succeed in unifying the rest!

King Baldwin IV

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Sultan Saladin of the Ayyubid Sultanate

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The Pope-

At first, eager to maintain ties with the Kingdom for the first 50 years for its influential value, the Papacy has all but swept Baldwin and his Emissary’s past pleas for financial & military support aside. The only event that may ever bring the Popes support could very well be the loss of Jerusalem itself!

The Pope is very restrained in his support these days.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Royal Family-

The Family Tree

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Because of his failing health, and the possibility of not fielding an heir of his own, Baldwin married his sister, Sibylla to Guy of Lusignan, after blocking a move by Raymond de Tripoli to have her married to the older brother of Balian de Ibelin. Although tainted as quite a crude man with the tenacity of a broken Trebuchet, Guy of Lusignan carried with him the right people in the right places to hopefully ensure better diplomatic, economic and military relations with motherland France. However, if this man was to one day become King, who knows what fate might bestow us.

Prince Guy de Lusignan

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Baldwin IV’s Generals-

In the Levant, Baldwin carries with him two noble Generals who will stand or die by his side without question. Balian de Ibelin, the son of Barisan and his former Regent, Count Raymond de Tripoli III of Tripoli. Both men are quite able soldiers with stern beliefs and moral values. However there is one thorn in the side of Baldwin’s rule, that of the powerful Lord of Kerak, Raynald de Chatillon. More aligned with the likes of Prince Guy of Lusignan, Raynald is widely renowned for his lack of adhering to orders and for being cruel and merciless. This man is a snake in the grass and may not be trusted.

Balian de Ibelin

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Count Raymond de Tripoli III

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Lord Raynald de Chatillon

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Now, the pieces on the board are set in motion and the Levant quietly awaits the inevitable conflict. Come What May......

My Lords, Ladies of the Court, Squires and exulted guests, I bring you now the following tale:

FOR FAITH OR GREED? – A BROKEN CRESCENT AAR

[Galain_Ironhide]

Hi, this is my first attempt at an AAR.

I will try and update as regularly as possible, providing my work, family life, social life, etc, etc, doesnt get in the way.

If you have any suggestions, critiscisms or even a compliment please post here and I will take everything on board.

My first part should be up tonight.

Thanks.

Galain.

[Galain_Ironhide]

The First two years of Baldwin IV's Rule


1174 -

The Economy

The Kingdom is facing financial ruin. With no trading partners, no allies and no economic relief from the Papacy, Baldwin sets his emissaries out on a mercy mission to re-enter diplomatic relations with the Muslim states.

The first and and most important step was to begin trading with the Abuyyids. It is essential for our survival that peace is kept... for now.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A diplomat was also sent to the Pricipality of Antioch to try and acheive unity of the the Holy Lands once more. Bohemund, Duke of Antioch was less than receptive of this idea of swearing fealty to his new King and promptly turned the diplomat away. Baldwin was disappointed, but this did not change his plans of consolidation. One day Antioch will bow at his feet!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The next step to the recovery of the Kingdom is expansion. Baldwin looked to where he may succesfully gain territory and not spark war with his biggest threat, Saladin. Two provinces come to light, Baalbek and Hama, Both of which had not yet yielded to the rule of Saladin. A quick and effective strike was needed.

The Seige of Baalbek.

At first, no real information about Baalbeks defences was known. But the fact that it was a small settlement in a key defensible area, that would sure up the Kingdoms foothold on the terrain was more important.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Immediately Baldwin ordered Balian de Ibelin to march his army to the gates of Baalbek and begin the siege.



After 6 months of siege Balian was ready to attack.


Facing a formidable force, the enemy stares at the Knights of Outremer in despair from their walls. Balian then addresses his troops in true Noble fashion and the battle begins.


The gates are busted wide open and already the force inside is retreating to the city centre.


Let us rejoyce! The rebel settlement is easlily overcome with very light causalties! Balian lets all captives go and lets them rejoin their families within the city or take up service to Baldwin. Only soldiers die in the conflict, no citizens.

Humble in victory and accepted by the people he had only just fought, Balian would spend the winter in Baalbek, planning the next big push to Hama.

An Alliance is Forged
The lord is smiling upon us this day. With hard work and gifted words from our emmissary, the Kingdom of Jerusalem has agreed to an alliance with the Kingdom of Armenia. The Armenians will prove to be essential allies in the future to come.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1175

The first child of the Royal family is born, a daughter of Guy and Sibylla.

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The emissary has another a favorable meeting with another Muslim faction. The Turkish Sultanate agree to have trade rights with the fledgling Kingdom of Jerusalem.

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The seige of Hama
It had become apparent in the early part of the year that the Ayyubids also had their eyes on the small city of Hama. As a result, Balian de Ibelin was forced to leave the smallest possible garrison at Baalbek and march to Hama and lay siege. The attack on Hama could not have come at a more better and precise moment. Narrowly beating the Ayyubids to the city gate by only half a day, the Ayyubids were then forced to turn their army around and march back to whence they came. A conflict now between these two countries, for either side would prove disastrous.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Ayyubids, however were less than impressed. They let us know about it.


The Battle of Hama was a resounding success and again as at the seige of Baalbek, the city was saved from looting and pillaging and the prisoners were let free to either rejoin the city population or join service with the King.

Balian would remain stationed in Hama for the next few years to come.

Enter the Lord of Kerak
Raynald de Chatillon, also had ideas of his own little expansion in this year. He with very little support marched on to Tayma at the east of his Castle city of Kerak. Ordered by the King to turn around and march back to protect his own county, Raynald ignored him and layed seige later in the year.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Brashly,Raynald continued to ignore countless orders from Baldwin to return home.

The story continues....

[Galain_Ironhide]

finally completed the first phase of my AAR.

Apologies to those who read a half finished piece ofwork today. I learnt a lesson though, DONT try and do an AAR at work. You just don't get anything done.

Another thing, for anybody looking to do an AAR, read Northnovas Sticky thread on AAR's. Very helpful. I didnt realise how much work you actually had to put into these things. I have only entered 2 small posts and they have taken a considerable amount of time. Full respect to all you other AARers out there!

Oh well plenty more to come. Hope you like so far.

Again, any comments are very welcome!

[Zim]

Looks good so far.

I had considered doing a KOJ aar after my Makurian, but obligations in MP games made it difficult. I doubt I'd have done as well anyway.

[deguerra]

Oman won't be happy with Raynald conquering Arab settlements...

Good work! I must admit I have trouble with AARs myself. I start, and get going, and then get bored and give up.

[Galain_Ironhide]

Raynald with his small force lay siege. Being of such small number and by what his spies tell him from within the settlement, attacking now would only prove disastrous. As greedy as the Lord of Kerak is, he is no dummy. Instead he decides that starving the enemy out would be the best option for now.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A not so great outcome.
On a roll, our emissary lands on the doorstep of the Eastern Roman Empire, in the small fishing city of Attalia. The ERE are very hapy to regain trade rights with their former allies, but on this occasion were not interested in re-commencing an alliance. Damn Fools! Perhaps next time we deal with the likes of the ERE, we might deal with someone of a little more influence, rather than the town chirugeon, who would not know of anything more than his own backyard.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1176 -

A son of the Ibelin Family comes of age.
Balian's eldest son, John de Ibelin comes of age. Rumored to be only a shadow of his fathers ability, King Baldwin is still no less very happy to bring him on board and into service. Afterall, he is young and can still be moulded into a good general, maybe even a great one. Time will tell...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Antioch
Furious at missing out on Hama and Baalbek, Saladin looked for another outlet north of the Kingdom to keep the screws on Baldwin's expansion. The logical choice was the Principality of Antioch. Saladin had learnt from intelligence reports that Duke Bohemund and King Baldwin had taken a disliking to each other. Wanting to capitalise on their hate and mistrust of one another, Saladin sends two forces to Antioch, gambling on the likelyhood that no support would come from the Kingdom. One Ayyubid army travels north around the kingdoms newly fromed borders of Hama. The second boldly drives through the mountain pass at Baalbek and then turns north to the south gate of the grand city. Saladin was right, Baldwin ignored the Dukes pleas for reinforcements. Unfortunately for Saladin,both armies are defeated and Antioch, although depleted and battered, remains under the rulership of Bohemund.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Now Antioch, although still standing, was vulnerable.

Oportunity
Knowing his rival was now weakened, Baldwin seizes the oportunity left by Saladin's forces and orders Raymond de Tripoli to march on Antioch! Sending a unit of his very own Knights of Jerusalem guards to act as the main lynch pin in the siege, showed Raymond just how important this attack was. No matter the cost, Antioch must be seized, to improve the still fledgling economy and without destroying it too. The seige lasts into the following year.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Georgians
Lying north to the Turkish Sultanate near Iconium, our emissary manages to make contact with the Kingdom of Georgia. After long discussion of the Turkish and Ayyubid threat, the Georgian aggree to an alliance. Our position in the Levant is finally starting to look promising.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A New Queen.
Only through an arrangement could this, unfortunately for the King, be possible. Rachel de Brienne, daughter of the Count of Brienne from Champagne back in motherland France, was less than eager to join her new husband at his side. Not knowing anything of Baldwin, other than that he was a Leper, she at first was frightened even just to look upon him. As time would go by though, she will learn to accept her new husbands physicality challenges or else she may not last long in this land.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1177 -

An Adoption

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Still facing the possibility of not fathering an heir to the throne, more from the fact that Baldwin could not convince Queen Rachel to the bedchamber even more so than from his disability. The King is forced to look for another suitable heir. For should Prince Guy de Lusignan's life come to an untimely end before fielding a son of his own, the line would be broken. As a result Baldwin chose to adopt his second cousin, Anseu de Tiberias, as his very own. Should Prince Guy survive the next following years, Anseu would have nothing to worry about and would not have to be King. But Baldwin needed a contingecy plan and Anseu was it, the line could no longer be broken.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Royal Family was begining to take shape.

The Kypchak Confederacy -
Looking much less accommodating than any of the otherfactions that our emissary had made ontact with, the Kypchak's relunctantly aggree to Trading rights. Abruptly, the emissary is then told to leave.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Battle for Antioch
Still, by any terms of siege warfare, the Kingdom force, led by Raymond de Tripoli was quite undermanned. Raymonds force only outnumbers Duke Bohemunds by 100 men, but unfortunately, logistically and financially, Baldwin can not commit any more troops to this cause. Unhappy with he has, Raymond called the attack nonetheless.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

New Tactics

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Instead of conventional tactics, Raymond split his forces into three groups. The first, consisting of a unit of Seargent Spearmen and a unit of Militia Spears, rammed the Cities' main south entrance. The second group, just consisting of two units of Mounted Seargent Spearmen were grouped at the west gate, more so to act as a diversion and to pull troops away from the other fronts. The Third group and what will prove to the most important consisted of the Kings' Knights of Jerusalem, 2 units of Spearmen, a Mounted Seargent Spearmen unit and Raymond's Personal Bodyguard. The idea was to have these men climb the wall and get the gate open from the inside.
Climbing the wall on the East the Knights of Jerusalem stormed over and quickly took the battle to the ground level inside the gate area.

Outnumbered and with no hope of survival the Knights fought with brave discipline and skill. The 2 units of spears joined the fight and this is where the feircest fighting would take place, but still the gate remained shut leaving Raymond on the wrong side of the wall. Duke Bohemund, a true soldier to the end, joined in the fray to halt these Kingdom men. But, this was to be his undoing, with only a dozen men left to face, one of the remaining Knights of Jerusalem felled the old Duke with a single blow of his spear.


Finally, the last of the Kingdom men fell at the west wall and that gate remained closed.
On the main South gate however, the first group had finally successfully busted the gate open but were being overwhelmed by the defenders there. Realising the breach, Raymond quickly ordered his mounted troops to make a dash for the open south gate. Against spears or swords, he must take the city now or he will fail. Taking heavy losses the mounted troops busted through the opening and quickly took control of the gate area, killing and routing the spearmen and outremer knights that were defending.

With Duke Bohemund dead, the defense of Antioch faltered. Victoriously Raymond quickly mopped up the routers and marched through to the centre and took control of the city. It was a highly costly battle, with a lot of the Kings most important soldiers perishing in the conflict. But for Raymond to have not seized control of the city the consequences would have been dire. Baldwin was still impressed with his Generals victory and awarded him the new title of Duke of Antioch.

Antioch was put under the control of the King and as in the Battles that Balian de Ibelin had fought, the citizens were spared, graciously they accepted the new rule.

Lord of Kerak's Shame -
News of Raymond's victory had filtered down through to Tayma were where Raynald de Chatillon was still sieging the small Castle. Deflated, Raynald knew that the Kings next move may come with a strike against the Ayyubids. If he were to successfully take Tayma, it would be of no geographical or military advantage to hold it with a small force. And whats more that would then make his Castle at Kerak vulnerable again because he had too many troops spread out. Reportedly in a fit of rage, after destroying all of the contents within his personal tent at the siege site, Raynald ordered the immediate withdrawal of his men back to Kerak.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Dejected Raynald hung his head in shame all the way back to Kerak.

But he swore this would not be the end, and he will take what he beleives is his. A better plan is needed....

[_Tristan_]

Very nice AAR, keep going...

I particularly like the way you roleplay the different generals according to their own views rather than a centralized deus ex machina's will

[Galain_Ironhide]

1178 -

Blessings
The beginning of the year bought joy to the courts of the Kingdom. Two holy matrimonies took place. Firstly the wedding of Prince Anseu de Tiberias to Sybil de Champagne, daughter to the Count of Champagne.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The second marriage to take place was that of the young John de Ibelin to Isabelle de Tortosa. This wedding was held at Ibelin Castle just east of Jaffa.

Princess Sibylla, wife of Prince Guy, bore their first son, Bohemund. Ermengarde, wife of Raymond de Chatillon also gave birth to their second daughter Morphia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A Better Time
Since the acquisition of Antioch a quiet peace had rolled over the Kingdom. This was not the case however for Baldwin, who carefully planned his next moves to solidify the position of his realm in the Levant. Many of his advisors had reported back that economy was finally starting to turn around.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

His military advisors weren't quite so jolly. The Kingdom army was still too sparsely thin and attack would still be very hard to defend against. To make matters worse, news from emissaries and spies reported that Saladin had a great army camped just outside his city of Qahira. If Saladin was to mobilise his army against the Kingdom now, Baldwin would be through! Combine this with Saladin's army of Damascus, sitting precariously close to the Baalbek border, only annihilation could be in the Kingdoms future.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Baldwin had to eliminate this threat. All he needed was time, he prayed that the almighty had heard his thoughts.

1179 -

Turkish Alliance
Two of the greater Muslim factions, The Great Seljuks and the Turkish Sultanate have joined forces. Our emissaries indicate that currently this poses as no threat, however Baldwin has still asked that more information is provided that involves their movements.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Another Possible Heir?
After only a year of communion, Prince Anseu and Princess Sybil have given birth to their first child, Milo de Tiberias. The Royal family is finally beginning to flourish.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Eastern Roman Empire Speaks
Not giving up on the last meeting between the two factions, our emissary makes it to the ERE capital of Constantinople. It is here he greets the Emperor himself, Manuel Comnenus. Reluctantly recognising the re-emerging Kingdom's status in the Levant, the Emperor agrees to an alliance. Besides, if all else fails with the Muslims, the Kingdom would serve as a fine buffer to protect the ERE from the advancement of the Ayyubids and Turks.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1180 -

Son of Raymond
Hugh de Antioch, Son of Raymond de Tripoli has come of age. Loyal unto the end like his father, Hugh will pose as a great asset. The biggest obstacle that stands in the way ever more these days is the young Generals' battle experience, of which he has none. Baldwin decides to groom him in Jerusalem for the short term.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Merchant Turmoil
Trade has suffered a devastating blow in this one year. Five merchants have their assets seized. The biggest culprit is the Eastern Roman Empire! A bad move on their behalf, but for now not much can be done. For the sake of maintaining a good relationship with them, Baldwin bites his scarred lip and plans a new tactic for staying in control of his assets.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1181 -

Makuria
Laying just below the Ayyubids is the Kingdom of Makuria. Labelled as one of the bigger economic powerhouses in the Middle East, Makuria has been a target of the Ayyubids for many years. Leopold de Chartres does a fine job in persuading them to ally with the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Now Saladin, just like Baldwin faces the possibility of a 2 front war should war break out. Baldwin is pleased with his diplomats progress.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The New Duke of Tripoli
Now that Raymond had been sitting in the seat of Antioch for a period of time, looking after two counties was starting to wear the old General down. Baldwin, seeing this pronounced John de Ibelin, Duke of Tripoli. Duke John is the first Ibelin family member to be gifted which such a title.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Another Girl
Ermengarde, wife of Raynald de Chatillon gives birth to their third daughter. Reports have been heard that Raynald was somewhat disappointed to hear that he still had no son to carry on the Chatillon name.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1182 -

Peace is Shattered
After four years of peace and very little diplomatic confrontation with the Ayyubids, Baldwins spies had reported a lot of activity on the Kingdoms North Eastern Border with Damascus. Sensing imminent trouble, Baldwin mobilises Balian de Ibelin with his forces from Hama. Quiet so far, Prince Guy catches wind of these movements and intercepts Balian on his journey south just outside of Guys castle city of Tyre. Acting upon his own ambitions for might and power, Guy removes Balian from his post and orders him to reside at Tyre, "upon Kings orders". Guy then marches the army, plus more units obtained along the way, to the Eastern border. Finally reaching the Foothills west of the city of Damascus, Guys army faces off with the Ayyubids main Northern army. Spies reported back there was a smaller contingent also further to the south.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Pre-emptive Assault
Sick of being camped in the foothills of Baalbek/Damascus, Guy decides on a pre-emptive attack. He catches the enemy by surprise.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The battle is short. Prince Guy's army has the high ground and much of the enemy is cut down by Crossbow fire. Prince Guy was elated with his first major victory in battle


His treatment of his prisoners left a scalding mark on the Kingdom's reputation though, ruthlessly putting the dagger to the throat of every last captured Ayyubid soldier.

The Rape and Pillage of Damascus
With the main Northern Ayyubid Army destroyed, Prince Guy turned his immediate attention to the city of Damascus. Earlier infiltrated by a Kingdom spy, the city gate was wide open for Guy's force to penetrate through.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Largely dependant on the force that was on the border, Damascus was totally undermanned and unequipped for seige.

Before the Ayyubid Governor knew it Guy and his army were in the city centre. The Governor was mercilessly slain.


It was a steamrolling victory. Feeling the rush of instant power bought to him by the spoils of capturing this beautiful city, Prince Guy de Lusignan allowed his men to have their way with the local populous. Much was taken, many died...

Word reached Baldwin the day after the successful seige of Damascus. Whilst Guy had succeeded in eliminating the northern threat, Baldwin was enraged with the news of his Heirs cruel and ruthless doings. Not only that, he remembered somewhere, that he actually ordered Balian de Ibelin to the border, not Guy de Lusignan. The FOOL! Does he realise now in doing this, there will be no peace with Saladin in the future?! Baldwin seethed in his throne and pondered how this will overly affect his plans.

Time to Split
In just a short period of just a couple of days, Prince Guy has managed to cripple Saladins northern army. All that stands in the way is the far northern castle of Homs and the small expiditionary force sitting on the far southern border of Damascus. Guy decides to split his force and send half to Homs and the other half will attack the remaining expiditionary force.Guy sends for Hugh de Tiberias to mobilise from Hama and meet the rest of the troops and lay siege to Homs. Hugh then waits to see what tricks the enemy has to offer.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Guy then marches south and attacks the remaining Ayyubids.

Another easy victory and Guy maliciously executes every last Ayyubid prisoner.

Too easy, is the thought from Prince Guy. Bloodthirsty for more, Guy marches his army south to join in what will become a battle of survival for either the Kingdom or the Ayyubid Sultanate. If Guy thinks this will be easy, he has not yet met the likes of Saladin!

[Galain_Ironhide]

Hope you've enjoyed the latest installment of my AAR. It will now probably a week or so until my next update as I now plan to play out the GC for a while.

A big thanks to those who have replied and given me encouragement to continue with this.

Galain

[Ramses II CP]

I actually started my own KoJ VH/VH campaign after reading the first part of your AAR. I've been a bit more aggressive than you, immediately taking Damascus and Homs so I could slaughter their double reinforcement stacks in relative peace.

The KoJ unit roster is very powerful, even if their position is compromised. I'm quite impressed; quality spearmen, cheap crossbowmen, and loads of heavy cavalry. In particular their spears make it all the more clear how pathetic the Rajput spears are in comparison.

Keep up the good work!

[deguerra]

Very nice AAR. The "style" you have going is something I aim for in all my SP games, just makes them more fun, but too often I find myself too caught up in defeating a faction to roleplay effectively.

It should be noted for fairness, that according to the views of most historians (or so I have read) Raynald de Chatillion was actually the ablest and most loyal commander Baldwin had, whereas Raymond of Tripoli was far more set on claiming the throne for his family.

Also, personally, I dislike the somewhat "Kingdom of Heaven"y feel that BC gives the KOJ. The colours and units, I must admit, are nice. I would prefer other pictures, and more historically proven traits and ages (Baldwin is a bit too old at the start, I assume for game reasons). Guy and Raynald, in particular, are treated a bit harshly :D

But, of course, that is only my own opinion, and I do not mean it to detract from your fun! Keep going!

[Galain_Ironhide]

Thanks for the praise!

Yes I must admit too, the Kingdom of Heaven feel to BC detracts a bit, though I have tried to steer away from what the movie depicts.

I can promise you one thing: Balian and Sibylla wont be having an extra-marital affair like in the movie

As for Raynald and Guy, I have tried to use them in what I imagine they would have been like, through what I have read, both on the net and in books. But it is funny though because historians have a terrible habit of contradicting one another.

Stay Tuned.......

[deguerra]

But it is funny though because historians have a terrible habit of contradicting one another.

:

Isn't that the truth. It's amazing they actually agree on such things as "Stuff happened"

[Vladimir]

Good play on the brutal realities of that time.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1183 - The Ayyubid-Latin War

Captive
Now that war is upon Baldwin, the need for gathering information is vital. The best method to obtain any information of an enemy is to take prisoners. Caught up in Kingdom land whilst his country was under attack by Prince Guy, Ibrahim Ayyub, a cousin to Saladin, scrambled to make the Ayyubid Northern Border. Baldwins spies were already on to the young general, reporting his every move. In a decisive strike, Baldwin, along with Balian de Ibelin, personally marched out of the gates of Jerusalem and attacked Ibrahim just east of the city of Jaffa. Ibrahim immediately fled to the coast but became trapped when Anseu de Tiberius joined the chase and cornered him. Ibrahim decided he would not go down without a fight.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Attacked from all sides, Ibrahim Ayyub had no chance what so ever and promptly surrended with his surviving entourage.


Upon questioning, Baldwin learned very little from the captured Ayyubid General, except the constant insistence from Ibrahim that Saladin will bathe in the blood of the Latin Infedels who befelled Damascas and its peoples. Not forseeing any further use for this tightlipped young man, Baldwin offered out through his emissaries, a ransom in exchange for Ibrahim's freedom.

Immediately, Saladin complied. Ibrahim was let go and allowed to travel beck to Gaza in peace.

Baldwin then pondered, maybe he should have asked for more ransom!

Another opportunity for information came knocking on the door, as Baldwin's spies reported the sighting of yet another of Saladin's Generals personally patrolling the Jerusalem/Gaza border. With Balian de Ibelin and Prince Anseu in tow, Baldwin galloped his men at a furious pace to intercept this Ayyubid General. Aly was yet another young general, but of sterner material than that of Ibrahim Ayyub. Without any attempt of fleeing Aly stood firm and allowed Baldwin, Balian and Anseu to surround him and attack.


Aly, however, was not going to let Baldwin take him prisoner. He died at the blade of one of Anseu's men.


Although a victory in battle, it was a sound defeat in the objective of what King Baldwin wanted to achieve. Without any further knowledge of his enemy Baldwin must go through the next steps of his plans with only what his spy network had to offer.

Newfound Economic Confidence.
The perils of constant acquistion of the Kingdoms merchants to other nations was starting to take its toll. This was until the turning point of a failed acquisition seemed to give many of the Kingdoms merchants a newfound confidence in surviving the cutthroat industry.


A New Prince
Sibylla gave birth to yet another son for Prince Guy. He was named Peter.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Diplomatic Ties
The King of Armenia sent word to Baldwin of his happiness to the penultimate elimination of the Northern Ayyubid threat. One can see however, that this may just be a ploy to get Baldwin's support should war break out between the Armenians and the Turkish Sultanate who have more recently been aggressively claiming lands.


Raynalds favourable success
Amazingly the Borders of the Ayyubids and the Kingdom was very sparsely protected by Saladins men. Knowing that his King would be keen to obtain more land in as quicker succession as possible, Raynald de Chatillon mobilised his small garrison and seiged the small town of Aqaba.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After a short seige, Raynald attacked.

Literally only guarded by Turanshah Ayyub and his personal bodyguard, Raynald easily overcame the Ayyubid General and sacked the city for its bounty. Keeping most for his own halls, the remaining loot was sent to the royal treasury.

The North's Last Stand
The final lynch pin in the success of Prince Guy's northern asault, the City Castle of Homs was finally ready to attack. After beseiging for over 6 months, Hugh de Antioch made ready for the Assault. This should be an easy victory he thought to himself as there is no hope for them. How wrong about the easiness he was.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The attack began at the Castle's South wall, and with a few losses the enemy retreated to the streets. The gate was forced open easily.

Seeing a big hole in their defence Hugh ordered his mounted troops including his bodyguard into the streets before the enemy infantry were able to flee to the safety of the castles town centre.

This was a costly mistake as the Ayyubid Thaqlah infantry began to decimate Hughs Cavalry. Finally catching up to the fray, the Kingdom Swordsmen joined in and finally overcame the Thaqlah.
The fight carried on into the centre as the dead remained.

Finally locating the Ayyubid General, Hugh was able to fell him.

The regrouped Thaqlah maintained their defiant stance.

Until Finally the last enemy soldier was killed.

It was very costly battle, one in which Hugh had grossly underestimated the strength of the defending enemy, plus their resilience in being overwhelmed by larger numbers. Lucky to have not died himself from a glancing blow from a Thaqlah axe, that opened a wound wound just above his knee, Hugh sat in the Ayyubid royal chamber and thought of the lesson he had just learned.

The local populous were indifferent to the new rulership and accepted Hugh. They were just happy not to follow the path that their Damascus friends had endured through Prince Guy.

[Galain_Ironhide]

Prince Guy Attacks Gaza
Marching south for the greater part of the year, after butchering Sultan Saladin's northern army, Prince Guy finally arrives at the gates of Gaza and lays seige. Defending Gaza is Fahim, one of Saladin's closest Generals

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Freshly reinforced by order of King Baldwin, Guy's army consists of a strong Cavalry contingent along with restocked infantry and Levantine and Italian Crossbow companies. Among the Calvalry is Baldwin's first company of Knights Hospitaller of St John.

These knights, clad in black, have chosen to shy away from this conflict unlike their brothers in arms, the Knights Templar, but have now seen the importance of ridding a bitter holy rival.
Ready to attack, the Kingdom force outnumbers the Castle stronghold's defenders by nearly three men to one. Good odds in Guys book. The battle begins in late September.

With the inclusion of the Knights Hospitaller, the morale of the Kingdom men is high, they are confident of victory on this day.

Under a blanket of missle fire, a ram is bought to the gate and the battle begins. Seeing that the ram had made it to its position, Prince Guy then orders his men to bring their ladders to the wall. The fight for Gaza's walls is vicious.

The Kingdom's Outremer Swordsmen begin to take a foothold on the walls when suddenly the castle's gate bursts wide open from the constant thudding of the ram. Every last available Kingdom infantryman on the ground then rushes through the gate where they are met by the remaining defending Gaza force. Prince Guy and his Knights remain a safe distance away from the walls, waiting to seize the right opportunity to rush through the gates.

General Fahim, a gifted soldier, is forced to join the fight in the defense of his city. This is until ultimatley, he is slain by the Kingdom men.

The Kingdom flagbearers signal Prince Guy of the good news. Now it was time to capitalize. He ordered the cavalry to charge the gate. It became a total rout. Totally demoralised from seeing their Leader fall, the Ayyubid defenders fall back and retreat to the centre of the castle. Many do not make it, as the cavalry cut down the routers, killing and taking many prisoner.


Surcombing to the pressure the Ayyubids are totally defeated in what was a masterpiece of a quick, decisive strike.

Not being able to help himself, Prince guy orders his troops that the town is to be filtered of any citizens not willing to accept Kingdom control. Mercilessly 868 citizens are put to the knife in a public execution as a result. Fear is the best method of leadership that Guy knows of, his own men can bear testament to that.

The Mop Up
A reinforcement company of Saladin's men which were trying to get to the beseiged city of Gaza before it fell, now sat just a few miles away from the castle site. Needing to make sure that another detachment of men did not turn up to bolster their numbers, Balian de Ibelin mobilised from Jerusalem and attacked the small army.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With a huge high ground advantage, Balian de Ibelin was easily able to attack the Ayyubid force and destroy them.

The battle was over quickly. Showing the true form of a great soldier, Balian orders the release of the Ayyubid prisoners.


Galant in his efforts, Balian then returned to Gaza where also Prince Guy de Lusignan awaits his next orders.

In a land far away
Our emissaries have reported back that a small Indian nation had just been wiped out by the Muslims. Not much was known of these people, but may they and their way of life, rest in peace.



A new Title for the son of Raymond
In very quick succession in just months King Baldwin has announced Hugh de Antioch to be the new Duke of Homs. Also, with that came the joy of his first son, Conrad. Hugh would remain in Homs for the next year.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

On the Back Foot
This was an enormous year for the fledgling Kingdom, setting Saladin back massively. However, many are now fearing retribution from the Ayyubid Sultan, especially now given that in just one year he has lost 3 provinces to Baldwin. His main army has not been sighted for days, but they will appear, and when they do, heaven pray, Guy and Balian will be ready for them.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1184 -

Another miracle baby
Queen Rachael has given birth to yet another daughter. For a man told that he could not produce children, Baldwin has done extremely well in producing two daughters. His newest, Ida appears to be in good health. Baldwins greatest fear for his children however, is that he has not passed his legacy of lepracy to them. It is believed that he includes a plea into his daily prayers.

The family tree now looks like this


Diplomatic News
Our Emissary reached the Imamate of Oman. Trade rights were agreed upon.

Whilst in the courts of Oman, another deal was being struck between the Ghazi's and Oman. Our emissary reported back on how impressive watching two Muslim nations negotiate was and how different it is compared to two European nations negotiating.



He Has Come
After being spotted in the earlier part of the year gathering his forces near the border. Saladin began his march. Sending out an expiditionary force to clear the way of any Turks who were " sympathetic to the men of the cross".
Knowing that conflict was coming, Balian and Prince Guy ready the Egyptian Castle for its defense.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

By just after mid year, Saladin reached the gates of Gaza to retake what was his. A master of warfare and seige, Saladin let the enemy sit and wait what ever outcome may happen.

1185 -

A Healthy Position
Despite the Kingdom having two of its finer leading men under seige at Gaza, the shape of the Kingdom was looking good.


The Defense of Gaza
After 8 months of seige, Saladin beleived he had the man power to successfully retake his former Castle. Agreeing upon a joint leadership Prince Guy and Balian de Ibelin batten down the hatches.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In the haze of the early morning, the seige towers rumbled to position to begin their assault.

As the seige towers drew nearer, the Kingdom men jeered at their Ayyubid foes, shooting countless bolts into the Ayyubid formations.

Then it began. First, Saladins men reached the walls with ladders. Holding steadfast, the Kingdom soldiers tried to hold on.



Finally the Ayyubids broke the gates open. The Kingdom Seargent Spearmen formed a defensive perimeter around the breach. At this vital stage in the combat, Balian, Guy and the other mounted troops remain at the centre of the Castle.

At first the enemy infantry rushed in and met the wall of spears.

Then seeing the need for an overwhelming attack, Saladin charged his cavalry in through the narrow gates.

The fighting became fierce, and the Kingdom defence was beginning to show cracks. Hacking and slashing, Saladin was personally annihilating many a foe with single blows.



Both sides were taking heavy losses with no advantage going either way. Not on the walls, nor on the ground. Half panic stricken, Prince Guy orders in his Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller. They too are taking losses.


Not seeing any further choice, Balian de Ibelin and Prince Guy sound their respective charges and join the fight, Balian goes in search of Saladin.

Balian's body guard encouters the Sultan's remaining few bodyguard.

Rushing in became the correct choice, as it began to turn the tide of the battle. Finally the Ayyubids were beginning to be beaten back, although they still maintained their stance, further encouraged by Saladin. Until finally a Kingdom spear penetrated the mighty sultans armour sending him dead to the ground.

Seeing their Sultan die, the enemy fleed. Their morale was broken with his death.

Balian and Guy gave chase to the routers, taking whoever they could prisoner.

Finally after the epic battle, the two Kingdom Nobles sat on their horses, bloodstained, opposite each other. They did not like each other, this is true, however by helping and commanding by eachothers side, these two men were able to help themselves get through a desperate situation, and even more possibly still, they may have just broken the enemies back now that the most influential man in Muslim culture lay dead. Giving eachother a slight hint of approval with a gesture of a small smile, they both rode back to the castle to retire from the long day.

With respect, Balian allowed two Ayyubid Prisoners to ride back to Qahir with the body of the fallen Sultan to be layed with his ancestors.



The rest of the prisoners then became an issue of great tension between Balian and Prince Guy. Balian preferring to release the men and Prince Guy wanting to execute them on the spot.
The only agreement they could come to was to ransom the prisoners. Unfortunately, now without such a noble leader as Saladin at the helm of the Ayyubid Sultanate, the ransom was rejected. Prince Guy got his wish and the prisoners were executed.

The Enemy Presence Remains
Saladin and his horde were gone, but a small encampment of Ayyubid men still stayed in the area.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Realising the threat, that they posed against the weakened castle garrison, Prince Guy call for the help of King Baldwin. Baldwin gathered what troops he could and marched from Jerusalem to meet them in the field.

As quick as they could, the Ayyubids retreated back out of harms way.

Balwin gave chase but his army was undersupplied and tired. He had no choice nut to turn back to the gates of Gaza and resupply.

Noting his General's bravery, Baldwin then asked for the presence of Balian to join him in the hunt that will begin in they next year. Prince Guy was to stay in command of Gaza for now.


The Royal Family Keeps Growing
Good news had arrived to Prince Guy from his wife, Sybilla. She had just given birth to another girl. She was named Jeanne.
Also in Jerusalem, Prince Anseu de Tiberius became a father once more as his wife bore him a daughter. They named her Arda.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1186 -

The Kingdom

The Kingdom of Jerusalem's borders have now grown substantialy. In 12 years, King Baldwin has acquired Antioch, Baalbek, Hama, Damascus, Homs, Aqaba and Gaza.


Ceasefire?!
Just directly after the fall of Saladin, the new Sultan of the Ayyubids , who is not yet known to Baldwin, sent an emissary through to Hama to try and bargain a ceasefire. Unfortunately, Baldwin's plans do not include the existence of the Ayyubids. The Ayyubid emissary was stripped naked and tied to his horse and led back to Damyut. This was an open insult to any muslim, even they would not want peace now.


The Push West
Now fully provisioned, Baldwin with Balian de Ibelin in tow marches west to encounter the Ayyubid forces that remain in the Gaza area.
The first group retreats but could not run fast enough.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The battle is practically over within minutes.

It was a total rout.



Baldwin releases the prisoners.

Damyut Falls
Experiencing a lot of luck logistically, Baldwin arrives at the gates of Damyut and thanks to Kingdom spies, all the gates are wide open for Baldwin to march straight in.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Using a pincer maneuver, Baldwin attacks at the south gate with most of the men.

Whilst Balian de Ibelin infiltrates through the City's west gate.

Most of the fierce fighting is at the main South gate.


Balians force go straight through the west gate when they are encoutered by the Ayyubid's mounted Ghulam Archer Cavalry.

Seargent spearmen are bought to the front and the horse archers are easily overcome.

Balian's Secondry force then encounters a fierce defence in the city streets.

The defenders have left a big gap though and Balian and his cavalry are able to slip through the side streets and into the rear of the defenders at the south gate.

The pressure becomes too much and the defense starts to falter.

Seeing his enemy run for the centre, Baldwin charges through the streets neglecting his own safety and fights with his bodyguard in the city centre against the spears alone until the rest of the force catches up.

Finally catching up to their King, the remaining Ayyubids are killed.



Baldwin then ordered his prisoners to be set free to bear arms at the next encounter, should they be foolish enough.

A man of great honour, Baldwin spares the city. Something of the likes which not many of the former Ayyubid provinces had come to known through Prince Guy de Lusignan!

With anyone they could spare Balian then set out to rid Damyut of any Ayyubid resistance. He did come across one small detachment however they managed to slip the net to begin with.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It did not last though as Balian caught up. The battle was again short.

After cleansing the area of resistance, Balian than moves west to guard the bridge from any counterattack. Although with such a small force, defense may not be an option.


A King to Remember
No longer a child. Baldwin's popularity was not only increasing in the Kingdom for his Noble deeds. Word had started to spread to the far reaches of Europe, where stories of a young ironclad King ruled his realm with great dignity and chivalry. Reports started to surface that maybe the King was not as healthy as he portrayed to be though.


The Great Seljuks
An emissary visits the Court of Antioch where he speaks to Raymond de Tripoli. Trade Rights are granted between the two Kingdoms.

Also in the city of Antioch, an Assassins Guild had been established. It had become apparent to Raymond that protection of Kingdom Merchants required some 'uderhanded' strategies.


Not Noble Enough
Baldwin had spread word earlier in the year that he desired to inherit or 'adopt' another man of noble birth into the Royal family. Tancred de Cyprus was offered to the King by his father. The de Cyprus name was not up to Baldwins standards though and in the past, Tancred's father was a supporter of imposing another King on the throne, just before Baldwin came to power. Seeing that the de Cyprus' were just trying to consolidate power Baldwin ordered sir Tancred to return home, he was not needed here.


A Gifted Spy
A report has come back that our gifted spy who infiltrated Damyut has also infiltrated the castle of Bilbeis. This should come in handy in the advancing months, when the plan for further attack comes about.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally, Another Chance
Sick and tired of not being allowed to advance himself, the old Lord of Kerak, Raynald de Chatillon is now in the strategic position of being able to successfully take the settlement of Tayma which he tried to take so many years ago. Gathering what troops he could, Raynald marched east down the long desert road.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Edessa attacked by the Turkish Sultanate
Our scouts have reported the increasing threat of the Turkish Sultanate grows as they have now begun seige of Edessa. In comparative size, the Turks hold just as many key provinces as what the Kingdom does. The only territory that seperates the two kingdoms is the independant province of Aleppo, a province which Raymond de Tripoli has had his eyes on for years. Let us pray we can acquire that territory before them.

[Galain_Ironhide]

Hope you are enjoying the story so far. This has taken a while just to get to this point, due to a lot of family and sporting commitments. There is plenty of more great action to come, in fact it just intensifies from here, those miraculous spawning armies have shown themselves a couple of times already and caused quite interesting moments, some of which I have not shown yet.

What I would like to ask of you, my fellow Throne Room Masters, (because I am obviously posting a large rate of images,) I would like to know if you are having success in downloading every image?..... or does your computer stop downloading the images after a while?

I am considering filling the next few posts (up to comment 30 I think it is) just with litte junkets just to clock over onto the next page so then I can keep adding without causing too much pain to people trying to view everything.

If I could possibly have your feedback from my question, you would be making my day!!!

Again, I hope you are enjoying my AAR and I promise there is plenty more to come.

Galain

PS: Darn it! I've jumped on tonight to add more story and realised I run out of pictures on Photobucket to post, oh well back to downloading them tonight I guess.

[Vladimir]

I'm getting all the pictures but I don't want them all. I really don't care to see if a family member is born, just their stats once they mature. Personally I care more about the strategic situation during battles and would be fine with fewer pictures during a siege. If you must, display what was where and the routes they took.

[Galain_Ironhide]

I'm getting all the pictures but I don't want them all. I really don't care to see if a family member is born, just their stats once they mature. Personally I care more about the strategic situation during battles and would be fine with fewer pictures during a siege. If you must, display what was where and the routes they took.

Thanks Vladimir, there is much wisdom in your words.

LOL, I think I get caught up with the 'eye candy' of this excellent mod during battles, which is probably a reason for the overload of battle images. I shall try and streamline my style a little.

All the best.

[barcamartin]

Great AAR ! I'm getting all your images, but as Vladimir said, alot are unneccessary. Perhaps you could use spoilers for the "less-important" ones, with a title telling you what's under. That way it'll be up to the reader to decide which pics to view. I don't care if there are many battle pics, that's the interesting part ! :D

[Galain_Ironhide]

1187 -

Eudes de Beaumont
Baldwin enlists the son of yet another powerful European Noble to become his own adopted son. Eudes was selected on his reports of good loyalty and leadership. Eudes is immediately assigned to Balian de Ibelins army that will march south in the coming weeks.



Raynald seiges Tayma
The Lord of Kerak, Raynald de Chatillon readies his men for the upcoming assault. Cutting all supply routes off from the small castle settlement, he will lay and wait until the local populace are hungry and too famished to put up a decent fight.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally happy with what he sees, Raynald orders the assault.

Tayma is overrun by Raynald and his men easily. The walls and Gate are first to crumble.



Then finally havoc is brought to the streets. Raynalds bodyguard run fear through the streets


Tayma is taken and in true de Chatillon style, Raynald makes the citizens pay in Florins and in blood.

Finally happy in succeeding in taking Tayma which he had tried to do so many years before, Raynald returned to his Coastal County of Aqaba where he was still seeing to the Christian Colonisation of.

The Thorn in the Ayyubid's Side
After a short resupply of men and provisions, Balian moves his almighty army to the gates of Bilbeis. His attack is spontaneous and the Kingdom spy, who had infiltrated the city in the previous year, once again managed to open the gates, allowing the Kingdom Troops to walk right in.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Balian orders his troops into the city.


As they had successfully done in the Battle for Damyut, Balian de Ibelin attacks with most of the force at the Main East Gate.

While the youthful Eudes de Beaumont has an auxillary force that infiltrates through the South Gate.
Again this took the Ayyubids by surprise and the Kingdom's Armoured Seargent Spearmen easily dispatched the enemy Light Cavalry that was guarding the gateway.

Once the enemy Light Cavary were disposed of. Eudes Gallops the Cavalry he has in his charge and crashes them into the rear of the defenders at the East Gate. It becomes a slaughtering pen for the vanquished.


Not much fight is left in the survivng enemy apart from one determined General Ibrahim Ayyub, who had already suffered the embarrassment of capture previously. The brave Muslim fought to his death. The city was then taken for the glory of Christendom!


As what had now become a known virtue of General Balian de Ibelin, the prisoners were released to fight another day if they so chose.

'Balian the Honourable' was the name given to him by the Ayyubids.

Bilbeis was taken with few citizen casualties.

Now with Bilbeis under Balian's control, Qahir, the Ayyubid Capital now lay in the Kingdom of Jerusalem's path. And Balian was not about to rest his men.

The King Returns Home to Jerusalem
Fighting a sudden bout of sickness. King Baldwin is forced to leave the running of Damyut, which he had done ever since last year. He decides to return home and in his place sends Anseu de Tiberias to take control of the new Egyptian Quarter which has again increased the size of the Kingdom considerably.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Surprise of Qahir
Underhandness with the utilisation of spies had really seen about the quick acquisition of Ayyubid lands. This was not about to change. A spy infiltrates and settles in.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Qahir, the pinnacle of the Ayyubid civilisation, under the rule of the young inexperienced Crown Prince, Al-Zahir, now stood shakingly nervous in the creeping shadows of the Kingdoms might. Balian, electing to over see the running of the new Kingdom County of Bilbeis, sends Eudes de Beaumont with roughly three quarters of the men that had left Damyut earlier in the year to take the capital city. The reasoning for the smaller force was the knowledge of the garrison left protecting the city.
Appointed with such a large duty for his first mission, Eudes knows that success here will mean a very favourable outcome from his King. The siege begins in earnest.

In what was an unexpected move from the Crown Prince of the Ayyubids, the enemy sallies from their walls with a host of additional soldiers of which our spies had not reported. Damn it! Eudes was certainly to be utterly defeated if he stayed around!

Immediately Eudes and his men withdraw to the fields just west of Qahir but not quick enough as the Ayyubids catch the Kingdom men and engage.

In what is noted as being strange of a Leader of people, Prince Al-Zahir elects to remain at Qahir to watch the battle from the safety of his walls.

The outnumbered Kingdom army awaits its destiny. Eudes orders every man to fight to the last if it is required. His men, who have not fought by his side before mutter curses under their breaths

Strangely the Ayyubids send in a small unit of archers and and unit of spear militia who are first to engage the Kingdom men. Eudes orders his infantry to remain where they are and orders his cavalry to follow him to exterminate the small threat before the main body of the Ayyubid army reaches them. The attack on the small army is asuccess, totally wiping them out, but unfortunately with a few more friendly casualties than Eudes would have liked.
Eudes then retreats back to the safety of his men.
The main Ayyubid attacking force reach the Kingdom defenders, the Ayyubids have astrong missile Cavalry contingent along with a strong infantry presence. Using the advantage of their bows, the Ayyubids stay a distance away, relentlessly peppering Eudes' men with arrows.

Just standing and taking the enemy fire was draining the depths of Eudes men. He had to take action. In a bold move, Eudes orders an attack on the Ayyubids! Every man charges in. Still taking the punishment of the arrows, many men are mowed down before the engagement.

The battle is bloody. If it were not for the Knights of Jerusalem, Baldwin's personal guard fighting amongst the men, the battle would have been over quickly. But the knights fought with true audacity chopping down many enemy soldiers. Eudes himself, has taken a few nasty blows and is lucky to have still survived as he engages the missle cavalry one by one.

Finding his way to the captain in charge, Eudes kills him, suddenly sending the Ayyubids into full retreat. He had done it! The once grand Ayyubid's now run from the battlefield.

Lucky to be alive himself, Eudes becomes revered by his men.

A total respect has been gained from his men for this astonishing victory. The absence of the Crown Prince of the Ayyubids no doubt played a contributing factor towards the enemy's defeat.

Onward to Victory

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Now that the Ayyubid's main force remains scattered amongst the fields and did not return to the safety of Qahir's walls, Eudes finally orders the attack on Qahir to recommence. An extra unit of Seargent Spearmen were sent down from Bilbeis as extra support The Ayyubids were totally drained any fighting force, nothing could save Crown Prince Al-Zahir now.
The gates were open and Eudes' men rushed through.


The fighting was brief as the spears and swords of the Kingdom easily overcame the defending force.
Once the streets had been successfully taken, the men of the kingdom formed up into ranks and saluted their General as he passed by allowing him to inspect them.
All that stood in the way on conquest now was the Crown Prince. Remarkedly the Prince did not want to be taken prisoner and fought to his death with honour as his role would expect of him.

Qahira was now firmly in the grips of King Baldwin.

The news of Qahira's overthrowing reached every far off realm in the land.

It seemed now was the beginning of the end for the Ayyubid Sultanate. Only Alexandria now stood in Baldwins way of total domination of Egypt.

Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

New Relations with Far Away Lands
Our diplomats have reached the lands of the Kwarezm Shah,the Malikate of the Sindh and also the Solanski Rajputs. Trade rights were graciously accepted with all realms. However an alliance of trust was gained with the Solanski's. This may prove to be pointless, to begin with, but should either the Solanski's or the Kingdom become major powers in the Levant, to have an ally at this stage would become very beneficial

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Prince Guy's Newest Addition
Sybilla Gave birth to yet another child. Another daughter, Melissande.

[Bomberboy]

Good AAR.

[Vladimir]

Wow, the AI is bankrupt already?

Nice "inspection" shot.

[Galain_Ironhide]

1188 -

Prepare for the Final Push

With Baldwin ill and forced to return to Jerusalem. Prince Anseu de Tiberias arrives into Damyut to take control of the Egyptian Quarter that was once land belonging to the Ayyubids. Along the road that leads to the city, the devastation from the past years conflict still remained, plus the acrid smell of death still hung in the air. Anseu passes many tired and battered units of the Kings Troops as they march back to castles such as Gaza and Tyre to restock, reprovision and be made ready for the next conflict.

This will prove to be a quiet year as many of the previous ones have taken their toll. With the Ayyubids in full retreat, with their tails between their legs, the lull in the fighting could not come at a better time


Balian Adopts
Balian de Ibelin is approached by Jobert de Montbeliard, a young noble fresh to the levant only just at the end of last year. Balian has Jobert in action and decides to honour Jobert and adopts him into the de Ibelin Family.


Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Anseu de Tiberias's New Addition
Among first new citizens of Damyut is the new son of Prince Anseu. Lucky to have not been born in the middle of the desert on the way, Princess Sybil managed to hold on giving birth until they made the gates of the city.

John de Ibelin, son of Balian also becomes a proud father


The Kypchaks Grow in Force
According to our emissaries the Kypchak Hordes are amassing. Our northern Allies, the Georgians are reported to have bolstered their defenses should the Kypchaks become hungry for land and possessions.


New Trading Agreements
Another successful year for our emissaries who have made it to the far reaches of Asia. Trade Rights were agreed to upon with the powerful Ghorid Sultanate and the Sultanate of Ghazni.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Eudes de Beaumont Marries
Not wasting any time from his throne in Jerusalem, Baldwin arranges for the marriage of his newly adopted son to Marie de Moulins. The communion will help financial ties with benefactors back from the Motherland.

The End of a Year and a Beginning of the End
The end of the year has come and Balian de Ibelin has readied his troops to march on to the last Ayyubid City of Alexandria. It has taken all year to amass this army in what he was hoping to be the final dying breath of the Ayyubid Sultanate. The Army Marches west from Bilbeis and reaches Alexandria within days thanks to the ever so slight cooler weather. The seige begins.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Whilst the seige had taken place, Baldwin orders his Heir, Prince Guy to make for the city so when the battle is over he may claim the final Ayyubid province in the name of the Holy Spirit. Jobert de Montbeliard accompanies Guy from Damyut.

[Galain_Ironhide]

To all, Thanks again for the praise. Still plenty more to come.

@Barcamartin - Thanks for the idea of putting spoilers over the less important features, I think this might just work.

@Vladimir, Thanks for noticing my 'inspection' shot. I spent about 15 minutes doing that one shot.

@Tincow, Thanks for your help previously from my PM.

@Bomberboy, glad you like it

[Galain_Ironhide]

1189 -

Naval Assistance
With Baldwin's orders to finish the Ayyubids once and for all, the small but nimble Kingdom navy blockades and intercepts any boats trying to escape from Alexandria. Our allies, the Armenians have sent a crew as support. The only major skirmish was in fact quite small and the Allies' fleets were able to dispose of the resisting Ayyubid boats easily.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Nonetheless it was important for the Navies to experience victory.

In the Name of our Lord, Alexandria Must Fall
The board was set, the pieces finally in their places for the ultimate end to unfold for the Ayyubids. Guarded by Sultan al Kamil Ayyub the enemy awaited their destiny.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Balian de Ibelin leading the assault, positions himself plus the main contingent at the South Gate of the City. He Had Prince Guy position himself at the west wall with the remainder of Balians troops, and finally Jobert de Montbeliard was positioned at the North gate. With no option for escape the Ayyubids knew what was coming.
Taken from the northside - the enemy is surrounded within their city.

The three wings of attack hit the walls simultaneously.


and it is Jobert de Montbeliard and Prince Guy who are able to infiltrate the wall's defences first.
Balian's South gate army was the only division to encounter stiff opposition and it was not until Jobert and Guy were well into the streets of the city that Balian was able to break through the southern gate defense. Finally the gate broke inwards.

The order to charge the gate defense was given, the enemy retreated back to the centre of the city.


Surrounded, the Ayyubid Sultan knew this was the end. He will die with honour with his ancestors, however Balian would have been more than happy for him to have complied with surrendering.



Finally the Sultan was thrown from his horse and a Kingdom Sword finished him off from a single thrust through the side of the neck.
Prince Guy dismounted from his horse, took the flag given to him by his flagbearer and placed it firm in the City centre and muttered the words:
I hearby proclaim this city, in the name of Christendom and in the name of our Divine Lord - Baldwin IV!

Alexandria, thanks to Balian de Ibelin was saved from sacking, something of which Prince Guy was not happy about.

But in a bizarre twist, Prince Guy was named the Duke of Alexandria. Guy would have his way with the people afterall.

THE WAR WAS OVER! In just six and a half years King Baldwin disposed of the Kingdom of Jerusalem's biggest threat. The Ayyubid Sultanate will bother us no more. Now the Kingdom is a power to be reckoned with, however it will be more than probable that the kingdom will encounter many more powerful adversaries in the future to come. One could not help but feel that this was just the beginning.



Kingdom Court Intrigue and Diplomatic Information
Please look away if you are not interested in the runnings of the Kingdom

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Damascas - a Financial Oasis
Formerly known as the Emir of Damascus before bowing to Saladin, the newly named Duchy of Damascus was a financial oasis for the King who now owned it. Being in line with the major trade route between the north and south of the Levant, literally all trade passed through this wealthy city. Efficiently run by Duke Hugh de Antioch, the city is in good hands. The only drawback to this is the Muslim sector of the city still not trusting their new rulers from Prince Guy's sacking of the city. This caused a little unhappiness though not enough to worry about.


The Turkish Sultanate invades Aleppo
Raymond de Tripoli has sent word from Antioch that our independant neighbours of Aleppo are under attack from the Turkish Sultanate. Raymond has asked for funding to amass an army big enough to take Aleppo for himself should the Turks fail in their conquest.

Luckily for Raymond the first wave of Turks are beaten back by Aleppo's army out in the field.

Baldwin promptly mandates the requirement for a large army to be gathered at the northern border of Antioch.

Duke Hugh Adopts
Duke Hugh de Antioch, son of Raymond, adopts Amaury of Balias. Amaury shows great potential to be a leader of the faith in the future.


Floods
Mountains around Homs experience Torential downpours causing massive widespread flooding, much livestock is killed at the base of the mountain, however no civilians are believed to have perished. Many Muslims still bound to their faith hope and pray that it is Allah bringing tragedy to the infedel christian invaders.

[barcamartin]

Glad I could help !! I really like the way this AAR is coming around. The story is great, and the lay-out's nice aswell. KUTGW !!