For Faith or Greed? A Broken Crescent AAR

[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.