Turn 5 - noon
Turn 4 feedback
Turn 4 feedback to the Imperialists
Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief
Turn 4 feedback to the Repiblicans
Orders
Imperialist orders
(there was a slight change of plans, as described below:)
Okay, so I only have my crossbows and general units left. Here's the plan.
The crossbows will attack Steffen and Cervole themselves, and I will follow suit with the aid of Maximilians force. I will charge the enemy's general unit on their utmost left side, right after the initial clash between Max's forces and the enemy cavalry units - as ordered by Peter
I will, in essence, use my personal bodyguard unit to flank an exposed enemy general. Right after Max's forces will have engaged the enemy cavalry. I will not recklessly charge into the enemy cav. lines without friendly suppost, but my orders should have been clear enough in that respect.
Once the cav. battle will have begun, my ranged units will cease fire (not risking any friendly fire casualties) and attack the most western DFK regiment (the regiment that will be left after von Salza disposes of the other flanking DFK regiment, that being the most northern one on their left flank).
Von Salza shall attack the regiment of DFK's attempting to flank Peter's forces. He will attack the DFK regiment closest to him ( being the most northern positioned one), and will retreat to his current position once the threat is destroyed. If he is capable after that move, however, I'd wish for him to aid me and Maximilian in the cav. battle on our right flank.
Hope that was clear enough.
...and now, the doozy.
Hapsburg will raise the Hapsburg standard which will be carried with his bodyguard - it is not to be lost at any cost.
The Armoured Sergeants will march quickly to engage the 4 regiments of cavalry directly opposing them.
Hapsburg and the Feudal Knights will take up positions behind them, ready to charge in should the infantry begin to falter.
The Crossbowmen will discharge a couple of volleys against the same 4 regiments of cavalry and then pepper the Dismounted Feudal Knights to their left.
(OOC: The desertion offer was a trap. I was going to try and pick off Lothar and Arnold. Understandably, the Republicans weren't fooled.)
Thanks,
Ignoramus.
P.S. The green lines represent the direction of the Pavise Crossbowmen's bolts, not movement.
Republican ordersSpoiler Alert, click show to read:
OOC: The image may not help much, but to clarify the red lines are the conditional orders depending on if any of my companies rebel. The text orders cover most everything important.
Orders to all divisions: This army is to strike Imperial colors immediately and will act in support of the inevitable Illuminati victory. If any of your men have a problem with that they should be dealt with before you execute your orders in the larger engagement. Specifics will follow.
Division 1, Fritz's HQ, is to move to the right flank but remain behind the spearmen there. The goal along the way is to be near enough to the gunners to ensure that they get their orders and obey them. If either or both companies of non-mercenary arqebusiers should rebel Fritz's guardsmen are to charge them immediately and remain engaged to fight them until they rout or are destroyed. Fritz's guardsmen should end the turn, assuming they complete all necessary actions against rebels, in the clear on the western edge of his formation, positioned to support his crossbowmen or charge across the field next turn.
Division 2, the infantry screen, is charged primarily with watching for and dealing with rebellion amongst the non-mercenary soldiers. In specific the mercenary knights are to watch the armoured sergeants closely and if they rebel they should be charged and engaged until destroyed or routed. If only one company of armoured sergeants rebels, both companies of mercenary knights should charge them. The Armoued sergeants should simply continue to hold their ground and be on guard against charges. The mercenary spearmen on the right flank and to the rear of the non-mercenary arqebusiers on the right should watch them for signs of rebellion and deal with that first. If they rebel, the spearmen should go off guard mode and attack until the gunners rout or flee. If the gunners rebel and the armoured sergeants do not, the nearest company of mercenary knights should join in the attack against the rebel gunners. The mercenary spearmen on the left side of the formation should watch the Teutonic Knights behind them for signs of rebellion. If those men appear to be rebelling the spearmen should turn to face them as quickly as possible while maintaining their relative position and then hold ground against a possible charge. Other than dealing with rebellion the infantry are to hold their positions. They should attempt to end this turn with the formation intact, especially the front line. If either of the non-mercenary spear companies rebels or flees the mercenary knights should end by moving forward into their place after they are dealt with.
Division 3, the gunners, are to immediately take Duke Dieter's nearest armoured sergeants under fire. If those men should all die or flee, the dismounted feudal knights next to them should be taken under fire. If those men should all die or flee, the next company of DFKs, and the next, and so forth, contained to Duke Dieter's infantry line. Gunners are to have skirmish on at all times, so that they fire at will rather than by ranks. Standing orders on how to behave in the event of retreat will hold.
Division 4, the crossbowmen, will turn off skirmish and concentrate their fire on Duke Dieter's personal guard and retinue with the intent of eliminating it wholesale. If those men should be entirely eliminated (Unlikely), the crossbowmen should take Duke Dieter's armoured sergeants from his left flank under fire. In the event of the Pavise crossbowmen rebelling or fleeing the mercenary crossbowmen are to continue to fire on Duke Dieter (Shift click them on him should work). Any rebellion will be dealt with by the cavalry nearby.
Division 5, the Teutons, are ordered to hook around the infantry formation at a run and seek charges of opportunity in the center of the field against Peter's Imperial foot Knights, pavise crossbowmen, or Dieter's DFKs. Each charge should be followed by a retreat to sufficient distance and immediate recharge. Following the second charge remain in melee until the enemy is eliminated.
Division 6, the unpaired Mercenary Knights, are ordered to hook around the infantry formation at a run and seek charges of opportunity in the center of the field against Peter's Imperial foot Knights, pavise crossbowmen, or Dieter's DFKs. Each charge should be followed by a retreat to sufficient distance and immediate recharge. Following the second charge remain in melee until the enemy is eliminated. The Teutons have target priority, so the Mercenary knights should follow them and select a target after the Tuetons have done so. In the event that the Teutons rebel the Mercenary knights should advance to the center of the field at a run and execute their orders, ignoring the Teutons.
Division 7, the paired mercenary knights, are to first observe my nearby Pavise crossbowmen for signs of rebellion. If they rebel the pair of knights are to move at a run to bracket them and charge from both sides, sweeping through to meet in the middle and eliminate or rout them. If they have rebelled and been eliminated, the knights should then reform and charge Duke Dieter's pavise crossbowmen. If they do not rebel the knights are to immediately charge Duke Dieter's pavise crossbowmen, each company selecting a different company of crossbowmen to charge. Following the impact of the charge they should attempt to 'sweep' through the crossbow formation, but priority is given to not becoming entangled in Dieter's infantry. If they are threatened with entanglement they should withdraw and consolidate for another charge, attempting to end the turn out of melee and ready to charge against any force in the center of the field.
Much simpler this turn
Hugo : Join up with Lothar's cavalry along our western flankSorry for the lack of a map, I won't be able to get one from TC this time.
With my spearmen gone I have an extra division, but I think I'll keep the Mailed Knights together with Jan.
Cavalry Division Orders: Jan and the Mailed Knights are each going to make a charge at the nearest units of Dismounted Imperial Knights ahead of them. Afterward, they should withdraw back as far as Arnold, then charge again if there is an opening to do so.
Archers:Tight formation this time. Fire at Peter and the unit of mounted Imperial Knights near him. If things get messy after Jan's charge (Peter and his knights charge, or Jan looks likely to get stuck in a melee) they should charge in to fight hand to hand and cover Jan's retreat (he does have "faltering courage" so I figure he should take more care for his safety than my normal suicidal generals.).
Almost forgot to add that Jan and the Mailed Knights are to avoid staying in melee after any charge, pulling back for another again and again if neccessary. If either units numbers drop under half their normal size and they are greatly numbered, they should stop their charges and both pull back to Arnold and wait.Umpire notes for Turn 5Hey GH,
At long last, my orders.
My army will deploy due south of the imperiled western flank. The formation will look like this:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Div 1: The Crossbowmen. They will be ahead of the main line in loose formation with skirmish off.
Div 2: The Cavalry. They will be in column to the left of the main line.
Div 3: Crusader Sergeants. They form the left of the infantry line.
Div 4: Unhorsed Knights. They form the center of the line.
Div 5: Dismounted Knights. They are behind the center of the line.
Div 6: Armoured Sergeants and the Great Cross. They are the right of the line. The GC is behind the spearmen.
Matthias is deployed behind the Crusader Sergeants. This way he can deploy with the cav or stay with infantry.
Here's how it should look relative to the western flank:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
IC: "Form up! Form up! I'll be damned if I let my Brother do all the fighting. We'll show these soft Imperials what Crusaders, forged in God's Crucible, can do.
"Infantry, form up by division with Crusader Sergeants on the left flank, Armoured Spearmen on the right, Unhorsed Knights in the center with the Dismounted Knights behind them. The Armoured Spearmen will have the honor of escorting the Cross into battle. The spearmen will protect us from horsemen, while the knights are our hammer.
"Cavalry, deploy to the left of the infantry in column. Our line will most likely extend past the Imperial one and you'll be loosed on their flanks and rear.
"Crossbowmen, you will take your place in loose formation ahead of the infantry line. If threatened do not seek the protection of the infantry, keep firing and the infantry will march ahead of you. Your first priority is enemy cavalry including their nobles, followed by infantry and then their archers.
"Crusaders! This is a monumental battle and I expect every man to do his duty. We may be late, but our faith and courage will tell! This is the Kaiser's last day and the first of the Holy Roman Republic!
"Deus lo Vult! Forward!"
If you need anything else let me know.
OK
Seems like everyone was gunning for the center, which made this turn an absolute horror to simulate. Tancred was going for the remaining Republican cav in the west, but they retreated to the center.
Sometime during the turn, Ignoramus sent a message to all of the Republicans offering to defect in exchange for land. This was not allowed, but considering the Republicans’ response (a hearty “NO”) I decided to let is pass without any consequences.
Units failing orders test: Peter’s Xbows, Arnold’s Gunners (again!), Jan’s archers. All of Fritz’s units passed the enhanced orders test. Also did a regiment-by-regiment orders test for Ludwig picking up the two extra cav regiments – both passed.
The initial combat seemed to be Peter’s cav charging the Imperial Xbows and Arnold. AG’s orders for his DGKs said to charge Peter’s DIKs but also said to protect the Xbows. Made the decision to have them intervene in the Peter’s cav battle, with the deciding factor being that they’d have to weave through the battlefield to reach the DIKs. Peter’s DIKs and Jan’s cav then charge each other. The other forces all begin to converge on the center, with the Republican DFKs refusing. This is Phase 1 of Turn 5.
Note that I made Phase 1 the way it is because Elite Ferret’s orders were basically an all-out charge at Arnold’s position. Fritz cannot yet catch up until Dieter is engaged.
Phase 2 was the flanks converging. Hapsburg and Tyrolia charge Lothar and Cervole but with the DFKs refusing the flank, they instead run into them. The cavalry tries to flank the DFKs, but cannot with Matthias up. They hold back, hoping for a breakthrough. To the east, Bohmen’s cavalry and Max’s men charge and slam into whatever they can. Fritz moves in for the kill.
Western combat in-depth: Tancred and Athalwolf charge first but pull back when they see that Lothar and Hugo are well-shielded. Next Hapsburg’s infantry comes in and engages the DFKs. It is at this point where both Tancred’s and Hapsburg’s cav try to flank, but cannot due to Matthias. As far as missile combat goes, Lothar’s mounted Xbows skirmish with the enemy’s foot Xbows, whose fire is concentrated on the infantry melee and Lothar.
Phase 2 map:
Phase 3 was the resolution. To the west, none of the battle will be decided until the next turn save for Dieter’s Teutons trying to break through the refused flank. Simulated both sides. The Teutonics broke through taking about 50% casualties and continued into the center. As per orders, Lothar’s cav countercharged and destroyed the remaining Teutons (interpreted orders to mean breaking through too, especially after he realized that neither Arnold’s gunners nor Jan’s archers were firing).
In the center, there was a desperate fight between Peter’s cavalry, his infantry, and Dieter’s men to break through. Jan’s escort and MKs did manage to defeat the three regiments of DIKs using the charge/recharge strategy, but took heavy losses. Jan survived. I guess the lesson here is that the strategy really does work, so long as you’re not facing spearmen. With Peter’s cav, he dispatched of the Xbows easily, but got caught as Arnold activated his DGKs. The charge/recharge thing worked well, but he ran out of room as Dieter’s men charged in and Max after them. The DGKs managed to hold on long enough for Dieter’s men to be flanked and Peter was without an escort. Then Arnold charged. Apparently all of those “scarred” traits have a limit. Decided to roll to determine Peter’s fate. 4-6 he gets injured/captured, 1-3 he dies. Rolled a 3. AG will be happy.
On the flank, Bohmen’s cavalry and Max’s cav/infantry slam into the flanks of Dieter’s troops that are pressing to get to the front and Arnold. The Gothic Knights are perfect at this. Used as shock troops, Dieter’s men get mauled. Only two regiments get out alive, and one is in deep trouble. Dieter himself lost ½ his escort due to two volleys from Fritz’s Xbows (simulated and that was about how many he was able to get in before Dieter got out of range).
Missile combat: one of the (inactive) gunner units gets trapped in the charge and destroyed. Peter’s are inactive and get destroyed in Fritz’s charge. Dieter’s get a couple of volleys off and then are also destroyed in Fritz’s charge (removed one of Fritz’s cav regiments due to attrition). Had to improvise a little bit on the west flank since the flank is pretty secure with Matthias. Decided to have all of the Imperial Xbows hit whatever they could get – Hapsburg’s targeted the DFKs, Tancred’s the Republican cav. Both were semi-effective. Lothar’s targeted the Imperial Xbows in a crossfire – a little more effective (were chased around a lot, otherwise would have been more effective). Basically, Arnold’s crossbows in the center were simply a roadblock. They did their job just well enough.
Public feedback for Turn 5
The sun is at its highest point in the sky. Under the sun, the black flag waves, absorbing many of its rays. Under the black flag, all hell breaks loose.
There is no way to describe what Becker sees happening next. Despite having just fought several hard battles, neither side rests, instead, all of them barreling towards the center, as if that one point had a strange magentic attraction to everything else. Naturally, those at or near this epicenter would suffer the worst.
The western part of the battlefield is the only part that remains somewhat organized. The cavalry of Maximilian von Hapsburg and Tancred von Tyrolia made an attempt on Lothar Steffen and Hugo de Cervole, however, the two generals and their cavalry retreated behind their own lines, creating a refused line of Dismounted Feudal Knights. Hapsburg's Armoured Sergeants soon found their way fighting, trying to break through the line, but that will not be decided until the next turn. The generals turned their cavalry south, trying to flank the line, but abruptly broke off after the massive force of Matthias Steffen arrived on the battlefield, protecting the flank. The Imperial cavalry can now only watch and wait.
To the north of that line, there was a breakthrough, as Dieter Bresch in part of his all-out attack to get at Arnold, ordered his Teutonic Knights in, but they were quickly swallowed up by Lothar's and Hugo's cavalry. Nevertheless, a hole remains. As far as missile combat goes, both sides got off some shots to mixed results.
Becker now finds his eyes drawn, like everything else on the battlefield, to the center. Peter von Kastilien, betrayed and desperately trying to end the fight, ordered all of his men to charge, his cavalry aiming for Arnold and his infantry aiming for Jan Zirn. Jan and his Mailed Knights charged as well, broke off, charged again, broke off, charged, etc. For all the power of the dismounted Imperial Knights, they had no answer to this series of charges. When the dust cleared, all that was left were three members of Jan's escort, including the general himself. All of the knights, both Mailed and Imperial, had died, as did one of Arnold's frustratingly inactive Arquebusier units.
Peter, carrying his remaining regiment of Imperial Knights, charged right through Arnold's crossbowmen, aiming for the Grand Master. However, he was slowed down by the doomed archers and, eventually, Arnold's dismounted Gothic Knights. Seeing this new threat, Peter broke off and tried Jan's strategy, although to less effect as he was quickly being closed in on by Dieter Bresch's men. They, too, were in a rush to get to Arnold, but there was something else pushing them, not giving Peter any room to maneuver.
That something else would be the men of Maximilian Zirn and Ludwig von Bohmen, slamming into Dieter's unprotected flank and wrapping around their rear. Becker looked around wildly; wasn't that flank supposed to be protected? But then he saw it.
Fritz von Kastilien's cavalry had charged into Dieter's rear. His gunners were firing at whatever Imperialist troops they could hit.
So, Becker thought, that was what the black flag was for. It was over then. The Imperialists never had a chance.
Peter and Dieter's men were whittled down, having nowhere to go. Eventually the Kaiser was the only cavalryman left on the field. And that's when Becker saw it; Duke Arnold's escort charging in, ready to give the coup-de-grace. He saw the Kaiser speared mercilessly by a lance and falling off his horse.
The Republican attack on the flank was a total success. All of the units in the center, most of them Imperialist, had disintegrated in the fighting. The Imperialists had exactly one regiment of infantry left that was not committed. Dieter Bresch was still alive, although his escort was down to half strength due to several crossbow volleys in the back. In addition, he was trapped in, with a very small hole to escape. Maximilian von Hapsburg and Tancred von Tyrolia, not to mention Athalwolf von Salza, were in slightly better positions, although they had the immense threat of Matthias Steffen looming.
The Battle of Trent, for all practical purposes, is over. The only question now is to determine how crushing of a Republican victory it is and what the remaining Imperial generals will do.
To the far north, Edmund Becker sees that the Imperialist staff - the cooks, the couriers, the supply clerks, the logisticians - see the same things that he does. He watches as they begin packing up, abandoning their tents, running in all directions. It is a massive panic, and pretty soon those men will reach him.
Becker has seen enough. He mounts his horse and rides for his life.
Map:
DEADLINE FOR TURN 6 ORDERS: Monday, 18:00 GMT-5. You will be giving me slightly different sets of orders, as described in your upcoming feedback PMs.
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