Battle reports thread - King of the Romans PBM

[Ituralde]

Damascus, 1228:

PART I:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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