Excelsis Deo: A Papal AAR.

[Cecil XIX]

This AAR is about a campaign played with the Deus lo Vult 3.2 mod as the Patrimonium Sancti Petri. The most immediate change is that the Papacy has no family tree. The Papacy can only gain generals through adoption.

House rules are as follows:

1. The Pope will only go to war against adjacent Muslim and Excommunicated factions.
2. The Pope will not assault rebel settlements that are majority catholic.
3. Rome will only accept a Theologian's Guild, or a Crusader Chapter House.
4. The Pope will only lead an army to battle if he has warlike traits.
5. Each ship can only transport two units.
6. The Papal and Swiss guard cannot leave the Pope's stack.
7. Fog of war is turned off, to simulate the Papacy's ability to observe Catholic nations fighting, and to tell when provinces have changed hands.

Since this is designed to be a mostly peaceful campaign, updates may be sporadic. Without further ado, the setup.

The Papacy starts with control of the Patrimony of St. Peter, whose capital is the Holy and Eternal city of Rome.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The current Pope is Alexander III.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the world currently at peace. The Pope decided to concentrate on peaceful matters. His first orders are to recruit additional Priests and contruct roads to ease the travel of Pilgrims. He himself embarks on a tour of the surrounding lands building watchtowers so as to keep a watchful eye on Italy, specifically the neighboring states of the Royaume de Sicile and the Heiliges Romisches Reich.

Paschalis II Arlocti is sent to negotiate a trade agreement with the Royaume de Sicile, who reside to the southeast of the Patrimony of St. Peter in the region of Campagna. From their regional capital, Naples, Rome exports cotton and imports grain, dyes, and silk in return.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally, Bishop Pius II has decided the best way for him to serve Christ is to travel east to the Holy Land.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

In the winter of 1180, an italian noble by the of Honorius offers his services to the papacy as a secular leader in times of war. Recognizing the need for a capable hand, his holiness accepts him into the flock.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Also, a new priest enters the service. He will service as a the chief clergy of Rome, representing the Pope in minor relgious ceremonies should duty call him away.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In addition, the Council of Nobles asks the Holy Father to annex Florence and the Marquisate of Tuscany. The Pope refuses, as war should not be
waged against good Christians.

Finally, Paschalis concludes a trade agreemen with Sicile. As a result, Rome begins importing iron, sugar, sulfur and amber from Palermo.

[Magraev]

Good luck with the campaign! I'll read it with great interest

You're not going after rebel factions then? that could mean a very weak papacy when the time comes to take on one of the italian powers.

[Cecil XIX]

That's true, but fortunately Rome is protect by sea and mountains on opposite sides, making the terrain narrow and easier to defend. Should provide for interesting diplomacy, to be sure.

[Cecil XIX]

The year is 1187, and an army of Brigands has appeared south of Rome. Honorius, now a Knight Banneret, takes the militia and Pavise Crossbowmen to war.



The enemy general, Innocentius II de Orticaio is a skilled, resolute general.


Though Honorius has a powerful advantage, he must still be careful to protect the crossbowmen, and to conduct the battle in a manner consistent with a defender of the Vicar of Christ.

[gibsonsg91921]

cool! go popes!

[Ramses II CP]

You're going to need some watchtowers, so you can see the enemy coming in time to block the choke points. Should be an interesting campaign. I'll bet you wish you could choose who to accept into the College of Cardinals.

[Cecil XIX]

At the start of battle Honorius decides to test the brigands' defenses, ordering the crossbowmen to focus on the shorter range peasent archers, while he himself conducts a daring charge against the enemy crossbowmen.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The archers flee in the face of the oncoming knights, who hestitate to strike fleeing foes.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Disappointed but not surprised Honorius quickly disengages as the rebels advance, a wise move on their part considering their inferiority in ranged units.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The first enemies reach the Papal line, and the battle begins in earnest.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, Honorius is somewhat surprised to see that he has no pursuers, and is very far away from the actual battle. He quickly turns around, as two enemy regiments have snuck past the line with only one Papal regiment available to give chase.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, the main engagement continues. The three units of militia in the center fight hard, while one regiment on the right gives chase. The unit on the far left, pictured here, moves at attack the enemie's flank.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Eventually Honorius catches a unit of spearmen as they are attempting to pursue Papal crossbowmen. In the background you can see Papal militia chasing brigands chasing crossbowmen.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Whilst Honorius's knights deal with the spearmen, the crossbowmen let out a parting shot before moving to the hill and allowing the skirmish to be fought honorably.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, the main battleline continues to be a hectic place. While the brigands infantry do most of the fighting, the General has pulled away only to encounter the flanking Papal militia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Having routed the spearmen, Honorius moves on to challenge Innocentius.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But seeing that his soldiers are facing a flank attack from archers, and Innocentius's men have dwindled to almost nothing, he changes targets.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After a few terse moments, Innocentius decides to flee. His army follows immidiately. Confident that Innocentius has been made to see reason, and full of the Lord's mercy, Honorius allows them to leave. He is soon proven right, as the Brigands disperse.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This battle has elevated Honorius's status as a seasoned commander, and justified the Popes trust in him.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In other news, Pius II has been made a full Cardinal. Unfortunately, the change in stature seems to have had a negative effect.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Such is the state of the Patrimonium Sancti Petri in the summer of 1187.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

The following few years have been peaceful for the Papacy, though not without intrigue.

It seemed that war was brewing with the Lega Lombarda in 1188, when their leader Signore Giorgio besieged the Reich at Bologna. Fortunately the Signore was attack by a relief force and Bologna's sizable garrison. Though he was victorious, God spoke to him and he abandoned his assault on his fellow Catholics to join the Crusade on Cairo.

The following year started poorly, with Pius II perishing in Cilician Armenia before reaching Jerusalem. His holiness quickly recruited a new priest Gregorious XI de Corso, and has a result the Theologian's guild decided to establish a branch in Rome.


Following this the Papacy's treasury was quite low, and with a nearly full army in Rome income was quite scarce. But miraculously, local nobles were filled with the Holy Spirit and donated 20,000 florins to Papacy. The Holy Father quickly put this money to work on economic improvements, funding the construction of paved roads and later a market.

However, there was more trouble before and after this. The Royaume de Sicile, for whatever reason, deigned to send a large army up Italy through the Patrimony. Unwilling to have his land trespassed on by a force surely attempting violence on fellow Catholics, the Pope dispatched Honorius with all available forces to block their path at the watchtower on the southeastern border. This has happened twice, and each time the Sicilians have backed off. Hopefully they realize the futility in using the Pope's land to further their own ambitions. If they wish to wage war against heathens, they should build a fleet!


Finally, there has been a strong upcurrent of unrest in Papacy. It would seem that the large financial gift given to His Holiness offended some nobles, and in time Pope Alexander himself was seen as inspiring a civil war. Fortunately the only man who could conceivably weild the temporal power to depose the Pope, Honorius II Iacobi, has repaid the Pope's trust in him and is a staunch royalist. Time will tell what effect this discontent will have, if any.

[Cecil XIX]

Over the following years there has been much war in Europe, with little done. The Royaume de France fights England, Castile and Leon, Flanders, and the Lombard League. France's ally, the Holy Reich, wages war against the Lombard league and the Danes. The Lombard League attacks the Reich, the Venetians, and the French. It is a tough struggle, with only a few provinces changing hands. The Spaniards took Narbonne from the French, and then Toulouse. The Lombard League lost the Swiss Cantons to the French, and Venetia was reclaimed by the Venetians.


The Pope has attempted to lessen the impact of these wars be declaring a crusade on Vilnius, the capital of the pagan Lithuanians. The results have so far been uninspiring.

Throughout these wars the Royaume de France and the Heiliges Romisches Reich had been excommunicated by Alexander III, who was quite supportive of the Lombard League in it's efforts. That changed in 1206 when Pope Alexander III died in Rome.


An able ruler, after the standoff with Sicile he ordered the contraction of an armorer to provide light mail for the militia. He is also responsible for the construction of a port, drawing in much trade from Genoa, Palermo and Toulouse. His successor is Pius III the Missionary, of the Kingdom of Flanders.


When Pius III was elected, all states were reconciled. France wasted this opportunity, and the Venetians also brought about the Pope's ultimate disfavor by attacking Germany. The Reich however, managed to maintain a strained, but ultimately more positive relationship. Eventually, His Holiness allowed the Reich to be mentioned in his presence. He also lowered taxes in Rome, as his predessesor's infastructure improvements, combined with decrease in inquisition activities and more gifts from the local nobles, have resulted in the Papacy having the largest treasury in Europe.

We take you now to the Summer of 1212, which has started tragically and ended momentously. Paschalis II Arlocti died in Rome, a loss to be sure. The Royaume de Sicile has declared war against the excommunicated Venetians in support of their allies the Lombard League, and with hopes of securing all of Italy south of the Papacy. But more important then that, the Lombard League has invoked the Pope's wrath with it's siege on Bologna, and has been excommunicated. As a result, his holiness Pope Pius III is training a new diplomat to demand that the Lombard League hand over Florence and the Marquisate of Tuscany as recompense. In the event that they do not comply, Knight Commander Honorius II has been dispatched to the border between Tuscany and St. Peter. The winter of 1212 promises to be an important time in the history of the Papacy.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Odin]

Nice AAR Cecil, I have been researching new mods and this deus vault one really caught my eye because of its slower more rp nature. Your AAR is a nice find, and a good read.

[Cecil XIX]

Negotiations failed. The Papal diplomat Coelestinus V Bandini offered term, and the Milanese Grand Duke of Tuscany, Chiaro Rossi, rejected them.


Perhaps his disdain had some merit, but nevertheless Honorius quickly laid siege to Florence, and act which caused a sharp rise in the Reich and Venice's opinion of the Papacy. However the Lombard league has significant military forces, and soon made peace with the Reich. By the winter of 1213 a relief force was getting perilously close to Florence.


In response to this, Honorius decided to bring the siege to a quick close.


He arrayed most of of his forces to the south,

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

while sending a detachment to create a diversion in the east.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In the south, the eastern most tower fell behind and was abandoned.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon Papal Spear Militia descended from the towers and through the gates, with mailed Knights accompanying them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It was soon noticed that a fair portion of the Lombard's forces were stationed in smaller road between two main roads. Honorius quickly dispatched forces to trap these men.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In the east, Papal forces hold down many times their number.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As the fight in the alley rages, the bulk of the Papal Force moves on to the city center.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon, Honorius arrives from the west.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The intense battle draws the rest of the Lombard forces back to square, however the Papal armies are quick and manage to block off the advancing enemies.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After three minutes of being unable to secure the center of the city, the Milanese surrender.



For his victory, the Pope grants Honorius the title Grand Duke of Lombardy.


Immediately after this the relief force arrives and besieges Florence. Honorius quickly sallies, and the invaders retreat after when they lose an archer duel and fail to gain the courage to bring the battle face to face. They lose nearly half of their armies in the retreat.


After taking half a year to regroup, Honorius heads to Genoa to start the process once again.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

In response to Honorius's approach the Lombard League dispatched a relief force to attack him alongside the garrison of Genoa. Most of said left the city walls to attack him on the right, leaving just two regiments inside the city to attack him from the left as the relief force attacks him from the front.


Honorius deploys his archers on his right flank, with orders to advance up the hill and pepper the approaching army. The militia are to advance and engage the main army quickly, with Honorius and the Mailed knights in support.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The militia soon engage the Lombards, while the Knights protect their flanks.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius notices the two regiments coming from Genoa.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

He decides to quickly put them to flight.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

While he is doing this Captain Brunaccio, leader of the relief force, perishes at the hands of Papal Militia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon his entire army flees the field, leaving the militia to reform and face the Genoese garrison.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, Honorius' men capture Captain Giano cowering behind a bush. This leads to much joking about how Milanese colors are green so that "They can hide amongst the foliage when the battle turns against them."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Papal Army reforms on the hill, making ready for the next stage of the battle.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As they advance, they find the crossbowmen are still making trouble for the Lombards.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The two armies clash near the top of the hill.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

However, Milanese lose heart rather quickly.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

At the battle's end, Honorius decides to let the prisoners return to Genoa.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

After the defeat of the relief force, the Lombard League sends a single unit of Genoese Crossbow Militia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Perhaps they're hoping to get to the city before Honorius besieges it. Regardless, Honorius sees and opportunity and attacks them; luring the remaining troops in Genoa onto the Field. He deploys with the crossbow men back and to the side, hoping to conserve them in this battle.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius sends the bulk of his army against the garrison, and manuvers into position to attack the archers.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius spearheads the charge against the would-be relief. Unable to stand against the knights, the crossbowmen disentigrate and Captain Virgilio is knocked unconscious by passing knights, a prisoner of the Papacy.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, the main force battles with the Genoese garrison.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The fighting is fearce, but eventually the Milanese line is encircled by the Papacy.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon the enemy army is in retreat.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Captain Rosso dies ignomiously, the victim of a crossbow bolt.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The battle won, Honorius again allows the prisoners to return to Genoa.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The way clear, he lays siege to the city. As a result of his advance defenders poor in from all over the region, resulting in the garrison doubling in size. (Author's note: A feature of this mod is that AI settlements spontaniously gain soldiers when besieged, the amount varying depending on how important the settlement in question is to the ruling faction. It's a nice way to simulate the feudal system, although it betrays it's own logic by not having the units disappear when the siege is lifted.)

[Cecil XIX]

It is now the summer of 1215. The Lombard League is making one last ditch attempt to stop Honorius from taking Genoa, and cutting their nascent empire in two. A relief army attacked Honorius from the north, while the city's garrison marched from the south.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Surrounded by two sides, Honorius has little room for error. He forms up the infantry in a single line, with the archers behind him to block the Lombards, hoping that they would be as annoying as possible and buy him some time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius quickly ordered his infantry forward, as the entire battle depended on breaking the first force before the second could crush them from behind. The Lombards, in turn, refused to endure something so predictable as a battleline.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As the infantry went about their business, Honorius and the knights raced from flank to make, charging their enemies from behind and breaking them as quickly as they were able. But the Lombard reenforcements were getting closer, and Honorius was running out of time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Fortunately much the Milanese's first force had fled, and Honorius was able to get a few unit to turn around and face the newcomers just in time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

More good news came when Captain Buadelmonte was slain by Papal militia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But, the battle fiercly continues.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It has quickly devolved into numerous skirmishes.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The battle is bloody, with the Papacy only barely gaining the upperhand.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally, Captain Ciango of the Genoese garrison perishes.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It is not the end of the battle, the Milanese continue with a noble resistance.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But eventually they yield.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the garrison in full flight, it is an easy task for Honorius to overtake them and cease Genoa, with it all Liguria.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In the winter, a small Lombard force was spotted just east of Genoa. While Honorius met up with a fresh regiment via ship, three more regiments marched up from Florence to initiate the attack.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It is a simple matter, not worthy of writing.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

However, the battle does deserve some mention. With Honorius well over sixty years of age and Papal lands three times as large, there is need for new blood. The captain who led the three regiments of Papal Spear Militia is on such man.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Though a govenor by training, Clemens VI will be a useful addition to the Pope's loyal retainers. He takes the last name Arrigi. He stays in Genoa, whilst Honorius returns to Florence to round up additional troops for possible invasion of Corsica. Such is the Papcy at the end of 1215.

[Cecil XIX]

By the summer of 1217 the Lombard League had still refused peace, and so the Papacy was prepared to strike again. Honorius II Jacobi landed on Corsica with eight regiments of his veteran Italian Spear Militia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The enemy force was less than half size, though the enemies were more proffessional. Sergeants and dismounted Knights were worthy foes. Of course, even if Italian Militia weren't proffessional solidiers Honorius's troops were equal to armored sergeants in capabality. Honorius arrayed his forces in preperation.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As they approached, the enemy was moving past the Papal center towards Honorius's left. In anticipation of a flanking attempt, he wheeled his army to face them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

However, Honorius was exasperated to see the enemy simply march past and away from his men.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

He ordered the army to give chase, while he himself handled the unit of peasents that was coming in from the castle.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The peasents never really stood a chance.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

By the time Honorius returned to the main force they were about to fight.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

When the Lombards went on the attack, they didn't even attempt to stay in a line. As a result, they were quickly surrounded.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Captain Chimenti was soo overrun. Literally.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This did not mean the battle was over though, as a unit of Sergeant Swordsmen refused to yield.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

However, Honorius was quick to deal with them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the enemy army fleeing before them, Honorius was thankful for his victory. However, after a while it became apparent that the Lombards were not withdrawing but simply relocating to the other end of the battlefield.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Supremely annoyed that the battle was taking so needlessly long, Honorius spurred his men to march and attack with every ounce of thier energy.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Their wrath was swift and terrifying.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And thus, the battle was won.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

By the winter of 1218 the Duke of the Lombard League had died of old age. Because of this, the Pope was willing to offer peace and reconciliation free of charge. Unfortunately, the Milanese were not quite ready to accept such a very generous offer. Perhaps the Lombard League knows something the Papacy doesn't.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But there are more pressing matters in the Papal Army at Corsica. Honorius has become gravely ill from his exertions during the previous battle.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With Honorius in need a good rest that only a settlement can provide, it is decided that the attack on Ajaccio will preceed ahead of schedule.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

At the start of the battle Honorius observes the castle before him. It is unremarkable now, but as the Papcy's first it will have an important part to play in the years to come. He is also impressed that his soldiers must march uphill in order to reach the gates.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After some deliberation made longer by his illness, he orders the rams forward.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It is a tense moment, made moreso when the forward ram is set aflame before either of them reach the crest of the hill.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But the Lord is with the Papacy, and the ram reaches the gate.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As it goes about it's work, the Lombard sergeant swordsmen watch from the walls.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Papal militia stare back in turn, dispersed to avoid arrows.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally it is done, and the gate is breached.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The milita rush through and immidiately confront the dismounted mailed knights.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Two regiments of Papal militia swing left and cut off the sergeant swordsman from leaving the walls.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the Lombards held in check, the bulk of the Honorius's men march forward unopposed.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

One regiment of milita head to the center of the castle, while the others move to flank the main concentration of Lombards. When they notice that the square is occupied, an additional regiment is sent up for support.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, the vast majority of the Lombards continue to be held in place.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

On Honorius's left the Lombards are surrounded on the ground and at the walls.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

On the right, the militia are having some trouble with their numerically superior foe. Fortunately, the flanking force has almost arrived.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And at the castle center the battle is joined, with reinforcements on the way.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile at the gate, the flanking force arrives putting the battle on a more even footing.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

At the center, the other regiment of militia doubles the Papacy's numbers.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally, the main force of Lombards near the gate is completely surrounded.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Though most of the enemy near the gate are either dead or trapped, a few of the italian milita manage to break through and run back to the center of the castle.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The encircled enemy puts up a good fight, but can do nothing to stop the Papal forces.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the gate secure, the army moves on towards the center.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius decides to move into the city himself, with the hope that he can find a place to rest quickly.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And at the center, the battle enters it's final stage.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A few Lombard troops manage to make it back, but they do not get far.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally the square is taken, and only Captain Gimignano remains.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

He takes blow

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

after blow

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

after blow

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

after blow

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

after blow.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And twenty second later, he finally dies.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With the battle finally over, the men give thanks.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Cecil XIX]

In the summer of 1219, another nobleman offers his services as a govenor.

He takes the title Grand Duke of Tuscany, as Honorius is now King of Corse.

Also in the season, an army of Brigands appears south of Rome. Unwilling to waste time and let these men linger, the Pope immidiately goes to battle with the Papal Guard.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It is an easy task.



Meanwhile, Honorius lands on Sardinia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Having marched for some time, he finally makes contact with the Lombard League.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

After a long march, the soldiers are face-to-face.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

When the two lines meet, the Papal advantage soon becomes obvious.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

However, the Milanese send another unit in to the fray out of desperation and are able to deny their flank to the Papists. While this is going on, Honorius deals with the archers.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

That having been accomplished, he turns around and attacks the enemy line.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon, the Milanese begin to flee.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The leave their dead captain behind.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Cagliari is soon taken as well.




With the Milanese driven from the Mediterranean, and with only Lombardy and Lorraine to their name, His Holiness again offers peace to the Lombards. Reconciliation, trade rights, map information, and even 2000 florins. But again, they reject peace.

***

In the winter of 1222, Pope Pius III died. He will surely be remembered for his unforgiving stance against those who war against their fellow Christians. His precedent will likely ripple throught history.


The new pope is from the Heiliges Romisches Reich. He takes the name Alexander III.

A few years later, in the winter of 1225, the Duchy Lombardy seperated itself from the Lombard League. It is feared that there is a sinister motive, as a full third of the people in the provence are suspected of being heretics.


The following year in 1226, the Lombard forces were observed moving south to Milan.


But in 1227, Milan finally falls to the Venetians. The Lombard League is no more, a victim of it's unwillingness to reconcile.


On the other side of Italy, we come to the island of Malta. When the Pope noticed that the island was under the Moors, he dispatched a priest and spy to the island. This had the effct of causing a revolt against the moors. In order to prevent the Moors encroaching towards Italy, his holiness dispatches Honorius to seize the island.

[Cecil XIX]

In the winter of 1232, Honorius lands on Malta and seizes the island in a quick siege.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Council of Nobles awards the Papacy ten thousand florins for the successful conquest. The Pope himself contributes twenty-five hundred florins from his personal funds as a reward for converting fifty-nine percent of the populace to Christianity.

The following summer, a general is recruited from Corsica to succeed Honorius when God calls him home. The man's name is Coelestinus V Coiarius.


Then, in the winter of 1234, the world's first Cathedral is completed in Rome. His holiness is suitably pleased.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The following year, Honorius is blessed with two events. First, he is promoted to Knight (of the) Grand Cross, signifying that his skills as a general know no superior throughout Christendom. Second, he adopts a son named Pius II.

Pius's disposition makes him a more suitable successor to Honorius than Coelestinus, and thus Honorius relinquishes the title King of Corse to Pius marking him as his heir.

The winter finds the Papacy deep in a financial crisis as a result of expensive Inquisitors. Fortunately the Council of Nobles knows that His Holiness is a responsible leader, and gifts the Papal Treasury twenty thousand florins. Holiness uses this money to build mines in Liguria and Tuscany, as well as a market on Malta.

It is around this time that His holiness Alexander III decides the Venetians need to be taught the price of waging aware against one's fellow Christians, just as the Lombard League was. However the Venetians are, like the Milanese, quite stubborn. They refuse to relinquish Milan as the price for their crime. Thus, in the winter of 1236, Coelestinus besieges Milan, finding it lightly garrisoned with the majority of Venetians forces fighting the Reich in the north. This action has the effect of giving the Reich a perfect opinion of the Papacy, which is ironic considering the Kaiser’s excommunication. Regardless, the Venetians have another foe.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Though Milan is ill defended, there are large forces near Bologna and Venice, as well as a powerful army besieging Innsbruck, led by a capable general.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The following summer, Coelestinus assaults the city.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Venetian General, Steffano Mastropiero, does himself much credit, ruining two regiments of militia. But he is no match for the numbers sent against him.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[IMG] https://img409.imageshack.us/img409/...6143843fj7.jpg [/IMG]

Coelestinus sacks the city, much to the consternation and anger of Honorius and the Pope. As a result of this ill treatment and the Papacy’s new war, the Pope’s honor is beginning to be called into question by the world. Hopeful the coming years will see the Pope’s standing and honor improve.

[Cecil XIX]

Well, I've got some bad news. I recently reinstalled my copy of M2TW, and as as result got rid of my copy of DLV. Unfortunately, I can't get a hold of another installer for 3.2, and the new v. 4.0 is not save game compatable. Thus, I'm canceling this AAR. Thanks to all those who posted, and the people that got this thread more than four hundred views.

It's just as well though, as a small error resulted in the inquisitors costing the papacy an additional 500 florins. With seven or eight inquisitors, it was getting quite frustrating. I was only able to function because I kept receiving florins from the council of nobles and the Papacy.

Not to worry though, as I've had an idea for another AAR that's been interesting me. It's set after the end of my first French campaign. Look for it soon.

[Cecil XIX]

After some deliberation I've decided to make one last report. The AAR is still canceled. Appropriately enough, this is actually a pretty decent place to stop story-wise.

***

In the summer of 1237, Honorius and Pius land just offshore Durazzo. In order to seize the castle, they must defeat Michele Mastropiero and the garrison.


Michele is most likely the older brother of Steffano Mastropiero. An important man in Venice, he is both Lord High Steward and Lord of Milan. It seems the loss of Steffano has affected him personally.


And so now the two armies begin their clash in the balkans.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With a thundering roar, the two lines collide.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Fortunately the Papacy boasts a superior number of line infantry, and the Militia are quick to exploit this advantage.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile in the distant left, a regiment of elite skirmishers have caught Honorius's eye.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Pius has also entered the fray, attacking the Venetians on their left flank.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But a movement behind Venetian lines worries him that the enemy are sending reenforcements to battle Honorius, and he quickly disengages and pursues. While this is happening, a unit of Venetian archers quickly flanks the Papacy on their right.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Out of the corner of his eye, Pius notices a lone unit of Papal Militia doing battle. Hoping to free up the men for flanking, he disengages and lends his support.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soon afterword there is good news from the Papal right, where the Venetian archers have been driven off.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But no sooner is Pius successful in coming to the milita's aid then the Durazzo garrison appears. Fortunately a timely warning from a retainer prevents Pius from being hit from behind.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Leaving the militia to deal with the spearmen, Pius moves to route the crossbowmen quickly.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With that done, he quickly charges the Venetians.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Meanwhile, the Papal Militia are finding the lord's favor.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Pius disengages and charges the spearmen a second time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Finally Honorius scatters the skirmishers. But now he finds Michele racing to confront him. The two forces, much depleted, meet head on.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The clash is furious, but Honorius's veterans soon gain the upper hand.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

At this point in the battle, the Papacy has taken most of the field and killed or routed most of the Venetians.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Seeing the writing on the wall, Michele beats a hasty retreat alone.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

When Pius charges a last unit of spearmen from the side, the battle ends.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Honorius stops to observe his victory. It is the first time he has had to face another noble on the field of battle, and he is proud of the result.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The batte won, Honorius begins the siege of Durazzo while Michele retreats to a Portuguese fleet just offshore.

The following year, in the summer of 1238, Honorius passes away in his sleep. It is the end a long career spanning fifty-seven years and three Popes, which saw the man bring Florence, Genoa, Ajaccio, Cagliari and Malta. He was a supremely skilled and honorable general, and is considered a likely candidate for sainthood in the coming years. he will be missed.