Choices are due by 8pm EST, Wednesday, November 21st. This is a HARD DEADLINE for any players who wish to fight battles in 1332, but more of a soft deadline for everyone else. I will be out of town for Thanksgiving from Nov. 22nd (Thurs) until Nov. 2th (Sun). As a result, I must be have the orders by Wednesday night so I can make any changes necessary so that the battles can be fought while I am away.
The combination of the mutually destructive Battle for Bern and immense pressures from foreign invaders have made this a very tough year for the Reich. If there is any bright news at all, it is simply that the attacks on the Reich are finally forcing some of the Electors to begin working together for a common cause.
In Outremer, the Great Fleet is finally complete and ready for departure. All that remains is for Kaiser Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel to board with their armies and begin the long journey back to the Reich. It will be a slow trip, and they will not arrive until 1328, but the fleet is very strong and they will easily see off any enemy or pirate fleets that are foolish enough to attack them. Matthias Steffen is determined to remain behind and his example has both inspired and shamed those soldiers in Elberhard’s and Dieter’s armies who fight in the name of God first, and the Reich second. They will remain behind with Matthias to the last man. Matthias’ authority as the leader of Outremer is growing as well. After negotiations, and friendly letters from Kaiser Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel on the matter, Pope Renaldus agreed to sell the Crown of Thorns to Matthias Steffen in exchange for the Holy Chalice and a moderate amount of wealth. The Pope is immensely displeased with the destruction of the Abbey in Bern, and he is very dissatisfied with the Reich, but so long as Matthias remains nearby with a powerful army, he will be pliant. Such is the nature of puppet Popes. Matthias will need such cooperation, for news of the departure of so much of Outremer’s military strength has not been lost on her enemies. Scouts report that the Byzantines are assembling again for a strong push and there are rumors that the Turks may even send their elite Janissaries in an attempt to seize the rich city of Antioch.
Franconia remains balanced on the edge of a knife. Stettin and Frankfurt were pacified, but Stettin soon fell to the Danish onslaught, making the pacification almost pointless. Frankfurt itself is now besieged once again by a strong Danish army and Duke Peter is trapped inside the city. He has a large army with him, but it is of mixed quality. One bright note is that Magdeburg survived the Polish assault and stands free of siege. However, there are no less than four enemy armies in the immediate vicinity. If they are not cleared out, the citadel will surely be under siege again soon. Next time, the enemy may bring artillery with them, and that would make the defense significantly harder.
Bavaria is under full scale assault by the Byzantines. Count Erlach attempted to whittle down the powerful Byzantine army besieging Milan, but the attack was a disaster. It resulted in the loss of a good portion of Count Erlach’s army and the entire garrison of Milan and barely scratched the enemy. Count Erlach then retreated to Genoa, where he was able to pacify the province, but another Byzantine army appeared and laid siege to the city, trapping him inside. Duke Lothar pacified Innsbruck and marched south, to engage the Byzantines outside Milan. He expected to find them heavily depleted by Count Erlach’s attack, but he was taken massively off-guard by the Bavarian defeat. In the confusion following the battle outside Milan, Duke Lothar managed to slip inside the city with his army. He now holds the walls, preventing it from falling, but he is massively outclassed by the Byzantines who will surely assault soon.
Swabia has been gutted by both the Battle of Bern and the French. The destruction of three full armies and the deaths of Duke Hans, his ally Jan von Hamburg, and the rebel Dietrich von Dassel have vastly reduced the strength of the Swabian defenses. In addition, none of the loyalists attempted to pacify the Swabian provinces, resulting in devastation across the board. Most worrisome is the loss of the Armoury in Staufen, which will prevent the recruitment of many professional infantry regiments. The French have not let up their assault on the Duchy, either. Caen and Rheims both fell to assaults and the invasion continues to push onwards with Bruges now under siege. That city has suffered doubly this year, as religious rioting has destroyed the City Watch, preventing the recruitment of militia even if the French siege were to be lifted. While Wolfgang Hummel’s pseudo-independent Principality has gained two new followers, it is doubtful whether these young men will be able to stem the tide that is surge towards them.
The loyalist survivors of the Battle of Bern have garrisoned the city for the time being. They make up a large army, but it is composed of a majority of low quality units since most of the survivors were from Jan von Hamburg’s Catholic volunteer army rather than Duke Hans’ professional force. They will follow any Swabian loyalist who comes to Bern. Otherwise, they will hold the city against the French. Also, all of Duke Hans’ wealth has been placed in the treasury in Bern. This currently amounts to 12, but two more deposits from Kaiser Elberhard are still in transit. As such, 5 more wealth will arrive at the end of 1332 and a further 2 wealth will arrive at the end of 1334. Any man, loyalist or otherwise, who physically occupies the city at the time, or after, the wealth arrives will receive it. However, the city is far from secure due to the ongoing religious warfare. Every turn that it continues, there will be a 50% chance that the treasury will be ransacked by looters and all wealth stored in it will be lost.
Austria is now beset by problems on all sides. The Byzantine push in Northern Italy has not ignored Venice, which once again is under siege, and this time a Bavarian army cannot rescue it. In the east, the Hungarians have reached the outskirts of Zagreb and are within striking distance of Vienna. Scouts in Ragusa report that the Venetians are preparing for yet another assault on that citadel as well. Karl Zirn has a powerful army outside Zagreb, but if he remains to defend the city, Venice will fall. If he moves on Venice, all of eastern Austria will be open. Duke Arnold also has a strong army, but if he leaves Ragusa, it will be taken easily by the Venetians. Lorenz Zirn has no army whatsoever, but he has resorted to drastic measures in Vienna. Desperate for money, he has confiscated all the wealth of the many rich merchants of that city. This has resulted in the destruction of the Great Market, Merchants’ Guild, and Merchant Bank, but yielded enough wealth to raise an entire army. However, the militia training facilities of the city were also destroyed in religious rioting, so Lorenz Zirn will have to go elsewhere to recruit an army, leaving the city vulnerable to the Hungarians and continued rioting.
War of Reformation Status in 1332:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Provinces Suffering Religious Warfare (City, Rebel Stack Name(s), Population Killed, Building Destroyed):
Vienna – Captain Aleksei, 2500, Militia Drill Square
Budapest – (None Placed), 1500, Leather Tanner
Venice – Captain al Mahdi, 2500, Dockyard
Milan – Captain Romaso, 2500, Inn
Nuremburg – Captain Hugo, 2600, Merchant’s Guild
Bern – Bernhard Ruppel, 2000, Abbey
Staufen – Captain Jean, 1350, Armoury
Metz – Captain Qassim, 1700, Thieves Guild
Bruges – Captain Basil, 1430, City Watch
Rheims – LOST TO FRANCE, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Caen – LOST TO FRANCE, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Magdeburg – Captain Conrrat, 900, Teutonic Knights Minor Chapter House
Total 1330 Deaths: 89,800
Total 1332 Deaths: 18,980
Total Cumulative Deaths: 108,780
Note: If you want to pacify a province with (None Placed) please let me know and I will spawn a non-rebel enemy army for you to attack.
Provinces Pacified (City, Elector Present):
Ragusa - Arnold
Zagreb – Karl Zirn
Prague – Edmund Becker
Genoa – Fredericus Erhart
Innsbruck – Freiderich Karolinger
Antwerp – Jan von der Pfalz and Ludwig von Bohmen
Stettin – LOST TO DENMARK, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Frankfurt – Peter von Kastilien
Elberhard:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antioch, Acre
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over, due to 2 sent to Hans in 1330)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Halberd Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Ballista, Turkopoles, Kwarizmian Cavalry
You are ready to depart Outremer. If there are any last-minute letters to be sent or arrangements to be made, it is time to do them.
*(A) The fleet is ready to depart. It is time for you to return to the Reich. (Note: You will be at sea for all of 1332, 1334, and 1336. No information or options will be given to you during this time. You will arrive outside of Venice at the beginning of 1338 and will be able to give orders then. If you want to do something that would be possible while at sea, such as changing your destination, you can send that to me via PM. Otherwise, the next few turns will be a bit boring for you, my apologies.)
Athalwolf von Salza:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Staufen (religious warfare), Bern (religious warfare), Metz (religious warfare)
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 bonus for starting in Metz)
Units Available: Town Militia, Mercenary Spearmen
With Hans’ death at Bern, you are now the new Duke of Swabia. Your Duchy is under assault from all sides and your resources are stretched to the breaking point. There have been no attempts to pacify the religious warfare and it has cost you dearly, particularly in Staufen. Your advisors inform you that Metz still resents loyalist rule and it will gladly open its gates to any rebel who tries to enter. Wolfgang Hummel is nearby and may try just such a thing. If you want to ensure that they do not defect from you, you will have to move into the city immediately.
However, your advisors also inform you that your men are very uncomfortable with the idea of facing Wolfgang Hummel again in their current state. With the exception of the regiment of Armoured Spearmen you hired from Staufen last year before marching, your men are all survivors of the Battle of the Flemish Crossroads. Wolfgang Hummel now significantly outnumbers you and most of your men believe that fighting him would be tantamount to suicide. If you attempt to oppose him without a decent army, some of your regiments may defect to save their own skins.
*(A) Move south to Bern and take command of the loyalist army there, along with Hans’ wealth.
(B) Move to Staufen.
(C) Garrison Metz and hold it against the French and rebels.
(MISC) In addition to the above, you may pacify whatever province you go to. This is not a default choice. You must actively submit orders and fight a battle to do pacify a province.
You were a faithful friend and vassal of Duke Hans. However, his death has greatly changed the political landscape of Swabia. Athalwolf von Salza is the new Duke of Swabia and you do not yet know how much he values your aid or skills. To make matters more complex, you have been left to garrison Staufen with no aid or resources. Bern is a good distance away and you could easily and safely travel there. Inside you would find the loyalist survivors of the Battle of Bern, along with a large sum of wealth that used to belong to Duke Hans.
However, the logistics are complicated. There are no other defenders for Staufen; if you leave it will be empty. It will take a good deal of time to march to Bern, organize the army, and march it back to Staufen. If Wolfgang Hummel chose to march on Staufen, he would arrive before you could return and the castle would be totally open to him. If you remain in Staufen and Wolfgang marches on the citadel, you would stand the very real prospect of being trapped inside with no aid whatsoever. That would not be good. To add yet another complexity, as Duke Athalwolf von Salza wields greater authority than you with the loyalists. If he decides to move to Bern, he will be able to easily usurp your command and take Hans' wealth for his own, even if you got there first. Perhaps it would be a good idea to discuss these matters with your new Duke.
*(A) Move to Bern, take command of the loyalist army there, and pacify the province. If Athalwolf von Salza also moves to Bern, simply remain in the safety of the garrison.
(B) Remain in Staufen and pray that Wolfgang Hummel does not march on it.
(C) Flee to Nuremburg.
(D) Bend knee to Wolfgang Hummel and support his claim to Swabia, giving him Staufen as your gift.
Wolfgang Hümmel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Bruges (Rebel Capital) (religious warfare and besieged), Antwerp
Personal Wealth: 4 (2 carried over, 2 base from Antwerp)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. You may not hire any units from Antwerp other than those listed in this Special Ability.
Units Available: Mercenary Spearmen, Free Company Men at Arms, Free Company Longbowmen
You hired 2 regiments of Flemish Pikemen before pacifying Antwerp, then you hired a regiment of Flemish Pikemen and a regiment of Arquebusier to garrison the city. You also petitioned the King of England to allow you access to his Free Company mercenaries. The King was only a fair-weather supporter of Hans and with his death any bonds he has to loyalist Swabia have been cut. He has agreed to aid you. However, the English have completely withdrawn from the continent. You will have to pay an additional 1 wealth to ship over the mercenaries from across the Channel. You have already taken advantage of his offer and hired a regiment of Free Company Men at Arms.
New Special Ability Gained: You can hire Free Company Longbowmen and Free Company Men at Arms whenever you want, but you must pay 4 wealth for each regiment.
You then marched south towards Metz. You are within a few days march of the city and the local peasants tell you that the city will welcome you with open arms. However, Duke Athalwolf von Salza is nearby with a small army. He could complicate matters a bit, though his army is weaker than yours and his men are surely demoralized from their prior defeat at your hands. Another factor to take into account is Staufen. Ehrhart Ruppel is currently the only man garrisoning the citadel and reports indicate that he has no wealth to his name. If he leaves the citadel to take command of the army in Bern, or for any other reason, the citadel will be totally defenseless. If you marched directly for it, you could seize it before he could return.
For all of that, though your ambitions in southern Swabia will have a high cost. You have already lost Caen and your new vassals have only a small army and limited wealth between them. It is unlikely that they can save Bruges alone. If they are not reinforced, Antwerp may fall eventually as well. If you wish to keep those provinces, you had best defend them. If you intend to abandon them, you should inform your new followers immediately so that they can evacuate before the French or Danes move against them.
*(A) Move to take Metz. After the city is yours, pacify the province.
(B) Move to take Staufen. If Ehrhart Ruppel leaves the citadel, you will arrive first and occupy it without a fight. If he does not leave, you will besiege the citadel with him inside it. You may also pacify the province, regardless of what Ehrhart Ruppel does.
(C) Move to Bruges and attack the French army besieging the city. You may pacify the province before or after fighting the French.
Ludwig von Bohmen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Bruges (religious warfare and besieged)
Personal Wealth: 3 (3 from personal savings)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. You may not hire any units from Antwerp other than those listed in this Special Ability.
Units Available: Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, Mercenary Crossbowmen
You have joined Wolfgang Hümmel in his rebellion against the Swabian loyalists. In thanks, he has given you the County of Bruges. However, this is a poor gift, as it is currently beset by religious warfare and besieged by the French. Without Wolfgang’s aid, there is little you can do to aid the city. Your lord has marched south and appears to be pursuing ambitions in central Swabia. If he does not return north to aid Bruges and Antwerp, you may want to consider abandoning the coastal provinces and marching south to join him.
*(A) Hire a regiment of soldiers (specify type) and march to join Wolfgang Hümmel, wherever he is.
(B) Hire a regiment of soldiers (specify type) and hold Antwerp.
(C) Hire a regiment of soldiers (specify type) and attack the French outside of Bruges. The only possibility this has for success is if you can use the regiments and resources of your fellow rebel, Jan von der Pfalz. Even then, it will be very risky.
Jan von der Pfalz:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antwerp
Personal Wealth: 2 (1 from Antwerp for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Antwerp)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. You may not hire any units from Antwerp other than those listed in this Special Ability.
Units Available: Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, Mercenary Crossbowmen
You are a minor Swabian noble and spent several years as a military trainer in Staufen under Duke Hans. For your own reasons, you became discontent with his rule and decided to join Wolfgang Hümmel to make a better future. The men you were training liked you a great deal and, since Duke Hans was at Bern fighting Dietrich von Dassel, they agreed to join you. They amount to a regiment of Mounted Sergeants and a regiment of Armoured Spearmen. You are now in Antwerp, which has been given to you as your County by Wolfgang Hümmel. You control your loyal regiments, plus the small garrison of the city that Wolfgang left behind.
The situation is tenuous, though. Nearby Bruges is besieged by the French and beset by religious warfare. Without Wolfgang’s aid, there is little you can do to aid the city. Your lord has marched south and appears to be pursuing ambitions in central Swabia. If he does not return north to aid Bruges and Antwerp, you may want to consider abandoning the coastal provinces and marching south to join him.
*(A) Hire a regiment of Mercenary Flemish Pikemen and march to join Wolfgang Hümmel, wherever he is.
(B) Hire a regiment of Mercenary Flemish Pikemen and hold Antwerp.
(C) Hire a regiment of Mercenary Flemish Pikemen and attack the French outside of Bruges. The only possibility this has for success is if you can use the resources of your fellow rebel, Ludwig von Bohmen. Even then, it will be very risky.
Péter von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Frankfurt (besieged with you inside it), Magdeburg (religious warfare and trade route cut by enemy armies)
Personal Wealth: 7 (3 carried over, 3 base from Frankfurt, 1 bonus for starting in Frankfurt)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Spear Militia, Crossbow Militia, Teutonic Knights
You hired a regiment of Teutonic Knights, then pacified the province of Frankfurt. You then made a passionate appeal to all Franconians, high and low-born alike. You explained to them the plight of your Duchy and ask for aid to protect their own lands and families. This has resulted in a moderate levy of the local townspeople to aid you. They have joined you as a regiment of Merchant Cavalry Militia, a regiments of Mounted Sergeants, two regiments of Forlorn Hope, a regiment of Crossbow Militia, two regiments of Spear Militia, and a regiment of Town Militia. Altogether, they are not a strong force, but they will provide much needed support to the small number of professional soldiers that remain in your army. You will need it, as well, as the Danes have renewed their offensive and besieged Frankfurt once again. Magdeburg has survived the Polish assault, but the armies near it will not be able to aid you this year, as they are hemmed in by both Polish and Danish armies.
Note: You cannot recruit more than two regiments per turn while besieged. You will have to lift the siege to be able to recruit more.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Frankfurt through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes.
Fritz von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None (Stettin is held by the Danes)
Personal Wealth: 2 (8 carried over, -6 for upkeep for 19 merc units)
Special Ability 1: For the rest of the cataclysm, Stettin will pay you 2 wealth per turn and your Duke 2 wealth per turn, but only when you start your turn in the province. If you start the turn outside the province, you will get 0 wealth and your Duke will get 1 wealth.
Special Ability 2: For the rest of the cataclysm, small groups of mercenaries will join your army for free at irregular intervals. In addition, you can hire any mercenary unit available in Europe, even if they are not available in your current territory. All mercenary recruitment costs are 1 less for the duration of the cataclysm, to a minimum of 1. However, the mercenaries require a large amount of wealth to sustain them. Beginning in 1330, you will have to pay 1 wealth per 3 mercenary units per turn (rounded up, to a maximum of 6) to keep them from deserting.
Units Available: Any European Mercenary Unit
You have pacified Stettin, but it fell to the Danish assault. You are now in a precarious position. Your army is large and powerful, but it requires a great deal of wealth to keep it going; wealth that you have not generated since the sack of Stockholm. Unless you find a way to pay for the army very quickly, most of them will desert you.
*(A) Disband all of your mercenaries immediately (prior to fighting any battles) and flee to Magdeburg. You will recoup the 6 wealth you paid for their wages this year.
(B) Attack some of the Polish and Danish armies outside Magdeburg, then disband all of your mercenaries and flee to Magdeburg. You will not recoup the wealth you paid for their wages this year.
(C) Assault Stettin immediately, using your artillery to break down the walls and gates. Sacking the city once again will have horrendous consequences, but it will supply enough money to maintain your army for a few years. Occupying it will prevent any negative consequences and the income from the city next year, combined with plunder from the defeated Danish army, will provide you with just barely enough wealth to pay your army’s wages, assuming you do not spend any now. However, you will fall short by a great amount starting in 1336 if you do not find wealth in some other fashion.
Dieter Bresch:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Magdeburg (religious warfare)
Personal Wealth: 3 (1 carried over, 1 from starting in Magdeburg, 1 plunder from battle)
Units Available: DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You have survived the Polish assault and lifted the siege. However, there are still four large enemy armies in the immediate vicinity, blocking all traffic into and out of the province. In addition, Magdeburg has not been pacified and will continue to suffer the effects of religious warfare until it is. The Teutonic Knights Chapter House was destroyed this year and odds are that you will lose a major military facility soon if the religious warfare continues unchecked. It is in your best interests to pacify the province immediately, and then eliminate as many of the neighboring Danish and Polish armies as you can. Any that you leave behind will likely lay siege to the citadel once again and there is a chance that they could bring gunpowder artillery with them, vastly increasing the difficulty in holding the walls. Tancred von Tyrolia is nearby and can likely aid you in your attacks.
*(A) Pacify Magdeburg, but do not attack the Polish and Danish armies.
(B) Pacify Magdeburg and attack some or all of the Polish and Danish armies.
(C) Abandon Magdeburg and retreat towards Frankfurt. All roads are blocked by enemy armies, so you will have to move cross-country. This will slow you down and prevent you from reaching Frankfurt this year.
The siege of Magdeburg has been lifted and you can now freely move in and out of the citadel. Your situation is almost identical to that of Dieter Bresch. Refer to his description for more details..
*(A) Pacify Magdeburg, but do not attack the Polish and Danish armies.
(B) Pacify Magdeburg and attack some or all of the Polish and Danish armies.
(C) Abandon Magdeburg and retreat towards Frankfurt. All roads are blocked by enemy armies, so you will have to move cross-country. This will slow you down and prevent you from reaching Frankfurt this year.
Arnold:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Ragusa, Venice (religious warfare and besieged), Zagreb, Vienna (religious warfare), Budapest (religious warfare and besieged – will remain ‘besieged’ until further notice, even though the AI is not actually besieging it. This is because I had to artificially break off the siege to allow Friedrich Karolinger to flee in 1328. If I hadn’t it would still be under siege now or would have fallen.)
Personal Wealth: 3 (0 carried over, 1 base from Ragusa, 2 base from Zagreb, 1 bonus for starting in Ragusa, -1 from gambling)
Special Ability: Enjoys a Wager gives you a 50% chance of losing 1 wealth per turn and 50% chance of winning 1 wealth per turn.
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You recruited a regiment of Armoured Sergeants and then pacified Ragusa. You Duchy is faring better than most at the moment, but with the Byzantine successes in Northern Italy, you once again find yourself with too large a border and too few armies. You have two armies, under yourself and Karl Zirn, and a third Count without an army, but with a great deal of wealth. To the west, the Byzatines are besieging Venice and the Bavarian armies are trapped themselves and cannot aid you. In the east, the Hungarians are nearing Zagreb and Vienna. In the south, the Venetians are preparing for another push on Ragusa. On top of this, there will be difficulty in deciding how to move your armies without aggravating religious warfare. This is problematic since you have more provinces than Electors and thus, even if you pacify every province, at least one will have a risk of suffering from renewed violence every year.
*(A) Remain in Ragusa and hold the walls.
(B) Remain in Ragusa, but attack the Venetian army in the mountains as well.
(C) Leave behind a small garrison in Ragusa, then move north attack the Hungarians outside Zagreb.
Karl Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Zagreb
Personal Wealth: 7 (5 carried over, 1 base from Zagreb for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Zagreb)
Units Available: Spear Militia, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Ballista
You still have the strongest army in all of Austria and there are some difficult choices to make this year. Austria simply has too many borders to defend and not enough resources to do it. If you move to Venice to lift the siege, religious warfare could erupt again in Zagreb, not to mention the possibility of the Hungarians attacking the city. If you remain in Zagreb, keep the population pacified, and attack the Hungarians, Venice will surely fall. At the same time, Vienna remains embroiled in religious warfare and will suffer greatly if it is not pacified. It is also within reach of the Hungarians. No matter what you do, there will be consequences elsewhere.
*(A) Garrison Zagreb and hold the walls.
(B) Remain in Zagreb, but attack the nearby Hungarian army.
(C) Move north to Vienna, pacify the province, and attack the Hungarian army that is moving on the city.
(D) Move west to Venice, pacify the province, and lift the Byzantine siege.
Edmund Becker:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Prague (Rebel Capital)
Personal Wealth: 5 (0 carried over, 3 base from Prague, 1 bonus from Prague for Rebel Capital, 1 bonus for starting in Prague)
Units Available: Crossbow Militia, Town Militia, Spear Militia, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen
You recruited three regiments of Spear Militia and pacified Prague. Your County is once again at peace and the people are grateful for your wise and dedicated leadership. However, you now face the danger that you have been preparing for over the last several years. The collapse of the Franconian defenses to the north has allowed the Polish armies to cross your borders unopposed. An army now sits a short distance from the city and you will surely be under siege soon. For all your efforts, your army remains largely a militia force, and this makes victory against a professional army very difficult and costly, as you saw at Breslau. Fortunately, your fame as a good and noble protector of the people has paid off. An old, retired soldier has offered his services to you as a military trainer in gratitude for keeping his family safe and prosperous for so many years.
New Special Ability Earned: Every year, you may ‘train’ one full-strength unit of Militia to a higher level for free. Crossbow Militia can be trained to Pavise Crossbowmen. Town Militia and Spear Militia can be trained to Armoured Sergeants.
*(A) Hold the walls of Prague.
(B) Attack the Polish army in the field.
(C) Abandon Prague and retreat west to Nuremburg.
Lorenz Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Budapest (religious warfare and besieged – will remain ‘besieged’ until further notice, even though the AI is not actually besieging it. This is because I had to artificially break off the siege to allow Friedrich Karolinger to flee in 1328. If I hadn’t it would still be under siege now or would have fallen.)
Personal Wealth: 21 (1 carried over, 20 from confiscating the wealth of the Viennese merchants)
Special Ability: You are a Budding Bureaucrat and Good with Taxes. If you start your turn inside a province you control, you will gain +2 instead of the normal +1.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You seized the assets of all merchants in Vienna for the war effort. This has resulted in the destruction of the Great Market, Merchants’ Guild, and Merchant Bank. While it will not have many consequences in the short term, it will take a great deal of time and money to rebuild these facilities and the Reich will suffer from the decreased income for many years. However, for the time being you can celebrate, as you are rich. You had better put that money to some good use, however, or it will all have been for nothing. You did not hire any militia after seizing the assets last year and the fates have played a cruel trick on you, as the Militia Drill Square was destroyed by the ongoing religious warfare. Vienna has lost the ability to produce Halberd Militia, Crossbow Militia, and Spear Militia. Unless you want an entire army composed of Forlorn Hope, Merchant Cavalry Militia, and artillery, you had best find someplace to spend your wealth.
*(A) Leave the garrison of Vienna behind and travel to Ragusa to recruit an army.
(B) Hire the most absurd army the world has ever seen and pacify Vienna.
(C) Stay in Vienna, but send the wealth to Duke Arnold.
Lothar Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Milan (religious warfare and besieged), Genoa (besieged), Innsbruck (trade route cut due to you being besieged in Milan), Nuremburg (religious warfare)
Personal Wealth: 4 (2 carried over, 1 bonus for starting in Milan, 1 bonus from Deep Pockets)
Special Ability: Deep Pockets means that you produce +1 wealth per turn, no matter where you are or what your circumstances.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia
Fredericus Erlach:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Genoa (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 4 (0 carried over, 3 base from Genoa since Duke Lothar is cut off and cannot receive his share, 1 bonus for starting in Genoa)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Ballista
Your assault on the Byzantines outside of Milan was a disaster and his cost you many good men. However, you were still able to pacify Genoa and its income is a welcome sight to you. Unfortunately, Genoa cannot supply you with professional regiments and the Byzantines have besieged you inside its walls. Your army is outnumbered by the enemy, but your men are of good quality and you are more than a match for your foes from behind the walls. If you take the field, the result will be less certain.
Note: Your special ability is now gone, as all possible units have been upgraded.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee through a secret escape tunnel to Innsbruck.
(B) Hold the walls against the Byzatines (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged)
(C) Sally forth against the Byzantines.
Matthias Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Milan (trade route blocked, religious warfare, and besieged – you’re lucky I’m still even listing it! Next turn I will cease, as you will be King of Outremer and be forced to renounce your ties to Bavaria.)
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over due to 3 spent to acquire Crown of Thorns)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Halberd Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Ballista, Turkopoles, Kwarizmian Cavalry
It is 1332 and the evacuation fleet is prepared, yet you still stand on the Iron Bridge, waving your fist in defiance at the enemies of Outremer. This, and the successful acquisition of the Crown of Thorns through political negotiations with Pope Renaldus, has vastly increased your reputation over the past several years. The people are beginning to believe that you are Saint Maximillian reborn; the embodiment of holy justice itself without hesitation and without mercy for the blasphemers. Every last true Christian soldier (Unhorsed Knights, Crusader Knights, Crusader Sergeants, Pilgrims, Religious Fanatics, and Grand Crosses) has decided to remain in Outremer with you. These men will surely be needed in the times to come. Scouts report that the Byzantines are assembling again for a strong push and there are rumors that the Turks may even send their elite Janissaries against you. The English garrisons in Aleppo and Damascus to your west form a political barrier against the enemy, but politics are fickle here in Outremer. The English garrisons are too weak to oppose a full enemy army and they will likely sulk behind their walls and watch the enemy pass by, should they decide to do so. Today the Iron Bridge remains the only avenue into Outremer. Tomorrow that may not be so.
*(A) Hold the Iron Bridge. When Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel depart for the Reich, fetch the Crusaders they have left behind and bring them to the bridge to join your army.
(B) When Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel depart for the Reich, fetch the Crusaders they have left behind and take them with you to garrison Antioch.
(C) When Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel depart for the Reich, fetch the Crusaders they have left behind and take them with you to garrison Acre.
Friedrich Karolinger:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Innsbruck
Personal Wealth: 7 (5 carried over, 1 from Innsbruck for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Innsbruck)
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You are home in Innsbruck and the province is pacified and secure. That is a unique thing in Bavaria. You have a modest amount of wealth and it would be a good idea to begin recruiting an army. The reinforcements will surely be needed in Italy and Nuremburg remain in the midst of religious warfare.
*(A) Recruit some soldiers and remain in Innsbruck.
(B) Recruit some soldiers and march north to pacify Nuremburg.
(C) Recruit some soldiers and march south to hold the alpine pass against the Byzantines.
(MISC) In addition to the above, order the confiscation of all non-essential resources for use in the war effort. This will yield 10 wealth which can be spent immediately, but will remove all future income of any kind from Innsbruck, including both the base and the starting bonus.
Dieter von Kassel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Acre
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Halberd Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Ballista, Turkopoles, Kwarizmian Cavalry
You spent your wealth last year to hire a regiment of Teutonic Knights, a regiment of Armored Spearmen, and a regiment of Pavise Crossbowmen to bolster your army. You also hired a regiment of Spear Militia to aid the garrison of Antioch. You are ready to depart Outremer. If there are any last-minute letters to be sent or arrangements to be made, it is time to do them.
*(A) The fleet is ready to depart. It is time for you to return to the Reich. (Note: You will be at sea for all of 1332, 1334, and 1336. No information or options will be given to you during this time. You will arrive outside of Venice at the beginning of 1338 and will be able to give orders then. If you want to do something that would be possible while at sea, such as changing your destination, you can send that to me via PM. Otherwise, the next few turns will be a bit boring for you, my apologies.)
(B) You have had a change of heart. Remain behind in Outremer.
Choices are due by 8pm EST, Wednesday, November 28th.
Save Game FileUpdated - There was an error in kotr1334-1, please use kotr1334-2
1334 AD: The Losses Mount
Despite great efforts by many Electors, the Reich continues to lose ground and many of the victories have been Pyrrhic. In foreign affairs, news came from the west that Portugal, one of the Reich’s two remaining allies, was finally overcome by a massive French assault on the citadel at Bordeaux. With the final destruction of their western enemy, the French flank is secure and their armies are now free to move in full strength against every part of the Reich’s border. Their offensive around Bruges and Rheims will continue, but they are now moving on the rebellious cities of Dijon and Marseilles as well, from which pressure may eventually be brought on Bern, Genoa, and Milan. In 1320, the French had been reduced to three provinces, including only one citadel. They now hold nine provinces, including three citadels, and are within striking distance of four more cities. This resurgent power will surely menace the Reich for many years to come.
In Outremer, news of the departure of the Evacuation Fleet spread rapidly. The calm of the last few years appears to have been due to the Byzantines’ determination to gather their strength for another massive push on the now substantially weakened defenses. A deadly siege force now sits on the field north of the Iron Bridge. Scouts report that it was accompanied by a fast-attack force composed exclusively of cavalry. This force has broken off from the siege army and is riding east to come at the defenders of the Iron Bridge from behind, so that they can be attacked simultaneously from both directions. They are violating English lands to do this, but the Reich’s allies are helpless to stop the enemy, as the vastly superior Byzantine forces would smash them on the open fields. At the same time, the Turks have decided to make a play for the remnants of Outremer. Two massive armies of Janissaries have been sighted east of Aleppo. To make matters worse, it appears that the Egyptians may attempt yet another assault on the Papacy at Jerusalem. Against all these foes stand only the new King of Outremer, Matthias Steffen, and his army of Christian warriors. They had best hope that God truly is on their side in the coming years.
Franconia has halted the hemorrhaging of armies and provinces which plagued it in recent years. Stettin was recaptured and several massive Danish and Polish armies outside Magdeburg were broken. However, the northern Duchy is still in a critical state. Frankfurt remains besieged, with Duke Peter trapped inside, and Magdeburg is once again surrounded by an enemy force. Dieter Bresch, Tancred von Tyrolia, and their combined armies are trapped inside the citadel. This time it is a Danish army and they have placed their main camp by a defensible bridge. Any attempt by an outside force to lift the siege will have to overcome this excellent defensive location. In addition, scouts report that another Danish army is marching towards Magdeburg and will arrive next year. It includes high quality gunpowder artillery, which will slowly reduce the citadel to rubble, with the defenders still inside. If they are not stopped, the Rock of Franconia may eventually fall.
Bavaria remains balanced on a knife-edge. Duke Lothar Steffen went to desperate measures to keep Milan free. A few months before the assault on the city, the Byzantines proudly announced that they had captured the Austrian city of Venice and exterminated it. As proof, they piled the heads of countless thousands of civilians within sight of the eastern gate of Milan. Having given a similar treatment to Rome and Bologna as well, the citizens of Milan had no delusions about what fate awaited them. Duke Lothar Steffen appealed directly to the citizen population, explaining that if they did not fight with him, the city would fall and they would all be massacred. Any man or woman who doubted such a thing was taken to the walls to see the pile of heads the Byzantines had assembled. The Duke also gave an immediate amnesty to all prisoners and convicts if they would take up arms in defense of Milan. In response, massive numbers of volunteers came forward, determined to die fighting for their homes and families. However, the siege and the problems caused by the continuing religious warfare made even the raw materials of arms and armor scarce. In desperation, Duke Lothar Steffen ordered the city’s immense Merchant Vaults opened and their entire contents were appropriated for his use. All metal and wood that could be stripped from the structure was taken and made into weapons and armor. This act effectively destroyed the supremely expensive building, but it supplied Duke Steffen with enough money and resources to equip six regiments of Forlorn Hope.
When the battle finally came, it was brutal beyond words. There were almost no tactics involved at all. The Byzantines broke through the main gate almost instantly and flooded into the city in a swarm of man and horseflesh. Simultaneously, they landed two regiments of elite Varangian Guards on the walls on either side of the gate house in an effort to hold it and clear out the crossbowmen. Duke Lothar had anticipated this and had set up his defenses accordingly. Both of the Varangian Guard regiments were set upon from both sides by the city’s Forlorn Hope, which battled them in a brutal contest above the city streets. At the same time, all remaining infantry were concentrated around the gate area. The Duke was determined to contain the Byzantines within that spot at all costs. The Byzantine general was struck down after several long minutes of combat and the immense pressure on all sides took its toll on the attackers. Some eventually broke and ran, but most regiments fought on to the last man, taking a horrendous toll on the city’s defenders. The same was true of the Bavarians, of whom not a single one turned tail and fled. Duke Lothar was victorious, but his army has been completely shattered, with losses approaching 80 percent. It is unlikely that he even has enough strength left to pacify the province without reinforcements. At the same time, Count Erlach remains besieged inside Genoa and is unable to aid his Duke. With the destruction of their premier army at the gates of Milan, the Byzantine invasion of Italy appears to be losing some strength, but they still have several large armies in the area and the Bavarians have little left to oppose them. Half of the Duchy remains in the throws of religious warfare as well, significantly reducing the income that the Duke could use to rebuild his defenses.
Swabia has seen a shocking turn of events over the past year. For several weeks, it appeared that the loyalists and rebels would reach a diplomatic compromise at a meeting outside Metz. Relying on this fact, Athalwolf von Salza and Ehrhart Ruppel agreed that the young Swabian loyalist should ride to Bern and take command of the loyalist army stationed there. Before he left, Ehrhart Ruppel spoke to the people of the citadel and encouraged them to fight for Swabia. The people were swayed by the young loyalist’s chivalrous words, and many enlisted. However, there was absolutely no wealth or resources of any kind available in the citadel. Ehrhart Ruppel had no money to his name, the rigors of so many years of war had stripped the citadel’s reserve bare, and the continuing religious warfare prevented any equipment from being gathered from the countryside. In short, there was no way to properly outfit the volunteers. They manned the gates and acted as lookouts, but with only their bare hands and crude clubs, they did not even qualify as a true garrison. Having determined that there was nothing more he could do, and confident that his Duke would be arriving in Staufen shortly, the young Ruppel then rode to Bern, where he quickly pacified the province, took possession of the immense wealth stored in the treasury, and built a new church.
It remains unclear to this day whether the subsequent events outside Metz were intentional or the result of a mutual misunderstanding. However, neither Wolfgang Hummel nor Athalwolf von Salza moved immediately to the meeting at the bridge. Duke Athalwolf instead marched towards Staufen to pacify the province. It is not known whether Wolfgang Hummel began his own march before hearing this news, but the end result was the same. Both men were headed towards Staufen instead of the appointed meeting place. Though they left at the same time, Wolfgang’s vastly superior logistical skills allowed his army to march 3 kilometers for every 2 that Athalwolf’s army put behind it. Before their roads even converged, Wolfgang was far ahead of his loyalist opponent, and he arrived at Staufen several weeks in advance of Athalwolf. With the citadel only held by unarmed and untrained men, there was no battle to be had. Wolfgang Hummel paraded his impressively armored regiments of Free Company Men at Arms in front of the gates, and demanded that the citadel be opened to him. Without any means to resists, the men inside complied to save their own lives, allowing the rebel to occupy the citadel without any loss of life. When Athalwolf eventually arrived, his scouts informed him that the citadel was held against him by a vastly superior army. With an attack meaning certain defeat, the Duke of Swabia gave up his march to the citadel. At the same time, the scouts reported that the Duke’s army was so inferior that even an attempt to pacify either Staufen or Metz would almost certainly lead to its destruction (OOC: Autoresolve would have resulted in a defeat with huge losses). With no other alternative left to him, the Duke of Swabia turned his army back around and returned to Metz.
This incredible strategic coup has not come without cost to Wolfgang, however. Without his army to aid them, Ludwig von Bohmen and Jan von der Pfalz were not able to relieve the siege of Bruges and Wolfgang’s capital fell to the French. At the same time, the eager citizenry of Metz were disappointed and disillusioned that Wolfgang chose not to aid them. While Athalwolf returned to the city, he has spent the last two campaigning seasons in and around the province, but has failed to even make an attempt to pacify it. Beset by religious warfare, the people of Metz now grumble about the lack of care that both sides show to them. Unless the situation changes, they are not likely to lift a finger to aid anyone other than themselves.
The Austrians have coordinated their defenses admirably, but their extended borders have cost them dearly. Karl Zirn handily defeated the Hungarian force near Zagreb and the province remains secure and pacified. At the same time, Lorenz Zirn used the wealth plundered from the merchants of Vienna to pay for a new army from Ragusa. When it arrived, he pacified the province, helping to further restore his Duchy’s prosperity. In the south, Duke Arnold blocked the Venetian march through the mountains and defeated the enemy in a pitched battle. However, his army suffered many losses and he will likely require reinforcements before he can take the field against a large host. In the west, with no army available to defend the city, Venice was quickly overwhelmed by the Byzantines, who exterminated its population and sent the heads to the walls of Milan. In the east, Budapest finally fell to the Hungarian siege, opening the door for a drive on Vienna or Zagreb. In Prague, Edmund Becker continued to strengthen the defenses of his city with further recruitments and the construction of a gunsmith. For reasons known only to them, the Poles chose not to besiege the city. Perhaps they are waiting for reinforcements and will begin the siege next year.
War of Reformation Status in 1334:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Provinces Suffering Religious Warfare (City, Rebel Stack Name(s), Population Killed, Building Destroyed):
Milan – Captain Romaso, 2400, Leather Tanner
Nuremburg – Captain Hugo, 2400, Leather Tanner
Staufen – Captain Jean, 1200, Swordsmith’s Guild
Metz – Captain Qassim, 1700, Merchant Bank
Budapest – LOST TO HUNGARY, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Venice – LOST TO BYZANTIUM, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Bruges – LOST TO FRANCE, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Rheims – LOST TO FRANCE, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Caen – LOST TO FRANCE, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Ajaccio – LOST TO SICILY, Future status irrelevant unless recaptured
Total 1330 Deaths: 89,800
Total 1332 Deaths: 18,980
Total 1334 Deaths: 7,700
Total Cumulative Deaths: 116,480
Provinces Pacified (City, Elector Present, Chance of Rebel Stack Spawning if No Elector Present):
Ragusa – Arnold, 50%
Vienna – Lorenz Zirn, 50%
Zagreb – Karl Zirn, 50%
Prague – Edmund Becker, 50%
Genoa – Fredericus Erhart, 50%
Innsbruck – Freiderich Karolinger, 50%
Antwerp – Jan von der Pfalz and Ludwig von Bohmen, 50%
Stettin – Fritz von Kastilien, 50%
Frankfurt – Peter von Kastilien, 50%
Magdeburg – Dieter Bresch and Tancred von Tyrolia, 50%
Bern – Ehrhart Ruppel, 25%
Elberhard:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: None
Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes;
Nothing of him that does fade,
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell:
Hark! Now I hear them – Ding-dong, bell.
*(A) Continue to sail towards the coast north of Venice. You will make landfall at the beginning of 1338.
Athalwolf von Salza:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Metz (religious warfare), Bern
Personal Wealth: 5 (1 carried over, 1 bonus for starting in Metz, 3 base from Bern)
Units Available: Town Militia, Mercenary Spearmen
Through poor choices, you have been completely ineffective the last two years. You continue to wander the lands of Swabia, shaking your fist at the world, but you have done nothing that has any prospect of changing events. You army is simply too weak to face either the French or Wolfgang Hummel; it is not even strong enough to pacify a province. Despite this, you have done almost nothing to strengthen it. Last year you ordered that new professional regiments be hired, but you had no wealth with which to pay for them and you have done nothing to gain any wealth. Unless you begin to do something truly productive, your position as Duke of Swabia will not be a long-lived one.
*(A) Flee south to Bern and the protection of Ehrhart Ruppel’s army.
(B) Hold Metz.
(C) Plunder Metz for all it is worth, then abandon the city and flee south to Bern.
Ehrhart Ruppel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 16 (0 carried over, 12 from Bern treasury, 5 from wealth that arrived in Bern from Kaiser Elberhard at the end of 1332., -1 for Small Church)
Units Available:
You did your best to raise a garrison for Staufen, but the reality was that the men were ordinary peasant recruits, not professional soldiers or religious fanatics. They were happy to serve you, but they needed arms and armor to fight. You had no wealth in Staufen and thus could not provide them with it. Knowing there was more than enough wealth in Bern, along with an entire army, you rode there and took command. You then pacified the province and garrisoned the city, expecting Duke von Salza to secure Staufen. Unfortunately, Wolfgang Hummel made an unexpected march on Staufen and his logistical skills allowed him to arrive weeks before Athalwolf. Hopelessly outnumbered, and without any weapons or armor to use, the men you encouraged to action quickly capitulated. You now have a large army, but much of it is of poor quality and most of the professionals are mounted. An assault on Staufen would likely be suicide as long as Wolfgang decides to hold the walls. You are also now rich, but you have lost access to a citadel from which to recruit professional troops. Your situation is a frustrating conundrum.
To make matters worse, your new Duke has been entirely ineffective since he gained the title. He has wandered the countryside between Metz and Staufen, proclaiming much, but without the will or the resources to do anything significant. The grant total of his contributions to the Swabian war effort since his defeat at the Flemish Crossroads in 1326 has been the recruitment of a single regiment of Armoured Sergeants. He has not even given you the title of Count, thus denying you any additional income from Bern. Perhaps it is time to ask yourself what being a ‘loyalist’ truly means.
Fortunately, this year’s report ends on a bright note. Your investment in the construction of a new Small Church to replace the ruined Abbey has soothed some of the religious tensions in the province. The resounding Catholic victory had already reduced the strength of the Lutherans in the province. Now that order has been restored and a proper respect for religion shown by your actions, a fresh outbreak of fighting is less likely to occur should Bern begin any year without an Elector within its boundaries. (The probability of a rebel army spawning in Bern when it starts a turn without an Elector within its boundaries has been reduced to 25%.)
Note: A final 2 wealth from Kaiser Elberhard will arrive in Bern at the end of 1334.
*(A) Garrison Bern and sulk. These things would never have happened if Duke Hans was still alive.
(B) Move to liberate Staufen. If Wolfgang Hummel remains inside, you will have to defeat him in order to take the citadel. You have gunpowder artillery, and can assault immediately if you want to.
(C) Move to Metz and pacify it.
(D) Move to Metz and pacify it, but then return to Bern.
(MISC 1) You have had enough of the incompetence of Duke Athalwolf. In addition to the above, ‘rebel’ and declare yourself to be the new Duke of Swabia.
(MISC 2) You have had enough of the incompetence of Duke Athalwolf. In addition to the above, ‘rebel’ and swear loyalty to Wolfgang Hummel.
Wolfgang Hümmel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antwerp (trade route blocked), Staufen (religious warfare)
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 bonus for starting in Staufen)
Special Ability 1: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. All other units normally available from Antwerp can be recruited once again, but they cannot be used to fight Danish armies. All units recruited from Antwerp, other than Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, and Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, will disband if they are present in an army that attacks or is attacked by the Danes.
Special Ability 2: You can hire Free Company Longbowmen and Free Company Men at Arms whenever and wherever you want, but you must pay 4 wealth for each regiment.
Units Available:
You hired another regiment of Free Company Men at Arms and marched south. You captured Staufen, which was a great and unexpected feat, but the province remains in the grips of religious warfare. At the same time, you have lost the immense income of Bruges and you are now greatly separated from your vassals in Antwerp. The road to the coastal city goes past Metz, which is currently held by Duke von Salza. Thus, taxes cannot reach you from Flanders this year. Your army is likely strong enough to hold the citadel, but you will risk defeat it you face a field battle against either Ehrhart Ruppel or the French. You had best find a way to accumulate some wealth and hire new regiments if you want to do anything other than sit behind the walls.
Note: Changes have been made to Special Ability 1
*(A) Sack Staufen, burn every structure to the ground, and march back to Flanders. You will gain 10 wealth, which you can spend immediately. For the rest of the cataclysm, no military units of any kind will be recruitable from Staufen by any player.
(B) Pacify Staufen and hold the walls of the citadel.
(C) March to Metz and besiege the city if Athalwolf von Salza remains inside.
Ludwig von Bohmen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. All other units normally available from Antwerp can be recruited once again, but they cannot be used to fight Danish armies. All units recruited from Antwerp, other than Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, and Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, will disband if they are present in an army that attacks or is attacked by the Danes.
Units Available:
You recruited a regiment of Mercenary Crossbowmen and joined Jan von der Pfalz in Antwerp. As the situation stands now, you are both isolated in the city, cut off from Wolfgang Hummel and his army. You have managed to bring the city of Antwerp under control and it will aid you against any enemy except the Danes. Still, even with your combined forces you lack strength of arms. Will you attempt to hold Flanders, or will you abandon it and join your Lord in central Swabia? If you ride south, it would be best to do it either alone or with a full army. It would be best to discuss your plans with Jan von der Pfalz. If you both march south together, you may be able to defeat Athalwolf von Salza if he attempts to stop you.
Note: Changes have been made to your Special Ability
*(A) Ride alone to Staufen to join Wolfgang Hummel. By moving without an army, there is no chance that Athalwolf von Salza could intercept you outside of Metz.
(B) Ride to Staufen with your Mercenary Crossbowmen. Taking an unmounted regiment with you will result in a 50% chance of being intercepted by Athalwolf von Salza, if he remains in the area.
(D) Hold Antwerp.
Jan von der Pfalz:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antwerp
Personal Wealth: 4 (0 carried over, 3 base from Antwerp for loyal since Wolfgang Hummel is cut off and cannot receive his share, 1 bonus for starting in Antwerp)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. All other units normally available from Antwerp can be recruited once again, but they cannot be used to fight Danish armies. All units recruited from Antwerp, other than Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, and Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, will disband if they are present in an army that attacks or is attacked by the Danes.
Units Available:
You recruited a regiment of Flemish Pikemen and made an impassioned plea to the Danish citizens of Antwerp. They were swayed by your words and agreed to end their boycott of military service. Two regiments of Spear Militia and a regiment of Crossbow Militia have joined you and you can now recruit any regiment you like from Antwerp, if you pay for it. However, the tolerance of these soldiers is limited. All units recruited from Antwerp, other than Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, and Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, will disband if they are present in an army that attacks or is attacked by the Danes. However, even with this improved situation, you still command a force weaker than your French adversaries. Taking the field against them would be very risky indeed. Will you stay in Flanders and fight foreign enemies, or will you move south to aid your Lord against domestic foes?
Note: Changes have been made to your Special Ability
*(A) Recruit men and hold the walls of Antwerp.
(B) Ride alone to Staufen to join Wolfgang Hummel. By moving without an army, there is no chance that Athalwolf von Salza could intercept you outside of Metz.
(C) Recruit men and march your entire army to Staufen to join Wolfgang Hummel. Taking unmounted regiments with you will result in a 50% chance of being intercepted by Athalwolf von Salza, if he remains in the area. However, your army may be strong enough to defeat him, especially if Ludwig von Bohmen joins you.
Péter von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Frankfurt (besieged with you inside it), Magdeburg (besieged), Stettin (trade route blocked by Danish besiegers, will not supply you with wealth due to Fritz’s Special Ability 1)
Personal Wealth: 6 (2 carried over, 3 base from Frankfurt, 1 bonus for starting in Frankfurt
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Spear Militia, Crossbow Militia, Teutonic Knights
Your Duchy is much better off than it was last year, but you are in the same situation. The Danes continue to besiege you inside of Frankfurt. You recruited a regiment of Teutonic Knights last year, and that has added further mobile power to your army. You now possess a moderate contingent of heavy cavalry, possibly enough to turn the tide of a field battle.
Note: You cannot recruit more than two regiments per turn while besieged. You will have to lift the siege to be able to recruit more.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Frankfurt through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes.
Fritz von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Stettin
Personal Wealth: 10 (2 carried over, 20 from sack, 2 from first battle plunder, 1 from second battle plunder, -4 for upkeep for 11 merc units, -11 for 1334 recruitment)
Special Ability 1: For the rest of the cataclysm, no military units of any kind can be recruited from Stettin by any player. Stettin will pay you 3 base wealth per turn, but only when you start your turn in the province and decide to tax it. If you start the turn outside the province, you will get 0 base wealth. Your Duke will not get any income from Stettin, no matter what; the people fear you too much to send money to anyone else. In addition, every turn that you decide to tax Stettin, the population of the settlement will be reduced by 10% and base wealth production will be permanently reduced by 1. Taxing Stettin will be a default order when you start your turn inside the province. If you do not want to tax the settlement, you must state so in your orders.
Special Ability 2: For the rest of the cataclysm, small groups of mercenaries will join your army for free at irregular intervals. In addition, you can hire any mercenary unit available in Europe, even if they are not available in your current territory. All mercenary recruitment costs are 1 less for the duration of the cataclysm, to a minimum of 1. However, the mercenaries require a large amount of wealth to sustain them. Beginning in 1330, you will have to pay 1 wealth per 3 mercenary units per turn (rounded up, to a maximum of 6) to keep them from deserting.
Units Available: Any European Mercenary Unit
You have sacked your own County for a second time, an act that is truly unprecedented in the Reich's history. The sack itself was savage and without mercy. Your mercenaries had no sympathy for the people and they cut down anyone suspected of aiding the Danes, harboring wealth, or even looking at them in a disrespectful manner. The actions have paid off handsomely once again, and you have recovered a full 20 wealth from the population and the remaining merchants. You were also able to recover 2 wealth in plunder from the defeated Danish army. However, there have been consequences.
Stettin is now truly a ravaged city. The Market was destroyed and the people are completely impoverished. Their prosperity had already been cut drastically and your men were ruthlessly effective in their sack. Now the people can barely even afford to eat. The settlement's population was already relatively low after the previous sack and the subsequent religious warfare. Your actions have resulted in several thousand more deaths, and Stettin is now more of a well-developed town than a city. You can continue to milk the province dry with taxes, but it will literally require you to take the food from their mouths. On the positive side, the surviving population is terrified of you. They will forever more obey your orders to the letter. They fear you more than death itself. Following this, you then destroyed a second Danish army, resulting in a further small amount of wealth from battle plunder. 1332 was a profitable year for you and your (surviving) mercenaries. Even though you decided not to tax Stettin in 1334, you have a good deal of wealth available.
Your Special Ability Has Changed: For the rest of the cataclysm, no military units of any kind can be recruited from Stettin by any player. Stettin will pay you 3 base wealth per turn, but only when you start your turn in the province. If you start the turn outside the province, you will get 0 base wealth. Your Duke will not get any income from Stettin, no matter what; the people fear you too much to send money to anyone else. In addition, every turn that you decide to tax Stettin, the population of the settlement will be reduced by 10% and base wealth production will be permanently reduced by 1. Taxing Stettin will be a default order when you start your turn inside the province. If you do not want to tax the settlement, you must state so in your orders.
Note 1: Since we have been discussing mercenary recruitment via PM, I have added your five units of Mercenary Spearmen and 2 units of Albanian Cavalry to your army in Stettin. However, they have technically been recruited this turn, instead of last, to avoid extra upkeep payments. If for some reason you change your mind about recruiting them, I can easily remove them and give you back your 11 wealth.)
Note 2: Changes have been made to Special Ability 1 beyond what I told you they would be via PM. Taxation now will also result in a permanent reduction in base wealth production of 1.
*(A) Garrison Stettin and hold the walls.
(B) Move south and attack one of the armies outside Magdeburg.
(C) Move west and besiege or assault Hamburg.
Dieter Bresch:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Magdeburg (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 3 (0 carried over, 1 from Magdeburg for loyal Count, 1 from starting in Magdeburg, 1 plunder from battle)
Units Available: DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
Last year you recruited a regiment of DFKs, pacified Magdeburg, and destroyed one of the nearby Danish armies. Combined with Fritz von Kastilien’s efforts, this has gone a long way towards securing Magdeburg. However, there are still several large enemy armies in the area. The Danes are now besieging the citadel and they have sited their main encampment near a large bridge. If they are attacked by a reinforcing army, they will have a significant defensive advantage. The only way to avoid this is to either wait for them to assault and destroy them on the walls of the citadel, or sally forth. Tancred von Tyrolia is safe inside the citadel with you. Space was scarce, forcing you to merge some of your depleted units with his to ensure that they could all get inside the walls. If Tancred ever chooses to leave, his units will accompany him, even though they include small numbers of your men. This is the price for using his army in your battles.
Note: I disbanded the regiment that had 1 Zweihander in it, to make space for Tancred’s army. I figure the loss of 1 man is a small amount to fit an extra regiment inside your walls.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes.
Tancred von Tyrolia:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 for your share of battle plunder for allowing Dieter Bresch to use your army.)
Units Available: DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You helped Dieter Bresch pacify Magdeburg and defeat one of the nearby Danish armies. You then joined him behind the fortified walls of the citadel. The Danes are now besieging the citadel and they have sited their main encampment near a large bridge. If they are attacked by a reinforcing army, they will have a significant defensive advantage. The only way to avoid this is to either wait for them to assault and destroy them on the walls of the citadel, or sally forth. Dieter Bresch is inside the citadel with you. Space was scarce, forcing him to merge some of his depleted units with yours to ensure that they could all get inside the walls. If you ever choose to leave, your units will accompany you, even though they include small numbers of his men.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes.
Arnold:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Ragusa, Zagreb, Vienna
Personal Wealth: 9 (0 carried over, 1 base from Ragusa, 2 base from Zagreb, 3 base from Vienna, 1 bonus for starting in Ragusa, 1 plunder from battle, 1 from gambling)
Special Ability: Enjoys a Wager gives you a 50% chance of losing 1 wealth per turn and 50% chance of winning 1 wealth per turn.
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You have fought long and hard, but your Duchy is now being squeezed from both sides. Budapest and Venice both fell to their respective besiegers over the winter. Austria now consists of a vertical line of provinces that is surrounded on all sides by the enemy. If Vienna is seized, both Zagreb and Ragusa will be cut off from the rest of the Reich. Fortunately, all three of your remaining provinces have been pacified. Both you and Lorenz Zirn have moderate-sized armies under your command, and Karl Zirn remains at the head of a strong force. Perhaps this will be enough to hold on to your remaining lands.
*(A) Return to Ragusa, recruit new regiments, and hold the walls.
(B)Recruit new regiments and march on Venice
Karl Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Zagreb
Personal Wealth: 10 (7 carried over, 1 base from Zagreb for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Zagreb, 1 plunder from battle)
Units Available: Spear Militia, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Ballista
You persistent efforts have kept Zagreb safe and have restored some stability to the Austrian lines after the chaotic retreat from Budapest. You have also been frugal over the past few years, resulting in an accumulation of wealth to a level that only Dukes and plunderers commonly see. The are no armies within sight of Zagreb this year, but it is possible that the Hungarians could push onwards from the east, of the Byzantines from the west, or both, in future years. Will you use your wealth and army to keep holding the line, or will you attempt to regain some of what you have lost?
*(A) Garrison Zagreb.
(B) Attack the Hungarian army holding the bridge east of Zagreb.
(C) Besiege Venice.
(D) Move to besiege Budapest. You will have to defeat both Hungarian armies holding the bridge crossings before you can reach the city.
Edmund Becker:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces:
Personal Wealth: 5 (0 carried over due to 3 for gunsmith and 2 for Spear Militia, 3 base from Prague, 1 bonus from Prague for Rebel Capital, 1 bonus for starting in Prague)
Special Ability: Every year, you may ‘train’ one full-strength unit of Militia to a higher level for free. Crossbow Militia can be trained to Pavise Crossbowmen. Town Militia and Spear Militia can be trained to Armoured Sergeants. Units trained in this manner will retain an identical level of experience and armor.
Units Available: Crossbow Militia, Town Militia, Spear Militia, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen
You continued your tradition of investment in Prague, this time by beginning construction on a gunsmith. You also recruited two new regiments of Spear Militia and trained one of your veteran Spear Militia units into a professional regiment of Armoured Sergeants. For reasons known only to themselves, the Poles did not besiege the city this year. They still sit a short distance from the city and an attack is likely to occur eventually.
*(A) Hold the walls of Prague.
(B) Attack the Polish army in the field.
(C) Abandon Prague and retreat west to Nuremburg.
(D) You clearly have the concerns of the people at heart. Nuremburg remains in the grips of religious warfare and her Lords are stuck in Italy defending against the Byzantines. Ride west to Nuremburg and pacify the province in an attempt to prevent any further destruction, and then return immediately to Prague. If you took Cardinal Athalwolf Otterbach with you and left him in the city, perhaps his words could help maintain the peace after you depart.
Lorenz Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 3 (3 carried over)
Special Ability: You are a Budding Bureaucrat and Good with Taxes. If you start your turn inside a province you control, you will gain +2 instead of the normal +1.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You sent a great deal of money to Duke Arnold in Ragusa and he sent you a moderate sized professional army in return. With this force, you pacified Vienna. You now command a moderate sized force of mixed militia and professional soldiers. It is not powerful enough for significant field engagements against a strong foe, but it is enough to make your strength an important part of the Austrian defensive line. With the fall of Budapest, you are once again a Count without a province. Perhaps it would be a good idea to ask Duke Arnold to allow you to manage Vienna.
*(A) Garrison Vienna and defend it against all foes.
(B) If Karl Zirn marches on Budapest or Venice, join him.
(C) If Karl Zirn marches on Budapest or Venice, move to Zagreb and garrison it.
(D) Move north to attack Prague.
(E) Nuremburg remains in the grips of religious warfare and her Lords are stuck in Italy defending against the Byzantines. Ride northwest to Nuremburg and pacify the province in an attempt to prevent any further destruction, and then return immediately to Vienna.
Lothar Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Milan (religious warfare), Genoa (besieged), Innsbruck, Nuremburg (religious warfare)
Personal Wealth: 8 (4 carried over, 1 bonus for starting in Milan, 2 from battle plunder, 1 from Deep Pockets)
Special Ability: Deep Pockets means that you produce +1 wealth per turn, no matter where you are or what your circumstances.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia
Fredericus Erlach:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Genoa (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 5 (1 carried over, 3 base from Genoa since Duke Lothar is cut off and cannot receive his share, 1 bonus for starting in Genoa)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Ballista
The Byzantines assaulted both Venice and Milan over the winter, but they decided more time was needed to attack your well-defended city. They remain encamped outside your walls, cutting off access to the rest of Bavaria and the Reich. You recruited a regiment of Forlorn Hope last year and while your army remains outnumbered by the enemy, you are almost certain of victory if you remain behind the walls. If you take the field, the result will be less certain.
(A) Abandon your army and flee through a secret escape tunnel to Innsbruck.
*(B) Hold the walls against the Byzantines (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged)
(C) Sally forth against the Byzantines.
Matthias Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antioch, Acre
Personal Wealth: 5 (0 carried over, 3 base for Antioch, 1 base for Acre, 1 bonus for starting in Antioch)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Halberd Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Ballista, Turkopoles, Kwarizmian Cavalry
You are now King of Outremer by default, as you are the only Elector remaining in the East. Your staunch defiance has inspired all true Christian warriors to join you in the defense of your remaining territories. All Christian men and boys left in Outremer, whether of German origin or not, now consider you a living Saint. They clamor to join your army and you are only limited in your manpower by your ability to properly equip and train them. You will need these men desperately, as the enemies of Outremer have rested and gathered their strength. They have waited several years for the Evacuation Fleet to depart. With the loss of so many defenders of Outremer, their waiting is over. You can expect serious and determined assaults over the next few years. Your decision to remain in the East has had many benefits. Now you had best prepare yourself for the less pleasant consequences.
New Special Ability Gained: No matter where you are or what your circumstances, you can recruit two regiments of religious warriors per turn in any combination that you like. Religious Fanatics cost nothing. Crusader Sergeants cost 1 wealth. Grand Crosses cost 1 wealth. Unhorsed Knights cost 2 wealth. Crusader Knights cost 3 wealth.
*(A) Retreat to Acre.
(B) Retreat to Antioch.
(C) Attack the Byzantine Siege Army in the field.
(D) Attack the Byzantine Cavalry Army in the field. The English will sally forth to aid you.
(E) Hold the Iron Bridge. You will likely be surrounded and assaulted from both sides by the Byzantines.
Friedrich Karolinger:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Innsbruck
Personal Wealth: 9 (7 carried over, 1 from Innsbruck for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Innsbruck)
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
Thanks to your presence, the recruiting center of Bavaria remains pacified and secure. You have now accumulated a decent amount of wealth and it would be a good idea to begin recruiting an army. It would then be good to work with your fellow Bavarians on developing a new defensive plan.
*(A) Recruit some soldiers and remain in Innsbruck.
(B) Recruit some soldiers and march north to pacify Nuremburg.
(C) Recruit some soldiers and march south to hold the eastern alpine pass against the Byzantines.
(MISC) In addition to the above, order the confiscation of all non-essential resources for use in the war effort. This will yield 10 wealth which can be spent immediately, but will remove all future income of any kind from Innsbruck, including both the base and the starting bonus.
Dieter von Kassel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: None
Round the world! There is much in that sound to inspire proud feelings; but whereto does all that circumnavigation conduct? Only through numberless perils to the very point whence we started, where those that we left behind secure, were all the time before us.
*(A) Continue to sail towards the coast north of Venice. You will make landfall at the beginning of 1338.
The actions of the previous year have led to a tentative sense of peace and stability in several areas of the Reich. However, it is not universal and many Electors are still fighting for their lives and lands.
Outremer saw King Matthias Steffen leave the Iron Bridge to confront the Byzantine Cavalry Army which was attempting to flank him. Battle was joined outside Aleppo, where Matthias engaged the Byzantines without the aid of his English allies. This was done to preserve the English territories as a neutral buffer zone between Outremer’s remaining enemies. The battle was part success and part failure. The enemy force was heavily whittled down for little loss to the Crusaders, but Matthias was eventually forced to yield the field and withdrew a short ways south. The Byzantine army continued on its way and as a result Antioch is now encircled in a ring of steel. It will be exceedingly difficult to dislodge the Byzantines from their positions around Antioch.
Franconia shows the first signs of returning to her former glorious self. While Magdeburg remains besieged by powerful Danish armies, Dieter Bresch and Tancred von Tyrolia hold the walls with a large army and they have proven that they can beat back all foes. The Danish assault will surely be vicious, but the prowess and stamina of the Franconians will likely prevail. Duke Peter has seen the first year of peace since he inherited his title. Frankfurt is free of siege and there are no armies threatening it. In the most significant turn of events, Fritz von Kastilien successfully negotiated a ceasefire with the Russians. In return for the entire province of Stettin, one Orthodox enemy has been appeased, at least for a few years. After the handover, Fritz made a daring march west and assaulted the Danish garrison of Hamburg. That ancient and prosperous Franconian city has now been returned to its rightful owners; this will surely help to restore Franconia to prosperity.
Bavaria can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Intimidated by the prospect of attacking the walls of Genoa, the Byzantines broke off their siege and retreated to Florence. They are consolidating a strong defensive line from Florence to Bologna to Venice. These cities will be difficult to recapture, and almost all of Italy remains in their hands, but at least their massive offensive has finally lost steam. At the same time, the provinces of Milan and Nuremburg have finally been pacified. The former by Duke Lothar himself, and the latter by the generous actions of Count Becker. Count Becker was forced to return immediately to Prague, but he attempted to calm the situation in Nuremburg by leaving behind Cardinal Athalwolf Otterbach to preach cooperation and tolerance. A chance of renewed violence exists, but it is low.
As expected, Swabia remains beset by troubles that are exclusively internal. Not a single Swabian city is besieged by a foreign power, but warfare goes on still. Wolfgang Hummel’s capture of Staufen provoked a swift response from many Electors, both inside and outside of the Duchy. Ludwig von Bohmen took 4 wealth from Jan von der Pfalz and rode south at breakneck speed, accompanied only by Count von der Phalz’s Mounted Sergeants, to prevent him from being slowed. However, Duke Athalwolf von Salza was prepared for just such a move, and was personally patrolling the roads with a large contingent of cavalry. While the rebel Mounted Sergeants were fast enough to evade him, Ludwig von Bohmen’s heavy bodyguard were slower. After a chase of nearly 30 minutes, it appeared as though the rebel Count, and his valuable cargo, would be captured. In a heroic gesture, the Mounted Sergeants, who were in the clear, turned and charged into the pursuing loyalist Knights. They were no match for the enemy, and fell quickly, but they forced the pursuers to halt and fight. That made all the difference, and Count von Bohmen was able to extend his lead and escape. He arrived in Staufen battered, exhausted, and without his escort of Sergeants, but he was alive and had delivered the wealth to Wolfgang. At almost the same time, riders from Innsbruck, moving unopposed through safe Alpine roads, brought a full 7 wealth to Wolfgang, a gift of the Bavarian Count Friedrich Karolinger.
Wolfgang had already ordered recruitment to begin with his meager resources before either set of riders even set out. While he did not have enough on-hand to pay the full cost, it was enough to begin outfitting a unit of Peasant Archers. The rest of their payment was then fulfilled from the newly arrive wealth. The loyalist Ehrhart Ruppel was not idle during these events either. He saw to the hasty recruitment of some Spear Militia to fill out his force, then began to march towards Staufen. He planned to approach minor nobles along the way and offer to pay for the services of any professional soldiers in their employment. However, a messenger from Metz found him and informed him that Count von Bohmen had gotten past Duke Athalwolf and was delivering wealth to Wolfgang Hummel. Ehrhart Ruppel knew that with that money, Wolfgang could train additional professional infantry that would have a huge advantage against his men while defending the walls of a citadel. So, Ehrhart Ruppel abandoned his attempts and spurred his army on to Staufen at all haste. He arrived too late to prevent the recruitment of the Peasant Archers, but he was able to prevent any further resources from entering the citadel.
Wolfgang’s army had been preparing for just such a siege, and though they were denied the means by which to recruit more regiments, they were able to scour every farm and village within 5 miles of the citadel. Large amounts of food were brought inside, and disused houses were knocked down; their stones being brought up to the walls to repair any minor damage and weather wear that could prove a weakness. With the resident population of the citadel small and Wolfgang’s army only moderate in size, he has enough food to allow him to resist the siege almost indefinitely. Indeed, with the local farms stripped bare and many more mouths to feed, Ehrhart Ruppel is likely to suffer problems from food shortages first. However, so long as Ehrhart Ruppel blocks all trade into and out of Staufen, no further military recruitment will be possible in the citadel. For his own part, Ehrhart Ruppel has sent his men out into the province of Staufen in small bands to pacify the population. The departing men were never large enough to give Wolfgang Hummel a chance to break out, but they were frequent enough and persistent enough to eventually succeed. Ehrhart Ruppel also made an attempt to infiltrate his personal spy into Staufen, as he had done so successfully at Bern. However, Wolfgang Hummel had personal experience with counterspying and the agent was apprehended. His head currently adorns the northern gate of Staufen.
In more mundane Swabian news, Jan von der Pfalz took his small army and set up camp to block the bridge from Bruges to Antwerp. Should the French move on his city, he will have the chance of stopping them there first. The priest Alexander Luther also appeared in Jan von der Pfalz’s camp, preaching words intended to rally the people against the Danes. This succeeded in creating a small levy from the Flemish citizens, but predictably alienated the Danish majority of Antwerp. As a result, they are once again refusing to aid Jan von der Pfalz. After his skirmish with Count von Bohmen, Duke Athalwolf set about attempting to pacify Metz. Though his own army was too small for the task, the people of the city were pleased to see him at least attempt it. They too were growing very weary of the death and destruction, and a large volunteer force formed up to aid him. Within a few short weeks, a nominal sense of order was imposed on the province. The local volunteers have since returned to their former lives, leaving only Duke Athalwolf’s professionals to police the province, but at least it has been restored to prosperity. Indeed, at the beginning of 1336, the entire Reich has been pacified and religious violence seems to be at an end. If this continues into 1338, the War of Reformation will be considered finally over.
Austria is the only Duchy to face any new offensives against her holdings. In the south, the Venetians have once again laid siege to Ragusa. With their elite regiments smashed, they have only been able to field standard regiments. These will surely pose no serious threat to Duke Arnolds hardened veterans, especially on the walls of fearsome Ragusa, but the Venetians do have a significant advantage in numbers. The citadel blunts this advantage, but it will be difficult to overcome in a sally. In the extreme north, Edmund Becker was barely able to slip back inside Prague before the Poles began their siege. The city’s walls are strong and the Ballista Towers will be difficult for the Poles to overcome, but the defenders themselves are still almost exclusively militia. If a serious melee begins, Count Becker could find himself in danger. The crisis is similarly serious in middle Austria. The final Hungarian offensive has been launched in a desperate bid to take Zagreb and split the Duchy in two. The elite Hungarian army which had encamped at the eastern bridge crossing the year before has laid siege to the city. Karl Zirn holds the walls with an immensely strong force, but he faces a most formidable foe. Of all the Austrian cities, only Vienna remains free of siege this year.
War of Reformation Status in 1336:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Provinces Suffering Religious Warfare (City, Rebel Stack Name(s), Population Killed, Building Destroyed):
None
Total 1330 Deaths: 89,800
Total 1332 Deaths: 18,980
Total 1334 Deaths: 7,700
Total 1336 Deaths: 0
Total Cumulative Deaths: 116,480
Provinces Pacified (City, Elector Present, Chance of Rebel Stack Spawning if No Elector Present):
Ragusa – Arnold, 50%
Vienna – Lorenz Zirn, 50%
Zagreb – Karl Zirn, 25%
Prague – Edmund Becker, 50%
Genoa – Fredericus Erhart, 50%
Innsbruck – Freiderich Karolinger, 50%
Milan – Lothar Steffen, 50%
Nuremburg - NONE, 25%
Hamburg – Fritz von Kastilien, 50%
Frankfurt – Peter von Kastilien, 50%
Magdeburg – Dieter Bresch and Tancred von Tyrolia, 50%
Metz – Athalwolf von Salza, 50%
Antwerp – Jan von der Pfalz and Ludwig von Bohmen, 50%
Staufen – Ehrhart Ruppel, Wolfgang Hummel, Ludwig von Bohmen, 50%
Bern – NONE, 25%
If there is no rebellion in any province next year, the War of Reformation will end.
Elberhard:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: None
*(A) Continue to sail towards the coast north of Venice. You will make landfall at the beginning of 1338.
Athalwolf von Salza:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Metz, Bern
Personal Wealth: 7 (0 carried over, 3 base from Metz, 3 base from Bern, 1 bonus for starting in Metz)
Units Available: Town Militia
You ordered the recruitment of any men who could bare arms. Your lieutenants were able to find a band of Mercenary Spearmen, who have joined you, and you spent your remaining wealth to raise three regiments of Town Militia. The latter are not good soldiers, but they are better than nothing. While your men were handling these affairs, you began conducting patrols along the open road leading to Antwerp with your strong cavalry contingent. After a few days, one of your scouts spotted about a hundred horsemen galloping south at top speed. You moved to intercept them immediately.
It turned out to be Ludwig von Bohmen, with his bodyguards, and a full contingent of Mounted Sergeants. The rebel’s saddlebags were nearly bursting at the seams with wealth and you drove your men hard to stop him. For a few moments it seemed as if your men would catch the slower heavy cavalry of the rebel’s bodyguards. Then, the Mounted Sergeants turned and charged into you. They were no match for your Knights and Mounted Crossbowmen, and were soon completely killed or captured. However, doing so took several minutes, long enough for Ludwig von Bohmen to escape with his wealth. Knowing it was pointless to pursue him further, you dispatched a scout to inform Ehrhart Ruppel of the encounter and returned to Metz.
When you arrived, the city saw you form up your men and give orders to begin pacifying the province. It was a hopeless endeavor, as you did not have a large enough army to do so. However, the people were tired of death and destruction and they turned out in a mightly levy to aid you. After several weeks of campaigning, the violence ceased and the province was finally at peace. The levy volunteers have since returned to their homes and their normal lives. It would have been good if they had stayed in your army, but at least Metz has been pacified and is once again paying its taxes.
Now you must decide what to do with your army. Ehrhart Ruppel has trapped Wolfgang Hummel inside the citadel at Staufen. However, Ruppel’s army has almost no heavy infantry suitable for such a major attack. If he is to win, it will have to be by overwhelming numbers. If you move to Staufen, you could aid him. However, there is also the chance that Jan von der Pfalz could move south with his army as well. Metz would be open to him if you left.
*(A) Retreat to Bern with your army, leaving only a tiny garrison in Metz.
(B) Stay in Metz. If Jan von der Pfalz moves south, attack him on the road with your entire army.
(C) Move to Staufen to reinforce Ehrhart Ruppel.
Ehrhart Ruppel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 13 (13 carried over)
Units Available: Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen
You assigned some of your depleted militia units to garrison Bern, then paid for a levy of fresh Spear Militia to fill out your ranks. You then began to march towards Staufen. Your intention was to stop by the holdings of every minor noble you could find to request (with payment, of course) the use of any professional soldiers in their employment. However, you had only been on the road for a day when a messenger reached you from Metz. He brought words that Ludwig von Bohmen had slipped past Duke Athalwolf with a large amount of wealth, obviously bound for Staufen.
You knew instantly what that meant: fresh recruits for Wolfgang Hummel. Professional infantry recruits, exactly the kind of men who could make taking Staufen completely impossible. For a moment you considered continuing with your own recruitment attempts, but it didn’t take long to realize that was tactically unsound. One regiment of professional infantryman defending a fortified citadel was worth more than two professional infantrymen assaulting a citadel. If you stayed to recruit, your relative strength would actually decrease. With the decision clear, you spurred your men on as fast as possible to envelop Staufen.
You arrived not a moment too soon. Wolfgang Hummel had already trained a regiment of Peasant Archers, a nuisance to be sure, but not a major problem. However, he had more wealth at his disposal than you could possibly have imagined. Your scouts reported that shortly before the citadel was surrounded, other riders bearing the heraldry of Count Friedrich Karolinger were seen arriving from the direction of Innsbruck. Their saddlebags were also bulging with what could only have been sacks of florins. Clearly Wolfgang now has enough wealth to raise a large contingent of professional soldiers. However, your siege has cut him off from all outside resources. So long as your men block the gates, he will be unable to train further.
That said, the situation is far from ideal. Wolfgang planned well and his men stripped all the local farms of their stored food and crops. With the citadel’s small population and his army’s moderate size, he will be able to hold the walls for several years at least. You will not have that luxury, as the land has been plundered and you have many, many mouths to feed. You will not have any problems this year, but should the siege continue past 1338, your army will starve and desert you. In addition, while you outnumber Wolfgang, your force is far from ideal for an assault on a defended citadel. Your infantry is of poor quality and your cavalry has obvious limitations. You could return to your previous plan and attempt to find some professional infantry in the employ of minor nobles, but any loyalists who lived nearby have long fled from Wolfgang. You will have to travel back to Bern to locate usable troops. You can attempt to disguise your departure, but there is always a chance that Wolfgang’s scouts will notice your departure. If they sally forth while you are gone, you will not be able to command your army in its own defense.
*(A) Retreat to Bern.
(B) Assault Staufen immediately. You can choose up to 260 points (1 turn’s worth) of siege equipment in addition to your artillery.
(C) Maintain the siege and attempt to slip away unnoticed to find professional infantry in Bern. There is a chance that Wolfgang Hummel’s scouts will notice that you are not present. Whether they do or not, if Wolfgang sallies while you are gone, he will get to fight your army in a Custom Battle against the AI.
(D) Maintain the siege, but do not attempt to find more men.
Wolfgang Hümmel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Staufen (religious warfare, besieged with you inside), Antwerp (trade route blocked)
Personal Wealth: 11 (0 carried over, -1 for partial payment for Peasant Archers, 4 from Ludwig von Bohmen, 7 from Friedrich Karolinger, 1 bonus for starting in Staufen)
Special Ability: You can hire Free Company Longbowmen and Free Company Men at Arms whenever and wherever you want, but you must pay 4 wealth for each regiment.
Units Available: None while besieged
Your appeal for aid from your vassals and the Bavarians has been successful. Ludwig von Bohmen arrived from Antwerp with 4 wealth, though his escorting Mounted Sergeants were lost along the way. Messengers have also arrived with 7 wealth from Count Friedrich Karolinger of Innsbruck. However, Ehrhart Ruppel arrived faster than you expected and laid siege to the citadel. You were able to recruit a single regiment of Peasant Archers before he cut you off from your resources. So long as he besieges you, you will be unable to buy the raw materials you need to recruit further soldiers.
However, the situation is not heavily against you. Ehrhart Ruppel vastly outnumbers you, but he is almost entirely lacking in quality infantry. Without them, he will find it very difficult to defeat you. In addition, you know that time is on your side. You wisely prepared for the siege by stripping all nearby farms of their crops and stored foods. You also repaired all weather damage the citadel had experienced over the years with timber and stone from some of the nearby houses. Your citadel is in excellent condition and you have enough food to last you for several years at least.
Your scouts have an excellent vantage point from the citadel’s tall towers to view Ehrhart’s army. It is clear that he will have difficulty feeding so many men for more than a few years. At the same time, you know that Ehrhart must be all too aware of his own weakness in quality infantry. There is a chance he may attempt to slip away and recruit some more, though from where you cannot imagine. If he does, it would be the perfect opportunity to sally forth and destroy his army while it is leaderless. Of course, it is not easy to pick out a single man from a distance in such a horde. It is possible that your scouts miss his departure even if he does leave.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee north to Antwerp through a secret tunnel.
(B) Wait a few weeks, then sally forth, hoping that Ehrhart Ruppel is gone when you attack.
(C) Hold the walls. Sally forth only if your scouts report that Ehrhart Ruppel is gone. There is a chance that your men could miss his absence and never report to you.
(D) Hold the walls. Do not sally forth even if Ehrhart Ruppel is reported to be absent.
Ludwig von Bohmen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0
Units Available: None while besieged
Read the intro and Athalwolf von Salza’s descriptions for details about your journey south. You are now trapped inside Staufen with your Lord and his army. You chose to back a rebel in the midst of a Civil War. Now you are directly involved and your life is on the line.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee north to Antwerp through a secret tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls with Wolfgang Hummel
Jan von der Pfalz:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antwerp
Personal Wealth: 4 (0 carried over, 3 base from Antwerp for loyal Count since Wolfgang Hummel is cut off and cannot receive his share, 1 bonus for starting in Antwerp)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. You may not hire any units from Antwerp other than those listed in this Special Ability.
Units Available: Arquebusiers, Hand Gunners, Halberd Militia, Pike Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Trebuchets, Catapults, Ballista, Flemish Pikemen
You sent all 4 of your wealth south with Ludwig von Bohmen to aid Wolfgang Hummel at Staufen. He is besieged and outnumbered, but numbers do not count for everything inside a citadel. To defend your County, you left a single militiaman (albeit a very big and nasty one) in Antwerp and took up a defensive position on the bridge to Bruges. The French did not attack. Indeed, it appears that the Reich’s English allies have come to your aid. They have landed an entire army on the continent and besieged the French inside Bruges! However, a second French army is nearby and the English will surely be driven off unless they receive aid. However, if you move to aid them, your army could be smashed as well.
You petitioned Alexander Luther to come join you and aid in the defense of Antwerp. He has done so, but he has been preaching words intended to make the citizenry take up arms against the Danes. This has worked well, and the Flemish citizenry have responded to the call of this famous German. They have raised additional regiments with their own money and sent them to your camp at the bridge. They have formed into two regiments of Flemish Pikemen, a regiment of Arquebusiers, and a regiment of Hand Gunners. However, this is exactly the kind of talk that the Danish residents of Antwerp fear the most. You have alienated them once again and you will only be able to recruit from the smaller Flemish population for the foreseeable future.
Note: Your special ability has reverted to its 1332 form.
*(A) Retreat to Antwerp.
(B) Hold the bridge and fight if attacked.
(C) March to aid the English, so that you will rally to their side if they are attacked by the French.
(D) Move south and attack Metz.
(E) Move south and attempt to reach Staufen. If Athalwolf von Salza moves to block you, a battle could occur along the way.
Péter von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Frankfurt, Hamburg, Magdeburg (besieged)
Personal Wealth: 9 (1 carried over, 3 base from Frankfurt, 3 base from Hamburg, 1 bonus for starting in Frankfurt, 1 for battle plunder)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Crossbow Militia, Town Militia, Teutonic Knights
You recruited a regiment of Teutonic Knights, sallied forth, and drove the Danes from your walls. With the simultaneous recapture of Hamburg, Franconia is again becoming profitable. However, Magdeburg remains besieged by enemy forces and there is a strong Danish army between Frankfurt and Hamburg. The situation is better than it has been for many years, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
*(A) Remain in Frankfurt and hold the walls.
(B) Attack the Danish army to the north.
(C) Attack the Danish armies besieging Magdeburg. It will be a bridge battle and you will not be able to use a night attack to split the armies, but Dieter Bresch, Tancred von Tyrolia, and the entire garrison of Magdeburg will sally to your aid on the enemy’s side of the river. Such a battle would have the prospect of both a great victory and a disastrous defeat.
Fritz von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 7 (10 carried over, 3 plunder from battle, -6 upkeep for 17 mercenary units)
Special Ability: For the rest of the cataclysm, small groups of mercenaries will join your army for free at irregular intervals. In addition, you can hire any mercenary unit available in Europe, even if they are not available in your current territory. All mercenary recruitment costs are 1 less for the duration of the cataclysm, to a minimum of 1. However, the mercenaries require a large amount of wealth to sustain them. Beginning in 1330, you will have to pay 1 wealth per 3 mercenary units per turn (rounded up, to a maximum of 6) to keep them from deserting.
Units Available: Any European Mercenary, Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia
You have accomplished great things in the previous year. First you secured a ceasefire and trade rights with the Russians in exchange for Stettin. That impoverished province was a small price to pay to remove one of Franconia’s three enemies from the war. It remains to be seen how long the peace will last, though. You also marched west, retook Hamburg from the Danes, and smashed a nearby Danish army. The people were overjoyed to be rescued from their occupiers. They did not expect to see a Franconian army at their doorsteps for many years due to the difficulties in the Reich. Their unexpected liberation has made the people exuberant beyond all expectations. Your fierce reputation preceded you, which made your choice to occupy the city without harming the residents or plundering its wealth all the more amazing. The people love you dearly and they have put all of the city’s resources at your disposal. Should you wish to disband your mercenary army, they will replace each unit you dismiss with a regiment of citizen soldiers. They may not be as well trained as the mercenaries, but this is an opportunity to switch over to an army that does not bleed you dry every year.
For each mercenary unit that you disband this year (before battle) you will receive one of the non-mercenary units listed in your Units Available category. You must inform me of which units you are disbanding if you do this.
*(A) Remain in Hamburg and hold the walls.
(B) Attack the Danish army to the southwest.
(C) Attack the Danish armies besieging Magdeburg. It will be a bridge battle and you will not be able to use a night attack to split the armies, but Dieter Bresch, Tancred von Tyrolia, and the entire garrison of Magdeburg will sally to your aid on the enemy’s side of the river. Such a battle would have the prospect of both a great victory and a disastrous defeat.
Dieter Bresch:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Magdeburg (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 5 (3 carried over, 1 from Magdeburg for loyal Count, 1 from starting in Magdeburg)
Units Available: DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You remain besieged inside Magdeburg. No attempt was made by anyone to block the second army with artillery and it is now also encamped outside your walls. It will join the first army in the assault, should it occur. If you do not think you can repel two armies at once, it would be wise to flee or request aid from your fellow Franconians.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them – Note that you have some heavily depleted units that you can disband to make way for fresh recruits)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes. This will be a difficult battle.
You are trapped inside Magdeburg with Dieter Bresch. Your situations are identical. Read his description for further information.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them – Note that you have some heavily depleted units that you can disband to make way for fresh recruits)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes. This will be a difficult battle.
Arnold:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Ragusa (besieged with you inside), Zagreb (besieged), Vienna (trade route blocked)
Personal Wealth: 2 (0 carried over, 1 base from Ragusa, 1 bonus for starting in Ragusa, -1 from gambling, 1 from Edmund Becker)
Special Ability: Enjoys a Wager gives you a 50% chance of losing 1 wealth per turn and 50% chance of winning 1 wealth per turn.
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You retreated to Ragusa and embarked upon a massive recruitment effort. You hired three regiments if DFKs to bolster Ragusa’s defenses against the Venetians and you also spent Karl Zirn’s wealth and dispatched three regiments of Pavise Crossbowmen to him. These were wise moves, as both of your cities are now besieged. There are two Venetian armies at your door, but they are an odd lot. The main besieging army is composed almost entirely of Pavise Crossbow Militia. They will certainly force your men to keep their heads low on the battlements, but will surely not pose a serious threat. The other army is far more formidable and it includes cannons to knock down your walls, but it is somewhat depleted from previous battles. A sally against these forces may be costly, but they can likely be defeated if they assault the citadel.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Ragusa through a secret tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls. You may not recruit more than one unit while besieged.
(C) Sally forth.
Karl Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Zagreb (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 4 (0 carried over, 3 base from Zagreb for loyal Count since Arnold is cut off from income, 1 bonus for starting in Zagreb)
Units Available: Spear Militia, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Ballista
You spent your wealth last year to build a new Small Church in Zagreb (chance of rebel army spawning reduced to 25%). You also sent 9 wealth to Ragusa, where Duke Arnold recruited three regiments of Pavise Crossbowmen for you and sent them back to your city. That was a good decision, as the Hungarian army on the bridge has besieged Zagreb. You face a deadly serious threat. The crème of the Hungarian military stands at your walls. They have many trained foot knights, mounted knights, horse archers, pavise crossbowmen, and even bombards. To hold against them you have a strong army of your own, but will it be enough when the walls begin to crumble around you? Do not underestimate the seriousness of your situation or you will surely perish.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Zagreb through a secret tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls.
(C) Sally forth (not advisable).
Edmund Becker:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Prague (Rebel Capital) (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 4 (0 carried over, 3 base from Prague, 1 bonus from Prague for Rebel Capital, 1 bonus for starting in Prague, -1 for wealth sent to Arnold)
Special Ability: Every year, you may ‘train’ one full-strength unit of Militia to a higher level for free. Crossbow Militia can be trained to Pavise Crossbowmen. Town Militia and Spear Militia can be trained to Armoured Sergeants. Units trained in this manner will retain an identical level of experience and armor.
Units Available: Crossbow Militia, Town Militia, Spear Militia
You pacified Nuremburg and left Cardinal Athalwolf Otterbach behind to help keep the peace. It worked and you have earned the thanks of the Bavarians. When you returned to Prague, you began seeing about the defenses of the city. An experienced unit of Spear Militia were trained into Armoured Sergeants, and you recruited a further two regiments of Spear Militia and a regiment of Crossbow Militia. This was done none too soon, as the Poles finally began their siege of the city. Though your army is still largely militia, you stand a good chance at repelling the enemy should they attack. You ballista towers will cause immense damage to the enemy as they advance. You possess few infantry capable of winning a hand to hand melee, but fortunately, so do the Poles. Their main strength is their mounted host which accounts for nearly half their army. Fortunately, you have many spearmen available to counter them.
Duke Lothar Steffen has sent a messenger to you expressing his personal gratitude for your efforts in Nuremburg. In thanks, he offers to spend all 10 of his wealth to recruit two regiments of Imperial Knights in Innsbruck and dispatch them to aid you against the Poles. Should you take the Duke up on his offer, they will move next to the city and appear as reinforcements if the Poles attack. Of course, should you not truly need this aid, the Duke can make great use of it to strengthen Bavaria’s defenses.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Prague through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls.
(C) Sally forth.
Lorenz Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Vienna
Personal Wealth: 8 (3 carried over, 3 base from Vienna for loyal Count with Arnold cut off from trade, 2 bonus for starting in Vienna)
Special Ability: You are a Budding Bureaucrat and Good with Taxes. If you start your turn inside a province you control, you will gain +2 instead of the normal +1.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You stayed in Vienna last year to protect it. You ordered the recruitment of high quality artillery. However, last year you only had 3 wealth available and that was insufficient to purchase any artillery. You have more than enough to do so this year, though.
*(A) Remain in Vienna and hold the walls.
(B) Move south to Zagreb to aid Karl Zirn against the Hungarians.
Lothar Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Nuremburg, Innsbruck, Milan, Genoa
Personal Wealth: 10 (0 carried over, 3 base from Nuremburg, 3 base from Milan, 2 base from Genoa, 1 bonus for starting in Milan, 1 from Deep Pockets)
Special Ability: Deep Pockets means that you produce +1 wealth per turn, no matter where you are or what your circumstances.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Mercenary German Knights, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
Fredericus Erlach:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Milan
Personal Wealth: 4 (2 carried over, 1 base from Milan for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Milan)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Ballista, Mercenary German Knights, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
The Byzantines have balked at your defenses and retreated to Florence. Your city stands free of siege and your army is once again in contact with the rest of Bavaria. The Byzantines have several large armies along the line from Florence to Bologna to Venice, but for the time being they appear to be on the defensive. You appear to have earned yourself some breathing room.
*(A) Remain in Genoa and hold the walls.
(B) Besiege Bologna. You are likely to be attacked by the Byzantines before you can assault.
(C) Besiege Florence. You are likely to be attacked by the Byzantines before you can assault.
(D) Leave behind a modest garrison and move north to Innsbruck.
Matthias Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Antioch (besieged), Acre
Personal Wealth: 5 (3 carried over, 1 base from Acre, 1 bonus for starting in Antioch)
Special Ability: No matter where you are or what your circumstances, you can recruit two regiments of religious warriors per turn in any combination that you like. Religious Fanatics cost nothing. Crusader Sergeants cost 1 wealth. Grand Crosses cost 1 wealth. Unhorsed Knights cost 2 wealth. Crusader Knights cost 3 wealth.
Units Available: Kwarizmian Cavalry, Turkopoles
You raised two groups of Religious Fanatics to garrison Antioch and spent two wealth to construct a Church in the city. The people were so pleased with this decision that they labored very hard and completed it a year early. You then moved to engage the Byzantine Cavalry Army, with the now well-know outcome. It was a nominal victory, but a disaster for Antioch. With the Iron Bridge open for so long, the many Byzantine armies on the north side flooded across. Antioch is now hopelessly besieged. Unless you can truly conjure up a miracle, the city is all but lost.
*(A) Move south to Acre
(B) Attack the Byzantines outside of Antioch. You may attack any army you wish, but you may not use night attacks.
Friedrich Karolinger:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Innsbruck
Personal Wealth: 2 (0 carried over, 1 from Innsbruck for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Innsbruck)
Units Available: Zweihanders, DIK, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Imperial Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You sent 7 wealth to aid Wolfgang Hummel at Staufen and gave the remaining 2 to Duke Lothar Steffen to help him rebuild his shattered army. You then remained in Innsbruck, keeping the province pacified and secure. For once, there appears to be little work to be done in Bavaria except maintaining the defensive line in Northern Italy. Perhaps this period of crisis is finally coming to an end and you can get back to a normal life.
*(A) Remain in Innsbruck
(B) Recruit a regiment to garrison Innsbruck and ride north to Nurmeburg.
(C) Recruit a regiment to garrison Innsbruck and ride south to Milan.
Dieter von Kassel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: None
*(A) Continue to sail towards the coast north of Venice. You will make landfall at the beginning of 1338.
Save Game File - Updated: Due to an error in the original save, please use kotr1338-2.
1338: The Imperial Restoration
The previous years events have seen the end of all rebellions in the Reich and the return of the Kaiser to his lands. The old feudal order appears to be reasserting itself and the rule of law appears ready to rise from the grave. It will be needed, as the Reich remains a besieged land.
In Outremer, the concentrated Byzantine armies assaulted Antioch, captured it, and exterminated the city. The city is now garrisoned and guarded by the army of Valsamon of Petrola. With the capture of the heart of Outremer, the Byzantines are now turning their attention towards Acre. A large siege army has begun to march south towards the last bastion of Imperial power in Outremer. It is being escorted by a massive column of cavalry. Matthias Steffen holds a chokepoint against them with a reinforced army, but an offensive act will be difficult. Over the past year, one of the Crusading knights has stood out amongst the pack. He is Andreas von Salzgitter, a loyal and chivalrous man who now commands the small garrison of Acre.
Franconia remains much as it was last year. Hamburg and Frankfurt are safe and profitable, but Magdeburg remains besieged by powerful Danish armies, with an equally strong Polish army nearby. Attrition is beginning to show amongst the garrison, and they will weaken every year until the siege is lifted. Neither Peter von Kastilien nor Fritz von Kastilien have a strong enough army to challenge the Danish by themselves. However, if they join forces, perhaps they will be able to rescue Magdeburg before further starvation occurs.
The Byzantine offensive against Bavaria has ceased, but that only means that the Duchy will cease to hemorrhage provinces. The Greeks have continued to pump wealth and manpower into Italy, and now it is concentrating on holding their gains. A wall of steel and flesh guards Venice, Bologna, and Florence. Regaining the lost provinces will not be easy, nor quick. The Bavarian defenders, Lothar Steffen, Fredericus Erlach, and Friedrich Karolinger pooled their resources to better equip an army to face this threat. That army now stands ready to engage the enemy, commanded by Friedrich Karolinger. Lothar Steffen commands a smaller force, positioned to defend Milan or Genoa, if it is necessary.
For the first time in over 20 years, there are no rebels in Swabia. Wolfgang Hummel, the self-proclaimed ‘Prinz of Swabia’ sallied forth from behind the besieged walls of Staufen and attacked Ehrhart Ruppel’s army while the loyalist was away recruiting heavy infantry for an assault. Nearly all of Ehrhart Ruppel’s army was destroyed in the vicious battle, but the rebel Wolfgang fell as well. With their leaders gone, the rebel survivors had nothing left to fight for. They threw down their arms and fled the field. Athalwolf von Salza was able to march into Staufen unopposed when he arrived with his army. Ehrhart Ruppel returned with his new recruits only to find the men left behind savaged and destroyed. The Duke and his loyal follower will have to pool their resources to counter the French armies that are marching on Metz and Bern. In the north, Ludwig von Bohmen has returned to Bruges, but he is in a precarious position. The army of the late Jan von der Pfalz is his to command, but it was vastly weakened by the assault on the city. The English army has left the area and a strong French force is approaching from the south. Finally, with the end of the Civil War, a new loyalist general has offered his services to Duke Athalwolf. He is Maximillian von Hapsburg and currently reside in Metz, but he will have to evacuate soon if the French are not stopped.
Austria remains balanced on a knife-edge. Prague, Zagreb, and Ragusa remain under siege, with only Vienna secure this year. Attrition is beginning to reduce the armies of all three cities and their ability to defend will get weaker each year unless the sieges are lifted. There is hope, however. Lorenz Zirn still commands a strong force of infantry, now supplemented by a pair of Serpentines. In addition, Kaiser Elberhard has returned to the Reich. He landed northeast of Venice and made an immediate call for all feudal knights to heed his authority and rally to him. Every last Imperial and Gothic Knight, mounted and dismounted, has left their former masters and marched to join him. These men are the Kaiser’s alone to command. For the rest of the cataclysm, no one will be able to recruit Imperial Knights, DIK, or Gothic Knights without the Kaiser’s permission. The Imperial Knights in the garrisons of Ragusa, Zagreb, Prague, and Magdeburg cannot break the siege to reach the Kaiser. As such, they remain with their besieged commanders. However, as soon as those sieges are broken they will immediately leave to join Elberhard, no matter what their various commanders do to stop them. The Kaiser has returned to the Reich, and amongst these men his word is law. In one final matter, Dieter von Kassel took the Kaiser’s regiments of Zweihanders and DFK, broke away from the Kaiser’s fleet, and sailed to Sicily. He intends to assault the citadel of Palermo, opening a new front against the Byzantines in Italy. It is a brave move, as the island is totally cut off from outside aid.
Elberhard:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Special Ability: No one in the entire Reich can recruit Imperial Knights, Dismounted Imperial Knights, or Gothic Knights without your approval.
Units Available: Mercenary German Knights, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
You have returned to the Reich. Your authority amongst the Electors is truly pathetic, but at least the title Kaiser holds sway amongst the knightly ranks. Your army has swelled to capacity with Imperial and Gothic men who have flocked to your banner from all corners of the Reich. Those who were unable to reach you due to sieges will do so as soon as it is possible for them. You will need this strength, as it is your only real power to control the various Electors at the moment. With the Swabian Civil War at an end, you no longer need march directly there. Austria and Bavaria are both nearby and can use your aid, should you wish to give it.
*(A) March north to Nuremburg and prepare to convene the Diet.
(B) March east to aid Karl Zirn in the defense of Zagreb.
(C) March west to aid the Bavarians in their efforts against the Byzantines.
Athalwolf von Salza:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Staufen, Metz, Bern, Antwerp, Bruges
Personal Wealth: 30 (7 carried over, 1 base from Staufen, 1 bonus for starting in Staufen, 2 base from Bern, 3 base from Metz, 3 base from Antwerp, 2 base from Bruges, 11 captured from Wolfgang’s treasury)
Units Available: DFK, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
With the death of Wolfgang Hummel and with Ludwig von Bohmen bending knee, the Swabian Civil War is over and the entire Duchy is once again united under your rule. The wealth has flowed in from all corners of the Duchy and, combined with the monies from Wolfgang’s treasury, it has made you the wealthiest man that the Reich has seen in the last 20 years. You will need that money, as the French have launched major attacks on Metz, Bern, and Bruges. You have four loyal followers now, but all of them need your aid. Who will you help and how?
Note: Given the obscene amount of wealth you have, I will not attempt to figure out what you want to recruit. You must give me specific orders about what units you want to hire and who you will send them to.
*(A) Remain in Staufen.
(B) Move south to Bern.
(C) Move west to Metz.
Ehrhart Ruppel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Bern
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 from Bern for loyal Count)
Units Available: DFK, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
It will remain up to the historians to decide whether Staufen was a victory for you or not. Wolfgang Hummel is dead, thanks to the actions of your men, but your army was shattered. Only a handful of Spear Militia and Town Militia survived, along with Hans’ veteran Feudal Knights. A regiment of Imperial Knights survived as well, but they have left you to join Elberhard. You were able to scavenge up two regiments each of DFKs and Armored Sergeants while you were away, along with a regiment of Forlorn Hope. However, this cost you all your wealth. It is a good start to an army, but you will have to depend on Duke Athalwolf’s aid if you wish to confront the advancing French.
*(A) Remain at Staufen.
(B) Move to Metz
(C) Move to Bern
Ludwig von Bohmen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Bruges
Personal Wealth: 2 (0 carried over, 1 from Bruges for loyal Count, 1 bonus for starting in Bruges)
Special Ability: When you are within the borders of the County of Bruges, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit. When you are within the borders of the County of Antwerp, you can recruit Mercenary Flemish Pikemen for 2 wealth per unit and Hand Gunners and Arquebusiers for 3 wealth per unit. All other units normally available from Antwerp can be recruited once again, but they cannot be used to fight Danish armies. All units recruited from Antwerp, other than Hand Gunners, Arquebusiers, and Mercenary Flemish Pikemen, will disband if they are present in an army that attacks or is attacked by the Danes.
Units Available: Flemish Pikemen, Town Militia
You escaped from Staufen just in time. Wolfgang Hummel is now dead and his rebellion is over. You have bent knee to Duke Athalwolf, in return for his acceptance of your title of Count of Bruges. You hold the city with the remnants of Jan von der Pfalz’s army. The men are loyal followers and glad to see you, but they are heavily battered and not likely up to the task of defeating the advancing French army under Baldwin Robert. The only way you can possibly save Flanders is through the aid of Duke Athalwolf. If he does not send you aid, it may be a good idea to abandon the area and fleet while you still can.
*(A) Move to Antwerp
(B) Hold the walls of Bruges
(C) March towards Staufen. The route south is blocked by the French, forcing you to go west near Frankfurt. You will not be able to reach Staufen this year, due to the distance.
Maximillian von Hapsburg:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0
Units Available: Town Militia
With the end of the Swabian Civil War, you have decided to join Duke Athalwolf in the defense of Swabia. However, you have little more than your own abilities to offer at the moment. It will be up to Duke Athalwolf to determine what, if any, power you will wield.
*(A) Move to Staufen
(B) Stay in Metz
(C) Move to Bern
*(A) Stay in Acre
(C) Join Matthias Steffen in holding the northern pass.
Péter von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Frankfurt, Hamburg, Magdeburg (besieged)
Personal Wealth: 16 (9 carried over, 3 from Frankfurt, 1 bonus for starting in Frankfurt, 3 from Hamburg)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Crossbow Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Teutonic Knights
There is only one crisis point in Franconia this year: Magdeburg. Your army is not strong enough to attack the Danes at this point, but you have wealth to spare. Your brother Fritz also has a moderate sized army with him. If the two of you work together, perhaps you could help lift the siege.
*(A) Remain in Frankfurt
(B) Move to Hamburg
(C) Attack the Danish armies outside Magdeburg. You cannot use a night attack.
Fritz von Kastilien:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces:
Personal Wealth: 6 (7 carried over, 1 plunder from battle, -2 for merc upkeep)
Special Ability: For the rest of the cataclysm, small groups of mercenaries will join your army for free at irregular intervals. In addition, you can hire any mercenary unit available in Europe, even if they are not available in your current territory. All mercenary recruitment costs are 1 less for the duration of the cataclysm, to a minimum of 1. However, the mercenaries require a large amount of wealth to sustain them. Beginning in 1330, you will have to pay 1 wealth per 3 mercenary units per turn (rounded up, to a maximum of 6) to keep them from deserting.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Crossbow Militia, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Any European Mercenary
There is only one crisis point in Franconia this year: Magdeburg. Your army is not strong enough to attack the Danes at this point, but perhaps if you worked with your brother Peter, you could help lift the siege. You could also move north against the Danes, but rumors indicate that Arhus is held be a very strong garrison. An advance in that direction would likely be suicidal.
*(A) Remain in Hamburg
(B) Move to Frankfurt
(C) Attack the Danish armies outside Magdeburg. You cannot use a night attack.
Dieter Bresch:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Magdeburg (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 2 (0 carried over, 1 from Magdeburg for loyal Count, 1 from starting in Magdeburg)
Units Available: DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You remain besieged inside Magdeburg. You disbanded some heavily depleted regiments and hired a regiment of DFK and a regiment of Armoured Sergeants to replace them. The situation remains the same as last year, though your men are beginning to suffer the usual attrition that comes from a siege. If you do not think you can repel two armies at once, it would be wise to flee or request aid from your fellow Franconians.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them – Note that you have some heavily depleted units that you can disband to make way for fresh recruits)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes. This will be a difficult battle.
You remain besieged inside Magdeburg. The situation remains the same as last year, though your men are beginning to suffer the usual attrition that comes from a siege. If you do not think you can repel two armies at once, it would be wise to flee or request aid from your fellow Franconians.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Magdeburg through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls against the Danes (You may not hire more than two units per turn while besieged and you must have slots open for them – Note that you have some heavily depleted units that you can disband to make way for fresh recruits)
(C) Sally forth against the Danes. This will be a difficult battle.
Arnold:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Ragusa (besieged with you inside), Zagreb (besieged), Vienna (trade route blocked), Prague (besieged)
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 base from Ragusa, 1 bonus for starting in Ragusa, -1 from gambling)
Special Ability: Enjoys a Wager gives you a 50% chance of losing 1 wealth per turn and 50% chance of winning 1 wealth per turn.
Units Available: Zweihanders, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
You recruited a regiment of Armoured Spearmen, but otherwise the situation remains the same as last year. Nearly all of Austria is under siege and you are trapped inside Ragusa. Your men are now beginning to suffer the usual attrition effects of a prolonged siege.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Ragusa through a secret tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls. You may not recruit more than one unit while besieged.
(C) Sally forth.
Karl Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Zagreb (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 8 (4 carried over, 3 base from Zagreb for loyal Count since Arnold is cut off from income, 1 bonus for starting in Zagreb)
Units Available: Spear Militia, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Ballista
The situation remains the same as last year. Nearly all of Austria is under siege and you are trapped inside Ragusa. Your men are now beginning to suffer the usual attrition effects of a prolonged siege. However, Kaiser Elberhard has landed nearby and has a strong force of knights with him. If he came to your aid, perhaps you would have a chance of breaking the siege.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Zagreb through a secret tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls.
(C) Sally forth (not advisable unless Elberhard is aiding you).
Edmund Becker:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Prague (besieged with you inside)
Personal Wealth: 7 (2 carried over, 3 base from Prague for loyal Count since Arnold is cut off from income, 1 bonus for starting in Prague, 1 for math error last turn)
Special Ability: Every year, you may ‘train’ one full-strength unit of Militia to a higher level for free. Crossbow Militia can be trained to Pavise Crossbowmen. Town Militia and Spear Militia can be trained to Armoured Sergeants. Units trained in this manner will retain an identical level of experience and armor.
Units Available: Crossbow Militia, Town Militia, Spear Militia
Your ‘rebellion’ has been resolved and Prague is once again part of Austria. You disbanded two depleted regiments, recruited a unit of Spear Militia and a unit of Town Militia, and upgraded a regiment of experienced Spear Militia to Armoured Sergeants. However, you remain besieged by the Poles, who have assembled a great deal of siege equipment. Another small Polish army has joined in the siege, but it is not likely to make much of a difference in the outcome. Your men are now beginning to suffer the usual attrition effects of a prolonged siege.
*(A) Abandon your army and flee Prague through a secret escape tunnel.
(B) Hold the walls.
(C) Sally forth.
Lorenz Zirn:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Vienna
Personal Wealth: 8 (3 carried over, 3 base from Vienna for loyal Count with Arnold cut off from trade, 2 bonus for starting in Vienna)
Special Ability: You are a Budding Bureaucrat and Good with Taxes. If you start your turn inside a province you control, you will gain +2 instead of the normal +1.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Town Militia, Merchant Cavalry Militia, Bombards, Grand Bombards, Cannons, Serpentines
You stayed in Vienna last year to protect it and hired some Serpentines. These will aid you greatly against enemy infantry. Your army is decently powerful and it could allow Karl Zirn to be victorious in a sally. Of course, it may not…
*(A) Remain in Vienna and hold the walls.
(B) Move south to Zagreb to aid Karl Zirn against the Hungarians.
Lothar Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Nuremburg, Innsbruck, Milan, Genoa
Personal Wealth: 10 (0 carried over, 3 base from Nuremburg, 3 base from Milan, 2 base from Genoa, 1 bonus for starting in Milan, 1 from Deep Pockets)
Special Ability: Deep Pockets means that you produce +1 wealth per turn, no matter where you are or what your circumstances.
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Mercenary German Knights, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
Fredericus Erlach:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Genoa
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 base from Milan for loyal Count)
Units Available: Zweihanders, DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Teutonic Knights, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen
Your wealth with Duke Steffen and Count Karolinger, allowing for the most optimal recruitment possibilities for the Bavarian armies. The total recruitment was two regiments of Zweihanders, two regiments of DFKs, and two regiments of Armoured Sergeants. The majority of these units went to the Bavarian offensive army, which you yielded command of, in favor of Friedrich Karolinger. You have taken up his place garrisoning Innsbruck. There is little to do in the citadel, but your role of defending it and providing recruits to all of Bavaria is an important, if boring, role.
*(A) Remain in Innsbruck
(B) Move south to Milan
(C) Move south to Genoa
Friedrich Karolinger:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Innsbruck
Personal Wealth: 1 (0 carried over, 1 from Innsbruck for loyal Count)
Units Available: Forlorn Hope, Spear Militia, Town Militia, Crossbow Militia, Mercenary German Knights, Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen
You command the Bavarian offensive army outside Milan. It is a powerful force, made up of the best units from the armies of Lothar Steffen and Fredericus Erlach, and reinforced with fresh recruits from Innsbruck. You lack much in the way of cavalry, but you have powerful ranged and infantry contingents. You can strike anywhere along the Byzantine defensive line, but you will have to fight no matter where you go.
*(A) Garrison Milan
(B) Attack Manouel of Zavarnikeia outside Venice.
(C) Attack Volkanos of Ierissos north of Bologna
(D) Attack Captain Draganos outside Bologna (you must defeat this army before attacking the city itself)
(E) Attack Foteinos Dekanos outside Florence (you must defeat this army before attacking the city itself)
Matthias Steffen:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: Acre
Personal Wealth: 2 (0 carried over, 1 base from Acre, 1 bonus for starting in Acre)
Special Ability: No matter where you are or what your circumstances, you can recruit two regiments of religious warriors per turn in any combination that you like. Religious Fanatics cost nothing. Crusader Sergeants cost 1 wealth. Grand Crosses cost 1 wealth. Unhorsed Knights cost 2 wealth. Crusader Knights cost 3 wealth.
Units Available: DFK, Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Pavise Crossbowmen, Peasant Crossbowmen, Peasant Archers, Feudal Knights, Mailed Knights, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted Crossbowmen, Grand Bombards, Bombards, Trebuchets, Catapults, Ballista, Kwarizmian Cavalry, Turkopoles
You raised a unit of Religious Fanatics, a unit of Unhorsed Knights, and a unit of Pavise Crossbowmen. You then reorganized your army to bring it to maximum effectiveness. You also appealed to the Teutonic Knights in Acre. With the fall of the rest of Outremer to non-Imperial forces, the Guild House in Acre is their last remaining bastion in the East. They know as well as anyone that if Acre falls, the hope of Eastern Catholicism will be extinct. Therefore, the remaining Teutons in Acre have joined their brethren in your army. These ‘new’ men are in fact the oldest, wisest, and most experienced in the entire Teutonic Order. They will prove to be a powerful cavalry force. However, their choice to take up arms in your service means that there is now no one left to train new recruits. (Your gold chevron unit of Teutons has been retrained to full capacity and equipped with the finest in arms and armor. However, you may no longer recruit Teutonic Knights from Acre. In order to regain the ability to recruit them from Acre, you must disband the veteran unit of Teutonic Knights before their numbers dip below 30. If their numbers drop below 30, they will be too few to revive the Acre Chapter and it will cease to exist.)
You have taken up a position north of Acre, blocking the route to the citadel. The Byzantines will have to defeat you in order to besiege it. However, you are similarly hemmed in by their advancing forces. Two armies stand nearby, a powerful siege force and an escorting cavalry column. If you choose to take the offensive, you will have to fight them both.
*(A) Retreat to Acre
(B) Hold your position.
(C) Attack the advancing forces. Night attacks are not permitted.
Dieter von Kassel:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Controlled Provinces: None
Personal Wealth: 0 (0 carried over)
Units Available: Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, Mercenary Spearmen, Catalans
You have landed on Sicily in an attempt to open a second front against the Byzantine forces in Italy. It is a brave move, and Kaiser Elberhard gave you the remnants of his heavy infantry to aid you before the fleet split. You stand ready to march on Palermo and assault it. The citadel is not heavily garrisoned, but the army inside is moderately trained and competent. You have a large advantage in numbers and experience, but your heavy infantry is only moderate in size. This, combined with only one unit of artillery to breach three walls, will make an immediate assault difficult.
*(A) Get back on the boats and sail north to Genoa.
(B) Besiege Palermo and assault immediately.
(C) Besiege Palermo and begin constructing siege equipment to aid you.
With the return of Kaiser Elberhard and the relocation of the Imperial Capital and Diet to Nurmeburg, centralized government has been restored to the Reich. The world is a much different place than the last time the Electors formally met to discuss the affairs of the Empire. Since 1300, twenty-four provinces have been lost to the Reich. This amounts to well more than half of the Empire. The losses are:
In addition, there has been a massive loss of life. Over 115,000 civilians died in the War of Reformation. Well over 25,000 soldiers have died defending the Reich, a sum that is equivalent the the complete destruction of the entire, full-strength Household Armies of all four Duchies, the Armies of Outremer, and both Imperial Armies. The true scope of the loss of life will never be known, however. No one is alive to count the dead who have been exterminated by the ruthless Byzantines in cities like Rome, Bologna, Venice, and Antioch, nor those lost in the sacking of countless other cities and castles.
The Grim Reaper has not been kind to the Electors either. The list of those who have fallen in this crisis is far longer than in any other equivalent time period.
Kaiser Siegfried von Kastilien
Duke Ansehelm von Kastilien
Duke Hans
King Jan von Hamburg
Count Dietrich von Dassel
Count Jan von der Pfalz
Count Wolfgang Hummel
May their souls rest in peace.
Finally, while order has been restored to the Reich, and central government once again determines the course of affairs, the crisis is far from over. The enemies of the Reich continue to press in on all sides. Bruges, Magdeburg, Metz, and Milan are under siege while the Diet deliberates. The Imperial treasury is empty and the Reich is running a deficit. To make matters worse, there are growing rumors of an apocalyptic plague spreading towards Europe from China, and the Mongol's heirs, the Timurids, have not forgotten the humiliation that has been heaped upon them in Outremer.
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Winston Churchill
Turn 7 - 1332
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