The Battle of Bern

[econ21]

Orders and messages for turn 1 (early morning):

From Jan to Hans

Hans,

It is good to hear from you this fine morning. I am hurrying my men and hope to join in the battle sometime today. But many of the men are green and not used to forced marches. I can not at this time give you an estimated time of arrival.

Thank you for having the forethought to give me siege engines. Once I am on the battlefield, I will make use of them at once. It seems my choice of advance guard was a good one. I picked infantry and archers in anticipation of being able to attempt a breach. I will storm the south wall in force. I suspect losses will be great but at the very least, we will tie down a significant portion of Dassel's army.

Good luck on the north side. I hope you rout his reserve army off the field. Then we can squeeze Dassle's forces together.

One last thing, any word on a secret way in? If we can get even one regiment under the walls, we can sow discord within while we assault.

yours in friendship,
Jan

From Hans to Jan:

Dear Jan,

Indeed you have siege engines at your disposal, however depending on how things turn out, you may find yourself riding towards the north to flank Dietrich who may well sally if I catch his reinforcements outside.

I have considered secret passages and have also consulted with several citizens on whether there are new ones, but I am not sure whether they will be of much use (OOC: Neither TC nor econ have gotten back to me regarding this part of my 1328 orders to find and secure secret passages - maybe they will eventually?).

I pray that you will arrive in time and that everything goes as planned.

God with you

Hans

Orders for turn 1

Dietrich

Dietrich - Men, we ride for the eastern wall. Well, at least, a spot close to the eastern wall. It appears that Hans will make his main effort here so we must oversee things personally.

Cavalry - Stay in the town square for now. There is little you can do at the moment.

Foot Knights - Men, double-quick to the western gate! (OOC: I think that them being near the gatehouse tower, while not actually up on the walls, will still trigger the tower firepower) Once the enemy batters through, engage them at the gate. Lure them in, slowly pull back until you are fighting them on a narrow street. I'm counting on you to pin this force, men!

Shock infantry - Forlorn Hope on S8, remain where you are. Hug the tower. Continue to observe enemy movements to the south. The rest of you, shift to the southern gate. Should a breach occur on the south side of the wall (and south side ONLY), close it.

Missiles - Crossbowmen, move your butts to the eastern wall on the double! Take tower-hugging positions, one of you in the gatehouse. Take aim and fire at all enemy infantry you have a shot at. Make them pay. If they gain the walls, you are to retreat to safe ground within the city. Bombard, shift to the east. These orders are critical, so pay attention. As soon as one of Hans's towers docks (and has none of our men coming to defend it), you are to fire at the wall it is docked at until you have a clear shot at the tower (OOC: I think that's around 60% damage). Then, my boys, aim well and destroy one of those monstrosities, killing an entire regiment. If you have time repeat this process for a second tower.

Sergeants - Brace yourselves, men. I need you to watch for any potential breaches that show up, and close them as necessary. Hold as long as you can, then into the streets, luring your attackers in with you. I want that one unit on the wall to engage and distract any of Hans's men that survive our little Bombard maneuver.

~~~~~~~

Gentlemen, Priority Number One is to hold this city at all costs. Priority Number Two is to capture or kill that bastard Hans. The man who brings him or Jan von Hamburg down will receive 2 wealth from me as thanks!

~~~~~~~~

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Again, let me know if anything is unclear.

*****

Orders from Hans

These are the slightly revised orders for my army. Note that here and in the jpg I sent you, I have made note of some woods. I saw these after loading up the map and noticed that I was able to hide troops within. I marked the main ones nearby on the map for you.

Firstly, the division set-up (I am assuming that I can change regiments around from divisions freely and merge them split them etc at will without causing the usual issues other commanders have in whichever way from your post?)

Divison 0: HQ [Hans]

Division 1: 2 Pavise and 1 AS (the 2xp one) [Ernst]

Division 2: 2 Longbows, 1 DFK, 1 fanatic, 1 AS [Ludwig]

Division 3: 1 G.Bombard, 1 DFK [Horst]

Division 4: 1 ImpK, 1 DFK, 1 AS [Thorsten]

Division 5: 1 AS, 1 Fanatic [Rudolf]

Division 6: 1 Teuton, 1 CS [Wilhelm]

Division 7: 1 ImpK, 1 FK [Adalberth]

I guess I won't have to give a speech to myself, so orders for HQ are to remain steady and flank any force that approaches the longbows, while staying outside enemy tower range.

Overall speech:

Honorable Germans, Good Christians, Friends, Brothers in arms.

We are gathered here today to bring an end to the miserable heathens, heretics and traitors holed up inside Bern. Make no mistake in granting them mercy, for slaying them is a necessity and our holy duty to God. Indeed, they are not even fit foes for you fine men, but armed they are nonetheless, threatening to kill innocent women and children that we have sworn to protect.

So then, we have set up on this hill and will strike down the heretics that will arrive shortly to aid their devil worshippers. This will be our prime target, for once they are destroyed, we can begin our march onto the city in earnest. I expect every man to do his duty to God, the empire, his Duke and himself and show only steel and a warcry to our enemies, never turning your back without my express orders to do so.

Fear not however, for we are not outnumbered this day. Within a few hours, the honorable Jan von Hamburg will arrive with his crusaders to join us in fulfilling our holy duty.

And lastly, you all know me as a man who would rather die, than waste needless lives of those who serve him. Ask any of my retinue, whether I would ever shy from battle and let my men die. They will all tell you that I will charge headfirst into the fray and spread fear into their hearts, so that you may live to tell of it! Now, this does not mean that you will merely watch when I carve my mark into the heretics we will face shortly. You will fight when I ask it and fight with conviction, for only if we all fight together, will God's work be done!

--

Sir Ernst, you will command the pavise regiments and one regiment of armored sergents and attempt to shoot at any enemies that approach your view. Your primary targets will be the enemy cavalry, and most importantly, the enemy leader. Use the sergeants to hold off any attackers to allow the crossbows time to gain ground and for other divisions to come to your aid.

Sir Ludwig, your Longbows will too aim at any cavalry. When the enemy attacks, move the longbows out of melee and and resume firing. Your infantry is to hold the line and not let any enemy through to our missile units. Use your spearmen to break cavalry charges and fanatics to drag men off their horses. The knights will face any enemy heavy infantry and only aid against cavalry if necessary.

Horst, your bombard is to take down the main gatehouse towers. Infantry is at your disposal to protect your bombards. Signal to any nearby divisons if you require aid immediately. If there are considerable amounts of enemies swarming out of the gates, use flammable shots to break them, aiming for the largest mass of troops where possible.

Thorsten, you will protect our siege engines and use your cavalry to flank any unit bound by your infantry. You will also aim to support Horst's division when they require your help. Enemy cavalry will be your main target when close and never use your cavalry to engage enemy twohand units in prolonged melee, and try to keep your cavalry hidden in the nearby woods until ready to attack.

Sir Rudolf, you will aim to help Thorsten in protecting our siege equipment and otherwise attempt to flank the approaching enemy.

Sir Wilhelm, you will hold your position for now and only attack the gates when they are abandoned and no enemies are nearby. Once the gates are broken, you will retreat to your original positions, but be ready to swarm in when I signal you to do so. Hopefully Jan's crusaders will aid on your side.
If the enemy sallies, use your sergents to hold enemy cavalry or infantry while you use your cavalry to attack their flank or rear. When attacking with cavalry, always charge and withdraw to form up for another charge. Fight prolonged melee only against troops that you deem close to routing.

Captain Adalberth, your knight regiments are the best that I can muster at this point. You will attack any enemy nearby and stay out of the towers' range. Stay hidden inside the woods until you are ready to strike and take the enemy by surprise. You have ridden with me long enough to know how to handle cavalry so I will not waste words to tell you how. I shall remind you however, that charging through an enemy formation while you are engaged in melee is of utmost importance, and you have learned from me how to do so. As usual, charge, break and recharge. If you feel unable to handle the masses of enemies, attempt to ride down as many infantry as possible and cut any pursuing cavalry on your way back to my position.

Godspeed to you all.

Han's deployment map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Notes on resolving the turn

Two of Hans divisions rolled "1s", but both were adjacent to Hans and so were moved.

Both reinforcing generals failed to roll a 4, 5 or 6 so stay off map.

[econ21]

Orders, messages and umpire notes for turn 2

Dietrich's orders:

Dietrich - We're going north, boys. If Hans wants to put himself between this city and Hugo's army that's fine by me.

Cavalry - Stay put.

Foot Knights - Previous orders apply. If the enemy in the west attacks, draw them in and take the fight to the streets.

Shock infantry - I want you to shift to a more centralized position so that access to the rest of the city is slightly easier. Both Forlorn Hopes are to man the walls; get as many towers firing as possible, and scout the enemy troops - see how close they are to coming.

Missiles - Shift north. Crossbowmen, you know what to do by now: Hug the towers so that Grand Bombard can't get you, and target the infantry. If the enemy's towers dock, get off the walls. Bombard, find a place with a clear shot to the northern walls. My previous orders apply - As soon as a tower docks an undefended portion of wall, destroy the wall, then destroy the tower. Repeat as necessary.

Sergeants - To the north, men! Be ready to defend any breaches. I want that one unit on the wall to go after any siege tower that survives the Bombard attack. Gentlemen, if you get in a fight it is your job to pin Hans's army in place. Pin them, keep them fighting, and eventually Hugo will be by to deliver the hammer blow. Remember that this day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Divisions closest to Dietrich: Sergeants, Missiles/Bombard.

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hi econ,

I'll leave my deployment as is for the moment except that the units that are barely in the forest are moved somewhat more inside to make sure they are properly hidden if they weren't before.

As for orders, they also stay the same, except that the grand bombard will start shooting this turn and take out one gateway tower (N6) and one wall section (N9-N10) on the north side.

Also, since everyone stays the same, orders won't get mangled, right? In that case, I'll also send this to everyone (division AND regiments)

Men, the battle will soon begin in earnest, so prepare your armor, sharpen your weapons, and kiss the cross.

Not only this, but listen carefully to what your commanders say and what orders I give, for their proper implementation will be imperative to bring us victory!

Henceforth, I shall send orders to each division as previously and also a separate, yet same order to each regimental captain. When separated, use them or if they seem illogical, continue with the orders that you received during your deployment. Also, when your division is together, I urge you to compare your regimental orders with your divisional orders and the orders that coincide the most are the ones which you are to fulfill until further ones arrive.

Be strong and faithful in these coming hours and strike wheny ou are ready!

God with you all good Christians!

Message from Hans to Jan:

Dear Jan,

I have now fortified my position in the north and have some cavalry hidden in the woods for an ambush when possible.

I plan on using my grand bombards to take down some towers and punch several holes into the northern walls to hopefully spread out Dietrich's forces more and weaken his line overall. With some luck, my cannons may even target his men behind the breaches.

From what I can see, Dietrich has a small detachment to the west, and a large force at both the north and the south wall. The east wall seems undefended as of yet and could be exploited eventually.

I have yet to see any trace of his reinforcements and hope that you will arrive before they do.

Go with god brother.

Hans

Gamesmaster's notes on Turn 2

Dietrich's shock infantry passed their orders test, as did Hans' bombard. No one else needed to test.

Rolled for 1-4 for reinforcement's arrival - Hugo arrives in Turn 3; Jan does not.

Private feedback to Hans:

A regiment can only be sent one set of orders - either via the division or independently. ie no re-rolling "1s"!

Note: your grand bombard only has ammo left to take down two more walls or towers. After that, it has no ammo except that needed to take down gates.

Private feedback to Hugo

Your advance guard is finally arriving on the field! It will be in position at the end of the late morning turn (turn 3). So please send me a jpg map of your deployment. You can set up your advance guard anywhere north of the red line on the map.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Your rear guard will arrive in the early afternoon turn.

Your units will not move or engage in combat on turn 3, so you do not have to give any orders at this stage. They will just be placed on the map according to your instructions.

Feedback to Jan:

The sound of cannon coming from Bern fire agitates you. The trek to the city across the mountains has seemed interminable. You will not be arriving before lunch. You are almost sure to arrive early afternoon, but will not be able to make your presence felt (OOC: move or fight) until mid-afternoon at best.

Feedback to GH:

Overseeing the defence of the North wall, you get a good view of the deployment of Hans' main force:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[econ21]

Orders, messages and umpire notes for turn 3 - Late morning

Dietrich's orders

Orders to all units are the same unless listed here. (Dietrich is once again nearest to his missiles/Bombard and the Sergeants)

Shock infantry - Forlorn Hope, stay where you are. Zweihanders and Religious Fanatics, I want you to retire to the southern part of the center square and the road leading to it. That way you will be in position to better respond to all events.

Sergeants - I want that one regiment off the walls, now! That last Bombard came way too close. Instead, defend the breach, and I want the next closest regiment to help you out. We are abandoning the walls, men. Our Bombard will take care of one tower, and as for the other one, when Hans's men come streaming off it to take the walls and discover that there are no easy pickings, they will descend our towers, and we will be waiting for them at the foot of the steps ready to defeat them in detail. I want the other three regiments of this unit to take positions defending tower staircases, but still ready to close any additional breaches. Be sure to let our crossbowmen by.

Hans has a killer reputation, yes, but now his army is revealed to us. I must say I'm not impressed. They can easily be defeated, whether it be by outfighting them or pinning and flanking them (I would prefer pinning, though, men).

~~~~~~~~~~~

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Hugo's deployment

]

*****

Hans’ orders

In that case, I want to take out N2-N3 and N5. Hans will ride to each division to cheer the men up with some words and his presence except to the hidden ones.
Orders are the same as before. Can I just make sure with you that in my last turn's orders the troops were told that if no proper orders are received (read:garbled) they are to fall back to their original orders rather than stay idle?

Communication from Hans to Jan

Dear Jan,

It seems all tunnels have been sealed, but seeing how that is so, I had them ordered sealed and guarded on our side as well during the last year, so Dietrich will not be able to escape.

In the meantime, I have received word from my spy inside Bern that he may be able to incite a riot when we attack, so do let me know beforehand when and where you would need some unrest to distract and hold or even mob Dietrich's men.

As we speak, the wall [N9:N10] and the tower [N6] have already fallen and my grand bombards are taking down [N2:N3] and [N5] now. This will leave little more ammo than to take out a few gates or fire upon some hostile regiments.

I imagine that Dietrich will sally soon with his northern defense line having several holes and the arrival of his reinforcements being imminent.

Make haste

Hans

Message from Jan to Hans

Hans,

I heard the cannon and knew things had started. I am pushing my men but they are not used to marching through the mountains. I don't think I can be there before the afternoon. When I get there, my plan is to assault the south wall in force with my advance guard. I will tie his southern forces down and defeat them. If I tie down his southern forces, he is less likely to sally against you when his reinforcements come. Then you can defeat his reinforcements while your back is secure.

I will be there as soon as I can,

Jan

Umpire notes

Rebel shock infantry pass their orders test.

Bombard passes test.

Roll 1-5 for Jan's relief army to arrive: it does.

Private feedback to Jan:

It is early afternoon (turn 4). Finally, Jan's Crusader army makes it way down the mountain slopes to the south side of Bern.

There, they find several siege machines constructed for them.

You must now order your men for battle. Place your advance guard units anywhere on the map, south of the blue deployment line. Feel free to attach siege machines to units and reposition the machines.

No combat or movement will be possible in turn 4 - just deployment - so there is no need to give orders. All I need is a jpg or other representation.

Next turn, your advance guard can move - including assaulting the south walls - and your rear guard will deploy.

You can send Hans a message, but he will not receive it until mid-afternoon (beginning of turn 5).

[econ21]

Orders, messages and umpire notes for turn 4 - early afternoon

Letter from Jan to Hans

Brother,

I have arrived with my advance forces. We are setting up now and will be ready for combat operations later in the afternoon. I will assault the south wall in force. 4 towers pushed by my infantry will hit 4 different walls. Archer regiments will follow them up there to provide fire support. My great cross detachment will push a ram up to the south gate, break the gate, and hold for the rest of my forces.

If you need me to, I can try to send men over to the west gate using the walls and let your western detachment in later in the afternoon.

This is my plan for now and I will see how Dassel redeploys before I plan my next move. I hope that by assaulting the south so strongly, he will be less likely to sally against you.

I heard the Lutheran reinforcements have arrived. Good luck and God be with you.

Jan

Letter from Hans to Jan

Dear Jan,

As I write this letter to you, Merode's reinforcement army has arrived on a slight elevation to the northwest.

This puts me in a rather peculiar situation:
I can attack Merode and destroy his advance guard using overwhelming force, but it is possible that Dietrich will sally and fall into my rear guard. At the same time, Merode's rear guard may arrive at any moment.

On the other hand, I could assault Bern as the northern gate seems more lightly defended now and exploit both breaches and a further breach to the gate. Doing so may risk Merode falling into my back, although this would be less likely due to him not getting much further than my stake line. The problem here would be that Dietrich has moved all his forces from the south gate to the town core, from where he can overwhelm my attack force at the north.

I imagine they would not expect me to attack Bern at this time, but if I do, it would need to be a decisive attack and a complete rout of his northern forces, or mine will be pinned down a few hours later when Merode's force gets past the stake line.

Still, I feel my force will be significantly more mobile out in the open and I will opt to assault Merode instead, hoping that God is with us.

Thus, while you certainly would wish to attack the south gate at this time, I would ask you to send all your cavalry towards the north to reinforce me while your infantry breaks the south gate and prevents Dietrich from sendding too many forces out north.

I think I will also use this time to rally my supporters in Bern to delay an onslaught by Dietrich's forces should they decide to sally out now.

Hans

Jan's deployment

Hi Econ, let me know if this works. Letter represent siege engines. I wish for the Great Cross to drop the cross and pick up the ram. They can fashion a small wooden cross to the front of the ram if it makes them feel better. Jan is not without his sense of humor. Spearmen and swordsmen will each have a tower.

I am going to assume that I can reach any south wall with a tower in 1 turn. And in that same turn, the men can gain the wall and be ready to move around the next turn. Also, when the footmen have the wall secured, I want the archers up there as well. Can I do that in the same turn my foot soldiers secure the wall? These are not "orders" but questions as to what is possible and on what time frame.

*****

Hans' orders

HQ: (OOC, as Hans will hardly speak loudly to himself) Charge at northern knight formation and immediately recharge (possibly while still engaged for extra casualties) at northern crossbow militia. On impact to charge backwards at northern sergeants' rear. From there, just charge at will.

Sir Ernst: Your crossbows will take aim at the rebel reinforcement's hand infantry with priority, but if you notice the enemy emerging from the city, they are to immediately switch targets and fire at the emerging enemy instead. Your sergeants will move south and hold the stakes against any enemy onslught but will attempt to stay out of tower fire and enemy crossbow fire while they man the walls. Do not give more ground than necessary, but conserve your men prudently.

Sir Ludwig: You are to split your division and complete the following. 1. Longbow regiments are to take aim at the enemy general and hold ground. 2. Fanatics will attempt to cut off Merode and unhore him. 3. Footknights will assault the southern sergent regiment. 4. Sergeants are to assault the northern sergeant regiment.

Horst: Your grand bombard will remain loaded with flaming shots and take aim at any enemy attempting to emerge from the city. Fire at massed enemies where possible to strike additional terror into them. Your footknights will hold the stake line and prevent any horses from crossing. Stay out of enemy missile fire and use the siege towers as cover if necessary.

Thorsten: Your infantry will hold the stake line as well and stay out of missile fire. Take cover using the siege equipment if necessary. Your Imperial Knights will charge at the northern sergeant regiment and then pull out and recharge at will to break the enemy.

Sir Rudolf: Your division is to engage the enemy reinforcing infantry line and pin them down.

Sir Wilhelm: Your sergeants will continue as before while your Teutons will make haste northwards and charge at the enemy southern sergeants. If Merode attacks you, break and recharge at him. Otherwise upon impact with the sergeants, continue your charge through the enemy ranks from the flank. You will be supported by knights at the opposite flank to envelop and crush the heathens.

Captain Adalberth: Trusted friend, you will use your cavalry and make haste out of the woods to strike at the left flank (the north) of the enemy reinforcements. Use the tactics I taught you and recharge at will.

Men, today, we shall have victory over the enemy if all do their part as good Germans and Christians. Even if you do not receive your orders in time or in a legible manner, you will know to attack the enemy reinforcement army.

This is the additional order for the spy.

Agent,
I do not know when Dietrich will attempt to emerge from the city, but if he does in the next few hours to aid his reinforcements in the north, start the riot as soon as the first few regiments leave the city in their backs to split their forces in two.

Remind the men that now is the time I need them the most, and if Dietrich and his rebels manage to attack my rear as I attack his reinforcements, Bern will remain under his control, and there will be no place to go for good Christians and good Swabians.

Rally as many men as you can and strike if his men leave from the north.

Hans

A map of Hans' move:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Dietrich's orders

Dietrich - "...sally," he finished to Blucher. Hans has no choice but to move on Hugo. No choice. We'll take our spots behind the Sergeants; be closest to them and the cavalry.

Cavalry - Gents, it's time to get out of the center square. I deduce that Hans is hiding his superior cavalry in the woods. I want you to sally out along with the infantry and hang back on our right flank (before the abatis). If his horses charge out of the woods to flank us I want you to slowly cross the abatis and then slam into their rear. If they charge Hugo's men then follow them and slam into their rear. If they don't move then do nothing.

Foot Knights - Men, sally out of the western gate. The small detachment facing you will most likely be Religious Fanatics. Destroy them and advance on Hans's position.

Shock infantry - Head out past the northern gate. Get as close to the action as you can.

Missiles - Crossbowmen, abandon the walls and march out with your fellows. Your job will be to support the main sally effort. Target the enemy archers.

Sergeants - You will be the main effort of our sally movement. Advance on Hans's position and engage his infantry if either Hans or Hugo make a move on each other. If it looks like Hugo will assist us then I want an all-out effort on your part to kill them. If Hugo remains passive and Hans decides to advance on us, then withdraw back to your former positions. This goes for my escort too.

~~~~~~~~~

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Hugo's orders

My professional division is to charge the bottom of the hill, hold until the archers establish a base of fire (concentration on the enemy archers, and cavalry when it appears), The great Cross is to be deployed just behind and in the center of the line to give the greatest moral effect possible.

My cavalry is to remain hidden, and the volunteer division is to try and contain all units east of Hans, splitting the battle.

A map of Hugo's orders:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img....jpg&srv=img32

Umpire's notes

All Hans' formations pass their order tests (several, such as Ludwig's were broken down into detachment orders).

Dietrich's cavalry fails its orders test. Shock infantry and foot knights pass.

Spies - not clear who has advantage => roll D3 for number of peasants; get 2.
Hans orders are for the riots to pin units after some have already sallied. The three armoured sergeants at the gates and two at the eastern breech can sally. The riots pin two regiments of pavise crossbowmen (randomly chosen).

[econ21]

Orders, messages and umpire notes for turn 5 - mid-afternoon

Responses to hypothetical question about surrender or death:

Btw, I'd say that Hans would fight his way out by charging (charge, not fast move!) through the enemy pursuers if he was surrounded... Do you even have to ask this? Hans will rather die and take half the enemies with him.

Interpreting this as flee if can; die if can't.

While I draft my orders for next turn, if Dietrich gets into a combat that he can't win, orders are to first flee, and if that's not an option, surrender.

Jan will fight to the bitter end. He will not surrender. He will not flee. He has "courageous" traits coming out of his ears.

Hans' orders

Not sure how to do the divisional commander thing with almost every division having lost regiments and some being down to 1 or completely gone. So I'll give them out as 3 big orders (1 for melee infantry, 1 for ranged infantry, 1 for cavalry).
Also, you wrote the G.Bombard regiment retired from battle. What exactly does that mean, since they do have considerable melee capabilities. For the sake of completeness, I included them in the melee infantry division

Melee Infantry Division [led by Thorsten, 2nd in command Sir Rudolf]

Ranged Infantry Division [led by Sir Ludwig]

Cavalry Division [led by Captain Adalberth]

(HQ [led by Hans])

Thorsten, you will lead the Melee Infantry Division with Sir Rudolf as your 2nd in command if chaos ensues or you are unable to take command. Your orders are to force march at double speed on the western side of the city as far south as possible. Captain Adalberth's cavalry division and myself will screen your flank and rear and fend of any enemy pursuers. If you deem that we are outmatched in battle, you are to turn your men and come to our aid in defeating the enemy pursuing cavalry. Your first priority is to get as many of your men as possible southwards to our reinforcement army under Jan von Hamburg.

Sir Ludwig, I must ask a favor and a sacrifice of you. I do not do this easily, for I hate to lose any more men than is absolutely necessary and the loss of Sir Wilhem, Sir Ernst and Horst and most of their regiments deeply saddens me already. However, to ensure victory and to allow the bulk of our force to move southwards unopposed, it is imperative that you hold this position and use what ammunition you have to shoot down the enemy cavalry where possible. Both ranged divisions have lost a regiment and if you run out of ammo, you are encouraged to use their quivers to continue firing. Without your support to shoot the enemy in their backs while they pursue, there is little hope for survival of many good men this day. Be assured, that your sacrifice will not be in vain, for I will pay your family, and that of your men richly after our victory here if god will it. Go with God commander, and brave their onslaught for the greater glory and good.

Captain Adalberth, you have done very well old friend, and I would wish to continue battle on this ground, but I fear the enemy has overwhelming infantry forces and cavalry support, which would make victory unrealistic. Of course, we may win if we hold here and fight as we always have had, but we must think of our men and their families and bring as many of them safely home as we can. Thus, Your division will join me in covering their move south along the west side. We will screen their flanks and rear and engage enemy pursuing cavalry only if they truly pose a threat. In that case, we shall give battle and slay as many as we can to allow our infantry line to continue. If we should lose the battle, they will come to our aid, but we should fight like brave lion against this rebel Lutheran scum. Encourage your men and together, we shall have victory tonight still, for Jan's army has arrived to the south. Also, if we are not too eagerly pursued and the rebel foot knights on the west side block our paths, you are to join me in charging them down to clear the path for our infantry. Godspeed my friend.

Men, it is time we joined Sir Jan in the south and defeat these rebel heretics with the combined armies of the Lord. We have slain many of these blasphemers this day, but to prevail, we must join forces. March south with determination and speed. For Swabia, for God, for the Empire!

Small note.
In the orders I sent you for IC, I mentioned the ranged regiments holding ground and shooting at enemy cavalry, reloading using their fallen comrade's quivers and retreating towards north east if engaged (OK, I forgot to mention retreat northeast, but please add that to the orders ) [IC Version: And lastly Sir Ludwig, if your men are engaged by the enemy, attempt to withdraw with haste towards the northeast, to split the enemy forces. Speed and determination will be your watchwords this day.]

In the picture version I sent you via email, they were moving southwards with the rest.

The IC orders supercede the picture drawing in that respect.

Map of Hans' orders

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Jan's orders:

Jan's pre-battle speech:

Men!

The moment has finally arrived. I know many of us have marched a long way to join this fight. Well, march no longer! The fight is here! The fight is now! We are here at this glorious moment to put an end to violent Lutheranism once and for all!

Our Catholic brothers are locked in mortal combat with our Lutheran foes. They need our help. We need to attack Bern at once! Here are your orders!

Spearmen: Gain the walls and clear them! If you are able, start heading along the wall to the west wall.

Footknights: Gain the walls and clear them! If you are able, start heading along the wall to the east wall.

Crossbowmen: Follow the spearmen closely. Follow them onto the walls. Fire at will once on the walls.

Archers: Follow the footknights closely. Follow them onto the walls. Fire at will once on the walls.

Great Cross: Push the ram to the gates and smash them. Then hold the entrance way.

I will follow the ram closely while taking care to walk past the stakes.

OOC:

Default settings:

Men on walls stay on walls unless I say so.

Jan will walk through the stakes

missile units will be fire at will on the walls. Skirmish off. Normal ammo type.

All units will be close formation, not loose.

All units will have guard off except Great Cross.

Map of Jan's orders:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Dietrich's orders

Why oh why do the cavalry never follow orders? First Publius Laevinus and now this. Sheesh...

Dietrich - "Forward, my lads, and complete your victory." Well, half of it anyway. This escort will hang back and commit itself to combat where it feels its intervention would be most advantageous.

***NOTE*** I am now including the one remaining Armoured Sergeants regiment into the Shock Infantry division, henceforth named "Main infantry." My Bombard will split and become its own "division."

Cavalry - Come on, move your butts out of the city! Take the path through the abatis that I cleared earlier in the fight! Support the infantry! What good are you if you don't fight?

Foot Knights - Back to the city, men, and quickly! You should have enough time to get there due to Jan maneuvering his equipment through Hans's abatis. One of you, hold off Jan's western siege towers! The other one of you, get to the gate ASAP and fight those that come through! Right now, your objective is to simply hold off the enemy long enough for support to arrive. Pin as many units as possible.

Main infantry - Destroy what is in front of you. Hans's cavalry is still potent, so make sure at least two regiments are freed up in case they come charging.

Missiles - I want the one unit out of the city to fire at any presentable target. The other two regiments, join your fellows and also begin firing.

Bombard - Shift to the south in preparation for Jan. I want you to find a nice spot with a clear shot at the eastern wall. The plan I detailed before regarding the siege towers is still on.

~~~~~~~~~~

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*****

Hugo's orders

*Hugo looks around and sees the bloodied faces of his men, he know what they are thinking.*

"A thousand florins to the man who puts a bolt in Hans Chest!" He yells, "Cavalry, CHARGE!!!!"


OOC: archers are to concentrate their fire on Hans' BG, all cav is to charge Hans as well.

*****

Umpire notes

Order tests:
Re-organising divisions on the hoof is difficult => test for each unit, then test for division.

Hans:
- Ludwig's division is adjacent to Hans, so it auto-passes reorganisation test. (LB joins missile division; other 2 regiments stay with melee infantry.) Spear and crossbow units also pass.
- But missile division fails its order test.
- Cavalry division passes its test.
- Melee infantry division auto-passes.

Dietrich:
Note: Dietrich is trying to issue 6 orders (spear, cavalry, shock, bombard, missiles, foot knights) but can only issue 5 => umpire's discretion: bombard doesn't move (experimentation this turn revealed it could not shoot its own walls, nor could it harm the siege towers from within the city, so moving it would be useless).
- Shock infantry adjacent to Dietrich => auto-passes test to incorporate into main infantry division.
- Cavalry fails its orders test.
- Bombard, missiles & foot knights pass tests.

Jan is adjacent to all units => umpire's discretion:
- Sergeants and foot knights auto pass
- Great Cross, archers & crossbows all pass.

Hugo's has only 2 divisions - they auto pass.

The race for the south gate.

A ram could reach and breach the gate in 2.30 minutes.
A tower - forced to go behind the ram via the road to avoid the abatis - would take 4.22 minutes to start disgorging me and finish at 6.08.
A second tower - forced to go after the second - would take 4.56 minutes to reach and 6.38 to disgorge.

The Foot knights would take 4.50 minutes to run from their post outside the western gate to the southern gate.

So, Great Cross could knock down gate unopposed. Then it would be butchered by Dietrich's DFK. Jan's escort would have to intervene.

Siege towers would be able to disgorge some men, but then meet the DFK on the walls. The contest of sergeants vs DFK would not be favorable.

The loyalist DFK could get onto the walls, as could the archers supporting them.

[econ21]

Orders, messages and umpire notes for turn 6: Late afternoon

Dietrich's orders

Muttering the foulest of oaths against his cavalry, an increasingly-agitated Dietrich begins to give out orders once again.

Dietrich - Once again, our escort will support the advance on Hans's position and commit itself to where it feels its presence would be most advantageous. Pay special attention to Hans's escort.

Cavalry - My orders are simple: Charge Jan von Hamburg!

Foot Knights - You have the western walls for now; we need to knock out as much of Jan's infantry as possible. Engage those Unhorsed Knights to the east.
EDIT: On second thought, I would like my Foot Knights to join the fight for the gateway.


Missiles - There's nothing more you can do here. Head back to the town square and fire at any targets that present themselves. Two regiments should still have some ammo. Use them wisely.

Main Infantry - Continue to pursue Hans. Watch for his cavalry, those guys are nasty. The sooner we finish this job up, the sooner we can get back to Bern, men!

Bombard - My orders are the same, although I would like them to be carried out this time.

~~~~~~~~~~

Map:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

~~~~~~~~~

*****

Jan's orders

Jan's orders:

Men! We need to gain the city now!

I will charge the town square. And all of you better be there to lend me a hand!

Footknights, Archers, and Crossbows: Clear the tops of the walls in hand-to-hand combat. Then get down off the walls, run down the main street, and take the town square. Don't bother to shoot arrows. Pull your knives and engage the enemy up close and personal.

Fanatics and Militia: Run into the city, down the main street, and help us take the town square.

Both cavalry divisions: Meet up with Duke Hans where ever he is. If he is locked in combat, flank his attackers. Do not run through the stakes. Afterwards, report to Hans for further orders.

OOC notes:

Guard mode off for all units.

Close formation.

Missile troops will engage in melee combat.

Crossbowmen will have to run up the siege towers, along the walls, engage the knights, down the walls, run down the street and take the square.

I realize that a lot of my orders might take more than 1 turn to implement. That is fine. I just want everyone running as far to the town square as possible after clearing the walls. No one is waiting for anyone. Who ever can make the square, will fight. The others will just have to catch up.

Jan will charge headlong into the rebel reserve force in the town square. He will fight to the end and try to take as many down as possible. If you have him die, please at least make a "good death" and have him go down swinging.

Letter to Duke Hans to be delivered from Max who is in one of the Teutonic Knight regiments:

Hans,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have heard about the fighting you have gone through. I will try to take the pressure off of you by hitting the city center hard. Also, I have given you my cavalry for the rest of the battle. I hope they serve you well. If Dassel comes back into the city to fight me, I will need you to hit him from behind. See you in the city center.

your comrad in arms,
Jan

*****

Hans' orders

HQ [led by Hans]

Cavalry Division [led by Captain Adalberth]

Infantry Division [led by Sir Rudolf]

Sir Rudolf, following Sir Ludwig's heroic last stand, you are now in charge of our infantry division. I will be blunt with you and say that I do not expect many of us to come out of this alive. But we must fight like lions and to the last breath, so Jan can take control of the city and aid us in the coming hours. I do not envy your task, nor do I truly wish you to launch an assault against the superior rebel infantry, but if we withdraw, our men will fall without having the enemy taste their steel, and this would be unacceptable. Thus, your orders will be to send your half regiment sergeants in wide formation against the rebel pavise division and prevent them from shooting for as long as possible. Your full regiment will deploy four ranks deep in reserve and move forward as soon as our cavalry passes them to charge the enemy two-hand division. This regiment is to prevent the enemy infantry from pursuing our cavalry and to block Dietrich if he tries to break through. If the enemy withdraws from combat, do not pursue, but instead move through the wall breaches into the city. I pray for your safety and for the lives of your men.

Captain Adalberth, the final hour is near. We must succeed here or Dietrich will manage to escape and no doubt bring with him a new force. I pray that Jan will send his cavalry to our aid as I have instructed him continuously, but we cannot count on it. Your cavalry regiments will charge the enemy forlorn hope regiments on either side of Dietrich's formation while I will charge the upper two hand regiment on his right flank. As soon as you see the first men being run through by your lances, withdraw at full speed and prepare to charge in once more, but this time against the enemy two hand regiments. One of Sir Rudolf's sergeant regiments will attempt to hold your rear, but you must rely on yourself only. As soon as you finish charging the second time, assess the situation. If we seem to be losing badly, withdraw your men southwards towards Jan's position and attempt to signal him that we need support. If things are balanced or in our favor, pursue the enemy infantry, while being wary of Dietrich's retinue. Only engage his retinue if you still have both your cavalry regiments available and when I do so.

[Own Orders: Charge upper (right flank from Dietrich's view) twohander regiment, immediately withdraw full speed (keep double clicking to disengage as many men as possible) from battle and recharge the same regiment when or after Adalberth does so. After that, if we seem to be badly beaten, withdraw (i.e. flee) south towards Jan. Otherwise pursue enemy infantry, focussing on ranged regiments, unless Dietrich is trying to escape, in which case HQ will signal Adalberth and attack Dietrich together. Do not engage Dietrich alone and focus on flanking/rear charging where possible]

Men, this is the hour we have all lived for. For Swabia and for God!

Hans' message to Jan:

Dear Jan,

I need your cavalry support in the north immediately to attack Dietrich and possbly pursue him if he retreats. It is entriely possible that my men and I will have fallen by the time your cavalry arrives, but we will have done so knowing that we brought your victory.

Keep an eye out for Luther. I have not seen him and I fear he may attempt to escape via the east gate or may even already have done so. Attempt to move all your forces north.

Godspeed,

Hans

*****

Order tests:

Dietrich: Unbelievably, the rebel knights roll their third "1" in a row!!! Foot knights also fail. Missiles and bombard pass.

Jan: Foot knights autopass as adjacent. All other Catholic crusader divisions pass.

Movement

Looking at the map, it was clear that the Catholic crusader cavalry could not arrive in time to influence the Hans vs Dietrich fight. The distance was 2/3 or 3/4 of the map. Given the Hans vs Dietrich battle was mainly a cavalry affair, it would be over by 2/3 or 3/4 of the turn. However, the crusader cavalry would arrive in time for a single charge.

Nor could the fanatics and militia arrive to join Jan's combat. The rebel pavise crossbowmen were also too far away. All were about 1/2 a map away - they could arrive, but not fight. The rebel bombard is off on a wild goose chase (can't shoot walls and anyway, the towers have disgorged their loads and the gate is open).

Combats

Resolve Jan's assault: Interpreting PKs orders gave me a headache. Clearing the walls would take quite a long time - DFKs on walls don't die easy. However, the orders seems to imply Jan charging headlong into the city square, without waiting for support. Knowing that two regiments of rebel heavy cavalry were waiting there, that would be suicide. I decided to resolve the combat as normal, with mirrored battles. But without rebel DFK on the walls (removed 1/2 stack of Jans foot knights to represent that). I would charge Jan ahead, but not so far ahead it would be clearly suicide.

With Jan under my control, the rebel Teutons died at the gates. Jan charged into Gothics slightly ahead of foot knights. Decided to go with whatever the computer said. It said: "Our foolish general has thrown his life away".

With Jan under AI control, he was the last mounted knight standing and survived.

Rolled a dice to decide which outcome to accept: 4-6 Jan lives. Rolled a 2. Jan died.

Resolve Hans vs Dietrich. Fought both ways. Hans lost both ways, although almost none of Dietrich's infantry lived either.

When I played Hans, his two charges and recharge tactics seemed to be working, so I stuck the fight out, thinking he would win. Hans and his cavalry did mash the rebel infantry, but then his escort caught off guard by Dietrich. Despite trying to avoid it, Hans was killed.

When AI played Hans, he was captured (again by Dietrich).

Rolled a dice to decide Hans' fate: 1-2 dead; 3-4 captured; 5-6 escaped. Rolled a 4.

I will ask GH what to do with him. However, the Crusader cavalry are bearing down on GH. There is a 4-6 chance Dietrich will be caught. Roll a 6. He is caught. (Roll for Luther and he escapes.) Dietrich's fate will depend on what he has done to Hans. Although Jan had indicated strongly that he wanted to take Dietrich prisoner, I thought there was no way full blooded knights would allow that after seeing Dietrich execute a helpless Hans. (Analogies with the fate of captured WW2 snipers came to mind.)

PMd GeneralHankerchief, hinting at the the conundrum with the title "The Scorpion and the Fox", but did not make it explicit:

Private Feedback to GH:

[spoil]

Hans launches a ferocious cavalry assault on your lines. Again and again, his men charge, break off and recharge. Most of your infantry are without spears and are almost powerless against these tactics. Your infantry do butcher Hans’ surviving spearmen. You spot an opening - Hans’ bodyguard is exposed and depleted after wrecking on of your Zweihander regiments. You charge him with your escort and he is knocked down, stunned. Your men grab him. Hans the Mighty, Hans the Mauler is now your prisoner. With this lucky victory, the combat swings in your favour and the remnants of Hans’s army are swept away.

But you look around you: only half your bodyguard still lives. All your infantry are slain, wounded or have dispersed. You look up and see four full, fresh regiments of loyal cavalry bearing down on you. You turn to Bern abbey and see Jan’s Catholic Crusader banner being raised high. The city has fallen - all you can do is flee. You have a fine horse and the road north is open. But your mount is tired and there around two hundred loyal cavalry charging towards you. You wager there is an even chance you can escape.

However, before you flee one choice remains to you. You look down at Hans, still concussed and helpless. You can take him prisoner. He will not slow you down or affect your chance of escape. Or you can slay him. There are no other options - you cannot bargain with him - he is senseless. Nor can you bargain with the oncoming loyal cavalry - only a fool would try to negotiate with a cavalry charge.

You must answer three questions - multiple choice only, pick one of the options (you cannot invent your own options).

Q1: What do you do with Hans?
(a) Release him.
(b) Keep him prisoner.
(c) Kill him.
Note: you must decide this now, not knowing whether the loyalist cavalry will catch you.

Q2: What do you do?
(a) Flee from the loyalist cavalry.
(b) Wait for the loyalist cavalry.

Q3: If the loyalist cavalry catch you, what do you?
(a) Surrender.
(b) Fight to the death.

GH's response

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Kill,
Flee,
Surrender