A Goal Achieved
The Outremer in control by the Order of the Templar Knights
The diplomacy has been very difficult in Europe for the Diplomat Henry. Many nations are tolerant of the Order and the Papacy has been the only real supporter. There have been a lot of gifts of florins and maps just to secure trade rights. France and Hungary have been very hard nations to negotiate beyond trade rights.
The family tree the children of Councillor Theodericus will be coming of age soon. The relations of the Pope are excellent. There are still two seats in the college held by the Order’s Cardinals.
From the diplomatic front news is received that France has been reconciled but ally Sicily has been excommunicated. There are more princesses coming of age in Europe. Still no eligible bachelors
The Fortress was receiving some harassment from the Turks but nothing of significance the Grandmaster arrived with some supplies and men. However it was a young Captain Dieter who proved himself again before the Grandmaster.
Though sadley the brave soldier could not be admitted into the Order to such an important position. Commanders were needed but the Grandmaster could not permit his promotion.
More news received from Europe from France.
There was also an election for a new Pope. The Order put there 2 votes behind the Hungarian candidate in hopes of fostering better relations with that country.
The candidate from the Republic of Milan was chosen. It did not affect the overall relations between the Papacy and the Order. In fact the Pope bestowed a special order on to the Grandmaster for his work protecting Christians in the East.
Acre
Jens d’Alvarez the Prince of Acre had rebuilt his forces and was ready to move on to the Holy City. The plan had been put in motion. The Prince of Acre was moving out and would be joined by the Prince of Antioch Councillor Theodericus who was coming from Damascus with a fresh ballista crew and spearmen.
However, there were any forces blocking the road for d’Alervaz
Fortunately the Knights had the geographic advantage at the pass.
The Knights formed the wall at the top of the pass and the archers rained arrows has the enemy marched passed below them.
It wasn’t long before the enemy turned and fled.
The ransom was paid and florins for the treasury.
In the far northeast corner near Aleppo a ballista crew was heading for Damascus for refitting when they were caught by a Turkish Captain. The city garrison could not arrive in time to aid the crew.
The Seljuk Sultanate had many armies roaming the land but they were small and appeared to be uncoordinated in their attacks.
A status report of 1861 on the Templar Knights financial and overview so far
There was news from Northern Europe on a League that the merchants had formed to aid in their trading. The Grandmaster thought the same could be done here once his port facilities in Antioch grow and the mercantile men increase.
Remembering the minor defeat two years prior near Aleppo the Grandmaster attends the city and taking control of the garrison clears the Turkish Army from the Region.
The Commanders and their title of the Order of the Templar Knights
More news from the west especially the fall of the Seljuk Sultanate’s capital the Byzantines must be doing their job!
The Prince of Acre is getting closer to his objective but there is one army of the Fatimid Caliphate blocking his way and would interfere with supply lines.
With the enemy out of the way a special report comes from the Intelligence Agency. Athalwolf who was thought long lost in the field sends a special report to the Order on the defenses of Jerusalem.
From Rome news reaches the Order that Pope Bonifacius VIII is dead and new elections are taking place.
The Cardinals are instructed on the same strategy to support the Hungarian candidate.
The English have their first Pope and relations are still high.
In the northwest the Fortress of Adana is under siege by another weak enemy army. Captain Dieter is no where to be found. Another young Captain breaks the siege.
While in Antioch the Grandmaster is also under siege by a larger enemy force yet he sallies forth. The Turks are not working in coordination.
News arrives from Europe and there is something disturbing about the Holy Roman Empire some cataclysm has taken place?
A special meeting takes place in the capital of Tortosa. Councillor Theodericus army from Damascus was handed over to the Prince of Acre his brother in law. The Councillor returned to the capital to meet with his father the Grandmaster. He was upset that he would not have the opportunity to capture the prize city. The Grandmaster felt best that his son-in law d’Alvarez was more then suited for the task and that his own son would have to be ready to defend the northern lands and a possible offensive in the near future. The Grandmaster was getting old and could not venture beyond the current borders. All his power would be going to his son and heir but he could not relinquish any titles has of yet except one. To appease his son he gave him the following title.
The time was near the Prince of Acre was in the same position he was many years ago when he tried to besiege the Holy City. He faced the garrison and a reinforced army from the south.
This time he would not turn back his destiny lay before him. Outnumbered he was ready to make his stand.
Outside the Holy City the Prince of Acre was to face two armies. He must defeat one before the other arrived otherwise he was doomed. The Fatimid Caliphate armies consisted of javelin regiments, light infantry and light cavalry. Plus the Caliphate had one secret weapon not used in battle in the Outremer.
The first army attacked and the spearmen held the line. The Mounted Sergeants were able to scatter the Javelin regiments and they had no effect on the battle. The Knights had two ballista crews at their disposal.
The enemy were tough and time was being lost has the Knights continued to fight the first army. Then a lucky break
With the Captain lost to them the Caliphate of the first army began to waver. The second army was slowly approaching and just when the Prince was ready to shift his focus fire came from the sky. The Caliphate had a new weapon the catapult far more destructive then the ballista. There were several spearmen still in reserve waiting to meet the second army. The fireballs were affecting the Knights moral. The Prince ordered his light cavalry to attack the new weapon. Three attempts were made and on the final they were able to neutralize the weapon.
The Knights own artillery crews were caught in the melee and no longer effective.
Just has the battle had reached its zenith the Crown Prince of the Caliphate committed his Bodyguard Unit into action and the Prince of Acre countered.
The Prince of Acre Jens d’Alvarez was the victor.
With the victory came the spoils. A huge ransom for a Crown Prince and the Holy City Jerusalem was under The Templar Knights control. The city was sacked of the enemy’s wealth. Extermination would be too drastic in the Holy City.
Another monument of the Order of the Templar Knights power
Re: The Da Vinci Code a Templar Knights AAR
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