The Da Vinci Code a Templar Knights AAR

[Northnovas]

This AAR will involve the mod Stainless Steel which incorporates several mods. The faction will be the Templar Knights. The following rules will be incorporated to the game play. I will also show unique screen shots to the game.

1. Will not declare war on a Catholic Faction.
2. No diplomatic ties with non-catholic factions just economic.
3. Will join all Crusades called by the Pope.
4. Captured cities catholic occupy, rebel and orthodox sack, all others exterminate.
5. Armies composed of 10 inf, 3 art, 4 missile, 3 cav. (will try)
6. Naval movement 5 troops per ship, unlimited agents generals.
7. Family tree to the oldest son, no adoptions, man of the hour with good stats.

The year was 1080 the Outremer consisted of individual states. A new religion had blossomed in the growing empires of Egypt- Fatimid Caliphate and Turkey Seljuk Satanate. The Papacy was concerned of the state of Christians and artifacts in the Holy Land. They were entitled to protection and safety in the Holy Land. Their mission control 55 states and the Holy City Jerusalem.

Through much counsel and prayer a man was identified to lead a special organization that would be responsible for the Christian people and artifacts in the Outremer. The Order of the Templar Knights had been formed and the Grandmaster Hugues de Payns would be the faction leader. The capital would be Tortosa a fortress that will be the centre of a series of defences that will protect the Outremer.



The Grandmaster was of European nobility and his heritage is rumoured to be from Champagne in Burgundy. The Hugues de Payns Family:

The oldest son and successor to the Grandmaster Councillor Gottfried:


The Grandmaster did not care for his illegitimate son and his hopes were to pass the order to his second son from his current marriage Theoderics de Payns a boy raised to lead when he comes of age. Gottfrieds birth was suspect to being his removal from Europe and ending up in the Levant with some modest wealth.

The faith of the Templar’s was lead by Cardinal Andreas.

The diplomatic responsibilities belonged to a lone man stationed in Rome.


Financially there was some aid from Europe but the Grandmaster was determined to build his wealth and it must start with expansion. The Turks were in the far north the Egyptians in the south. Rebel cities surrounded them. The Templar Secret Service (TSS) was sent to investigate the surroundings.


Councillor Gottfried moved his army out to Acre.

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A siege was initiated but the Rebels had the superior numbers. The Counsellor had to withdraw when the Rebels sallied out.

Diplomat Henry was ordered to make contact with the European powers from while in Rome. His goal was to make trade treaties with the nations.


The diplomatic reports filtered back to the Outremer.

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The founding of a learned institution caught the attention of the Grandmaster and more of these places must be built.


Other notices the availability of a faction princess available for marriage.


By the mid 1090’s the expansion was being hampered in the south by the rapid expansion of the Egyptians. The Holy City Jerusalem was under their control. Expansion would have to go north. The Council of Nobles requested the Fortress of Adana be taken this would be too far for supplying an army at this time.

Knowing the financial state of the Order, the Papacy issued the following decree.

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Shortly after the Pope called a Crusade to Antioch; Councillor Gottfried had an army marching on the city. The Templar’s joined the Crusade.

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The city fell shortly after and was sacked the Explorers Guild was built in the city.



The Pope was pleased and an alliance was formed to solidify the relationship between the Order and the Papacy.

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Councillor Gottfried’s standing increased but it would be short lived.

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Cardinal Andres was working hard in the Antioch Region to promote the faith.

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The end of a century and a new beginning The capturing of Antioch greatly assisted the financial overview. It was time to expand further; Aleppo would be the next target for Counsellor Gottfried.

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The Grandmaster’s daughter comes of age.


She will be sent to help the diplomatic corps and to find a husband that will further strengthen the Order’s standing. Here first mission.

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The Prince of Antioch is appointed. The Grandmaster’s son Theoderic comes of age. The Prince of Antioch will be the title bestowed and all lands to the faction heir of the Templar Order.


The Pope request more work to be done in Antioch.

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News reaches the Grandmaster that one of the faction leaders has died brining some uncertainty to the region.

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The Family Tree of de Payns


The standing of the Order in the College and with the Pope:

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An overview of the Order:

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The Siege of Aleppo

Councillor Gottfried had been besieging Aleppo for several years and his supplies were getting low. Only 25% remained and the men were getting restless and morale low, he feared desertion may soon follow. He ordered a night attack on the settlement.

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The army gathered and the rams attacked the main gate. The troops were moved in close to deflect missile fire on the battering rams.

The Councillor saw a sign of the cross and saw it has a good omen. He ordered the gates stormed and entered the city.

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The enemy was pinned into the town square.



To get more leverage the Councillor brought his troops around to gain another point of attack. Disaster struck when he enemy had a spear regiment protecting the alley.

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The army lost the initiative and retreated the settlement was not taken.

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The Prince of Antioch was now the official heir to the Order.


The Grandmaster was saddened by the news that there was no victory but pleased that his son was now heir.

[Warluster]

Good AAR NN! I eagerly await your next installment.

[Lt. Pinard]

Nice AAR. The Templar shall rule the world!!!!

I'll have to check out this stainless steel mod

[Northnovas]

The Early Years

The new crowned Prince Theodericus will have to make new plans to successfully capture Aleppo. The army in Antioch is trained and ready. The de Payns family tree.



News received from other Royalty Courts

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Two strong supporters of the Order

The Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich as been excommunicated. The first merchant from Antioch heads out to build the trade for the Order.



The Princess is out on her travels to find a suitor and initiate diplomacy in the kingdoms she is traveling through. The Council has strongly urged contact with the Byzantines. This was done on her way through Constantinople. The Order was rewarded florins and trade rights were established.

1116 Rome

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The Pope is dead and elections to be held for his successor. The Templars have one vote in the College but there are many Cardinals undecided on a candidate.

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The Order plays diplomacy and have Cardinal Andreas vote for the Hungarian Zsigmond. They wish to secure better relations with their closes Catholic neighbour.
He does not win the Danish Cardinal is elected and is named Coelestinus III. The Templar Knights are still in high standing with the Papacy.

The issue of Aleppo is brought forward and the Grandmaster will take the initiative with his army from the capital and besiege the settlement. After several years the Rebel army sallies out.

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It was a clear victory this time and the city is sacked and transformed into a city from a fortress.

The new Pope challenges the Clergy of the Order to spread the word in the Aleppo region.

There are some new Princesses available for marriages, unfortunately there are no suitors in the Order.

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From the Diplomatic Corps news of passing and war

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Diplomat Henry traveling through the heart of Europe makes contact with the Polish Court. The barely accept a trade agreement. Henry continues west destination France.

The State of the Order by 1120

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The achillies heel for the Templar Knights at this stage is income. The financial overview

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The Turks had made a successful Jihad on Baghdad.

WAR DECLARED!!!

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It was only a mtter of time has both nations tried to capture the settlements around them.
The capital Tortosa is besieged by the Egyptians. The Knights bring reinforcements and the Egyptians retreat however the reinforcing army pursues to the shores of the Mediterranean and neutralizes the threat. A small ransom is accepted for the prisoners.

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The religious power struggle continues in Europe with the Papacy and European Crowns.

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More alliances announced the Kingdoms of Scotland and France have become allies. The Diplomat Henry contacts the Kingdom of Sicily and arranges the marriage for the Prince of Antioch. An alliance is formed between the two factions. Though the goal is France for an ally the Grandmaster felt Sicily's relations with the Papacy important. However, there is diplomatic discord with France and Sicily.

The capital is under siege again. Grandmaster Hugues has returned in time to take control of the defences. The Crown Prince Nassir is looking to crush the fledging capital.

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The capital is defended and the enemy defeated. They would not accept ransom for their men.

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At the time the capital was under threat the Prince of Antioch moved south from Aleppo abandoning the plan to capture the Rebel settlement of Edessa and went for grand City of Damascus.

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The battle would bring more then the wealth of the city. The Prince situated himself on the best ground available. Neither side had the use of long range artillery.

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The melee was fierce and the initiative could not be gained from either side. The Prince’s Bodyguard unit was decimated in the fighting then a turn of events left the Knights with the victory and prize.

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The Sultan Al-Musta”li pleads for his life.

The treasury is filled with florins.

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Damascus populace is exterminated and order restored in the city.

More money comes into the treasury from the Papacy. Diplomat Henry is ordered by the Council to make contact Kingdom of France. They were not aware of the diplomat's orders and the tasks was easily achieved.

Along with the news from France comes word that the Knights ally the Kingdom of Sicily has joined in the fight. The Turks in the north have commenced hostilities against the Order and made a weak attempt to besiege Antioch. After a couple years they broke the siege and returned back to their borders. A state of war exists but no immediate action will be taken against them. The goal is Jerusalem and eliminating the Fatimid Caliphate.

More news from Europe

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There is a request for military aid from a Kingdom in the far north, little is known of them.

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The Knights of the Order receive some encouraging news from the Papacy and Grandmaster Hugues is pleased with the recognition of his work in the Outremer.

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The war between England and Scotland has grown with France joining their allies the Scots.

The Princess Isabelle the Affectionate makes contact with the Venetians and secures trade rights with them. Diplomat Henry is successful in obtaining trade rights with the French and the Council is pleased with the florins coming into the treasury.

The Princess traits increase but a proper suitor must be found soon.
Faction Announcement a new member to the family

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The Pope excommunicated the King of Scotland and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

1130 Castle of Acre

The Grandmaster moves out of Tortosa and heads for Acre where it is quickly assaulted and taken. Resistance is futile.

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The obituaries from Europe

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A suitor is found for the Princess not a member of royalty but a noble form a good family and capable of commanding an army.



News from the World of Science

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Faction announcements

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The Grandmaster Seal is created by the Order and gives the Head of the Order further power.

The merchant from Antioch moves east to expand the Order’s commerce.

Though his skills are building there needs to be many more to follow him.

The Diplomat Henry continues talks with France in negotiation for an alliance but the French are not interested at this time. There will be further talks but the alliance with Sicily has become a concern.

Overviews of the Order by 1130





The Caliphate make another attempt at Acre without success.



The Grandmaster is severely wounded in the battle but will survive.
He bestows a title to his son in law Prince of Acre.

[Northnovas]

The Early Years continued..

The decade opens with some news from the obituaries on European Royalty

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The diplomatic news from Europe
The Hungarians and Kiev Rus end hostilities along with the Sicilians and The Holy Roman Empire.

An investigative agent reports back on the garrison of Jerusalem



The Templar Knights receive further recognition from the Pope but will it bring the financial backing that it so badly needs?

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The Prince of Acre moves out of the fortress and heads south where he encounters a small Caliphate Army.

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It is easy victory but the Prince is severely wounded.

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The merchant Rainald continues further east to secure commerce for the order


King Philip the Chivalrous is excommunicated by the Pope and causes concerns with the Grandmaster who is trying to build an alliance with France. The excommunication creates a conflict and he will not push any further in the diplomacy for the time being.

By 1135 a large Rebel force has spawned outside of Damascus. The Grandmaster attends arriving with reinforcements to remove the Rebels. Not a well conceived plan.

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It is victory but costly and the Rebels still control the Region around the city.
The Grandmaster is severely wounded and retreats back in the city.


Meanwhile the Prince of Acre is confronted with a larger enemy force has he nears Jerusalem.

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The Knights have the geographic advantage and neither side has artillery.
The enemy advances up the hill

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Victory

The prisoners are ransomed.

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1137

More diplomatic news reaches the court the Dodge of Venice is dead. There is also news of Princesses coming of age from various factions.

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After coming close to Jerusalem the Prince continues south and strikes at the enemy fortress of Gaza. The garrison in Jerusalem had been reinforced it was thought better to strike the supply route of the enemy. A siege begins.

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A Kievan Rus diplomat arrives at the court and request trade rights which are granted. There is news that the French have warmed up to relations with the Order. The French and the Holy Roman Empire have signed an alliance.

The first artillery piece of the Order is built in Damascus

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The siege on Gaza begins to wear on the Prince of Acre

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He is outnumbered and considers a retreat north with no possible reinforcements to his location.

A new family member comes of age Orraca


Family tree overview

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The Grandmaster returns to the capital the Rebels outside of Damascus are still of concerned. The Prince of Antioch in charge of the garrison commences another attack on the Rebels.
The enemy had the advantage of the geography this time the Prince moves the force forward and to the left flank of the enemy.

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The Damascus region is secured from Rebels.

1140

Daughters of the Crowns of Europe available for marriage

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A new son in the family


A status report on the finances of the Order

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New start in the decade College of Cardinal promotes a Templar. There are now 2 seats for the Order.

Religious turmoil in Antioch Region with 2 religions trying to convert the masses. There is no room for Heretics.

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The family tree is expanding again with another son

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Other diplomatic news to reach the Outremer



Two significant battles had taken place

Anitoch was besieged by a Turkish force and the Grand Councillor headed for the city with a small relief force to break the siege

The Grand Master brought his force a couple miles from the city by a small outpost. The Turks had the advantage.

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The Grandmaster used his Bodyguard regiment strategically and was able to outmanouver the enemy forces.

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It was a Heroic Victroy for the Knights The ransom was not accepted.

To the south the Prince of Acre breaks off the siege at Gaza and makes a tactical move north capturing the port facilities for Jerusalem.
The Fatimid counter with a force from the city and attack the Knights.

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The Knights were slightly outnumbered but the Prince used the terrain he backed his men up along the shore. Unfortunately there was no naval presence for the Knights to retreat by water if required. The Knights maintained there position for the enemy onslaught..



The Fatima begin to enclose the position and attack the Order’s frontline.



Fortunately the enemy general became involved in the close melee and was struck down. The Prince took advantage of the disorder and went on the offensive.



A Clear Victory.

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The Templar Knights have established themselves in the Outremer but for how long. There victories have been small and the enemy's strategy disorganized. They lack the finances to build from production centres they have. Will there prayers be answered??

[Northnovas]

The 1150’s

The decade involved three significant battles for the Order of the Templar Knights. The first involved the Prince of Acre and his attack on Jerusalem. The city had been besieged by the Knights and they were outnumbered by the garrison. However the Caliphate called up their Crown Prince in an attempt to lift the siege.

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The Prince of Acre was facing a larger force and felt confident that the defenders of the city were in no shape to fight in the field.

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The Prince of Acre had plenty of cavalry and a ballista crew. Artillery was still a rare sight on the desert battlefields. The Crown Prince of the Fatimid Caliphate was the reinforcing army and the inspiration to the defenders. Prior to the battle the Knights dispatched their 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants to intercept and capture the Crown Prince.

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The enemy charged and met the frontline of the Knights. Crashing through on some parts and reaching the ballista crew before they were of any use. The Prince of Acre was the only cavalry and at to jump in the fray to hold the enemy back.

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The battle raged on till high noon with no apparent victor.

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The Caliphate reinforcements arrived. The Crown Prince came crashing into the left flank. The Knights ordered a withdraw from the field there were no units left to counter the newly arrived enemy reinforcements.
The Templar Knights retreated back to Acre they were not pursued. The Holy City would have to be another time.

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The second significant battle was the Siege of Damascus. Captain Elberhard was in charge of the garrison and was not capable of sallying out to meet the attackers. The Prince of Antioch Councillor Theodericus arrived from the capital with some reinforcements.

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The garrison sallied out and met with the Prince but the Knights had difficulty locating the enemy unit in the desert. They were finally located behind a dune and the Prince realized his own foot soldiers were tried of the trek amassed his Body Guards and 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants against the light infantry and missile units of the Caliphate.

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The enemy was cut down along with its Captain.

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The massed charge was complete and the enemy units fled.

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A daring cavalry charge by the Prince resulted in a clear victory.

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The third battle involved an offensive maneuver led by the Grandmaster against the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fortress of Adana. The prize was not only the fortress but the garrison who were personally led by Sultan Meliksah.

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The gates were attacked by the battering ram and the men scaled the walls with ladders.

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The fight on the walls was fierce the Knights fighting for ever inch.

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The walls were cleared and the Knights made it into the fortress were the Sultan awaited with his unit and a regiment of dismounted spearmen.

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The Sultan was surrounded and the Grandmaster thought of the value of a captured King. The Sultan’s horsemen attacked and were getting the upper hand till the Grandmaster charged in with his units and all hell broke loose.

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The prize had lost its value.

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However, the enemy remained fighting till the last man.

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Victory had been obtained the Fortress was sacked but brought little wealth. The ransom was rejected on the Turkish prisoners.

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The final significant battle involved the 2nd Siege of Damascus. The Fatimid Caliphate had returned to the Damascus Region with a larger force to try a capture the city.

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The Councillor was governing the city and set up the defences.

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The gates were saved by the archers. Now it was up to the spearmen to keep the walls. The enemy attacked at two points.

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The fighting was fierce and the Knights were gaining the upper hand but exhaustion was setting in and there were still fresh enemy troops on the ground looking to get in.

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The Councillor then made a bold move. Another cavalry charge was ordered and his unit with the 2 regiments of Mounted Sergeants sallied out of the gates.



The cavalry poured forth striking at anything in their path.

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A Heroic Victory for the Councillor and the Order

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Other matters that occurred in the Court of the Templar Knights

Financial report of 1150

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From the world of Science

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The Grandmaster was very concerned with the delicate finances of the Order and some developments were made with the merchants of the Order. Some men were sent east to find valuable routes and more merchants were recruited with new buildings being built in the fledging cities.




On the diplomatic front the only diplomat was now in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Order was able to secure trade rights with Portugal, give map information to Spain and secure an alliance with the Byzantines through their Princess in the area. The Grandmaster thought an alliance with the Orthodox nation will assist in the war effort against the Turks. Shortly after the Byzantines declared war on the Seljuk Sultanate. The Moors had already declared war on the Byzantines.
Princess Orracca was travelling through Hungary trying to secure an alliance and a suitor. Things have been going slow. The Order does not have a good reputation with most Catholic nations other then the Papacy.
Other diplomatic news



On a happier note another member was added to the family.

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In Antioch the city was growing through its ports though the Heretics still preached causing unrest to the region. It took Cardinal Andreas to seek out and destroy the blasphemers. The culture continued to spread and Grandmaster erected milestones to acknowledge the Order’s work in the Region.

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There were a couple less significant battles fought the Turks attempted another siege on Antioch but the Captain in charge of the garrison repelled the enemy force.

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There was follow up to that victory by Captain Dieter who pursued the Turks to the Iron Bridge and crushed the remaining force. His bravery was recognized by the locals but the Grandmaster could not accept him into the order.
In Adana the Grandmaster attempted to clear the enemy from the fortress but could only mange a draw.

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The victories were small but they were a step forward……..

[Northnovas]

A Goal Achieved

The Outremer in control by the Order of the Templar Knights

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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However, there were any forces blocking the road for d’Alervaz

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Fortunately the Knights had the geographic advantage at the pass.

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The Knights formed the wall at the top of the pass and the archers rained arrows has the enemy marched passed below them.

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It wasn’t long before the enemy turned and fled.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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From Rome news reaches the Order that Pope Bonifacius VIII is dead and new elections are taking place.

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The Cardinals are instructed on the same strategy to support the Hungarian candidate.

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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.

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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.

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News arrives from Europe and there is something disturbing about the Holy Roman Empire some cataclysm has taken place?

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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.

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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.

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This time he would not turn back his destiny lay before him. Outnumbered he was ready to make his stand.

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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.

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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.

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The enemy were tough and time was being lost has the Knights continued to fight the first army. Then a lucky break

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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.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Knights own artillery crews were caught in the melee and no longer effective.

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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.

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The Prince of Acre Jens d’Alvarez was the victor.

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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.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Another monument of the Order of the Templar Knights power

[Northnovas]

A King is Crowned

The Holy City is under the Knights control but there are more territories to capture and influence. It has been almost 100 years since the Order was established in the Outremer.

The Fortress of Antioch was still facing some harassment from the Turks. Nothing that the Grandmaster could handle

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There were some heavy negotiations with France and England. With the new found wealth the Order purchased maps of the France and England territories. No Alliance could be purchased with Hungary at any reasonable price.

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Though Jerusalem was under the Templar Knights control there was still Fatimid Caliphate in the Region. The Prince of Acre now had to defend the prize.

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With the expansion for trade there comes the risk of losing trade.

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Faction Announcements

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The Prince of Acre is recognized for his glorious victory and has been given to titles of the highest in the Order.

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A King is crowned!

Other new members working for the Order






Another attack on the Holy City but of no real threat

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The Intelligence Agency’s most experience agent and newest role of the Order





Athalwolf is dispatched to Gaza to see what the fortress holds and possible the next objective for the King

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Not only are there new princesses coming of age in royal courts. Councillor Theodericus oldest daughter also comes of age.

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The family tree of the de Payns and a financial status of the Order

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Again the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate attack the Fortress of Adana and the City of Jerusalem.

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After 90 years the an Overview of the Order of the Templar Knights

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There is still much to explore and conquor. Can the Caliphate be taken out soon? Can the Order's reputation improve with the other Catholic nations?

[Northnovas]

The Grandmaster departs from the mortal world

Grandmaster Hugues the Chivalrous passes away age the venerable age of 68. The Knights new leader is Grandmaster Theodericus and the designated Heir Jens d’Alvarus, King of Jerusalem.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The de Payns Family Tree and Overview at the start of 1170

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News from the other Courts of Europe brings news of leaders passing on and confusion in succession for the Holy Roman Empire and Aragonese Royal Court.

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The Diplomat Henry secured Trade Rights with the Scots in Antwerp. Relations with Milan have improved to good but the French have dropped to poor. The alliance with Sicily is having a negative factor in diplomatic ties with the French.

The Grandmaster’s two daughters are ready for diplomatic duty.




The Grandmaster also felt that his sister Orraca was ready for marriage to a noble who has faith and loyalty. Though their father may not have approved the Grandmaster needs able commanders to field the Order's armies.



The Intelligence Agency reports two Jihad Armies. The Moors are south of Jerusalem and Fatimid Caliphate are deep in their own territory near Mecca. Unfortunate their target is unknown at this time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Antioch 1173

The city was besieged by the Seljuk Sultanate and the garrison was poorly equipped and outnumbered.

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The garrison prepared for the attack fortunately the enemy had no artillery. They would be storming the walls with ladders and the gates with the battering ram. The garrison had no archers to neutralize the attack on the gates.

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The walls were the first contact and the peasant units held their ground

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The enemy was taken off the walls and the peasants retreated to the centre square. The spearmen were left at the gates that were ready to burst open.

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The Turks busted through and the melee began at the gates.

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They could not hold and retreated for the centre square.

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The last line of defence and only few men left. The men of peasant birth fought like nobles of the Order. There valour in will not be forgotten by the Grandmaster

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The city is lost.



News reaches the Grandmaster of the fate of the citizens of Antioch. There is also good news the Sicily has declared war on the Caliphate.

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There is also news of trouble in the Caliphate’s Kingdom Mecca is under Rebel control

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Sad news from the Sicilian Court their King is dead. Also a faithful servant of the Order passes on.

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A truly loyal servant of the Templar Knights.

The College of Cardinals accepts two Templar Knights in to the College. A new member is born into the family.

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Gaza 1176

Councillor Jens moves on to Gaza from Jerusalem.

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The fortress is lightly held and reinforcements are few to defend the fortress.

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The main gates are easily breached and the assault begins on the interior walls.

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The reinforcements arrive but are easily dealt with the Knights.

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The second wall is breached and the General Hamden is offered the opportunity to surrender.

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The Caliphate general attacka on an all out charge!

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The fortress is captured and under the Knights control

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Councillor Jens, King of Jerusalem releases the prisoner but shows no mercy for the populace.

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Rome 1177

The Pope is dead a loyal ally and supporter of the Templar Knights



Surprisingly one of the Templar Cardinals is a Perferati along with Milanese Cardinal and Spanish Cardinal.

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Success!! A member of the Order is head of the Papacy this will only secure the alliance between the two factions even deeper.

Other diplomatic news of reconciliation and peace

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College of Cardinals and it appears the young Pope Lucius III will be in power for sometime.

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Grandmaster Theodericus storms the poorly defended city of Antioch.

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The city is secured the prisoners are released. In the Town Square a monument is erected honouring the men who defended the city when it fell in 1173.

The merchant trade is doing well in the East and a replacement is being sent to continue the trade on the Silk Road.



The Seljuk made a feeble attempt to retake Antioch and are soundly beaten.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Some interesting news from the Merchant Guilhad trading in the African frontier. The great city of Alexandria is under Sicilian control. There are only a few cities under the Caliphate control.

Possible one great offensive push can subdue and remove the enemy securing the southern borders of the Outremer.

[Northnovas]

A Century of Rule : An Alliance Forms and a Great City Falls

1180

Overview of 100 years of rule and the Financial Report for the year. Also included a list of allies and enemies of the Templar Knights.

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The Family Tree a new member is added Phillip d’Alvarez

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The Grandmaster


Jens the Conquer


Edmund Weinmuth


Monica on diplomatic mission


Mayer Ambassador to Rome


From other Royal Courts of Europe

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The Intelligence Agency confirms the merchant’s report on Alexandria. It is under Sicilian control.

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Aleppo Region

The Grandmaster attended the city and granted title to his new brother in law Duke of Aleppo. The Duke of Norman birth came to the Outremer to take up the Cross. His first assignment would be the city of Edessa.

The Duke meant a small Seljuk force on the main road to the city.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Templar Knights had the numbers and geography advantage but the enemy did not hold back

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The main line was attacked with ferocity but it did not bend.

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The enemy general melee with the light cavalry on the Duke’s left flank. See an advantage the Duke joined in and charged the enemy general.

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Success the enemy general Evernos Celaluddevle was killed.

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The remaining regiment lost the will to fight and retreated.

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The ransom was rejected by the enemy.

Some scholars from the library report news on Science and Technology. Also he the Head Surgeon is confounded on the troubles in Acre and no remedy in site.

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Antioch faced with another siege in 1182 but the garrison easily defends the city.

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News from Rome the Papacy has called a Crusade against Thorn the city belonging to the Polish Faction. The Grandmaster honours the agreement made with the Order and Papacy and declares the Templar Knights will join the Crusade. The first action against a Catholic faction and to lead will be the Duke of Aleppo.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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War is declared against Poland.

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The Intelligence Agency follows up the situation with the Fatimid Caliphate and discovers that the faction is only in control of two cities. Plans are made for a final offensive.

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The Crusade grows!!!

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The Seljuk Sultanate attempted another siege on Antioch with no success.

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The Pope had ordered that the Fortress of Gaza should have a small chapel. The Duke of Gaza agreed and built a place of worship for the people. Shortly after the chapel was completed a Chapter House was also erected in the city.

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An alliance is formed and war is declared on the Templar Knights.

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The Moors have joined the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate in an alliance against the Templar Knights. The concern is the Jihad Army of Moors near Antioch.
The Crusading Army of the Order reports back its findings in the west. A Jihad had been called against the Byzantine city of Constantinople and there is more then just a storm brewing.
On a side note the Crown Prince of the Seljuk Sultanate made a secret request for his father to be assassinated.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Grandmaster oldest son comes of age and with ceremony he is granted the Heir title Prince of Antioch. He will be assigned the mission that was started by his Uncle Edmund and will lead an army to capture Edessa.



The Diplomat Henry still working in France but has been unable to improve relations with the French. When the Crusade was called against Thorn the relations with Holy Roman Empire and the Order improved but the Emperor had passed away and there was confusion on succession. The city of Frankfurt was under Rebel control.
There is also talk from the far north that the Republic of Novgorod has fallen. The Tsar had passed away a year earlier and the dynasty was in danger.

An alternate history for the Order for 1186

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The Grandmaster crosses the bridge on the road to Edessa with young Prince in hand. There is minor resistance

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After the battle the Grandmaster is severely wounded and heads west for Antioch and leaves the Army of Antioch under his son’s command.

1187 A Great City Falls

The Jihad was a success. The Byzantine capital falls like ahouse of cards.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Will the Duke of Aleppo be able to recapture the city with his Crusaders and keep the prize to himself?

[irish king]

Awesome AAR keep it up

[AussieGiant]

NN

I just read through it well done!! Is this with the new graphics card or the old one?

Well done!!

[Frodge]

Crackin' AAR! But you must stand by your allies, reconquer Constantinople for the Roman Empire and you will be richly rewarded, you knw it's the right thing to do.

[Northnovas]

Three Armies from the Order of the Templar Knights


The Armies of the Crusade, The Army of Antioch and The Army of Jerusalem were in key battles that shaped the decade of the 1190’s.

Constantinople 1190

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Duke of Aleppo with his Army of Crusaders quickly besieged the former Byzantine Capital that was now under the control of the Seljuk Sultanate. They were outnumbered but were waiting for their Byzantine Allies to bring up reinforcements. The weather was cold and wet but the spirits were high in the camp. This would be good practice for the Crusaders who were on their way to Thorn.
Early morning the Duke was awaken by an alarm in the camp. The Seljuk General had sallied out of the city.



The enemy General Nazim Celebi stormed out of the city. The Knights were on their own the closes allied army led by Byzantine Captain Marianos was not in position and no reinforcements had arrived from Nicaea.



The Knights moral was high but the troops were inexperienced. The Duke was concerned for the pilgrims that made up a quarter of his army. The speed of the enemy was phenomenal. The siege equipment was dropped has each regiment tried to defend itself.



The Pilgrims were on the right flank and were quickly pressed upon. The ballista crews did not even get an effective shot off during the onslaught. The Knights light cavalry were rushed to the left flank to fiend off the enemy horse archers.



The Templar cavalry had some success and tried to sweep back to the right flank. The Duke could not engage his unit in combat because he was trying to rally the regiments of men who were starting to route. It was too late the battle was lost.

Edessa 1192

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Army of Antioch led by the Prince had besieged the Seljuk settlement taking advantage of the confusion amongst the enemy commanders. The Templar Knights had enough supplies for a long siege but the prince made a bold move and ordered a night attack cutting the enemy army in half.





Under the cover of darkness the Knights made it up to the city wall.



The enemy quickly caught on what was happening and the alarm was sounded. The city garrison rushed for the ramparts and the battle for the walls began.



The fighting for the city gates was fierce. The whole enemy garrison was committed to the walls.



The gate house was secured and the rest of the army was in and rushed for the city centre. The only defenders left were the General’s Bodyguards and a small regiment of spearmen.



The enemy fought valiantly waiting for reinforcements. The Crown Prince Atilla arrived with his personal escort but could not do anything to stop the Knights from entering the city and fled. Abidin Baltaci the man responsible for the garrison was finally struck down. The battle was over.



The battle was over the population was exterminated and 5100 florins added to the treasury

Cairo 1194

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The King of Jerusalem had brought his army far into the Caliphate territory the Ancient City of Cairo was the objective. He besieged the city in the early spring well aware of a large enemy army roaming the area. Prior to his siege he debated to meet this army in the open field but decided it unwise to deplete his army before a siege battle.

The Fatimid Caliphate Army of Captain Abdul-Dunya moved in and was ordered to lift the siege.



The armies prepared themselves in the field of battle. The Caliphate would introduce a new weapon upon the Templar Knights. Large towers could be observed in the distance King d’Alvarez immediately identified what they were and ordered his cavalry to move.



The weapons were confirmed and the cavalry of the St. John’s Order were moved in position to sweep around from the right flank.



Soon the rest of the Templar Knights would know about the weapon when the fireballs began to rain down on their formations.



The cavalry commanders quicken their pace before a route ensued. The Caliphate had several catapults to go with the trebuchets. The Templar Light Cavalry was also ordered into the melee to stop the catapults. They came from the left flank causing a pincer movement on the enemy rear guard.



With the enemy artillery subdued the St. John Order of Knights turned their attention to the centre of the battlefield where their brothers of the Order were in a pitch battle.



The battle continued into the early afternoon. The Templar Knights maintained their discipline and began to wear down the enemy. The King committed the last reserve of troops and in a timely started the turning point of the battle.



The battle was over and a Heroic Victory for the King of Jerusalem. The city surrendered and the population exterminated. 11,000 florins were added to the treasury.



By the 1195 the Templar Knights had proven themselves in the field of battle with three glorious armies and their commanders defending the realm. However, the decade was not over and there was still redemption for the Duke of Aleppo and his Crusaders.

[irish king]

awesome, sucks that crusader army got destroyed keep up the good work.

P.S. good job on your english AAR i just finished it.

[Northnovas]

Other Events and Minor Battles of the Order

After the defeat at Constantinople the Duke of Aleppo and his Crusaders fall back. Desertion runs through the camp and over 300 men flee from various units.

The Grandmaster’s second son Heinrich comes of age and is made Duke of Damascus by his father. He will train in Aleppo then be send to the Southern Theatre to assist his uncle the King of Jerusalem to fight the Caliphate.



A financial summary of the Templar Order there must be watchful spending.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Some other alternate history information

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A very minor disturbance occurred in Aleppo in 1192. An insurgent group of the Sultanate attempted to besiege the city. The Duke of Damascus headed north with a small army to clear the area and free the city.



However, no fighting occurred. The enemy fled prior to the Duke’s arrival.



There was some death notifications made to the Grandmaster. The vulnerable Diplomat Henry the founder of the Templar Knight Diplomatic Corps passed away of old age in Frankfurt. More disturbing was the death of Spy Rudolf Ruppel in Medina. Rudolf had made several intelligence reports of the Caliphate upon is return to the city he was double crossed by an informant. He was captured and ruthlessly tortured before a horrifying death.

The Fortress of Adana was developing into a strategic position to monitor the flow of people and goods in and out of the Outremer. It was also the fastest route for travel that even enemy armies would use to make up time. The Grandmaster created a strike force army with the new Muslim Archers based in Adana.



Another victory but the Grandmaster was severely wounded and obtained another battle scar.

Some more faction announcements a new princess is ready to serve for the Order and the Matriarch of the de Payns passes away peacefully.





An Explorer’s Guild is built in Edessa and a report is made on Baghdad. This has been the location of the Seljuk Sultanate Sultan. He has been observed by the Order assassin who has carried out a few successful sabotage missions in the city. However, he feels it too risky to go after the Sultan himself.



A new spy is recruited from Jerusalem.


Also reported form the Intelligence Agency that their initial reports of the Caliphate had been under estimated there was another city located further south Thebes.

Adana Strike Force sets out again in 1196 the Order observed a large Seljuk Sultanate Army trying to pass through the area. Under the command of the Grandmaster they strike out from the Fortress.



The City of Cairo is being rebuilt and a Theologians Guild is a created. The first diplomat from Cairo is assigned a journey west across the desert.


Princess Mayer the Affectionate Ambassador to Rome is doing an excellent job keep the relations with the Papacy perfect. Further news from the ambassador that the King of France King Louis the Malevolent has been excommunicated and there is an Argonese Princess available. The Grandmaster has two sons eligible and should be looking at a diplomatic marriage.

There was another minor battle near Cairo has the Templar Knights clear out the enemy and prepare for an offensive on Thebes.



The City of Thebes looks ready for the picking according to the latest Intell report.



There is also a report that a very large Army of Moors (former Jihad) is just north of Antioch.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The area of the Outremer is diversified in beliefs but the Grandmaster will not stand for the increase in heretic talk growing in the region. He has ordered the clergy to round up these men and bring them to trial. Not all clergy are successful.



More training will be required and a Master Theologians Guild is built in Cairo. A new century awaits.......

[Northnovas]

A Noble Redeems Himself

Edessa 1195

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The city had been under Templar control for a couple years and the Prince of Antioch Friedrich de Payns was responsible for its defences. The Army of Antioch had no quite been up to full strength when another attack came on to the city.



The Seljuk was well equipped for a siege attack. The Knights split their defences to the walls and the city centre.



The fighting on the wall was fierce but the Knights held their ground restricting the enemy movements coming off the tower. The archers remained above the gates firing upon the enemy. However the ram made it safely to the gate and was pounding away.



The walls were secured from the enemy and the units either routed or died on the ramparts, unfortunately the battering ram did break through and the enemy entered.



The exhausted defenders came down off the walls and fought for the entrance way. Their efforts were heroic but they were outnumbered and could not hold the enemy back. The city was breached the only defenders that remained were two depleted spearmen regiments, a ballista crew and the Princes’ own Bodyguard. The enemy gathered itself but stopped on the main street to the Town Square.



The enemy archers fired into the square with little effect. The ballista crews returned fire with full effect.



The Seljuk remained holding their ground exchanging fire with two units in reserve. The Prince ordered a charge down the main street.




The enemy reserve units did not move from their position.



Finally the enemy Captain gave the order and charged down the main through fare. Under fire they reached the town square. A melee ensued committing the depleted Templar units. The Seljuk was getting the initiative forcing the Prince to commit his unit to fight again.




The enemy unit retreated. There was still one more reserve unit on the street. The ballista crews regrouped and fired upon the enemy. The Prince committed a final charge down the street.



The battle was over and the City of Edessa remained under Templar control.

Constantinople 1197

The Duke of Aleppo was in a sorry state.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

His army had all but deserted except a loyal veteran regiment of Spearmen. He had met with his allies and had been informed that the City of Constantinople was lightly garrisoned. The Duke reached into his own wealth and Christian persuasion and recruited what men he could to form an army to storm the city. The Byzantines had a substantial army ready to fight.



This group of mercenaries Crusaders were ready for anything.



The Templar Knights were storming the south gate and the Byzantines attacked the north gate under a barrage of heavy artillery support to pound the walls. The attack caused some confusion amongst the enemy garrison and the walls were quickly taken by the Knights.



The Knights rushed for the Town Square the Duke urging them on offering a reward to the regiment that gets there first. The Duke knew that control of the Square meant control of the city. The men rushed down shoulder to shoulder in excitement and greed. When they approached the opening an enemy unit of Javelin held them up. They could not get past because of the confined space. The Javelin Regiment was able to delay the Knights till the Duke charged up and pushed through to the square.



The enemy General Nazim Celebi countered and the two Bodyguard Units clashed in the square. The two enemies meet again face to face and the Duke was not to be defeated this time.



The Byzantine’s had also reached the Square and the enemy garrison was doomed.



A Clear Victory for the Knights and to take control of the city.



The troops were rewarded and the city was sacked for 10,500 florins. Then the Duke received the best news of all. He was granted the Duke of Constantinople and advised by the Pope that the Crusade had ended successfully. The Holy Roman Empire had conquered the Fortress of Thorn.

It was time to reorganize and see waht the prize city could do for the Order.

Thanks for the postive feedback I am glad you are enjoying the read. More to follow..................

[Northnovas]

A New Century and Bad Omen
(I accidentally hit the end turn for the start of 1200)

Damascus 1201-1205

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The city was only of minor status the Duke was busily fighting in Gaza and had not put to much time for governance. The garrison was 3 militia spearmen regiments. On a late spring day the Seljuk Sultanate besieged the city with a small army and attacked when the battering ram was completed.



The garrison had a slight advantage but no missile regiments to defend the walls.



The garrison captain assessed the situation and ordered his troops to sally out and attack the enemy force.



It was soon realized by the Knights that the attacking enemy comprised of missile regiments. Seljuk Archers. The melee ensued and the enemy was a tough foe at first.



A Close Victory was obtained by Captain Helmut



The enemy was beaten off and retreated north. The garrison casualties were light and there were no men available locally for recruitment. Many had gone to the larger cities to join in the various army regiments. Supplies were adequately low for the city. Messengers and supply wagons were sent west to the capital.



The city had been supplied but the garrison was not topped up to full strength. The Seljuk had disappeared from the region only to be replaced by a larger force from the Fatimid Caliphate.



This enemy was more prepared and brought a ram and ladders to take the city.
The garrison was divided one for the walls, one for the gate and one for the Town Square. The battle began on the walls has the enemy stormed up the ladders. The Knights held their ground and eventually turned back the enemy.



However the gates were smashed open and the enemy poured through. The garrison assigned tried to use the narrow opening to their advantage. The battle was fierce but the garrison had to eventually retreat.




The Caliphate poured into the city and for the Square to face the final defenders. Three regiments of enemy spearmen stormed the Square.



The fighting was pitch and Captain Helmut of the Damascus Garrison was killed in the battle.



There were no survivors.



Antioch 1204

The Grandmaster was furious at the news that a Templar City had fallen. He immediately headed east and picked up reinforcements from Aleppo where the new St John Minor Chapter House was build. They immediately headed south to Damascus.
The Grandmaster set up a quick siege army. He knew the city was in disrepair and the enemy garrison was not very large. He would quickly create an army of ladders and take the walls.



When the ladders were complete the order was given and the city was taken back. The enemy would not accept a ransom offer and the prisoners were disposed.



(Hit auto calculate by accident in the heat of the battle and continued on..)

The de Payn Family Tree



The latest royal member to come of age Princess Filipa daughter of the King of Jerusalem and niece to the Grandmaster will go forth and find a suitable suitor.



Other diplomatic news Princess Mayer made contact with the Republic of Milan and traded maps her charm is improving in diplomatic circles.

Other news from Europe



An available Sicilian Princess, possible another marriage? Relations are perfect with this faction and affecting our relations with other factions.

A St. John Minor Chapter House is built in Aleppo. This will improve the quality of troops needed for the Templar Knights.
Other information from the world of science



Overview and Finances for the start of the new century



The Order has been stellar in its relationship with the Pope and holds two seats in the College.



The Governor of Constantinople has felt the isolation of his post. Finances are slim and he has not been able to fully supply his army.



The other disturbing new was Hungary declared war on the Byzantine Empire and the great city is under threat. The relations with the Hungarians have been so-so and declining. War maybe inevitable with this faction

Gaza 1203

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The Duke of Damascus had formed a sizeable force and was preparing to head east into Caliphate territory towards Medina. A large Caliphate Army had gathered near Gaza and was a threat to supplies west to Cairo. The King of Jerusalem was in Cairo preparing a final push on Thebes. This enemy army needed to be removed. Even with the large garrison in Jerusalem public order was low.



The armies met on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Fatimid had the lower ground and the General moved his forces across for the higher ground covered by his artillery. The Knights took advantage of this manoeuvre and fired their artillery into the enemy force.



The St. John Order’s regiment of cavalry was sent in to neutralize the enemy catapults.



The armies were again aligned and now the King moved forward his crossbow and heavy infantry.



The cavalry attacked on the far right flank disrupting the javelin regiments. The Templar Spearmen also moved on the right flank.



The battle was almost in a dead lock has the Fatimid stood their ground under the heavy missile fire of the Knights.



The turning point came when the enemy General could not stomach anymore of the fighting and fled the battlefield.



The enemy retreated on a near by fleet that has been blocking the Port of Jerusalem.

The City of Edessa came under attack by a small Seljuk Army but was quickly beaten off.



The status of the Caliphate was updated and the situation in Medina. It was also reported that Mecca was now under their control.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Other news reports came from the English Court




The King of Jerusalem erected a memorial to his army in the Battle for Cairo that occurred several years earlier.



There was some indecision with Templar Command in the region. The City of Alexandria rebelled and was a tempting opportunity to capture. The Duke of Damascus left with his army to come west from Gaza. Unfortunately the Sicilian Allies had mustered a large army and were in the process of recapturing the city.

The King would head for Thebes and the Duke of Damascus would garrison Cairo because of the unrest and support the King’s rearguard.

Thebes 1206

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The King had made good progress to the Region. The Caliphate had formed an army to assist the garrison in the city. The Caliphate took the initiative and attacked the Templar Army.



The battle had started in the late afternoon and the armies were evenly matched. The Knights had a little more firepower in catapults but the Caliphate were moving quickly in the filed of battle.



The Caliphate General was making the most of his Light Cavalry and they caused some confusion along the King’s left flank.



The fighting in the centre was much more intense has the heavy foot infantry of the St John Order fought the Caliphate Spearmen. The crossbowmen tried to get their bolts into the melee but the armies massed that targets could not be identified.



The Caliphate reinforcements arrived and the enemy General Yaha the Lazy charged into the Templar weak left flank. They quickly silenced the ballista crew. The crossbowmen concentrated all their fire at the enemy general. The King had to intervene before all was lost.



Eventually the enemy General’s pulled back and fled the battlefield. The victory was hollow for the Knights. There were a lot of casualties and an attack on the city may not be possible. It could really be a Caliphate victory.



Just has the King regrouped another attack was initiated by the Caliphate. King d’Alvarez tried to make a tactical withdraw but it ended in a route.

Other events that occurred a Master Merchant Guild was created in Constantinople hopefully this will increase the income for the Order.

Scotland was excommunicated by Pope Lucius III but the Scots then declared war on the Danes and were reconciled. Other diplomatic news



The decade was closing that there had no new lands conquered. The victories were defensive in nature and a city was almost lost. It was time to regroup and reassess for the Templar Knights.

[Northnovas]

The Winds of Change

The financial situation for the Templar Order was precarious at best. There has been no assistance from other nations of the faith. The merchants have been slow building and the cost of the army upkeep has been rising.



Damascus 1210

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Further pressure on the finances occurred when the City of Damascuswas besieged. The Garrison Captain was ordered to sally forth.



The Seljuk force was a little smaller but contained experience troops. When the garrison moved out the enemy withdrew further from the city limits. Weary of a trap the Captain held back the missile regiments to remain on the walls and sallied 3 regiments with one in reserve.



The enemy abandoned their siege equipment for better ground. The equipment was quickly destroyed. The garrison marched steadily out in order not to tire them themselves.




The enemy situated themselves and dug in. They had a small javelin unit that was quickly neutralized. The garrison attacked the individual regiments rather then a full out assault. The Seljuk held their ground and did not support their regiments in combat.



The enemy regiments were mainly spearmen and the Templar Cavalry commander had to attack and retreat enemy spearmen fighting infantry units.



The battle wore on to through the day and the garrison was tiring there were still fresh regiments of enemy troops. The Garrison Captain committed the last regiment of spearmen. The Garrison Captain fell in the ensuing melee.



The Templar’s pressed on and the enemy Captain’s unit was the last unit to commit to the battle. The fighting was fierce but the Seljuk Captain was also cut down in the fighting. However, the Seljuk did not falter and continued to the very end.



The siege had been lifted and victory achieved for now.

News from the west raises concerns for the Grandmaster. It has been some time that a diplomat has been west. A diplomat was dispatched to report his findings.



The Siege of Thebes had commenced. The King of Jerusalem was ready to quash the Fatimid footing west of the Red Sea.

Other news advises of another capital falling and relations with the Byzantines are going well. There is also news of a Danish Princess coming of age. Both the Grandmaster’s sons are still bachelors.



More Orders are formed that are for teaching then fighting. They are promised protection in the Outremer by the Grandmaster to spread the Gospel and remove the Heretics roaming the land.



Thebes 1212

The King of Jerusalem was ready the spy was inside and could be of assistance. The enemy garrison was light and there was not much resistance expected.

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Success the gates were opened by the Templar agent!



The Fatimid had position their troops to defend the Square. There were a few small missile regiments that manned the walls.



The Templar surrounded the Square and brought the ballista crew in.



The enemy held their ground and were unfazed by the ballista shot. They struck out and a bloody melee ensued.



King d’Alvarez committed his Unit to finish off the enemy. Yahya the Lazy did not fight like his name and fought till the end taking many casualties with him.



The Castle was captured resistance was futile!

More news from the English Island and the times are a changing.



Edessa 1213

The Seljuk put more pressure on the Order by besieging Edessa. The Prince of Antioch was in the city rebuilding the Army of Antioch.

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The Prince sallied out under the cover of darkness. The sides were evenly matched.



The troops faced each other and only the light of the flaming arrows and ballista shot silhouetted the soldier’s formation.



The Prince rode out to remove the Seljuk Ballista crew. Success!



The enemy moved forward and like shadows quickly came out where they stopped short of the line. The Templar Crossbowmen fired continuously into the enemy formation they did not flinch remaining in formation.



The Prince moved up to the line from the enemy rear flank and both enemy regiments moved in after the Prince. The Templar line surged forward.



The siege was broken and it was a Heroic Victory for the Prince of Antioch

Disturbing news from the Intelligence Agency just when they thought the Fatimid Caliphate were removed from the west region of the Red Sea but another city was located deep down the African Frontier. The King mobilized a force to capture the City of Dongla.



Princess Brasia tried to seduce a Hungarian Nobleman but was rejected.

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To add further concern for the Outremer the Grandmaster hears of a new threat from the East and wonders if the fortification of the cities in the Outremer will be able to hold off this new army rumoured to be coming.



More news comes from the European Courts three rulers have passed on.



From the Diplomatic Corps, France and Scotland have been reconciled but France is now at war with Milan. More importantly the Seljuk Sultanate requested a ceasefire. The Grandmaster agreed so that he can concentrate on the Caliphate and prepare for this army from the East.



The Pope promotes a Templar Cardinal to the College.


The Navy of the Templar Order is in a sorry state. There have been some light guarded transport ships but their skill at fight Pirates has been dismal. The fleet blockaded in Jerusalem tried to break out but were defeated badly.



The trouble continues for the Russian Dynasty with another death of their new ruler. Also changes in Poland.



The decade closes and there was a request by the Council to eliminate the Crown Prince Hayaan of the Moors. The Crown Prince has travelled through the Outremer heading west from Gaza. His intentions were unknown since a state of war exists between the 2 but continued to move west without any aggression. The Grandmaster has no intentions of following up on the request made by the Council. His presences did stall the young de Payns in Cairo from striking out on Alexandria. The city has rebelled from their Sicilian rulers and is free for the taking. Also news that Mecca is under Rebel control.

[Northnovas]

They Arrived! The Outremer gets Crowded

1220 opens with some news from the Papacy another Templar Cardinal Jonas Engel has been promoted to the College. 3 seats are vacant and other diplomatic news the Orthodox Factions unite in a treaty. Two rulers lives end.




Dongla 1221

King d’Alvarez army was ready there was minimal siege equipment constructed.

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Success the veteran agent had opened the gates there would be no battle for the walls.



Aws al-Fatimiyyun offered little resistance for the main streets but prepared a defence for the Centre of the City.



The Fatimid was surrounded by all entrances and exits.



The melee ensued with the St. John heavy infantry leading the charge. The king held back his unit and watched the battle unfold.



The Fatimid Spearmen were starting to falter al-Fatimiyyun committed himself into the melee.



The Fatimid were quickly surrounded but fought hard. The Templar Knights were able to overcome and the general was knocked from his horse. The enemy did not weaken in resolve being leaderless.



King d’Alvarez saw the opportunity and committed his unit to finish off the enemy. Victory was in hand.




The settlement was captured and strict measures were ordered by the King. Resistance was futile. A small amount of florins were added to the treasury.

From east of Baghdad news comes from the merchants on the Silk Road. This mysterious faction is now at the borders of the Outremer. No city has fallen but there is panic amongst the populace making it a dangerous place at best now.
The Grandmaster does not feel he is ready if no peace can be obtained with this menacing faction called the Mongols. There tactics are different then what the Order has been used too. Agents will be sent to find out more.

Alexandria 1222

Young Heinrich de Payns organized his army on the ancient city. His catapults were inadequate to breach the walls. He falls back.



The diplomat in Western Europe reports what happened when he arrived at the French Capital. The Grandmaster is still hoping of the possibility of an alliance with France. However his relations with England are much better.



The clergy is working hard spreading the Gospel and dispelling heretic talk.



On a positive note King d’Alvarez daughter Brasia marries a Venetian noble who joins the ranks of the Templar Order. The young noble makes east for the Outremer. Relations turn to poor with the Venetians.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Alexandria 1224

The Duke of Damascus commenced his second assault on the great city. This time better prepared.

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The catapults were reequipped with heavier ammo to breach the walls. They attacked the western gate which was not has reinforced has the southern gate from the first attack.




Success the wall is breached and the attackers storm through. The enemy tried to block the flow of attackers. The bottle neck was making it difficult to get into the city. The enemy had plenty of missile regiments for support.



The breached could not be stopped the Templar Knights were making a footing and allowed the cavalry regiments to squeeze through and charge for the city via the southern wall.



The enemy had plenty of light cavalry in the Town Square. A melee of men and horse filled the square.



The Rebel general fell early in the battle however this did not change the heart of the enemy and they fought with more determination.



The Duke now made his charge and stormed for the Town Square. The rest of his cavalry units were badly depleted.



The Square was a scene of chaos men on both sides falling. The Duke engaged into the centre of the storm. It was unknown what way the battle would swing. The Rebels were not going to surrender.



Finally the Square was captured but a Regiment of Rebel Archers away from the Square engagement escaped.



The King of Jerusalem was pleased with the capture of the city and the Western Region was secure except for a Rebel Army on the road to Gaza. The city was sacked this allowed for the upgrading of the Capital Tortosa to another level of fortress.

Other news the King’s oldest son comes of age.



The Rebel Army in the west region.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

More news of death from the Royal Courts and another Princess there are several eligible bachelors in the Order.




Crusade 1226

The Pope has called for a Crusade on Zagreb, a city under Venetian control. The Dodge has been excommunicated.



A dilemma has occurred for the Grandmaster under the mandate of the Order of the Templar Knights all Crusades will be joined. However, his newest commander nephew in law de Palma wants to go and seek vengeance against his family for their lost ways. He is close to the city but has no troops. He conducted a massive recruitment of mercenaries but not enough for a Crusading Army.
The Duke of Constantinople demands to go on another Crusade but has so much unrest that he cannot leave the city without it revolting from his control. This is certainly a problem for the Grandmaster.

The ex Duke of Vienna de Parma assisted the Byzantine allies to remove a Rebel Force from their lands.



The Byzantines were grateful for the assistance and report that they have lost their Emperor and a Princess is available for marriage.



The Crusade grows but no Order of theTemplar Knights yet!



The young d’Alvarez is granted a new title Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier. The King’s youngest son comes of age.



Further obituary reading



As the decade comes to an end another clergy of the Templar Knights is promoted to the college.



The latest intelligence reports on Medina. Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier is gathering a large force to capture Medina and then to finish off the Fatimid Caliphate.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

They have arrived!

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The Golden Horde but no cities have been attacked. Baghdad is still under Seljuk rule.

Overview



A progressive pace to claim the Outremer but what will these Mongols do to the Order of the Templar Knights and their land holdings??

[Northnovas]

1230 Family Tree

[Northnovas]

No Peace in the Outremer

The St. John Order builds a Chapter House in the Capital Tortosa. The Templar Knights will need all the high quality troops they can obtain from all the corners of the Outremer.

The Mongols are spotted and the first army is investigated so many horse riders.


The Thebes Region is secured and the ecomomy starts to pick up.



Though rioting continues in Cairo and the Master Theologians Guild is damaged again with other religious buildings. The Crusade grows Crown of Aragon joins it’s Catholic Brethren

The Order looses a faithful servant in the Damascus Region. Some say the news of the tide of the threatening Horde caused his heart to stop. There is panic in the city.



The Grandmaster receives the Diplomatic News of 1233 but nothing on the Mongol Faction



Besides war death affects the Royal Courts of Europe.



Pope Lucius III is getting old and feeels the current religious Orders are not following the true word and begins his Papal Inquistion.



The Younger d’Alvarez comes of age and removes the Rebel Army from the Gaza Region.



The Council makes a new request after the failure to remove the Crown Prince of the Moors a new target is identified the leader of the Horde Khanzada Jebe the Tyrant.

1234 Damascus is under siege by the Mongol Horde the panic of the populace is now in frenzy. Many people had fled hearing of the incoming army. Two regiments of Crossbowmen arrived from Jerusalem. Will it be enough?

The Order is now at war with the Mongols.



Hungary joins the Crusade and relations between the Order and the Hungarians improve possible strengthening their relations. Diplomats and Princess are in Hungarian lands to negotiate.

Fearing for his land the King of Jerusalem decides to leaves Cairo and heads back to the Holy City. His son Phillip is granted the title Duke of Cairo.



1234 Siege of Damascus.

Garrison Captain Jobst was the senior Army Officer and in command of the city defenses what he was about to face was something no European soldier had experienced.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The enemy reached the wall with their ladder there were only the Missile Regiments on the walls. The rest of the units were bracing for the breach at the gates.



The enemy was repelled from the walls the Crossbow Regiments proved their worth but the gate could not hold to the assault of the battering ram. The fight for the city began.



The Knights fought valiantly and the Mongols were pinned in the tight quarters. The second army began to move for the open gates.





The Mongols were too many and they began their foothold on the main throughway. The two Army leaders clashed and both were killed by each others sword. The men on either side continued but the superior numbers of the Mongols overcame the garrison. The city was lost. The Valiant efforts of Captain Jobst will not be forgotten by the Grandmaster.





It was a close battle.
Prisoners executed and the city populace terminated. However, the Mongols did not try to pacify the town after their destruction they moved on and the city was under Rebel control.

The Crusade ends Pope Lucius III dies in Rome elections are called and the College of Cardinals convenes in Rome.

Cardinal Engles does some heavy politicking to get himself in position to succeed his Templar Brother has Pope.



His candidates do not stand well with the other Catholic Factions. Denmark is contacted and maps are gifted to them. Hungary is promised an alliance and will vote for the Templar candidate.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Jonas Engel age 27 is elected Pope Nicholas IV and the Grandmaster does not have to concern huimself with Papal relations for a long time.

An alliance is formalized with Hungary and the Byzantine Hungarian War ends. Other nations are reconciled.



Medina 1236

The Duke of Alexandria arrives at Medina to face the Rebel Army holding the city. A large force has been assembled because after Median was Mecca the last Caliphate city was next The Spy opened the gates and the siege equipment was not required. The city was captured with minimal casualties.



Mecca was next for the Grandmaster of the Hospitalier Order.



One concern was no leadership from the Fatimid Caliphate could be located. Where are they hiding? At at unknown city or at sea?

Report on the Horde not far from the capital



Pope Nicholas IV chooses an Order of the Knights Templar clergy to replace his Cardinal seat in the College.



Diplomatic news formal trade rights are agreed upon with the Kingdom of Leon-Castille Spanish. War breaks out between the Hungarians and Byzantines a side must be chosen. The Grandmaster elects to stay with the Byzantines; Constantinople is in a precarious situation. Even though this allaince breahces the Charter of the Order to have an alliance with an Orthodox Faction.
Princess Mayer has been doing an excellent job in her diplomatic work and in her old age her charm has increased.



The final diplomatic report to the Grandmaster and some relations have improved.

[Northnovas]

An Old Foe is Gone

The 1240 start with a new weapon intriguing the Grandmaster and orders the development of this weapon to be incorporated into the army. Edessa is the first production centre.



The Cardinal reports a new Cardinal to the College



A new family member Dimarus Herden son of Silvestro da Parma and Princess Brasia
The City of Antioch is besieged by the Mongols.

Damascus is recaptured and occupied from the Rebels. The Prince is severely wounded in the fight.





The Duke of Alexandria moves out of Medina and sets course to Mecca and the final blow. The large Caliphate Forces along the coast poses a threat but the duke gambles for the city.



The Battle of Medina 1240



The Duke arrived at the city walls and wasted no time in attacking the city. He was equipped with catapults and trebuchets and did not require to build rams and ladders.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The wall was breached and the Knights made a 2 prong attack for the Town Square. There was some resistance with the light cavalry garrison but the centre was reached.



The battle was fierce with many casualties on both sides.



The Caliphate Garrison Captain was stricken down in the battle.



The last 2 spear regiments remained to defend the St John Order infantry continue to push supported by the Templar Spearmen.






The city was captured and resistance was futile. The Fatimid Caliphate was no more.

Overview and Pope meter

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Things are going very well with the Order and the Papacy.

A financial report for 1240



War breaks out between the Seljuk and Republic of Novograd. The Grandmaster debates this issue he would like to finish his work against the Seljuk however that would be another alliance with an Orthodox Faction. There is jealously amongst the European Brothers and are suspicious and cautious to openly support the Templar Knights and the work in the Outremer.

Ansehelm d’Alvarez accepts another title Duke of Mecca. He will remain in the city to secure public order and law before heading north.

By 1242 the Order of the Templar Knights is the most advance faction.

The Grandmaster leaves the capital Tortosa to aid Antioch. Upon arrival the Mongol Armies retreated.



1243 Constantinople

Rioting engulfs the city and the noble Silvestro da Parma is killed trying to quell the rioters. The future of the city leadership is in jeopardy. The aging Duke final brings calm and stability to the city.

Civil Disobedience also occurs in the France on news that King Milobor was excommunicated. There is no chance of a Templar French Alliance.

Another male is born into the family to the Duke of Constantinople.

A marriage proposal is accepted. The aging Princess was married the Grandmaster needed generals to lead his armies. There was also news of an available Princess from the Aragonese Court. Both sons are still bachelors and concerns are raised by their father.




A state of war still exists with the Moors and news received that the Capital of Cordoba has fallen.

A couple birth announcements of 1246



The Grandmaster followed the last Mongol Army east to the Seljuk – Templar border and a watchtower was erected. The rest of the Army was located and appeared to be regrouping.



Albrecht the Unorthodox a known witch hunter failed a second time to clear the Heretic from the Constantinople Region.


Is his faith lacking???

A suitor approached the Grandmaster for the hand of Monica de Payns who was doing diplomat duty in Rome. The young noble appeared to be a strong character and accepted the marriage proposal. The Prince of Antioch was enraged that another obstacle could be in his way for succession. The Order was in need of strong leaders but there is discord among the successors.

There was another marriage proposal in the works with Princess Felipa niece of the Grandmaster. She has a particular Hungarian noble in mind.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The proposal backfired and the Princess remained in Hungary with the noble. It is a disgrace to the Grandmaster’s family.

Another Cardinal from the Order was promoted to the College. Things were going extremely well with the Papacy. There was a succession of French kings and King Michel successor to King Milobor remained excommunicated. France has a great distrust for the Tempalr Knights.



The Mongols appeared to have regrouped and were heading west again. The City of Edessa was being prepared for an attack and the new Duke in charge of the garrison.



The Grandmaster and the Prince of Antioch formed a defensive position at the bridge effectively blocking the most direct route west. The Order of the old guard is aging and it is time for succession to the younger members but are they ready?

[Northnovas]

Changing of the Guard – A Secret Meeting

The Region of Constantinople has become a hotbed of theology discussions. The elderly Duke has been able to keep the situation to a simmer. In response to the talk out there amongst the Orthodox Clergy and the Heretics there is round up of the Heretics and the leader Aaron is captured and put to trial. He had escaped 3 previous attempts because of sympathetic Orthodox leanings. He was not spared this time.



The talented Duke of Alexandria Ansehelm d’Alvarez has mobilized his Army in the far south now that the populace has calmed down. Heading north he removes Rebel Armies out of the way remnants of the Fatimid Caliphate.



The Diplomat Elrhart de Paive made contact with the Moors and offered a Ceasefire which was just accepted.

The Family Tree at 1251

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Financial Report



The inevitable has happened. Edmund the Chivalrous Duke of Constantinople passed away. Extra men were added to the Garrison and waiting arrival of the new noble from the Outremer. Can they hold the city?



The Mongols have reformed and are moving west past Edessa. The Bridge to Antioch was secured by the Prince of Antioch. The Horde took the northern route.



The forces in the south have mobilized on the East and West Banks of the Red Sea. From Thebes a large Army has been mobilized under the command of Captain Sigismund. He removed a large force from the Region and further stabilized the populace.



The Duke of Alexandria clears another Rebel force from the Mecca Region. Peace and security for the Region. He is severely wounded in the skirmish.



For his deed in Thebes Captain Sigismund was promoted into the Order by a special writ of the Grandmaster.



While there is peace with the Moors a bizarre request came in from the Crown Prince Affan the Fat to remove his father for a handsome price. The relations with the Byzantine Allies improved to Good. The other faithful Ally the Sicilians report their King passed away and there is a new House of Nobles forming.
King Fergus the Chivalrous of Scotland has been excommunicated.

A report from Spy Fritz Raspe on the City of Basra.



The Diplomat Herrman Weinmuth contacted the Seljuk Sultanate in Baghdad and agreed to a trade agreement between the two nations.

The Mongols had arrived at the North Region of Antioch seeing the bridge secured the headed south. The ford was also secured by the Duke of Damascus. The Mongols avoided any contacted and headed further south towards the capital Tortosa.



All Nobles of the Order and Armies were brought to the Tortosa Region. The King of Jerusalem even made a trip to the capital to meet with the Grandmaster.

Continued success with the South Armies by the Duke of Alexandria and Sigismund.



The Grandmaster and the King of Jerusalem meet in a Secret Council with representatives of the Papacy. Both men are aging and there time is short this Mongol Army is the most difficult enemy they have ever faced.
The Grandmaster had decided to end the de Payns family has the leaders of the Templar Knights. The succession will go to Ansehelm who will be the designated Heir. If the Grandmaster goes first the King will temporarily hold office till his son Ansehelm can reach the capital. Ansehelm has proven his worth with destruction of the Fatimid Caliphate. A man like him was needed for this new enemy. Friedrich and Heinrich will keep their titles but old no more power then a noble of the Order. This will be held in secrecy till the Grandmasters death.

By the middle of the decade the Order of the Templar Knights is the strongest faction. The City of Budapest has fallen and the relations with the French have improved to Reasonable.



A notice of passing of members in the Order



The Tortosa Region is in a panic the Horde is near the city. The Templar Knights have brought most of their Army and commanders to the capital. The strategy of goading the Mongols to battle at a bridge or river attack had not worked now they were in an open field.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Khanzada Bayan the Wrathful made the first move and struck at the army north of the city the Duke of Damascus Army of the Interior. The Grandmaster was able to utilize his forces has reinforcements. (Editor’s note to get more men on the field I let the AI control the reinforcements, big mistake!)



The Mongols would be sandwiched by the Templar Knights



The terrain was rocky and steep. The Mongols were scattered and their Horse Archers easily covered the ground. The Duke of Damascus took the high ground and hoped his crossbowmen could inflict damage on the enemy.



The Duke was able to hold his own and a few of his men engaged some of the enemy preventing them from using their arrows. However, the action was fast and furious waiting for the Grandmaster’s Armies to get in place.



The battle raged on the steep hills and the Knights were beginning to tire chasing the horsemen. The Grandmaster’s Army was pulling from the filed and the Duke did not know what had happened.



By late afternoon the battle was over.



The Templar Knights had not faced such a defeat in their history this was a dark day and the news was even grimmer when it was found that the Grandmaster had been captured and not ransomed.

There was now a new Grandmaster in the Order of the Templar Knights.



The Pope sends his condolences and has called a Crusade to Riga against the Polish Faction. Riga had just been conquered by the Poles from the Novograd Republic.

The end of another decade

Overview



Financial



Faction Announcements



1260 Family Tree

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I have fought the Mongols before but never have the difficulty I am right now. I can’t even get screenshots in because so much is happening. They are sticking together making open field battles impossible.

[Northnovas]

The Winds of Change

The year opened with some diplomatic news from Europe in relation to the Crusade to Riga. More nations were joining and Poland was facing more enemies.



The Grandmaster Jen d’Alvarez, King of Jerusalem, vanquisher of the Fatimid Caliphate was now facing the Order’s greatest enemy for the first time. His army outnumbered the Mongol Army and was the most experienced general of the Templar Knights. He gathered his force south of the Port of Antioch and set up for the attack.



The battle was over before it started the Mongols speed and tenacity quickly overcame the old King and his army was in tatters



The King could no longer stay on the battlefield and ordered the retreat of his army. It was everyman for himself. The Mongols executed the prisoners.



Another great defeat to the Templar Knights it was the third crushing military defeat there was no way to beat this Mongol Army. The King died that night traveling back to the haven of the capital Tortosa.

A new Grandmaster of the Templar Knights Ansehelm d’Alvarez, Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitalier, Duke of Alexandria and soon to be Crowned King of Jerusalem following his father. The Crown of Jerusalem was to be in possession of the Grandmaster of the Templar Knights. Other titles would soon follow.



By 1263 the Crusade is still growing with Holy Roman Empire joining. No longer able to contain himself Heinrich Duke of Damascus recruits men and joins the Crusade. The loss of his father and the fighting in the Outremer where he has failed to establish himself seeks the Crusade has a means to correct the errors in his way for surly the trouble that has fallen upon the family and the Order are his fault.
The Templar Knights are regarded has the Strongest Faction despite their military setbacks.

The Grandmaster receives his Crown in the Holy City.



A new Duke of Medina young Sigismund riding up from the south with the Grandmaster and their armies is given the title.



The City of Antioch is besieged and the garrison commanded by Captain Otto secures the walls but is facing 3 Mongol Armies. The Prince of Antioch was not able to bring his reinforcements to the city.

The Prince engages the Mongols north of the city.



The Prince is no field commander and is soundly beaten back. The City of Antioch is still under siege.



The Mongols make a daring knight attack on the city.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Mongols sneak up on the walls with ladders but the alarm is quickly sounded



The siege towers are put in motion and the best infantry are guarding the walls. Every available archer is firing upon the enemy who only rain more arrows back in return.



The Knights are having success on the walls beating back both attacks. However they could not inflict any damage on the battering ram.



The gates are finally breached and the enemy pours in to the city. There is little resistance has the knights left their reserves in the Town Square for the final melee.




The two sides engage and a Khan is lost in the battle. However, the supporting Mongol Armies rush for the open gates and there is no stopping them.




There are too many of them and the city falls to the Great Horde. It is a defeat but they did loose a Khan in the battle. Another Garrison Captain of the Order defending against great odds to the last man

The Mongols now have a base in the Outremer.



The Mongols have secured a base and moved on the Capital Tortosa now under siege. The Cardinal Goodwine the Unorthodox dies in the panic filling the city. News reaches the Garrison that the relief armies from the south have arrived and the Grandmaster was in the area.

Celebrity News from the year 1263

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The time had come for the Grandmaster to meet his sworn enemy. The Templar Knights situated themselves on the river ford south of Antioch. The new weapon from Edessa had been manufactured but not delivered to the army. He would have to make do without them. The Mongols were the first to strike from the City of Antioch.



The Grandmaster could not have situated his army in a better location. The Khan in his overconfidence attacked immediately crossing the ford.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In fact the Khan was so overconfident he led the charge across and was the first to feel the sting from the crossbows bolts and spear tips of the infantry.



The rest of his army followed and were quickly across the water. When the last of the enemy reached the shore the Knights countered with a heavy cavalry charge of 3 regiments. The Mongols did not see them coming.



The battle was fierce but the Knights were able to keep the edge and prevent the Mongols from utilizing their archer capabilities.



The Khan fell in the scrum but the resolve of the Mongols did not change and they were pressed further back.



The Grandmaster ordered the charge of his personal unit and that was the push needed. The Mongols began to fall back and units started to route.



The Templar Knights pushed through savoring the victory and chased the fleeing soldiers down. Final a Heroic Victory the Order can rally around. There was a fine ransom to be paid for the prisoners. The offer of 4000 florins was declined and the prisoners were executed.

The Grandmaster had just rallied his army and resting them when the Mongols struck out again in the same circumstances. Though this time led by a foolish Captain



Another Heroic Victory the prisoners were ransomed for 1500 florins and the Mongols accepted the offer. The Grandmaster felt there was no Khan in charge of the army they were given a chance to live.



Two consecutive and decisive victories is what the Knights needed to regain their confidence.

The Grandmaster has proven himself again first with the Caliphate and now the Mongols. He only prayed that other men of the Order could be inspired to fight and defeat the Mongols.

The City of Tortosa was still under siege and the Duke of Medina had arrived to help lift the siege. The Mongol Khan Bayan the Wrathful attacked just has the reinforcements were reaching the Region.



The Garrison secured themselves behind the great walls of the fortress and would wait till the reinforcements arrived.
The Mongols moved in the battering ram but the rest of the army was back some distance and were engaging the reinforcing army of the Duke.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Duke quickly took advantage of the situation and had almost snuck up on the besieging army. The Mongol force was split between attacking the walls and defending themselves.



The catapults of the Knights quickly destroyed the siege equipment and the Khan was caught in the fight and put to the sword. Three Khans have fallen in the past 2 years.



The first gate was breached and the Mongols moved in with ladders. The command was given and the 2 cavalry regiments of the Garrison charged out finishing of the enemy with ladders and the battering ram crew. They quickly got out to the open field and assisted the Duke in finishing off the rest of the Mongol Army.



Another victory for the Templar Knights the small amount of prisoners was executed.

The news from the Crusaders they had reached Constantinople and were recruiting more men. The Crown of Aragon had joined the Crusade and almost ever nation in Europe was at war with Poland.



There had been victories for the Templar Knights but one key battle was still to take place at the Iron Bridge in the Antioch Region. The Prince of Antioch a shell of his former self was in charge of the Army of Antioch. He had just received the new weapons produced in Edessa. His job was to secure the bridge area and prevent the Mongols from breaking out north. The Grandmaster has fallen back to Aleppo to supply his army and recruit men before returning to the Antioch Region. The Mongols had made the first move.

1267 Iron Bridge



The Prince had set up his forces in a defensive manner and his bombard crews were given a nice hill for elevation. The Mongols had several trebuchets and began firing fireballs across the river. The Prince returned the fire with his new weapon.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The two exchanged fire but no one made a move for the bridge the Mongols could just reach the opposite side with their missiles. The Prince moved his Muslim Archer Regiments up because their long range and to return fire upon the enemy. It was the beginning of the end. The Templar Archers could not keep up the return fire pace and were getting decimated before ordered to retreat back out of range.



The Mongols made there move and crossed the bridge.



It was over before it started the Prince tried to coordinate a pincer movement on the enemy they were too fast and secured a foothold. From there they easily moved off from the bridge. The Spearmen Regiments put up little resistance and easily routed. There was a counter charge of heavy cavalry but it was not enough. The Bombard Crews were quickly silenced and Prince had no more counter moves.

The Grandmaster was disappointed in the news and just when he thought he was seeing a break in the enemy they quickly closed the gap. The City of Antioch revolted and the Mongols seemed to have rallied and be on the move again. They were receiving more reinforcements from the Far East and returning to travelling in concentrated packs. There was only a small opportunity left for the Templar Knights to strike. The Mongols were much weaker when they were not supporting each other.

[Northnovas]

A Prince to a Pauper

The City of Antioch is under Rebel control and some Mongol Armies are still in the region. The Duke of Medina was assigned to recapture the city. While preparing for the attack he was confronted with a Mongol Army led by Captain Nayuk.



The Duke did not want to commit any troops to a costly battle. Artillery and Archers were used. It was an average defeat but the casualties were minimal.



There is disturbing news from the west with the English. The English King had died and no successor they are in a bitter war with the French and the Scots.

The Mongols have organized and appear to be on the move they have passed the City of Aleppo and made no effort to battle with the Grandmaster who was in the city.



The Crusading Army traveling through the Sofia Region encounters some Rebels for it’s first engagement.



Disturbing news from the Antioch Region the Prince of Antioch rebels and renounces all allegiances to the Grandmaster and the Order of the Templar Knights. His army is reduced with only a handful of men remaining with him.



The Duke of Medina was thinking of capturing the Prince but the City of Antioch was the bigger prize.



Riga 1273 news reaches the Crusading Army and the Duke of Damascus the crusade was a success and the city has been captured.



Other diplomatic news the Podesta di Milan was dead and Milan was at war with the Holy Roman Empire. The Venetians have been excommunicated.

The traitor Friedrich still maintained the title Prince of Antioch launches an attack against the Duke of Medina.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Duke is outnumbered but concentrates his force against the traitor hoping to capture him before the rest of the Army arrives from Antioch.



The traitor Prince was able to hold of the attack till the reinforcements arrived and the tide turned against the Knights.



With the arrival of the reinforcements Duke of Medina was overcome and lost his life in the battle.

Available in your local monastery best seller of 1274

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Faction Announcements



The Holy Roman Empire and the Republic of Milan agree to a ceasefire

After the battle at Antioch the traitor Prince heads north to the infamous bridge were he was soundly defeated years prior by the Mongols. On hearing of his movement the Grandmaster puts a bounty on his head dead or alive. A young Captain Bernhard with reinforcements cuts of the pass at the bridge.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Both sides face off at the bridge and utilizing their archers exchange fire. The Captain has a catapult to put to use.






Flaming arrows rain back and forth the Captain then orders a regiment of spearmen across to push back the archers.



There is some resistance from the rebels but the Knights prevailed and push the men back.



The traitor Prince engages the Knights and is able to route the unit however another unit has crossed and the Captain commits his unit. The Prince waits.



The two leaders engage at the bridge.



The traitor sees that his army is starting to route and flees like the coward he is from the field.

The Grandmaster is pleased with the news but disappointed that the traitor is still at large. However, he should pose no threat at the moment. By special decree Captain Bernhard is promoted and is the Man of the Hour and will be entitled to titles of the Order.



The Duke of Edessa has moved out the city with troops and removed a Rebel Army from the Region. He continued south to reinforce current armies.



There is a Russian Princess available for marriage however the Grandmaster is not looking for an Orthodox Alliance and seeing no other royalty available will have to marry a local noble lady.
The Mongols marching south past Damascus it would appear the Holy City could be there objective.

Jona de Cana of Templar Knights is promoted to the Sacred College. The total is six seats.

The English Capital London has fallen!



The Grandmaster moved out of Aleppo and besieged the City of Antioch.



The city was assaulted and retaken the traitor Prince was searched for in the city. There were many sympathizers to Friedrich and his personal wealth hidden within the city was confiscated and added to the Treasury. (21,000 florins)

The Cardinal Dietrich Merowinger passed away along with news the Moorish Sultan passed on. A ceasefire was announced between Venice and Hungary. Further faction announcements



The merchant Bernhard Roht from Alexandria established trade deep in the African sub Sahara.



The most disturbing news from the British Isles.



The latest Intelligence on the Mongols confirms the objective is Jerusalem. The bridge was blocked and they continued to swing south then fight for the passage.

[Northnovas]

200 Years of Service

The Order of the Templar Knights is over 200 years old. Grandmaster Ansehelm is the Fourth Grandmaster of the Order. The wealth has been a gradual and many artefacts in their possession. The greatest threat against the Order has been the Mongol invasion. This has prevented the Order from expanding but they have been able to keep the Mongols had bay and have not lost any lands or cities to them. It has been a war of attrition.



The Templar Knights have kept perfect relations with the Papacy and have been slowly filling the Sacred College. There are 6 Cardinals in the College and the last 2 Popes have come from the Order the present Pope Nicholas IV is also a Templar Knight.



Besides the Papacy the only two strong allies have been the Sicilians through marriage and the Byzantines. The Orthodox alliance though forbiddden was out of necessity for survival in the early days of the Order. It was one less faction to defend against when the Seljuk Sultanate and the Fatimid Caliphate were the main enemies to content with from the beginnings. The Caliphate had been destroyed by the Knights and a ceasefire had been agreed upon with the Seljuk when the Mongols invaded. The Mongols have attacked no other faction but the Templar Knights.

The first Grandmaster was from the de Payns Family and once had connections back to France. Unfortunately that bond could not be re-established with the French Kings and their fighting with the Papacy. However, the de Payns family line was weakening and after the 2nd Grandmaster Theoderics a secret agreement was made and the power shifted from the de Payns to the d’Alvarez. Grandmaster Ansehelm is the second generation of that family and is currently looking for a wife. A political marriage was being explored but there have been no catholic Princesses from Europe.



By 1281 the military expansion had been nil. The Pope ordered the Knights to spread the word through the men of the cloth and identified Adana Region for an increase in the Gospel. Financial incentives were given and another Father Henry Guiskard was promoted to the College. There was also a movement to round up the Heretics in the Constantinople Region to quell unrest.



Things were also beginning to heat up again. In Europe France had declared war on Sicily and the Mongols had made there move in the Jerusalem Region and besieged the Holy City.

[Northnovas]

The Holy Land Defended

There were a series of battles that took place in the Jerusalem Region 1282-1289

The Grandmaster had arrived in the region and was assessing the enemy armies when he discovered many of the Mongol Commanders were not travelling with the armies. He made a calculated move near the Port of Jerusalem to attack and separate the commanders from their armies.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The enemy was difficult to locate amongst the mountains.



The infantry were reserved and all cavalry units were ordered to engage the enemy including the Grandmaster’s own Bodyguards.



The enemy was engaged and a fierce melee ensued.



However, it wasn’t long before some enemy reinforcements arrived. The Knights had the numbers but the Mongols had the superior troops.



The Khan backed off when he realized he could not save the other unit. The terrain worked against him and he was cornered into a high wall. The catapult and crossbowmen went to work.



After some time and losing men the Khan charged out from his position and engaged the infantry of heavy knights and spearmen.



It was a victory the Khan and the Regimental captain were killed in battle. It a small but it was a win and that is what the Knights needed to build on to protect the Holy City.

The Mongols had backed away and lifted their siege of Jerusalem. They withdrew southeast. Except one army that went for the bridge protected by the Knights.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The armies had barely made it on to the field when the whole front line was met with the first assault of Horse Archers and Infantry.



The Mongols had plenty of artillery in trebuchets and a new weapon called rockets. The order was given and a cavalry charge was ordered to remove the Rocket Crews.



The right flank was also given orders and a cavalry charge held off the enemies initial volleys of missiles. The rockets were silenced and the right flank protected.

The Knights catapult was taken out early by enemy fireballs. The Bombard Crew was the only artillery support and with so many targets they were not has effective has they could have been. The front line was holding but the heavy infantry was tiring and with minor success had the start the enemy just seemed to have a deeper reserve of troops.



General Otterbach committed to the fight but fell half way through the battle. The men continued to fight killing the enemy Captain but there were not enough troops to stop the enemy charge.



The enemy troops were executed.

The fighting was getting worse and by 1284 the city was protected but the Mongols were in control of the southern half of the region.

Captain Rudolf a cavalry man who was the Grandmasters reserve and support army saw a break in the Mongols defences and attacked Khan Abaqha who was alone.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This was a full cavalry engagement and the Khan was located outnumbered but yet superior in fighting ability the Captain did what he could to ensure a victory.



Another Khan dead and there appeared to be no replacements forth coming for the enemy commanders. The Captain was promoted and made a member of the Order for his heroics.

By the end of 1284 the Mongol Captain Chagduk remained in the bridge location from the previous battle. The Grandmaster arrived in the area and was seeking revenge for the death of the young noble Otterbach.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Mongols put up little resistance and it was an easy victory. The Grandmaster had his vengeance and released the prisoners.



The Mongol Captain Chagduk cut from the main force retreated north and his tattered army was harassed by villagers and Garrison Captains all the way north to the Damascus Region.

By the following here the Mongols had withdrew from the Jerusalem Region and headed north for Damascus. Again a Khan was in the lead of the army and confronted by the Garrison Captain. Damascus was the supply and reserve centre for the Grandmaster’s Army.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The engagement took place on the Damascus road and the Khan was quickly surrounded by spearmen and a regiment of heavy cavalry. It was another victory and another enemy general down.



The charge on Damascus by the Mongols was stalled after this engagement.

The Grandmaster continued to peck away at the Horde and found a strong army led by a Captain away from the main force.



It was a quick and morale building victory for the Knights.



The prisoners were ransomed but it was rejected by the Khan.

By 1287 the Mongols were stalled and regrouping the Templar Knights were the strongest faction.

P 1287 mongols

Captain Rudolf now the Duke of Gaza was supplied and moved east and to the south of the Mongol Army. The Grandmaster remained at the bridge protecting Jerusalem.

The Mongols made an advance move that caught the Duke of Gaza off guard and in unfamiliar terrain.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Both armies were well equipped and the Duke took a defensive stand.



Again the cavalry played a significant part in the early battle keeping the Horse Archers at bay and away from the infantry. The lacking part for the Duke was only one Bombard Crew.




The Knights cavalry were engaged on the flanks and could not counter the charge of Mongols to hit the center.



Fortunately the center was manned by the Order of St. John’s and they appeared to be taking the brunt of the repeated Mongol charges.



However like the earlier battle of the decade the stamina of the Knights could not hold back the waves of enemy troops that seemed to have appeared from nowhere. The Knights had the larger army on the field.



Eventually the fatigue took its toll and the troops began to route under the pressure of hand to hand combat and the volley of arrows that rained down on them. The Bombard Crew fired till the metal was white and could fire no more. They were the last men left on the field.





That was the last significant engagement of the decade and the situation appeared to be in a stalemate. There were less enemy commanders and no reinforcements on the horizon but the Knights could not get the decisive battle for the knock out punch.

[Northnovas]

The Other News

The Grandmaster married a woman whose family was of noble standing in the Order. After the marriage the Heinrich the still designated Heir married a Danish Princess. The Grandmaster was upset that the Princess could not be found for him.

Some other family news of 1284



The most significant news to the Court other then the military news was the death of Pope Nicholas IV. Elections were held and another Templar Knight stood for election.



No diplomacy was needed to elect Pope Pius II

Diplomacy was needed to with the Danish and the Kievan Rus to secure maps of their lands.

The former lands of the Caliphate are on opposite ends. The Region of Mecca is secure and the city is growing producing merchants to exploit the resources.



However, in the West lands the Cities of Cairo and Alexandria are draining resources with their large garrisons to maintain public order.
There are strong heretic teachings converting Templar clergy. They are proving too difficult to capture and bring to trial.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Other important news for the family is the coming of age of 2 young men whose fathers were fine general of the Order.



The Pope is pleased with the success of the teachings in Adana and promotes another Knight to the College. Maximillian the Unorthodox replaces a French Cardinal.

A new Mission from Pope Pius II



From the World of Science

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Relations with the Byzantine have been good politically but economically they have been beating Templar merchants off the trading routes causing some tension. Things are abysmal with Poland where a state of war still exist and with the Crown of Aragon reasonable.

End of decade summary

[Northnovas]

Men of the Order of the Templar Knights (not the Order of the Illuminate)

Grandmaster (President)


Duke of Damascus (Vice President)


Duke of Cairo (Secretary)


Duke of Constantinople (Treasurer)


Duke of Edessa


Duke of Gaza (Sgt of Arms)


Duke of Thebes