Kingdom of Aragon

[LadyAnn]

Since I can't play in the Mongol thread I start the Kingdom of Aragon Campaign. Anyone interested? It will be Early, Expert Mode.

The Kingdom's Official Historian is busy writing... Will post something tomorrow.

Annie

[Demon of Light]

You know what the irony is? I was going to ask you to start off a Russian game after the Almohad games finished.

[Demon of Light]

Slightly unorthadox do do so but can I call the third slot?

[KukriKhan]

Quote[/b] (LadyAnn @ Aug. 07 2003,16:45)]Since I can't play in the Mongol thread I start the Kingdom of Aragon Campaign. Anyone interested? It will be Early, Expert Mode.

The Kingdom's Official Historian is busy writing... Will post something tomorrow.

Annie

Interested here. Aragon's in a seemingly impossible situation - but salvageable, I think. I'm 'in' wherever you deem appropriate.

t6001@cox.net

[Monk]

having played many campaings as the Aragonese (and taking them to 60% victory on one occasion), i'm in

monk643@yahoo.com

[sprucemoose]

Im in

redbarony88@hotmail.com

[The_Emperor]

Put me down... ralphwolf@clara.co.uk

[Drucius]

I've just finished an 'expert' campaign as the Aragonese, so I'd like to have a turn if I may.

[Drucius]

Actually, which version is this? V.I. or one of the previous patches?

[LadyAnn]

This will be on VI v2.0 (VI out of the box).

I started the campaign yesterday and progress with 4 years. I am writing stories related to the campaign, so it is a bit slow. Will publish it tonight.

Annie

[Kristaps]

Sign me in too: kristaps@caia.org.

Cheers

[GoldenKnightX2]

If it's for VI then I will not be able to play.

[Monk]

hmmmm, i figured by now somebody would have started a Viking PBM game. oh well, maybe that will be in the near future. One can only hope

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Monk @ Aug. 08 2003,21:20)]hmmmm, i figured by now somebody would have started a Viking PBM game. oh well, maybe that will be in the near future. One can only hope

Good idea... I'll start one off soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

[Monk]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Aug. 08 2003,16:31)]

Quote[/b] (Monk @ Aug. 08 2003,21:20)]hmmmm, i figured by now somebody would have started a Viking PBM game. oh well, maybe that will be in the near future. One can only hope

Good idea... I'll start one off soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

i am now happy

thx Emperor

IMHO A Viking Game would prove most interesting as we would be in constant war for the first few years

[LadyAnn]

KINGDOM OF ARAGON

All the following are fictions (based on some historical materials). In bold: numbers and names coming from the game itself. Troups number are multiplied by 10 (it is better to say: the King army numbered 2500 instead of the King army numbered 250, because the latter sounds more like a band of thiefs.

Read about the real History of Aragon here:
http://libro.uca.edu/chaytor/achistory.htm

KING SANCHO I (1061- )

1087
In 1087, King Sancho lead a small army of 2500 men in another campaign against Toulouse. In previous years, Sancho and his retainers fought a series of battle against the Duke of Toulouse, each time just win enough so that Aragon wouldn't have to pay tax to Toulouse, but not decisive enough to call Aragon independent.

There was a chain of events that prompted Sancho to settle the question of vassalage between Aragon and Toulouse. Aragon was considered the frontier land of Carolingean Empire, under the administration of the Duchy of Toulouse.

But there were turmoils brewing North of the Pyrenee. It was in last decade that the Normans defeated the Saxons in Britania. The Normans also looked to the East and see the Frank and the Holy Roman Empire as good place for expansion. Toulouse focus was somewhere else, the tax collection of Aragon, some 300 Florins a year may have to wait.

Then Sancho heard that his emissary was refused audience in Aquitaine, because the Duke of Aquitaine considered Auragon a vassal of Toulouse, which was even inferior to the Duchy of Aquitaine. Winning a decisive battle in Toulouse would give Sancho the stature he thought he deserved.

On the way from Aquitaine to Castille, the emissary stopped by Navarre and arranged a unification between the County of Navarre and the County of Aragon. The unification costs net to Aragon's coffer of 1300 Florins, but could bring 120 Florins at regular taxation rate, to pay for 3000 or so soldiers. Another 500 Florins would be necessary to build a fort and watch towers.

Sancho authorized such arrangement because Navarre's leadership was faltering, it primed to be acquired or conquered by Castille or Aquitaine. The County would also give Aragon access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Furthermore, Sancho wanted to re-affirm his alliance with the County of Castille, as they would together expand against the Almohad Caliphate, which was not seeing their best days.

The Battle of Toulouse 1087

The battle of Toulouse were a decisive battle, but quite insignificant. All 1700 men: 1000 spearmen regiment, 600 archers and a battery of balistas were captured or killed. The Aragonese only lost 90 men.

France agreed to pay 560 Florins for the life of the Duke of Toulouse, a certain Lord Soucy and the captured men.

Sancho got the kind of decisive battle he wanted, and proceed to occupy Toulouse for several years before setting his eyes elsewhere.

[LadyAnn]

1088

The unification of Navarre-Aragon was well underway. Sancho was a bit disappointed with the quality of troops in Navarre: a ragtag army of 1000 spearmen and 2000 peasant-class militia. His counsels reassured him such a deal was not bad. Although you could easily crush Navarre, they are quite rebelous in nature. Occupy it, you will have to keep a sizable force there. Meanwhile, Toulouse will be constructing fortification. Striking Toulouse early was a good move.

Sancho also was anxious to leave Toulouse. With such an easy victory in Toulouse, staying there until a fort was constructed there would seems to be an eternity. But Sancho agreed to stay in Toulouse for a year, until watch towers were constructed.

[Mount Suribachi]

Quote[/b] (Monk @ Aug. 08 2003,21:20)]hmmmm, i figured by now somebody would have started a Viking PBM game. oh well, maybe that will be in the near future. One can only hope

I did one for the Mercians in the EH not long after VI came out - I figured it would be fun to do one on a map that no-one had figured out every last little advantage.

Unfortunately my 1st heir (BigKingSanctaphrax) managed to get the Mercians wiped out

Of course that doesn't stop anyone else having a go

[LadyAnn]

Hey this is Aragon Claim your Viking game in separate topic please

Annie

[Drucius]

My email: ballarat@blueyonder.co.uk

[LadyAnn]

Folks, I was busy with MP (ClanWar) so I was not able to advance much beyond the 4th year. However, I plan to make some more progress soon. Will pass the torch when King Sancho dies or next Thursday, whichever comes first

Annie

[Alrowan]

count me in.. thats if aragon still holds

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Damn After Alro too late to register now, game will be over

Louis the Simurgh,

[Shahed]

Yea with all these large bands of thieves under Sancho, I expect the game will be over before Thursday.

Nice write up so far.

[LadyAnn]

THE QUESTION OF VALENCIA

1089-1091
King Sancho stayed in Toulouse for a year, just enough time to build anti-insurgence (watch towers) and bring in a reinforcement. Seeing Provence, a Holy Roman Empire province, was occupied by only 1000 spearmen and 1000 peasants, the King of Aragon claimed the province to be his.

It started out when the governor of Provence intercepted a shipment of fine cloths and gifts King Sancho sent to the king of HRE, preceeding Sancho's Princess journey to the Empire's capital. The governor didn't report the shipment, shared some of these with his men, while kept the rest for himself. When that news reached Toulouse, Sancho got the excuse he needed.

The HRE troops retreated.

Meanwhile, the Emissary reported back the acceptance of alliance between King Sancho of Aragon-Navarre, (he called himself Rei del las Espagnas, or King of Spains, although he barely was recognized as Count of Aragon) and the King of Spain (who called himself King of Castille, but the formal name would be the Count of Castille).

The Emissary proceeded into Valencia to meet with the legendary El Cid, known formally as Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, Count of Valencia for a possible unification between Aragon and Valencia.

In 1090, the news was back to Toulouse, where King Sancho established a headquarter away from Aragon, that El Cid demanded 3000 Florins to properly arrange the loyalty of his men, only ask an extra 100 Florins for his horses. A total of 800Jinettes and 1000peasants were El Cid loyalists.

The question became: would Sancho raise a mercenary army in Aragon and convince El Cid to merge Valencia with Aragon?

Valencia has income of about 600 Florins a year (at maximum taxation level), it is one of the richer land. Waiting more only means the Castille will try to grab it and Sancho doesn't want to be at war with Castille. Castille would be a buffer between Aragon and the fierce Almohads.

Paying the bribe to El Cid to gain a very capable general (5 stars) is considered a bit excessive, espcially the Crown of Aragon only had 2800 Florins in its coffer.

Or should Sancho attack Anjou, a Norman (English) province. It was reported that the Normans and the Franks are at war with each other. It would be a good time to have some land-grab.

It was an interesting question, because Sancho just had a heir: Prince Sancho just turned 16.

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Luis Del Bosque Santa Paloma asked for an audience to the King of Aragon, Navarra y de las Espanas, as an emissary sent by El Cid.

He arrived among much rejoicing, for the court was celebrating Prince Sancho 16th birthday. the coming of age of their prince seemed to be a perfect opportunity for Aragonese to indulge in their favorite occupation; more happy hunting, spanking and whiping in Aragon in that week than in the whole realm of England in a year (which is no small feat indeed ) .

It was no surprise therefore, that Luis eventually met King Sancho simply standing beside his throne.

Oh noble King, whose troops has been so far undefeated, and whose kingdom shalt know no bound, please hear the call of the noble people of Valencia,

We know that your troop and attention are divided between the fate of Valencia and our noble count, El Cid, and the war in the rainy North between the Frank and... the Frank (ven though they call themselves English).

We urge you to help us. We don't want to be part of Castille (puah) and we are convinced that only you would be able to help us against the heathen Almohades.

You have proved your might versus France and the Holy Roman Empire, it is now time to prepare to go to war against the infidels and to convert them. We are sure that the Pope would be most grateful.
And to provoke him by joining the war between fellow catholic taking place in the North would certainly be again Holy Church principles that we all value above all else.

The path is clear; give us some money, and we'll join your force to face the growing power of the Almohades dinasty.

Dismissed, Luis waited in Aragon mighty fortress for the King's answer...

[LadyAnn]

King of Castile-Leon and the Battle of Aragon Bridge

1092-1093

King Sancho kept the Emissary of Valencia waiting for two more years, recreating the scene of Mardi Gras every month. Emissary Luis came to Aragon in Febuary, and when Sancho heard the remark of flogging and indecencies, he thought the more Luis del Bosque believed that Sancho was mad, and the Kingdom was falling apart, the better. News certainly were filtered back to Castile and Valencia.

During the two years, Sancho moved back to Aragon and each year, he trained more spearmen. He also gathered his archers and put out words to Inns that he soon will raise a mercenary army.

1093, the battle over Aragon River

The Aragon River was the border between Aragon and Valencia. Sancho lead his army, of of which is mercenaries. Riding at the rear with King Sancho's 200 Body Guards are 400 Khwarazmian Horsemen. The center of his army was his 2000 Spearmen and 1200 hired Militia Sergeant and Urban Militia. The vanguard was his 1200 Archers and 600 hired Bulgarian Brigants.

El Cid met the invading force with his 1800 Jinettes and Peasants.

The spies must have been quite busy, as the King of Castile, now displaying the banners of both Castile and Leon, led his 6600 men to fight on the side of Aragon. Riding with the King of Castile-Leon was his only heir. The Castilian force had about 800 horses, Bodygards and Jinettes, some 2400 archers, and the rest Urban Militia and Javalin Men. It was not a strong force, and Sancho wouldn't mind if the Spanish King appeared on El Cid side and declare war with Aragon.

[Alrowan]

ooooh, i wanna hear the results, will spain side with thier christian brothers?

[Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe]

Quote[/b] (LadyAnn @ Aug. 14 2003,21:24)]The spies must have been quite busy, as the King of Castile, now displaying the banners of both Castile and Leon, led his 6600 men to fight on the side of Aragon. Riding with the King of Castile-Leon was his only heir. The Castilian force had about 800 horses, Bodygards and Jinettes, some 2400 archers, and the rest Urban Militia and Javalin Men. It was not a strong force, and Sancho wouldn't mind if the Spanish King appeared on El Cid side and declare war with Aragon.

We figured out it might be strong enough

Can the King sit on his horse? They have some wild parties up there....

Luis Del Bosque Santa Paloma

[LadyAnn]

I thought I posted the rest of the story, but looks like the notepad only save so much. So here is the rest of that chapter.

BATTLE OVER ARAGON RIVER

As recounted earlier, the King of Castile-Leon (also claimed to be the King of Spain) and the King of Aragon-Navarre (claimed to be the King of All Spains) met on the Left Bank of the aragon River, while El Cid, Duke of Valentia, was on the Right Bank, prepared to defend his Duchy.

Sancho, the King of Aragon-Navarre was not quite pleased with Fernando, the King of Castile-Leon for bringing a greater number of men, inflated the rank up by a thousand peasant conscripts, just to take advantage of the Rule.

Sancho sent forth his 600 Bulgarian archers, while Fernando lined up three regiments of urban militia (1800 men) a group of Jinettes (400 men) to cross the river. Fernando and his son lead the 400 Bodyguards and also cross the river.

Meanwhile, Sancho and the rest of Castilian force set up to watch each other.

El Cid and his Jinettes, despite being out numbered, put up a strong fight. Even his peasants fought almost to the end, only a few hundred ran off. It came down to El Cid against Fernando and a regiment of Castilian Javelin men were about to cross the bridge. El Cid was retreating, alone.

Sancho saw the moment had come, but decided to wait a bit more. And the news came: King Fernando is dead And the Aragonese shouted Long live the King, for their King was Sancho. And Sancho told the Castilian: Lay down your arm and surrender to Us, the rightful King of All Spains Your leader and his heir is slain, I am now your Ruler

A group of Castilian archers fired arrows at the Aragonese, but many ran for their lives or surrendered. El Cid was also chasing back the Castilian which was supposed to capture him. But Sancho sent forth his Khwarazmians and El Cid, exhausted, surrendered.

Sancho now earned the reputation of Skilled Attacker and shall always remembered as the Founder of Kingdom of Aragon.

After confiscated all lands from El Cid, Sancho set him and his men free. It was unfortunate that I couldn't afford the 3400 Florins you were asking. I would like to have you commanding one of my army, but it is too late now. Farewell, he told El Cid.


SEIGE OF CASTILE

The next year, Sancho proceeded to seige the Fort of Toledo, now flying rebel flag. The seige was ended a year after, in 1095.