1124
Milan is Strongest!
Next stop...crush Milan!
We're busy! Besides, France is already at war with them. Yeah, France is biting off more than it can chew again.
I have a SLIGHT situation....an army has come out of nowhere....and has 19 Units...
Wait...we're outnumbered? Domenico.
Sort of, 833 Men on the Enemy side, compared to 851 Men on ours. Domenico calls Alessandro into his tent for council...
Alessandro, come in come in. Domenico.
My lord. What is it? Alessandro says, worriedly.
No doubt you've heard rumors amongst the men.
Yes, that the Byzantines have brought a larger army to bear. Ridiculous of course...
Not so ridiculous, actually. It is true. Alessandro looks at him, surprised.
How is this possible? How many?
I don't know. Almost 850. Alessandro shakes his head.
Let me guess, they have more units to?
About the same actually, but the fact remains, we're even in strength. Alessandro stands straighter.
We'll crush them as we did the last army sire. Domenico smiles sadly.
I appreciate your conviction, Alessandro, but we got lucky. Now, the enemy is ready for us. But...there are advantages to this.
Sire?
Didn't I tell you? My scouts found Emporer Alexius.He's further north with a smallish army.If we wipe out this army, Constantinople will be open to our advance, and the Emporer will be powerless to stop us.
I thought Corinth was our next target?
It was, but this is to perfect to pass up. Rally the men, it's time for battle!
Enemy Army
Captain Michael, General
833 Men
2 Byzantine Spears, 35 and 75 Men
6 Town Militia, 58, 44, 60,60, 60, 60 Men
2 Trezbizond Archers, 60 Each
4 Spear Militia, 75, 75, 75, 34 Men
The Shadows Devour You.
You'll need to get your cavalry round the enemy back. Pin the enemy army in the front and then smash them from the rear. Simplicity itself, but also the best strategy available. If you can get rid of the Trezbizond archers before they fire that would be great too.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
I'll skip the prebattle record for my army...I think you guys get the point by now.
Battle of Byzantium Road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNcX4dFvcHs&feature=related
The battle takes place on a road leading up a hill. The road takes a sharp turn right, but the enemy army sits at the top of the hill, waiting...again. This time though, you can't blame me for the position.
True, there is no to neutralize their advantage this time, without going up the hill. Infantry, advance. Archers in front, first line behind them, second line behind them. Cavalry, follow me! Domenico
While the infantry moves into attack position, my cavarly moves to the right, and up the hill, towards the enemy army. This starts a flurry of activity as the enemy army moves around...for some reason. They reorganize, and my cavalry moves closer. But the enemy commander, smarter than the last guy, keeps a line of spears in motion with my horses, preventing them from charging.
Damn. Where's that infantry?
At that moment, my infantry moves into position. My archers fire, and then Byzantines advance forward. They try to flank my right flank, but an extra squad of spears from the second line stops them. A squad of archers opens fire on my men, but I charge them with a squad of my Militia, chasing them away. Before the battle gets going really, the enemy starts to break.
This is pathetic. These Byzantines have no will left.
Yeah, in short order half the army has broken and is fleeing the field, while my men chase them down. My cavalry, held at bay by a rank of spears, is able to get around them finally, and charges them, cutting them down. After that, it's a simple mop up...again.
Clear Victory!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzQPr2lutUg
70 Men lost, 786 Killed or captured.
Tacticians Notes:
This is what a huge difference a general can make. My general, even though he had 2 stars, had a massive advantage morale wise over the enemy troops. The end result is, in the last two battles the enemy breaks ranks LONG before they should. Most of my kills are after the enemy has already started to run. I took more than 400 men(I believe anyway) prisoner in this battle alone. If the Byzantines had a General like Alexis, well...
Oh, and the prisoners were executed.
That seems a little harsh. Alessandro
I don't have much choice. While we haven't lost many men, we can't replace them right now. To give them half their army back would be foolish. Domenico.
The Shadows Devour You.
That should have pretty much destroyed the Byzantines ability to fight back. You should take them out fairly easily now... just watch your flank! The Hungarians are liable to get interested as you just took one of their easier lines of expansion, and if they don't get involved, your fight with Milan is bound to draw the attention of a certain man in Germany...
EDIT: Also, watch out for the Turks. You'll have them to face immediately after you've knocked out the Byzantines. With them gone however, you should be able to get a break: quite a few rebels separate you from the Egyptians, and that should let you get a handle on any emerging European foes.
edited 4th Sep '10 1:55:01 PM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
I'm Only Sleeping
You whacked the Romans up. Epic.
Try to reinforce your army before heading for Constantinople.
INT is knowing a tomato is a fruit. WIS is knowing it doesn't belong in a fruit salad. CHA is convincing people that it does.
Never underestimate your enemy. A cornered rat can still bite the cat...
1126
Benasuto marries Gerita Sardini
Oh, and Alexius's army I mentioned earlier? Yeah, he picked up some cavalry...and is headed towards Constantinople. I can't let that happen, so...time for battle!
Battle of the Kings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT-qBvc3IxE&NR=1
Doge Domenico
2 stars, 773 Men
32 Bodyguards
21 Alessandro Bodyguards
4 Spear Militia, 75, 74, 66, 56 1 Valour
2 Mailed Knights 13, 15
1 Mounted Sergeants, 6 men
5 Sergeant Spearmen, 60, 53, 60, 71, 70
2 Peseant Archers, 34, 58(1 Valour) Men
Emporer Alexius
10 Stars! 473 Men
1 Skythikon, 40 Men
1 Byzantine Cavalry, 40 Men
1 Vardaristri, 40 Men
1 Byzantine Spearmen, 75 Men
2 Spear Militia, 75 Men
1 Town Militia, 75 Men
Pre Battle Analysis, and goals...
Ok, this is ridiculous. I can't afford a battle right now neccesarily, but I can't let Alexis reach Constantinople, it will mean a harder siege, and it's hard enough thanks! I need to kill Alexis and smash what's left of his army. And once again, the terrain is against me. Sure I have the high ground, overlooking the enemy army, but they have plenty of trees to hide behind...
Actually, half the army is invisible right now!
Where are they? Domenico.
Not all the army is invisible. The general is up the hill, in plain view.
Yeah, no doubt with his entire army ready to ambush us if we attack him. I don't think so. Domenico.
Two units of cavalry, his Byzantine Cavalry and his Skythikon are visible, down the hill from my position.
Hmmm....why would he put them out in plain view...he must expect me to move my army down to engage them, then flank with their hidden army. Not going to happen....Infantry, stay put! Wait for them to come to you! Cavalry...you know the drill!
What's left of the cavalry charges down the hill. At first, they charge the Cavalry, but then, when they start to withdraw, change targets to the Skythikons. Then, when they withdraw some...turn and charge the Byzantine Cavalry. Surrounded by three units of cavalry, they fall easily. Then, the enemy infantry charges down the hill at my cavalry, who retreats behind my spears up the hill. The infantry follows, but my army charges down the hill at them.
Advance! Kill them all! Domenico
In one charge, they slam into the infantry, while my archers...get killed? What the hell? Turns out, those Vardaristri? Yeah, they flanked my army...and are pegging my archers. I chase them off with some cavalry and some of my spears, who quickly catch and butcher them. Soon, my superior numbers overwhelm the enemy, who immediately retreats. Except for Alexius and his Skythikon's. My cavalry charges into them...
Alexius! I hope your ready to see Hell! Domenico
I was about to say the same to you! Die, tyrant! Alexius
The two forces slam into each other. A short but intense battle begins. Blood is spilled on both sides, and Alexius's men fight like demons.
It is a shame you are about to die Alexius...I could enjoy testing myself against you in the future. Domenico.
You are the one who will die! If not by my hand, then by the hand of the Empire! Alexius
Soon, the superior numbers of Domenico turn the tide. Alexius himself blocks a spear from a spearmen, but his knocked off his horse. Stunned, he looks up in time to see Domenico slash down hard at his head...
The battle after that doesn't last long. What few soldiers survive limp across the border or are captured and summarily executed.
After Battle Report...
Clear Victory!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lF2C2lPk6k
Men Lost: 179, most so far
Men Killed: 415, including the Emporer himself!
Doge gains a new retinue, Veteran Warrior, boosting his command by 1.
It wasn't hard to find one by this point. My entire army is veterans! Domenico.
There's something depressing about that. He also gains 2 dread from slaughtering the enemy soldiers...so he has 1 dread.
What's a medieval overlord have to do to be feared around here?
He also gains 1 more command, so he has 4 stars now!
With Alexius dead, the road to Constantinople is wide open!
Forward men! One more battle, then we can dine in golden halls! Alessandro
edited 4th Sep '10 8:40:55 PM by Nightmare
1128-Battle of Constantinople!
A Crusade is called on Jerusalem...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoLzx0mcho
Something I'll be trying to avoid for....ever if I have my way.
I recruit 3 units of mercs into my army to help with the attack on Constantinople. The stage is set. The fighters are in place. The time is now! The future of Europe rests on this one struggle....
Doge Domenico, leader of the Venetians, looks at the huge stone walls of the city. His siege engines, 9 ladders, are primitive, but against this enemy, they'll do. He turns his horse, and adresses his men.
Years ago, we left Venice to go on campaign. Then, Venice was little more than another state, of little importance. Now look at us! We've faced one of the most powerful empires this world has known! Once, the Byzantines were the wealthiest part of the Roman Empire, a massive empire stretching from Egypt clear to Italy. Now, look at them! Thessalonica has fallen! Their emporer is dead! Their army is in tatters! We stand outside their capital! And while they remain behind their walls, they are powerless to stop us! We will show them what courage, strength of arms, and a desire for greatness can really do! Go, take the city, and destroy all who stand in your way! Raise the flags! Draw your swords! And ride to victory! Emporer John, I have three words for you! Veni, Vidi, VICI!
Pre Battle Analysis
Doge Domenico: 4 Stars, 780 Men
Alessandro, 18 Men
4 Spear Militias, 1 Valour each, 61, 74, 50,53
2 Mailed Knights, 6, 13 Men(2 Valour)
1 Mounted Sergeants, 4 Men, 3 Valour
5 Sergeant Spearmen, 14, 45, 39, 71, 32 Men
2 Peseant Archers, 27, 58
2 Slav Mercenaries, 60 Men Each
1 Balkan Archers, 60 Men
Emporer John, 5 stars, 260 Men
4 Byzantine Infantry, 59 Men Each.
The Battle:
The men, charged by the chance for victory, prepare for assault. They charge the walls, guarded by 3 units of Infantry. The infantry quickly reach the walls, and raise their ladders, one on each section of wall, and begin the assault. The enemy infantry fight hard, and long, pushing hard on my men, and manage to inflict heavy casualties, but they fall, one by one. With the walls taken, my cavalry enters the city. Immediately, they charge for the town center.
Let's end this fast! Alessandro. The cavalry slams into the Byzantine infantry, and begins to cut them to pieces. But there's a cost. I forgot how few cavalry I actually have left, and I lose a unit or two of my cavalry. I pull them back, and advance my spears into the city square. It's a slog, but they slaughter the defenders quickly and effeciantly...
After Battle Assesment...
Clear Victory!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpw1JB9n7UU
Err...I forgot to write down the actual casualty report. Oh, and sorry this battle kind of got a short report...I might've...accidently auto resolved it. Ah well, live and learn I suppose.
Constantinople has fallen! Thousands of florins flood the treasury, and I immediately go on a building spree, not to mention retrain my entire army in Constantinople pretty much. I really want to get more cavalry, but there's no stable here! Dang it. Ah well. I'm amassing more troops in Ragosa for an assault on Corinth, plus that province on the island who's name escapes me right now...
Constantinople may be ours, but this war isn't over yet. The Byzantines still have resources available to them. We've still got a ways to go. Domenico.
I'm Only Sleeping
And so you have the Second Rome in your grasp.
Do the Romans (yes, I prefer to call them this) still have Nicaea?
^ Since you pretty much have Ragusa as your only castle and source of cavalry, you better prioritize getting them there.
However, a strength of Venice is the fact that its best troops eventually come from cities.
edited 4th Sep '10 10:23:16 PM by Kinkajou
INT is knowing a tomato is a fruit. WIS is knowing it doesn't belong in a fruit salad. CHA is convincing people that it does.
Yep, and Corinth...and the other one. Once that's done, I can build up my economy, upgrade my army, and prepare to face the Turks!
Assuming the Pope doesn't send me on Crusade first.
1130
Maria Selvo born
Continuing to build and expand my capabilities, as well as retraining pretty much my entire army.
1132
Gerardo of Age...
2 Command, 5 Loyalty, 4 Piety
Politcally and Strategically promising....it's a start anyway.
1134
Benaldo headed for Corinth, with a decent sized army. He'll pick up more men at Ragosa.
The 1st Pavise Crossbows trained in Constantinople. Finally, some good archers!
1136
Doge Domenico, the terror of the Byzantines, falls ill. As his condition worsens, he retreats to his room. He call Alessandro in one day. He looks deathly pale and thin. He sits at his desk, writing, even though it looks like it's a struggle to do so.
Sire?
Domenico looks at him, and waves him in close. His voice is weak, but still has power.
Alessandro...I don't have much time. The priest is on his way, and I want to get this done before I take my Last Rites.
Sire?
Yes...Alessandro...I'm not long in this world. I will die before the sun rises, I expect. No, don't start. I have few regrets in my life. I have seen my nation grow, and my people are grander than ever. But...I wonder now....was it worth it? I have only seen my daughter a dozen times since she was born. I haven't seen my wife in over a year. I can't help but think about what Theotokios said. He was right, you know.
The Byzantines could've threatened us down the road if we had done nothing...
Yes, and so could've the Milanese, the Holy Roman Empire, the Hungarians, the Sicilians, I could go on. No, we attacked the Byzantines because they were an easy target. No more, no less. It wasn't a war of defense, or religion, no matter what the Pope says. No, it was a war of conquest. Pure and simple. I've never thought otherwise but...to have it put so bluntly...it rattled me. But there is no time for regrets. This must end. And you must do it.
Doge! I...I've never lead an army before!
You fought by my side, did you not? You followed me from Durazzo, to Thessalonica, to the gates of Constantinople itself, correct?
...Yes sire, but I only ever followed your orders!
Perhaps Alessandro...but there is no one else. The Byzantine navy prevents us from sending for someone else. Your all we have. And I won't be able to help you. But I have faith you'll do fine. End this war, once and for all. Act with courage, conviction, and act decisevly. Now go...I have much to do tonight.
By the morning, Doge Domenico is dead. Messages are sent by ship and horseback to the four corners of the empire. The reaction in Venice is grief, while the reaction in Constantinople itself is almost celebration.
Cristiano is chosen to be the new Doge by the Council, by nearly unanimous decision. he was the handpicked succesor of Domenico after all.
Not all is grief however! Paladin Selvo is born! And yes, that is his real name. That kid is going to have issues, I can tell.
1138
Gerarndo Selvo marries...someone. I'll report the name later. Things get complicated...
A Sicilian diplomat enters the capital. The new Doge is talking with his council, when the diplomat pushes past them and up to Crisiano.
Can I help you?
I'll make this short. Sicily feels it can no longer stand by as you act so egregiously. Simply put, Sicily feels it's soveregnty is in danger by your actions, and so, has declared a policy of unrestricted and absolute WAR against you! Watch in horror as you fields are burned, your men slain, and your women taken! In short...SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS!
With that, he turns and leaves.
What just happened? Doge Cristiano
Sire, the Sicilians blockaded the port of Ragosa!
...What the heck did we do to them?
I'm Only Sleeping
Small nation feels threatened by your overwhelming influence in the Adriatic, as well as the gain of Constantinople.
INT is knowing a tomato is a fruit. WIS is knowing it doesn't belong in a fruit salad. CHA is convincing people that it does.
The Shadows Devour You.
This is your chance to prove your nations power is absolute. The Sicilians are isolated at the base of Italy. They are militarily powerful, but if you can slip past the navy, you can crush them on the field, seize their only city and leave them without a true source of income. Their navy will then soon fall to you simply by your being able to hire more ships. Even if the pope stops you from destroying Sicily, you will have proven that the Sicilians are too weak to challenge your empire. Now is the time to use the great wealth you have gained from your expedition into Greece to strike!
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
Doge Cristiano looks over a map of Europe, contemplating his next move.
Sicily has gotten to big for their boots. They must be dealt with. But we don't have the resources to completely wipe them out. That could lead to a protracted war, which could lead to tensions with Rome, plus bring in potential allies they might have. Simply going to war isn't going to solve our problem. But....
A smile crosses his face.
If...we had the right allies, we could isolate them. If Rome and France were our allies, they would find no help. Get a diplomat, tell him he's got work to do.
Finally using that Italian political machinations to good advantage.
Sorry about being so missing in the past weeks, but I've been at school, where I don't have access to the game. I'll have an update ready soon though.
Unfortunately, we don't have the money to build an army just yet. So....Nicae's my next target, while my other army marches towards Corinth(marching because I don't want to face the Byzantine fleet.
1138: Another negotiation takes place, this one with the Turks....
Good evening. A man in a turban stands in the Doge's Palace, head bowed to the polished marble floor. Doge Cristiano greets him.
Ah, you must Mujal, the Turkish Diplomat.
That is correct sire. And my liege, Sultan Mehmed I have no idea if that's the Turkish leader, forgot to write it down. Has a proposal that would be mutually beneficial, and result in much wealth for both our peoples. Cristiano nods.
I'm listening.
Full trade rights across our empire, giving you access to lands...you may not even have heard of.
I'm listening intently.
All we ask is that for the next six years, in two year intervals, you pay....50 florins for this right. After that, you may continue the use of the routes, naturally. This is simply a...security measure on our part.
After a moment of thought, Cristiano nods.
Acceptable. What we make will more than make up for what we pay. The man bows, and leaves the hall.
Make some money...then take what we want. I can live with this.
1140-Allessandro leaves Constantinople, which is in disorder now, but should be alright for the moment. He marches towards Nicea.
1142- A messengar bursts into the hall of the Doge...
SIRE! SIRE! WAR! The messenger, from the Moorish lands...keels over at that moment.
Someone should tell these guys that a runner is just a title....they are allowed to use a horse. Cristiano. A servant passes him the message....
So...the Moors have declared war on Sicily. It's been awhile since they've had a leader on the level of Robert the Weasel. These Sicilians have no idea what they're getting into.
We sink a Sicilian fleet, and slaughter the army on board. A good day's work.
1144-On the road to Nicea, Allessandro's army is stopped by a small cluster of armies. 4 armies to be exact. It's a risk, but if he can slaughter these armies, Nicea will fall easily. But taking on 4 armies is never easy...
Battle of Four Armies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJOwDYDAtsM
Allesandro Selvo- 0 Stars, 689 Men 21 Bodyguards 2 Pavise, 60 Men each 1 Balkan Archer, 60 Men 2 Slav Mercs, 60 Men each 2 Cavalry Militia, 40 Men each 3 Italian Militia, 75 Men each 1 Sergeant Spears, 57 Men
Prince Stefano, 2 Stars 143 Men 28 Bodyguards 1 Vardariota, 40 Men 1 Spear Militia, 75 Men
Captain Pelekanos, 0 stars 2 Town Militia, 61 and 60 Men respectively 1 Spear Militia
Evangelos Exotrochos 2 stars 21 Bodyguards 1 Spear Militia 1 Town Militia
Pre Battle Speech(More or less...) Men, fight and try not to get killed. Once the day is done, we'll drink to our continued good health! I'm sure we'll have tedious work later, counting the dead. These Byzantines have no honor, so keep an eye on your pouches, even in the middle of a battle!
Clearly, this guy shouldn't be in charge of a Moose Lodge...
The battle takes place on a hill overlooking a forest area. The weather is foggy and rainy, all in all miserable.
This is ridiculous...can this get any worse? Captain Norse, of the Slav mercs
ENEMY CAVALRY! Herald.
Me and my big mouth...
The enemy Vardariotai moves up, and my Pavise immediately pelt them with bolts. They lose 14 in 30 seconds. Then, them and the general charge...right into my crossbows.
Fall back! Fall back! Get back behind the spears you idiots! Captain Bardas
I charge my spears forward, and the general falls back...then charges my Slav spears. The cowardly mercs retreat...
We retreated because he killed half of us in less than a second! Captain Norse.
They're still cowards. They chase my crossbows off, while my cavalry tries to chase them down. Then Captain Pelekanos shows up behind my main line. I turn my army and charge them, and quickly butcher them, but not before half my generals bodyguards are killed. THEN, my militia cavalry get slaughtered by that idiot prince. I maneuver my men and get him rounded up. Give it up you fool! This is over! Alessandro.
NO! I will not let you win! I swear to God, by all that I hold dear, YOU WILL DIE! You have taken everything from us, and I will not let you take anymore! The battle is joined. The Byzantines, fresh and fighting for everything they have, fight like demons. My soldiers are tired, worn out, and ready to run. Half my armies already run from the field, and the other half isn't far behind. Then, something terrible happens...
YOU! Stefanos yells, and charges Allesandros. Tired, worn, and bloodied, he doesn't stand a chance. He wheels, and raises his shield just as a spear slams into him. He's knocked off his horse with enough force to crack ribs, and shatter his arm. He falls, cries out, and lands hard. He goes for his sword, and tries to defend himself.
Good....shot.... But my lord told me to defeat you, with his dying breathe...and that's what I'm going to do... He raises his sword, and tries to protect himself. But it's no use. Another spear slams into his chest, and Alessandro falls to the wet earth, dead as his fallen comrades. His army immediately begins to break....
Our commander is dead! We've been abandoned! Retreat! One unit of spears turns and runs, but the commander of the other unit calls out, Get back here! We have not come this far to fall apart now! I'm in charge, and I say...let's end this! They rush forward...and the general Evangolos is killed. The Byzantine army, almost totally dead, retreats. Rather than press the assault, the Venetians let them retreat. They limp back to camp, technically victors, but not feeling like winners really...
Pyrrich Victory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FnUxget9qA
Men Lost: 309 Men Killed: 380
edited 16th Oct '10 7:48:18 PM by Nightmare
Alright, what happened there was I let my army get spread out, chasing down the various units across the map. Second, I let my men get bogged down and worn out. The result was they were able to fight on even or even advantageous footing, when I should've had the advantage. Proof that despite my overwhelming victories earlier....it's still to early to get overconfident. But Nicea is open to assault now. One of the last major Byzantine cities is almost mine....
The Shadows Devour You.
Bloody hell, and just when I thought the Byzantines had been thoroughly de-toothed!
That should at least ease your military costs a bit, your treasury should hopefully be running light. Time to raise an army.
edited 19th Oct '10 5:27:00 PM by GameChainsaw
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
The Last Of The NZ Men
Hey, nice! Only just found this liveblog, so here's my comments:
- I inspired you? I though I was just on the cutting edge of cocking about.
- Argh, Venice. I get to a certain point with them and then my allies all stab me in the back.
- ...Holy shit you're good.
- Like Game Chainsaw said, it's ON. Can't let you surpass me...
edited 15th Nov '10 2:02:07 PM by Iniquitus
The spectacular failing of Rome Total War.
...
(Looks at own battles. There aren't any curbstomps of this magnitude there.)
...
Ok when I get back from holiday its on.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.