View Full Version : Liberté, égalité, fraternité - France AAR
Liberté, égalité, fraternité - France AAR
Chapter I - Overview
Note: I am posting this in Paradox forum but it was in Sunflowers forum already.
Introduction: I actually played as England before any of the events in the AAR, I switched to France and decided to beat the superpower I created. This is based on the hundred years' war (England vs. France), but it has nothing to do with the hundred years' war other than the idea of a medieval war between England and France.
Background Information: Several dynasties ago, the nobility in England decided to conquest the british isles and initiate an ambitious goal to conquer France and the italian peninsula, the first english dynasty in the late era succeeded in capturing Paris and destroying any kingdoms that got in it's way. The french kings were exiled to the east, in the province of Lorraine, where they started wars in northern german in a struggle for survival, but soon France became a great power again. The first english dynasty was soon wiped out, a new one was created, a cultured dynasty that would last several generations, this dynasty forged alliances with France, Castila (Later Spain), Algeira and created the Nicaea and Mameluk vassals. The dynasty ended with the conquest of Algeira, but the new dynasty was a militarist, unforgiving dynasty. France had always had trouble with the kingdom of Palatinate, and now requested England's help. England agreed to help France and waged war on the rogue state, but when France signed a peace treaty and refused to go to war with the Palatinate again, the English nobility was furious and waged war on France. France began losing battle after battle, and was being swarmed with rebels, will France regain it's lost lands to the west?
Goals
- Defeat England and it's allies in the war
- Become a great power in europe
- Regain lost territories and maintain the kingdom
Current Stances
France
vs
England
Spain and Austria (English allies)
Mameluks (English vassal)
The current map, showing Enlgand, France, Austria (English ally) and a part of Spain (English ally)
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/5351/frenchaaraf4.png
Current Relationships with Neighbouring Kingdoms
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/2889/frenchaar2jf7.png
Current Rebellion Risk
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4586/frenchaar3np8.png
Current Resources and Military
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/525/resourcewn6.png
Royal Family
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5220/familytk3.png
Next chapter, I shall actually start the AAR, please post comments so I can get a couple tips.
Part 2 of Chapter II - Emergency Plans
A mixture of good news, and odd news arrived. Count Pierre infiltrated the court of England as a Spy! As soon as King Jaques finishes plundering he will give the order to devastate the kingdom of England. Count Robin now has besieged Hesse, but oddly, the small local forces seem to be equally powerfull as Robin's army, the siege is relativly quiet so far.
http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/11735/2001902129228591371_rs.jpg
Within the throneroom of England, Count Pierre planted a poison in the wine of the King Adenet of England, the next day, while having dinner, the mighty King of England fell on the floor dead, Major Success for France!
http://aycu40.webshots.com/image/13359/2004300674771375509_rs.jpg
Genoa inherited territory from England, apparently, Napoli, Appauli and Carinthia are now a part of Genoa. Count Pierre decided to spy on Austria for now, damage done to Austria was equally important as to eliminate any threat from the east and thus end a two-front war.
http://aycu31.webshots.com/image/11590/2001213784918317067_rs.jpg
Soon King Jaques finished plundering the village in Bavaria, after hearing the news, he was very satisfied. He decided to break the siege of Hesse before attacking Salzburg. He also requested diplomats to open trade between Genoa, a potential friend in the war.
http://aycu40.webshots.com/image/11479/2003617884207323712_rs.jpg
Count Robin and his army have now started an all out assault in Hesse, it appears the tables have turned now. King Jaques must arrive in Hesse as fast as possible to end any possibilty of English victory.
http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/10729/2002905978776781012_rs.jpg
Bad news, Count Lorens has dissapeared, without a trace! No reports of execution or abandonment, something odd is happening. The assault has taken a turn for the worst, many of the soldiers are now retreating and Robin's army is winning.
http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/9889/2001802928714935433_rs.jpg
Soon Hesse falls under English control, but King Jaques can still assault the city hoping to win.
"Alright men, mobilize around the city, if Robin comes out we will fight him face to face!"
Count Robin however, left Hesse and is now headed to Saxony
"Tell the nobles in Saxony to prepare for an assault, Robin's army should be slightly weaker and more exhausted from the previous attack in Hesse"
"Yes sire", the messenger left after those words.
Norway soon offers a ransom of 6000 gold for the release of their prisoner, of course King Jaques accepted, as Norway and France are kin despite being hostile towards each other.
http://aycu04.webshots.com/image/11403/2005415959090098714_rs.jpg
Using that money, King Jaques invested half of it to increase his power over his own kingdom (Kingdom power), and hire a marshal, Count Denger, he was told to raise an army quickly, he should be of good use.
http://aycu36.webshots.com/image/12315/2004145327633764696_rs.jpg
Post comments so far, next chapter should have alot of actual military actions, as opposed to diplomacy and espionage that happened in this chapter.
Chapter III - Military Action
Quick note - Apparently I did not save, so I had to reload to the point where Count Robin from England was besieging the castle in Hesse, not alot of changes, Norway did not ransom their prisoner and Count Lorens was released. Also I will be posting another chapter every 2-3 days from now on since I am playing on several other games too. From now on, I will post most images of the political view and the strategic view as thumbnails, please tell me if you can't see them since I am having trouble seeing them and I'm just assuming it's my slow computer. Images from battles will be full-sized all the time unless there are too many, I will post as few as possible.
http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/12356/2001035723890742580_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001035723890742580)
Count Lorens was released and is now preparing an army to help King Jaques re-capture Hesse.
- Good news has arrived! Jutland signed a white peace with France, this peace is very unstable but let's hope it would be stable enough.
However, a new threat has arrived to the east, the Austrians. An Austrian army is invading Brandenburg and Count Lorens is forced to return to defend the town from the invading army, King Jaques would have to camp outside Hesse for now.
http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/11506/2005223526348446269_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005223526348446269)
Count Lorens fought the Austrian army but retreated since they were too powerfull, after reaching the castle the Austrian army camped, before leaving to Bohemia. Count Lorens then headed to Hesse. Two new uprisings to the north worsened the situation, eventually Count Lorens and King Jaques reached Hesse, the men were uneasy and so their morale is slightly low, hopefully won't get in the way, an assault was being planned out ahead.
http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/13768/2005299471795208599_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005299471795208599)
The assault was about to take place, all the men were worried, and troops lined in formation, got ready and moved towards the heavily defended town.
King Jaques: "I hope this works"
Initially, Lorens's army suffered from arrow fire from the western gates, they decided to move back to the south and camp, meanwhile Jaques's army to the east were successfully breaking the gate, ready to puncture through, before camping to strengthen morale. No major action yet, but a group of enemy spearmen appeared out of the western gate, they charged but later retreated back into the castle,
King Jaques: "Break camp, let's break this gate already!"
Count Lorens: "Tell King Jaques that we will be grouping with his army, with arrow fire, we would lose too many men breaking through!"
Messenger: "Yes sir"
http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/11061/2000235703066467004_rs.jpg
The armies grouped together then broke through the east gate with success. They easily overan the south-east part of the town, most of the enemy's soldiers are to the west, Jaques's and Lorens's men are now moving west, and starting to win.
http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/13234/2000243674049601895_rs.jpg
Eventually most of the soldiers defending the castle were effectivly crushed, several squads of peasents moved in from the east gate as well as a squad of archers and King Jaques. King Jaques moved towards the castle as the last bunch of Town gaurds were retreating in utter fear of the French armies. Major success for France as King Jaques re-captured the heavily defended town of Hesse from English rule.
http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/13451/2000212320837234214_rs.jpg
There were many casualties during the battle, and it would cost alot of money to replinish the armies, after that the town of Salzburg would be next and then the push towards Orleans, Burgundy and Helvetia to the west and south.
Yes pretty short chapter this time, although I plan to make the next chapter much longer so don't worry, especially since the king should be on his deathbed by now.
Chapter IV - Tradegy
After the capture of Hesse, both French armies marched to Brandenburg to replinish troops. During camp, the grand strategy was being planned...
King Jaques: We move west, push as far as we can, we will try to capture Champagne, Bavaria, Burgundy and other surrounding territories before we move into Orleans and besiege Paris, the English would never know we would attack it so soon.
Captain: Sire, most of this strategy seems brilliant, but I don't think we have the troops to capture so many heavily defended cities, Hesse could be considered a small camp when compared with Orleans, Burgundy or Champagne in terms of defense. Even if we had enough troops and of the highest quality, we certainly don't have the spirit or skill to assault any city.
King Jaques: Perhaps your right about the morale, we will need to capture smaller, weaker cities to increase the spirits of the men while increasing France's power and extending the borders. Salzburg looks perfect for this, we will capture Salzburg before Bavaria, then we try to move west.
A messenger arrived, he told some mixed news to King Jaques.
King Jaques: It appears England has proposed a white peace with us, but they still invaded the province of Franconia to the west.
http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/12147/2001134152051346040_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001134152051346040)
King Jaques then quickly studied some papers detailing the recent economy of France...
http://aycu06.webshots.com/image/14245/2004052116446317682_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004052116446317682)
The economy was slow, but King Jaques still chose what he needed to choose. He declined the peace offer.
King Jaques: Obviously we need our land back which England took by deception and force, we need to unify France and get back at the English!
However, a great tradegy struck all of France, King Jaques died before he could make it to the town of Brandenburg, Obviously his old body needed more medical attention than simple soldier healers. Along with King Jaques, his dynasty that ruled France for the past two centuries, was gone.
http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/11090/2000054772153688100_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000054772153688100)
Nobles from across France as well as high ranking soldiers, Count Pierre, Count Lorens and others entered a council to discuss the next King of France and the creation of a new dynasty. After the confrence, Count Pierre was chosen because he had the most experience, and was the mos trustworthy. Although France was already in crisis, a new threat has arrived. Norway wishes to claim Brandenburg, the first person to decide this was of course King Pierre of France, the new King.
Obviously Pierre knew France was in a major crisis and did not want further war and/or dishonor, so Pierre decided to give up Brandenburg to Norway to avoid any major war.
http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/13461/2000149290190456493_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000149290190456493)
The first action King Pierre did was to become a marshal once again and to change the grand strategy.
King Pierre: Tell Lorens to refresh troops, after that we are heading south, to conquest northern Italy, Burgundy, Provence, Sardenia, Corsica, Sicily and Anglo-Spanish-Mameluk North Africa.
This ambitious plan was meant to make France a Liberator of other nations, this plan will go forth as expected.
Chapter V - The Conquest of the South
Part I - Let the Conquest begin!
Brief intro: I installed HolyRome so you might notice the slight changes, also this is the first real chapter after the king's death so most activity will start now. I am planning on making this chapter very long, and divide it into many parts, I would post Part I today, Part II tomorrow and if there are any other parts I need to post I would post them next week. Please bear in mind that I'm very busy, I promise to post as many times as I can but I can only promise one post every week. Comments for this chapter would be appreciated:cheers:
The first diplomatic action King Pierre did was try to negotiate peace between kingdoms. Mameluks wanted peace with France, this was accepted.
http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/14766/2002322664666958771_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002322664666958771)
Count Lorens and King Pierre were now almost finished building up an army, English armies are now rushing through the west, Flanders has been cut off from the rest of France from the siege there and Nassau had been captured quickly by the English. The fortification in Flanders are strong enough to hold for a long while. Palatinat has started plundering the south now.
King Pierre: Alright men, I know you are all weary about the war, but you are all here to fight for something more than gold and loyality, you are fighting for the well-being of your country and your pride is your fuel, if you die, you will die a martyr.
King Pierre was inspecting his new army, the area was cold and gloomy, one could smell the misery in the air. It was a foggy night, as the carts started heading south to the German Black forest.
King Pierre: Captain! I would like you to give me some papers telling us about the state of Count Lorense's army, also give me a report on any recent instability in Flanders.
Captian: Yes sire!
A messenger comes in with a report, he is a young man, he looked like he ran a dozen miles, he was exhausted.
Messenger: Si...sire...here's some important..ne..news!
It seems two Austria armies have been entering southern France! If King Pierre and Count Lorens did not know about this, then the whole plan for Bavaria would be ruined.
King Pierre: Good job bringing me this important news messenger, please go and rest, soldier!
Soldier: Yes sire?
King Pierre: Make sure this poor soul gets some rest and fine wine, he needs it!
Soldier: Yes sire!
http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/14974/2002341487694309747_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002341487694309747)
Soon the two armies arrived in the town of Franconia, there one of the Austrian armies attacked, and was crushed by the powerfull defenses, a second Austrian army arrived and was overwhelmed as well, the two armies were chased out of the town, to a field before being massacred, the two marshals were captured in the dungeons of France, ready to be ransomed for a good 5000 gold each. Now that the Austrian armies have been crushed, Austria would think twice before invading France, it has a long road to recovery anyways.
King Pierre: Captian! I put you in charge of refreshing all the squads of the army, I assume that Count Lorens has done the same. You must hurry, we will only stay here for about half a week before marching to Bavaria to destroy those wretched Palatinat.
Captain: Aye sire...
After the squads were powered up with new troops, the food supplies were refreshed. Now the two armies are ready for the siege in Bavaria.
Just in, the battle in Flanders has become catastrophic, it was a close battle but the town had to be surrendered to the English.
http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/11647/2002316459301752224_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002316459301752224)
King Pierre was dissapointed but not surprised by the Flanders incident, he ordered his men to move into Bavaria.
The battle in Bavaria was not a difficult one, within two hourse or so the town fell to the mighty French, although maintaining it was a difficult task. There were horderes of English armies ready to attack Bavaria now, luckily Poland offers France a white peace. King Pierre gratefully accepts.
http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/12585/2002350675269210659_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002350675269210659)
King Pierre hires another marshal to try and crush rebellions up north, this marshal can also act as the defender of the realm and destroy opposing English armies from the west. Withing a day or two after hiring the marshal, King Pierre recieves word that Count Lorens has stolen the army and is now marching as an enemy of France. This is very dissapointing for the kingdom of France.
King Pierre: I want the spy ransomed and Count Lorens hanged, this is the punishment for treason, however even this is too kind.
King Pierre's army is exhausted and he can't attack Lorens's army right now, the battle would have too many casualties. Instead, Pierre moved his army to the north-west and started re-building his army. By now, France is starting to stabilize, but it still has a long way to go!
After a while, Austria and England offer ransoms for their prisoners, Austria abandoned one of their prisoners, what dishonorable cowards. Bavaria is overun by English armies, but it can be re-captured after the armies split. King Pierre uses the huge amounts of money to invest in a new royal court!
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/11740/2002239980720140821_rs.jpg
From right to left -> Count Berthemalus, the new marshal, King Pierre, Count Erasmus, the new merchant, Count Michel another new merchant, both Erasmus and Michel are working together to trade with the kingdoms that France recently opened relations with. And finaly Count Endre, a landlord that is currently helping France's provinces recover from the devasting sieges and plunderings in farms.
This new royal court should improve France's economy and quickly recover from the betrayel of Lorens.
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/11212/2002346219575386821_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002346219575386821)
Berthelmus quickly summoned an army from the money France's treasury has, and is now moving into Nassau, together with Pierre they overthrow English rule. A crusade was declared against Mameluks and King Pierre accepted, but quickly changed his mind and quit. Peace with Mameluks was much more important than war.
http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/14251/2002335485682436928_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002335485682436928)
King Pierre then looked at Pfalz, he moved his armies and captured it easily, but the English aggresively attacked, although their attacks were futile they wrecked the French armies, King Pierre moved all troops to the north in Franconia to replenish them, it was a long supply line, much longer than the English supply lines. The English took advantage of this situation and captured Pfalz while the French armies were gone. The French tried to capture Swabia, but a very experienced marshal had a fortified camp nearby so it was futile. Pierre wished to re-capture Bavaria but ol' Count Robin was there to crush the French armies amazingly.
King Pierre: RETREAT!!!
The carts and wounded soldiers rode through the region trying to avoid Robin's army which they frequently ran into while also trying to survive. Eventualy Robin drove them all the way to Franconia where they defeated Robin.
King Pierre: Alright men, we now feast on Swabia!
The fortified camp was gone, and now Swabia was defensless, it was captured rather easily by Pierre and Berthemalus's troops.
King Pierre: The next step is to move south into Burgundy!
By now Pierre had a baby son and three daughters.
http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/12514/2002301740937326838_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002301740937326838)
Chapter V - The Conquest of the South
Part II - Liberation
*Revised edition, from this part on forth, I will post a paradox and sunflowers versions seperate, one with large images and one with thumbnails. Once I'm finished the AAR (or maybe before that) I will make it easy to change between the versions.
Shorty after the fall of Swabia, the French armies marched back to recently captured Nassau to replenish troops. After the troops have been refreshed and the food supplies replenished, a scout arrived within city halls.
Scout: Important news m'lord, an English army led by a king has been spotted south of Nassau ready for siege.
King Pierre: This is important information, I summon Count Berthelmus to the castle
Shortly after, count Berthelmus arrived within the keep of the castle
Count Berthelmus: Did you need me m'lord?
King Pierre: I know the troops have only rested for two nights, but we have to leave the castle, an English army in the south of the province has been spotted.
Count Berthelmus: I understand sire, but why do we have to leave castle grounds?
King Pierre: A powerfull enemy army marching on our lands doesn't sound very good, but this is a huge advantage to the great kingdom of France. Defeating the army, which would be easy since we have been causing terror within the hearts of English soldiers, would create chaos within the kingdom of England, the loss of an heirless king is devastating.
Count Berthelmus: Ah! Haha, sire you never seem to bore me, your wisdom is what truley is keeping France alive.
As King Pierre predicted, the armies met in a decisive battle near a farm in southern Nassau. The English army was crushed, the survivors, the king among them, retreated to the east, too far for the French armies to catch up. This truely would have saddened the king of France, knowing he lost the opprutunity to kill the king of England. However, the English army decided to move west, crossing paths with the French armies. In another easy battle, with little losses, the English were defeated. Most English soldiers retreated, with their king dead. The political aftermath of the battle was indeed great.
England lost territories, Champagne and Flanders joined France. But local riots declared independance in Swabia, Pfalz and Alsace. Palatinat was resseructed, King Pierre knew this was France's chance to capture Bavaria, before moving on to the core of contenintal England, Burgundy.
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/15543/2000900368613922462_rs.jpg
Mighty French armies marched into Bavaria and captured it with light casualities. Then marched into Tyrolia, capturing the Austrian town with heavy casualities. After replenishing troops all the way in Franconia, the French armies marched south into Lombardy, but this time a devasting loss. The French armies were destroyed completely and only the two marshals remained.
Count Berthelmus: M'lord, what is your command now?
King Pierre: Easy, we march north to Bavaria the Nassau, I believe we spotted a mercenery camp back in Swabia, we move there and pick up merceneries then hit Helvetia in a surprise attack! After replenishing troops we attack Lombardy then the great town of Venice! They would never know we would attack from the north.
It was a brilliant yet difficult plan, a recent rumour in France suggests that the King of Austria, who recently died, because of the shock from losing Tyrolia so quickly, wether this was a legend or not, the King of Austria died and the new king offers France a very good peace offer.
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/13780/2000006671152421766_rs.jpg
King Pierre: The kingdom of France has no need for Austrian lands or a war with Austria, we accept your offer.
Austrian ambassdor: Excellent sire, I will report the good news to my king.
The next step was to move south into Lombardy.
Lombardy was captured then Venice! France is now clearly on an ambitious and succesful conquest of Contental England. King Pierre ordered troops to move west, into Savoy, a mighty walled city. King Pierre fell ill suddenly and died overnight, his last wish was for his son to save France. He had only one heir, prince Eberulf who will now follow in his father's footsteps and became a marshal. He raised an army in Helvetia, ready to continue where his great father left off. Long live King Eberulf!
http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/12156/2000901833360898261_rs.jpg
By the end of that night, France had extended it's territories to Bavaria, Flanders, Champagne, Tyrolia, Venice, Helvetia and Lombardy.
Chapter V - The Conquest of the South
Part III - Nothing to Lose
King Eberulf planned for a major invasion of the province of Tunis, if the plan succeeds French armies would pour into North Africa, and important part of the kingdoms of Spain and England.
http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/16921/2003488120747621307_rs.jpg
France's current borders
In order to attack Tunis, a proper base should be established to commence attacks from, so retreating then attacking again would not be so time consuming. King Eberulf talked with his advisors, and everyone agreed the closest, safest and more strategic base was in Sardenia, Sicily and Corsica. The plan was all set, Sardenia, Corsica and Sicily are surrounded by water, have good fortifactions, and are close to Tunis and France's borders. Although taking them would not be so difficult, mainting them would be a very hard undertaking. Counter-attacks from England would be a disastor, especially since the islands are surrounded in Anglo-Spanish territory. King Eberulf made a difficult plan, but if executed properly, the important island provinces could be taken. Eberulf's plan is to capture North Italy, like what his Father wanted. But his father, and recently Eberulft himself failed to take Savoy. Although victories in Venice and Lombardy were met, those cities had no English armies nearby. King Eberulf needed to take the resource-rich Tuscany, Provence, Genoa and Savoy to securely keep the island provinces. First thing, Eberulf needed to replinish his army, he took the two French armies to Lombardy, where he demanded every healthy, strong man to join the army as swordsmen. There weren't many swordsmen in the French armies, only an excess of archers. Unfortuantly Lombardy could only give so much, there was a big shortage of able-bodied men in the city, and it was difficult to build an army under these circumstances.
Lombardy noble: Sire, my town cannot meet your large demands. We have a big famine and recently a large group of travellers left, emigrating from Lombardy. most of them were strong men, fit for the army. They only left yesterday, such a shame
King Eberulf: Take all the swordsmen in the city, I will tell the military officers to build a balanced army. Hopefully, it's enough swordsmen to help us capture Tuscany.
King Eberulf took his two small armies and lead them into Tuscany. The town was assaulted, with great initial success, but the scene turned into a bloodbath, most of the swordsmen were dead, the shortage turned out to be a huge modifier. It was now time for King Eberulf to retreat, there was no other choice. Later, in the evening, Eberulf was studying a map of Northern Italy, stressed, he got up and looked outside, only to notice Count Berthelmus.
Count Berthelmus: My lord, I have an important suggestion for you, shall I proceed?
King Eberulf: There's nothing to lose, go ahead
Count Berthelmus: Well, Venice, from a recent tax paper I just read, has a huge population, there's bound to be enough people to join the army. The good news doesn't in there, the English were planning a huge attack on us from Venice, so they fortified it and kept huge supplies of food there, the suprising attack your father lead, captured the glorius war-built city.
King Eberulf: This is some of the best news I heard since I could remember! Well done Berthelmus. If what you say is true, I might consider promoting you to becoming my chief military advisor.
Count Berthelmus: That would be an honor sire
King Eberulf drank some fine Tuscan wine, knowing he would have alot more where that came from. Then he went to sleep soundly, knowing such a great city is now under his command.
In the morning, the troops were told to pack up and make a long march to Venice. When the armies arrived in Venice, King Eberulf was astonished at the amount of food stored in the city. Lots of grain, bread and other army food for the long marches. He refilled the food wagons before recruiting the new swordsmen and even some spearmen and laddermen squads that were exclusive to Venice in the region. King Eberulf was now confident he could capture Tuscany. Especially hearing the rumours of some English residents in the city, the English were particularly afraid of Eberulf's dynasty, the English know them as ruthless and brutal, yet skilled, gracefull and wise. Eberulf knew with the respect his father built, and with the dread he caused in the previous attack on Tuscany, English soldiers will most like fear him. After the armies were formed, many men had their first war meal, a final warm meal before marching to Tuscany. However, the good news just got better, King Eberulf has married a nobelwoman, another heir would be another great victory for France! While marching in the North Italian countryside, Eberulf recieved word that an English army was plundering in the southern farms of Lombardy. The count of Lombardy has asked Eberulf for assistance, a good warm-up for the new army is always good. Eberulf could also use the battle to test out how powerfull the armies are. The English army was confronted, and defeated easily, now it's Tuscany that should be attacked.
http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/15103/2003430855319481715_rs.jpg
Hope everyone enjoyed this post, since this was short I'll update the AAR very shortly. Comments please.
Chapter V - The Conquest of the South
Part IV - Legacy of an Empire
With the armies ready, King Eberulf knew Tuscany will soon be under French rulership. After a relatively short siege, Tuscany fell to the French armies. The whole region was now under secure French domination. King Eberulf knew this didn't make much of a difference for the French, unless Genoa would be captured, then France would have strategic ports to access the mediterrenean. With strong armies, Eberulf went on a conquest the would lay the foundation of French rule in northern Italy as a whole.
http://aycu25.webshots.com/image/22304/2001268384696561079_rs.jpg
With sword in hand, Eberulf lead his slightly weakened, but still powerfull army into Genoa. No English armies to assist the defenses of the trading city. During the siege of the city, King Eberulf recieved an important letter, an offer for an alliance from the kingdom of Genoa, Eberulf knew this was an important way to deal with the English, putting them under pressure from many different kingdoms. Eberulf happily accepted this alliance pact amongst two powerfull states. Meanwhile the assault of the town was turning ugly, dozens of men being butchered daily, despite having a winning edge on the assault, King Eberulf couldn't help but think how he would continue his successful conquest in Southern Europe with a slaughtered army, thinking about how his armies would look after such a violent battle gave him nightmares.
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The siege ended, his armies were all but healthy, many wounded soldiers had to be left near the churches to be healed by the prayers to God. Many corpses lay scattered in and around the city streets, a miserable sight. Fortunetaly, King Eberulf heard some good news.
Count Berthelmus: Sire, fantastic news! Genoa has excellent arms, shields, armour and the manpower we need to re-equip our armies!
King Eberulf: What kind of arms and armour are we talking about here?
Count Berthelmus: Archers and Men-at-Arms, very advanced soldiers, the English left this city defended only by a wall, not excpeting such a fast and successful attack on Tuscany and Genoa, they didn't have the time to defend the important city, no nearby armies to defend it properly! We are saved! This is a miracle!
King Eberulf: It appears that the Lord has answered our prayers, let us have a great feast to celebrate, after the feast we shall pack up and attack Corsica, followed by Sardinia!
King Eberulf needed the quick celebration to ease off some excess stress he layed. After the great feast, in which local game and alcohol were served in excess, the soldiers were ready, men-at-arms, fantastic soldiers. Well equipped with chain-mail and iron weaponry, these soldiers were trained for war, their armour built to last and their weapons sharpened to kill. Along with these fantastic soldiers, archers, horses and spearmen were found to be ready to arm in Genoa, but Eberulf only wanted men-at-arms and archers, what he believed were the best combination for town assaults. What he was not surprised with were the strategic ports and well-built Genoese ships, known across Europe for their quality. Much grain, meat, bread, drink and water were carried with the ships with wagons to feed the army as they attacked Corsica. With such a great army, King Eberulf and Count Berthelmus managed to take Corsica in 9 days, and Sardinia in 7 days, a new record for capturing cities. The English armed the defenses of these cities with unorganised town gaurd, mercenery cavalry and sick soldiers. King Eberulf however, found that these towns and farms in Corsica and Sardinia were suffering from a drought for several months, the summer was hot and harsh for the crops, and famine spread through these islands. Eberulf found no food in the islands to restock the now rotting food in the food wagons. The famine starved the population of the islands and bad English lordship in the islands did not exactly help improve the famine, so King Eberulf found not much manpower to refill some squads harmed during the sieges. However he was confident enough to believe that he could take Sicily, where he didn't have a proper report on the defenses. Despite this he prepared to sail for Sicily, he was however... shall we say "over-confident"?
http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/22524/2001202638980141812_rs.jpg
King Eberulf attacked Sicily around noon, 13 days after the siege of Sardinia. The Sicilian defenses were very strong, and King Eberulf knew he underestimated the great island of Sicily. The first few weeks, the battle was fierce, the morale of both sides were way up there, all soldiers wanted to die for king and country, and unfortunatly for King Eberulf, he now knew that alot of his previous victories relied on his armie's high morale since he was a conqueror and feared amongst the English, now the tables have turned. The Sicilian defenses were slightly stronger than two strong French armies. After week 6 of fighting, the battle turned into a bloodbath. During an attack on a nearby bridge, King Eberulf was pierced by an arrow in his lower stomach area, he fell from his horse and was mortally wounded, bleeding out of control, he was dragged out luckily, and was taken to a tent were his personal physician, Dr. Jaques inspected him and tried to control the bleeding. After week 19, the battle was too brutal for the French armies to hold, and they were forced to retreat. More than a thousand people died from both sides, excluding civilian casualities.
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While retreating, King Eberulf heared terrible news, Norway has declared war. Apparently, the Norweigens found out about King Eberulf's mortal wound and weakened status, his armie's absense from the north to defend Thurinigia. He started to become more suspicious that there might be spies about, he had to be carefull, only his most trusted advisors were to be allowed to see that he has been hit badly, and of course his doctor.
http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/20752/2001298119440962006_rs.jpg
King Eberulf insisted that he must continue to fight alongside his army, Dr. Jaques, who had controlled the bleeding and inspected the wounded King, hesitated.
Dr. Jaques: My Lord, you are no longer in any shape to fight, you are wounded and getting older, when you were crowned king, you were 44, now you are going to be 63 next month, you must rest for several months to allow the wound to heal, the arrow has penetrated deep and it's still broken inside your body, I can have it removed for you, but you must be carefull!
King Eberulf: I am king, I am the caretaker of France, it is my duty to attack the English and weaken their empire to save France, France has been under English rule for far enough now! I am to follow what my father wanted...
Dr. Jaques: As you wish m'lord, I need to surgically remove the arrow sometime in the future, for now, you need to rest for a few days.
Even this King Eberulf could not hesitate, his Chief Military advisor and top marshal, Count Berthelmus, was now now exhausted, they needed a week to rest at the very least, he also needed to refill his armies. They developed a plan, King Eberulf was to rest in Sardinia and take all the manpower they had there, which would not be alot, but it was good to have as much as possible. Count Berthelmus would go to Corsica refill his armies there and sail after a week and meet with King Eberulf in Sardinia. The plan seemed to have no risks, since the English could not respond to this conquest in a week, but what other large ally of the English was always ready for attacks in the seas. The Spanish. When King Eberulf arrived, after recieving his medicine he learned that Jutland, betrayed his truce with him and declared war with Norway, now Eberulf was forced to keep towns in the north on the defense, the only province he was fearful of was Thurinigia, which had no food to raise any defenses. The situation was tight.
http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/23856/2001242346084212089_rs.jpg
After 4 days, King Eberulf heared the Spanish armies are marching in Sardinia, he needed help, fast. He called Count Berthelmus, his army marched and found the Spanish army near an estate, and battled there.
http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/21487/2001248614187301682_rs.jpg
During the battle as Count Berthelmus neared the coastline, one, two, three more armies entered Sardinia, all of whom Spanish. One of them assisted the army King Eberulf was fighting before Count Berthelmus assisted them. Two other armies besieged the town, and a Fifth army arrived and started to plunder in the North West.
http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/22148/2001237019591142204_rs.jpg
One marshal was captured, then another when the reinforcment army arrived, it was too late. Two birds in one stone, The king and the Count hurried to the town before an assault, they were successful, along with their armies, the defense pushed away the double Spanish attack, this was a double strategic victory. One armyless Spanish marshal retreated, but was defeated and captured in the outskirts of the city, the fifth spanish army was in the north plundering, then he was too defeated.
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/19812/2001244349159623509_rs.jpg
The Fifth marshal was killed, this was a gigantic victory for France. Two French armies, using strategy, defeated and crushed the entire Spanish army, consisting of 5 marshals and their armies, France was now ready to attack Anglo-Spanish North Africa and start the Desert war.
Comments please :)
This is good, and has itself given me a few pointers for the two AARs I'm working on. Keep it up!
Wow, the poor Spaniards! :)
Chapter VI - The Elections Begin!
Now the kingdom of Spain is in total ruin, no army means no invasion and a weaker defense. King Eberulf knew he had to take advantage of this situation, otherwise the Spanish would rebuild very quickly. However some news he had learned paused most of his work, he quickly checked with his political advisor and a local bishop, the time has come for the new election. He had to be there, he was chosen as a candidate, election day is only nine days away, being held in Rome. He was competing with England, has he really grown this powerfull? It does not matter though, that would only matter if it was a time of peace and had this splendid empire, anything was subject to change. He had to stay in Sardinia until tomorrow, where he would sail for Rome and meet up with the most powerfull men in Europe, this was very exciting, but first he needed some information on religion, as Catholicism has spread like forest fire.
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Apparently, a large chunk of North Africa is completely catholic, the English must have converted the area, they are the only kingdom wealthy enough for such a thing. However, England was excommunicated, for the entire pope's reign, along with their Spanish friends. However, from time to time they would be accepted back, then excommunicated again, apparently the English and the pope are not the best of friends. The weakest religion is suprisingly Islam, the largest, most powerfull muslim state was the Mameluks, which was a vassal of England, and a personal friend of King Eberulf, the other muslim states were small, weak and barely surviving. Orthodoxy and Paganism are strong, having many large kingdoms in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
The next day King Eberulf sailed for Rome, wearing a king's outfit rather than a marshal's armour. After arriving, he asked his doctor to delay surgery, until the election is done. The evening before the election, King Eberulf met face to face with King Jaques of England, they said nothing to each other and continued on their way, now Eberulf knows that the king of England is older than he thought, from his looks at least. Election day the next day, the kings of England and France were the spotlight of the show, two powerfull but opposite kingdoms competing for the crown of Europe, the kings of Austria, Spain, Nicaea, Mameluks and Byzantia, the most powerfull people of Europe. Election results would be given in about an hour, King Eberulf was good friends with Mameluks, but was a vassal of England. King Eberulf had Austria as a vassal, he could count on their votes. Finally the results arrived.
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The results were inconclusive, not enough votes were put in. King Eberulf was slightly dissapointed, but not suprised. The next day he set sail with his army to attack Sicily again, this was however a very foolish mistake.
Chapter VII - The Desert War
Part I - Spanish Oasis
Invading Sicily was a foolish decision, not only did King Eberulf lose badly, but he lost his whole army. However he had now learned his lesson, Sicily cannot be captured anytime soon, atleast with military force. King Eberulf now had to return all the way to Genoa to pick up fresh men, men-at-arms, archers, laddermen, heavy archers were packed into the army when he arrived in Genoa. He was ready for a sieging conquest in North Africa, he warned his men of the dangers of fighting in such heat during the day, freezing temperatures at night, although he had to be carefull, he knew his men, and his own body could hold out for the desert war. While sailing for North Africa, he told Count Berthelmus an important tip.
King Eberulf: We should definitly attack Annaba, which was owned by Spain. The Spanish did not have the resources, technology and money as England have to raise a large and sophisticated defense system, their low morale and serf weapons would be their downfall. Attacking Annaba would be a sure victory for us, then we can head for more powerfull towns such as Tunis, owned by England.
Count Berthelmus: That sounds like an intelligent strategy m'lord, we attack Annaba first, Tunis second.
Annaba was captured with little effort, the French now had a piece of land in North Africa, so far so good. Apparently, the English have no armies in their North African territories, which was very peculiar, but nothing to be too concerned about, atleast it should be something to be concerned about if you are the English king. The next town to be captured was Tunis, King Eberulf knew, the time he wasted attacking sicily a second time gave Spain precious time to rebuild an army, he knew he had to be on the look-out for any Spaniards. By now, the Spanish armies are marching to Annaba for re-capturing, if they existed. King Eberulf decided to take Tunis by surprise assault, at night, the two armies sneak up and lock the town, one army to the west, onr army to the east. When King Eberulf arrived, he was met with a deadly new English weapon.
http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/19569/2001600501620142317_rs.jpg
Cauldrons were put up on the top of the gates, luckily he had laddermen to support his men-at-arms. His strategy was to put up ladders around the walls surrounding the main gates, to avoid the cauldrons. This was an ingenius plan, he would let the men-at-arms climb up and kill the archers at the walls before coming down into the town itself, then he would command the archers to stay on top of the wall and assist the men-at-arms down below.
The plan worked, the men-at-arms were successful, but the defenses were strong, luckily the defense squads were spread out. A squad of laddermen and a squad of archers came down, South-west of the town in the corner, the men-at-arms who were busy fighting town gaurds to the north, could not help the archers and the laddermen as they were massacred by two cavalry squads who killed them. King Eberulf kept two men-at-arms squads behind the walls. Meanwhile to the east, count Berthelmus used the same strategy, he was successful in ridding most of the eastern defenses, but had most of his army slaughtered.
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These two incidents, the massacre of two whole squads by cavalry, and the unnecessary losses on Count Berthelmuse's part was a huge hit against France. King Eberulf sent both the men-at-arms behind the walls to help in the west, finally most of the town gaurds that were left in the western part of the town fled to the eastern part, where they were defeated. The last squad of town gaurds were in the south-eastern gate, King Eberulf sent some knights to push them through the gate, to avoid sending men-at-arms to do so, otherwise they would have been killed from the hot oil coming down from the cauldron. Those town gaurds were defeated, the province of Tunis is now part of France.
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All four of the captured Spanish marshalls were set free for large sums of gold, King Eberulf now knew for sure those same marshalls were going to take revenge by capturing Annaba, he moved his men eastward and soon took Tripoli and Cyrencia. After doing so he wanted to take the final English settelment in North Africa, the hidden oasis city of Wargla in East Sahara. He armed his armies with berber soldiers, desert archers, mameluk cavalry, mameluk infantry and other desert soldiers. He learned news that the king of Norway died, the new king would be desperate to control his kingdom, so King Eberulf signed a truce, the truce was not very stable however.
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Before even arriving to Wargla, King Eberulf heard devastating news. Apparently one of his merchants was a no good spy, of unkown descent! He stole 30,000 gold, a gigantic hit against the strong economy of France. Along with him, the landlord who worked in Thurinigia, was also a no good dirty spy! He handed the town to Jutland, but it's unstable status quickly ended Jutland rule, and declared independance, the new state was at war with France. To fully understand who took all the money, King Eberulf demanded a global report on kingdom's known wealth, what he found shocked him.
http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/21309/2001615918272126323_rs.jpg
Apparently, the Papacy had 31, 000 gold, otherwise a poor state suddenly becoming rich, now it's inflation was having a negative impact on it's economy, it has negative income. Obviously the sudden theft of gold made the country too rich for it to control so inflation started. King Eberulf seeked revenge against the Papacy, but until he finished his war, he can't do anything! The next day, he heared the yet again, his other merchant stole more gold, also a spy for the papacy. Recently, the good king of Genoa also died, the new king was not at war with Spain, so we need to rally side by side against our enemies. After being asked to attack Spain, the king of Genoa refused, a great insult to France this was.
http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/23561/2001650747544973418_rs.jpg
More bad news, two Spanish armies have now besieged Annaba, it will fall back to the hands of the Spanish soon enough.
http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/22927/2001634460277426721_rs.jpg
Looking past a large sand dune, King Eberulf finally saw the glory of Wargla, the city looked golden and white, white walls and golden domes of the great mosques. The city was definitely an oasis, King Eberulf knew, that by simply capturing this city, he will mark the long decline of the English Empire.
http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/21794/2001637022500839933_rs.jpg
Frankoman
22 Jul 2007, 20:54
This is a good story!
I would like to see more pictures of sieges :) and can we have a full political map?
This is awsome! I can't believe the Pope spyed and stole 30,000 from you! thats incredable.
This is a good story!
I would like to see more pictures of sieges :) and can we have a full political map?
This is awsome! I can't believe the Pope spyed and stole 30,000 from you! thats incredable.
Do you mean sieges from the strategic view or do you want me to lead the sieges and post images?
Frankoman
28 Jul 2007, 03:13
Lead some more and post images :) those are awsome! :)
Lead some more and post images :) those are awsome! :)
I will be leading lots of large sieges in my invasion of France, but maybe there will be some on the way.
Chapter VII - The Desert War
Part II - The Fued
The conquest of Wargla was swift, the Town's strong soldiers were unbalanced and do not have any good morale, most retreated into the desert. English rule in the South was not quite over, there was still sicily and Mameluks, the English vassal, but this was insignificant, for the most part England lost control over Southern Europe, but King Eberulf had a plan on his mind. He wanted to knock Spain out, by conquering Spanish North Africa, then invading the Iberian peninsula, if Spain is defeated, England will be isolated, and the invasion of France would be all the more sucessful!
http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/26007/2004669242788617251_rs.jpg
Another Swift conquest in Al-Djazair, and France only had to take care of Morroco, after meeting up with a Spanish army, which was easily defeated, King Eberulf had some plans.
King Eberulf: We have fresh men garriosned in Wargla, if we go back to Wargla and get some fresh troops, we can attack the Spanish province of West Sahara.
The new troops were, desert troops. Mameluk slave-soldiers and Desert Archers, the new army war ready for whatever the desert gave them. After marching past several dunes, after it looked like a dune mountain was up ahead, it was very far away, but the city must be there somewhere. It was getting dark, soon the army would freeze to death if it did not get past that dune fast enough to the West Sahara. After about 5 more hours of marching, King Eberulf was the first to look past the sand dune, what did he see? More sand dunes, an endless ocean of desert.
King Eberulf: We will not reach any form of civilization soon, so let's camp out here. While we have the time, why won't we do the surgery doctor?
After removing the arrow, the doctor had some unfortunate news.
Dr Jaques: Unfortunatly the arrow has severly infected your lower belly sire, you can no longer have children.
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/24260/2004673548454535167_rs.jpg
The news devastated King Eberulf... He now could not produce any sort of heir for his empire. Who will inherite the empire? Will it just crumble or will there be any civil war? No one knows for sure.
The next day, the army was ready to march, it took all day, and by night time, they reached the West Sahara, the demoralised troops defending the city, were easily crushed by the forces of France. After some celebrations of the victory, King Eberulf recieved important news, the town of Al-Djazair was captured by the Spanish.
http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/24531/2004692868312127008_rs.jpg
Time to march to Al-Djazair to re-capture it. Unfortunatly, it was worse than what King Eberulf thought. There were several Spanish armies to the west. The Town could be captured, but the defenses were too strong to capture the town quickly.
http://aycu06.webshots.com/image/22005/2004611412872972967_rs.jpg
King Eberulf had to retreat, with his army in ruins, how will he defeat the Spanish now? He had to produce another amy.
You realize the last post was from more than a year and a half ago and it's rather unlikely he keeps his saves to continue it, right?
Yes i do.Sarcasm isnt appreciated.