NationStates Jolt Archive


The Crusades (The IC Thread, CLOSED, AT).

The Scandinvans
18-10-2005, 00:57
The time for the Firest Crusade to depart for the Holy Land had finally come and the first to depart were the Normans of Normandy lead directly by the Duke of Normandy. In this army marched 1,800 Men at Arms, 1,600 Archers, and 600 Knights. All of these men were being sent to the Holy Land as the Duke wished to carve out his own kingdom in the Holy Land as well all the men that marched under his banner would be given land to settle in. The point that they were marching to was a Venice where for the price of 4,000 Gold Coins would bring him to the Western Coast of Asia Minor near Rhodes and from there they would build a camp and await more groups of Crusaders to arrive. At last the time to free the Holy Land had come

Participants of the Crusades
The Duke of Normandy: The Scandinvans
Baron of Brittany: Deatharon
Duke of Gascony: Madnestan
Azaha: Dukes of Saxony
Wolfbench: Count of Carniolia
[NS]Parthini: Mungo MacDonnell
Lachenburg: Domain of Pisa
Borman Empire: Holy Roman Empire

Islamic Leaders
Nistolonia:Emir of Cryencia
DMG: Emir of Alexandria
Neath Talbot: Governor al-Muluk Duqaq of Damascus
OOC: To compensate for lack of Islamic leaders I shall aloow each Muslim leader to muster between 5,000 to 8000 men.

Money for given to each Lord:
Christian Lords:
Fief Holder: 10,000 Gold Coins
Chieftain: 12,000 Gold Coins
Baron: 18,000 Gold Coins
Count: 21,000 Gold Coins
Earl: 24,000 Gold Coins
Duke: 30,000 Gold Coins

Muslim Leaders:
Genral: 22,000 Gold Coins
Merchant-Genral: 28,000 Gold Coins
Governor: 30,000 Gold Coins
Emir: 36,000 Gold Coins

OOC: Changed the amount of gold coins Muslim leader have in the hopes of making the thread more realistic.
The Scandinvans
18-10-2005, 02:21
bump
The Scandinvans
18-10-2005, 03:30
bump
The Scandinvans
18-10-2005, 23:39
bump AGAIN
Deatharon
19-10-2005, 00:40
The Baron of Brittiany recieved word of the Crusades agaisnt the heathens that had taken the holy land. The Baron seeing his chance to increase his wealth and power vowed to head to the holy land to gain land and wealth. The Baron had gathered an army of 213 Knights 600 men at arms 300 hundred archers. and headed towards the holy land. The cost was about 1,500 gold coins.
Madnestan
19-10-2005, 00:45
"Well, men of Casgony? You have all heard what the king's messenger said! What is you response? Will you sit here, awiting for someone else to do the job, get the riches, get the glory, get the place in heaven?!"

NO!

"...Or will you take what you have, your weapons and strength, and come under my flags, under the flags of the CHRISTIANITY, THE FLAGS OF GOD?!"

YES! GOD SAVE OUR DUKE! GOD SAVE OUR KING! TO JERUSALEM!

"Then, brave knights of Casgony, I say you this and this only: GET READY!"

............

The Duke was pleased. He was told that he was good in giving speaches, and this audience was propably the best he could have hoped, the warmongering crowd of knights and lower nobles they were. Still, he had been nervous. It was very important to get the right spirit in to his army at this early stage. Later, as the difficulties of the journey would grow and the exhaustion and traveltirenes start to spread, this spirit would carry them to far enough, that it would be impossible to turn back.

Besides, he had quite special thoughts about this march to the Holy Land.

When he said "to take everything", with everything he meant, well, exactly that.

...........

The sun was rising. Camp in front of the City of Bastogne started to weak up. Lively moving, working, washing and preparing took place in this rather unholy-looking mass of Holy Warriors.

"All 68 knights of ours, plus 19 from other dukedoms that have decided to join us. That moves the number to 87 alltogether. A bit more than 700 men-at-arms. Approximately 400 workers, shepards and craftsmen. 3000 horses. 7000 sheeps, cows and bulls. A bit less than 900 wagons..."

A pause, as the accountant searched the number from his long, long Scroll Of Very Important Figures.

"Mmmm... About three thousand peasants and family members of the soldiers are to follow, as you have ordered." More mumbling. "These numbers are inaccurate, mylord. But they give some you some idea."

Duke nodded. "Good work. Now leave, you must have some important... ummm... numbering to do." His accountant bowed deep, and moved backwards, out of the Duke's tent.

"Damn those numbers were big..." he mumbled, as his servants started to dress him, with his best armour. "Let's hope there's enough food for all of us."

............

Three hours from the sunrise, Gasconyan army (even as "army" was not perhaps the best word to describe this crowd) left the camp, and started their long, long march towards the Holy Land.

OOC: Just remembered - The Scots! Need to arrange the meeting of the armies somehow... The shipping and all that. Dammit! I'm to tired to rewrite this now, though.

EDIT: ALL the armies! It isn't like we are all going to make our way separately to the palestine, right? 'Cuz that would be the dumbest thing to do...
The Scandinvans
19-10-2005, 02:21
The professional and well trained army of the Duke of Normandy arrivied into Venice. Unlike most other armies of the time they kept order and displine while marching due to that fact that the new Duke had brought back many of the former Roman miltary traditions of displine and as fighting as a whole, though the knights still tended to be themselves that charges were designed in a way so that they may have their honor and that they may be effective. The knights made up the main strength of the army though the men at arms made up the core and battle line of the army. The archers were well trained and could fire up to 240 yards with fairly accurate fire, if they fired as a whole unit they could be devastating to chargin cavalry or infantry.

The army the Duke of Normandy had brought was also not without it's short coming thoughs as the nobles and lords tended to argue over things often enough, but this rarely changed their overall effectiness in battle. Overall many of the soldiers were already veterans with many of the knights having already fought in Spain agaisnt the Moors there.

In Venice they had went upon the ships that would bear them to Asia Minor where there they would hire mercnaries and from there they would gain transport to an area north of Anitoch by Greek ships.
The Scandinvans
19-10-2005, 04:22
bump all ye members of the Crusading thread
Neath Talbot
19-10-2005, 05:49
[OOC: Basically a short post and TAG. More will come when things start happening in the holy land.]

The winds of trade had always carried news to Damascus with certainty and speed. Traders from across the vast empires of Europe and Africa all made their stops in the territory, and so it was not at all surprising to young Governor al-Muluk when rumors of a grand Crusader army reached his ears. At first, it had been dismissed as pure fantasy, after all, the history of Christindom had not once seen a holy war of such a scale as was proposed. Never once had they marched against the Moslem armies in Africa and Arabia. Only in Spain had religion brought about conflict, and there Moslems were the invaders.

Yet as time passed, the rumors persisted and grew more plausible - a frightening thought for the Governor. Tales of upwards of fifteen-thousand assembled troops put fear into the heart of even the most powerful Moslem Emirs, and making matters worse, the Seljuk Kingdom to which Damascus belonged was already in violent conflict with Byzantium. If this Crusader army were real, it could mean defeat for the Turkish hordes.

With this in mind, al-Muluk called for a general drafting of the city's peasants, levying some 1,900 peasants to prepare for the possible dangers ahead. The city already possessed a garrison of some 200 men - mostly Saracen troops well disciplined with their spears and bows. The cost of maintaining this force was staggering, 4,000 gold florins simply to pay and feed the expanded garrison. However, even such measures could not be enough to ensure the safety of Turkish lands. Damascus would be defended, if need be, by a much larger force arranged by al-Muluk. Some 1,000 more Saracens could be called up in just weeks, and, given a month, the Berbers of the Arabian desert to the south-east could also be convinced to come to his aid - for a price. Other mercenaries could likewise be bought with little advanced planning, and of course the Mosques of the city could prove a fruitful recruiting ground for jihadists in the event of an invasion. It was also hoped that the estranged Fatimids of Cairo and Alexandria may come to their brother Moslem's defense, but either way Damascus, al-Muluk resolved, would be ready should she be called to fight.
Wolfenbach
19-10-2005, 14:24
The count of Carniolia hears abouth the popes call for all of true faith. The preparations start and after one week the count himself departs from Celea. His army is small, but efective and well equiped. Some 550 spearmen, 110 heavy horsmen of high nobility and the Ilirian slingers, the unit feared by the Turks, almost 250 of them. They are all escorted by a long column of wagons with food, equiptment and the camp staff. The count was siting on his horse with his son and some other high nobels on the top of a hill and was looking at his detachment with proud. We will reach Venice in one week or less. he says, turning to his companions. Then he lounches his horse on the last legs and screams For God and the holy grave! And the army responses with loud scream, the Carniolian panter wawing on the flag. All the churches in Celea started ringing and the army marced forward, singing Te Deum laudamus!
The Scandinvans
19-10-2005, 23:02
Reaching Venice the Duke of Normandy sents a messanger to the ruler of Pisa to come to Venice or go to Sicily or Southern and Italy and from there sail north of Anitoch. Also the Duke decided to await for the army of the count of Carniolia to arrive in Venice so that there forces might join up.
Deatharon
20-10-2005, 07:50
The Baron of Brittany's forces were small but well tested. The small force took ships that set sail to France after resting and resupplying for a few days the Baron's army would begin the long march to the Venice.
The Scandinvans
22-10-2005, 05:17
bump
Deatharon
22-10-2005, 06:08
Serveral months later. The Baron of Brittany's Forces had finally reached Venice. They marched in well organized military formations. The Baron's Army stayed and rested at Venice and resupplied there. The Goal was to take a ships next week to Asia minor and launch the righteous crusade for the Church and for the Baron's Personal power and wealth.
The Scandinvans
22-10-2005, 16:24
A message was sent to the Baron of Brittany with this message: I propose that your and my armies march together so that we might be more powerful and more effective as well. As well our fleets while sailing to Asia Minor shhould still close to each other. Do you agree with these terms?"
The Scandinvans
22-10-2005, 18:29
bump
[NS]Parthini
23-10-2005, 00:37
OOC: DISCLAIMER:

When the MacDonnells speak to eachother and other Highlanders, I will have them speak with the best accent I can. When they speak Latin or anything else, I am going to have them speak in regular English.

IC: "Oi! Cheif!"

Mungo McDonnell took a bite of the haggis and chewed, staring at the intruder. William, his nephew, had just open the door of his hovel.

"Eh wha e et boy!"

"Ere's a Froogy frem Gawsoony o soontun. 'E says 'ees Dook kneews ye."

"Zoonds!" Mungo then began to speak slightly crooked French. "God's Ears! Are you from Gascony?"

"Yes, me lord. My Duke, the Duke of Gascony sends his best wishes, to his favorite Cousin-in-Law."

Mungo cocked his head slightly as he tried to remember what the Frenchman was talking about.

"Your Mother's sister's daughter...? Who went to France to study...? Who met a Lord there...? And married? Alas, you gaels are so fickle sometimes."

Mungo nodded, knowing only about half of what the man said. William noticed something and stepped outside.

"Well, my lord sent you this letter. It says that God has called the men of Christianity to crush the infidelic hordes who have just recently captured the Holy Sepulchre and defiled every inch of the place! Your cousin-in-law has requested that you join him in battle to go to the Holy Land and fight!"

"Eh, fight you say?"

"Yes, my lord. Fight infidels! Slay them with your mighty axe and sword! Cut their bodies and send their souls to hell!"

"Hmm... sounds fun. However, we have our own infidels to fight here. The Campbells have become very feisty and just took 500 head. No, we must stay here and fight. Our home is here, not some far away land. I am sorry."

Suddenly, William burst through the door. "Chief! Th' Campbells a coomin! Seems loik th' Loolunders be wid em!"

"Gud's ois! Roody th 'fences!" He then turned to the messenger, "Sir, if you value your life, you will join us. How many men do you have? There are perhaps 700 of us, but the combined armies of them might contain 3000. I beg you!"

OOC2: I am going to have the Campbells and the Lowlanders push us to the sea, where we will board the ships. Then, we will go back to Gascony because there is nowhere else to go!
Madnestan
23-10-2005, 01:33
OOC: I jump to the point this happens.

"Sir, sir! I have an important message!" Duke halted his mighty charger, and waited for the messenger who galloped towards him as fast as the poor animal under the man was able to. He reached the duke, saluted and said simply: "Sir, MacDonnels have been pushed to the ocean. They have managed to get boats from somewhere and are heading to our coast." The Duke just glared at him few seconds, blinked, and replied. "Umm... good. We'll wait for them, then."

The order was delivered, and the massive column halted. They were in the half way from Bordeaux to Marseille, near the city of Toulouse. It wasn't Dukes land no more, but the local marwuis had agreed to "let them through". Well. Nothing was said about a camping for couple of weeks, but whattehell...
There were too many Gasconyans to be driven away by force. They were to stay and wait for the cousins from North, no matter what.
The Scandinvans
23-10-2005, 02:27
OOC: Good posts and also this was meant as a BUMP
The Scandinvans
23-10-2005, 05:54
bump
Deatharon
23-10-2005, 08:17
The Baron of Brittany recieved the message from the Duke of Normandy.
The Baron figures his chances of victory would be higher with an alliance with the Duke and he sent a message back:

This terms seem reasonable for both of us. I would gladly agree to them.
signed the Baron of Brittany.
The Scandinvans
23-10-2005, 17:09
Another message was sent to the Baron reading," I am thanful that you have agreeded to the terms. Though I wish to tell I believe the time to depart to the Asia Minor has come as the conditions are prime for it."
DMG
23-10-2005, 17:33
ooc: Disclaimer - I will be speaking in modern english (too much of a pain otherwise, not to mention I know nothing of medieval arabic linguistics)

In his palace at Alexandria, the High Emir Ali, spoke with an advisor, "So, the westerners march, do they."

"Indeed they do. Many different factions have gathered their armies and now march towards the holy lands," responded the advisor.

"We can not allow this - we must protect the holy land. Gather our army and prepare them for a long war..." said the Emir to his advisor. As the advisor had bowed and left, the Emir continued, "May Allah protect us and vanquish our enemies."


Outside the palace, the advisor was busily sending off messengers to raise the army. At days end it was fully assembeled with 2600 men at arms, 1800 archers, and 1200 spearmen

Total Cost: 6000 gold
Borman Empire
23-10-2005, 17:55
OOC: The thing to let me subscribe isn't working so I'm using this as a TAG.
Borman Empire
23-10-2005, 20:23
OOC: Historically the Germans (Holy Roman Empire) just slaughtered Jews at home rather then joined the crusade to the holy land. I’m going to change this.

Also, the Lombard part is because of always present hostilities between the two and Roman goals to subjugate Lombard.

IC:
Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV, was gathered with various knights, nobles, and lords from around the empire. Henry the IV felt obliged to fulfill the HRE’s duty as protector of the pope, and as such was rallying men to join the crusade to the holy land. Others however were more set on massacring non-believers of the Jewish faith at home.

“God wills it my men! Our subjects in France, Britain, and more are already sending of armies to do our job. We cannot allow this! God wills that we assure our entrance into heaven by reclaiming this holy land for him!”

Count Emicho spoke up as Henry presented a pause. “But what of the Jews? God commands that we kill non-believers, which we can achieve by slaughtering them! Let the others take the holy land, it means less Roman blood must be shed.”

“My good Emicho, you are wrong. God calls for the death of the foul Muslims who dare defile his holy land with their presence. God wills that his followers do this task. As the protector of the papacy, it our foremost duty to do so, and letting our subjects do our duty would be an insult to our honor.”

Another man, a fierce patriot bent on greater unification of the homeland, thrust his views into the conversation. “What about the Lombard area of Italy? It is one of three areas of the land, the two others being the Papal States and the Norman’s land. The Normans are faithfully serving the pope in leading the crusade thus far; I see no reason to take their land from them. And an assault on the pope’s land would be directly opposite of our duties, as such the Lombard’s land is the only one left, and is in desperate need of someone to conquer it. I propose we assemble a massive army, possibly even close to 10,000 peoples. We take this and finally show Lombard who their boss is. Then we board ships off of Lombard Italian coastline and make for the holy land. We leave most of the non-soldiers behind in Lombard so that they make sure Lombard doesn’t decide to revolt while we are gone. Then as I said, we join the crusade.”

“But why not take more soldiers with us? We can surely raise more than 10,000 soldiers alone, not including non soldiers.”

“Well, the patchwork carpet, as others call us, must be defended. We are many areas under one banner, some of these not so willingly. We must leave men to make sure non decide to fight us. And what is a Muslim army is secretly sneaking up to attack our undefended flank? If the pope’s defender fell, then it would mean the end of the civilized world, we can not allow that.”

Henry smiled as he noticed the nods of agreement from other men around the room, and then made a notion to edit the plan a little bit. “Perhaps we should head to Lombard with 10,000 soldiers plus non-soldiers. Then when we depart we take almost, if not all the soldiers with us, and leave non-soldiers behind. This seems to be our best plan.”

“BUT WHAT OF THE JEWS!” Emicho stared with red eyes as his face deepened in color due to his overwhelming anger. What he had thought to be the best and widely accepted plan for action was tossed aside in mere minutes. “They must pay for what they have done! The filth! And if you shall not make them, then I will, and I shall strike you down as you ally yourself with them!”

Henry was shocked with unbelief as Emicho drew his sword and cut down a man merely for standing in his way to Henry. But Henry did not need to draw his sword as the man who had suggested the agreed upon plan, Folkmar, leapt up and drove a dagger into Emicho’s back. He jumped off and quickly wrested a bow out of a man’s hands, then he drew an arrow out of the quiver the man had and drew the arrow back. Emicho, turning around with his sword swinging wildly, soon saw the arrow, and then saw Folkmar let it loose.

Emicho’s corpse slumped to the ground as everyone looked on disbelief. Henry quickly coughed to draw attention away and then began to speak once more. “Then it is settled! We shall assemble a force of 10,000 soldiers and others, with us all alongside them and myself at the head, and march to Lombard.”

A chorus of “Ayes!” echoed overwhelming approval. The men then filed out to field their small armies that would in unison create one of, if not the, largest crusader army.
The Scandinvans
24-10-2005, 05:14
The Duke of Normandy sent a messanger at hast to the Holy Roman Emperor bearing this message," The force you bring is great and thus i wish to offer Cyprus to you in return for your aid with the captue of Jersualem and that you grant me all the land south of Tripoli. In return I shall pay homage to you as the true emperor of the western Roman Empire."
Borman Empire
24-10-2005, 21:18
Sealed letter to the Duke of Normandy:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/armory18/emperor.jpg

Firstly my nation reflects, in addition to other things, a philosophy of a concept of hierarchical political organization that calls for one ultimate head over all existing states, which is myself. I however do not wish to take advantage of this and so do not and will not call upon you for taxes, men, and other things, except in cases of friendship, or alliance. You only need acknowledge me as what I am, a leader over all existing states. But on to business, you ask a rather heavy price, and offer something you do not have yet. ((OOC: Cyprus was forcefully put into Crusader hands after fighting with king of Cyprus)) I will agree that in this crusade, besides the city of Gaza, I shall take no territory lower than the city of Sidon. I shall take territory north, east, and in between of Sidon. I also request Gaza so as to be able to supply Jerusalem with a Roman army to bolster its defense if need ever arises. I will also accept the offer of Cyprus, and of course allow crusaders to stop off there to re-supply and rest before making it to the holy land. As you are a loyal nation to the crown and pope I offer you this generous deal, can trust the city of Jerusalem and rest of the holy land in your hands, and have persuaded members of the Holy Roman Empire that your nation is NOT in need of sacking. I hope we can agree on these terms and go forward in the name of God to remove these heathens.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV

OOC: Crusader Map (http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/0415236614/resources/maps/map31.jpg)
OOC: What Henry will probably try to get for Holy Roman Empire (http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/CrusaderKingdoms.PNG)
The Scandinvans
24-10-2005, 22:58
Sealed letter to the Duke of Normandy:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/armory18/emperor.jpg

Firstly my nation reflects, in addition to other things, a philosophy of a concept of hierarchical political organization that calls for one ultimate head over all existing states, which is myself. I however do not wish to take advantage of this and so do not and will not call upon you for taxes, men, and other things, except in cases of friendship, or alliance. You only need acknowledge me as what I am, a leader over all existing states. But on to business, you ask a rather heavy price, and offer something you do not have yet. ((OOC: Cyprus was forcefully put into Crusader hands after fighting with king of Cyprus)) I will agree that in this crusade, besides the city of Gaza, I shall take no territory lower than the city of Sidon. I shall take territory north, east, and in between of Sidon. I also request Gaza so as to be able to supply Jerusalem with a Roman army to bolster its defense if need ever arises. I will also accept the offer of Cyprus, and of course allow crusaders to stop off there to re-supply and rest before making it to the holy land. As you are a loyal nation to the crown and pope I offer you this generous deal, can trust the city of Jerusalem and rest of the holy land in your hands, and have persuaded members of the Holy Roman Empire that your nation is NOT in need of sacking. I hope we can agree on these terms and go forward in the name of God to remove these heathens.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV

OOC: Crusader Map (http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/0415236614/resources/maps/map31.jpg)
OOC: What Henry will probably try to get for Holy Roman Empire (http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/CrusaderKingdoms.PNG)Sealed response messahe to the Holy Roman Emperor:
"We accept your well interioned and generous offer. I also acknowledge that you are the greatest and mightest of the Christian kings. I wish to personally tnak you for granting me this great area of land my emperor. Yet I request that you withdraw a little more south of Anitoch to a point where about ten miles north of Tortosa. If you do not wish to do so I will respect your descion and will not voilate your claim to that land. As for Gaza I agree that you should maintain it as a settlement of your empire under your direct rule, but request that all Christian peoples be allowed to come and go freely out of that settlement. That is all that I wish to ask. I thank you my emperor.

Signed,
The Duke of Normandy
Borman Empire
25-10-2005, 00:40
Sealed response messahe to the Holy Roman Emperor:
"We accept your well interioned and generous offer. I also acknowledge that you are the greatest and mightest of the Christian kings. I wish to personally tnak you for granting me this great area of land my emperor. Yet I request that you withdraw a little more south of Anitoch to a point where about ten miles north of Tortosa. If you do not wish to do so I will respect your descion and will not voilate your claim to that land. As for Gaza I agree that you should maintain it as a settlement of your empire under your direct rule, but request that all Christian peoples be allowed to come and go freely out of that settlement. That is all that I wish to ask. I thank you my emperor.

Signed,
The Duke of Normandy

Sealed Response to the Duke of Normandy:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/armory18/emperor.jpg

Thank you for doing so, and you are welcome for the grant. Would the purpose of my northern withdraw be to increase your land, or to create more land to give to other crusading nations?

As for Gaza, I had no intentions to bar christians. However I will no doubt hold the jews and muslims out of the land, they can nopt be allowed to gain a position which could cut the holy land off from Roman help.

I thank you for speaking peacefully with me and working out these terms. Now, I must finish the conquest of the kingdom of Lombard.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
The Scandinvans
25-10-2005, 00:44
Sealed Response to the Duke of Normandy:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/armory18/emperor.jpg

Thank you for doing so, and you are welcome for the grant. Would the purpose of my northern withdraw be to increase your land, or to create more land to give to other crusading nations?

As for Gaza, I had no intentions to bar christians. However I will no doubt hold the jews and muslims out of the land, they can nopt be allowed to gain a position which could cut the holy land off from Roman help.

I thank you for speaking peacefully with me and working out these terms. Now, I must finish the conquest of the kingdom of Lombard.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IVThe land will be for other Crusader states only. I wish to thank you again and wish you good luck with you conquest of the Lombards' lands.

Signed,
The Duke of Nomandy
Borman Empire
25-10-2005, 01:46
The land will be for other Crusader states only. I wish to thank you again and wish you good luck with you conquest of the Lombards' lands.

Signed,
The Duke of Nomandy

Official Response to the Duke of Normandy:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/armory18/emperor.jpg

If that is so then I think I may just alocate land more north, as I would prefer land closer to the holy land itself. And I thank you.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
The Scandinvans
25-10-2005, 03:08
With the approval of both the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope now the Duke of Normandy decided that the time had come for his force ot begin sailing to southern Amernia instead of western Asia Minor. Word was sent to the Baron of Brittany that the time had come for them to sail as the wind now favoered their journey.
Deatharon
25-10-2005, 03:44
The Baron recieved the Duke's message to set sail. The Army of Brittany was already prepared and the ships began to set sail to Asia minor.
Borman Empire
25-10-2005, 04:11
The Roman army had annexed the outskirts of Lombard territory virtually by their presence there. Several small skirmishes had occurred, resulting in Lombard retreat and morale loss. And now it seemed the fate of Lombard’s defense was critical on a major battle about to occur. Thousands of Roman soldiers could be seen off in the distance, with siege engines to crush the walls of the fortified Lombard city. And unbeknownst to the Lombard garrison near a thousand had circled behind the city in the cover of the forest, to scale the walls and break down the smaller less fortified back entrance which they had thought a secret.

As the flames of torches and bonfires provided the only illumination as the night sky grew darker Roman soldiers prepared to cement their claim over Lombard independence and annex them with one final battle once and for all.

A Lombard soldier stood on the rampart of the walls close to the gate and blinked sleepiness out of his eyes. Just a couple more minutes and he would be off for hours to enjoy a long deserved sleep. As he swatted a bite on the left of his neck his head instinctively turned right and as he looked on, he thought he saw motion in several places. Sadly believing the conflict may be starting his sweaty palms clamped down on his pike shaft harder. As he shook his arm to relieve the irritation brought from his shield straps he continued to stare inquisitively into the distance, fixated on where he was convinced he had seen motion. Had he been less concentrated on those far off hills and trees he would have been able to catch the movement in the sky. Shooting through the sky, from three other places in addition to the one he was staring at, trebuchets had launched massive stones into the sky, aimed at the walls, ramparts, and barracks inside the walls.

A sharp whistling in the air finally convinced the soldier to take his eyes off the far hills, and he looked up to see a giant circle descending immediately on his position. And as his mouth opened in horror, he realized what that motion was. Shock and horror kept his throat closed as he helplessly stared onwards. Then when several other yells awoke him from his trance he grabbed the horn hanging around his neck and blew into it as he ran down his right side away from what could have been his doom. As the city of soldiers began to awake to the conflict a massive crash behind him caught his attention. He turned to find a huge hole where he had just been and massive scratches into the wall. He blinked it off as he was hit by another boulder, ending his life and bringing the beginning of the final conflict with the Lombards.
Wolfenbach
25-10-2005, 14:10
ooc: i am to lazy to read all those posts, so if i mess up, pease forgive me...

ic-

By the time beeing, The carniolian contigent has already arive Venice. On their path they have been joined by the Count of Celje, with another 100 troops. The army made camp some half a mile out of town, and awaits other forces to sail forward together.
Madnestan
25-10-2005, 15:09
OOC: So. Was the plan to meet in Venice? I guess our armies actually ARE to consentrate their forces for one strong army, right? If so, my Duke should be there also at this time, with his army and people. Alas, if we all are there;


To the leaders of Crusader armies:

I, Jacques d'Gascony, invite You and perhaps some of your most loyal and trusted knights/counsellors to join us Tomorrow Evening for dinner and discussion about War Plan and share of the hopely soon liberated Holy Land. The meeting is to take place in our camp, five kilometres

Sincerely Yours,
The Duke Of Gascony.

OOC: This is also sent to Holy Empire in hope to get their representative to the meeting, too.
The Scandinvans
26-10-2005, 00:04
The armies of the Duke of Normandy after sailing for many weeks arrived in southern Aremnia only a few dozen miles from Anitoch. There they took count and remarkably no ships had sank due to the favorable conditions that they had during the sea vovage. Upon landing they set up camp awaiting for the Baron of Brittany to arrive before moving on.
Deatharon
26-10-2005, 00:29
The Baron's ships finally had arrived and managed to land at southern Aremnia. The weather was favorable along the way making the progress much safer than anticapated. The Baron's Army began to disembark happy to finally be back on dry land agian.
The Scandinvans
26-10-2005, 00:49
The Duke of Nomrandy with twenty knights rode into the camp of the Baron and there reqyested a personal meeting with him. His wish he directed with the discussion of the upcoming campagin.
Borman Empire
26-10-2005, 01:57
OOC: So. Was the plan to meet in Venice? I guess our armies actually ARE to consentrate their forces for one strong army, right? If so, my Duke should be there also at this time, with his army and people. Alas, if we all are there;


To the leaders of Crusader armies:

I, Jacques d'Gascony, invite You and perhaps some of your most loyal and trusted knights/counsellors to join us Tomorrow Evening for dinner and discussion about War Plan and share of the hopely soon liberated Holy Land. The meeting is to take place in our camp, five kilometres

Sincerely Yours,
The Duke Of Gascony.

OOC: This is also sent to Holy Empire in hope to get their representative to the meeting, too.

Sealed Response to the Duke of Normandy

http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/HRESeal.PNG

Regrettably, I shall not be able to attend this meeting. I am busy in battle with the Lombards. I shall conquer them as soon as possible and make my way to Venice, but it will be at least a day after the meeting

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
[NS]Parthini
26-10-2005, 03:00
OOC: Umm, not to rain on anyone's parade but Armenia is landlocked and Lesser Armenia is under control of the Turks who wouldn't be too happy about a bunch of Christians suddenly arriving there. I could be wrong though, you can never know about these Turks...

Plus, I really think it would be a really good idea to meet in a place like Venice or Constantinople so we don't go in one at a time to get eaten by Turks.

And I want some land...
Borman Empire
26-10-2005, 03:14
Parthini']OOC: Umm, not to rain on anyone's parade but Armenia is landlocked and Lesser Armenia is under control of the Turks who wouldn't be too happy about a bunch of Christians suddenly arriving there. I could be wrong though, you can never know about these Turks...

Plus, I really think it would be a really good idea to meet in a place like Venice or Constantinople so we don't go in one at a time to get eaten by Turks.

And I want some land...

OOC: Lol. But one of the crusdaer kingdoms war called Armenia.
The Scandinvans
26-10-2005, 22:58
OOOC: Please use the sign up thread to post OOC comments or questions unless the OOC explains an essentail feature of your miltary force.
Deatharon
26-10-2005, 23:07
The head of the Baron's bodyguard nods his head and enters the largest tent in the camp. After a mere three minutes the head guard comes out and saids, "The Baron will see you now." The Baron comes out of his tent dressed in his armor he walked over to the Duke of Normandy surrounded by his guards.
The Scandinvans
28-10-2005, 02:25
The Duke then got off of his horse and walked towards the Baron and said," I believe that we should discuss our strategy before going further into the crusade."
Deatharon
28-10-2005, 02:27
The Baron replies, "Very well then should we plan in my tent or out here?"
The Scandinvans
28-10-2005, 02:39
The Duke answered," In your tent where there will be some more privacy then what is avaible out here."
Deatharon
28-10-2005, 02:47
The Baron nods and saids, "This way then." The Baron enters his tent and has a map of the area already placed out.
The Scandinvans
28-10-2005, 02:53
The Duke says while looking on the map," Antioch is to an essential target, but yet we do not have enough men to garrison it and continue with our campiagn to Jersualem. Yet we can either await more Crusaders to come or we can march directly onto Palestine."
Deatharon
28-10-2005, 02:57
The Baron saids, "I recommend that we send scouting parties through out the area and try to get a better knowledge of the land. I also suggest we wait for more reinforcements before attack the holy city. The heathens will have it heavily defended and would not like to lose such a city without a really bloody Siege."
The Scandinvans
28-10-2005, 03:35
The Duke answered," I agree about sending in scouting parties and awaiting more Crusaders. Yet how shall we settle the territorial dividing outside the lands granted to Jersualem which have already been granted to me by the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor."
Deatharon
28-10-2005, 04:02
The Baron saids, "I have no idea on how to divide the land. I have a belive more lords will be coming to fight in the crusade and they will all want a piece of land out of the campaign."
Borman Empire
28-10-2005, 21:18
Arrows soared through the air as Lombard soldiers ran to staff what parts of the walls had not been missed. The doors to the barracks flew open as some soldiers ran out, the rest would be crushed when another stone brought the roof in. Waves of arrows from all four sides, both night and fire, came crashing down on Lombard soldiers, forcing them to huddle into small groups with raised shields.

As they did this massive rams were brought up to the front gate, larger versions of the one in the back. A small “Shack” with a slanted roof served as the main part of the ram. The whole ram was quite defensive too, steel and other metal coating all over to help prevent against sword, arrow, and more damage. The slanted roof would allow chemicals poured on to pour off without getting in. And several small windows/cutouts in the ram wall, opened and locked from inside so that soldiers inside may open up for a quick fire of arrows or stab of the sword, in addition to the much bigger stronger door at the back of the ram which still required soldiers to duck to enter the ram. On the outside thick strong wheels allowed the ram to roll as the feet power of the soldiers inside kept it moving. Thick sheets of metal and wood extended down from the ram to protect the feet of the soldier. And finally a massive sharpened wooden pole was suspended inside the ram, with handlebars sticking out to allow the soldiers to grip it and push it with much more ease, and at the sharpened front, steel had been fastened on to allow for greater striking power. And finally in the front a part of the wall could be unlocked out of place, pulled backward onto a track, and slid down; thereby allowing the swinging pole to exit the ram itself and strike the doors. This design made it so very few, if any, soldiers had to go with the rams to protect them. While still not invincible, they were much more defensively powerful than other rams.

The steel tips of the rams began to slam into the large gate. To their horror Lombard soldiers looked up to see that the most powerful braces, supposed to be instated at the beginning of a battle, were not in place. And with arrows coming down as thick as rain, no one wanted to risk putting them in place.

With the boom of the more powerful rams, the much smaller ram beat its own fist upon the weaker back door, staying in tune with the larger ones to keep its presence secret. The soldiers with it had many ladders and grapple ropes, they were going to scale the relatively low back walls. As teams brought ladders up and laid them against the parapets ropes were loosed and sailed upwards, most grabbing onto the walls, others coming back down.

A Lombard soldier was trying to dodge the arrows by huddling behind the parapet. The friends around him started dropping, and suddenly the arrows became much less. With that opportunity he got up and ran to the stairs down to the courtyard, to find them collapsed. As he looked across he saw the other stairs on the other side intact, all it required was a run across the back wall. He jumped off and took off, swinging his sword in one hand, his shield in another. As he was running across the wall a rope shot out in front of him, then got pulled back and secured itself on the wall. He looked over to see men climbing up the rope and quickly cut it off. Then to take its place at least three others came up. He went to yell out, and felt a blade shoot through his gut. One of the speedier climbers was already up his rope and saw too it an alarm was not roused.

As if god himself wanted to scare the Lombard people, it began to rain and thunder. The thunder always striking at the same time as the rams, making them seem more powerful, and the rain took on the shape of arrows. Lombard soldiers sought shelter wherever they could, and buried their face under their shield; so they could not see the Roman soldiers pouring down the stairs.

A Lombard soldier had just gotten some bandages for his friend, he ran around the side of the ruined barracks to bring them to him, and ran smack into another soldier. The bandages flew out of his hand as he flew backwards. He rubbed his head as he stood up, and realized the colors of the man on the ground were not his own. He drew his sword and charged the man, as another Roman soldier jumped out. Steel clashed as the two had a quick duel of thrusts, hacks, slashes, and the counter parry. But soon a horde of Roman soldiers running by to open the back gate cut him down.

Only when the back gate was open, the rear forces slaughtered, the barracks flaming, and any hope of victory far off did the Lombard soldiers hear the cries of Roman soldiers, with fresh men from the back, charging at their huddled hid bodies. The small archer force with the back men aimed their fire arrows into the sky and fired off. The signal had been set, and the arrow rain stopped. Romans fought their way to the splintering front gates, opening them and letting the hordes of infantry with the rams flood in.

Blood coated the fields as everything in the fort was burned. Piles of Lombard soldiers decorated pikes, heads topped them off, and Roman soldiers looted corpses. The massacre was over, the pathetic nation of Lombard had fought, and been decimated at Roman hands. Now the Holy Roman Empire added its territory to it’s own, and its force prepared to head to the crusader meeting in place already.
The Scandinvans
28-10-2005, 22:10
The Baron saids, "I have no idea on how to divide the land. I have a belive more lords will be coming to fight in the crusade and they will all want a piece of land out of the campaign."The Duke answered," I agree as most of the lords would not have come all this way and made war upon the infidel due to being pious."
Deatharon
28-10-2005, 22:16
The Baron saids, "We should await the other lords so they have a say in the matters of the Campaign and do not feel cheated when the spoils are divided."
The Scandinvans
29-10-2005, 17:32
The Duke answered," I agree, but yet if they do not arrive by the coming of the tidings of the new spring. I believe we should march forward if we have enough knights and soldiers for the campagin."
Borman Empire
29-10-2005, 23:58
OOC: So. Was the plan to meet in Venice? I guess our armies actually ARE to consentrate their forces for one strong army, right? If so, my Duke should be there also at this time, with his army and people. Alas, if we all are there;


To the leaders of Crusader armies:

I, Jacques d'Gascony, invite You and perhaps some of your most loyal and trusted knights/counsellors to join us Tomorrow Evening for dinner and discussion about War Plan and share of the hopely soon liberated Holy Land. The meeting is to take place in our camp, five kilometres

Sincerely Yours,
The Duke Of Gascony.

OOC: This is also sent to Holy Empire in hope to get their representative to the meeting, too.

Official Response to the Duke of Gascony:

http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/HRESeal.PNG

Dear Duke of Gascony,

The conquest of the Lombards is finished, with their soldiers burning on pikes. If your meeting is still going on, I would be delighted to attend. I'd like to know who else is attending, or attended and what the resolution was if it's over.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
Deatharon
30-10-2005, 06:55
The Baron replies, "I agree we shall wait untill the new spring and should the other lords fail to come. We should begin the campaign with out them."
The Scandinvans
30-10-2005, 07:10
The Baron replies, "I agree we shall wait untill the new spring and should the other lords fail to come. We should begin the campaign with out them."The Duke of Normandy answered," I happy that you agree with these terms. As of the land that you wish to be granted...
Deatharon
30-10-2005, 07:14
The Baron saids, "I would like to claim the land of Jordan."
The Scandinvans
30-10-2005, 07:17
The Baron saids, "I would like to claim the land of Jordan.""There is some land in the far west of Jordan already claimed by the Holy Roman Empire, but there is ALOT of territory left in Jordan up for grabs."
Deatharon
30-10-2005, 07:19
The Baron saids, "I would like the unclaimed parts for my self. I will need allied help to claim it however."
The Scandinvans
02-11-2005, 23:07
The Duke of Normady answered," I will be willing to provide considerable forces when we have captured to the Holy Land to help in the conquest of Jordan."
Deatharon
02-11-2005, 23:22
The Baron smiles and saids, "Then we our in agreement. You shall have Jersualem and I shall recieve the heathen controled parts of Jordan."
The Scandinvans
02-11-2005, 23:32
The Duke replied," I thank you for your help. Though the war may outlive us you will have territory in Jordan."
Deatharon
02-11-2005, 23:39
The Baron saids, "I am mostly doing this to provide land for my younger son. I do not wish for my sons to fight for my postion as baron for when I pass on."
The Scandinvans
02-11-2005, 23:57
The Duke answers," This a good and noble intention to go on this crusade for the sake of protecting the futures of your children. For this I will protect your chidlren when your state is established."
Deatharon
03-11-2005, 00:00
The Baron saids, "I thank you for your kindness. Your honor seems to know no bounds."
The Scandinvans
03-11-2005, 00:17
The Baron saids, "I thank you for your kindness. Your honor seems to know no bounds."The Duke replied," My only goal is to improve the world for the good of all Christains."
Deatharon
03-11-2005, 00:23
The Baron saids, "This is refreshing. I am use to dealing with nobles who seek only to increase there own power and position."
The Scandinvans
06-11-2005, 05:18
The Duke replied,"These dark times have corrupted the minds and hearts of many a man. Only through repairing this can we exit these dark times."
Deatharon
06-11-2005, 07:38
The Baron replies, "I hope that this is true and that our liberation of the holy land. Will end the corruption and dark times."
The Scandinvans
06-11-2005, 18:20
The Duke answers," That I believe is an effort that will require far more centuries of work and figthing before that goal is achieved."
Deatharon
07-11-2005, 02:43
The Baron saids, "That is probally true my friend. It will mostly likely be out of our life times."
The Scandinvans
08-11-2005, 23:07
The Duke responds," Yet by our actions in the Holy Land we might start off the end of the darkness in the world. At least in the Holy Land ours sins will be redeemed."
Deatharon
09-11-2005, 00:44
The Baron saids, "That was one of the many reasons why I choose to fight in this conflict. I wonder what is our battle plan for taking the city. Starve them out or a siege with a mass assualt?"
The Scandinvans
12-11-2005, 19:01
The Duke responded," The best battle plan I believe for taking the enemy city would be to use a starve them for a period offer for them to surrender and if they do not we assualt the city."
Borman Empire
13-11-2005, 00:32
Official Response to the Duke of Gascony:

http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/HRESeal.PNG

Dear Duke of Gascony,

The conquest of the Lombards is finished, with their soldiers burning on pikes. If your meeting is still going on, I would be delighted to attend. I'd like to know who else is attending, or attended and what the resolution was if it's over.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV

...
The Scandinvans
14-11-2005, 02:31
Response to the Holy Roman Emperor from the Duke of Normandy:
"Sorry for the long delay my lord, We currently have begun the prepartions for the conquest of the Holy Land. As well I have promised to aid the Baron of Brittany in gaining lands for himself in unclaimed Muslims lands in Syria. Yet currently we are the only ones at the meeting my leige."
Borman Empire
15-11-2005, 22:12
Response to the Holy Roman Emperor from the Duke of Normandy:
"Sorry for the long delay my lord, We currently have begun the prepartions for the conquest of the Holy Land. As well I have promised to aid the Baron of Brittany in gaining lands for himself in unclaimed Muslims lands in Syria. Yet currently we are the only ones at the meeting my leige."

Official Response to the Duke of Normandy:

http://usera.imagecave.com/obsterray/HRESeal.PNG

I shall soon be there, however the duke of Gascony was holding one prior to an invitation to yours. If I can contact him I shall invite him to come join the one with you two.

Signed,
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV
The Scandinvans
16-11-2005, 05:33
Response to the Emperor Henry IV:
My lord I look forward to you coming to honor our small and humble meeting with your mighty and great presence. We await you to bring your army so thta we may at last begin to free the Holy Land.

Signed,
The Duke of Normandy