Capo Hatta Cosa Fatta - A Pisan AAR

[Atterdag]

.:Capo Hatta Cosa Fatta:.

Tuscan proverb that roughly translates into: Action first, council later.

This is a Pisan AAR that will satisfy my need to act as a writer and hopefully develop my skills of editing images and perhaps show you, the audience, some new features.


Rules:

No cheats
Command every battle personally
Have fun

Part One

Introduction

The bells of the cathedral were ringing in the background as a thousand voices cried out in joy.
The stage could have been that of a happy wedding and in one way the event could be interpreted that way. It was a wedding – a marriage, a union. But not the holy unbreakable bond made between two loving human beings before god, but rather the joining of a new leader with his people.

The leader was a beautiful man. He was high and noble, with golden skin and a strong beard. His eyes shone like the stars and there was a certain aura of greatness that engulfed him. His spouse was a noisy collection of brave and free and wonderful traders and merchants. He would die to protect them – his people. The city official reached him. The ceremony was carried out on the plaza where the masons were erecting a splendid Cathedral – on the northern side of the Arno River. When finished it would be covered in the finest marble from the quarries of Tuscia. A monument to the wonders and good deeds he and his people would commit. Slowly the murmur of his people lowered and the official commenced the ancient ritual.

“Do you Gottifredo; swear to protect this holy city and its diocese from all aggressors, foreign as domestic?” “I do”. “And do you swear that you will respect and uphold the laws and customs of the sea that our people have brought to every shore?” He gave his word. “And to uphold our hegemony you will field a force of 40 knights, from all of the noble families, and you will maintain a force of 75 galleys?” “I swear before god to defend my people.” “Then I appoint you as consul of Pisa and Viscomte of the Contado. And the people cheered their new leader and Gottifredo descended from the platform – his eyes shining like two suns.

Chapter one

-The Shield-

Years later, an enraged emissary strode through the corridors of Castel Sant'Angel in Rome.
“How dare he! How dare he!” the envoy mumbled. “His holiness will be angry, infuriated and displeased. How could he!” His steps echoed through the nude corridors of the castle. Finally he reached a crafty door which was opened by a pair of guards. The envoy marched quicker – through an audience chamber towards a golden throne on which an old man sat.
“What news do you bring me from the Pisans my dear Leo?”
The messenger replied in a squeaky voice. “I’m afraid that it is not good news your holiness.” The pope raised a grey eyebrow. “Has Gottifredo denied my reasonable demands, Leo? And I was so certain that you’d succeed. What a pity.” The envoy shifted his weights from one leg to the other, licked his dry lips and continued in a now low and nasal voice. “I’m afraid it is far worse than we expected my liege. The whole problem with the Tuscans not sharing Corsica and Sardinia with the Ligurians was not even addressed during my visit. Instead he confined me to my chambers and refused to see me!” The pope shrugged and after a few minutes spent in deep thought he snapped his fingers and out from the ranks of surrounding courtiers appeared two mailed. Both were stern and grave as they moved into room, kneeled and rose to their feet before the pope and the relieved Leo. “Bernardo and Giuffre, I have a need for your services.” The two knights nodded understandingly. “We are yours to command Holy Father – as always.” Giuffre answered.
“For that I’m very thankful” the old man replied smiling. “Bernardo - what can you tell me about the Pisan state – its organisation and armies?” Bernardo’s face twisted into a grimace as he thought. “The Pisan state” he began “is like a great round shield. The centre is the city of Pisa, guarded by mighty walls and hard people. Surrounding the urban capital lie the rural villages and olive farms of the Contado where the cities have towers that reach the skies. Many of whom are fortified heavily. Furthermore there is the duchy of Spoleto where the Pisans have taken power and also their overseas territories of Corsica and Sardinia.” The Holy Father seemed to be content with this reply. “I understand” he said “what should we do then – if we wanted to defeat the Pisan Commune? Strike at the shield’s centre? Or break down the surrounding defences one by one?” Bernardo looked quickly at Giuffre who answered “Your holiness, the state’s navy isn’t strong enough to support an invasion of the islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea and if we marched our forces on the duchy of Spoleto we leave Latium and our other domains vulnerable.” He gulped before Bernardo continued. “My liege I believe both I and Giuffre are convinced that if you were to attack the Tuscans you should strike at the shield’s centre.” Bernardo and his comrade bowed slightly and stepped back as the pope rose to his feet. Worried advisors hurried closer to hear his proclamation. “Such is indeed my wishes. If Tuscany’s position is not weakened, they will be unbeatable and therefore no longer obey the wishes of the church – which would equal utter catastrophe! Therefore Bernardo you will raise the levies of Latium and march on Pisa. You may do as you see fit regarding the strategy and order of battle, but if you succeed in taking the city I order you to spare the civilian population and await my orders.” The commander bowed and hurried out of the chamber. His holiness sat down and gestured for Giuffre and Leo to come closer. In a low voice he issued his orders to them and they also marched out of the castle in Rome, with orders regarding Tuscany’s demise in their minds.

A young rider galloped over rolling hills with cypresses and stone pines arranged in alleys, gently swaying in the winter breeze. Even though it was winter the weather was dry and warm. The horse sprinted across a low hill and the equestrian halted his mount on the hilltop. In front of him the solid walls of his hometown stood defying and impregnable - mocking invisible enemies.

He looked back, remembered his errand and made his way in through the city gate. A bulky captain halted him at the entrance to the consul’s palace. Before he could explain the importance of his message a cry rang out from the Lion’s Gate and soon everyone was running away screaming. Horns sounded in the distance and the young rider was soon left alone. He had to find his uncle. He ran into the courtyard thinking hard to remember where the consul was supposed to be today. His uncle, all the family he had left was a knight in the employ of the consul’s personal guard and was always one step behind the important leader. His search was halted by a loud “bang” as two massive doors were swung open in the other end of the courtyard. Out strode the Consul, who was strapping on his sword belt while an aide tried to fasten a cloak to his shoulders and by his side a few knights tried to keep up the pace. “Don’t you even want to observe the enemy from the city walls? What if they have vast amounts of men hidden?” “Bohemond you lazy bastard, stop complaining and get your men from the southern city parts. And if you see the Gonfaloniere of the Contado send for him at once!” at this reply Bohemond withdrew and the consul reached the young rider. “Who are you?” The consul looked puzzled almost as if the young man had sprung up from the earth. “I came to warn you” the man replied “about the attackers – I was the first to see them south of Porto Pisano. I came straight to your quarters my liege, but a fat soldier from the northern part held me back.” The count whistled slowly. “You must have good eyes then – tell me young man how many men did you see and what was the equipment? By the way I assume that you have a name?”
“Yes sir. My name is Jacopo. Regarding the enemy Sir, well it was a bit hard to say, but I’d guess there were some 800 soldiers in a mixed force of crossbowmen, levied spearmen and some cavalry.”
Again the consul whistled. “Great timing Jacopo. Get your horse and follow us. I need a man to carry my standard and this city needs to repel those rascals out there before they burn the farms of our Contado.”
They exited the city a few hours later at the head of the Commune’s army.

Bernardo scouted over the defending army. They had left their safe defences to fight him in the open? That was a mistake he would make them regret. It seemed that the Pisan shield was weakest in the centre..

Please leave comments and ideas!

[Drtad]

Good start, hope you continue.

[palatinae]

1st he take rome, then he will take his ppl to the promise land,soon Atterdag holy forces will finish them all.

[Atterdag]

Part Two

Chapter Two

-The Consul’s Colours-

On the city's walls the Pisan crossbowmen were arranging themselves. As the Papal forces advanced towards the Tuscan army exiting the city Bernardo brought his men within the crossbow's range.

Soon cries of pain were filling the air and when Bernardo witnessed the havoc which the enemy was inflicting, he decided to withdraw out of range. His many archers and crossbowmen were better used this way anyhow. Shouting and swearing his army withdrew under the rain of bolts that fell upon them.
With the enemy army withdrawing Gottifredo brought his army out of the city.
Jacopo sat by his side holding his colours and around him were his bravest knights. It took some time but finally the captains managed to form the infantry up for advance, and Gottifredo gave the order to advance with a nod. As he swung his horse around while unsheathing his sword, horns sounded the advance all around him. Adrenaline ran in his body beneath the layers of armour. He led the horsemen towards the enemy lines signalling to them that their goal was the left flank where archers stood unprotected. The plain was filled with thunder as the Pisan horsemen stormed towards the Papal line. They hit the archers as one mailed fist and cur through their ranks as a knife through warm butter. Alas spearmen surrounded them from behind just as soon as the surviving archers had fled the field. Jacopo held the flag tightly in his left hand as he struggled to stay out of harms way.
An impossible task it seemed. The enemy was everywhere.
“You crazy fool, you’re going to get us all killed!” Jacopo didn’t know where he got the courage from, but looked grimly at the Consul. He had lost his helmet under the desperate fighting and was almost bareheaded, except of his mail coif. Gottifredo’s white teeth were clear in the black beard as he smiled, and shouted back. “Jacopo you miserable realist, do you want to live for ever!” His loud laughter drowned the young man’s swearing. With a wide stroke, the Consul cut several foot soldiers down and breathed deeply. It was for this the almighty had put him on earth, to bring death, destruction and despair to the enemies of his people. “Take a look Jacopo. The lazy bastard Bohemond didn’t let me down this time - ONWARDS!” Jacopo looked confused but spurred is horse together with the others in an attempt to break free of the enemy encirclement. The Consul had eyed the arrival of the Communal infantry. The Papal forces found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place as the spearmen smashed into their front while the mailed knights came up from behind.


Pisan army exiting through the Lion's Gate


The Pisan crossbowmen fire at the Papal forces


Infantry of the city and allied states form up for advance


The Consul's knights storm the weak flanks

..

Bernardo shouted desperately. His voice almost cracked, as panic laid its ice cold hand on him. They were in his ranks. His soldiers were throwing down weapons or fleeing. The bodyguards he had brought with him from Rome were getting nervous. The screams and battle noise were all he could sense. Finally he decided to do something. There! In the middle of the fray were the Consul’s colours. Bernardo turned around in his saddle.
“Alfonso, you take 30 men and distract them. The rest of us try to break through the spearmen and kill their Consul. You understand?” The men around him nodded. The Pope’s commander took a deep breath. “Good, and may the lord be with us - Attack!”
The company rode onwards and for a moment all they could hear was the enemy flags flattering in the wind and the noise of the horns, rising and rising..

..

In the fray, Jacopo fought like a maniac to keep his horse under control. The standard was getting heavier and heavier. When they rode out he had not imagined his position to be like this - sitting vulnerable in the middle of a struggling and intervened body of soldiers who’d utilize every weak point to kill him. And that bastard of a Consul was enjoying it all. He was smiling even when he grunted from the powerful strokes he had to parry. He was an extraordinary man - perhaps even a dangerous man. That would have to wait. Right now all he cared about was staying alive. Yet that man was getting to him. He was reckless man he cared not for council. Sooner or later it would end.
While he was thinking and defending, Jacopo didn’t see the enemy riders rushing towards them. The papal ensign was flowing above them, and they were all silent as the grave. With a shout Jacopo made his friends aware of the incoming danger and they redirected their horses and prepared to take the enemy head on. Gottifredo had eyed out the enemy commander minutes before they made contact and he fought his way towards him – knight after knight falling before his simple sword.


The Papal sergeants rush towards the encircled Pisans

..

After they’d made contact with the enemy, Bernardo’s eyes were fastened on the red cloth.
His sergeants spread out behind him, intercepting any enemy challenger, and paving a road for him.
With great skill, Bernardo manoeuvred his horse through the chaos of the melee, towards his goal.
He was almost there. The banner was held by a young man who was desperately trying to control his mount. But where was the Consul? Blasted! What a fool he had been. The darned heretic could be everywhere. Observing the battle from the walls or he could even be at church, praying.
Under his breath he swore so the His Holiness would’ve fallen off his golden throne, had he heard him. Angry he turned around in the saddle to scout for his prey, but was confronted by someone.
Before him sat a tall and noble man mounted on a strong black horse. He was clad in elegant robes that only just covered the shiny rings of a great mail hauberk. The armour covered the newcomer from head to foot, but his head was bare, and his face was twisted in a hateful smile that made his white teeth visible in the black beard. Bernardo knew that it was death. But in a desperate attempt to survive he launched himself at the stranger with a roar. He swung his sword in large curves, tiring quickly. Sweat dropped from his forehead and made his sight unsure. As he gasped for air he saw the sword coming, and then, saw no more.

..

Gottifredo wiped the blood off his sword in a piece of cloth. The twisted figure on the bloody ground had without doubt been an important man. His tunic was full of blood, but still the noble features were visible. He had probably been their commander. The noise of battle was dwindling and once again the Consul cast himself into the fray. The news of the death of their commander had spread quickly through the Papal ranks. Many of the levies were already fleeing, but some of the mounted sergeants were still fighting back. Gottifredo brought 20 men with him and Jacopo in a headlong assault into their core. He fought like two men in one. He swung his bloodied sword like a reaper and man after man fell before his wrath. Finally he could claim the great standard of the Papist forces for himself, and like that – did the enemy break and fled in disgrace caring for nothing but saving their own lives. Gottifredo laughed at them.

He swung the horse around and shouted after them, hoarse after giving orders for 3 hours straight, “Rascals! Those of you who live.. Send the Pope my love!”

[DaVinci]

Atter, did you put it into the AAR list already?

[Atterdag]

No not yet, but I'll do it right away!

But really I feed on comments so please people what do you think?

[BNS]

Your aar is very well done

[palatinae]

great AAR

[thoscme]

i LOVE it great reading!
keep it up atterdag

[Atterdag]

Thanks guys

I'm working on chapter three right now.
Wondering what the Papal response will be? Stay tuned to find out..

[drak10687]

yeah great writing!

my only piece of advice though, would be that once you get rolling you skip to only describing important battles in detail... you can still think everything out in your head as if you were going to write about it for your own enjoyment, but you will probably get very tired of describing every battle, especially since the AI uses tactics very limited in variety when fighting the same faction with similar army composition.

[Atterdag]

School has begun and boy they're starting out pretty hard.

I think that I'll have time to finish chapter three over the weekend.

[thoscme]

oh, im sorry to hear school has begun. here in norway school dont start until 20.august, which is on monday.. but, since i am moving to a new school, there are not much vacation left.. there are damn many things to be done when you are moving for the first time..

buut, back to topic
good, waiting eagerly for the next chapter!

[Atterdag]

Part Three

-Retribution-

“Disaster” His holiness was taking a walk in his private garden. The Garden of Eden was the name the Romans had given it. The cypresses and stone pines cast cool shadows in the orchard shielding him from the warm summer sun. “But I thought you were satisfied with my results my liege?” Leo joined him under the trees. The messenger had spent all his time in the south, negotiating with the Normans. He had returned with an offer of alliance between the Holy See and the Norman count, and this very moment were the acceptance being brought south by an armed escort.
“You have done.. very well dear Leo.” “Why then the grave expression my liege?”
The holy man was tired, oh so tired. He could feel his old bones ache. He answered very slowly – almost as if he was talking about the weather while folding his hands. His eyes were round and glassy. “Bernardo failed his mission. He brought soldiers from Latium and Ravenna towards the Pisans he surrounded their city and gave battle.” He took a deep breath, clearing his old lungs. “He lost. Almost the entire army was annihilated, gone forever”.
“Has Giuffre heard the news?” The old man didn’t reply he just nodded. Giuffre had been away for a long time. His mission had been to raise those Tuscan cities that supported the pope in revolt. It was well known that Pisa was the only outright pro Imperial city in Tuscany. There was also no doubt the German gold was flowing from Verona to support the Emperor’s proxy fighters. Leo’s face twisted in a grimace as he thought of what Giuffre would do if he got his hands on the Pisan consul. After all Bernardo had been his brother.
The Consul however, was not prepared to be let anyone lay hands on him.

...

Gottifredo scaled the stairs to the great wall. He reached the ramparts with ease and took a deep breath of the clear morning air. He could just glimpse the Porto Pisano far to the east. It was a beautiful sight with the clear blue sea shining like gold under the sun’s rays. Bohemond and Jacopo were resting by the parapet already through their first bottle of wine. “Ah you lazy bastards” the Consul exclaimed “I hope by God that you’ve saved some wine for me!” He bumped down beside them as Jacopo poured some of the cool liquid into a cup. “You’ve done a mighty fine job Crazy Man” Jacopo commented as he handed the goblet to the Consul. “What do you mean squire? I know I’m doing a mighty fine job in restraining myself from not throwing you off the walls, but something in your tone is bothering me.” The young man sighed as he and Bohemond exchanged knowing looks. “You’ve not ret the reports then?” Bohemond tried. “Of course not - that’s what I got you two to do, remember?” Jacopo took a sizeable gulp from his cup before answering. “The enemy has crossed the border and recruited men from the southern cities of out fiefdoms.. What have you been doing?” Gottifredo looked puzzled. “I’ve been out hunting of course. I killed a mighty fine boar the day before yesterday. He had a great taste.” Bohemond’s mouth fell open in amazement. “You’ve been out hunting while the Fool of Rome has been burning our Contado and slaughtering out livestock?” The Consul didn’t look too remorseful. After a period of awkward silence Gottifredo rose to his feet. “Where do our latest reports place the enemy?” “East of Lucca and north of Firenze” was the answer. “Well, Jacopo you get the cavalry mobilized and Bohemond you assemble the infantry. I want to leave this city by midday.” And with this, he left his two friends baffled on the ramparts.


Giuffre's force in Tuscany

…

Giuffre led his army forwards in good order. He could not believe his luck. The old rat had left his city undefended and was walking right into his open arms. It was clouded but he was confident that the weather would remain dry. His conscripted citizens were in the front with sergeants on the flanks. He held his militia from Siena in reserve while his limited cavalry scouted ahead.
With a shattering noise the horns proclaimed the arrival of the enemy.
Gottifredo arrived on the field under fluttering banners and to the sound of pipes. In front of his army he drove the survivors of the Roman cavalry, Giuffre had sent scouting. This was not good. He was completely on the enemy’s mercy without support for his flanks. Quickly he issued orders for his soldiers to advance as quickly as possible, to avoid the enemy of utilizing their cavalry support too much. While his soldiers advanced, the enemy cavalry split in two and rode towards his flanks. Then the bombardment began. Arrows and bolts fell upon his line. Man after man fell with shafts sticking from limbs and chests. He could not maintain discipline any longer and the Roman forces turned around and ran away from the lethal missiles.


The Pisan army


The bombardment begins

…

Gottifredo smiled as the enemy tried to retreat from his bolts and arrows. He rode through an alley created by the troops together with his retinue and companion knights. They wheeled and now faced the amassed might of the Pisan military force. The consul drove his horse forwards and addressed the army.
“My friends!” shouted he “Remember that we fight for our city and our freedom! Let us repress these thieves and beggars! Let us bring crimson death to the Roman foe!” The army roared it's approval and as his horse reared in fright of the noise, Gottifredo pointed his sword towards the enemy. “See how they run. See these petty excuses for warriors. In antiquity the Romans were proud fighters who faced their foes head on.” He breathed deeply. “Friends, let us end their misery. Hold the line, obey your superiors and slay any foe in your path. These are my orders. Obey and we shall be victorious!” The horns and drums heralded the advance, and the infantry advanced in stern order, while the cavalry ran down any enemies not in formation.

…

The Romans could not withstand the armoured fist of Gottifredo’s infantry. They drove through the enemy lines – isolating the despairing intruders in small pockets of resistance, and quickly broke down any form of morale and willingness to fight.
However, it was not enough to break Giuffre and the Roman rallied the men around his banner. Isolated, without any hope of reinforcements arriving, they put up a last resistance so fierce that it held Gottifredo’s infantry at bay. Dismounted amongst his faithful knights he was like a white tower in a sea of red. The Roman commander fought wrathfully and slew many men. As the Romans where trying to fight their way to a more easily defended position, Gottifredo arrived with his bodyguard.
The fighting were too intense to allow the use of horses, so he dismounted his retinue and led the mailed ones into battle.


The Romans withdraw

...

It was a matter of time before the two generals would face each other.
Giuffre slew a militiaman with a clean cut at the throat. The armed peasant fell to ground without a sound. A hole appeared in the Pisan line. It was a tiny hole in the great mass of spears, swords and axes. Through that tiny hole Giuffre eyed the heavy bodyguards of the enemy commander. They were brutal as they spread out, pushing the common soldiers aside while slowly beating their swords against the decorated shields. Giuffre could feel a colder sweat emerge on his brow. He sank bitterly and thought of Rome.
From their ranks a tall and noble man emerged. His shield was crimson and his blade shiny with the blood of many men and on his chest was a great white cross.

“I am Gottifredo, Roman, the master of this land. Prepare to meet your maker and be judged!” Giuffre clutched his sword. “You killed my brother, Pisan. For you I shall have no mercy. Defend yourself” And with that Giuffre launched himself at his hated enemy. The Consul parried his blows with difficulty and fell back. The Roman pursued him without hesitating. As the two struggled their armies stood still – observing the play while gravely expressing concerns or cheering wildly as their favourites either stroke or was hit.
Giuffre smashed his sword at the Consul’s helmet and the Pisan collapsed. Breathing deeply, Giuffre moved in for the kill. Quickly the fallen rose to his feet and with an ear shattering noise the fight continued. First one drove the other around. Then the tide turned. It seemed that neither could defeat each other. But one of them found his end on the plain. Gottifredo made a quick move with his sword and the tired Giuffre lifted his shield to defend. Gottifredo’s sword was in his heart before he realised his error. As the victor stared into the dying eyes of his foe, he saw nothing but hate and anger. After that it was a matter of butchering the remains of Rome’s army.

Giuffre joins his brother in the afterlife

…

Jacopo found the Consul together with Bohemond under a giant cypress a few miles from the battlefield. The army had made camp a short ride from them and only a few soldiers were guarding them.
“Why don’t you send the army home my liege? The enemy has been defeated, the Contado is safe for now and the Pope doesn't dare to oppose you.”
He could see that Bohemond and Gottifredo had been arguing about this. The Captain sent him a knowing look, but shrugged. He had already tried that.

“The army will not see home for some time.” The consul rose to his feet and stretched his arms, he seemed to be at peace. Jacoop didn't dare to ask, what the old man had in mind.
“We stand at our Rubicon, Jacopo. We stand at the Tiber.. Don’t you understand? Rome is within reach.” A heavy silence descended upon them.
From the trees around them, birds were singing sad songs to each other. It all sememd very surreal.
“All we have to do – is to throw the dice.”

[DaVinci]

Very well written this story

[Drtad]

Very nice, the text is great. However, more pictures of the battle would make the overall AAR much better.

[thoscme]

exellent chapter
this is a great AAR, very good reading

keep it up man!

[zoltix66]

good AAR. Im waiting for more

[bomberboy]

This is one good AAR, some more pics would be nice but not a lot, but who cares this is great.