[SS AAR] The Legacy of Skantarios - Restoration of the Roman Empire **COMPLETE** (With Compilation)

[Highi]

Liked the reason you gave why the Pope couldn't excommunicate the Spanish. It's hard to explain that he is your lapdog but you can't let him do stuff.
Also, great update overall.

[NotYetRegistered]

Awesome.

[Uber Patriot]

great update, usually I prefer reading about the Western conquests fighting the Spanish, Italians and French but that was most epic too

purely out of interest how big is your treasury?

[Valandur]

Mate, you know I followed I Am Skantarios throughout its entirety, and I must say I loved it...

But this...

Well, I just have to say, I don't know how one can do this, you've stacked excellency upon excellency and picked up on a story I deemed over and won. You deserve all the praise you receive and I think I speak for all of us when I say that.

Well done, I'm really looking forward to how this AAR or, story, will turn out.

[Rowdytavern]

By all means, please continue with the court intrique and it ads layers and even more depth to an already awesome story. Great update by the way. I like hearing about Vitos and Genessiose. Maybe when they are done with the east they can come to the west and rip it up.

[Thokran]

I'm glad your enjoying my AAR as much as I'm enjoying yours. This one is turning out to be just as awesome as its predecessor! Good to hear that the war in the east is going well. Looking forward to future clashes with the Mongols.

Good luck in the west though, the Franco-Spanish Alliance is looking tougher than ever with Skantarios out of the picture. Here's hoping that young Efthymios has what it takes to be the next Genessios or Vitos!

P.S. I know it's three hundred years apart, but I couldn't help but pay homage to your AAR when I came across a certain Roman General named Skantarios Iagaris in my campaign. Though the Romans are my allies in game, I hope to expand upon him to give a broader spectrum of the international state of politics in the Middle East.

[ArkocentoArisen]

i just got back on my computer after almost 3 weeks of inactivity.... first thing i looked for was this kickass bro! but everntually you will have nothing left to conquer wont you?

[Radzeer]

Excellent update!
I'm always uneasy about late game dynamics, usually because of the lack of strong enemies (so I lose interest), but apparently there are some good stuff left in here. Not to mention the creative storyline!

[Karnage]

I have some catching up to do in reading this new masterpiece but I know for fact I wont be dissapointed, welcome back my friend and honored to see your AAR continuing.

[Maltacus]

Nice update as usual. I'm eager to read the next one.

@Maltacus - The 1450 campaign is great, especially from the Byzantine/Roman perspective. It's also really tough in a lot of ways. You don't have a bunch of "rebel" provinces around you to snap up and create a huge empire in only a few turns. It makes you work for everything - which I think is more realistic. You also don't have to wait for new developments to get away from militia/spam armies.

Funny enough, I begun a 1450 crusader states campaign but got bored since it seemed too easy - huge income from developed cities and ai factions (egypt in this case) that fail to protect their settlements in the beginning. Hm, perhaps it needs a few more rounds to develop better. Now I play with BGR turned on, that should slow things down a bit in favor of the ai.

[Karnage]

Awesome legacy my friend, you've brought back in me the same excitement I had when I first read your first AAR. I'll be following through as promised and can hardly wait for the next update.

@current situation: I know it must be difficult to face both the French and Spain at once, especially with the lack of good generals in the area, last time, Skantarios saved the Empire, can someone truly do the same?? The situation in Africa is dire, my only suggestion would be to retreat to sicily and reconsolidate your forces there. Live today to fight tomorrow I say. Also, you do still have the Imperial army nearby in Italy, although not led by the great Skantarios, I very much doubt those battle hardened veterans would let the empire burn for their own pride. Even if they do not fully listen to their new commander, at the very least, they will fight in Skantarios name just so he doesnt lose what he so hardly fought for in the end of his life.

Great work my friend. +1 rep

[Skantarios]

Chapter 6 – The Storm in the West (1543 AD)

The news of the French offensive in the Alps has sent Vasileios into a rage. In just two years, the French have gone from our allies to an emboldened enemy sending multitudes of their warriors to take back that which they traded to us. The whipsaw of our relations with the French is dizzying. In just three years, we have gone from trading blows on the battlefield to trading pleasantries at royal weddings and back again. Without the force of his will and his leadership on the battlefield, the fragile peace that Emperor Skantarios forged just before his death barely lasted two years.

Worse still for our new Emperor, his only daughter, Efsevia, is married to the French heir, Prince Evrart. Vasileios has sent a viciously worded letter to the French King, Gerard, demanding the return of his daughter or suffer the consequences.

Spoiler for King Gerard: 

No reply has yet been heard from the French and I don't think one will be coming anytime soon given the French ambassador's recent treatment. Even as I write this, I can still hear the cheers of the crowd as his body is being dragged naked through the streets to the Sea of Marmara. I believe that should make communication between our two peoples somewhat...difficult.

The greater question, though, is what we can do about it. The single army that laid siege to Skantarium has now been joined by a much greater host. Our defenders under General Kalamodios are hopelessly outnumbered.

The one good piece of news is that our young heir, Diadohos Efthymios has finally convinced the old Imperial Army to join him. Even now, they are marching north into the Alps to turn back the French. The official story from Efthymios is that he impressed upon them the urgency of the crisis with the French and, in a fit of patriotic fervor, the entire army joined up en masse.

This sounds good but I have heard differently. What I have been told by our old friend Captain Maggiados is what really convinced the army to join back up was twofold. First, the affront to their pride should the citadel of Skantarium be taken; being as it is named after their old and revered commander. The second was the opportunity for great plunder in the rich lands of the French. Whatever their true motivations, base or just, it is greatly heartening that they will be leading our counter-attack. Given the odds stacked against them, I am unsure that any force could be successful in the short term. If one could do it, it is father's veterans.

To aid Efthymios, Emperor Vasileios has given orders for a great host of soldiers to be conscripted from Greece and Italy and sent north to the Alps. Even with our Emperor's substantial skills as an organizer, it will still take time for them to assemble and march. Even those forces must be parsed out for the campaign against the Spanish in North Africa who are moving even now to join up with General Isidoros to lift the siege of Tunis which has shown no signs of abating.

For now, it will be up to the skills of Efthymios, the Imperial army, and whatever troops can be mustered from Innsbruck and the other northern garrisons to fight the French.

What Vasileios has been able to do in the short term is to send his son, Markianos, against the Rus in the north. These northmen allied to the French have three times been our enemies in the past. The first conflict was ended by Skantarios in his younger days. The second decided by Benedek which culminated in the Rus pledging their vassalage; a treaty they forsook at the earliest chance. The third was ended by the terms of our alliance with the French during the "Peace of Skantarios" just a few years ago.

Now that the French are our enemies, there is nothing to stay our hand against them. This may seem like spite on our part but at least this action by Vasileios I understand. We Romans have a long memory and it is now time for the Rus to pay for their past sins and suffer the consequences for renouncing their vassalage.

What I have a harder time understanding is the extra codicil that I am told he sent secretly to Markianos. His ultimatum was that this battle would be one to the death - the Rus or his. No prisoners were to be taken and he was not allowed to leave the battlefield short of complete victory.

Markianos (termed "the Bastard") has always been out of favor from Vasileios but these seemed extremely harsh terms for the poor lad's first battle - especially for one that was not forced upon him. Perhaps Vasileios is hoping that both of these irritants to his rule will kill each other and solve two problems at once.

Battle of Bryansk - March, 1543 AD.

Spoiler for Battle of Bryansk: 

From Battle Report Filed by Markianos Laskaris to Emperor Vasileios and the Imperial Archives - 1543 AD.

My army made the approach to Bryansk from Kiev in good time and my scouts reported that the Rus heir was camped just outside the walls with only a small force of halberd militia as escort.


Crown Prince Aleksei had been adopted into the royal line only a few years ago to fill out one of the many vacancies caused by their unsuccessful wars against us. He was unremarkable except for his noted courage in battle.


The main army of the Rus was stationed in the city under the command of Grand Prince Milogost and one of his lieutenants.

The garrison consisted of three companies of Boyar cavalry, two companies of mercenary German horse (one severely depleted), two companies of dismounted Boyars, two companies of halberd militia, three companies of crossbows, and one each of Druzhina infantry, Varangian spearmen, Bardiche pole arms, and javelins.

Milogost began his career as a common cavalry officer but had made a quick rise through the ranks until he was adopted before the last Rus offensive against us. Following the death of the former Grand Prince and his heir, he found himself in command of what was left of the Rus people.

Not so many years ago, Milogost agreed to be our vassal and come under our protection. Only a few years after that, he renounced his oath in favor of the French alliance and sent an army to try and take Caffa. He failed and his country paid the price. Fate has come full circle for this man and he must now face Roman arms that come this time not for negotiations but for battle.

Ratimir Beda was an old drinking buddy of Milogost and also a former officer of the Boyar cavalry. He knew his way around a battlefield but was in all other ways unremarkable - except for his capacity for drink.


The forces I had at hand consisted of the remnants of Lord Benedek's army, some garrison troops from Kiev, and the two companies of the Imperial Guard sent from Constantinople following the last Rus offensive against Caffa.

It was a very mixed army with heavy and light infantry, horse archers, light cavalry, and some missile troops. For cavalry, we had three companies of Cavalarii horse archers, three of Magyar horse archers, one of mercenary Kazak horse archers, and one of Stratiotae light cavalry. For infantry, we had two companies of the Imperial Guard (the Spathaii tou Vasileos), three companies of Castrophilakae heavy infantry, two Scoutari spearmen, one of heavy spearmen, and one of Varangian spearmen. Our only foot missile troops consisted of one unit of Roman archers and one of Latin handgunners.

I arrayed the army with my infantry in the center and horse archers on either flank; the Cavalarii and the Magyars being split between the two flanks.


Aleksei kept his small force on a wooded hilltop as he awaited the reinforcements from the garrison.


His selection of the hilltop was perfect as it shielded the garrison from our attack as they joined him from the reverse slope.


Our horse archers made probing attacks on the flanks to try and break up their formation and draw out the cavalry. This tactic had the intended effect as Aleksei and his bodyguard bolted from the hill to beat back our horse archers. What he had not counted on was the speed of our horse archers as they darted away and brought him and his bodyguard under a withering fire.

In short order, Aleksei lost his entire bodyguard. He then lost his life.

Spoiler for Aleksei Killed: 

The crossbows from the garrison tried to rescue Aleksei from the horse archers. When they broke away from the woods, my light cavalry charged down upon them and sent them reeling back into the wood line with the loss of several score of their number.


Grand Prince Milogost now ordered a general attack. The Rus infantry and heavy cavalry came charging out of the woods and down on our lines in a pell-mell assault. My men kept their formation and met them with steady nerves and locked shields.


The fight along the infantry lines stretched over nearly a half mile. What organization I had at the beginning of the battle now devolved into a decentralized scrum where company battled company in a test of wills, mettle, and training.

Our men gave not an inch but neither did the Rus. The fighting surged back and forth and the casualties began mounting on either side.

At last, I was able to free up a single company of heavy infantry and turn the enemy's left flank.

I reinforced this small envelopment with my own bodyguard and soon we were folding back the Rus line upon itself.

Milogost sensed the danger and charged ahead with his own company of retainers to blunt this attack and, I think, kill me. Our bodyguards crossed swords and the outcome was in doubt. Fortunately, one of the companies of heavy spearmen countermarched back to my aid and brought down Milogost with a carefully placed spear thrust.

Spoiler for Milogost Killed: 

With the death of their ruler, the remainder of the Rus army broke and ran. All the men, especially the Magyars, had their blood up and surged forward in the pursuit. The last remaining Rus nobleman, the lieutenant Ratimir, tried to make good his escape but was felled by a pair of arrows in the back fired by the Magyars.

Spoiler for Ratimir Killed: 

Precious few of the Rus were able to make good their escape. The remainder were rounded up by our horsemen.

The casualties were enormous on both sides. Where our two lines met, the corpses are piled several deep and cover the field from one end to the other.


I have lost over half my army in the battle.


Pursuant to your orders, the 400+ Rus prisoners have all been executed.

Spoiler for Prisoners: 

The veterans of Benedek's army volunteered for the task. They claimed it as their privilege to gain vengeance for the death of their former commander.

This was a bloody, vicious day. I have lost so many of my men. Even the survivors are bloody, wounded, and utterly exhausted.

Though I have carried out your orders to the letter and won a victory for our country, I found no honor here. It was nothing like the stories I read or the tales I was told. This was just organized butchery on a grand scale.

If this is what war is, I want no more part of it.

- Markianos.

Markianos fulfilled his orders but at an enormous cost to both him and the Empire. He always was more inclined to the library than the drill field. His skills (or lack thereof) and the casualties he took in this battle showed it. Fortunately for him, he had Benedek's veterans to see him through.

Yet another of the dictates of father's will have been carried out, the Rus are vanquished.

Spoiler for Rus Destroyed: 

Despite our victory, the leaderless people of Bryansk have refused to open their gates to us and join the Empire. They have declared their "independence" and have mustered some militia and old soldiers to man the defenses. Vasileios has given orders for the city to be taken but Markianos has refused them. In fact, I am told that he has requested a posting to the quiet northeast and, with very little grace, Vasileios has granted it. The command of the army is now in the hands of one of Vasileios's new generals to finish up what Markianos started.

I can only wonder that though we gained a victory, did we lose a prince in the process?

This sideshow has boosted confidence in the capitol but we must now look to the West. In North Africa, Zinonas is still under siege in Tunis and the Spanish have shown no signs of beginning their assault. It appears they are content to starve out the garrison.

Isidoros is still busy gathering forces from Sicily and has not yet made landfall. Despite Vasileios's urgent commands, the size of the Spanish army has forced Isidoros to be more cautious than his bold nature would indicate. Perhaps he has now developed some prudence to go with his audacity? Either that or he is waiting for the Spanish to remove his commander in Africa so he can have the entire theater to himself again.

In Italy, Efthymios and the core of the old Imperial Army have now made their way into the Alps and are prepared to begin the new war against the French. He has also called on the bulk of the garrison of Innsbruck to join him but there is a small blocking army of Frenchmen preventing his movement to Skantarium.

It should provide a good first lesson in warfare for our young heir.

Battle of the Alpine Pass - June, 1543 AD.

Spoiler for First Battle of the Alps: 

From Battle Report Filed by Diadohos Efthymios Laskaris to Emperor Vasileios and the Imperial Archives - 1543 AD.

I have marched north from Milan with the Imperial Army for the past two months seeking to link up with the garrison troops of Innsbruck and the forces sent north last year. This journey with the veterans of Uncle Skantarios has been incredible. I can honestly say that I have learned more from them about war and battle in these past few months than I was able to acquire in years of study at the academy and on the drill field. Mere words cannot do justice do them in my description but I shall try.

They are an impressive lot by any standard. In truth, I have never met men like them before. Some have been in service to the Empire for almost forty years. Even the younger warriors have nearly a decade of experience in combat. They are disciplined and deadly. They are also brash, irreverant, and lewd and joke with each other in a manner that I cannot print. They are contemptuous of death - theirs or the enemy.

Hardy and competent, they walk with a swagger that I have never seen. They have fought in the campaigns in the East as well as the previous war in Italy. Most are veterans of the battles around Rome, Venice, Innsbruck and the North Italian Campaign. I am humbled just to be in their presence. To march as their leader is my life's greatest honor.

Captain Maggiados has become my fast friend and has taken it upon himself to act as my mentor. He smoothed relations with the rest of the veterans and I believe I have achieved some measure of trust from them. They still take most actions without me ever having to say anything but at least inform me of their movements prior to execution. It will be a continuing effort on my part to earn their confidence and fully assume my title as their commander.

The link up with the garrison forces from Innsbruck was prevented by a small blocking force of the French that I must now clear away in order reach Skantarium.

The French army blocking army had numerous veteran companies but almost all of them were severely understrength.

They were balanced with armored knights, professional infantry, and some missile troops.

My army, as stated before, comprised the core of the old Imperial Army.

We were heavy in horse archers with six companies of Cavalarii and five of Magyars. For close combat cavalry, we had but two companies of Scholarii and two of the light Stratiotae. The only infantry were two companies of Swiss Pikemen that Uncle Skantarios personally recruited before his death. I have added one additional "Free Company" out of Milan.

The final company was the famed War Elephants who were recruited prior to the final campaign against the Ottomans. Having these great beasts under my command and leading them through the Alps makes me feel a bit like Hannibal. The major difference here is that instead of leading an invasion into Italy from Gaul, I am leading an invasion out of Italy into France.

We came upon the Frenchmen in a low pass in the Alps on a mild summer day. We formed ranks on a rise on one side of the valley with the French formed up opposite us.


After consulting with the veteran captains, it was decided to send the horse archers around the flanks to probe the outer defenses of the French and draw their cavalry away. The French took the bait and attempted to send some of their heavy cavalry up on the heights to push them away. However, they could not close before having their ranks savaged by accurate arrow fire.

In short order, the French horsemen were galloping back to the safety of their ranks with my horse archers jeering at them with every step.

The French knights turned their attention to my few companies of infantry. However, when they attempted to charge home, they were met by ordered pikes that first blunted their charge and then turned it away entirely.


My Scholarii swept around the flanks and came down on the French captain in a crushing charge that brought down him and all his comrades.


The French had their own pikes and those now came down to meet my infantry in a battle of long spears.


While the pikes were jabbing away at each other, the Free Company came down against the French Voulgiers.

The contest was decided quickly. The French cavalry could not break our line of pikes and neither could their infantry. Our cavalry was free to sweep around the flanks and crush them against our pike line.

We lost a good deal of our mercenary infantry and a few of the cavalry but our victory was complete.

We took over a hundred prisoners and I held them up for ransom.

Spoiler for Prisoners: 

The French refused.

Spoiler for Ransom Reply: 

It seems they have money to field vast armies but not enough to pay for the release of their men. It is of little wonder that the French broke their treaty with us. They have no honor.

I will now consolidate my forces and march for Skantarium and see what I can do against the mass of our enemies gathered there.

- Efthymios.

It would seem that Efthymios's experience in battle was much more to his liking than Markianos's. He has always held himself as a disciple of Skantarios and is now trying to ape father in battle. He has won a victory but he has an impossible task if his goal is to match Skantarios as a commander.

Vasileios is greatly pleased by his son and has distributed copies of his report to the entire court (minus the passages about the Imperial Army, I must note).

We are all anticipating the next report from Efthymios and the titanic struggle with the forces of the French outside Skantarium. Instead, what we get is a brief report saying that he has stopped only days away from the citadel and is now encamped.

No explanation is given and we are all left wondering what Efthymios could be up to. Surely the French will now launch an attack on the citadel as they have had plenty of time to prepare siege equipment for an assault.

It is nearly a month before we hear of what has transpired in the Alps. When we do, it is stunning.

Consolidated Reports from Diadohos Efthymios for the Battles of Skantarium - 1543 AD.

Spoiler for Consolidated Battle Reports for Efthymios: 

Following my first victory, I was prepared to lead the army into battle with the French at Skantarium and make an attempt at lifting the siege. However, during the council before descending from the Alps, Captain Maggiados pulled me aside and spoke to me at some length.

I relate it now just to explain how things transpired. Maggiados told me a simple tale of two wolves, one old and one young, who were out hunting. The two wolves spotted a herd of sheep at the bottom of the hill. The young wolf, being full of enthusiasm, said to the old one, "let's run down there and kill us a sheep!" The old one said, "No. Let's walk down there...and kill them all."

At first, I was unsure of what he meant. I realized that he urged caution and prudence but the garrison was under imminent threat. We needed to move now before the French took the citadel and killed the garrison.

He then related another story of the old Roman general Marius. When faced with a huge army of the Teutones, outnumbering his own forces many times over, he let the Germans come to him on the ground of his choosing. The Germans were not afraid of the small Roman army and attacked at once. The Roman lines held and the Teutones were defeated.

He used their own confidence against them and slaughtered them all.

What Maggiados said was that we needed to find us our own Aquae Sextiae; and that's what we did.

First Battle of Skantarium - August, 1543 AD.

Spoiler for First Battle of Skantarium: 

From Battle Report Filed by Diadohos Efthymios Laskaris to Emperor Vasileios and the Imperial Archives - 1543 AD.

As soon as we were encamped east of Skantarium, I ordered the release of some of the French prisoners who were taken in the last battle but not yet executed. They, as expected, rushed to the French lines and reported both our size and our location. The presence of the Imperial Army (who had humbled them and killed their king only a few years ago) and my own status as the heir seemed to prove too tempting a target for the French commanders.

In less than a week, a major portion of the French army at Skantarium broke off an attacked us.

The narrowness of the passes prevented more than two forces to attack simultaneously - but what powerful armies they were.

The first French force consisted entirely of professional, veteran soldiers.


Over half the army was comprised of heavy cavalry. It seemed half the French minor nobility had gathered for this battle. The cavalry ranks including three companies of the super-heavy Lancers, three of Feudal Knights, three of Men-at-Arms, and one of merchant cavalry. The infantry were very competent but not particularly numerous. The French also had a smattering of missile troops with crossbows and some of the famed Scots Guard.

They were led by the experienced and competent Clement de Gisors.

He was held in high esteem in the French court and held the French Privy Seal marking him as the highest administrator in the realm; second only to King Gerard.

The second French army was much less impressive but more numerous.


They were mostly infantry with only three companies of heavy horse (only one of which was at full strength). The bulk of the army consisted of five companies of pole arms, one of swords, and one of spears. They also had a powerful number of missile troops consisting of six companies split between archers and arbalesters. To fully round out their numbers, they had two mercenary companies of German Zweihanders and pikemen.

This second force was led by a minor noble only recently promoted to the rank of general known as Foucaud de Juliers.

He was a military man and held his position by virtue of his skill as a warrior and his loyalty to the crown.

My army had changed in composition somewhat from my previous battle as I was now able to link up with the forces originally slated to reinforce Skantarium but had been cut off by the French invasion. I was able to substitute out many of my horse archers for more infantry which would prove more useful in this terrain.

The core of the Imperial Army is still with me including the veteran Scholarii, Stratiotae, Cavalarii, and War Elephants. I have now added a great deal of pikes including two companies of Swiss, two of Germans, and one of heavy Roman spearmen. I also have two of the pole-armed Free Companies and one of Roman Scutarii spearmen. Most welcome is the presence of artillery with one unit of Mangonels and one of the Monster Ribault.

My Aquae Sextiae was a sharp hilltop with mountains at our back and a good commanding view of the valley below. Our infantry formed a half moon shape with the front facing downhill.

The French attacked just after dusk with a low fog gathering. I believe the French intended to use the limited visibility to their advantage and come at us from all sides before our artillery could find the range.

The fog and darkness made the mood eerie in the extreme. If the veterans were worried, they did not show it.

The French armies pressed on up the hill with their masses of noble horsemen in the fore. They were confident in their greater armor and numbers and our apparent timidity.

They were truly an impressive sight - and a deadly one.

I believe the French commander had it in mind to soften us up with his missile troops prior to the assault. It was a reasonable plan given my almost complete lack of missiles to counter him. However, my veteran Stratiotae had practiced for years under Skantarios in the fine art of riding down archers and needed no instruction to do so now.

They bypassed the masses of enemy horsemen and came galloping down the hill into the ranks of the French missiles.

The Stratiotae continued straight down the hill and then proceeded to scatter the second French army's crossbows, as well.

The sounds of battle and death ringing out behind the French knights gave them pause but it only lasted for a minute. The darkness and fog prevented them from seeing what was going on or who to ride against. What they could see was our ranks rising above them and that is what they now charged into.

Our pikes were ready for the charge. The uphill march blunted some of the powerful momentum of the French knights but they still came on with a tremendous impact. Our spears and pikes were planted in the ground and we gave not an inch to the horsemen. Many a brave noble gave his life at the end of our pikes. Even with the conditions favoring us, the strong armor of the knights caused us great difficulty in bringing them down and some were able to penetrate the first ranks and kill many of our infantry.

The old general Clement was leading his men from the front and, as a consequence, was one of the first to be felled by the leveled pikes of our German mercenaries.

Spoiler for Clement Killed: 

Even with the loss of their general, the French cavalry still swarmed about us in a furious storm. Our pike line could not cover all the approaches and it was not long before the French found an opening to our left. They charged forward into that void...but were met by the elephants coming down on them in a stampede followed by one of the companies of the Scholarii.

These French knights had never contemplated fighting armored elephants before and it showed. They had no answer to the momentum of these great beasts and scattered during the attack. Many were crushed under the hooves of the beasts and many others fell to their deaths during their disordered retreat. We killed a great many of them but the masses of their lances combined to fell one of our elephants in the charge. Even so, I understand that when it fell, it took two of the French horsemen with it as it crushed them under its bulk.

While the cavalry and elephant battle was playing out to our left, the French infantry and cavalry assault continued to our front. The Mangonel was able to get off a few rounds but the ribault proved useless as the French advance was simply too quick.

The masses of French horsemen and infantry now battered away against our lines in a furious assault.

We had no reserve to plug any gaps and so our men had to fight it out where they stood. We had the better terrain and the French infantry were tired from the climb but the battle was still quite close. As I prepared to commit my own bodyguard to the defense, a cry arose from the right when our spearmen brought down the second French general, Foucard.

Spoiler for Foucaud Killed: 

The death of their general gave the French pause and our pikemen now pressed their attack.

We literally pushed the French infantry down the hill at the point of our pikes and spears and their heavy armor (combined with gravity) caused them to fall back.

At this point, I led my own bodyguard around to the right along with the last company of Scholarii. We folded up the French from the left and pressed their lines back on themselves. The Elephants now swung around and took the infantry from the rear. The combined attack of our heavy cavalry and the Elephants proved too much for the French right and they broke!

The infantry retreated in a panicked mob running like mad back down the hill they had so recently climbed.

The late arriving French missile troops, earlier disordered by the charge of the Stratiotae, now fell under the weight of my heavy Scholarii and my own bodyguard.

They could see the tide of battle had turned against them and joined their brothers in flight.

With both French armies in an irrevocable panic, my cavalry had free rein to ride down as many as they could.

We slew the French by the dozens and captured them in huge groups. It was a rout.

We took significant losses amongst all of our companies but took six of the French for every one we lost.

Half of their army fell in combat. The other half was rounded up by our exultant soldiers. To my surprise, the bag of prisoners included the French General Foucaud who was only wounded and not killed as earlier reports indicated.

Spoiler for Prisoners: 

Given the immense host we captured, I offered them up for a fair ransom. However, just like in our previous battle, it was refused out of hand.

Spoiler for Ransom Reply: 

The French purse strings seem very tight even when it comes to their own generals and nobility.

The veterans of the Imperial Army were quite practiced at the efficient execution of the prisoners and provided ample instruction for the new men who were tasked to carry it out. A very bloody business and one that I don't think I will ever become accustomed to.

- Efthymios.

We had precious little time to celebrate our victory. The cleanup of the battlefield and the execution of the prisoners had barely been completed when news of a second French attack came from the scouts.

In just a few short days, the French had come to test us again.

Second Battle of Skantarium - August, 1543 AD.

Spoiler for Second Battle of Skantarium: 

From Battle Report Filed by Diadohos Efthymios Laskaris to Emperor Vasileios and the Imperial Archives - 1543 AD.

The third and forth French armies to attack us here also came from Skantarium. It seems the plan of threatening them from afar was indeed enough to bring them to us.

Both armies were led by rank-and-file captains. However, both were packed with noble knights. The vanguard of this second attack was composed of only heavy cavalry.

The two companies of Lancers and one of Men-at-Arms must have been fired with a desire to avenge their dead brothers.

The second, and by far the most numerous, army was a much more balanced group.

Just like our first battle, this army, too, was packed with heavy cavalry. If the first attack had half of the minor French nobility, this force had the second half. They had four more companies of the super-heavy Lancers, two of Men-at-Arms, one of Noble Knights, and one of lesser Mounted Sergeants. The infantry was composed of four companies of Vougier pole arms, one company of pikemen, one of dismounted Feudal Knights, and one of spears. This force also had a good deal of missile troops with three companies of bows and arbalesters.

My army was the same composition as the first battle but our ranks were now significantly depleted.

Even so, we were still a strong fighting force and the veterans provided very welcome stability.

This time, the French attacked in the full light of a clear day. Unlike the first battle, our horse archers could see what they were doing and sallied forth to impede the French advance.

They could make no impression against the armor of the Lancers but had substantially more success against the lesser Men-at-Arms.

Those Lancers blew right through the hail of arrows and plowed right into our pike line.

Again, the uphill charge blunted some of the momentum but they still barreled right into our line, pushed back our pikes, and penetrated into the ranks. The superb armor of these men is a wonder to behold.

The mercenary "Monster Ribault" crew wished to make amends for their dismal performance in the first battle and turned their contraptions down the line and fired into the stalled ranks of the Lancers.

The armor of the Lancers may be impervious to pikes but it could not stop the mini-canons of the ribaults. Dozens of horses and riders fell under that explosive attack.

My elephants took advantage of the French cavalry being stalled and charged down into a mass of Lancers busy trying to reform.

The Lancers were brave and well armed but could not adequately deal with the elephants. They fell back under the rush of the beasts and one company completely panicked! The only sore note from the charge of the elephants happened when a company of Lancers from the second French army charged in formation against them and managed to bring down two of the elephants (with their riders). Even with this mild success by the French, the Scholarii were hot on the heels of the elephants and managed to kill most of that company and put the rest to flight.

Our light Stratiotae now plunged into the mix of the retreating French knights and brought down their captain.

Spoiler for Captain Eudes Killed: 

The second force was now upon us and our horse archers and artillery opened up on them. The Mangonel was only mildly effective in the first battle. They were significantly more effective this time. Several rounds impacted amongst the packed French cavalry with satisfying results.

Armor, no matter how heavy, is no match for liquid Greek Fire. Many horses and riders were consumed in flames in full view of their comrades.

The best, or luckiest, shot now came when a stray round found its way to the company of the second French captain. He, too, was consumed in flames while his comrades looked on in shock.

Spoiler for Captain Georges Killed: 

The light cavalry that had been so effective riding down the retreating French knights now turned their attention to the missile troops and plunged without fear into their ranks causing terrible carnage and putting them to flight.

Momentum and terrain favored us again and precious few of the French missile troops were able to escape.

With the death of their captains and the sight of their cavalry in flames, the heart went out of the tired French infantry. Most did not even try to make the last leg of the climb and simply threw down their arms and ran for whatever shelter they could find.

I led my cavalry in a charge down the hill and rounded up all the prisoners we could.

Even with the concentrated efforts of the cavalry, more than 300 of the French managed to make good their escape.

We took significant casualties amongst our pikemen and infantry during the charge of the French cavalry. The ratio to those we lost compared to the first battle was much poorer but it was to be expected given the exhaustion of the men. Still, I am proud to say that I commanded them on this day.

We again took a great many prisoners.

Spoiler for Prisoners: 

I, again, offered them up for a ransom. The reply was by this point predictable.

Spoiler for Ransom Reply: 

I have read all the reports from Skantarios's battles and he spoke of the French lack of honor and their disregard for the lives of their soldiers. My own dealings with them in the matter of prisoners have shown he was absolutely correct.

Our men were exhausted but we still found the strength to send these unfortunates to the next world.

- Ethymios.

The caution and wisdom of Captain Maggiados in picking our terrain and waiting for the French to attack has proven true. I am truly and deeply thankful to have this "old wolf" as my advisor and friend. I shall resolve always to listen to his counsel in matters of warfare. I must also make it a point to read more about this Aquae Sextiae.

We have won a great victory over the French and have broken the back of the invaders. The flower of the French nobility lays scattered and slain before us. Also, we have lifted the siege of Skantarium now have a clear path to the citadel and General Kalamodios.

Finally, and I believe most importantly, I have earned the trust of the soldiers of the Imperial Army. I may never equal my uncle in leadership or acumen in battle, but I can carry on as best as I can in his name.

I shall rest our wounded and call for the forces from Innsbruck I left behind prior to these battles. When these men have joined me, I shall make the final march to Skantarium...and beyond.

- Efthymios.

The reports of Efthymios seem almost too incredible to be true. This young whelp, barely 22 years old, has turned back the French in spectacular fashion. Of course, he had some very important help with the Imperial Army. The legacy of my father still bears fruit on battlefields. His men fight on in his name and have won the Empire a great victory.

The reports from the Alps confirm the accounts of Efthymios. The siege has been lifted and only a few small French forces remain.

Spoiler for Scouting Report for Northern Alps December 1543: 

Emperor Vasileios is literally bursting with pride for his eldest son and heir. He has ordered that the reports of the battles east of Skantarium be read out to the entire army in every theater and has commanded that two monuments be built in Constantinople to commemorate the twin victories. It is a day of celebration and provides the first good news coming out of the West in over two years.

Even if the tide has not yet turned, Efthymios has provided some breathing room. Roman arms are once again feared in the West, even without Emperor Skantarios to lead them.

We still have the Spanish rampaging in Africa but they have not pressed their assault on Tunis. With more reinforcements heading that way and Isidoros getting ready to take the offensive, the Spanish may have missed their window of opportunity.

Perhaps there is a chance to salvage the situation after all?

The world as we know it - 1543 AD.


The world as it really is - 1543 AD.

[barcamartin]

Awesome update man! Some of the pictures from those battles are just, well, epic would be the right word I guess! Congratulations on crushing those vast and superior French armies! Good thing the AI walked right into your jaws. ;D

As always, you manage to put a believable and intriguing backstory into the game, and combined with your near professional writing skills and good hand with screenshots this AAR is living up to its predecessor, as is Efthymios!

Keep up the extremely good work, and I'll keep up my extremely interested reading.

Edit: Oh, yeah, +rep! ;D

[Concrete]

Great update. Looking forward to seeing more about Efthymios.
Just a little point... I believe that you used the same image for the two seperate views of the world map.
Also, my compliments to whoever created that signature.

[Karnage]

I knew the imperial army wouldnt let the empire burn, its good to see them back in action, they truly show the strenght and power of the roman arm.

I would have thought the Spaniard would have attacked by now, as you mentioned, they may have lost their opportunity to severely hurt your Africa campaign, perhaps they underestimate the strenght of the empire since Skantarios death, a mistake they will surely regret one day. And I am sure they will regret it soon enough after they learn what has transpired in the alps.

Great update as usual, keep up the good work.

[Treize]

Nice!

Oh and please conquer the rest of Arabia. It looks ugly on the map and you can disban troops in the region as a result.

[Radzeer]

Great update and epic battles... again!

[Vaz]

Excellemt as ever matey.

[DirtySmurf]

Wow. I must say I was skeptical to how you could deal with the french because of their superheavy cavalry. In retrospect I shouldn't have doubted you.

Your writing is still as great as ever. Keep up the good work.

P.S. Did you photo-edit the night battle pictures? They seemed a bit off, but I haven't played Medieval II in a long time, so it might just be me.

[melkor1861]

just..... Amazing. Easily the best AAR I have read so far. I've been keeping up with you since the middle of tghe first one, and I must say, you have never failed to disappoint!