[SS6.3] Demoncracy, Ho! (Chap 12)

**Alavaria** · October 06, 2010, 08:05 AM

Demoncracy, Ho!

Freedom: At a Political Control Center Near You

& Peace: Though Power

Workers of the world, it is time to rise up and seize our collective destiny via the wonderful apparatus known as democracy.

With the might of the common man, it is impossible for us to fail. However many be the kings and their noble knights, we are far more. Remember how inevitable is the victory of the common man!

[SS 6.3, Gracul AI, Permanent Watchtowers, Longer Assimilation]

Main rules:

No upgrading of castles. Only conversion to towns etc*
No training "imperialist" troops.****
Use of mercenary troops (even merc knights) is perfectly allowed. Even better if they die quickly!
Religion is the opium of the masses, so the Pope must be kept happy.**
Religion is the opium of the masses, so building churches should be kept to a "minimum" ***
Any others that are to be added later

*Turning a village/town into a castle is fine, Large Town and above is not. Upgrading a "castle" means NOT building fortress/citadel!
**Unless he excomms by declaring war. Otherwise, carry out his missions.
***IE: Pope/Guild missions all acceptable! Otherwise, don't build Cathedrals and above! (Preferable only build the first level - to train "Teutonic Youth"
****IE: Peasant/Levy troops are fine. Hiring of "late professional" troops will be put to a vote! Religious Order are nutcases that can't be turned down.

I add that in castles I will not build things that will disappear upon conversion to towns. So upgrading archery range = no, but barracks/siege/smith = yep!
------------------------

Glossary

Priests: Teutonic Youth. They lead "rallies" to raise "support"!
Diplomats: Spin Doctors. They talk! One suspects they're just hippies in fancy clothes though.
Spies: <classified>. They <classified>.
Crusaders (Ours): Politicians. They fight with sharp (s)words! (They're the "officer", the soldiers are their "bodyguards").
Churches (Ours): Propaganda Centers. Why else do they train Teutonic Youth ("Priests")?

Chapter List (Reverse Order):

**Alavaria** · October 07, 2010, 11:09 AM

So many views, no votes. Very well then, I shall decide for you as the Dear Leader. Thus:

Ch 1

Introducing The Teutonic Anarchists

The Teutonic Anarchists

Strengths: Powerful Peasants and Impetuous Militia

Famous for: Spear Militia in Heavy Mail (the armor of champions!)

Weakness: The Democratic Process, Minimum of Knights, etc etc

The Teutonic Anarchists, fueled by a need to expand man's inalienable rights through conquest, has grown into a fledgling militant-anarchistic faction on the shores of the Baltic.

Their democratic fervor comes at a great cost to the lives of themselves, but not even their pagan and orthodox neighbors are exempt.

They war with the whole world and no one trusts them at all.

Poland looks on with fear, concerned where the path of true majority rule will take them next and when they will turn their liberation forces towards Poland.

The orthodox people of Novgorod, always mindful of the atrocities they committed during the last Teutonic election, stand strong and ready to commit further crimes against humanity.

Denmark remains neutral, but grows wary of the Anarchists' presence in the Baltic and watchful of the increase in free market economies.

The Holy Roman Empire watches the Anarchists actions like the parent of a rebellious teen, but the common man is forging his own great empire.

It is the pagans of Lithuania, however, that feel the full force of the Anarchists' civic activism supporting majority rule, and the sting of their farming implements.

Teaching pagans how a democratic state functions has become almost a sport with so-called "politicians" flocking in from the West to spread their illustrious ideals.

The Anarchists' might comes from the common man, whose numbers are unmatched by any in these lands.

However, men of this quantity are more plentiful than willing to fight, and thus need mass-use of weapons like a peasant's crossbow.

For the Anarchists to succeed, they must forge their own great empire by whatever means necessary - regime change, colonization or liberation.

------------------

Spoiler for Chap 1: Introducing The Teutonic Anarchists:

**Alavaria** · October 08, 2010, 02:33 AM

Ch 2

Always Comes Down To Battle

Spoiler for Chap 2: Always Comes Down To Battle:

The Teutonic Anarchists' position is a tenuous one.

The Mongols are a mighty military and financial force. The Romans are a well-settled-in one.

Unfortunately for us, just about everyone ever is more capable than we are. Horror!

In order to keep the Anarchists rolling forward, the Most Revolutionary Herrmann (roll the rrs a lot) has prepared a phalanx of architects and civil engineers who will ensure that our legacy will be long-lived.

This has nothing to do with buildings.

The Pope is making friendly noises towards the merchant Venicians.

We have trained a smooth-talking person who will head towards Italy and spin that Pope round about! Others will soon follow, as we seek Trade Rights with everyone who is willing to accept open and fair cross-border competition.

So... not the Danes.

However, these subtle manoeuvrings have to come to an end at some point.

Despite long negotiations, the Lithuanians refused to disarm. Kestutis stood between us and the walls as our Prussian allies laid siege to their capital.

Conrad: Imperialists! Men, forward!

Conrad rides behind the archers, spotting the enemy as they approach in a spread-out mass.

Conrad: Open fire!

The Lithuanians are beset by air thick with arrows.

It is blatantly obvious that the victory of the people is aimed straight between their eyes!

The Lithuanian leader attacks the left flank, which is composed of honorable Spear Militia.

The Crusader Sergeants making up the front line hear the inspiring speeches of their leaders as the Lithuanian infantry advance to attack.

The lines collide!

Arrows fly think overhead as Lithuanian and Teutonic archers fire massive volleys at one another.

As the generals duel, it is clear that the Lithuanian Bodyguards are not as capable as our brave Revolutionary Guard.

Similarly for the two sides' infantry. Some Lithuanians are routing, determined not to die for their "Duke".

We are rolling up their line!

Surrounded by Conrad's Revolutionary Guard, there is little the Lithuanian could do but be cut down.

A sad day for nobility, I am sure, as his bloody corpse slid off his horse and was trampled underfoot.

Charging forward, the Teutons scatter the enemy infantry, archers and so on as the enemy flees the field!

Teutonic horsemen chase them, making sure they will not simply regroup to perform further harm to our men.

A wonderful victory!

Spear militia and crusader sergeants made up the bulk of our losses.

The latter have paid in blood for their "battlefield photo-ops".

Spoiler for Details:

Conrad posed the famous question to his soldiers.

Conrad: "Innocent or guilty?"

Soldiers: "Money, money, money!"

A random is proposed, and the Lithuanians decline.

The enemy prisoners are therefore executed, as is common practice in these lands.

Those who evaded capture would never be heard of again.

A Grand Tower in Sevilla:

A gaudy addition to the fortifications of Sevilla, the "Tower of the Gold" has been started by the Almohades.

This twelve-sided watchtower blocks the way to Sevilla from the Guadalquivir River by (illegally) blockading it with a chain.

Its name comes from the plans to waste precious metals on its dome, rather than using it to benefit mankind.

... In further news, the Pope has announced that he wields power over all the kings of Europe. And declared the institution of a world government.

His attempt to impose a grand European Peace Union are rejected out of hand by the monarchies of the day.

Despite what the Poles did to us along the way after we were expelled from the Holy Roman Empire, nevertheless, diplomatic relations are needed.

It will be a stop on the way to Rome, so very well. We might as well insult them to their face.

If religion is the masses' opium, then conferences are the liqor of priests.

We paid 1500 florins just so they could go to this "Great Council" and spend hours esposing the benefits of full voter rights.

They're here!

More alliances.

Poland and Hungary are both close to us. Such an alliance is ... interesting to consider.

Nothing big. However, we made a "small" profit (only because we couldn't build any more).

**Alavaria** · October 08, 2010, 12:11 PM

Ch 3

A Stunning Punch to the Arrogants

Spoiler for Chap 3: A Stunning Punch to the Arrogants":

Conrad: Now over the top and into the castle!

Mindaugas: Hold these barbarians back! To arms!

Mindaugas: Uh, what ARE they doing?

This unit of crusader sergeants are unable to get the ladder up the wall.

Wouldn't you know, the Lithuanian cavalry shot all their (2-attack) arrows at the crusaders using the famous (parabolic shot).

When arrows come straight down, they don't hurt all that much.

Soldiers: Over the top! Over the top we go!

The Prussian swordsmen emerge over the wall and find themselves face to face with Lithuanian archers, whom they beat up!

However, Lithuanian axemen rush to their allies' aid, and the tables turn, with the Teutons trapped between enemies.

On the left (red arrow) behind the tower are the Lithuanian axemen. The prussians (orange arrow) on the right are caught between them and some Lithuanian archers (right red arrow).

As more Prussians come up the ladders, another unit of Lithuanian axemen are running AWAY!

From the ground, Conrad and his Revolutionary Guard cheer on the Prussians. Their black-and-white striped lances are very distinctive!

Help arrives in time to crush the axemen. Good job, Prussians!

Conrad's horn is answered with victorious cries from the bloodied survivors. The walls are taken!

Oh ho! Our archers have longer range than yours, Lithuanians!

We can shoot the square from all the way over here!

Those crusaders still can't pick up the ladders. Suppose they're forming committees or something?

Some of the Lithuanians fire on them (again, parabolic). But this time the Teutons have a reply!

Enemy horsemen sally out the gate, and catch Conrad by surprise. Many of his Revolutionary Guard die ... uh, guarding him. Before the Prussian axemen arrive and take over the fight!

Infantry against mounted. Truly a symbol of man attacking the decaying monarchies of his day!

Guess who wins ...

The last horsemen run about and cause trouble, however -

They're trapped outside the castle and hacked to death by vengeful Prussians.

(Javelinned too)

Back inside, the the last few men are rounded up.

Conrad walks up with a batch of crossbowmen.

Conrad: Innocent or guilty?

Men: Death!

Teuton Firing Squad - 1
Lithuanians . . . . . . . . - 0

This stunning punch to the arrogants in the west (and east) showed the power of the Anarchists.

Having taken Lithuania's castle, the rest would surely be easy pickings!

Spoiler for Details:

The rest of the castle inhabitants surrendered the settlement when we surrendered the corpse of their ex-Grand Duke.

Good, more ... eh, they're protesting!

Herrmann and the Teutonic Youth will take care of them (notice the small garrison in Vilnius).

Conrad must march onwards and westwards!

Diplomat: Yo, b****es. Whazzup?

Polish: No, screw you people. We hate you.

*DING* Mission accomplished. You have successfully established diplomatic relations with these people.

Diplomat: On to get the pope high on this... whoa man, good stuff ... \( ^___^ )/

Polish: Get the hell out of our faces!

As of now,
Anarchist Losses: 898

Enemy Casualties: 1822
Of Which Executed: 494

Executed enemies are counted in their total casualty number.
Executions are: Execute button, refused ransom, captured rebels, prisoners in captured settlement

**Alavaria** · October 09, 2010, 07:05 AM

Ch 4

Democracy Rolls Forward Over You

Spoiler for Chap 4: Democracy Rolls Forward Over You:

Today we will introduce the Kenchte. One should not be tempted to simply dismiss them as "spear militia on horses". These fast medium cavalry will play an important role in our armed forces.

A unit of 60 of these mounted soldiers costs more in recruitment and training (~4x a unit of spear militia), but less in wages than a unit of spear or order militia.

Part of the effectiveness, morale and low long-term costs of these men is due to their leaders.

They are led by aspiring leaders of some means, who help defray the costs of his men. But regardless ...

Knechte act as the Anarchists' counterpart to west European heavy cavalry. Their favorite tactic is catching enemy horsemen in the rear and eviscerating them with their long spears. As with many of the Anarchists' soldiers, they work well in mass. Generally, they are used to engage horsemen who are caught in an infantry line, however can also trick them into a 2v1 situation.

With their long spears, they perform well against non-spear footmen, and archers. Their swords allow some ability in a close combat melee situation (particularly against archers who do not run immediately).

The people's cavalry!

You know, this is troubling:

As you recall, during our last general electons (winner: Herrmann), Novgorod attempted to undermine the integrity of the voting process, as the least of their atrocities.

It looks like their ballot-stuffing people are here to make a mockery of our government system.

And Poland attacked us along the way during the exodus from the Holy Roman Empire.

We're not in open conflict now, but they're sending soldiers over to test our tolerance of blatent flaunting of our legal boundaries.

Damnit. They're on opposite sides of our controlled land.

And the tin-foil hat man is at it again. His Holey-ness is busy demanding we build a small chapel in Vilnius. Well no man, we just took it (last turn) and can't build on the turn we capture a place! Sheesh, ok, lets build it.

It'll help keep th Novgorode priests busy, at least.

Construction and training. Konigsberg already has a blacksmith, and Riga will have one soon. However, our true might appears when we have armorers.

Sadly, a Castle cannot hold such a structure, only Fortresses and Cities (and above) can. And upgrading Castles is not allowed by our constitution. An expensive conversion to a Large Town (and then upgrade to city) will be slated for the future.

Nothing really important.

The Mongols are probably going to beat up the Cumans.

We're really not getting very far in this "rankings" game, are we.

But we'll be up there with the "big boys" soon enough!

Ohoho, the army of the workers!

No comment. The spy is probably more important of the two.

Herrmann had him executed by firing squad, as is usual for captured spies.

.

Some more build up. The Lithuanian axemen are like the duchy's version of our Anarchist militia. The axe is effective against armor, however - unlike the sword. However, for the same wages, a unit of 120 Prussian axemen might be better than 150 Lithuanian ones.

Bows are a good weapon. Crossbows are also very good. Say hello to Levy Archers in light mail.

Goodness, now Novgorod has a reason to legally commit more crimes against our peoples!

This ... very dangerous.

Conrad's men have prepared some ladders, but we need more of them!

He splits his army - for some reason, they can't prepare more than 6 ladders without doing so - and they prepare to build a further 12 ladders to add to the existing 6.

Wow, even better than mounted archers - mounted crossbows!

It's a wonderful idea. Wonder how soon we can make use of these.

And the pope is busy ~~torturing~~ performing enhanced interrogation on people again.

What a chap.

Another spy. Herrmann is forced to employ some "hard" measures to keep the Lithuanians out.

This is troublesome, since the castle is full of Lithuanians!

Our rank is increasing in various fields, but still along way to go!

Oh, now you're happy? Good. Now leave us alone, we're busy doing *real* work here.

Scotland and France. Yeah, that's normal.

Novgorod ... worry worry...

.

**barcamartin** · October 10, 2010, 03:35 AM

I haven't read it all thouroughly, but this is a great start. Just love the new names, ideas and all that you have come up with. Very creative! I laughed several times while reading. Keep up the good work mate, this should be fun!

Can't help noting, you seem to enjoy the Baltic area of the campaign?

**Alavaria** · October 10, 2010, 08:45 AM

Not really. It's more of the fact that the Teutonic Crusades submob has such nice looking Teutonic units.

In fact, it was up for vote, but 40+ views later no one had voted, so I simply went with the cool units. I was really initially going to do it French Revolution style (still using militia/peasant troops) but there's already French AARs, so nah....

**Alavaria** · October 11, 2010, 04:36 AM

VT 1

The ~~first~~ second voting will occur. See the second half of this post.

First, a primer:

Factions of the World!

: Teutonic Anarchists

Us! We are certain to liberate the entire world from the curse of imperialism.

Strengths: Superior ability to field numbers.

Strategy: Compensate for lack of training or "noble" elan with heavy armor.

: Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Our most dangerous enemies, they are in-your-face imperialists, and declared open war on us the moment we were separated from the Holy Roman Empire.

Strengths: Ranged light cavalry. Baltics are powerful spearmen.

Strategy: Counter light cavalry with Levy Archer mass of fire. Baltics can be fought with heavily armored Anarchist militia. Use archers as well.

: Holy Roman Empire

Led by the Holy Roman Emperor, ejected us from Roman lands. However, we will eventually return under our own (ie: the people's) power!

Strengths: Many.

: Poland

We will never forget what Poland did to us along the way. They "invited" us to these lands with cowardly attacks, seeing that we were no longer under Imperial protection.

Strengths: Cavalry

Counters: Mass of spear militia in deep formations. Use heavy armor, expect heavy losses on the charge.

: Novgorod

The vote riggers. They killed various members of our group, and then tried to rig our first independent elections. They show no respect at all, and should receive none.

Strengths: ???

: Denmark

Afraid of our competitiveness, they have imposed heavy tariffs on our exports. These fools need to be taught first-hand how markets are "opened".

Strengths: Heavy infantry.

Counters: Archers. Recommend using Anarchist Militia - despite their lack of training, will be more effective than spearmen. Also, against axemen, the Knechte can be effective (in a charge, at least).

**Exarch** · October 11, 2010, 06:05 AM

ah, nice haha

another funny AAR with the teutonics this time eh

very good, v clever

especially the 'ballot rigging' haha

**Alavaria** · October 11, 2010, 11:37 AM

Remember to vote on Policy!

It's hard to march out if the voters don't support the war!
------------------

Ch 5

We Brought Up a Forest's Worth

Spoiler for Chap 5: We Brought Up a Forest's Worth:

The soldiers were gathered in great numbers to attack Hrodna. Zadvydas and his men were sorely outnumbered, but certain that they could hold the walls.

Conrad, however, had not been idle in the intervening weeks. His men brought up 16 or 17 sets of ladders. They would surround the settlement, and like in Macbeth, bring up a forest! (Of ladders).

Meet our reinforcements from the west.

On the top, Levy Archers, and Spear Militia on the bottom. Both of which have shiny new Light Mail armor.

The men scatter and surround the settlement, bringing up a large number of ladders to confuse and overwhelm the enemy!

Here, this unit of Spear Militia (padded armor) are marching bravely forward to lay ladders and attack these Lithuanian archers! Such initiative is very helpful.

It seems the battle is going well for the Anarchists!

Elsewhere along the walls, Lithuanians are being laughed at by the Teutons, who tauntingly raise up ladders all over the walls.

Sadly, eventually the spear militia are taken apart and flee.

However, a brave unit of crusader sergeants occupy an empty portion of walls.

In another place, a unit of spear militia manages to clear the walls, and get their feet on the ground. Following after them is a unit of archers, who spot and attack their surviving Lithuanian counterparts.

In the exchange of arrows, the Lithuanians don't see the spear militia until they are being stabbed in the face!

In another portion of the walls, a different, but oddly similar, situation is taking place.

Some crusaders have been attacked by Baltics. They are supported by archers who bloody the Lithuanians a great deal, routing them!

But the real object. The main gate at the front.

One unit of archers and one of Levy archers are taking apart these Baltics.

Yes, we now have this gate! However, our forces outside the walls are a little spread out.

Conrad and his Revolutionary Guard are rushing to the scene!

The archers on the walls and ground reposition themselves. More Baltics are coming from the direction of the town square.

One wonders how the fools feel running into all that concentrated fire!

Unfortunately the crusader sergeants who took the side-gate were crushed by the Lithuanian general's horsemen.

The archers, safe on the walls, try to help them, but it's an impossible task!

Over here, a unit of archers fires across an L-shaped bit of wall, eviscerating these foolish units of Lithuanian axemen who can't do more than fight TWO archers, while all the others are busy shooting them up.

Ah, the arrows of a full unit are so beautiful to watch.

The Lithuanian general realizes that the crusaders he first wiped out were not the only forces within his walls. He races to the front gate!

He runs into the Levy Archers on the ground. Taken by surprise, the Crusader up front break into a confused mess. The archers on the wall are doing their best, but they risk hitting their fellows with every arrow fired!

It's Comrade Conrad! He's here!

Together with the help of the brave levy archers he takes the Lithuanian down off his high horse.

Heh. Go Anarchists! The front gate is quite well secured now. More footmen are on their way.

The archers on that bit of curved wall have forced the Lithuanians back.

However, they advance again, and are DEEPLY punished for it.

Lithuanian soldiers try to break out from the square and retake the gate (it's already too late).

What's this?

It's a squad of Teutonic crossbow militia!

The enemy are forced back by a murderous hail of bolts. Any hope of survival is rapidly decreasing with every missile fired into the square.

Some of these missiles are even burning!

It must seem like fire is raining from the sky! Oh foolish Lithuanians, you should have surrendered.

Conrad: Men?

Soldiers: Death!!

There is a lot of work for the Anarchists' firing squads.

Anyone who resists is brutally put down in a hail of bolts or arrows.

It's a modern way of executing people.

No further comment needed.

It's a day or so before the crossbows fall silent.

Spoiler for Details:

Ouch, that looks painful.

We chopped off the tall Lithuanian flag, and it seems to have fallen on someone!

Other than that freak accident, no civilians are harmed.

Herrmann will have to perform some of his magic however. Otherwise the people will riot.

Still, this has added another little source of income to our growing nation. Good work Conrad!

We've already spotted your next target - and Lithuania's last settlement.

Up and at them!

----------------------------
Firing Squad - 2
Enemies ___ - 0
----------------------------
As of now,
Anarchist Losses: 1371

Enemy Casualties: 3043
Of Which Executed: 523

Executed enemies are counted in their total casualty number.
Executions are: Execute button, refused ransom, captured rebels, prisoners in captured settlement

**Alavaria** · October 13, 2010, 06:52 AM

Ch 6

Beating The War Drum

Spoiler for Chap 6: Beating The War Drum:

Uh. The Polish ...

We know what you're up to.

Conrad, as the Herrmann's vice-commander, was too valuable now to simply ride out every time an army had to be fought.

From Conrad's loyal men, Theoderich (or Rich) was selected to lead the forces. His determination to complete the mission was admirable in a military man.

"Winning First! Dead men don't vote." He immediately begins looking for crossbow suppliers.

Someone died. A lot of people tend to die, of course.

Hungary, huh? Well, someone else will go over there later on.

(Not our Papal emissary).

More alliances.

We're left out of this because we know that having allies only causes problems in the future.

See Poles, we KNEW what you were up to.

The spy was executed by firing squad, of course.

Nothing great in rankings.

Our Anarchist militia are armed with swords - a little unusual for militiamen, however this is affordable by the state for two reasons:
1) The money spent on swords will be saved by not equipping them with heavier armor.
2) The swords tend to stay good, so a dead militia's sword goes to a newly recruited (and living) one.

Rich went to Vilnius to read some of the Lithuanians' more pagan writings.

He is now more effective at making enemies run away!

Oh Poland, don't eye that settlement. Mensk is ours - the people demand it!

Catapaults. These are like massive fireball-tossers.

The people like seeing these things demonstrated outside the walls of Riga - sure proof that the Anarchists can harness even fire for victory!

Open fire! - now has a new meaning.

Comparing the illusive "Trebuchet" against "Catapult" suggests that the "Catapult" (nicknamed Spitfire) is pretty good for the cost of its engineers.

Our approval rating has soared, while that of Lithuania decreases.

The citizens have decided that Lithuania can only be saved by a complete regime change.

To this end, we have arranged a decapitation strike to remove Lithuania's command base.

Continuing to advance by the power of the free market and the common man!

Riga is now capable to equipping men in light mail.

By the way, armor is expensive, and armoring all the militia is of course a hard task.

Fortunately - you guessed it - if equipment is supplied by the "people", they reclaim it upon the borrower's death, thus all the mail coats will be continually reused over and over.

It's kind of like the Romans reusing their armor, I guess.

Ramping up training. We are prepared for the inevitable conflict.

Uh huh. The World is just one big alliance, they say.

I'm not exactly sure who compiles these rankings, but we seem to be getting better at them.

For what it's worth.

These Lithuanian peasants will be first into enemy fire.

The voters (ie: not them) have decided this is the best way to do things.

MORE alliances. We're having some problems with public order in these Lithuanian settlements. However, it will all be straightened out soon enough...

And the Lithuanians siege a random fort.

Uh, good going, guys.

Pope Honorius: *puff* Ah, this is good stuff.

Diplomat: *puff* Isn't it? Grows only slowly along the baltic.

Pope: *puff* It smells heavenly.

Diplomat: *puff* Yeah, I hear the pagans used to use it for meditation. But screw them, we've taken their bases.

Pope: The pagans, huh? *puff* They don't deserve such awesome plant.

Diplomat: Yeah, too *puff* good for them.

*ding* His Holiness feels no ill will against the Teutonic Anarchists.

With the Pope's encouragement, Rich lays siege to Mensk.

He splits his forces to build 12 sets of ladders (somehow, a single army cannot do this). The time to attack will come!

A true-born clerk, Vecellin will probably be pushed into the military in order to at least gain some public acclaim.

Can you feel the tension? The Mongols are a mighty military force!

What is this.

Did Venice buy out all of you guys?

Pope: *puff* Sweetness ...

Wow, these Prussian spearmen are .. expensive.

We have - Prussians in the militia, Prussian axemen, Prussian Auxiliaries (mounted javelins) and now Prussian spearmen.

Why, no wonder some people think that we're the "Kingdom of Prussia" faction!

"On my command, troops have begun assaulting the settlement of Mensk."

"Lithuania's dangerous pagan ideologies will not be tolerated, as we are now aptly demonstrating."

*ding* Mission Accomplished: Justify massive foreign war.

**Alavaria** · October 15, 2010, 12:41 PM

Ch 7

Regime Change in Lithuania

Spoiler for Chap 7: Regime Change in Lithuania:

Rich: Be brave men! Today will be a great victory for democracy - for us!

One unit of ladders was not completed on schedule. As a result, we shall make do with the other 11 sets.

This is not a big problem.

Here come the ladders!

Hope you're ready (actually not) for this!

We have encircled Mensk proper. Men are checking the walls for possible scaling points.

We have placed ladders all around.

The ladders are in place, and men are climbing them! ^___^ (No way, huh).

A gateway is captured.

The rest of our army will make use of this valuable opening. Onwards!

We are in the walls!

Repeat: We are in the walls! All troops be ready for close quarter combat!

Some poor people were shot from inside the walls by the Lithuanian cavalry.

They have a very long range!

Rich and his Anarchist militia quickly dispatch these Lithuanian skirmishers.

As the men begin sending the Lithuanians warm fire, the combat on the ground is really heating up!

More Baltics! Our swords will dispatch them well enough.

A Lithuanian horn can be heard!

The Lithuanian Grand Duke is fighting our men! Rich immediately runs to help his soldiers.

...

Oh. It seems that despite his best efforts, Rich's strategy was slightly flawed.

However, the Prussian axemen will not simply let the Lithuanian get away with this horrible atrocity.

How did those Baltics somehow walk past the big fight where their general was being hacked up by the Prussians?

Seriously, perhaps you secretly hate your government and want to support freedom?

Wait, no? You want to fight? Oh, that's all right.

We planned to kill you anyway.

Even before we step foot in it, the Lithuanian square is scattered with dead bodies.

The infantry prepare to march onto the square, but the Lithuanians put up a dogged resistance.

It isn't easy to hack limbs off. Especially if you're a militamen with only a short sword.

Our arrows are blotting out the sun!

A little!

Keep firing on them Lithuanians!

Even if they run, it's still legal to kill them!

The men rout various Lithuanian forces, herding them into the square where they don't seem capable of doing much ...

Other than die.

The fire continues.

It is time to bring up the firing squads (tm).

We kettle the Lithuanians very effectively.

We neutralize them even more effectively.

Levy archers can be very brave.

It's easy to be brave when your arrow is pointed straight at the face of your enemy!

Oh dear, it's getting hard to see with all these corpses on the snow.

And here's the firing squad, with their mass-produced crossbows!

Ouch. Ouch.

The twang of a crossbow being fired is quite distinctive.

With two units sweeping the square, no one is left alive.

With that, the men stand down.

Spoiler for Details:

With the fall of Lithuanian imperialism, the world can feel safe.

Our men peacefully began instituting law and order in the settlement.

"With this, combat operations have ceased. Our mission has been accomplished!"

Celebrations of the end of Lithuania's Grand Dukeship only intensified as the region reached its height of stability under Anarchist military rule.

Herrmann of course visited the place immediately!

Don't care about the fort now that Lithuania has now become a state of the Teutonic Anarchists, huh?

You can stand there and help block any enemies trying to cross, I suppose...

----------------------------
Firing Squad - 3
Enemies ___ - 0
----------------------------
As of now,
Anarchist Losses: 1727

Enemy Casualties: 4352
Of Which Executed: 751

Executed enemies are counted in their total casualty number.
Executions are: Execute button, refused ransom, captured rebels, prisoners in captured settlement

---------------------------------------------

And by the way? "Regime change can be used in a euphemistic sense to describe the unilateral imposition of one nation's will onto another through military force." No way, right?

Also, "Kettling ... is a police tactic for the management of large crowds during demonstrations or protests. It involves the formation of large cordons of police officers who then move to contain a crowd within a limited area. Protesters are prevented from leaving the area ... Sometimes all or some of those kettled are mass-arrested." So that's what happened to the Lithuanians.

...

Well, actually it was firing squads, but who cares.

**Alavaria** · October 17, 2010, 12:33 PM

Ch 8

Unconventional Warfare

Spoiler for Chap 8: Unconventional Warfare:

Lithuanian Levied Peasant Infantry has evolved into Lithuanian Skirmishers!

Armed with a sword, even less (ie: no) armor and a bunch of sharp throwing sticks, the Lithuanian skirmisher is more effective.

This is because a throwing stick hits harder than a crossbow bolt. However, each man only carries a few throwing sticks.

Our informants report that Novgorod is massing Spitfires in a small settlement bordering us.

Their use of such weapons of mass setting-on-fire cannot be taken lightly, and is a great danger to our people.

Diplomat: Yo, Hungary. So I heard you like horses.

Hungarians: Get lost, idiot!

*ding* The council admires the ease with which you handle diplomacy.

The sword brethren that you saw earlier are actually hard to find.

Usually, they will be recruited from a "Barracks" in a "Fortress". Problem is we don't build such buildings, and can't build Fortresses either.

As a result, they will be very rare.

Led by some of the wealthiest rabble rousers around, Sword Brethren are a sturdy force armored in Light Mail with swords.

Do not be fooled, they are several cuts above the Anarchist militia that they are selected from. Their sword skills make them ideal for taking apart enemy spearmen - however their rarity (most men choose Kenchte) means this is seldom recognized.

They make an ideal garrison-for-defense force, as they cost little, since their sponsor helps cover some of the wages. Additionally, their "commander" loves the public scene and appearing like a defender of the people - marching his men up and down the streets is like heaven to them.

(The soldiers themselves are fit and ready for war.)

Diplomat: Sooo, about Mensk *puff*

Pope: Yes, they need to build a small church there. I've already decided it.

Diplomat: *puff* That's not a problem. It's just ... good to see you pay attention to every backwater in Teutonic lands.

Pope: Ah, well, good work with the Lithuanians, eh. But they can't *puff* be pagan forever.

Diplomat: Yeah, I hear you ...

All Anarchist churches are secretly Propaganda Centers, however, so lol...

Improving in rankings!

Still no where close to the top!

Stone walls are substantial replacements for ...

for...

STAKES????

(refer to Stake & Shaft AAR for this joke =p )

We need more Levies, Militias and Skirmishers in our glorious armed forces!

Does - anyone - wonder why Europe is just a huge alliance fest nowadays?

Kievan Rus protests against the idea of arms inspections against Novgorod.

They believe that the Anarchists may have an agenda.

We fortify the lands around Mensk, just in case.

It is important that we not be defenseless in such dangerous times.

We have carefully spied out Polotsk.

We know where their unconventional weapons are, it is time to "dis"-"arm" them. IE: Remove their arms.

To this end, another clerk was assigned to "support our forces".

He has been given a troop of Revolutionary Guard, and will run logistics during the operation.

It seems people are fighting over Jerusalem.

I guess they can't share.

We are prepared, though people may laugh at the idea of us policing the world.

We can take the hard decisions.

For example, this Denmark spy.

He now knows - from repeated first-hand knowledge - how hard crossbow bolts can hit.

We ramp up training as the operation start draws near.

Spoiler for Recruitment:

We attempted punitive sanctions, however these have clearly failed!

(It didn't have enough movement left to lay siege, ergh).

The Poles, of all people, decide that our sanctions were illegal (though ineffective) and have announced a unilateral decision to blockade our port at Konigsberg.

This is why we never forget what they did to us along the way. We're at war!

The Pope felt like we could use a proper Theologians' Guild.

Our diplomat suggested that we locate it in a "safe" area, like a castle. Building on the project was frozen while zoning clerks explain that such buildings did not belong in castles.

Poland is serious, aren't they?

And yes, firing squad.

Look at that - 30 companies recruited!

Diplomat: Don't worry about that guild you wanted, that church is already up.

Pope: Nice going Teuts.

Diplomat: When is that grass coming?

Pope: Yeah, we ran out a few days ago already.

Farming!

I don't even know anymore.

The world, it is a crazy place.

We're at WAR with you chaps, think we're gonna buddy-buddy now?

...

I mean, sure we'll be your peace partner.

(Negotiations go nowhere)

.

"Russian weapons of mass destruction will be captured any day now."

"We have details of these tools of death. Never fear, the Anarchists are here!"

The public remains skeptical about these claims.

A majority seems to think that Novgorod is engaged in peaceful research - despite all the evidence to the contrary.

The firing squads are employed to put down a wave of enemy state-sponsored dissidents.

It is obvious that they are trying to turn the people against the war that will defend them!

... Sicily?

Uh, ok sure - if you say so, "Council of Nobles".

As the war commences, markets crash.

Herrmann promises a stimulus. The money is spent on armaments.

A Pole escaped the firing squad.

Men claim: "These crossbows were defective - we would've nailed him!"

.

The pope sure loves spreading the love about.

Seriously, alliances are trouble, don't you know?

A concerted Russian effort to keep us from discovering the truth!

(Hiring some merc vikings - nice merc captain =p)

Citizens demand to know: "Where are these weapons?"

Indeed, the Spitfires appear to have been spirited away! Perhaps Novgorod sent them further inwards, towards their capital of Novgorod? We will have to investigate carefully.

After we've ransacked Polotsk, of course.

**Chlοë** · October 17, 2010, 03:51 PM

I am thoroughly enjoying this AAR. Please keep writing.

**Soulstrider** · October 17, 2010, 04:16 PM

I lol'd at the title

Well played.

**Alavaria** · October 18, 2010, 10:01 PM

Ch 9

Disarming Novgorod

Spoiler for Chap 9: Disarming Novgorod:

--------------------------------------------------------

Firing Squad - 3
Enemies ___ - 0

--------------------------------------------------------

Anarchist Generals Lost: 1
Enemy Generals Lost: 5

--------------------------------------------------------

Anarchist Losses: 2011

Enemy Casualties: 5001
Of Which Executed: 987

Executed enemies are counted in their total casualty number.
Executions are: Execute button, refused ransom, captured rebels, prisoners in captured settlement

--------------------------------------------------------

**Medkirtys** · October 22, 2010, 10:40 AM

Pics don't show up

**Alavaria** · October 22, 2010, 10:28 PM

That would be because Photobucket attacked when my monthly bandwidth got used up with hundreds of images.

It'll be back up once the next month starts.

**Alavaria** · October 30, 2010, 11:15 AM

Ch 10

Yes, We Use Them Too

Spoiler for Yes, We Use Them Too:

**Alavaria** · November 03, 2010, 11:10 PM

Ch 11

Mother Novgorod?

Spoiler for Mother Novgorod?:

The Russians are attempting to converge on Polotsk.

Mission Objective: Defend Polotsk, ensure weapons inspectors can ~~fake reports~~ safely carry out their checks.

Secondary Objective: Destroy all Russians (non-civilians) with extreme prejudice.

Vecellin: All weapons free! Prepare to engage the Novgorodian terrorists!

Herrmann: Wait for me! I've brought out more men!

Vecellin: Attack!!!

Vecellin is between these two Russian forces. He must move quickly to avoid being caught in a pincer of deadly fanatics.

Vecellin: Engage the Eastern force, it is weaker!

The Russian general charges into the mercenary spearmen.

In turn, the Revolutionary Guard attack the infantry, buying time for their fellow (foot and mounted) to take apart the enemy general.

Success!

The force is wiped out, then the men wheel about to face new attackers.

(Enemy Boyars on our left!)

The infantry split up to fight Russian foot and Boyars.

The general, however, makes a break for the brave crossbowmen who were aiming at his face!

He is swarmed by Revolutionary Guard and Knechte in an instant!

Russian: For the glory of Novgorod!

Anarchist: May she burn forever!

Russian: Nooooooo~~~~~

*splat*

Spoiler for Details:

Secondary Objective: Quite well fulfilled!

Herrmann returned (a little annoyed) to Polotsk to ensure the city was orderly as the inspectors continued their work.

Vecellin had to now secure the fort south of their position.

The first that the enemy general sees is a horde of spearmen charging at him!

His escort unit finds an easier target in some levy archers - or so they think!

Think again!

The Russian is swarmed by Knechte as he struggles to extract his unit from the spearmen.

This unit of heavy infantry somehow decides to withdraw.

Fortunately for them, the Anarchists' crossbows are not in range (or don't have sight, anyway).

(They're caught and routed by cavalry to the back, by the way).

Then just a few militia to mop up.

Spoiler for Details:

EXTREME prejudice. Unbiased crossbow bolts.

Pure firing squad.

-----------------------------------------------------

Pope: The Holy Bible MAY preach peace, but as you don't understand Latin, let me correct you.

Pope: When it is Christendom itself that is threatened, then it is EVERY Christian's duty to defend all that is holy!

Pope: IE Myself, however ...

*Pope points at diplomat*

Pope: We must reclaim the holy lands from the infidel, who would deny Christian pilgrims their right to visit the holy places!

Diplomat: Wait, how does this threaten "Christendom itself?"

Pope: Because ... shut up.

Pope: It is time for the armies of Christendom -

HRE Diplomat: The Kaiser's armies?

Pope: Be quiet, fool.

Pope: ... to put aside their differences and unite -

French Diplomat: You mean our wars of mutual annihilation?

Pope: SHUT UP!! I'm calling a Holy Crusade here you !

Pope: ... unite under one banner - the sign of the Cross.

Anarchist Diplomat: Hear, hear!

Pope: ... thanks. Um, anyway, we need to give back God's children what is rightfully theirs ... or

Venician Diplomat: Or buy it?

Pope: Or die trying.

Genoan Diplomat: I second Venice's idea. Dying trying is not the best Plan B, your holiness.

Anarchist Diplomat: Die trying it is, for you merchants, eh. Die trying!

Pope: See, he's got it right. But you really should just do the "giving back" thing.

Pope: But to make sure you all do it, I'm making this a mission.

Pope: Bring the Papal stamp!

Herrmann: His Holiness the Pope has called a crusade? What's he been smoking?

Herrmann: ... oh wait.

Revolutionary Guard: Baltic weed, sir. From us.

Herrmann: Damnit, Anarchist Hippy-Diplomat, why you go get the Pope high?

(We didn't ask for the Crusade, by the way.)

(We'll take advantage of it, of course.)

Thread: [SS6.3] Demoncracy, Ho! (Chap 12)

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