[M2TW Retrofit] The Spanish Empire - a Historical Fiction AAR

[Vampiresbane]

Author's Notes:

Of all my battles that I've fought this entire AAR, the closest, at least I thought, was the first fight with King Alfonso defending Leon. I was in real big trouble. My infantry barely held against the Moors on the walls and every fight I had to bring two units to fight against the Moor's mercenary spearmen. I had no idea how important that ram burning under the oil was until the battle had finished and I looked at my troops. Almost every unit of Spanish spearmen was at 1/3 strength or lower. If the ram had survived and I had to fight the multitude of Moorish missile cavalry, it would not have been pretty. By far the closest battle I've had in a long time. That was until...

The Moorish siege of Jerusalem. Apparently the Moors have my number. And I'm no slouch at M2TW, even on Very Hard. But those 16 catapults didn't mess up and get into range of my towers. Mistake #1. Then the reinforcing Moorish army, full stack, almost 99% infantry, hugged the walls until they got into the single hole the catapults made, staying inside of the range of my towers. Mistake #2. I assumed, horribly incorrectly, the catapults would knock multiple holes into my walls. They, however, by a weird stroke of fate, had a horrible time knocking the last 5% down because all the shots went through the damage they already had caused. Mistake #3. This led to the Moorish infantry all attacking through a single hole, something I had not planned for in the least. I rotated as many infantry around as I thought reasonable including my King. Mistake #4 I stopped them initially and funneled them into my kill zone. Let me draw my setup. It's a shame I can only take a single SS per battle on my computer, but perhaps part of my problem was I was so excited about finally using that pseudo second wall in a city siege, I forgot to effectively plug all the ways out, especially the final exit.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As you can see, for the most part, the funneling, the kill zone all worked really well....until they got to the third part of my army. I simply didn't have enough guys there. If you take a look at the screenshot of the loss, I was actually winning both the battle and kills.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

But not all battles are about who kills the most of the other side and I had forgotten that. Chalk one battle up as the closest loss I've had in a very long time.

It makes for a good story though. All told, it wasn't the end of Spain to lose King Nicollas. In fact, he was one of the worst governors I've ever had in all my time playing M2TW. If there is a bad trait for governing, the guy had it. He was lax on law, he was a terrible trader, he increased squalor, the list goes on. The only thing he had going for him was his chivalry. Losing the Prince however was a shame though. His traits and retinue were fantastic and he would have been a much better King. King Nicollas did have one thing going for him though. He was a great general.

Thinking about the progress of this small kingdom thus far though, the #1 thing that has helped me survive this long without a doubt is Papal connections. Without Papal protection in the beginning and then taking over the Papacy myself towards the end of the 1100's, I would have been in severe trouble. Having an alliance with Sicily really helped, not really because of any military aid, but because of the relations boost I got whenever I voted for their cardinal as Pope. Because of the initial support of the Pope, I could do more trustworthy tactics and now in 1171 hardly anyone attacks me since my reputation is "Trustworthy." No other kingdom has that high of reputation. Next best is "mixed" with most factions being despicable or untrustworthy. Looking back, I never would have guessed having strong political connections in the Papacy would matter so much, but it makes a world of difference when you only have 2 territories for 50 odd years, then 3 for 10, and then 4 territories for 100 or so while other major factions have 10+ regions easy currently.

EDIT: Just remembered I wanted to mention one more thing. One of the most enjoyable things for me in M2TW is the politics of the papacy, how something so seemingly small can have such a large effect. Take for instance the fact that after my cardinals took the papacy multiple times in a row, blocking out the Milanese and HRE. If I didn't have those cardinals, HRE or Milan would have taken the Papacy. Instead my preferatis did. HRE ended up being excommunicated for about 30 years straight and in 1171 in my game, they're on the verge of collapse, so much so I may have to save them either through politics or military action or France, who earlier on I had to save from Milan, HRE, and Scotland, will actually take Milan/HRE over as vassals or destroy them completely. Granted if you're the type of player to steamroll your way through the map, this level of politics is lost on you. Other factions simply don't have a chance to play politics when militarily they're being ripped to pieces. But it's pretty amazing how big of an impact a single vote can make. At this point in this Spanish campaign, how my 6 cardinals vote could make or destroy whole factions. I'm the type to try to keep everyone alive as much as possible-big fan of variety-but I could easily just let factions get wiped out.

Some other updates I won't be discussing from my historian standpoint (he is writing Spanish history after all):
Scotland won't easily be destroyed even if I've traded most of their mainland Europe regions away. They've killed off England and won't be losing Britannia anytime soon. Denmark holds all of the Scandinavian regions and just took Arhus back from HRE. Poland owns much of Poland (naturally), but like France is starting to bite off pieces of HRE. Egypt and Turkey are relatively stable, but are losing ground to Byzantine Empire and its super long time ally (basically since 1080), Hungary. It will be something to see when the Mongols show up; something that should be happening fairly soon (well 'soon' is relative, within the next 50 game years). They could destroy Poland, Russia, Hungary, Turks, Egypt, you name it. Sicily and Milan are almost gone (Milan only has 3 regions, 2 of which is their starting zones), though Sicily will probably stick around just because they have castle city islands-Papacy took Florence and Naples from them during the reign of terror that Pope Alcabe the Corrupt took on- to think he was Sicilian and used the Papacy to kill his own people, corrupt indeed.

Time will tell what happens. I'm happily surprised the Byzantines are alive and kicking. Guess that's what 6 months/turn and Hungary as an ally will do for you. Who knows what will happen in the next 100 years or so.

[Sweaft]

That was the best author's notes I've come across so far. Great AAR and fantastic behind-the-scenes support! I'm still at year 1144 and I'll catch up when I have the time, so keep this up! Or has it ended?

[Vampiresbane]

That was the best author's notes I've come across so far. Great AAR and fantastic behind-the-scenes support! I'm still at year 1144 and I'll catch up when I have the time, so keep this up! Or has it ended?

Nope, still going. I have a LONG ways to go. I still have to take Valencia in 1238, then about 200 years of semi peace. Take Lisbon somewhere in there. Then start getting ready to take Italian regions, Arguin, and make my way over to the Americas. I'll probably knock off the Moors sometime between 1200 and 1400. I'm really looking forward to invading the Americas and to see what the Moors will do when I try to take them out once and for all.

And thanks for the compliments. Definitely appreciate it. Just wanted to share what was going on in my head and my own observations from the current campaign.

[Rokiniz]

Good updates

Your writing is improving every day. Keep up the good work and good luck in your campaign.

[JihaadJim]

Really enjoying it so far. It's an interesting concept.

[Vampiresbane]

Good updates

Your writing is improving every day. Keep up the good work and good luck in your campaign.

Really enjoying it so far. It's an interesting concept.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

[Vampiresbane]

Chapter 3: Spanish Holy Power Rises (continued)

Year 1171, Winter

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Despite having lost the holy lands for a second time, Spain kept diplomats and other agents in the area. King Ferrand was no fool. The Moorish hold on Jerusalem would not, could not, last so far from their capitol. Hungarian grip on Antioch and Edessa also was tenuous. What was suprising, however, was how quickly their territories in those lands would be gone.

I'll admit being king makes me think highly of myself, but I never expected my own prediction of the loss of Christian territories in the Holy Lands would be so correct so quickly. My contacts through the Church and my own diplomats write that, not 6 months after I predicted the loss of Jerusalem to rebels yet again and the eventual loss of Hungarian held Antioch and Edessa, my foresight has already come true. Jerusalem rebelled in September of 1171 AD and Antioch was taken by the Turks the following month. Edessa stands alone, still held by a small Hungarian garrison, but no reinforcing armies have been seen and Turkey raises more armies to reclaim it.

Also that winter, the Explorers' Guild makes its intentions known that it would like to build its Headquarters in Leon

Year 1173

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In the year 1173 of our Lord, the Holy Roman Empire, on the verge of collaspe signs a peace treaty with Poland in return to becoming its vassal. King Ferrand and his lords decided to further protect their own interests in the Germanic region by allying with the Holy Roman Empire, hoping Spain's papal connections will further prevent Holy Roman decline.

Meanwhile in the Toledo region, Scotland arrogantly marched its armies in Spanish held territory. Considered a provacation by King Ferrand, General Diego de Mesa is sent with a huge, well equiped army to deal with the tresspassers.

Battle of Toledo plains, Winter, 1173 AD

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Spanish Cavalry, roughly 450 strong, with an additional 120 of Spain's famous Jinetes, supported 240 javelin, 240 crossbowmen, 300 spearmen, and 240 heavy infantry. Scotland's army was estimated to have about 1,000 pikemen, 500 two handed noble swordsmen, and rougly 400 archers. General Diego, though inexperienced, was known to favor mobility of the cavalry over the sheer numbers of infantry, something that would prove dominant in the battle to come.

Reportedly, Diego placed his missile cavalry on his left flank, light cavalry on his right, and suprisingly, his heavy cavalry on his front line, backed up with his crossbows and javelins with infantry in far rear support.

Heavy cavalry was sent in first to disperse the enemy archers while flanking with both javelin and light cavalry, neither engaging in melee. After enemy archers were routed, Diego brought his own ranged answer to bear, firing crossbolts into the slow moving pikemen and infantry. By this point, the heavy cavalry had been withdrawn to the flanks of the enemy.

When the Scottish infantry finally got to Diego's front lines, he pulled back his missiles and charged his infantry into the now depleted Scottish front lines. According to Diego, he then charged his remainging cavalry into the enemy's rear routing all of their forces instantly. Scottish casualties were attrocious, losing 1990 of their roughly 2,000 men. Spain losses numbered 144. The battle was a complete victory. Sadly for Diego, he would not live to see another winter. In summer of 1174, he died from a building collaspe during an earthquake while retraining his troops at Toledo.

Year 1175

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In 1175 AD, Milan was destroyed, but not by war or politics. Spanish spies near the then capitol of Milan, Genoa, report many Papal and French assassins spotted leaving the city. With no more family members alive, the Milan kingdom was destroyed.

1175 of our Lord was also the first time Spain held a majority of seats in the Papacy. Despite only being able to recruit 7 total priests, Spain boasted of 7 cardinals holding papal seats.

Year 1179

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Zaragoza, 1179 of our Lord, the Scots and Spanish sit down to peace talks yet again, this time mediated by Pope Miccele.

Year 1179, Zaragoza, Spain
I, Pope Miccele, having mediated the Zaragoza peace treaty between the Kingdoms of Scotland and Spain.

Scotland agrees to relinquish land rights to the city of Frankfurt and surrounding areas and to peace with the Kingdom of Spain.
Spain agrees to hold the city of Frankfurt until such time the city's walls have been repaired and city intact. At that time, the Kingdom of Spain must turn the city over to the Holy Roman Empire for reparations by the Kingdom of Scotland on the Romans.
Kingdom of Spain also agrees to cease any and all hostilities with Scotland.

As God as our witness, I approve of this agreement,
With my blessing,
Pope Miccele the First

Sadly, Pope Miccele I, passed later that year, but luckily his peace agreement between Scotland and Spain held for some time. In September, one month after his passing, papal elections were held. Prist Areas Caruallo of Spain won easily and become Pope Giannis I.

Year 1190

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Eleven years pass with peace in the Kingdom of Spain. Portugal, France, and Scotland still at war in neighboring region of Navarre, Spain keeps its armies at the ready, but none were required. March of 1190 AD, Pope Giannis calls a crusade on Jerusalem, coincidently recently under siege by jihading Egyptian armies trying to reclaim the city after the Moorish Sultan had lost it to local rebels. King Val the Just, crowned in 1180 after King Ferrand's death, declines the invitation to the Holy City, noting his two predecessors' death.

The Pope is a fool if he thinks I'm sending myself or any other Spanish general to that death trap. That city has been taken by Christians, Moslems, and rebels more times that one can count. Both the previous Spanish King Niccolas and his Prince died there. No. We are not answering the call to arms this time. This time, we put Spain mainland first. The Egyptians can have the accursed city for all I care. Maybe they can finally crush and suppress its rebellious people.

[Vampiresbane]

Chapter 4: Defense of the Holy Lands

Year 1205

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Peace continues within Spain's borders. Papal influences waxes and wanes, losing the Papal seat 10 years prior to the Polish, but Spain has regained their 7 cardinal seats and vote in a Spanish Pope once again. Agosto Pontferrada becomes Pope Bonus the first of his name in February of 1205 AD.

Elsewhere, now having reclaimed Jerusalem, the warriors of Islam declare a crusade on the city of Constantinople.

Alexios III Angelos, then Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, desparate for military aid, implores Pope Bonus I for assistance.

Pope Bonus I, Most Holy Father,

I am writing to you, in urgent danger from the Kingdom of Turkey and its allies. The Moslem people of Turkey, Egypt, and Africa had declared a jihad to take Constantinople from the Byzantine Empire. I'm afraid we are ill equipped to defend our own city against the onslaught, judging from what occurred with Jerusalem years past when the then King and Prince of Spain tried to defend against 5 jihading armies, fighting valiantly, but ultimately being defeated. Please send your armies of God to assist your brothers in faith.

Great Emporer of Imperium Romanum,

Alexios III Angelos

Two years later, the city of Constantinople falls to the jihading army of Turkey in winter of the year 1207.

Year 1208

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Within weeks of hearing of Constantinople plundering by Turkey, Pope Bonus calls a crusade. King Pero, King Val's successor, writes to his General Goncaluo de Surriba.

General Goncaluo,
We'll join His Holiness' crusade and you're to retake Constantinople for the Byzantines. Keep one thing in mind, years ago, when Spain first took Jerusalem, our long dead King Horacio claimed the holy Crown of Thorns in His name and for Spain. It is of my mind that other relics of religion and power are to be found in these holy cities. Be sure to win the city from Turkey, but equally important, find Spain another religious relic.

Your Liege,
King Pero

Six months later, almost all of Christendom rallies to the Pope's request.

Year 1210

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Two years pass and General Goncaluo finally invades the region of Constantinople and quickly lays siege to the city. In winter of that year, Goncaluo de Surriba attacks and after a lengthy battle of attrition with his superior numbers, captures Constantinople.

Searching through the rubble of Constantinople, the General and his army recover the holy relic, the Holy Shroud, the famous burial cloth of Jesus, renowned for its protective properties.

As per his King's instructions, Goncaluo de Surriba repairs and rebuilds the city, taking care to increase the Catholic religion in the region as well as suppress any heretics found nearby.

Year 1211

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It must have seemed like the World's nightmares had come to the Holy Lands in 1211 AD for the Mongols had arrived.

These Mongols must have been a fearsome sight to behold for when word reached the Sultans of Egypt and Turkey, they immediately decided His Holiness must be contacted for assistance, thinking he could help them in the same manner he helped regain Constantinople for the Byzantine Empire.

Pope Bonus I,

As Sultan of the Egyptian land, I must tell you of a threat to the world of Allah that makes us consider joining with our religious brethren we've long fought against. That threat is of the Mongols. These fiends loot and plunder vast cities and destroy immense armies. Rape and pillaging, they have no care for life or religion, only of destruction. Please forget our past indiscretions and petty feuds and assist us in preventing their invasion. If not for Egypt or Turkey, help stop them before they enter Catholic or Orthodox lands. Before they destroy us all.

Sultan of Egypt,
Al-Adil I

Year 1216

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Portugal, after many attacks on both the French and Scots, is declared excommunicated, and late 1216, the Pope Bonus infuriated by that one of his own Catholic factions would dear his wrath , temporarily ignores the pleas for help from the Egyptian Sultan and calls a crusade on Bordeaux.

Prince,
General Goncaluo de Surriba claimed the Holy Shroud from the city of Constantinople. Take Bordeaux but search the city for any Catholic relics you can find. Make a name for Spain.
Your King,
King Pero

Year 1218

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Along with numerous other crusading armies, Prince Saulador with General's assistance, attacks Bordeaux. The battle is a forgone conclusion as the Prince had earlier trapped the Portuguese Prince inside without any additional troops beyond his bodyguards.



During the battle itself, the Prince knocks down two of the three walls of the citadel. His French allies help trap Prince Lopo before he can retreat further behind the three walls.



Prince Saulador easily takes the citadel and after months of searching, claims the Holy Prepuce in the name of Spain. This relic was rumored to help with the chance of having children. Not wanting the responsbility of caretaking the relic for the crown of Spain, he hands the relic over to General Pasqual de Vitoria.



Later that year, Pope Bonus I passes away due to old age. The Cardinals convene and vote in a new Pope, Pope Vivianus the second of his name. It was a closer race and easily could have gone for the French if Denmark's cardinal had voted differently.



Meanwhile in the Levant region, the Mongolian Horde comes within a days ride of Edessa. The Turkish Sultan, frantic and distressed, urgently writes the new Pope.

Your Holiness, Pope Vivianus II,

Your Holiness! I know the Egyptian Sultan contacted your predecessor, but was ignored. I don't dare claim I can understand decisions made in your stead, but I implore you, send help to your religious brothers as we're all sons in His name! We cannot stop them alone. The Mongolian Horde is upon us and we need your help!

Most Urgently,
Kaykaus I
Sultan of Turkey

Year 1219

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Later Crusader reports indicate that the Mongols sieged the Turkish city of Antioch and later capture it in the year 1219 AD.



Pope Vivianus II writes back to both Sultans through a senior Vatican official that same year.

Esteemed Sultans,

The Holy Father has read your most urgent letters. He was deeply saddened to know of the imminent Mongolian threat to your people. He suggested regret for the actions of his predecessor and has asked me to assure you of his concern. Help will be summoned as humanly possible to protect the lives of His people.

His holiness prays that in the days ahead you may be sustained in faith and hope. The Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.

Help is coming.

[Vampiresbane]

Year 1225

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After much campaigning in Catholic lands in order to bolster support, Pope Vivianus II calls a crusade on Mongolian held Antioch. Having prepared ahead of time, Spain had raised an army who only purpose is to rival the missile strength of the Mongols. This army, let by General Agosto, was reported to boast 600 advance spearmen, over 1,000 elite crossbowmen, and 300 Spanish Janetes as well as over 100 heavy cavalry. King Pero sends this army from Spain, led by General Agosto de Vitoria, brother of Crusader Pasqual de Vitoria, from the region of Castille, and the another crusading army led by the crusader Goncaluo de Surriba, from the region of Constantinople, recently handed back to the Byzantines as promised. Both armies are escorted with two of the largest Spanish navies King Pero could afford. Other kingdoms also were taking the Mongolian threat seriously. Hungary raised two armies as well.

Year 1227

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Crusader Goncaluo and his Constantine army arrives first and lays siege with the assistance of Hungary's first army. Later that year General Agosto arrives with Prince Saludaor and his missile heavy army. Kingdom of Hungary's reinforcements arrives later the following year.

Year 1228

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Previously in Year 1227, King Pero had sent diplomats to the King of Hungary to solidify relations through an alliance in hopes it would further strengthen the crusade against the Mongols in the Levant. In year 1228, the King of Hungary agrees it would be beneficial if they join together against not just the Mongolians, but the Egyptians and Turks.

Year 1229

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In the year 1229 AD, King Val the Just passes just as his crusaders are about to attack Antioch. Prince Saluador, crusading at Antioch, is crowned King on the day of the attack.

Crusader Siege of Antioch, Summer, 1229 AD

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Having made all possible preparations for victory, General Agosto attacks with help from General Azzony of Hungary, Crusader Goncaluo, and Hungary's 2nd crusading army. The Hungarian armies boast a number of heavy infantry as well as Crusader Heavy Cavalry and Missile Cavalry. The Mongolians fielded mostly mixed archer infantry, missle cavalry, and a few heavy cavalry, all totaling about 1300 men. All told the crusaders boasted over 7,000 men, many of which were equal veterans to those of the Mongols.

The Spanish forces, having built 4 siege towers and 2 rams for each army, struck first. The Mongols only lightly defended the southern wall, keeping most of their troops in the town center, and not defending the eastern wall at all. Once the Spanish broke down both the south and eastern gates, their Hungarian allies streamed in and fought the Mongols in the streets while the Spanish cleaned up routed units behind them. All told it was a clear victory with the Mongols in the city annihilated and Antioch claimed in the name of Spain and Christendom. Unfortunately for Egypt, Turkey, and the Crusading Catholics, the Mongols were not wiped out completely. The survivors merely regrouped and started roaming the Holy Lands once again, smaller in number, but still a threat.

For saving their city from the hardships and ruthlessness of Mongolian rule, the people of Antioch award General Agosto de Vitoria with one of the most famous of all relics, the Holy Lance, sometimes referred to as the Spear of Destiny. Agosto receives this and glady occupies the city, rather than looting or executing the people.

Meanwhile in Spain, General Rodrigo de Surriba tasked with the capture of Valencia, organized an army built for sieging the small castle-city. Valenica, a long time rebel held taifa, had revolted against earlier Moorish rule. These taifas were independent Muslim-ruled principalities, all having declared independance from the Moorish Caliphate in the 11th century, and Valencia was one of the longest lasting taifas, fighting back Moorish reconquest, and catholic attacks by Portugal, Milan, and the Papacy itself. King Saluador had recently decided enough was enough, wanted the land for the Kingdom of Spain, and had sent back orders to Spain for the city to be taken. In late 1229, General Rodrigo attack and bombarded the city into submission. Having killed most of its defenders in the early onslaught, he sent in his infantry and heavy cavalry to force a surrender.

Year 1232

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In the year 1232 in His name, the Spanish had to crown yet another king after King Saluador had passed. Unfortunately the crown passed from a very well respected and feared king to one that had hardly any authority whatsoever, King Luis. If it wasn't for papal support and direction, the efforts in the Holy Lands could very well have languished for the Moors were not entirely defeated despite losing their only territory and a large portion of their marauding troops. The Kingdom of Spain lost a very able King that year, one that in his short time ruling had overseen the capture of a Mongolian city and a long time rebel Valenicia.

Year 1234

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Two years after the successful capture of Antioch and expellation of the Mongols from the area, Pope Vivianus II passed into His Kingdom. Both Sultans sent gifts of spice, cotton, and sugar as thanks for preventing the Mongols from spreading. The Kingdom of Spain's King Luis also was present along with some of his generals. The following month, the cardinals met in secret to vote in a new Pope. With almost unanimous approval, Esteuao Caluo of Spain was voted as Pope and becaome Pope Orsellus the first of his name.



Seeing a chance to reclaim some Holy Lands lost to the Turks, Pope Orsellus I immediately calls a crusade for the city of Edessa. Many complain that originally the crusaders were asked to reclaim areas of the Holy Lands for the Byzantines and to prevent further expanion of the Mongols, but Pope Orsellus must have be deaf to these complaints as well as other Catholic factions. Many answered the call including the famous crusading nations, Hungary, Denmark, and Spain. Records indicate there were also rumors of a Spanish plot to take Edessa long before the Crusade had been called only to reclaim the famed relic, Icon Not Made By Hands, renowned for its healing properties. Spanish military records of General Rodrigo de Surriba setting sailing for the Holy Lands before the date of the call for crusade seem to support this theory.

Year 1235

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While Spain readied its armies to crusade again, King Luis, though hardly respected within his own Kingdom, set to restore old alliances long forgotten. The Kingdom of Sicily, having lost much of its land during the excommunication of the 12th century to the Papacy, was a shadow of its former self. Once boasting a kingdom made up of 6 large regions around Italy, it had been reduced to just the island of Siciliy by the Religious Wars of the 1200's. To both bolster his own power, but also to help a long time friend of Spain, King Luis wrote to the King of Sicily.

Dearest King and friend,
Not long ago, our kingdoms called each other brothers. Our respective powers waxing and waning, we supported each other during peaceful and hard times. I write to you now in hopes of restoring our old alliance so that we both may enjoy the blessings it should provide.

I hope you consider my proposal.
King of Castille, Leon, Aragon, and Cordoba
King Luis

I presume the King of Sicily was no fool. Allying with the Kingdom of Spain, provided many benefits not the least of which were the political and military ones. Politically, everytime a Spanish Pope was elected, any wars with the Papacy were stopped and Papal relations would bloom once again. Not only that, the Sicilian King probably also guessed that it helped protect Sicily from any attacks from any other Catholic factions. Militarily, while not the strongest in the world, Spain has growing famous for mounting victories against the Turks and Mongols, two well equipped and much feared militaries.

Most Respected King Luis,
I gladly accept your offer of a military alliance. Long have we hoped we could become brothers in arms once again. Too long have we not had the support of each other and I look forward to benefits this brings both our kingdoms.
May God bless you and your kingdom,
King of Sicil,
Frederick II

Year 1239

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Four long years passed in the Holy Lands, without any resolution to the Crusade of Edessa. Crusader Goncaluo had long sieged the City of Edessa, but awaited General Rodrigo's reinforcements from Spain. Finally in March of 1239 AD, these reinforcements arrived and with the help of Danish army and Hungarian armies, General Rodrigo took the city from the long beleagueredTurks.



Rodrigo de Surriba, not known for his civilities, demanded the city's relic in return for safe occupation. Surrounded by four crusading armies, the caretakers of the city's relic, relunctantly agreed, and handed over the Icon not Made by Hands, known to cure whole cities of disease and pestilence.

Later that year, Crusader Goncaluo's crusading army moved to take the citadel of Acre. Long realizing their armies needed to be retrained not just in cities, but also in castles, the crusaders needed continual martial reinforcements that a castle could provide. Aging Goncaluo was sent south from Edessa to take well defended Acre from the Egyptian army garrisoned there.

Year 1240

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Though Crusader Goncaluo and his army reach the citadel of Acre, the long time crusader passes away before any attack can be made. Faced with retreating or attacking a larger force, Captain Esteban attacked, taking a defensive position on a hillside. According to reports, he allowed the first, much smaller Egyptian army to attack uphill, but the larger army led by an Egyptian general held back. After routing the smaller army, Esteban goaded the larger army to attack, but not until the Spanish had left their superior position. Despite this, the Spanish eventually won and without many losses. That winter, Captain Esteban sieged and took the citadel of Acre, now almost defenseless because of the earlier field battle. This wouldn't be the first time Captain Esteban did something beyond the expectations of a captain.

Year 1241

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In 1241 of His name, the Mongols attacked and captured the city of Jerusalem, intent on establishing a homeland in the Holy Lands. They took the Egyptian city easily and then proceeded, the very next year, to take the Gaza citadel. Papal predictions of Mongolian persistance came true.

Within 4 months, word spread to Rome where Pope Orsellus called yet another Crusade on Jerusalem, this time with the Mongols being the owners. The Spanish, their military spread fairly thin in the Holy Lands, waited until more crusaders arrived before they lended their aid.

Year 1246

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In year 1246 the reinforcing crusaders arrived. Two Hungarian armies and one Danish army arrived. The Danish army, led by famed crusader Gustav the Crusader, arrived first and immediately laid siege. General Agosto de Vitoria wrote Gustav that summer.

General Gustav,
You helped my cousin Rodrigo de Surriba with the crusade of Edessa, are renowned for other crusades, and Spain thanks you for your efforts. I must warn you though, these Mongols are not to be taken as lightly as the Turks of Edessa for they are far more formidable. I crusaded against them years passed to expel them from the grand city of Antioch and though outnumbered, they killed far more of my soldiers than I would ever have expected.

Denmark is our ally and being our ally I am sending aid as well as information. Please go over the details my spies have provided me of the known locations of the Mongolian armies and their soldiers. I also am sending one of our best trained armies, full of crusading veterans, to aid you. It is led by a Captain, but possibly one of our more talented military leaders. It still baffles me why our King Luis has not promoted this man. Take his troops and smash the Mongol dogs out of the Holy City!

Your crusading brother,
Advocatus Sancti Antioch,
Agosto de Vitoria

In November of the year 1246 AD, Gustav the Crusader with the aid of Spanish Captain Esteban, attacked the Mongolian held city of Jerusalem.

Siege of Jerusalem, Winter, 1246 AD

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Numbering almost 2,000, the Denmark army boasted of heavy crusader cavalry, heavy infantry axemen, and numerous crossbow light cavalry. The defending Mongolian army, however, numbered only about 600 and had mostly heavy cavalry, ill fit to defend walls. To match the Spanish reinforcements, the Mongols brought over 300 reinforcements of their own, a small mix of heavy cavalry, cavalry archers, and archer infantry.



Gustav sent orders to Captain Esteban to cut off the Mongolian reinforcements at all costs while he attacked the city itself. Reports indicate, not only did Esteban's army cutoff the reinforcements, he completely decimated them, allowing none to flee or escape inside the city or to Gustav's rear. Luckily for Gustav, the Spanish army did not linger, but sent in their own cavalry to quickly reinforce the Danish general who was fighting the Mongolian Governor.



Spain's light missle cavalry barely make it to Gustav in time, but luckily help cut down the Mongol bodyguard. Already bleeding from many stab wounds, Gustav, badly injured, finally gave Subutai a killing blow, sending him to the afterlife. Afterwards, Gustav was reported to have found the Holy Chalice. Whether this was a rumor or not I could not find any other supporting documentation for General Gustav died 3 months later and if the Chalic had been located, it was very quickly lost again. Gustav's death is also a mystery to me. According to Esteban's military report to Agosto, Gustav reportedly executed the Jerusalem population-gravely angering the survivors, but he had also been badly wounded during the attack and was of old age. Whether he died from his wounds, was assassinated, or died of old age, only the Lord knows.

Meanwhile in Europe, two large political events occurred that changed Europe as a whole. First Denmark made the Holy Roman Empire its vassal and Poland was destroyed, having lost its territories to growing Russia and the Romans.

Year 1247

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The Mongols still held Gaza and whether or not it was condoned by the local Spanish elite, Captain Esteban attacked a nearby Mongolian army led by Khan Aradai and his heir, the Mongolian Prince. Though the outcome of this battle didn't lead to the destruction of the Mongols, it did have a great effect on the Mongolian's future in the Holy Lands.

Battle of Foothills of Jerusalem, Summer, 1247 AD

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Captain Esteban, with or without Spanish orders, attacked the Mongolian Khan and his army just south of Jerusalem, in the nearby foothills.

One thing fellow historians agree on was this attack, though politically smart, was military almost a huge mistake. The Khan's army, though smaller than Esteban's by almost 400 men, boasted many more heavy cavalry, roughly 300. Esteban's men, though veterans of many engagements, had no spearmen whatsoever to counter this threat according to Danish records of the battle.

Probably knowing this, Esteban must have relied on his crossbowmen, with their experience and chainmail, to stand in the face of the Khan's heavy cavalry charge. Esteban also reportedly positioned his troops on as steep of an inclince as possible to slow down any charges.

No records exist of what happened next, but Spanish casualty reports from the city of Acre, note that only 8 heavy cavalry survived , about 300 crossbow made it back, and about half of Esteban's javelin lived.

In contrast to Esteban's heavy losses, the Mongol's losses were devasting. Esteban's army was victorious, not only killing the Khan's heir, but capturing Khan Aradai himself. Unable to pay the ransom of their Khan, the mongols doomed him to execution. The Mongols as a result were left with one general and his army in Gaza. No more records exist of any more Spanish battles with the Mongols and as one can imagine, Esteban's losses were so that his army would never have been able to take on a full Mongol army in the field, not to mention a full Mongol army, garrisoned in a citadel. Sadly no more records exist of Captain Esteban despite his great impact on the capturing of Jerusalem and ultimate neutering of the Mongols. He seems to simply have slipped into obscurity.

Year 1252

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Five years pass. The Mongols no longer much of a threat, the Spanish pull back all their forces to their own lands within the Levant. The Danish still held Jerusalem, but were having problems with Egyptian incursions into the land around the Holy City.

In March of 1252 AD, Pope Orsellus I passes, orchestrator of the Edessa and Jerusalem crusades. The cardinals are convened and another Spanish cardinal is elected as Pope. Alfonso de Elche becomes Pope Simon I.

Pope Simon I wastes no time and within one month of his election contacts Crusader Rodrigo de Surriba.

Rodrigo de Surriba,
I hope this finds you in good health in the city of Edessa. I must share with you something I've recently been informed of since my election to the Papacy. I have heard a rumor that the fabled holiest of holy relics is located in Aleppo.

The Holy Grail.

I will be calling a crusade for that city by the time this letter reaches you. Make haste! No longer shall this relic that held Jesus Christ's own blood be held by the Egyptian infidels. Claim this relic for the world of Christendom!

The Holy Father,
Pope Simon the First

Year 1253

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In the year 1253 AD, General Rodrigo sieged and attacked the Aleppo citadel. Earlier that year, knowing fell well he couldn't hope to both keep Edessa and attack Aleppo with the troops he had, he sent diplomats to hand over the formerly Turkish city. Despite being aggressive at first with its people, Rodrigo later became well respected in the city of Edessa, adding many upgrades and fixing the walls. Turkey gladly accepted its lost city, having lost much of its military power thanks to the crusaders and the Kingdom of Hungary.

Siege of Aleppo, Summer, 1253 AD

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At the time, all the crusades had taken their toll on both the Egyptian and Turkish sultanates and its standing military suffered as a result. Consequently, the defending Egyptian garrison at Aleppo was quite small, numbering only about 300 in total.



Even though at first, the Egyptians put up a good fight, setting fire to both the Spanish ram and one of their siege towers, the Spaniards placed two ladders and the remaining ladders on the walls while their trebuchets broke down a different section of the wall. Little did the Egyptians realize but Rodrigo had planned to trap most of their troops between the 1st and 2nd wall between his attacking infantry and flanking cavalry. Once the wall broke down, all available cavalry were sent to intercept the defending Egyptian and all were kill or captured. Only the Egyptian general suceeded to retreat in time and then it was only a matter of time until the Spaniards trapped and kill him behind the third set of walls in Aleppo.



Securing Aleppo, Rodrigo's troops began searching for the grail. Apparently after many months of digging, fights, and fruitless efforts, hope was waning. Desparate, Rodrigo had his Egyptian prisoners interrogated for more information. One by one, Rodrigo, now having some understanding of Arabic, discussed the location of the relic. One by one all either ignored him, spat in his face, called him infidel, or admitted they had no idea or never had heard of such an item.

Until the last man he talked to.

Dirty, beard overgrown, this man wasn't a bodyguard. He had been one of the caretakers of the citadel, performing mainly manual labor around the castle. Grabbed by his soldiers, mistaken as a fighter of the Egyptian army, he was tossed into Aleppo's prison without much thought. But there was something about him, Rodrigo later wrote.

At first glance, this man didn't look like much, but there's something in his eyes that speaks of a wisdom of living, living much longer than most mortal men. Almost comical. He almost seems about to laugh at all the big efforts we do in life, probably small to him. He and I talked, this Amun. He told me that by chance he had been wandering through the deserts between Aleppo and Mosul, earlier caught by bandits while escorting a merchant caravan from Baghdad to Antioch. He was out of water, out of food, and lost. Stumbling, he topped a sand dune in midday and sighted an old ruin in the distance. Of course he thought it a mirage, but what choice did he have?, he told me. Fight for life or just give up then and there? Before dusk, he found refuge in the ruin and immediately collasped. Waking later that night, he heard a slow, but musical drip. Following the sound, he chanced upon wet sand and then a small pool of water. He quickly drank his fill, thanking Allah. Finished, he finally looked up and saw a small, overturned, brass cup, water, ever so slowly, pouring out. Excitedly he quickly turned the cup right side up and the water stopped. Overturned it and water poured, seemingly from no where. Overjoyed, Amun decided to sleep by the mysterious cup that night.

He awoke suddenly. Shouts and the sounds of the small Aleppo market around the corner. A boy was watching him nearby. Questioning the boy, he was told that his father found him in the night by some old ruin, east of Aleppo. In haste, Amun quickly raced back east, stealing a nearby camel and water. He searched for 6 days, but found no ruin. Every year for 10 more years, he went back looking for that ruin, but never found it.

"Allah must have sensed that I had sinned in order to find the blessed cup and erased all traces of the ruin," Amun last told me before I let him go.

Tomorrow, we go East, taking with us digging tools, much supplies, and a few guides. God bless us on our journey and our expedition for in His name we go searching for the Holy Grail.

Rodrigo, either because of his high piety and religious faith or by luck, 3 months later found the most holy of all holy relics, the Holy Grail. Spanish armies that carried this blessed cup were later rumored to recover quicker from their wounds and travel farther in hostile territory without access to water.

Year 1255

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Probably realizing the importance of transporting the new found Catholic relics and its tenous hold in the region, Spain began abandoning its Holy Land territories and ceeding them to the Turkish Sultanate. Spain also purchased the citadel of Adana and later gave that region to the Sultanate of Turkey in order to protect Antioch.

The Pope was furious at learning this, but did not threaten Spain with excommunication since King Luis wisely reminded his Holiness that strong Turkish power was needed to curb both the Egyptians and Mongolians, the Spanish were instrumental in destroying the Mongol's former power, and they had recovered many of His holy relics for Spain and the Church.

Four navies were organized to transport Spain's surviving crusading armies. The two largest would carry Crusader Rodrigo and then Prince Agosto and the bulk of their armies as well as the Holy Lance, Icon Not Made by Hands, and the Holy Grail. The two smaller navies carried a small contigent of spearmen and all of the remaining trebuchets Crusader Rodrigo had originally brought to the Holy lands.



Earlier that year, Egypt had also made the Mongols their vassal further diminishing the power and threat the marauding tribes of the East once posed.

Year 1259

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King Luis passed in the year 1256 of our Lord, but Prince Agosto was still voyaging back to Spain from the Holy Lands so the crown remained unclaimed.

Three long years later, the Prince finally arrived along with General Rodrigo. Having sent word ahead, it seemed all of Spain greeted them on those shores that day. Both Crussading armies landed on the beach just south of Barcelona and Prince Agosto, twenty years absent from his home Spain, was crowned King Agosto the Honest on the spot. He named General Rodrigo his heir following the large ceremony, calling him Prince Rodrigo the Honourable in recognition of all he had accomplished in the Holy Lands. The holy relics were joined with the already collected holy relics for safekeeping in the city of Zaragoza. King Agosto retired to the capitol of Leon and Prince Rodrigo retired to Cordoba, long considered Spain's, and much of Europe's, center of religious learning.

The Mongols all but destroyed, Constantinople was in the hands of the Byzantines, the Holy Lands saved from certain destruction. The Crusaders had returned, victorious, loved, and in large need of rest. Younger generals were needed for the next period of Spanish history.

[Vampiresbane]

Author's Notes:

A) Phew what a LONG chapter. Tons of stuff going on. Tons of Crusades. How many in total was that? Constantinople, Antioch, Edessa, Jerusalem, and Aleppo. And I didn't even mention that the Turks took Jerusalem from Denmark right when I got all my troops back AND the pope called ANOTHER crusade on Jerusalem.

That's SIX crusades in Chapter 4 alone.

Mind boggling. Oh and let me just say, getting Aleppo to be listed as a target city for crusades is a royal pain. I had yet to ever get the holy grail in any of my campaigns and I was dead set on doing it this go around. IMO it's the best relic hands down. Increases casualty rate? Awesome. Plus FIVE to general's hitpoints? That's absurd. But it's also one of the, if not hardest, relic to get. First you have to get the city to be listed, then you have to get there first, and THEN only if does your general have 6+ piety , do you have a 30% chance of finding it.

Yikes.


B) Boy those Mongols. I was toying with letting them run amok, taking Turkey and Egypt out, but I'm a sucker for #1 keeping factions alive, #2 a good story.

Keeping Egypt and Turkey alive wasn't too hard, just kill the Mongols, but honestly I had no idea I'd have so much good luck with Captain Esteban with killing them. I didn't make his story good, he did.

Hell even I wanted him to get Man of the Hour. Hell 3 big battles that he could have lost that he won (Acre, Jerusalem, foothills of Jerusalem). It's a shame I probably had too many generals already according to the game AI. Hell I'm sorry I didn't take screenshots of his big victory against the much larger Egyptian force at Acre. That was much more of a landslide victory than I expected.

On another note, factions are so better prepared to fight the Mongols when you increase turns to every 6 months from every 2 years. Granted the Mongols still knocked Egyptian and Turkish armies around, but each battle wore their numbers down much, much faster.

C) One last small note. I've played a few years past 1259 and my King has fallen from grace a tad. It's funny how fast this can happen. He's now called King Agosto the Gambler instead of the King Agosto the Honest. Quite the about face for such a holy King.

[Vampiresbane]

Chapter 5: Strengthening Spain's Grip

Year 1261

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King Agosto writes two years later:

After too many years crusading in the Holy Lands, I, King Agosto, have devoted myself to strengthening the lands of Spain. Now that Spain has taken the Papacy yet again, I am developing plans to attack and take Lisbon. Too long the city has been held by the Portuguese. Controlling the area will help us in our efforts to resist Moorish incursions into our lands.

To that end, I have started trying to attract another large guild headquarters to our Kingdom, the Horse Breeders guild. With their help, our cavalry will be unmatched by Portuguese or Moors alike and our grip on the Iberian Peninsula will be that much stronger.

Year 1264

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It took King Agosto and Spain three years to get settled after the crusades as well as prepared for the upcoming conflict with the Portuguese. By 1964, reportedly Spain has retrained their crusading troops and were collected under a young general by the name of Fernan Julian. The following are from his prebattle journals:

King Agosto has tasked me with the siege and capture of Lisbon, but the Portuguese "King" has a sizable force just north of Lisbon. Taking Lisbon with this force in the field at my back would be foolhardy at best so I must meet him first before I approach the city. Thankfully I also can count on the support of our sizable navy. Once I dispose of the so called King, I can quickly siege Lisbon.

Battle of Lisbon Coast, Winter, 1264 AD

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General Fernan, according to records from the time, cornered the Portugal army on the beach just north of Lisbon. Though outnumbered, the Portuguese King was rumored to be better trained in tactics and warfare. The battle was far from a far gone conclusion. In addition to having to sweep King Gilherme from the field, General Fernan had to win well enough to have enough troops to siege and take the city of Lisbon. In December of that year, the two armies met.

Spain boasted a well balanced army with many crusading veterans. Heavy cavalry, lightning fast jinetes, javelin infantry, pavise crossbowmen, and plenty of spearmen and heavy infantry. This versus a fairly one dimensional Portuguese army almost entirely of inexperienced swordsmen militia with a good number of inexperience Portuguese Jinetes.



Having pushed the Portuguese into the beach, General Fernan had his crossbows fire into the militia and jinete ranks, eager to bring their numbers down. King Gilherme, having no other choice, brings his frontlines to bear, but General Fernan holds their charge with his heavy infantry. The Portuguese Jinetes, almost half dead from crossbow bolts, attempt to encircle the Spanish but find themselves fighting a mix of Spanish Jinetes and heavy cavalry. Quickly outmatched, the Portguese light cavalry route from the field and quickly the Portugal King finds his army in dire straights with no cavalry of his own to counter the Spanish cavalry. General Fernan quickly takes advantage and hits the Portuguese flanks with his own bodyguard as well as the heavy cavalry. Meanwhile he sends his remaining Spanish Jinetes straight for the Portuguese King killing him outright. Portuguese militia units now fully engulfed by both Spanish heavy infantry and spearmen, rout immediately and General Fernan finds himself the victor of a landslide victory, most of his casualties being sustained by his cavalry and spearmen.

Year 1265

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Having successfully killing the Portuguese King and wiping his field army off the map, General Fernan was quick to lay siege to the city of Lisbon with the help of his navy.

Siege of Lisbon proper, Summer, 1265 AD

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This time, General Fernan holds a much larger advantage, tactically and strategically. Only Spain can reinforce the area around Lisbon due to its far superior navy and not only did Spain have much more experienced troops, they were more numerous.

General Fernan, knowing full well the hardest part of the siege would be taking the walls, reforms his units making as many full units as possible and placing his depleted units on the eastern wall, threatening the Portuguese flank.



The fight on the walls was reportedly bloody, but Spain took them fairly easily, pushing the enemy further into the city. The next largest threat was the remaining Portuguese Jinetes which General Fernan engaged with his spearmen, catching the poorly led light cavalry in the streets unable to maneuver. Having killed most of their infantry and cavalry, General Fernan then slowly pushed into the center of the city, covering his advance with crossbow fire the whole way. One last final push into the town square and Spain claimed Lisbon as its own.

Taking Lisbon was an easy affair. King Agosto will be pleased. Having dispatched the Portuguese in the field, Portugal moral was palpably low and our men took their walls easily. With no one worthy to lead them, they wasted their Jinetes fighting our spearmen in the streets. Lisbon is now a Spanish city.

For the next five years, Spain continued to prosper under the rule of King Agosto. Troops were retrained but very experienced. Spain no longer had to devote funds or troops to overseas wars or crusade, but could put all its wealth towards building up its holdings. It was one of the best periods and prosperous times for the Kingdom of Spain.

Sadly, it would not last. For another power threatened to consume the world...

[Vampiresbane]

I'll be updating Chapter 5 probably next week. Right now I'm merely trying to find time to play (don't worry I am, just not as much has happened so far in 100 years as it did during chpt 4). Plus Chpt4 wore me out a bit (and you guys too I'm sure). In Chpt 5 I plan to do more quality over quantity descriptions and try to go more in depth in the more important battles, especially since I had a lot of full stack vs 4 or 5 unit fights. These, unsurprisingly, were landslides and don't really need a full writeup.

BUT!

A reminder that voting for January's MAARC has begun. Check it out here.

[Swaeft]

That was one heck of an update! Fantastic insight into your nation in this turbulent time. Keep it up, I'll be following this! Thank you for your constant input into your AAR, and advertising the MAARC like a good old fellow! +rep!

[Vampiresbane]

Finally finished all the campaign and have a TON of pictures. You should start seeing regular updates again soon. It was an interesting ride. Finally got the hang of using pikes...well for the most part. They're hard to get to work, but nasty once you do. Got really good at musketeers as well.

[Aethelwulf Winterfylleth]

Looking forward to the next update, man Spain is one my favourite factions!

[Schrödinger]

Love the idea and like the execution, also really enjoying your mopping up of relics as a hobby with less conquering going on looking forward to seeing more

[King William the Conqueror]

still waiting !

[Vampiresbane]

Small update is finished. Added Chapter 5. It's a short, but fun chapter. I should be able to start work on chpt 6 sometime next week. It'll be a lot larger since it includes a LOT more fights/regions.

(sorry about the wait, some real life issues reared their ugly heads)

Love the idea and like the execution, also really enjoying your mopping up of relics as a hobby with less conquering going on looking forward to seeing more

Yeah it's quite different than most M2TW campaigns I've done. It's really hard not to just smash the Moors and Portugal early on when I easily could. Not doing so makes it feel more accurate to history and I get more of a sense of how events transpired in real history. Granted there's a lot even to my fictional version that never happened. For instance, as far as I know, Spain never engaged in the crusades in the middle east. The Pope(s) at the time encouraged them to regain the Iberian peninsula instead.

As far as gathering relics, I figured if Spain was to ever join the Crusades, they'd do it for the money, power, land, but also the treasure. Granted that's a very fictional slant, but it sure fits how Spain later took out the Axtecs and Incas for their gold and silver treasure.

Looking forward to the next update, man Spain is one my favourite factions!

It's funny you mention that. I've never played a Spanish campaign from beginning to end until now. Glad I did though. I always had a poor opinion of their javelin infantry and cavalry, but those guys really do rock. Pretty cheap, nasty missiles when they connect, AND they can take on their heavy counterparts in a jam pretty well (ie javelin infantry can take on dismounted fuedal knights fairly well, not necessarily win outright but at least hold them until they get flanked; same with Jinetes and Mailed Knights).

[Tomas.carney]

Good luck on your campaign and will you take out sicily

[Tomas.carney]

Good luck on your campaign and will you take out sicily