[TLR AAR] HRE - The Holy Roman Empire 1080-????

[jman47]

hey everyone! as promised, this is my new HRE AAR using the darth ages!

this will be much more interesting than the first one thanks to the much better AI, im using VH/VH since the mod is made for those settings, and i took the liberty of revealing the whole map right away not as much to cheat as to be able to give my audience quick overviews of the world consistently.

Anyway i guess we should get going, Hope you enjoy as much as the first!


Spring, 1080 The Beginning

The empire had seen much success yet also much despair in the last 10 years. Upon being crowned Emporer by the electors of the HRE, Kaiser Heinrich The Champion had completely and forcibly centralized the Empire into one entity rather than a confederation of duchies and city-states. Although the central areas of the Empire were fine with this, outlying regions screamed in protest and seceded from the empire, leaving the Kaiser with no choice but to forcibly bring them under heel. This was his new task as the new year of 1080 dawned on europe. With italian merchant states in the south, powerful kingdoms such as France and England to the west, and upstart Danes, Polish, and Hungarians to the north and east, Heinrich knew he would have to recapture his rightful territory soon, before other realms swept in to befoul the lands of the Reich.

Heinrich was a great leader though, so there was a great chance all would turn out well.

(Heinrich)


One particular problem was a realm known as pommerania that was full of pagans, and needed to be purged before captured. the high priest of the Reich, Peter Scherer, who was also a cardinal, was sent to combat the heathens immediatly.

(Peter Scherer)


The Kaisers beautiful daughter was sent south to negotiate with the italians, while the top spy was sent north to scout and see what the danish were up to.

(The princess)


(the spy)


Several negotiations were also brokered, but talks with the danes fell through.

(negotiations)






Winter, 1080 Making Preparations

The princess came to the royal court with a suitor, but he was turned down as more negotiations were needed from the princess.

(the suitor)


Also the council of nobles advised an easy first target for the Reich, the Burgundians holed up in Metz.

(the mission)


Also the first summary of the Riech was completed for the royal court to consider.

(the summary)


Also several titles were handed out

(titles)


And finally there were new additions to the royal army

(recruitment)


As 1080 came to a close the first of many phases of preparation were made for conquest. but would foreign powers have other plans for lands of the Reich? and would the many generals and soldiers of the Reich be able to continue its great legacy? only time, and the next update will tell! stay tuned

[Laconian]

Nice restart. Good luck.

[Retribution]

Good one

[jman47]

hey everybody! im back with the first update, its been some time, but college has kept me pretty busy, since i have finals this week. but i have put some playtime together and progressed some, so you will see it here.

as usual replies will come first though-

laconian- thanks, i might need it this time

retribution- thanks!

Now for the next update!

Spring, 1081 status quo

the first considerations of the new year were of course the status report

(the startus report)


The riech has made gains in almost every category, although the Moors are currently the world leaders.
Meanwhile, new military buildings were constructed in the castles.

(new buildings)


but more unfortunate news came to the royal court as well, the Riechs only spy has been killed on a mission.

(spies death)


Winter, 1081 negotiations and recreation

First to happen was a deal struck with the Polish

(polish deal)


Soon after a new child was born, continuing the legacy of the Reich.

(new child)


in other news was the recruitment of new forces

(new troops)


Some new alliances formed around the world

(new alliances)


however the Reich failed to secure an alliance with the Pope.

(no deal)


Spring, 1082 Military Madness

The first business was the Status Report.

(here)


Nothing much has changed exept finances are drying up.
New barracks were constructed and troops recruited as well.

(new military stuff)




Good news soon came as an alliance was signed with the Pope after last seasons failure!

(new allies)






Also the fair princess became more skilled after the success!

(mad skills)


More good news as a diplomat successfully got trade rights with the Danes.

(Trade)


Meanwhile in the north, the Reichs northern army engaged rebels from lubeck trying to defend the city from seige.

(the size up)


The battle started out with infantry in front of the calvary and archers on a hill.


The calvary quickly charges the enemy archers to try and rout them early


next he ordered most of his main battle line to engaged the enemy


while he had a couple of units pin the enemy calvary from behind.


as the battle raged, the Reichs archers poured arrows on the hapless foe


and soon they began a full scale rout


as they did the calvary chased them down






The enemy general and what was left of his bodyguard tried to flee but was killed


After the battle lubeck was wide open to be seiged

(the seige)


Winter, 1082 the begginings of finance

Not much happened in this winter, although new troops were recruited

(new troops)


and the empires first merchant began to trade in central italy

(new trade)


Finally, after some border tensions the relations between venice and the Riech worsened.

(bad relations)



As 1082 came to a close, the reich was about ready to retake lubeck, but what about the burgundians in Metz? and what about the venetians, would their insolence turn into open warfare? only time, and the next update will tell! stay tuned

[Laconian]

Nice update. I loved the battle.

[jman47]

Time for the next update!

Laconian- Thanks, i love taking shots of battles, its almost like being a one of those reporters sent to wars or something.


Spring, 1083 The first of many Conquers!

The status report-

(here)


One of the first things to happen was Sicily setting up formal relations.

(meeting sicily)


new units were recruited in hamburg who were sent to the army sieging Lubeck to prepare for an assault.

(green troops)


Metz was soon also put under siege, as the burgundians faced their inevitable fate for defying the Emporers power!

(the siege)


Soon after, the assault on Lubeck began!

(The size up)


Dietrich von Saschen, the general who made the victory in the battle to get to the city, was also the assaulting general, and the forces started out like this


Archers from bot armies fired upon each other as the towers reached the walls


However when the ram got to the gate the enemy general made a surprise move and attacked through the gates!


As that melee began, the towers released the brave soldiers of the Riech onto the enemy's battlements


Soon the Riechs troops forced their way into the gate and captured it




Lubeck continued to pour units at the attackers, but they were finally broken by the general's calvary charging through




Soon the battle on the walls tipped in the Riechs favor


Then as the spearmen reached the town center, they attacked the enemy's general who was now left alone to die, and other spearmen attacked from behind




Finally Dietrich charged his bodyguard into the rear of the enemy general, and his fate was sealed as he fought to the death






The battle was a clear victory for the Reich!


However bad news came as well, as scouts reported Poland was gearing up to take Stettin, which clearly belongs to the Reich. such a breach on our borders is truly outragous and innapropriate!

(those bastards)


Plans were starting to be made to go to war with poland, but the Emporer was convinced to wait out the outcome of the battle, due to more info from scouts that the polish army was weak and had a large contingent of untrained peasants.

(or maybe.....)


Winter 1083, Precautions

An emissary from spain arrived in early winter to discuss trade rights

(spanish diplomacy)


News that a foreign merchant tried to steal away the valuable sulphur being traded by the Riechs only merchant came about, however his sound skill saved him the resource, and his job.

(safe!)


It also was reported that The Reich was the largest faction in the known world, truly an accomplishment!

(bigger IS better)


Also a proper place of worship was constructed in Nuremburg.

(going to church)


To take precautions against a possible war against the Poles, formal relations were set up with hungary, hinting towards a cooperative future.

(hungarian diplomacy)


As the coldest months of winter came, Prince Conrad decided the Burgundians were weak and hungry enough for an assault, and prepared for attack.

(the size up)


the beginning formation was as follows


Arrows were poured upon the defenders before the ram was sent even one inch foward.


The Burgundian general took initiative and charged our lines, and was completely surrounded and killed early in the battle






More arrows were poured upon the disheartened defenders, and soon the Prince led a charge through the gates, capturing them.






Enemy calvary tried to countercharge, but it was too late


The archers continued to rain death upon the hapless foe at the same time


A bloody melee continues at the castle square, and gets worse for the defenders as the prince charges into their backs




The battle was soon over, with a clear victory for the Riech


After the battle, a soldier that had saved the princes life was given full honors, and the council of nobles made a hefty donation to the treasury after the recent sucess.

(the man)


(the money)


Spring, 1084 more stuff to do

Here is the status report-

(here)


The teutonic knights decided to set up residence in the Riech, and honor bestowed to nobody else in the catholic world, at least thats what they said

(New guild)


The Pope also asked the reich to show dedication to the one true fath by training more priests to spead the word.

(his hatness' decree)


Also the first starts of what would become the Imperial road system was finished in the county of Frankfurt, to the relief of the thousands so serfs forced to work on it.

(the road)


The beautiful princess also sealed relations with France, and seemed to have left a good impression on the lord she dealt with.....

(Maybe a prospect?)


Winter, 1084 Foreign blunders and further expansion

A man was proved worthy for the Prince to adopt, which he did soon after

(lucky dog)


Great and Wonderful news from the north! stettin had destoyed the polish attackers, leaving it wide open for the Reich to reclaim!

(Hot dog!)


The rebel swiss also were sieged, led by the Prince who was bolstered by his win over the Burgundians.

(bern will burn)


The last note of business was a trade deal with the Scots

(news from the highlands)


With 1085 fast approaching, the reich was looking towards a bright future, but would the rebels give imperial armies any trouble? and what of the continued tenseness with venice, and what will relations be with poland now that the Stettin incedent has passed? only time, and the next update will tell!

Stay tuned!

[Hobbes]

Cool images. One of the greatest AARs I hane ever seen.

[Exarch]

great AAR
excellent detail

pls, sir, may i have some more?!

[Kiljaden]

I humbly request MOAR kind sir

[jman47]

of course! ive already played the next update but im at my moms currently but when i get back to my dads on sunday you will get the next update!

cya then

[jman47]

Time for the next update!

Replies-

Julius2- Thanks, that is the kindest comment ive gotten for an AAR

Exarch&Kiljaden- your wish has been granted!

Spring, 1085 Great gains

The status report

(here)


Gains were made in almost every category, yet the Moors are still the dominant faction. Also Light mail armor had become advanced enough for it to be produced for the common soldier, yeilding new units as well.

(youve got mail)


Formal relations were set up with England

(english diplomacy)


And the guild of theives were allowed to set up shop in Lubeck.

(Theiving bastards)


The princess brought forth a new suitor, but he was declined

(tough luck kid)


For a 4-star french general named Guillame de Potio

(Pictures from Frankfurt Cathedral)




In military news, new units were recruited.

(new troops)


And Dietrich Von Saschen decided to assault Stettin after several months of siege.

(the size up)


The starting formation was as follows


The archers began by peppering the enemy with arrows over their flimsy wooden palisade.






The ram then proceeded to bash the gates down.




Once it was smashed, the foot soldiers charged through capturing the gates.




Dietrich then charged his calvary around the settlement and flanked the enemy archers


Soon the enemy general was forced into the fray, and once he was dead the battle was won!










The Pommeranians were so beaten after the battle they willingly accepted the Kaiser as their rightful ruler, they had no other choice.

(total defeat)


But before news of the victory in the north had reached the capital, the battle for Bern was on, The realm of Switzerland on the stakes.

(the size up)


Once again archers would weaken enemy forces before an assault.




But before the ram could reach the gates, the swiss calvary charged Imperial troops




Soon the mass of infantry forced their way into the gates, capturing them and making their way into the heart of the castle.






The battle for the castle square soon commenced


And Prince Conrad led his personal bodyguard to attack the Swiss king.


The battle raged, but the outcome was never in question, the Swiss king was surrounded by Imperial troops and fought to the death, and the battle was won for the Reich!
















Overall the Spring of 1085 was very successful and eventful for the Riech.

Winter, 1085 Family matters

Both sons of the Kaiser were wed this season

(wedding pics)




Relations were established with Portugal

(portugal relations)


New troops were recruited

(new soldiers)


And news Reached the Capitol that William the Conquerer of England had completely Assayed his realm, and wrote the contents in the Domesday book. Of course this is easy for such a small nation, The Riech would need a whole Library for its true assaying of every thing within its borders.

(the domesday book)


Spring, 1086 Holy wars are bad for....

The 1086 status report

(here)


Once more gains were made, showing the superiority of the Kaiser's policies. the moors still have a commanding lead though.

News Spread through europe that a Jihad had been called on a former Patriarch of Cristendom, Antioch. Would a united Muslim front pose a threat to Europe?

(Jihad)


More startling news as the Kwarezims and Turks have formed an alliance!

(the muslims are consolidating)


Finally, a siege on Madgeburg was started by Dietrich, but we have no visual evidence at this time, yet maybe soon we will.

Winter, 1086 Flanders must Fall!

only one thing happened this season, the start of the seige on Antwerp, the last of the rebels of the old system of the HRE to be sieged.

(Antwerp seige)



As 1086 ends, we have more questions than answers. Will Madgeburg in Brandenburg and Antwerp in Flanders fall as easily as the others? or will they prove their claim to independence? And just how much of a threat are the Muslims in the east, or even the ones in the west? they will undoubtingly want to continue to assault Chritianity, Most likely in Constantinople next, and then once in europe, where will it end? or will Christian Europe be able to hold off the Heathens, and maybe even push the fight to their turf? only time, and the next update will tell! stay tuned!

[jman47]

Time for the next update! i will be adding a new element to this one, a little bit of backround info on a certain General with some roleplay. if i get positive reviews for it i may do it some more, but i am very self-consious about my writing so if you dont like it please offer suggestions and not harrasment dont worry though there is still many good pictures to drool at, this is actually my biggest update ever in that sense with 63 pics! im surprised there are no comments though, where my people at

Spring, 1087 The last of the Brandenburgs

The Empire status report comes first on the new year of course!

(here)


Weve fallen back slightly, probably due to mounting military upkeep with all the new troops, while the Moors still dominate #1

The council of nobles fears Lubeck is to poorly defended, and request more troop presence in the city.

(wanted: garrison force)


Prince Conrad has found a somewhat worthy adoptee, but he is turned down since he cant put down the bottle to save his life.

(drunkard)


Also a new diplomat has been recruited due to the first one being so intolerant he is known as a 'would-be-inquisitor'

(Have some tact)


And now after a year and a half of siege, the brandenburgiun rebels are forced to either sally or starve.

(the match up)


Dietrich von Saschen, counquerer of the north as he is known in some circles, hurries to get his troops in position while the enemy sallies forth


His archers begin to immediatly torment the calvary and general.




Dietrich then charged the enemy knights to keep them off the flanks of the Archers.


As arrows flew over both sides, the infantry lines met for battle!




Having devastated the knights, Deitrich charged the enemy archers forcing them to rout and capturing the gates






He was soon bogged down by other units that refused to rout so easy though, while the enemy general tried to prey on easy isolated targets.


Dietrich then charged back to help, but the battle was hard fought and brutal.


finally the general was the only one left and he was killed.




Finally the Reich was able to charge through into the castle in force.


The final defender huddled in the castle square and met their fate.


The battle was the most brutal and costly yet for the Reich though, as nearly a third of all men in the imperial force that day were killed. the citizens of the castle were forced at swordpoint to clean the remains and tend to the injured as punishment, but otherwise the settlement was only occupied and spared a brutal fate.






Winter, 1087 the Empire stikes back........ for complete victory!

another adoptee was considered for the prince, but not for long as he wasnt even very loyal, let alone skilled.

(crap prospects)


Here are some self-explanatory news clips from the Reich.

(new things going on)


News also came that the fair treatment of madgeburg had pleased the Pope.

(Happy Hatness)


And the Assault on Antwerp had begun!

(the size up)


Guilliume de Potio had felt many emotions since his defection from France and Marriage into the Riech. Why did he defect though? France was after all his homeland. it was this he thought to himself in the months preparing to assault Antwerp.
I awoke with a start, the bitter cold of the winter biting me even through my tent quarters. As i lay awake, i reviewed the past few years that led up to this climax, the planned day of assault on Antwerp. I left France for several reasons. Agnes likes to think it was purely her charm and affection that won me over to the Reich, her long flowing brown hair, beautiful smile, and cute german accent. But i am deeper than that, I have ambitions, ones that would never be realised in France. I was only of minor nobility, and had been stuck governing Rheims for many years. Despite its great cathedral, the city was a backwater sinkhole compared to what i have heard of Paris. but i never got to see Paris once, was never graced enough to the king to do so. He felt i was like other landholders in France, a 'robber baron' that just serves my own self interest. i would have remained loyal to france, if i felt i had a future there. But i didnt. I was amazed when i first saw Frankfurt, the Imperial capital where the wedding was held, such a massive city yet able to be surrounded by thick stone walls. Rheims barely had a wooden palisade to say for itself. I remember my meeting with the Kaiser, who was strangely enough many years my junior, yet he had such an ispiring aura i felt at not one point like i could do better than him in his position. This was the kind of ruler i wished to serve, one who reclaims land from rebels, rather than hiding in the capitol scared. I remember recieving the order to take Flanders, a land once talked about being incorporated to the French realm in my old days. I met with the Prince, who was also an impressive man for his young age, and took command of his army to march north for my task. Now after a year of seiging I am told to Assault or face demotion, yet i could not be more prepared, exept for the fact i have never assaulted a city. My expertise was in the field, but i wanted to please my new Leader, so i was ready. my seige officer just tells me that the engines are prepared and manned, and the weather is acceptable for attack, so here i go, FOR THE HOLY REICH!.........

The starting formation


loyalist agents in the city run spotting for archers of the Reich to fire potshots over the wooden wall.


The seige engines reach the walls, and unload there cargo.




Enemy troops hurry to meet them on the battlements.








The enemy tries to use bodies to hold the gate, but it is of no use as the Reich breaks through.






The gate is captured!


enemy troops struggle to hold down a calvary charge.


Soon the enemy general is force to get involved and is badly bloodied, soon retreating to the town square for a valiant last stand.













And a valiant last stand it was, he must have killed 50 footmen before Guillime ordered them to get out of the way and let his personal men finish it off. The battle was a clear victory, and Guillme sacked the settlement for all it was worth, before establishing a new government.


Now that the reich had all of it's former lands back, it was time to set a new direction, which would be in the hands of the Kaiser himself.

I just announced my next plan of action to the council of nobles, and they seem to agree with me. not that it matters, after all i am the Holy Kaiser, supreme ruler of our magnificent Reich. i defined two areas of eventual expansion, the rich north Italian city states, and likely our biggest continental threat, France. We will instigate no war to keep in the Popes good graces, but rather goad our foolish enemies into attacking us, by securing an alliance with england, frances rival, and sicily, the biggest threat to venice and milan. Also alliances will be secured (hopefully) with the Danes, polish, and hungarians to keep us from fighting multiple fronts, as well as the spanish and portugese to force france onto several possible fronts. Only time will tell if it will work as planned.......

The first of the alliances was secured with the Danish.

(viking friends)




And relations duly improved, but surprisingly also with England as well, but that only helps the cause more!

(Better friends)


And then an alliance was quickly signed with england while relations were good, since the inquisitor diplomat was the only one close enough to make the trip.

(even a retard could do this)




Spring, 1088 Theives and unrest

The status report is in for the year of our lord 1088

(here)


we still seem to be slipping, but once the economy gets going that might change. The moors are still on top.

The theives guild wishes to expand to Antwerp, and it was allowed.

(Expansion)


The world's first university has been set up in Bologne as well. since Milan controls the city, we may benefit in the long run....

(getting edumacated)


Finally a decent adoptee for the Prince, he is welcomed into the Royal family.

(The new guy)


Dietrich von Saschen is forced to leave Madgeburg for Stettin as it is rioting after its change into a city from a castle.

(stupid peasants)


Finally some faction news

(faction news)


Winter, 1088 marraiges and damned diplomacy

Kiev set up formal relations this season.

(kiev relations)


a son of the reich was married in this winter.

(starting a family)




Faction announcements

(here)


And finally poland was tried to be coaxed into an alliance, but talks fell through. hopefully next season, as a two front war would be disastorous.

(Missed)


As 1088 comes to a close, what will become of the Reich now that it must expand at the expanse of foreign powers? will the east be secured? will france grow to powerful for the reich? and what of the greedy north italy city states? and the Jihad on Antioch is old but still startling news, will a united muslim front crush christian europe under the sign of the cresent moon? only time, and the next update will tell! stay tuned!

[Exarch]

excellent AAR
u write the story well and its captured my interest quite securely
i espeially loved the bit about the motivations behind guillaume's defection...possible ambitions within the HRE? does he aspire to become kaiser one day? food for thought

[Hobbes]

Any map ?

[crucify_ego]

dude, im liking this AAR. keep it up. + rep

[jman47]

Hey everybody, Time for an update! since you all seemed to like my roleplay peices, ill be incorporating some more for your enjoyment

But for now, replies!

Exarch- thank you! ill probably have more on Guillame as we progress

Julius2- you asked at the right time, map is coming this update! i will also explain the map update timing and such and such.

crucify_ego- thank you! i hope you will keep reading and posting


Spring, 1089 Guildies

1089 Status report

(here)


First news was the trading princepality of novgorod seeking to set up trade with the Reich.

(Russian Traders)


The Teutonic knights have stated that the Reich has proven without a doubt that they have what it takes to be the dominate power in europe, thus they wished to upgrade their presence in the Imperial capital.

(Upgraded guild)


Another adoptee came foward, but was (once again) inadequate.

(How much crap is there?)


In faction news

(this)


New garrisons were started to be recruited to defend the realm.

(soldiers)


In world news, the ancient city of Palyrma has been destroyed, likely due to god's wrath for the muslim infestation in the middle east.

(a warning from the divine)


Once again an alliance was tried to be signed with poland, yet they stay stubborn. In an official statement, they say they know about the Empire's plans to attack them if Stettin was taken, and it will take alot of compromise to bting them to the Reichs table once more.

(could there be a traitor or spy among the citizens of the palace?)


However an alliance was successfully signed with Spain!

(awesomeness)






Winter, 1089 Oops failure!

The first news was the council's dissapointment in the failure to reinforce lubeck.

(failboat)


Another adoptee came foward, no better than the last few.

(SOMEBODY shut the palace doors for gods sake!)


And finally after the constant smoothing over of past incidents and hammering out of details, Poland finally agreed to an alliance!

(Great!)


The final news was that of WAR! The Byzantine empire, the last remnant of the romans, has gone to war with the Turks once more! only time will tell if they will be successful, or if many more manzikerts are to come.

(Eastern aggression)


Spring, 1090 A new plan

As the Reich continued to militarily consolodate, the Kaiser had just declared a new plan for a parallel project, The Economic Dictate.

"The Economic dictate is by far the most important part of the plan for the domination of France and North Italy. It was once said 'the sinews of war are infinite gold' and i am a believer of this philosophy. Without a strong economy, war will be next to impossible with proffesional units due to their cost, leaving us with militia that will surely be outclassed by our enemies, no matter how stupid they are. The plan consists of the development of agriculture and trade first, followed by the expansion of the Imperial Road system, then sea trade, followed finally by an improvement of our administartion, all in our cities. Meanwhile our three strongholds of innsbruck, metz, and madgeburg, will focus on the military aspect of our consolidation. Fortunatly the formation of alliances has gone almost as planned, exept for the continued belligerence of poland, which has finally been dealt with thankfully."
The council is still upset about the failure of their request to reinforce Lubeck, but it is being worked on currently, just not as soon as they would like it. I have sent my adopted grandson on a mission to destoy some rebels who have amassed in the countryside, to see if he is worth what my son the Prince thinks he is. I would have gone myself, ive been cooped up in the city for far too long, but i was somehow convinced to let the new member of our royal family take a shot. Recently i was crowned Grandmaster of the Teutonic order, so now my workload has doubled. between ruling the Reich and managing the Teutonic order's meetings, I hardly have time with my young daugter. How i miss the days of raising Agnes, for i was so close to her, but then again its easier to be close to a daughter you are always around, rather than one your work separates you from. I guess my best hope for her is that her mother raises her well enough for her to turn out decent enough to woo a decent prince.

The status report is in

(here)


Several bits of world news have surfaced

(read them here)




The Pope has asked for a proper place of worship in Lubeck.

(Hat man's request)


and finally a suitable adoptee has come foward!

(why is the prince so keen on adoption anyway?)


New recruitment has been finished.

(more garrisons)


For some strange reason Sicily is more pleased with us, but thats cool as we need an alliance from them soon.

(well that was lucky)


And news of battle comes as Joachim Eustach, the adoptee before the recent one, takes on a small force of marauding rebels.

(the match up)


"For over a year now ive been chasing these dam rebels north with my small contingent of troops. I chose a small army though, as it will better prove my skills and make the fight honest rather than a slaughter. if theres one thing i hate, its an unfair fight. a truly skilled general can win even battles, rather than plowing through relying on numbers. winter marching was brutal, but the men seem to be revitalized and ready for a fight, which is good as my foward scouts report that the rebels have camped in the forest ahead of us, no doubt tired from their running. so begins the bloody business of the day, and although not a critical battle, it will prove my worth to the Kaiser, who seems untrusting of adoptees.

The starting setup


The Reichs infantry close in on the enemy as they scramble from their camp to prepare.


The battle lines meet


Joachim charges into the enemy rear but the trees seem to break the charges effectiveness as they get caught in melee as well.






He then pulls back and orders a new charge, which is much more successfull and causes the rebels to throw down their arms and give in.




After the battle showing extreme chivalry and kindness he lets the enemy go free after only making them take oaths of loyalty to the Reich.

Winter, 1090 The end of a united enemy?

The Jihad on Antioch has been cancelled for some reason, and now hopefully the muslim hordes will no longer be united for long.

(end of Jihad)


A new family member has been born as well!

(new family member)


some new troops

(new garrisons)


Relations have also improved with both the scots and portugal

(better relations)


In other diplomatic news a critical alliance has been signed with Hungary, completely securing the east.

(eastern alliance bloc)






In Frankfurt

What an honor! the Kaiser has entrusted me with the Privy seal, an award for being honorable and loyal! it seems he was pleased with my victory against the rebels, as well as the circumstances of that victory. truly this is one of the most memorable moments of my life, and i hope i will be able to procure many more victories for the Reich in the future!



THE 10 YEAR 20 TURN SEMI REVIEW

A feature i have come up with myself, Every 10 years (20 turns) a reveiw will be done of the current situation in the Reich, consisting of a map as well as the Family tree. Consequently, every 20 years (40 turns) a world review will be done, which will be in its own post update and consist of almost every stat screen imaginable, to give you a detailed idea of the current state of the world and the world ranking. This will start in 1100 and go foward from there. anyway, here is the first semi review!

(the world 1090)


(the family tree of the Reich)


So now that the year is 1090, ten years have past since the start of the Reich's rise to power, what will come in the next ten years? only time will tell! stay tuned!

[Teastain]

keep it up

[Exarch]

Ja, good work

[Emporer Franz]

I like the work, you should be an author as from what I have seen you could achieve great success, Keep it up!

[jman47]

Hey everybody, time for an update!

Replies-

Teastain- i sure will!

Exarch- thank you, im glad you are enjoying it!

Emporer Franz- thanks! lots of people tell me that, but thats kinda why i like doing AARs, theyre more fun than just writing a book, and combine writing with my favorite pastime, video games.

Now for the update!

Spring, 1081 Church issues

The 1091 status report

(here)


The reich has made gains in almost every category! the moors still lead in two of them, but the Byzantines win out in the production category. His Holy Hatness the pope is also pleased to see that a church was built in lubeck.

(the church)




The cardinal representing scotland in the college has died

(holy death)


and relations with spain have improved due to the alliance and general good will.

(Spain loves us!)


Winter, 1091 Rebel resurgence

The pope has another mission for us, to recruit a preist in lubeck.

(the popes orders)


And some of the first structures of the Military/Economic plan have been completed.

(revitalization)


Another cardinal has died as well, this one from England.

(dead cardinal)


Recently another band of foul rebels has shown force near the Imperial capitol, and Joachim Eustic fresh from his last victory has been sent to destroy them.

More foul rebels to destroy, at least this time they have the decency not to run like the last ones. I think i have the Kaiser's trust now as he ordered me personally to deal with this threat, but no time to rest. My scouts report that this army is much better equipped than the last, so i must be careful as i still am afforded not much more than some bands of militia to order about. many of these men are the same as last time, and morale is high as i have instilled trust in many of them. hopefully i will be able to continue to keep this trust, both with my men and the Kaiser, as this battle comes to a beginning. may Christ be with me on this day!

The size up

(here)


The starting formation is as follows


Archers start by firing on the advancing enemy.






Yet the enemy calvary charges so fast that the archers cannot retreat fast enough and are slaughtered, and soon they start to break! as the foot troops engage, they start to become afraid as the enemy calvary is strong and their forces are well equipped. Joachim then tries to charge the enemy rear to make them rout.


The first charge does little, but he pulls back and orders a much more successful second charge, causing the weaker enemies to rout.


As the melee continues, the Reichs militia start to rout in a shameful fashion, but Joachim will not give up without a fight.


he continues to slaughter the enemy himself until their general is dead, at which the battle is basically over.






He decides not to pursue the enemy, and the victory is achieved, but only just.


Yet he developed a name for himself at that tough battle, as a good enough general to turn the tide of a battle, and as a stout fighter that would not give up until the last.

(Getting well known)


He also became surrounded by some of the more loyal of his followers, who decided to stay by his side even after the end of the campaign.

(New freinds)




Spring, 1092 Papal and Portugese dealings

The status report for 1092

(here)


weve slipped a bit militarily, but otherwise gained. leaders are about the same. The Pope is also pleased to see that the Reich has recruited the preist he asked for, but has yet another request.

(the preist)




(Hatty is getting a little bossy.....)


And after intense negotiations, Portugal has agreed to ally with the Reich!

(portugal is our friend)




(relations duly improve)


Winter, 1092 Marraiges and more diplomacy.

One of the princes adopted sons has found a bride, and they are wed.

(the wedding)




Some new children have been born as well!

(new kids)


The economic plan continues to be achieved

(new structures)


And the military has been expanded further as well

(military expanded)


In world news, the orthodox nations of byzantuim and kiev seem have formed an alliance and seem to be working together in general.

(orthodox allies)


In the reich's diplomatic news, Hungary has become even more pleased with us.

(hungary)


And finally the last targeted nation for alliances, Sicily, has been brought into the fold, forcing north Italy onto 2 fronts in the case of war

(sicilian dealings)




And relations improved as well, but also with the Pope, which are now perfect.

(perfect Papal relations)


Only a fool would dare challenge the Reich now, as the issue of the end of Secular Investiture has seemed to pass into a new era of cooperation for the Pope and the Reich.

After a celebratory ball was held at the Kaiser's palace in the countryside of Frankfurt, The Kaiser sat on his balcony looking at the countryside sunset, however this peace was interrupted by a page who said that the guests wanted a speech. Not being one to dissapoint his guests at a reception, he obliged.

My good and noble countrymen, we have gained crucial victories on the diplomatic front, as now our east and north is secure, and our enemies in the west and south are surounded by our allies. Our military continues to expand, and our economy is only getting more powerful by the day. One day, likely soon, we will be able to reclaim the rich lands of nothern Italy, and the French too will be crushed before our might, giving us sole control of the European mainland. They will likely attack us out of fear of our strength, and we will crush them! now is the time for Charlemagne's great empire to be reunited once more, now is the time for noble deeds and great victories, now is the time for total war!

As 1082 comes to a close, The reich is only gaining in power. but only time, and the next update will tell if a reunited empire is to be acheived! Stay Tuned!