[SS AAR] I am Skantarios! - Rebirth of the Eastern Roman Empire - **Complete**

[SirNat]

nice aar but it just seems to easy, u seem to be just rolling over the enemy everytime with very few loses and that skantarios is just a immortal killing machine, maybe u could give some plot with a couple of 'losses' to show skantarios isn't just a machine and that he is human and he does get beaten, but keep it up though it's very well writen

[Concrete]

While greek fire is somewhat overpowered, his streaks of wins are fine, the AI just isn't throwing everything at him yet.
This is still a game, to be played to the best of one's ability to not lose(barring suicidal family members to purify the bloodline- err, I mean; who said that?)
Sure, this is a roleplaying AAR, with the goal of reclaiming the old ERE, not look dramatic while doing so.
Perhaps it would make it more exciting; were he to forcefully lose, but then that would reduce this entire AAR to pure fiction, a lump of text with visual images, the creator having complete control.
Remember that the Turks would be punishing him twice as hard if they didn't have the Egyptians to contend with at the same time, just wait until he meets them full on.
However, a suggestion that I may make, a happy medium; is to have you take more risks, and play a lot less conservatively. (Push risky to an extreme.) (Of course keep your conservation skills alive enough to not lose Skantarios.)
That's my suggestion, I personally don't care, it's fine as it is, it would be fine if you were having more difficulty. Just offering up an idea, consider it or don't, I'll be happy either way.
It's your story, make no changes and we'll still enjoy it as we have so far.
(And remember to wait for the Egyptians everyone.)
Keep up the good work mate.

[dezikeizer]

Great update. Hopefully you'll be able to reclaim the rest of Anatolia soon. Your tactics with your horse archers in those battles reminds me of why it always was so much fun to play as the Scythians in Rome Total War. As them you can simply shoot the enemy to death!

[Skantarios]

Working on the next update now. I've played out the next few turns (probably have gotten ahead of myself a little but I'll catch up).

@SirNat - I hear the criticism. I've played this game quite a bit (even though this is my first AAR) and I have gotten pretty proficient at it. I prefer to play to my abilities and see how things develop. If I lose a battle, then so be it. Not replaying anything so far.

@Supreme Turkey Lord - Well said. I agree with your position on this.

Now, for those who are waiting to see some Roman reverses, those are coming. I didn't "throw" any battles but I got surprised on a couple and I may have overreached some.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Skantarios makes it out alive but just barely.

So, be patient. I may not get to it in this next update but definitely in the one thereafter.

@Horatius Flaccus and cisse - I've been thinking of a raid down to the Egyptian heartland. They are defeinitely my major enemy now and they have tremendous resources. I don't think I will get to the raid (if I do it) for a while but it is definitely something I am looking at. I will probably wait to get a better foothold on Anatolia and build up a fleet before I do that.

[Concrete]

He likes my opinion? *blushes*
Looking forward to the next update.

[SirNat]

fair enough it's ur aar and ur allowed to play it how u like but what i am saying is that having a loss could give it that little bit of spice or maybe Skantarios could become distraught if he lost him heir in battle or something, that is what i mean. I never said u were a bad player because u r in fact a very good one. But keep this aar rolling

[EmberFlame]

He really hasent had a real challenge until the Jihad. His main army is a cavalry heavy wrecking ball, his garrisons make use of Greek fire...However, those jihad armies might have been able to kill his cap. And remember, the Mongols sent what appears to be a single family member along with some mercs-if anything can defeat him, it would be the superior Mongolian cavalry.

His tactics seem to be "use archers to kill everything, use cavalry to kill enemy archers so that they cant counter my archers". If the Mongols come into play with their own horse archers things will get a bit more difficult. And Greek fire wouldn't work as well if the entire wall was blown away. That grand bombard might have caused major problems.

So dont count the AI out yet, it could still crush Skantarios

[Skantarios]

His tactics seem to be "use archers to kill everything, use cavalry to kill enemy archers so that they cant counter my archers". If the Mongols come into play with their own horse archers things will get a bit more difficult. And Greek fire wouldn't work as well if the entire wall was blown away. That grand bombard might have caused major problems.

So dont count the AI out yet, it could still crush Skantarios

As to tactics, you are correct. Horse archers are truly deadly against enemy spears but are especially vulnerable against foot and horse archers and are virtually worthless in close engagements. I also believe in the unfair fight. To paraphrase Patton, winning a war isn't about dying for your country, it's about making the other poor SOB die for his.

The starting position for this era and mod is extremely bad. I have to use the tactics that can have a realistic shot at winning. I think the true mark of a good general (here of in real life) is winning the unfair battle (making it unfair for your opponent, that is) and using the advantages you have. Plus, I just really like using Greek fire. The Byzantines have crap for spearmen so I have to use what I can to hold the gates and defeat their heavy cavalry.

Now, as a teaser for the next update, you will be seeing some very difficult battles and some serious Roman losses.

It's title is: Continuing the Counter-Jihad and the Myth of Roman Arms is Shattered

[cisse]

Hey, give the guy a break.

Seriously, it looks like a really hard starting position, and yes, horse archers and cavalry armies are somewhat easier to win with. But that doesn't diminish the fact that he has expanded quite a bit, and won some nice battles.

[AnthoniusII]

I am happy that the units that WE made give players a pleasure to play and learn.
You can take some ideas by reading these:
Relative historical info
Espesialy the "quide of tactics"
Times of Hard Choices II [early campaign AAR]
The last hope [late campaign AAR]
Those AARs were published in an attempt to show how medieval Romans though about peace and war plus in an attempt to give a minimal quide of tactics and units usage...
Unfortunatly the last AAR remained incomplete 'cause of tecnical reasons.
I hope that they will help you...
Remember that this is your story and not mine....
Each time you start a new campaign new chalenges apear and you are the one that has to take care of them...
The only think that I can provide is the background (units and historical info)for the faction you have chosen to play with...
Just remember...i have told you before but allow me to repeat it...
The real value of TW games is that give us the oportunity to think and plan.
That is why defeats are so important in this game..We come across in scimilar situations that the real people of that era also came across...

I like your story...

[Skantarios]

From the Diaries of Emperor Skantarios.

March, 1485 AD
Location: South of Constantinople

The year begins with my tired army having defeated the Jihad armies currently in Europe. The celebrations have now died down and the populace (and garrison) realizes that the Jihad is far from over. A stark reminder of this waits for us just across the Bosporus as a Turkish general and his army have taken up Jihad and are looking for a suitable crossing point. There is also an Egyptian army that has crossed the straits to the west and has moved into position just a few days march away from the capitol.

I decide to first move against the Egyptian army. They are the more serious threat and they will surely move against the capitol soon.

Fourth Battle of the Counter-Jihad, March 1485 AD.

Spoiler for Fourth Battle of the Counter-Jihad: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1485 AD

This Egyptian army is very well balanced. They have both long-range archers, horse archers, some cavalry, and quite a few spears.


My forces have recuperated well from our previous battles thanks to the fertile recruiting grounds around Adrianople and their magnificent training facilities.


The enemy horse archers are the primary threat as their range is a match for ours. My horse archers fly to the flanks to find some elevation and hopefully gain an advantage in a missile duel.


The height advantage and our number are decisive in the initial missile duel. Also, the Mamalukes form into a shooting circle which makes it difficult for us to hit them but also spoils their aim.



Dusk is settling quickly but our archers stay on the mark.

The enemy horse melts under a hail of arrows. Soon, there are only a few survivors.

The enemy general loses his nerve and attempts to charge at our archers. His men are weighted down by their armor and they move slowly up the hill under a constant barrage.


He doesn't make it.

Hundreds of arrows fall all around him and finally one finds the mark.

The leaderless enemy must now face the powerful charge of the Scholarii. Bodies fly as lances find their mark and the enemy archers are crushed under their powerful hooves.


The infantry are now without ranged troops and my Magyars swoop down on them.

It is a completely unfair fight as they cannot reach our Magyars and must endure a constant stream of arrows.

It takes some time to bring down the enemy infantry but, in the end, none survive.

The wild Magyars bring down more of their own number by errant shooting than do the enemy. However, we will endure their wild ways as long as they continue to fight so well.

Following the defeat of the Egyptian army, I decide to use the positioning of the Turkish Jihad army to our advantage and attack them while they still wait in Anatolia. Before setting out, I detach a picked unit of cavalry to block the approaches to Nicea and isolate the city's garrison.

We offer battle to the Turkish General Semseddin but he initially declines and leaves the field. Apparently, his zeal for Jihad is not as strong as he would let on.

We pursue and trap his forces and force battle upon him.

Fifth Battle of the Counter-Jihad, April 1485 AD

Spoiler for Fifth Battle of the Counter-Jihad: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1485 AD

An inspection of his forces reveals that he also must not have the backing of the Egyptian throne as his forces consist mostly of mercenaries and poorly trained militias.


Our forces have been able to recover fairly well from last year's battles thanks to the closeness of the training facilities at Adrianople and some reinforcement from the garrison of Constantinople.


Their horse archers are the primary threat and my Cavalarii concentrate on them. Our archers hold a range advantage over their Turks and Ajinks and we exploit that.

They struggle to close the range but lose most of their number in the process. We take few losses.

Once their archers are removed, we concentrate fire on the infantry. The enemy general attempts a desperate charge with his bodyguard and mercenary horse.

Our heavy cavalry bury them in a sea of Roman armored horse. At the last minute, the Turkish general throws down his arms and surrenders.

The remainder of the enemy is then shot to pieces.

Following the victory, I order the release of the Semseddin and his remaining troops. I count on them fleeing to the nearest Turkish city, Nicaea. He obliges nicely and our army follows them. Once they are in sight of the city, my blocking force releases their cordon around the city and we attack. The garrison sallies out to support.

Battle of Nicaea - May 1485 AD.

Spoiler for Battle of Nicaea: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1485 AD

Semseddin and his remaining forces turn to meet our attack. He has few men left from the previous battle.


The garrison has many soldiers but mostly new recruits and very little cavalry.


Our forces suffered few losses in the first battle and stand ready.


We have chosen the site of the battle perfectly. We are on a high hilltop overlooking the city and the Turkish survivors have not yet made their descent. My heavy horse charge down the hill and wipe out the first force.

Semseddin finds that my mercy was only temporary as he is crushed under the hooves of our horses.

The garrison, possibly unaware of what has happened to the first force, begins the long climb to meet us.

It is a long, difficult, and tiring climb. We wait for them at the top of the hill.

My horse archers take up position and rain arrows down on them. We pay special attention to the Turkish horse and their general.

He and his bodyguard do not make it to the top.

The enemy show tremendous fortitude to make the climb under fire. When they reach the top, my chargers are ready for them.

We let out a deafening cry and charge down the hill.

At the first real clash of lance and sword, the leaderless and exhausted enemy break.

The infantry attempt to flee but already they are tired beyond measure and, though they run with the desperation of hunted men, they are no match for rested horses.


We pursue them down the hill. The carnage that litters the slope is a testament to our marksmen.


Again, we lose more from our own careless aim than we do from the enemy.

The many prisoners we take are executed within sight of the walls. It is long and bloody work.

At the sight of the executed prisoners, the gate guards flee and the city is opened to us.

We sack it and put close to 11,000 florins into the Imperial treasury. I order the destruction of the mosque and begin building an Orthodox church on its foundations to restore the true faith to these lands.

With the defeat of the Egyptian and Turkish Jihad armies, I feel comfortable remaining in Nicea for the remainder of the year. I send some forces back across the Bosporus for retraining but the bulk of the army remains here enjoying the hospitality of the Niceans.

At long last, the double eagle of Roman arms flies across both sides of the straits and the Sea of Marmara! My brother sends me a note that he can observe our banners from the Imperial Palace. I only wish father had lived to see the day...

We have also finally been able to build up a fleet strong enough to keep the straits clear of Muslims. Now, not only is the land on either side of the straits clear but also the waters. With luck, one day soon, we will have a fleet that can impose their will in both the Mediterranean and Black Seas.


March, 1486 AD
Location: Nicaea

I spend the winter of 1485-86 in Nicea quelling the unrest in the city and emplacing Roman governance. I am pleasantly surprised by the number of merchants and common folk who have flocked to the city now that it is back under Christian control. Turkish governance was never popular and the proximity of our capitol have ensured that unrest is kept to a minimum.

My scouts have reported that two fresh Jihad armies (one Khwarezm and one Egyptian) have encamped to the west of Constantinople.

Neither of these armies has yet made the move to besiege the capitol and the garrison has already made preparations to withstand another siege. Though they are choking off land trade with the capitol, they can do nothing to the city for the time being. There are also two Egyptian armies marching from the east toward Nicaea and I deem these to be the most immediate threat. Therefore, I set out to the east to deal with them and thereby clear the approaches to Ankara and secure our position here.

Second Battle of Nicaea - April, 1486 AD.

Spoiler for Second Battle of Nicea: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1486 AD

The first Egyptian army consists entirely of infantry called Tabardariyya. These elite infantry are normally used as palace guards. They swing large axes (reminiscent of the old Varangian Guard) and are deadly against cavalry. However, without archers, they will be easy targets for our horse archers.


The second Egyptian army is well balanced and has plenty of ranged troops. Perhaps our previous battles have shown the Egyptians the need to have better missile troops?

I do note with some satisfaction that both armies are led by rank-and-file captains. Perhaps the call to Jihad has robbed the Egyptians of proper noble generals to lead their armies...

Our forces are rested and have replenished some of the losses from last year's battles.

I have recruited some mercenary archers and some mercenary horse archers (Turkomans) to help deal with the ranged threat. At the very least, they should relieve some pressure from my invaluable Cavalarii and stop some arrows meant for them.

The battle begins with a horse archer duel. The Mamalukes are deadly at range and are a match for our own horse archers. I order the mercenaries to close the distance and keep the attention of the Mamalukes while my Cavalarii do the real killing.


The losses among the mercenaries are appalling. Never let it be said that being a mercenary in my army is an easy job. Still, they serve their purpose and the losses amongst the Cavalarii are light.

I am please to note that the captain leading the larger Egyptian army is part of the Mamalukes and is soon killed by our arrows.


The enemy's foot archers rush to support the horse archers and are soon clear of their spears. My light cavalry charge them and crush them under hoof.

I support them with my own bodyguard and we slay the majority of the archers in the first rush.


With my Cavalarii are spent and the Turkomans mostly killed, my Magyars rush in to kill the remainder of the infantry from the first army.


The second army has been reduced by arrows and now they have finally joined the battle. My light horse take them head-on. I ride to their support and we break the first two companies.

The last company is killed by the Magyars to close the battle.


The error of having captains in charge of their armies is evident from the body count. We take almost 600 prisoners. They are offered up for ransom which, true to form, the Egyptians refuse.

The year closes with my return to Nicea as I await reinforcements from Adrianople. The battles against the Jihad have weakened my companies of light horse and horse archers and I will need their capabilities before starting out on the next stage of the campaign. I consider briefly attacking one of the two Jihad armies west of the capitol but both are reported to be very well balanced (the Khwarezm army reportedly has elephants) and I do not need to take even more casualties at this point. Even if I kill 10 Jihadis for every one lose, they would still win the war of attrition. Therefore, I will trust in the walls of the capitol to hold the armies of Islam at bay for now.

In diplomatic news, there have been recent developments that are noteworthy.

First, the good news is that Shahdom of Khwarezm and the Kievan Rus (to Hell with them both) are at war with each other. They do not share a border that we know of so the conflict is either strictly naval (which would be strange for a desert power like Khwarezm) of our maps are in serious need of updating.

The second and more important piece of news is that the Germans and the Hungarians are now at war with each other. Germany is the dominant power in Western Europe and I am concerned that they will roll over Hungary and leave our northern border open to attack by either the Germans themselves or another opportunistic power working for the Pope. I shall send out spies to assess the situation. We may be forced to commit troops to Hungary's defense although I am loathe to get into another conflict while we are fighting for our lives against the Jihad.

I am Skantarios.

[Bernem]

looking forward to that

[hereagain]

That was sweet man

[EmberFlame]

Im not saying your tactics should change-Hell, watching infantry run around in circles trying to catch horse archers never gets old-but rather that the AI is capable of countering them, and may end up becoming more of a problem. Besides, if HRE is a powerful as it seems you may be screwed. So it isnt as easy as it seems.

Btw, are you fielding any significant garrisons besides at Constantinople?

And if you look at your last map, it appears the HRE lost a few of its southern castles and vienna to what appears to be the genoese. Hungary could actually be attacking them.

[Skantarios]

From the Diaries of Emperor Skantarios.

March, 1487 AD
Location: Nicaea

The year begins with the situation in Anatolia and Thrace very precarious.

The capitol is now under siege by the Khwarezm army. They consist mostly of ranged troops with elephants. I am confident in our defenders and will leave the city to take care of itself. There are also at least three Egyptian armies declared for the Jihad, one at Constantinople and two in Anatolia. Considering my options, I see that the one near Ankara offers the possibility of not only weakening the Jihad further but also of possibly taking the city. Therefore, I decide to attack east against the Egyptians.

I first send out a blocking force of cavalry to hold the approaches to the city while I attack with the main army against the Jihad soldiers.

Sixth Battle of the Counter-Jihad, June 1487 AD.

Spoiler for Sixth Battle of the Counter-Jihad: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1487 AD

The Egyptians have clearly learned their lessons from previous battles. They are providing excellent balance to their armies with ranged troops and cavalry. The only weakness to this army is their lack of heavy cavalry. However, their Mamalukes can also serve in this capacity quite well so it is not much of an advantage.


My own forces show some of the wear and tear of previous battles. Many of my horse archers and light cavalry are away for retraining. To augment my forces, I have recruited a company of mercenary Alan light cavalry to help chase down the enemy horse archers.


The battle begins, as most of these do, with a duel between the horse archers of the two armies. The Mamalukes are heavier and can match the range of my Cavalarii. So, I place my archers on a hill for one advantage and then send the Alans to lock them up in a melee battle. Again, it is hard to be a mercenary in my army. They definitely earn their pay.

The Alans take the brunt of the enemy arrow fire but succeed in their mission of causing them to flee while taking concentrated fire from our archers.

As this battle is taking place, I send my light horse out to the flanks to encircle the enemy and draw them into a kill sac.

Whenever an enemy company breaks ranks, the light horse swoop in to charge them.


The general loses his nerve and attempts to charge my archers. They are much faster than his heavy horse and are able to scamper away while raining arrow fire on him.

He is soon alone and isolated. Although he tries to flee back to the safety of his army, he falls with a multitude of arrows in his back.

The enemy infantry is then encircled and shot to pieces.

The few survivors are then charged by my heavy horse. They break under the attack and flee. None escape the pursuit.



The bulk of our losses come from the Alans and some of my light cavalry.

The survivors of this battle are released with the hope they will flee to Ankara. They do that but my exhausted army cannot come to grips with them before we must set up camp. Although we are in site of Ankara, we can march no further. We will have to wait for the new year to attack the city.

Therefore, I order one of my best spies to attempt to infiltrate the city and open the gates.

He succeeds and will await our attack in the new year.

December, 1487 AD
Location: South of Ankara

It appears that our wait is short. The Egyptians do not want to wait for our siege and attack us here at our winter camp. They bring a new army to the attack to augment the city's garrison and the survivors of the Jihad I released earlier.

First Battle of Ankara, December 1487 AD.

Spoiler for First Battle of Ankara: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1487 AD

The attacking Egyptian army contains many of the dreaded Mamalukes as well as some long-range heavy archers. The Tabardariyya are also back along with some other light troops. They are weak in spearmen, though the Tabardariyya will be dangerous in a close fight.


The city's garrison is led by some light cavalry along with some light infantry.


The soldiers of the jihad also come back to try and finish what they started earlier in the year. I now regret my earlier "generosity" in releasing them.

Looking at their composition, I have three advantages that I will exploit. First, they are all led by rank-and-file captains and should have lower morale because of it. Second, two of the armies have no ranged troops at all and should be easy prey for my Cavalarii and Magyars. Third, their attack will most be disjointed as they are coming from three directions. I must not let them combine and will therefore take the attack to them.


My forces are exhausted but still have a lot of fight left in them and have only suffered minor casualties in the previous battles.

The battle opens with the first Egyptian army sending out their horse archers. I decide to change tactics somewhat and put aside a ranged battle in order to trap the Mamalukes with my light and heavy cavalry. While the Mamalukes take up position to fire on us, I send out my light cavalry to the flanks and then bring them in to crush the Mamalukes between them and my heavy cavalry.

We swamp them with our cavalry and break them between us.

Their captain was among the Mamalukes and dies under the powerful hooves of our armored horse.


The Magyars fly out to the flanks to bring the ex-jihadis under attack and harass them as they struggle to link up with their countrymen.


With the loss of the Mamalukes, my Cavalarii are now free to attack the garrison army at range. They do so with devastating effect.


The archers concentrate their fire on the light horse and they are no match for the Cavalarii's composite bows.


The commander of the garrison falls under the onslaught of arrows and joins his dead troopers amongst the tall grass and flowers of the field.


The ex-jihadists see that all is now lost and try to retreat back across the field. My Magyars are relentless and none of them escape.



I sense the remainder of the enemy is ready to break and I send in my light and heavy horse for a concentrated charge.

They break and the battle is over. All that is left is the pursuit.

Very few escape.

As I am so far away from home and exposed here at Ankara, I order the prisoners executed. The few survivors do not form a coherent force and melt away into the highlands of central Anatolia.

January, 1488 AD
Location: South of Ankara

When the new year comes, the Egyptians have not reinforced the destroyed garrison of Ankara and I order my troops in to take the city. It is sacked without mercy. I take special pride in marching through the gates of the former capitol of the Turkish Empire. The Sultan's palace makes for a very nice resting place.

As inviting as Ankara is, I cannot wait here any longer. The situation at Constantinople has become very dangerous and demands my attention.

No fewer than four Jihad armies now surround the capitol and await their turn at assaulting the city. I am too far away to be of much help this year. Nevertheless, I leave behind only the mercenaries that survived the battle as a garrison for Ankara and head back for Nicea. Unfortunately, the Egyptians have placed two small armies in my path and I must fight through them in order to return.

Second Battle of Ankara, March 1488 AD.

Spoiler for Second Battle of Ankara: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1488 AD

The Egyptian army has a lot of heavy infantry but no cavalry.


My forces are rested and fresh off enjoying the sack of Ankara.

Why these Egyptians choose to stay and fight, I am not sure. They are completely outnumbered and outclassed and have no realistic chance in this battle. Still, for every one I kill here today, it is fewer for to fight tomorrow.

The "battle" is not much to speak of. It consisted mostly of horse archers shooting the infantry where they stand.


It can best be described as an exercise in target practice.

We can take no pride in this. It is simply slaughter. Fortunately, our target discipline is improving and we lose none to friendly fire.

As we are in a hurry to return to Nicea and do not wish to leave any Egyptian forces around Ankara, I order our army to engage the second Egyptian force near Ankara.

Third Battle of Ankara - April 1488 AD

Spoiler for Third Battle of Ankara: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1488 AD

The Egyptian forces are led by another captain and consist entirely of infantry. We will have to watch out for their archers but their lack of cavalry should open them up for our light cavalry.


I have left behind my mercenaries to garrison Ankara and take only true Roman soldiers with me to this battle.

My men are all seasoned veterans now and all know their assignments and duties.

I decide to give a speech to the men before battle to get them in the right frame of mind.

Spoiler for Motivational Speech by Emperor Skantarios: 

"Kill them all!"

The only difficult part of this battle was removing their archers and avoiding their spears. Fortunately, my light horse has become very adept at this maneuver.



The archers are soon removed and the infantry are now helpless to respond to our arrows.


The infantry run around uselessly as my light and heavy cavalry scamper away from their advances and my horse archers hound them mercilessly.


It is over quickly and with precious few losses.

With the road to Nicea now open, we make full speed back to the city. We are able to reach the Moorish General who is waiting just on our side of the Bosporus and bring him to battle. He is pinned against the straits and has no place to run.

Seventh Battle of the Counter-Jihad, August 1488 AD.

Spoiler for Seventh Battle of the Counter-Jihad: 

From Battle Report Filed by Emperor Skantarios to the Imperial Archives 1488 AD

This is our first engagement with the Muslims of Northern Africa. They have brought some of the famous Numidian Horsemen as well as spearmen from as far away as Spain!


The Moors are led by a Malik ibn Mahbub. The "son of Mahbub" sounds like more of a joke than a name.

I note that he dislikes Orthodox. The feeling is mutual. I am truly surprised that one so impious has taken up the call to jihad. Perhaps his prospects at home were hampered by his unfortunate name...

Our forces again consists entirely of cavalry. We are somewhat depleted and exhausted by our long march but remain confident that we can handle these Moors.



With the beautiful Sea of Marmara in the distance, we offer battle to the Moors and they accept. Our horse archers hold a significant range advantage and we use it to bring down their cavalry.

The Numidians may be famous but they are still light cavalry using javelins and no match for the composite bow.

Their infantry are surprisingly fleet and our horse must displace in order to maintain separation.



During the chase, the general becomes separated and is an easy mark for our archers.


His armor is very strong, though, and he takes many hits. He will not go down despite almost his entire bodyguard falling around him. Apparently, their armor is not so fine as his.

I decide to challenge this Moor to combat and lead a charge against him.


The general is outnumbered and falls under our horsemen.

Our men pause for a moment to step on him and his steed. A rather inglorious way for a proud noble of Islam to die.

At the sight of their general going down, his remaining men flee. Apparently, the fire of Jihad is only so strong in these men.


They are all chased down and captured. To have come so far for so little...


The prisoners are ransomed but it is refused. These men clearly had little support at home.

With the conclusion of the battle against the Moors, my men are completely spent. We do not even have the energy to march back to Nicea and instead set up camp here at the Straits. The sight of our capitol under siege is troubling but we have full confidence in Diadohos Vasileios and the garrison.

I order some of Nicea's militia garrison to begin the march to Ankara to augment the mercenaries but they will not arrive before the season is out.

I note with some disgust that the Papacy is openly trading around the capitol; stealing from my own merchants and profiting off the valuable silk trade. This mockery cannot continue and I order the offending merchant "removed."

I hope this man's death will show the Papacy that they are not welcome here.

The situation in Anatolia seems ripe for another move. The Turks have lost many and their defenses seem weak. My spies report no enemy forces within striking distance of Smyrna. I therefore authorize Genessios to take the majority of the garrison of Canakkale south to attempt to take Smyrna.


While we are in camp across the Straits, we observe the enemy assault Constantinople!

Fourth Battle of Constantinople / Eighth Battle of the Counter-Jihad, September 1488 AD.

Spoiler for Fourth Battle of Constantinople: 

From Battle Report Filed by Diadohos Vasileios to Emperor Skantarios, September 1488 AD

The forces of ancient Persia hold a certain mystique about them. We have all heard tales of the battles of our ancestors against them back in the times when they worshipped fire gods. Now they worship Allah and have come here to take our city.

The Khwarezm/Persian forces bring to battle many different types of troops.


Of particular note, these are the first elephants seen at the capitol since the days of Heraclius, almost 1000 years ago.

Our garrison is lacking cavalry but I do not think we will need it. We now have a Mangonel for the first time. It's range and fire will be very useful.


The battle begins with the advance of the Persian siege towers, elephants, and ram.


The Persian general clearly has confidence in his elephants. However, his confidence is misplaced and they prove no match for the cannon towers and fire arrows we send against them. All fire is concentrated on the elephants.

Some of the beasts go down to cannon fire. We are thrilled when the ancient sources prove correct and that elephants can be spooked by fire.

Our fire arrows soon send them raging back into their own ranks!

The Persian general must now truly regret bringing these monsters to the fight as they now plow huge holes through his own troops.

The carnage they sow into their own forces is both joyous and horrifying!

The enemy's siege towers are hit several times by direct hits from our cannons but still they press on. They soon reach the walls but their light infantry are no match for the stout Roman swordsmen.


The fight on the east side goes well for us also.


The first ram of the enemy is soon broken by cannon fire. The second fares no better. At the sight of their second ram being destroyed, the rest of the enemy infantry abandon an assault on the gates and advance to reinforce their brothers on the walls. Their cavalry prudently retreats out of range.

With the enemy cavalry retreating, I feel confident sallying out the Siphonores to engage the enemy waiting their turn on the walls.

They bring down many on the southern tower. In fact, the fire provides the last little bit of structural damage to one tower and it comes crashing down, killing almost 100 of the enemy in the process!


Another company of Siphonore fires on the northern tower.


The death toll is high.


With the infantry assault on the walls defeated. I lead our spearmen out to engage the remainder of the enemy cavalry and their general.


We take some losses but the Persian general and his horsemen are all killed.


The prisoners are ransomed but no money is forthcoming. Therefore, they are executed.

We do note, however, that elephant meat is rather tasty.

With the defeat of the Khwarezm assault on Constantinople, we rejoice! The capitol is safe for another year. The fight against the Jihad is not over but Vasileios and I have struck it a mighty blow.

Our celebrations come to a quick end when a breathless courier from Genessios's bodyguard comes galloping into our camp. He is muddy and bloodstained and bears a hastily written dispatch from my son.

Our assault forces from Canakkale enroute to Smyrna have been attacked!

Battle of Smyrna - November 1488 AD.

Spoiler for Battle of Smyrna: 

From Battle Report Filed by General Genessios to Emperor Skantarios, November 1488 AD

Father, I write to you with a heavy heart. We have met disaster on the road to Smyrna!

We set out with full confidence and high hopes. As is normal practice, we sent several scouts to confirm our path and look for the enemy. Always the reports came back that our path was clear of the enemy. One night, one patrol did not return. I thought little of it until the sun rose the next morning and a large Turkish army was marching toward our position!

They appeared out of nowhere! They seemed spawned from the ground itself. We could clearly see the banners of the Janissaries in the distance but could scarcely believe it.



My own forces were not suited to a field battle but had instead been drilling and preparing for a city assault.


We took up position as best as we could. Our archers laid out stakes, our cannon took up firing positions, our infantry formed battle lines, and our skirmishers were deployed forward.


The enemy, I have to report, came on with impeccable discipline and tightly dressed ranks. These were clearly experienced and well-drilled Soldiers.

They were like a sight from Hell itself.

Our cannons engaged as soon as they could but they did little damage.


When the enemy was close enough, our cannons switched to grapeshot but still they came. Their gunners and horse archers marched right up to our lines and opened fire.


The Mangonel fired again and again but the damage was minor and scattered.



The missile battle continued for some time but our archers seemed ineffective and our skirmishers were killed by the score. They soon fled under the barrage of arrows and bullets.

It was as though the Turks were toying with us as they pounded away at our lines.

Finally, the Turkish heavy horse charged in from the flanks.

Their general lead the assault. Our men were no match for their armored horse! The infantry fought like madmen but could make little impression on the Turkish armor.

The Janissary Infantry then charged into the melee and our lines soon began to crumble.

I charged my own bodyguard against them but we were swamped.

God forgive me but I knew the battle was lost and I ordered a retreat.

The enemy pursuit was swift. They fired arrows and bullets at us even as we fled. They even killed some of their own men in their desire to get just a few more Roman heads.

We left many good Romans on the field that day.



The few prisoners taken were executed.

Father, please do not blame the men. They fought like true warriors but we were outnumbered and outclassed. If there is fault to be had, it lies with me. It was my own poor scouting that failed to locate this enemy. Also, I fled the field. At the time, I thought it prudent to save what I could so that we could fight another day. Now, the shame and guilt make me wish I had died with my men. I send this letter to you from our small camp in the hills east of Canakkale. I will attempt to make our way back to the fortress as soon as I can and salvage whatever is possible.

I will await your punishment there. I accept whatever you decide and I take full responsibility for this disaster.

- Genessios Ksiros

The news strikes me like a punch to the stomach. Our entire southern front destroyed! The approaches to Canakkale lay open and the garrison consists only of a few militia! My son only escaped with his life at the last minute. Almost 1300 Romans slain on the field. Even now, I can see in my mind their corpses laying dead and bloated in the sun.

I can find little blame with Genessios. From his description (and I have no reason to doubt it), he did as much as possible. He just did not have the forces to fight an army such as this.

How did my network of spies and scouts fail me so? No report had reached me of this large and veteran Turkish army. Where had they come from? Did another age class of Janissaries graduate and then fly to the battlefield? Where, I wonder, is this army now? I send couriers racing to Canakkale and more to Adrianople to ready the fortresses for attack. I know not where they shall strike again but I shall remember the name Bayezid Taskentli. This Turk must be made to pay for what he has done this day.

The news has shaken the confidence of not only our army but all the Roman Empire. We have gone from victory to victory for years but this defeat has shown us that we are not invincible. I had always known that but now I truly believe it. We shall have to take greater care from now on.

I end the year with a troubled heart and mind. Even now more Jihad armies move toward Constantinople and Canakkale lies exposed to a Turkish attack. My army constitutes the bulk of the field forces remaining and virtually all of our veteran troops. However, I must send some back to Adrianople for retraining and I am not as sure of my position in Anatolia as I once was.

Still, the fight against the Jihad must continue. The capitol must be preserved; nothing is more important. We will try to save the situation in Anatolia if possible but I am not sure we have the troops. I order new levies and recruitment at Adrianople, Sofia, and even Mystras to try to make up for our losses. This will take time and I am not sure we have it.

I am Skantarios.

The world as we know it, 1488 AD.



The world as it actually is, 1488 AD.


Military Power 1488AD.


Territorial ranking 1488 AD.

[eregost]

Looking forward to the next update Just want to correct you on the term Jihadis. They are called Mujahideen

[Skantarios]

And there you have it. The first real defeat for the Romans and the Jihad is still on the march. Not sure where that Turkish army came from but they were killers. Also, about half of our "kills" against the Turks were resurrected at the end of the battle, so they are still strong.

Not to spoil things but we will be seeing them again soon.

As a spoiler for the next update:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Skantarios in the Fight of His Life, Retreat and Defeat in Anatolia, and the Counter-Jihad Continues"

[dezikeizer]

Great update. Just one thing:

not only is the land one either side

I think you meant: not only is the land on either side.

By the way, I agree with you on making the battles unfair for your opponent. I usually try to minimize my losses while maximizing the enemy's losses. That usually means doing whatever it takes to win while doing that, as well as attacking.

One of my favorite examples of that is in Rome Total War when the enemy sallies out of a settlement. I tend to send my forces as quickly as possible to form a half circle around the area outside of the gate. Once a few units have come out of the gate, I attack them from all sides and rout them. Then I pull back and wait until a few more enemy units come out and repeat the process. If I do it well I can get inside the city before I even have to fight the enemy cavalry. If I'm really lucky I can get my cavalry to capture all the enemy gates before their cavalry gets back inside the settlement.

The last part about locking the enemy cavalry out of their own settlement doesn't usually work, but when it does it's hilarious.

[Skantarios]

Great update. Just one thing:I think you meant: not only is the land on either side.

Thanks. Fixed!

I liked the tactic about the enemy sallying out of the city. The games does have a lot of things that probably wouldn't work in real life but are great fun in the game. Of course, some of the things that are possible in real life aren't possible in the game, so I guess it sort of balances out.

Looking forward to the next update Just want to correct you on the term Jihadis. They are called Mujahideen

I agree that you are technically correct. However, jihadis is what Skantarios is calling them and he isn't as worried about being politically correct. It is a term in common use but, as you said, not the correct one.

Btw, are you fielding any significant garrisons besides at Constantinople?

And if you look at your last map, it appears the HRE lost a few of its southern castles and vienna to what appears to be the genoese. Hungary could actually be attacking them.

The only respectable garrisons outside of Constantinople are in Arta to the west and Iasi to the north. They are the border settlements most likely to be attacked. We just don't have the economy right now to field more forces. Running right at a zero balance most turns.

[dezikeizer]

Great update, unfortunate that you lost that battle, but at least you made the Turks lose a lot of men in the process. Good luck with turning the situation around.

In fact, the fire provides the last little bit of structural damage to one town

Shouldn't town be tower.