Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Hi,
To begin with, thanks for reading. I hope it is still entertaining.
I was on a little trip the last week and couldn't update, but it is over now. I will post the last chapter of the battle tonight.
I have just to wait for Photobucket to recover. Apparently, it will be done tonight.
Thanks for all of you who voted for this AAR during the MAARC. I was honored to see such a support.
Merci beaucoup.
Boustrophedon
Thanks for the praise yes screenshots are a nightmare in RTW, mainly because you can't save your campaign battles as replays
In other news: very good update! That is one epic battle you had to fight there and the pictures are gorgeous as well +rep
Thanks a lot. I'm pleased you liked the pictures. I unfortunately didn't suceed to apply the same editing to all the pictures, without spoiling the image resolution. It's a shame, but I recently found a way to edit well all my pics.
Maltacus
agree, excellent pictures. Usually the strange smoke trail is nuisance in battles but it does add to story-telling sometimes, like now. You really gave the impression of a desperate battle with all smoke and burning soldiers. One of your best episodes, I think.
Philippe should be "brutally scarred" or something by now, shouldn't he? He is being steadily hacked to pieces by his sneaky so-called family...
Yes, I really tried to use the smoke and the burning effects to make that last battle a bit original, and have some epic pics.
Philippe indeed has some special traits, like "battle hardened", and "marks of war".
I hope he won't be killed before to achieve his will, and who knows how extended is his will...
Radzeer
Another excellent update on the siege! Great battle description, and you have some exceptional battle shots again! +rep
And the story is not yet over... Looks like the family reunion is close.
Thanks Radzeer for your eternal support
The last part of the battle is going to be posted this evening. And the family reunion is closer than ever before...
Eh eh...
Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Dauphin of the Kingdom.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 32 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We fought, I captured Charles, but lost my left hand during the battle and let Louis escape. I finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I'm the new unofficial King of France. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I'm currently besieged in Paris by the English, Michel and Charles.
Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. He is no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon.
Michel. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me with Charles, making an alliance with the english, and offering them Dijon and Metz. He is a nightmare.
Charles. "Nephew"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father.
Clara. "Wife"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philippe, my first son.
Margit. "Secret love"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. Now that the problems had been solved with Olivier, I spent wonderful times with her. She has given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin.
Norbert. "Michel spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him…
Olivier de Beziers. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors.
Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. From now on, he is leading my troops at my side, and learns to enjoy the reality of war.
Arnoul de Penthièvre "Personal spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arnoul is my best personal spy. He was previously spying for Philippe Auguste, my father. He is extremely experimented and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death...
Jacques d'Orléans "Priest"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jacques is a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded when Charles attacked with the traitor Templar knights.
Dead Heroes...
Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris.
Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...
The soldier had shown me the right direction. His horse was not an excellent one but not too much exhausted so I forced him to gallop.
I was escaping the battlefield and understood that the battle would be won. The trebuchets were no more bombarding, and Bertrand cavalry was inflicting heavy damage to the remaining English groups.
The sky was dark and I felt a light rain, washing my wounds. I wasn’t fighting anymore and my mind couldn’t be diverted from the pain I was suffering. I winced but forced me to continue the hunt. It was the opportunity to catch my bastard brother. I wouldn’t miss it.
I quickly took sight of Bertrand and his men, along the city walls. It was raining heavily when I succeeded to reach them. I was lighter. I shouted and Bertrand saw me. We rode beside for a few moments. I congratulated him briefly for his help and asked where Michel was. Bertrand pointed two little white points riding toward the woods.
Michel…
I urged Bertrand and his men to increase the speed. If Michel could reach the woods, it would be almost impossible to catch him. Bertrand replied he was at full speed, and so his men. Indeed, they were heavier than me, because of their armors. I decided to try my chance, ordering Bertrand and his men to lead the end of the battle.
I accelerated. Bertrand tried to warn and prevent me to risk my life, but I wasn’t listening. I was decided. It was pouring a freezing rain, striking my face. I gripped strongly in my hand Durandal, already washed.
I could discern Michel better. The worried guy was not far from me, and often threw an eye behind. Michel understood that I was hunting him. The coward asked his bodyguard to protect his back. I saw the skilled soldier stopping and turning back to affront me. It would have been an easy fight for me if I wasn’t wounded, had a shield and a long spear. The problem was that Durandal would be a bit defenseless against the chivalric spear of the Templar bodyguard.
I didn’t have the time to think long about that. The Templar was already charging me. I knew that I couldn’t cope and jumped down. It was my only chance, apart from fleeing. I waited for the impact… defenseless. Maybe the Templar knight was overconfident; maybe he thought I was a common idiot soldier… I still don’t know. The thing is that just a second before the impact; I turned on my right foot and passed from his right side to his left side. He obviously missed me as I wasn’t anymore in his spear side, but I didn’t miss his left leg. I literally cut it with a single blow.
The Templar fell on the ground, screaming. I approached slowly. His spear was lying in the grass, and he was agonizing, the blood flooding like a little stream. I understood in his eyes that he asked for the final blow. I agreed and Durandal ended his pain.
I caught sight of Michel, still riding, and jumped on my horse. Michel just entered the dark woods when I launched the hunt again. I had won the first stage against the bodyguard but it was harder to find Michel, from now on. He could have hidden himself everywhere.
When I entered the wood, there was an only way to follow. The bushes and trees were too much tight to enter them with a war steed. I smiled. Knowing the practical abilities of Michel, he surely followed the way. I increased the speed, taking some risks. I was permanently wincing now. I suffered so much my back, seeing some little sparkles, dancing in front of my eyes.
I suddenly heard a gallop sound. Michel was there… I had just entered a little meadow. My “brother” was turning inside, trying to find a way to escape. I stopped my horse, watching him. An evil smile appeared at the edge of my mouth.
Michel was turning, like a terrified bird in a cage. He didn’t notice I was already there. I could almost hear his jerky breath. Ah ah… Poor little brother…
The rain was pouring heavily. The night was coming slowly. It was like the meadow had been waiting for us two. Waiting for an important bloody meeting.
Michel suddenly stopped. He had at last noticed my presence. I was still smiling, watching his shaking arms, holding with difficulty his sword and shield.
I didn’t move, taking time to enjoy my pleasure. Michel was surely sweating, despite the cold rain. He kept silent, shivering like an old leaf.
I slowly put Durandal in its scabbard, and jumped down. Michel was still in the middle of the meadow, like paralyzed.
I walked calmly toward him.
When I was just less than 10 feet from him, I took back my helmet and threw him in the floor. Michel saw my face. He didn’t throw his helmet.
After some moments watching each other, I whispered, under the rain: - “Michel, it is time to play again the game of our childhood. It’s time to play again “Sarasin” versus “Holy Crusader”. “
I took a breath and said, increasing the tone of my voice: - “Isn’t it a perfect evening for a duel? You wear some Templar armor, and my skin is a Sarasin one. Nothing is missing…”
Michel was still motionless. I began to shout, with a tough voice, filled with anger: - “Did you come here to keep silent my brother? Don’t you want to play the game? Do you fear something?
Oh, I understand. You fear my sword, Durandal… You are right; it is a dangerous one, perfect for traitors.
As I am kind and friendly, I will, like during our childhood, fight with some wooden sword.”
I quickly threw Durandal in the grass, and turned back to find a stick. I had hardly walked toward the wood when I felt a shadow behind me…
Exactly what I had planned. Michel did the same during our childhood and I was used with his old bastard tricks.
Within a second, I fell down and the clumsy Michel missed his target. His blow whistled in the air, and Michel, unbalanced, fell on the ground, beside me.
I got up and walked back, observing him. He roared and got up slowly, some mud stuck to his grand master armor.
I laughed sarcastically. - “You prefer jumping in the mud, instead of playing with me with some wooden swords? Are you ok Michel? You don’t feel well.”
Michel charged me, his sword making some turns in the air. I ducked, and quickly stopped his sword with my hook. I seized his wrist with my right hand and turned it slowly.
Michel screamed, as I was twisting his arm. It took some times before I heard the little bones of his hand breaking.
Michel fell on his knees. I dropped his wrist and he definitely fell on his side, screaming slowly, under the rain, in the middle of the meadow.
He was covered of mud, and the darkness of twilight wrapped us.
For a long time, I gazed at that “brother”, lying miserably. I thought about my youth. I thought about the walks we did together in Paris. I thought about the advices he said me when he left to learn the administrator studies.
I thought about that brother and our friendship which would have surely never failed if we weren’t royal sons…
Does it worth it, to be the son of a King?
As far as I remembered, thanks to that honor, I suffered the death of my first love. I also fought dozens of times, killing men, seeing friends slain. I had been manipulated, mutilated… I felt a heavy responsibility when my people were slaughtered by evil English or Spanish.
Where are the happiness and the comfort? What is the interest to be who I was?
After long meditations, I made my opinion. I was devoted to my people and family. I was devoted to build a better future for the Kingdom, and for everybody. I agreed to be sacrificed, to feel the pain of the responsibilities, to suffer the shame of killing men, to have the duty of punishing the bad. I agreed, because I believed it was able to improve the current world.
I get up and slapped Michel. - “Michel, I won’t kill you. I’m not that kind of man. I have still my honor, and I still remember our old friendship. However, you betrayed me and the people of France. Because of that, you broke definitely any chance of peace between us. I will decide about your future Michel… You have not the choice anymore.
Désolé mon frère. “
I chained his arms with some little rope I found in my saddle. Michel screamed a little and finally talked to me for the first time. - “Why did you opposed me and Louis, Philippe? Why didn’t you want to accept your fate? We could have all lived peacefully… “
His voice surprised me. The last time I heard it was 15 years ago. He still had the same characteristic toneless voice of his youth.
I replied calmly: - “Are you really thinking what you say? After all you did? You tried to make me your puppet. You hoped to kill me thanks to Norbert dagger. You wished to break the Kingdom of your father by making a mad alliance with those English pigs…
Do you really think we could have lived peacefully? “
Michel didn’t reply. He was clever and knew that it was useless. I continued: - “You are definitely perverted and I can’t anymore trust you. It is a shame. I really loved and admired you when I was young. You were a perfect brother… But that little guy died years ago. Poor little Michel, he would have deserve not to be replaced by such a snake you are.
I spit on you my brother. I spit on the master plotter you are. I spit on the people of the shadow.
Let’s go to your future shadow den, the Louvre Dungeon… “
Michel whispered: - “Please Philippe. Let me a chance… Let me a chance to live. I wouldn’t resist the dark and wet cell. You know that my health is weak and flimsy. I’m not the same than Louis or his son Charles.
Please Philippe; think about my wife and my sons. They need my help… Think about them. I beg you Philippe. Par pitié… “
I perfectly knew he was trying to influence and pervert me. But deep inside, I knew that I couldn’t do anything terrible against him. I couldn’t behave with cruelty every time I had to solve a problem. Ah, damned Michel, you won’t suffer any physical torture, but be sure that you would suffer all the bad you did to me and the Kingdom…
Be sure of that my brother…
I didn’t say anything and helped him to mount his steed. I took the reins and led our two horses to Paris. The rain was light from then on, and we silently came back to the battlefield.
I was confident about the victory…
Michel didn’t try a single time to escape. He knew that he would have no chance and that I wouldn’t be as merciful if he failed.
When I entered the battlefield, I took conscious of the massacre. Hundreds of men were all around, lying in the mud. There was still some little movement in the background. The last of the English troops were still fighting and trying to flee. The Parisian people were merciless with them…
They were hunted like wild animals, before to be impaled, skinned and burnt… I shivered watching that bloody massacre. I could hardly order to stop that. The Parisian people suffered for too long the English siege. It was time for them to pay.
Soon the French soldiers understood that Michel was behind me, captured. They quickly surrounded us. Lot of them were celebrating the victory, congratulating me, and shouting “Vive le roi, vive Philippe…”. However, another part of the men began to insult Michel, and then to throw at him mud and stones. I feared for a moment that I couldn’t protect anymore Michel from the people furious anger.
Fortunately, Bertrand rushed and protected us from the mad soldiers. We rode quickly to Paris and the Louvre. The first task was to safely imprison Michel. I was exhausted and suffering my wounds. It was like in a blurred dream. Without a word, I brought Michel to his cell, then went with Bertrand and the other remaining knights to the royal court, where we announced the victory to the royal administrators, and asked for the Paris immediate rebuilding and cleaning. I then came almost sleepy to my private apartments. Margit was waiting me in the bedroom. My eyes were half-closed and my head burning. I kissed her in a last effort, and fell in the bed. I remember my brave Margit covering my back of kisses, but I fell like a heavy rock in the sea of the deep sleep.
The job was done. Nothing more to think about till my awakening… Perfect. Wonderful. Magnificent…
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Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
What a finale! I really liked those childhood memories.. Looks like the dungeon may be a bit small for such a large family.
Now I'm really curious what is going to happen when Philippe wakes up.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Posantio
and so ends the siege of Paris... another victory by Phillipe over his terrible brothers, another magnificent update by la Coupe est Pleine
Exactly. The siege is at last over.
This battle was very important for the story, given the guys who have lost (Charles and Michel). Philippe can't be contested again amongst the Capet family. The enemy is outside from now on :
The English...
Radzeer
What a finale! I really liked those childhood memories.. Looks like the dungeon may be a bit small for such a large family.
Now I'm really curious what is going to happen when Philippe wakes up
Thanks for the comments my friend.
It was the first time Philippe and Michel met since their childhood so I liked to add some extra psychological thoughts...
Eh eh.
Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Dauphin of the Kingdom.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 32 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We fought, I captured Charles, but lost my left hand during the battle and let Louis escape. I finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I'm the new unofficial King of France. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege.
Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. He is no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon.
Michel. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me with Charles, making an alliance with the english, and offering them Dijon and Metz. He is a nightmare, but I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, with his brother Louis.
Charles. "Nephew"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle.
Clara. "Wife"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philippe, my first son.
Margit. "Secret love"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. Now that the problems had been solved with Olivier, I spent wonderful times with her. She has given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin.
Norbert. "Michel spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him…
Olivier de Beziers. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors.
Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. From now on, he is leading my troops at my side, and learns to enjoy the reality of war.
Arnoul de Penthièvre "Personal spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arnoul is my best personal spy. He was previously spying for Philippe Auguste, my father. He is extremely experimented and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death...
Jacques d'Orléans "Priest"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jacques is a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded when Charles attacked with the traitor Templar knights.
Dead Heroes...
Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris.
Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...
For some weeks, I let the royal family in the dark and wet dungeon of Le Louvre castle. I spent time to recover, to take back the strengths lost during that long and tough siege.
I learnt the hard news about the English. They had effectively taken control of the east of the Kingdom, because of the madness of Michel and Charles.
The strategic fortress of Metz and the wealthy city of Dijon were from then on Normand. It was a major loss. The Kingdom of France was divided in two parts, surrounded by enemies. There was the Southern part that I knew very well, centered on Zaragoza and Toulouse, and the Northern Part, led by Paris and Rheims.
My plan was to take those French lands back, as soon as possible. The problem was that I couldn’t stop my Flemish campaign. I had to use the current divisions amongst the last Flemish lords to conquer Bruges.
Then, I would have free hands to make pay those bastard English. I was absolutely decided to throw them all deep in the Channel.
However, the plan was hard. I didn’t have a lot of troops. Those in Paris had been almost all slaughtered, and the only soldiers I could rely on were in Rheims and Antwerp. Moreover, I should be quick because if the English decided to make a sudden and general attack, I wouldn’t succeed to achieve the same miracle I did in Paris.
I spent the whole winter elaborating and improving the master plan, praying for the English to remain quiet. I also made consistent effort to improve the diplomacy of the Kingdom. We were still excommunicated but a sort of unofficial agreement was made with the Danish Pope Honorius IV the Missionary. He behaved like France wasn’t existing, and I promised to improve the relations with our neighbors. Nevertheless, despite my good will to improve diplomacy, no Kingdoms or Duchy wished to ally with us, or simply to stop war. The only good news came from Milan. The Genovese and Milanese accepted a tactic alliance with us. I remembered when they attacked us, years ago, but I couldn’t refuse their proposition. I couldn’t afford to be at war with all our neighbors.
Therefore, the diplomacy wasn’t in a very good state, when spring came, with the birds and the flowers…
The only real thing which made me laugh during that hard winter was to hear people from Paris talking about Louis. The destitute king was still alive, and still be laughed at by the population. He was called Louis the malevolent.
People of Paris despised him a lot. They knew that he was a skilled warrior and general, but he made a lot of stupid decisions during his life. Moreover, he did some execrable acts like the murder of thousand people by pleasure, and believed in some pagan gods. He was a brutal and merciless destitute.
Who could like him in Earth? His home was definitely in Hell, but I wouldn’t like to kill him. I preferred to see him in the dungeon. It was a perfect example of my Authority, and it worked. No more rebellions occurred in the Kingdom, and the rebel French lords agreed to be my vassals, without attempting any plot against me…
The internal problem seemed to be solved, at least for a while.
The big issue was the preparing war against the Flemish remains…
Let’s disintegrate those merchant people, who grew in gold, and with pikes in their hands. Let’s finish those bloody Flemish.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Great! Let's kill these bastard Flemish and English immediately! And wouldn't it be better to kill off your 'brothers'? Don't they also have many sons too?
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Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Well, the internal situation is under control, so it's time to think about the external enemies. What is the situation in Iberia by the way? Did the Spaniards give up the reconquistada?
And good point on the sons of the brothers. When do they come of age? They may see Philippe as an usurper... (although we know that he is the legitimate heir).
Good stuff! Can't wait to see what comes next.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Grouchio
Great! Let's kill these bastard Flemish and English immediately! And wouldn't it be better to kill off your 'brothers'? Don't they also have many sons too?
Ah, you will see about the brothers. For the moment, here is the mind of Philippe:
-> Keeping Louis as a mutilated prisoner is good, as it inspires respect and loyalty by the nobles of the Kingdom, who are eager to rebel (remember the revolution during Louis's reign)
-> Philippe is still too respectful and chivalric to kill his brother. In memoriam of their old friendship.
Thanks for your comments my friend.
Radzeer
Well, the internal situation is under control, so it's time to think about the external enemies. What is the situation in Iberia by the way? Did the Spaniards give up the reconquistada?
And good point on the sons of the brothers. When do they come of age? They may see Philippe as an usurper... (although we know that he is the legitimate heir).
Good stuff! Can't wait to see what comes next.
In Iberia, the things are not too bad, even if some skirmishes still happens. It seems that the Spanish are gathering some strong troops before another attack. The dificulty I have to deal with is that I haven't any general/governor there, so I can't build or upgrade those cities...
About the sons of the brothers, you will have some news about them soon. They are a lot, and still too young to have any influence. They had lived in the shadow of their fathers. A new era will start.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Nice
You're in a pretty tough place right now. Surrounded by enemies. It looks a bit like the situation France was in during the Hundred Years war around the time Jeanne D'Arc made her appearance (Burgundy hostile-the English have it- South-western France and the Channel Coast in control of the English)...
Could there be a Maid of Loirraine for Phillipe the Saracen too?
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Ah ah
Yes, it is quite like during the Hundread years War. Those bastard english are surrounding the Kingdom, ready to loot and burn it.
Where is the little maid? We are waiting for her. But not too long, because Philippe is also ready to do his duty and get rid off those red swine.
Here is the story of the reconquest. And then the end...
Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Dauphin of the Kingdom.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 33 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We fought, I captured Charles, but lost my left hand during the battle and let Louis escape. I finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I'm the new unofficial King of France. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege.
Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. He is no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon.
Michel. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me with Charles, making an alliance with the english, and offering them Dijon and Metz. He is a nightmare, but I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, with his brother Louis.
Charles. "Nephew"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle.
Clara. "Wife"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philippe, my first son.
Margit. "Secret love"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. Now that the problems had been solved with Olivier, I spent wonderful times with her. She has given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin.
Norbert. "Michel spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him…
Olivier de Beziers. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors.
Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. From now on, he is leading my troops at my side, and learns to enjoy the reality of war.
Arnoul de Penthièvre "Personal spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arnoul is my best personal spy. He was previously spying for Philippe Auguste, my father. He is extremely experimented and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death...
Jacques d'Orléans "Priest"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jacques is a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded when Charles attacked with the traitor Templar knights.
Dead Heroes...
Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris.
Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...
Since the successful Paris siege, French people definitely agreed to see me as a good and skilled commander. They were confident.
It was exactly what I needed. To make the whole French people believe in me. A good king can’t be a bad general. Not a French one at least…
All my French vassals, dukes and barons, agreed to forget all the internal conflicts to unite with me against the English threat. It brought me a comfortable amount of soldiers ready to fight the next campaign. To celebrate the end of the revolution which began 11 years before, I organized a Royal Hunt in the Fontainebleau Forest. I took a great pleasure to discover that royal leisure. Jacques d’Orléans was at my side. He recovered from his terrible wounds and was the current Grandmaster of the Templar Order.
The Order was from now on a new weapon in my hand. I felt again the power rising inside me. I was ready to make the reconquest of France.
I still hesitated how to behave. Should I attack first Bruges and finish the Flemish forever, or should I instead take back Dijon to open again the roads between the North and the South of the Kingdom. Indeed, economically, the South and the North were interdependent, and we were already suffering the lack of gold, silver, and Mediterranean stuff in Paris. The trigger came from the North, when the guild of the salt merchants came to the Court. Their leader was a young merchant named Benoit de Vexin. He seemed to be a clever guy, speaking well and quite convincing.
When I offered him the right to speak, he announced: - “My lord, We, the guild of the salt merchants, are here to request your protection. I come directly from the Vexin, in the North. We are trading the salt from Flanders and Normandy. One week ago, we had been attacked by some Flemish rebels. They are forbidding us any access to our sea salt suppliers. They destructed our warehouses and had slain some of our partners. We never suffered such aggressiveness before. It is your duty to protect our border and the trade.
We believe you understand the critical importance of the salt. I live for the salt since 4 generations. I know its power.
Please help us, and you will save tons of good meat in the Capital. It is your duty my sovereign. “
I missed to laugh. Finally that guy seemed a little disturbed. Maybe I could use him and the guild for some of my future plans. I knew the power of the Merchants guilds. They had a good knowledge about how to gather money better than a dragon. And I needed some money after the Paris siege. It was a perfect coincidence.
I replied, with a benevolent smile: - “Dear Benoit. I understand your major problem. I agree to fight in order to protect you and the salt. It is clearly a crucial good to keep in French hands.
I officially declare that we will besiege Bruges, and exterminate those bastards’ merchants. “
Benoit frowned, and I understood my speaking mistake. - “Ehhh, I would like to say, those bastard Flemish merchants who steal the French salt from your guild.” I said quickly.
Benoit smiled, delighted. I then ended the Court Session and walked beside Benoit, speaking more privately with him. - “My dear Benoit, What is exactly the power of your guild? I admit that I don’t really know the power extent of your merchants groups… “
Benoit stopped, fixed me as if he tried to assess why I was asking such a question. Nevertheless, he replied accurately. - “We are several hundred merchants in each guild, organizing the trade efficiently, helping each other, and sending information when new suppliers come to the market. At the end, we can almost raise some little troops to protect our critical warehouses, but that time, the Flemish are too much aggressive and doesn’t care fighting against our men. It is completely new and terrifying.”
I assured him that he won’t have any worries from now on. But I understood the power of those guilds. They were organized like my spy network, and most particularly, they had the possibility more than everyone else to travel in enemies territories. They knew better than anyone what the economical state of a Kingdom was and which supplies were crucial. I secretly decided to keep this guy close to me and to understand the merchant theories as soon as possible.
It was the beginning of my economic war projects. Weapons were not the only solution, but my youth previously blurred my eyes around that point. I was becoming wiser.
At the beginning of March, the weather seemed sufficiently nice to go campaigning. There was still a lot of wet mud in the countryside but I knew time was counted. Arnoul spy network in Bruges sent me some information that the Flemish had just elected a new leader. He was called Guy and was from the Flemish nobility. He was said having fought the French in several great battles, most particularly the one were Philippe Auguste had been killed. Moreover, that bastard was apparently cruel and ordered the massacre of the French people amongst Bruges the day before Noel.
I led a sufficiently important army. It was almost entirely foot soldiers as I didn’t have the time to build up a cavalry force, after all the past year events. There were a lot of spearmen militia hired in Paris and Rheims. Moreover, some of my vassals brought with them some swordsmen and axemen. My “Fleur de Lys” company, which suffered great losses during Paris siege, was there too. To end the army, some pikemen from Antwerp had been added, during the walk to Bruges.
A support army of bowmen and crossbowmen backed us. They were particularly useful to protect my main army during the trip.
Indeed, no Flemish force attacked us during the walk. It was clear that the new Flemish leader was hoping to crush us in Bruges. He probably wasn’t ready for a new field battle. Most particularly, Bruges was famous for having huge walls and skilled militia. It was the jewel of Flanders.
A grey evening, I was talking with Bertrand when I heard some shouts. I raised my head, and saw some movements at the first guard. I frowned and rushed there with my friend.
It wasn’t a bad new. It was Bruges. On the horizon, the proud and wealthy city was standing, near the Sea. I smiled. It would be mine.
Bertrand helped me to prepare the camp and protect our troops from any counter attack. Apparently, all the Flemish military forces were inside.
Bertrand had insisted to go with me to finish the Flemish campaign. I would have preferred him to administer Paris, and protect Margit and my family, but Bertrand said that he wouldn’t like to let other finish the campaign he started with me. I agreed, knowing that my dear Jacques would stay in the capital, but secretly, I knew that Bertrand was increasingly loving to see and participate to the battles. He was not the same man. When I met him, he was a young administrator and preferred calm and well thought decisions. But now he became one of my generals and was thinking more about battles and conquests. Was it my fault? He changed at my side, so I felt a little culprit. I should have probably faded on him. At the end, Bertrand was like my mirror. His changes were mine.
Anyway, I didn’t have the choice. I made the promise to avenge friends. I made the promise to help people. The only way to achieve it was the way of the sword. Sorry Bertrand if you also followed it.
I spent sad times thinking about that, about me.
Outside, the weather was like my mind. Grey and wet.
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Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Very nice! I was a bit puzzled by the yellow on the minimap, but now I see that Flanders decided to change to a less conspicuous color...
I also like Philippe's character development, and the way how he deals with these personal issues like Bertrand's case. This is kind of how a medieval ruler would have done it in reality.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Boustrophedon
Splendid update this AAR is really one of the best I've ever read! +rep when I can
Thanks a lot my friend. I'm very humbled by your kind words, and I really thank you, who spend time to read, to comment, to write your own AAR, and give us technical tips in the Quill.
You are doing a great job here, much more than me I have to confess (but I will try to lurk in the Rome AAR soon. ).
Radzeer
Very nice! I was a bit puzzled by the yellow on the minimap, but now I see that Flanders decided to change to a less conspicuous color...
I also like Philippe's character development, and the way how he deals with these personal issues like Bertrand's case. This is kind of how a medieval ruler would have done it in reality
Ah, I missed to take one pic, with the grey color in the mini map and it is a shame, as the map is not correctly updated, but soon enough, the reality will come back.
I'm pleased you like Philippe's personal development as it is one thing important for me, as I'm following just one character. there will be some other changes you will see... Philippe is currently behaving like a rationnal leader, and even during medieval times, the bravery, courage and chivalry have to be forgotten...
Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Dauphin of the Kingdom.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 33 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We fought, I captured Charles, but lost my left hand during the battle and let Louis escape. I finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I'm the new unofficial King of France. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege. I'm besieging the city of Bruges, still under the rebel power.
Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. He is no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon.
Michel. "Brother"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me with Charles, making an alliance with the english, and offering them Dijon and Metz. He is a nightmare, but I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, with his brother Louis.
Charles. "Nephew"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle.
Clara. "Wife"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philippe, my first son.
Margit. "Secret love"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. Now that the problems had been solved with Olivier, I spent wonderful times with her. She has given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin.
Norbert. "Michel spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him…
Olivier de Beziers. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors.
Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. From now on, he is leading my troops at my side, and learns to enjoy the reality of war.
Arnoul de Penthièvre "Personal spy"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arnoul is my best personal spy. He was previously spying for Philippe Auguste, my father. He is extremely experimented and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death...
Jacques d'Orléans "Priest"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jacques is a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded when Charles attacked with the traitor Templar knights.
Dead Heroes...
Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris.
Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend"
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...
I received some news from my spies inside the city soon enough. Apparently, we were outnumbering our foes. It was an important point during this siege. I remembered that we also outnumbered the Flemish during the last open field battle, and that we lost. I shivered.
The Flemish troops were constituted of the Dutch militia cream. The famous and proud pikemen, some halberd militia, and a bunch of spearmen and mounted knights. As usual, their armors were the best ones of the entire Christendom. I dribbled, thinking of stealing their armories, and their techniques.
We spent two weeks preparing the siege equipment. I would like to attack as soon as possible. Indeed, I didn’t have some real army to protect Paris and Rheims. It was important to win quickly and then to think about the swine Normand. The day of the battle, some cloudburst happened. It was perfect. The city was washed by the rain. It was time to wash it again with merchant blood.
With Bertrand and my bodyguards, we went to the top of a nearby hill, and observed the scene.
My troops were there, behind the siege towers, ready for the attack. They were waiting for my orders.
We rode down the hill and when I arrived in front of my brave men, I raised Durandal and said no more than 3 words: - “Pas de quartier !”
It was clear and simple, as the mind of my soldiers. They cheered and the troops assigned to push the siege equipments began their work, under the horns of my army.
At the other side of Bruges, my master plan was supposed to begin. I secretly ordered my light infantry to assault the city with ladders, taking opportunity of my diversion. I hoped they could succeed.
The Flemish bowmen were waiting for us. The battlements were full of Dutch. It reminded me the Paris siege. I was definitely shell shocked by that event.
However, that time, I was the besieger and I would be merciless, to cut the last hopes of that devil merchant people. When the burning arrows pierced the grey sky, I couldn’t stop laughing. They would have no chance. Everything was wetter than water.
I was focused on our men carrying the rams. I had been advised by my spies to break their gates, which weren’t sufficiently thick. I was ready to rush with my troops as soon as the first hole would be made.
Lots of French died during that first stage of the siege. It wasn’t easy pushing the siege towers and the Flemish walls were full of embrasures. Anyway, after some hours, we were ready. I ordered my shock troops to climb and to be the first to fight. It was a great honor.
A little while after my men entered the siege towers, I received a message from the frontline. “The gates seemed ready to break, despite the efforts of the Flemish to reinforce them.”
- “Perfect! Let’s ring the charge my dear Bertrand.”
Bertrand, still at my side, ordered the men to surge to the gates. We watched silently the whole army running to the city, like starving birds on a cherry tree.
The blue colors would replace the yellowish ones in the city. Definitely…
The siege towers opened their doors and the first French soldiers jumped in the battlements. They were welcome by some tough pikemen. I was confident on my men.
I was right. They did a carnage there. I knew the source of their eagerness. After long thoughts, I promised to my soldiers that they could pillage the city. I still remember what happened in Rome and how I regretted it. But France was surrounded. England, Holy Roman Empire, Castille y Leon, Papal States… They were all waiting for the opportunity to bleed us.
I couldn’t be merciful anymore. I was obliged to show a darker face to the world. A face they would fear. A face that would prove the French military superiority. I needed it to achieve my plans.
It is better to be feared than being loved. Most particularly by your enemies…
No mercy was allowed that grey day.
The doors broke. The blue wide river flooded into the city, crushing everyone in the way.
The Flemish were surprised. They didn’t think we could break their gate so easily. Ah ah… How could a merchant understand the skilled mind of a general? I laughed at them. My men cleared the way and let my mercenary pikemen enter.
I felt the time was appropriated to back my troops. There were no more bowmen to shoot at us, because the fight was raging on the battlements. We rode calmly to the gate. I caught sight of my men fighting above. Step after step, they were taking the advantage over the bloody pikemen.
- “Let’s exterminate the last Flemish pikemen my friends.” I shouted to them.
Below, the Flemish Duke organized the counter attack and charged on my men. It was already lost for him. My mercenary pikemen were holding the position, protecting my other soldiers from the Dutch hooves.
I decided to take the oriflamme and to lead my men to the victory. Like a lion, I roared: - “A l’assault, à l’assault. I will lead you to the victory. I will lead you to glory. I will lead you to the Dutch treasure chest.
To the treasure chest my men…”
I felt the power tickling my fingers. I rushed in the melee. We entered hell. The Duke Guy had counter attacked with all the forces he had. Thousand of infantry soldiers were fighting in close fight. Thousand of screams were shouted to the sky. Thousand of blood drops splashed. Thousand of sparks shot up from swords.
I was there. I was in the middle of that epic fight. The fight of an independent duchy. The fight for survival.
We were heroes. No time to think anymore, I had to fight and Durandal waved around my head, cutting arms, piercing bodies, smashing faces…
My face was bloodied by the merchants’ blood. I succeeded to see my brave Bertrand, fighting in the middle of some Flemish pikemen. Suicide…
Strangely, I didn’t fear for him. It was like we were, me and my soldiers, touched by a sort of God Grace, fearing nothing, ready for everything. Bertrand crushed the pikemen. They ran away like animals.
Brave Bertrand, I rode to congratulate him when I heard the Duke Guy horn. He was charging, like in a desperate attempt to prevent us to destroy the last Flemish jewel… I raised Durandal, rallied my men and charged him.
I stood against them. It was my turn to protect my men. Durandal and my steed were the new living French defences. They wouldn’t pass. It was their last chance.
They didn’t pass. No mercy. My pikemen organized and slaughtered the last Flemish knights. We were decimating their nobility, and strangely, I wasn’t annoyed.
I was changing.
My heart and my mind were slowly transforming and nothing seemed strong enough to save my soul from the dark feelings surrounding me. My right arm was burning because of all my efforts.
Suddenly, I saw the Duke. He was not very well protected by his bodyguards, and he decided to flee. I shouted over the melee, trying to provoke him with some insults, but the coward disappeared with his last knights in some dark streets.
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
So the Flemish are hiring Byzantine guest generals (judging by the pink square portraying Guy)? They must be getting really desperate...
Is it a bug or did you mask his portrait for some plot reason?
Your axemen seemed to be quite effective against the pikes. Are two-hander infantry especially good versus pikemen in DLV? In SS the late zweihander and such are meant to be specialized in that way.
I like the fact that Philippe continue to show some sense of moral and conscience. It is one of the finer features of your story. Please don't let him degenerate totally into an inhuman butcher. Then he won't feel anything and won't be miserable and you would have to think up a new AAR title .
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
Hi,
Sorry for that long long delay. I was away for a few days in some remote areas of the South of France. ("Black mountains, north of Carcassonne", for the curious ones. ).
It was beautiful but a remote area is an area without any internet access, which isn't a real problem, but which is the main reason for the delay.
Maltacus
So the Flemish are hiring Byzantine guest generals (judging by the pink square portraying Guy)? They must be getting really desperate...
Is it a bug or did you mask his portrait for some plot reason?
Your axemen seemed to be quite effective against the pikes. Are two-hander infantry especially good versus pikemen in DLV? In SS the late zweihander and such are meant to be specialized in that way.
I like the fact that Philippe continue to show some sense of moral and conscience. It is one of the finer features of your story. Please don't let him degenerate totally into an inhuman butcher. Then he won't feel anything and won't be miserable and you would have to think up a new AAR title .
Oh, good update als
Ah ah , no, the flemish are not hiring some byzantine guys, hopefully, it would have been a total surprise for the poor Philippe...
Actually, it is a bug. I think that when the royal flemish family died during the field battle, Bruges, which was flemish, became an independent Duchy, and there came the bug...
About the axemen, they indeed proved great against the extremely dangerous flemish pikemen. However, it depends a lot about where the fight occur. If it is in a field battle, the pikemen are likely to have the upper hand, because they can orginize better the line and stop the axemen. At the opposite, in the cities or fortress, they easily lose their organisation and it is easier for the axemen to fight.
At least it is what I observed playing the good old DLV mod.
Ah ah, well done for the title change. I also hope Philippe would keep in mind the chivalric code. But as I highlighted some post before,
Philippe is currently behaving like a rationnal leader, and even during medieval times, the bravery, courage and chivalry have to be forgotten...
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Thanks for your message maltacus.
Radzeer
Great battle, and the usual cliffhanger...
I do not predict a long life expectancy for the Duke... dark streets and all..
Ok, we are going to see if your forecasts are accurate.
I'm updating tonight.
About the pictures, my editing went particularly well on this one. The armor is well designed. However, sometimes, I do the same editing and it just blur the pic. .
Ah ah...
Re: [DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.
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