City of Lagoons: A Venetian AAR

[Merchant of Venice]

Hi guys I'm new to TWC but i going to have a go at an AAR for M2tw.

These are my difficulty settings and custom victory settings
Campaign difficulty:Medium
Battle difficulty: Hard
Short Campaign Victory Conditions:Hold 15 region including:Constantinople
Outlive factions:Byzantium, Sicily, Milan
Unify Italia(Hold regions Venice,Milan, Bologna,Florence,Naples,Palermo,Ajaccio

So thats my first AAR's setting and I hope you like it

[Merchant of Venice]

Prologue
Doge Domenico sat in the ducal palace surrounded by everything he could ever want. He been recently elected as Doge of Venice and had a most beautiful wife. He owned the city’s most valuable objects but as he stared out over the magnificent city that he ruled, he could not help wanting to extend Venetian rule of the world.
“What a beautiful city we have here, who would not want to live under its rule.”
He said to no one in particular. And with that, an idea popped into his head. Under his reign, Venice would become a nation so powerful even the Pope would be kissing his feet. With idea firmly planted in his head, Doge Domenico got up hastily and wandered to his desk.He would start planning immediately.

[Merchant of Venice]

sorry that prologue went twice reloading errors yet again

[Merchant of Venice]

Chapter 1: Planting Roots


“Guido!” shouted Doge Domenico.
“Yes, sire” replied Guido Battle as he tried to regain his breath.
“You are my most trusted friend.” stated Doge Domenico.
“I would like to think so, sire.” replied Guido still trying to catch his breath.
“I am planning to extend Venetian rule over all of Italia and I need your help, but first can you send a message to Councillor Bartolomeo.”
“I will fetch for the carrier pigeons right away, sire.”
A few hours later.
“Ahh, Councillor Bartolomeo”
“Father”
“You got my message?”
“Yes, but father what do want and why call me over here?”
“I’m planning to extend Venetian influence over all of Italia.”
“But…But how?” inquires Bartolomeo who’s clearly still shocked by his father’s plans.”
“I’ve sent Guido on a mission to initiate diplomatic relations with the Holy Roman Empire in hope of securing Bologna, of course for a price.” The door slams open as a messenger rushes in with an urgent letter for Domenico.
Success! I have secured Bologna from the Holy Roman Empire and secured an alliance. Details below.

“Ahh…four thousand florins will be missed but it is only money. Now son you have troops under your command?”
“Yes, father,” answers Bartolomeo who is still wondering if his beloved father has gone insane.
“I will have some of the Venetian garrison join up with you and then you march to Firenze”
“FIRENZE!” shouts Bartolomeo almost loud enough for the whole city to hear.
“Yes, son. Firenze is ruled by incompetent rebels and needs a true leader to rule it.”
“I do not expect it to be easy but I have great faith in you” continues Domenico.
“ Your plans seem a bit rash but I am under your command and will follow orders, Firenze will fall!”
“Thankyou son and everything will fall into place and then you shall see. That is all for now.” Bartolomeo leaves the Duke to his planning after coming to the conclusion that his father has really gone insane! As Bartolomeo leaves Guido returns with in good spirit after his success in Bologna.
“Ahh Guido you have returned and let me congratulate you on the success in Bologna.”
“Thankyou sire, it is much appreciated.”
“Now, I have another job for you. “Guido sighs as he hears those fatal words.
“You don't have to leave immediately but please do so soon”
“What is it sir?” Guido asks still discouraged that he has to leave Venezia yet again.
“I want you to find the most pious priest in the country and ask him to visit me I have a job for him.”
“Yes sir I will report back in a month” Guido starts to walk towards the door before being interrupted by his ever-demanding liege.
“Oh and Guido who do you think is the most talented diplomat besides you?”
“Well…. There is Rigi Dolfin but why do you need another diplomat?”
“Just asking”


4 months later
Another tired messenger slams open the door to the Doges office.
“Sir, urgent message from Councillor Bartolomeo.”
“Hand it here.” The Doge reads the letter and a grin slowly creeps onto his face. It reads:
Dear Father,
My forces have captured the city of Firenze after an easy battle. The enemy were outclassed and outnumbered. Our battering rams reached the gates with ease thanks to the support of our archers and crossbowmen. After that it was only a matter of time until the gates surrendered to battering rams and our men poured through the gates. The enemy put up a bothersome fight and many families will grieve tonight but a final charge from my bodyguard and I finished them off. Firenze is under our control and is awaiting orders.
Your loving son and general,
Councillor Bartolomeo.

Doge Domenico was happy with his son’s work in Firenze and was excited about finally establishing a proper foothold in Italia. But not all things were well. Reports indicated that Milan was growing in strength. Doge Domenico thought he needed to put them in their place. Just as he started to draw up plans for the war against Milan, his trusty diplomat and friend, Guido Battle, came in with a priest.
“Sire, could I present to you Oliverio Gusti the most pious man in the land.” exclaimed Guido.
“It is my honour to see the man God chose to rule our humble land” said Gusti who thought it appropriate to get on the good side of such a powerful man.
“Not humble for much longer!” muttered Domenico under his breath.
“May I inquire why you should send for me, sire?”
“Ahh yes, I need someone to spread the world of our almighty God to the infidels in the east. Those Byzantine scums need to learn the proper faith. I will have men escort you to the edge of where Venetian rule lies and then you must carry on yourself.” instructed Domenico.
“Any chance to spread the word of God I will grasp with both hands like a vulture to a carcass. I accept.”
“Good you can head out in a week.” Further instructed Domenico who was extremely happy at the majority of the events that unfolded that day.
Attachment 229304
Oliverio Gusti
Attachment 229301
The Deal
Attachment 229303
"OUR BATTERING RAMS HAVE REACHED THE GATES"(Siege of Florence)"
Attachment 229302
"OUR BATTERING RAMS HAVE BREACHED THE WALLS"(Siege of Florence)
Attachment 229306
"The final charge"

[Merchant of Venice]

Chapter 2: Taking it to the Milanese.
“Sire, you called” asked the Tusco Delogu who wondered why the Doge of Venice would want him.
“I have heard you are a great merchant and salesperson. I want you to leave Venice for the gold mines near the castle at Ragusa. There you will be in charge of trading the gold, I think you will make a handsome profit if you accept.” said Domenico with a certain smugness as he anticipated that the merchant would accept.
“ It's a bit of shock… but I guess I can accept. Of course I will need transport” asked Tusco certain that he could a get a liitle bit more from the deal.
“Of course! There will be transport waiting for you in L’Arsenale.”
“Then it is done, I accept”
As always, it was a busy day at the ducal palace and just after Tusco Delogu left, Doge Domenico’s chief military adviser and tactician, Cesco Grimaldi, entered with important news for the Doge.
“Ahhh Cesco you have news?”
“Yes sire. The port in Firenze has finished so we can start with the fleet that you ordered, but news has reached us that the Milanese have captured the island fortress of Ajaccio” said Cesco hoping that the bad news wouldn’t bring the wrath of the Doge on him.
“Dammit!” shouts Domenico has papers go flying. He regains his temper and soon a grin appears on his face.
“Then we must prepare for war, total war!” laughed Domenico.

Councillor Bartolomeo was enjoying life in Firenze. He had made various building improvements and had started to retrain the garrison. He had received news that brother, Antonio Selvo had come of age and overall life was great. Well that was before he received a letter from his father. His father and had been plotting ever since he was recalled back to Venice but now he had taken it to whole new extreme. He didn't want to attack rebels or even attack the infidels to the east but wanted to go to war with the MILANESE! It was beyond logic! Sure a war between Venezia and Milan was inevitable but now is surely not the time, thought Bartolomeo. Milan had steadily been growing in power and now even controlled parts of Spain. News reporting that Ajaccio had fallen into Milanese hands must have been part of this decision thought Bartolomeo. Domenico wanted some troops to met up with the Bartolomeo and then march to Genova. In the end it was Bartolomeo’s hatred for the Milanese that conquered his logic and he sent a message replying that he would ready the troops and soon march to Genova.

The Doge was in a cheerful mood. He had just received news of his son’s plans for Genova and in whole he was in high spirits. His merchant Tusco Delogu was making handsome profits year round. His younger son had just come of age and was awaiting orders. He would soon be a very powerful man in charge of a very powerful nation.

Councillor Bartolomeo’s army could see and even smell Genova. They had been marching for months now and were very close. Bartolomeo made sure his men would stay in formation and thanks to his authority they were making fast progress. They would lay siege soon.
It was Emillio Barbo who first spotted the Venetians. At first he thought they were just marching to their ships located off the coast but were coming closer and closer. He could clearly see that they weren’t heading to their ships but instead to Genova! It was Emillio’s first week as a guard and indeed his first week in Genova. He had come from an island village near Ajaccio and moved to Genova with his family in search of a job and a better life. Soon enough though he might not even have a life! Bartolomeo marched towards the city demanding they hand over themselves to the mighty Serenissima di Repubblica di Venezia. The Milanese refused their offer, as they were fiercely loyal to their king and country.
“Then we’re not going until this city is MINE!” shouted Bartolomeo who was clearly frustrated that the Milanese could not do anything the easy way.

Doge Domenico was happy when he received the news about the siege but especially the fact that Bartolomeo outnumbered the Milanese by at least 3:1. The odds were in his favour and soon not only Genova, but also Milan will fall. Domenico laughed but it soon turned into a cough. He was getting older by the minute. He had sudden realization that the Milanese weren’t going to surrender in his lifetime. He decided to put these troubling thoughts to rest and went over to his bed and lay down thinking of many things though none more than the bastardly Milanese.
4 months later

It was a nice sight for Bartolomeo to see Venetian flags fly over Genova for the first time. The battle was an easy one and the Milanese in the end put up little resistance. Councillor Bartolomeo lay in the once Milanese palace in the centre of the city. It had been a lengthy siege and he was very tired. They had won the battle but would they win the war? It was only a matter of time before the Milanese struck back. But how long? He put himself and those thoughts to rest, though maybe to be awaken another day.

[Merchant of Venice]

Please comment if you think it's boring or what I can do to make it better

[Merchant of Venice]

Chapter 3: The end of a war and the beginning of another.
Doge Domenico was agitated. He could not order Bartolomeo's men from Genova in fear of revolt and the war against Milan was turning into a stalemate. He did not have the military means to continue the attack and the Milanese’s economy was still paying from the loss of Genova.On the other hand, the Venetian economy was reaping the benefits of the expansion of Venetian influence and the various trade rights Gudio and colleagues had secured. Tusco Delogu was doing a handsome job at trading the gold mined near Ragusa, no matter who he sold it to.

3 months later

"Dear Doge of Serrinissima Repubblica di Venezia,
I have been informed of a better job trading with a foreign merchant and have been asked if I would take it. I love working for our beautiful country but I must make a living. I hope you understand.
Yours Truly,
Tusco Delogu"
Doge Domenico slowly got angrier and angrier as his read the letter. Traitor was the first name that came to his mind to describe Tusco. He would soon have his name and face on every posters all around the Venice and every city the republic controls.

1 year later


"Sire, Sire" yelled Guido Battle as he rushed into his masters office. He found his master sipping a rather strange brown liquid, which was apparently called co-ff-ee.
"What is it Guido?" asked the Doge who was a little bit mad about someone interrupting is peaceful morning.
"I have bad news, sire. The Holy Roman Empire have allied with Milan effectively causing a ceasefire between Milan and us,” explained Guido.
"Bastard Germans messing in what is none of their business!" shouted the Doge.
"And....The Byzantines have declared war and have laid siege to Iraklion.”
"WHAT!!!" Papers flew has Doge Domenico's fury was let out.
"Errrr what do you want us to do, sire?" asked Guido slightly scared of his master.
" Are we outnumbered?" asked Domenico who was slowly regaining is temper.
"No, and your brothers are in charge and I'm sure they will do very well in command." said Guido hoping to suck up to his master.
"Arrrr Cristiano and Antonio. Yes, Yes I'm very sure they will be more than adept at commanding the garrison.
"Anything else?"
"No, sire"
"Good, you are excused”
Guido left his master to ponder on the events while he sipped the co-ff-ee.

[the new username]

nice start

[Merchant of Venice]

Thnx i'll try my best to keep it from being boring.

[Merchant of Venice]

Ill have to finish this Aar because the save file is corrupted sadly I will post chapter three though later today

[Merchant of Venice]

Chapter 4: The end of an era.

The noise of a hundred different conversations filled the Sala del Maggior Consiglio where the great council of Venice met. The conversations slowly died down as Doge Domenico walked towards his lectern with the whole council's eyes firmly fixed on him and what he would say next. The speech that followed will surely go down in Venetian history. It was as followed,
"Council of the Republic of Venice. You and I will stand on the verge of a new beginning. As you know the ceasefire with the Milanese was not of our choice. Those bastard Germans sneaking their nose into other peoples business, well I say NO MORE! We Venetians deserve control of our own destiny! Those Milanese will pay for their ignorance and the time for them to pay is NOW!," Doge Domenico is momentarily interrupted by a loud eruption of applause from the council. The Doge continues his speech,
"So I have sent a message with my greatest and most trusted diplomat, Guido Battle to Milan. It is a proclamation of war! To notify them that Northern Italia, and soon ALL of Italia will be ours! I know you and many others have lost family and friends to the Milanese and their allies and this will soon be over!" He finishes and his greeted by roar of applause and support. It is truly a day all Venetians will remember.

Doge Domenico and the Great Council

Meanwhile, on the island of Corsica....
"Surrender, I we will kill you all "shout Councillor Benausto who is clearly enjoying ordering his first army.
"Never" replies the captain of the garrison.
"Fine. Archers!Draw Bows, Aim, FIRE!"the Venetias archers unleash a fiery hell on the besieged forces. Councillor Benausto then turns to his infantry.
"Ready the Battering Ram!" a unit of battle hardened Italian Spear Militia starts to push the battering ram towards the front gate.After the gate is destroyed the garrison realizes that they have no hope as is best summarised in a letter from the garrison commander to his family in Milan.
"Dear most loved family,
I fear these will be my last words. Right as I speak the Venetian battering ram has knocked down the gate and the rest of their army is pouring through. So run! Please on my life will you run. Run from the Venetian dogs. They will be coming for Milan soon so leave! I have friends in Innsbruck where you can stay for a while. Goodbye and I love you."
The garrison commander looks around for the youngest soldier there was, so he could at least spare a life worth sparing.
"You there!" shouted the garisson commander.
"Who...me?"asked the young soldier who was extremely frightened at the prospect of fighting his first battle.
"Yes you! What is your name?" asked the garrison commander who eager to get the letter as quickly as possible.
"Errrr Giacomo" the young soldier replied who was still very frightened.
"Giacomo, I have a very important instruction for you. You need to travel to Milan and find the Nespucci house. There you need to deliver this letter. I will hand you enough money to travel there and find your family wherever they are. Now run! Be free of this wretched place. As he gave his final instructions an arrow pierced his armour and is lifeless body fell down at the feet of young Giacomo. Startled and now frightened for his life, Giacomo started to run as fast as could. As he reached the gates he said farewell as he saw the Milanese flags burned and replace by the Venetian flags.


Meanwhile near the Po River in Lombardy the Battle of the Po River had started.

"Schitrom formation!" ordered Councillor Bartolomeo to his many units of Italian Spear Militia.
"I want a V position at the end of the bridge. Those Milanese will be slaughtered today!" shouted Bartolomeo in hope that it would inspire his troops. He had ordered his Italian Spear Militia into a 'V' formation at the end of the bridge. He had positioned his crossbow men and archers behind the 'V' for support. He hoped that the Milanese would rush towards the Venetians and that in the chaos, their troops would break formation and easily rout. Luckily for Bartolomeo the battle went just like he planned it to. The inexperienced Milanese general( Cataleno Rossi) rushed his troops towards the organised Venetians in hope that his superior numbers would easily overwhelm the enemy. He was so, so, so wrong. The 'V' held its position and as the Milanese troops entered into melee with the Venetians they soon found themselves surrounded by hundreds of spears. The Milanese quickly routed and were easily mopped up by the Bartolomeo, his bodyguard, and the contingent of knights he had brought with him. The battle was won and the bodies of the Milanese army were scattered among the battlefield.

The Venetian Forces

The enemy approaches

The Milanese are surrounded!

All Milanese hope is lost now!

Bartolomeo mops up the remaining enemy forces with ease

Meanwhile in Venice......
"Sire, sire I have great news for you!" shouted Guido Battle as he yet again rushed into his master's office but what he would soon see would leave him trembling. He could see his masters lifeless body on his bed. A note was next to him and it read......
"Dear whoever shall find me on my descent to heaven,
By now our forces will have captured Ajaccio and if all goes to plan Cataleno Rossi's body should lie dead on the battlefield at the feet of my son, Bartolomeo. The war against Milan should be going in our favour and la Serenissima Venezia should feared by everyone. I leave this great nation to Bartolomeo who I'm sure will lead it to even greater heights. God bless our most Serene Republic and god bless Venezia!
From your most humble and thankful Doge,
Domenico Selvo"

As Guido put down the note back to its place, Bartolomeo entered the Doge's office. Guido kneeled in front of his new master and shouted
"The Doge is dead, long live the Doge!" to a clearly shocked Bartolomeo. It was hard, very hard for Bartolomeo to hold back his tears but he did it eventually.


2 weeks later

Venice was amid celebration. Carnivale was nearly upon them and the new Doge had just been elected. Thousands of Venetians both old and young surrounded San Marco waving their flags. Stores selling everything you could ever need were scattered around the crowd hoping to use the celebrations to their advantage. Overall everyone was in high spirits and had finished the mourning of their most important Doge yet. Doge Domenico Selvo led them from a city reliant on trade to city feared by many of the European powers. He would be sorely missed and but remembered for many millennia to come.


2 months later

Bartolomeo had just made his first conquest as Doge of the Serenissima di Repubblica di Venezia. Milan had fallen to his forces after the annihilation of their forces in the Battle of the Po River. Venice's greatest enemy had fallen by his hand. Reports had said that Milanese forces still gathered around Dijon, France but Bartolomeo decided against further attacks. Venice was now a true power to be reckoned with. Venetian influence was everywhere and the City of Lagoons would last until eternity.

Viva la Venezia

[King William the Conqueror]

good AAR

[Merchant of Venice]

Thanks a lot

[The Norseman]

I like the AAR! Though perhaps you should doctor your pictures a bit more? To make it look more realistic!