The Reinforcements from the West, Harbor of Theodosius

**Lucius Malfoy** · August 12, 2013, 01:07 PM

With news of the successful Fourth Crusade and the proclamation by Pope Innocent III concerning the reunification of the Western and Eastern Churches, a great flood of Crusading fervor has swept across Western Europe. Churches ring bells and sing hymns of glory to the successful Crusaders while cities and villages witness many of their natives gathering their families and belongings; their destination was the Latin Empire. From four of the great Catholic realms, hosts sail into Constantinople, carrying vital reinforcements numbering over 10,000 strong. This sudden swell in the military ranks of the Latin Empire has heightened morale and hope for the Empire's survival. The harbor of Theodosius, still recovering from the Venetian sack, is bustling with English, French, Germans and men from the Levant, where the Emperor's Uncle, Almaric II, rules from Acre. This boost in the military power of the small Empire may prove to be a great help for its fragile future.

Total: 10,700 volunteers and 76 ships (along with 1,600 marines) arrive in the Latin Empire to serve as reinforcements due to the success of the Fourth Crusade.
German Host: 2,600 men
150 Mounted 'German' Knights
150 Dismounted 'German' Knights
150 Feudal Crossbowmen
200 Feudal Archers
250 Armoured Spearmen
300 'German' Men-at-Arms
300 Light 'German' Cavalry
300 Levy Archers
800 Sergeant Spearmen

French Host: 3,900 men
250 Mounted 'Frankish' Knights
250 Dismounted 'Frankish' Knights
300 Feudal Crossbowmen
300 Feudal Archers
400 Armoured Spearmen
400 'Frankish' Men-at-Arms
600 Light 'Frankish' Cavalry
400 Levy Archers
1000 Sergeant Spearmen

English Host: 3,300 men
150 Mounted 'German' Knights
150 Dismounted 'German' Knights
250 Feudal Crossbowmen
300 Feudal Archers
400 Armoured Spearmen
400 'German' Men-at-Arms
500 Light 'German' Cavalry
350 Levy Archers
800 Sergeant Spearmen

Levant Host: 900 men
50 Mounted 'Levant' Knights
50 Dismounted 'Levant' Knights
100 Feudal Crossbowmen
100 Feudal Archers
150 Armoured Spearmen
150 'Levant' Men-at-Arms
100 Levy Archers
200 Sergeant Spearmen

Naval Reinforcements
Warships: 16
Transports: 60
Marines: 1,600 (Part of the Warship crews)

**Lucius Malfoy** · August 12, 2013, 01:19 PM

Bohemond de Lusignan, among other nobles who came to greet their comrades from the West, approached the harbor with a token bodyguard. He gazed from the front of the harbor, gazing out at many ships from across the Catholic world that brought new life and strength to the Empire. Small row boats brought parties into the harbor. Some of the host's numbers had already been organized and arrayed for inspection by overseers and commanders. Their glimmering armor and fresh look felt like God had came down upon Constantinople and breathed new life into the city. The Emperor descended as he gazed at the many who had volunteered to come. He was saluted to, bowed at and even greeted warmly. Bohemond was smiling greatly as he approached the new warships and transport that would form the core of the Empire's new navy. A captain explaining the type of vessels and their origins that were at his disposal. The Empire would survive, the Emperor thought, the Empire will survive and thrive.

**Watercress** · August 12, 2013, 01:34 PM

Clemens von Hapsburg stepped off the vessel that had brought him to Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. Bourn from Venice, the initial destination of Clemens and his German brethren after their marshalling in the Eastern March of Austria, they had taken a swift and pleasant journey across the Adriatic and Aegean, on Venetian ships, eagerly loaned to the even-more-eager reinforcements. The contingent made regular stops for food and supplies, including cities such as, of all places - Zeta, only now beginning to recover from the Crusaders' devastation. But after a light and swift voyage, gliding over the warm Mediterranean sea, the reinforcements arrived in the grand harbour of Theodosius. The City of the World's Desire unveiled itself before the young German knight - high spires and towers of glittering Byzantine prestige, proud and mighty walls, strewn now with Latin banners, thronging masses of people, both Frankish and Greek, emerging from their alcoves to greet the green, unbloodied host. And what a host it was - shining through the smoke of the recently-wrecked city, whitewashing the blood and crime of the Crusaders. Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Germans, and many others too, all assembled on the ancient harbour, in their glory, armour, and shining livery. There were few banners of their respective nations. Few Lions of England, Flowers of France, Eagles of Germany, only the glorious red and white of the Crusade, of their patron, Saint George the Dragonslayer. And as Clemens took in this sight, this glorious, rare event, this spectacle to behold -

'Bleargh!'

He loudly spat out, as he violently threw up into the murky water of the harbour of Theodosius. For the young, naive German, born and bred in the Swiss Alps, with no experience at all in his life for sea or open water, the moment was rather ruined by his terrible sea-sickness. He hated boats. He hates the sea. And he hated Venetians, those slimy sailors, and their stinky city. Those dreams of white sand, red heat, and glorious service in the liberation of the Holy Land - all he had seen so far was a pungent Italian port, a broken Italian port, and a Imperial City robbed of her pride and jewellery. The Queen of Cities indeed - raped and broken, like Lucretia of old, raped by these Crusaders, these Soldiers of God. As Clemens clutched at his stomach and wiped away the vomit from his mouth, he wondered at his purpose, his foresight, in joining these barbarians. These murderers of brothers in Christ. And yet, he held his young, proud, idealistic tongue - for it was full of bile, as he threw up once more.

**Jokern** · August 12, 2013, 01:44 PM

Arvid Eriksson came down to the harbors, together with one hundred of his German knights. He was mesmerized by the thousands of fresh troops that had arrived in the city. Faith was a strong force, being able to unite people that were usually mortal enemies back in Europe. He let his troops free to go around among the Germans and welcome them. Arvid himself, clad in his finest armor, saw the Emperor with the ship captains and walked up to Bohemund and bowed deeply.

"Your grace, this is an auspicious day, isn't it? The weather's clear and people from all of Europe have arrived to join us in our glorious cause. It must be a sign from God that we are on the righteous path for Christendom. I must say though, to see so many brothers-in-arms is a bit surprising and breathtaking. One could hardly believe it is actually real."

**Lucius Malfoy** · August 12, 2013, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Watercress

Clemens von Hapsburg stepped off the vessel that had brought him to Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. Bourn from Venice, the initial destination of Clemens and his German brethren after their marshalling in the Eastern March of Austria, they had taken a swift and pleasant journey across the Adriatic and Aegean, on Venetian ships, eagerly loaned to the even-more-eager reinforcements. The contingent made regular stops for food and supplies, including cities such as, of all places - Zeta, only now beginning to recover from the Crusaders' devastation. But after a light and swift voyage, gliding over the warm Mediterranean sea, the reinforcements arrived in the grand harbour of Theodosius. The City of the World's Desire unveiled itself before the young German knight - high spires and towers of glittering Byzantine prestige, proud and mighty walls, strewn now with Latin banners, thronging masses of people, both Frankish and Greek, emerging from their alcoves to greet the green, unbloodied host. And what a host it was - shining through the smoke of the recently-wrecked city, whitewashing the blood and crime of the Crusaders. Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Germans, and many others too, all assembled on the ancient harbour, in their glory, armour, and shining livery. There were few banners of their respective nations. Few Lions of England, Flowers of France, Eagles of Germany, only the glorious red and white of the Crusade, of their patron, Saint George the Dragonslayer. And as Clemens took in this sight, this glorious, rare event, this spectacle to behold -

'Bleargh!'

He loudly spat out, as he violently threw up into the murky water of the harbour of Theodosius. For the young, naive German, born and bred in the Swiss Alps, with no experience at all in his life for sea or open water, the moment was rather ruined by his terrible sea-sickness. He hated boats. He hates the sea. And he hated Venetians, those slimy sailors, and their stinky city. Those dreams of white sand, red heat, and glorious service in the liberation of the Holy Land - all he had seen so far was a pungent Italian port, a broken Italian port, and a Imperial City robbed of her pride and jewellery. The Queen of Cities indeed - raped and broken, like Lucretia of old, raped by these Crusaders, these Soldiers of God. As Clemens clutched at his stomach and wiped away the vomit from his mouth, he wondered at his purpose, his foresight, in joining these barbarians. These murderers of brothers in Christ. And yet, he held his young, proud, idealistic tongue - for it was full of bile, as he threw up once more.

You there!

Members of the Frankish soldiers under Bohemond's command approached Clemens who was throwing up over the edge of the dock.

Whats your name? You are more armored and equipped than other Christian brothers who have arrived in Constantinople to serve His Imperial Majesty.

Originally Posted by Jokern

Arvid Eriksson came down to the harbors, together with one hundred of his German knights. He was mesmerized by the thousands of fresh troops that had arrived in the city. Faith was a strong force, being able to unite people that were usually mortal enemies back in Europe. He let his troops free to go around among the Germans and welcome them. Arvid himself, clad in his finest armor, saw the Emperor with the ship captains and walked up to Bohemund and bowed deeply.

"Your grace, this is an auspicious day, isn't it? The weather's clear and people from all of Europe have arrived to join us in our glorious cause. It must be a sign from God that we are on the righteous path for Christendom. I must say though, to see so many brothers-in-arms is a bit surprising and breathtaking. One could hardly believe it is actually real."

It is truly auspicious, Arvid. We now have plenty of troops to make our military power flexible and expand while also protecting Constantinople. Truly God has blessed us.

Bohemond examines a Dutch warship, gifted by the Duke of Flanders. Such fine craftsmanship and an excellent crew to sail her. He looks around the harbor once more, sighing in content.

**Watercress** · August 12, 2013, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Lucius Malfoy

You there!

Members of the Frankish soldiers under Bohemond's command approached Clemens who was throwing up over the edge of the dock.

Whats your name? You are more armored and equipped than other Christian brothers who have arrived in Constantinople to serve His Imperial Majesty.

Clemens looked up slowly, bleary-eyed from the strain of his vomiting, and a bit of his bile stringing from his mouth. He stepped back from the scene of his crime, as his yellow-red fluid slowly dissipated into the Roman waters, and stood upright. Somewhat surprised, and certainly still sick, he struggled to reply.

'Cle...Clemens von Hapsburg...good sirs.'

He looked at the soldiers with an odd, out of focus gaze, his conscience not fully in tune with reality, his eyes not open to their questions or urgency. However, as he stood there, and collected himself, it looked as though he may be able to regain control and recover - that is until the young German felt the bile rise up through his throat once more, and he suddenly lurched to the wharf edge once more, expelling further vomit into the waters.

**Lucius Malfoy** · August 12, 2013, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Watercress

Clemens looked up slowly, bleary-eyed from the strain of his vomiting, and a bit of his bile stringing from his mouth. He stepped back from the scene of his crime, as his yellow-red fluid slowly dissipated into the Roman waters, and stood upright. Somewhat surprised, and certainly still sick, he struggled to reply.

'Cle...Clemens von Hapsburg...good sirs.'

He looked at the soldiers with an odd, out of focus gaze, his conscience not fully in tune with reality, his eyes not open to their questions or urgency. However, as he stood there, and collected himself, it looked as though he may be able to regain control and recover - that is until the young German felt the bile rise up through his throat once more, and he suddenly lurched to the wharf edge once more, expelling further vomit into the waters.

The soldier's eyebrow goes up.

A von Hapsburg? A nobleman's son? What are you doing here?

**Watercress** · August 12, 2013, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Lucius Malfoy

The soldier's eyebrow goes up.

A von Hapsburg? A nobleman's son? What are you doing here?

Between gasps for air and further vomiting, Clemens replied.

'Why, to...fight for God, of course.'

He looked up and smiled, pulling away a strand of saliva from his face with his chainmail gauntlet.

**Honors Bastion** · August 12, 2013, 02:12 PM

Simon de Provence arrived at the Harbor to greet the new arrivals. He hoped that many Frenchmen, especially those from Provence had come to join their glorious endeavor. He arrived with a ten of his knights to serve as his guard. Simon was ever suspicious of the Venetians and as such he was weary to move throughout this city without a sizeable guard protecting him. He saw that the Emperor had come to greet the new arrivals and he appeared to be speaking to another fellow Crusader.

He moved to join the two, arriving just in time to overhear the last bit of Arvid’s words. “We best hope that they are real Arvid. We will need them when we begin our march West.”

**Jokern** · August 12, 2013, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Honors Bastion

Simon de Provence arrived at the Harbor to greet the new arrivals. He hoped that many Frenchmen, especially those from Provence had come to join their glorious endeavor. He arrived with a ten of his knights to serve as his guard. Simon was ever suspicious of the Venetians and as such he was weary to move throughout this city without a sizeable guard protecting him. He saw that the Emperor had come to greet the new arrivals and he appeared to be speaking to another fellow Crusader.

He moved to join the two, arriving just in time to overhear the last bit of Arvid’s words. “We best hope that they are real Arvid. We will need them when we begin our march West.”

"Of course, and I have seen many good Germans among the ranks here. Give a couple of them and I'll take it all by myself. "

Arvid laughed loudly and looked back at the massive force around them.

"Ah, this where I belong, among soldiers to lead. The battlefield is my home. Not in the courts, using a viper's tongue to secure more power for myself, like some of the men that have come here. No, give me a sword and I'll fight until the world is one."

**╬Ritterbruder╬** · August 12, 2013, 03:01 PM

delete plz

**Hengest** · August 12, 2013, 04:05 PM

Athelstan met Willyame on the harbour Mese in haste. As the ships filled the horizon, pouring in from Marseilles, Messina and Venice he shook his head. "How the hell are we supposed to keep order with this invasion?" Athelstan looked around, he had placed a hundred of Bohemund's men at each harbour but it was hardly enough now. The 300 English archers had gathered around the Emperor in a loose ring, far enough away not to block his glorious sight. But it was not enough. In these crowds a single crossbow bolt or a swift-footed assassin could easily step forth and fling a dagger at the Emperor or any of his officers.
"Calm down, Athelstan." Willyame smiled, though he himself knew this was an impossible task. "But look-" Eskedale pointed to some ships where redcoated men were disembarking.
Athelstan raised his hand to cover his eyes from the sun. Sure enough, the soldiers were English. As the day unfolded, it was clear that a good third of the new arrivals were Englishmen. Athelstan was soon smiling, proudly.
"Don't get carried away," Willyame said, his hand on his comrade's shoulder as the cheers filled the harbour with music and laughter "I'm sure there are more than a few Norman lords among them who won't so freely give over their retinues to the new English constable of the Guard.
"I know we are not the Varangians." Athelstan hissed.
"Easy fellow, I know, you are still seeking out the survivors- so don't lecture me that you don't care. This is all about your countrymen." The Scotsman smiled. "Don't dare insult me by denying it."
Athelstan shrugged.
"Listen, just be prepared, these Englishmen might be as much as your enemies as the Varangians were when we were falling on the walls. Power and gold is greater than blood."
Athelstan didn't have an answer to that. He hung his head glumly and retired to the podium near the Emperor and the other officers of the Haute Court. What was worse was knowing that a single English lord would easily outrank him both in title and wealth, as well as forces. Athelstan might have been once an Earl of renown but now he was just Wreak, the bowman. Not even a barony would change that in the eyes of these so-called Crusaders. Athelstan and the Lionheart's survivors still had a very long road home before them, and their trials were not over yet by a long shot.

**Zeus Almighty** · August 13, 2013, 05:20 PM

Ricco arrived to the docks, quiet with his demeaner. The reinforcements that arrived were none of his old countrymen. He wished to gain a gauge on the new men, maybe just have his face aquatinted with his name that they recognize him if any follow. He stood where he could clearly be seen if anyone wished to speak, but he was perfectly content remaining silent

**Hengest** · August 14, 2013, 06:24 AM

Willyame, captain of the guard saw the Venetian lord alone and took the opportunity to approach him. "It must be difficult for you" he said in a low voice by his side, himself looking out across the harbour "seeing all this rejoicing and high spirits, brothers in arms greeting their countrymen."

**Zeus Almighty** · August 14, 2013, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Hross

Willyame, captain of the guard saw the Venetian lord alone and took the opportunity to approach him. "It must be difficult for you" he said in a low voice by his side, himself looking out across the harbour "seeing all this rejoicing and high spirits, brothers in arms greeting their countrymen."

Ricco looked at the company and smiled kindly at him, Perhaps a bit, but I am glad for any smile that can be brought to the people of this city. Both nobility and civilian, it was hard fought. What is difficult for me, good Sir, is that because of the ill choices of a few my people are well on their way to being shunned in this great city. Despite my might in arms, y loyalty in battle, and my loyalty to my Emperor, it is a constant struggle remaining in the good graces of many throughout the city. What is difficult, good Sir, is that if my people showed up on ships such as this, we might very well sound the alarm.

**Hengest** · August 15, 2013, 08:50 AM

"Willyame of Eskedale" the fair haired man held out his hand, he latinised the name to make it easier on the ear. "Captain of the Guard." He returned to watching over the harbour and the crusaders swarm like ants, it was not unlike the scene at Jaffa so many years ago. "In all fairness your countrymen were extorted and betrayed by the crusaders, I heard your Doge was paid only half of what was owed... That is a sore cross for the people to bear. I'm sure the County of Blois or the Duchy of Burgundy would never had stood for such a slight. The Venetians fulfilled their end of the bargain and are called misers and pigs for having the same desire for gold as all the Franks and Germans here present."