the Levantine campaign - 1100 AD

[Gandalfus]

An army of latin crusaders came to Jableh from the north, marching southwards from the city of Antioch.
French speaking peoples; Normans of England and Sicily, supplemented by auxiliaries - Armenian and Syrian Christians, flying banners of the cross.
Swiftly they moved across the Levantine coast, promptly arriving before the walls of Jableh, preparing for a siege. Nevertheless, the banner of truce was raised, indicating the Prince wanted
to avoid bloodshed through diplomacy.

4000 soldiers:
1000 footmen
1000 spearmen
600 bowmen
800 men at arms
600 Knights

[Stildawn]

A messenger from the south arrived, with a message for the Prince

Prince of Antioch

Your Grace, I regret to inform you that a lone horseman managed to escape from Maraclea, please be weary of your flank to the east should enemy reinforcements arrive.

I have moved my cavalry force north to provide early warning, I propose we combine if a field battle is imminent.

Signed
Lord Santana - Count of Tripoli

[Gandalfus]

"Goat's tits." Stephen exclaimed in frustration as the messenger said his piece. "If that damned arse-weasel gets word out to the Emir, they'll be hell to pay."

Turning back to the messenger, Stephen bellowed in French;

"Tell Lord Santana that I will move to combine with him should the Saracens come from the east."

Motioning to his knights, he barked out orders for his mounted warriors to establish a perimeter, in order to watch for enemy movements to the east. Another order was given in coarse Norman; the result of it was a swift messenger departing to the north, in the direction of St. Simeon.

[Dirty Chai]

A fat merchant and some lancers ride from the town of Jableh to meet with the Antiochites.

[Gandalfus]

A fat merchant and some lancers ride from the town of Jableh to meet with the Antiochites.

Stephen rides forward with his own retainers, under the banner of truce. They are accompanied by a young, dark haired Greek, who's purpose is to translate French into the local Levantine tongue. Stephen growls to the young man in accented French, and the young Greek gulps nervously before he weakly says,

"Stephen, Prince of Antioch, requests the immediate surrender of Jableh. He swears an oath on the Lord God that no resident of Jableh shall be harmed by any of his soldiers. The garrison is to march out of the city, and hand over their weapons. Those who wish to travel away from Christian lands shall be allowed to do so, unmolested."

[Dirty Chai]

OOC: Skylord, seems I ninja'd you. Also, Stilldawn already rolled that this town has only ~500 troops stationed.
Sorry about that.

Stephen rides forward with his own retainers, under the banner of truce. They are accompanied by a young, dark haired Greek, who's purpose is to translate French into the local Levantine tongue. Stephen growls to the young man in accented French, and the young Greek gulps nervously before he weakly says,

"Stephen, Prince of Antioch, requests the immediate surrender of Jableh. He swears an oath on the Lord God that no resident of Jableh shall be harmed by any of his soldiers. The garrison is to march out of the city, and hand over their weapons. Those who wish to travel away from Christian lands shall be allowed to do so, unmolested."

The merchant-noble responded patiently and calmly.
"I am the governor of Jableh, on behalf of the Emir in Homs."
He gestured.
"I offer that I will surrender the city to you, but my assets and the assets of the locals be unmolested and remain in our own hands."

[The Mad Skylord]

Moderation:

Roll for offered truce: 3 - Attempt fails

Troops: 1'208 men
242 footmen
241 spearmen
181 archers
242 horse archers
302 mamlukes

Defenses: Wooden Wall


The defenders of Jableh simply laugh and scream vile curses and insults in Arabic, even going so fire to shoot arrows at the truce party. They refuse to even consider treating with the heathen invaders.

The wooden walls are of a medium height. They present a substantial obstacle to the Latin besiegers. The walls are manned by some 1'200 Levantines, determined to defend their home until reinforcements arrive to relieve the siege. This will be a difficult battle for the Latins.

Just as the crusaders begin their envelopment, a group of 5 Arab horsmen gallop frantically to the east. They are out of the circle, but the Latins may still catch them, if they are quick enough.

[The Mad Skylord]

((OOC: Dammit. BF beat me to it. I spent ages rolling that out right, too.))

[Gandalfus]

A momentary pause in the negotiations occurred, following the translation. Stephen turned and looked to one of his knights, having a short discourse in Norman-French. Eventually, they seemed to both nod in agreement, and the Greek translator confirmed this, with his characteristically shaky reply.

"The terms are accepted by my Lord. Peace be with you."

Giving a curt inclination of the head to the governor, Stephen turned his horse and rode back towards his soldiers, followed by his retainers. The banner of peace was still held aloft, indicating that the talks had been a success.

[The Mad Skylord]

((OOC: And I was so lucky, too. I rolled to see if the town would take a truce and I got a 3, I was like "YEEESSS! FIGGGHT TO THE DEEEEEEEEAAAAAATH!!!!" I was looking forward to rolling that out, but no matter. I hope a similar opportunity will present itself in future.))

[Stildawn]

A rider from the south arrived, with a message for the Prince.

Prince Of Antioch

I have taken Maraclea by force and I'm consolidating now, however my forces in the east have spotted an enemy army who turned and moved east.

I have ordered scouts to determine their destination and numbers, I urge you to remain vigilant.

Signed
Lord Santana

[Gandalfus]

Following the surrender of the settlement, the crusaders entered in good order, occupying it. The Latins marched through the streets, but were under orders not to harm any of the civilians. Therefore, they did not, and merely worked on fortifying the town based on Lord Santana's message.

[Stildawn]

Another messenger arrived.

Prince of Antioch

My scouts have located a vanguard force between two and three thousand strong, they estimate this force is screening a force around six thousand.

They are move southeast towards Krak, I propose we combine armies and persue this force to confirm our victories over Maraclea & Jableh.