Historic sim game thread

[Stravo]

Pedro frowned as he watched one of the infantry batallions march in formation by his place on a small hill overlooking the muster field. There were several peasant formations within the battalion that were holding spears or pikes.

"What is that?" he snapped at his master at Arms. Rodrigo Vega frowned as well, fearful of his young King's anger.

"My lord, there are simply not enough muskets for Caballeros like Ernesto to arm all his levies."

Pedro slapped his hand against the pommel of his saddle.

"How am I supposed to make our mark in this world if my soldiers look like relics from an era long gone by."

Rodrigo had no answer.

Pedro fumed. He nodded to himself as if coming to a decision in an internal debate.

"Recall Enrique from Lisbon."

"My lord?"

"If anyone can lead this rabble it is Enrique."

"My lord, after all we have been through with Enrique, do you think it is such a good idea?" Rodrigo protested.

Pedro watched one unit off to a corner, in sharp military unifiorms clkeaning their muskets and chatting quietly with each other. A young man sat on a chocolate colored horse watching the Arognese militia with a disapassionate eye.

"Who are they?"

Rodrigo glanced over and smirked.

"Delgado's Strays."

"Excuse me?"

"Lord Delgado hired a mercenary company not long ago to put down a revolt that he of course deigned not to inform your highness of and the mercenary commander was killed in the action. They decided to remain under Lord Delgado's employ until the end of the season."

Pedro watched them, the precision and discipline was evident on each man.

"Have their commander come here."

Rodrigo snapped his fingers and one of the squires rode over quickly, he whispered something to the boy who nodded curtly and rode hard across the field. Pedro noted with growing dismay that one of the battalions faltered as he rode by them hard. They were even afraid of squires on horseback, what were these peasant militas made of?

"About Enrique." Rodrigo cleared his throat.

"My mind is made up. These men need a leader of steel to put some steel into them. The minute these levies start acting like soldiers then they will be soldiers." Pedro replied as he watched the young mercenary commander ride across the muster field to him.

"Good form for a foreigner." Pedro noted with some surprise. The young man stopped short of the king and snapped a smart salute.

"You asked for me?"

"That is correct. What is your name?"

"Antoine Lafayette, my lord."

"French?" Pedro asked poimtedly.

"Yes my lord."

Pedro nodded as he noted the young man's easy going nature but sharp eyes. His blonde hair shone in the sun and he resembled some greek war god on his horse. His breast plate was spit polished bright and his helmet was nestled in the crook under his arm.

"Your company?"

"The Black Dogs my lord."

"Interesting name. How many campaigns have you been involved in?"

"I've been with the dogs for 5 years my lord, the company itself has seen service in 14 foreign wars and 32 uprisings."

Pedro nodded with satisfaction.

"I intend to build my army around your corps."

Lafayette blinked.

Rodrigo began to protest.

"I will buy off the rest of your contract with Lord Delgado and you will be given a commission in my royal army."

"My lord, I'm not even Aragonese, most of my men are French, some are as far flung as Kasereich and Aust. We're a motley band to be building an army around."

"You're the only ones on this field that resemble anything like an army at the moment and I will need an army very soon."

"I'm not sure what to say."

Pedro nodded and smiled.

"Yes will suffice."

Lafayette smiled and laughed softly.

"I hope you know what you're doing my lord, but the Black Dogs will be at your service."

"Dismissed."

The young man snapped a salute and rode off.

"DO you know what you're doing my lord? They are mercenaires."

"It matters not, they are soldiers first and as I said I will need an army soon." Pedro replied and turned away from the mess at the muster field.

"And Enrique? Are you absolutely sure?" Rodrigo pleaded.

Pedro smiled mysteriously as he turned his head.

"If I cannot trust my own brother who can I trust?" he asked.

[Sea Skimmer]

Essex

A sign was hoisted up on top of the building. Volunteers for the Army wanted. Another one below it quote pay and living conditions. The first few men began drifting in within a few minutes. The promise of three free meals a day would attract many to the ranks and the Kings Army might soon have the eight thousand new recruits it sought. Training and armaments would take somewhat longer.

[HemlockGrey]

"This is no small matter. If we are to grant your republic such a concession we would require a consideration in turn," Alexios said after reading the pamphlet, "What are you prepared to offer?"

Maximillian shook his head.

"Ah, my lord, you see, that is the beauty of the thing. My government thinks that no concessions are necessary- see, we have never taxed any trade that flows through our borders. The merchants grow fat, the Republic prospers- but the Bosporus is a rather unfortunate bottleneck, and something of a discouragement to overseas trade. We feel that removing water tolls would be small price to pay in exchange for our continued goodwill and policy free trade. Ah, however, as you can see," he said, directing the Prince's attention to the middle of the pamphlet, "Our government also wishes to station a few sloops and two companies of soldiers here, on the tip of Assyria that juts out into the Bosporus. In exchange for this right, we are willing to make some minor concessions- depending on what you ask."

[Pablo Sanchez]

Maximillian shook his head.

"Ah, my lord, you see, that is the beauty of the thing. My government thinks that no concessions are necessary- see, we have never taxed any trade that flows through our borders. The merchants grow fat, the Republic prospers- but the Bosporus is a rather unfortunate bottleneck, and something of a discouragement to overseas trade. We feel that removing water tolls would be small price to pay in exchange for our continued goodwill and policy free trade. Ah, however, as you can see," he said, directing the Prince's attention to the middle of the pamphlet, "Our government also wishes to station a few sloops and two companies of soldiers here, on the tip of Assyria that juts out into the Bosporus. In exchange for this right, we are willing to make some minor concessions- depending on what you ask."

Alexios smiled, "Perhaps it is true that you deserve such a consideration."

The Prince closed the pamphlet and slid it across the table to the emissary, "Ships flying your flag may move through the Bosporus without the traditional fee. But we must be certain that the ships moving through our waters are, in fact, from your nation and not tax-evaders from other states, we would require the freedom to perform random checks, and the guarantee of your Republic that you will do whatever is reasonable to ensure that our laws are not skirted. The base is also acceptable. You may lease a naval base suitable for your purposes."

"In addition," he continued, "the Empire's supply of timber is limited. Your nation has a surplus; this is a situation which could breed a profitable relationship."

[justifier]

Dersna sat in his private chambers. Infront of him were stacks of reports and production statistics, on the desk was a world map faded and marked on. Dersna sighed, crops were growing poorly this year, leading to famine across the nation. He had to do something, the famine this year was just another problem, the country never had enough food for people to ever eat freely, with so many people trying just to survive the industry of Occvia was stunted. It was there, on that night that Dersna finnally decided to act on a thought that had been stiring in his mind for weeks. To the south was the state of Freeslot, which had fallen into anarchy when the appointed ruler failed to take power and the government collapsed. This was the perfect opportonity to gain valuable farmland. He would not need to conquer all of freeslot, just the northern regions. If the Occvian army was successful, the country would not have to worry about its foodstuffs again.

+++

Dersna walked down the hallway with Aleks, a young general of the National Occvia Guards who proved his skill while quelling a string of small revolts in the northern forests and in defeating the “men of the mountains”. “Aleks, this will be our last conversation before you depart, my friend I know you will succeed because you are the best of the guards and the best of the world.”

+++
Aleks leaves for Freeslot with 2000 mukeeters, 3000 haliberd infantry, 100 field guns, 100 lancers and enough foodstuffs for 6 months. By the end of the two months(end of Sunday) he arrives at the Freeslotian border.

[Raptor 597]

Smolensk

As Dredgen was swept inside the palace, he greeted the man who had come to recieve him.

"The Prince sent word ahead of him," said the diplomat, "You recieved it?"
The man before him nodded. "Excellant. Then yes, let us talk..."

"Mr. Dredgen, as you know I hail from Ryzaan and for years we have been in loose conflicts with these Romans even though we've shipped lumber for hundreds of years after we settled the barbarians. I have recruited mercaneries should you return with requests.

But to trade friend. We are fully willing to open our borders to any merchants. And the same goes for our seas. Any trade that is good for you is good for us? Now, when shall I receive he necessary directions?

[HemlockGrey]

"In addition," he continued, "the Empire's supply of timber is limited. Your nation has a surplus; this is a situation which could breed a profitable relationship."

Maximillian smiled.

"It is a pleasant surprise that your eminence is so reasonable; I have languished on the barbarian frontiers, dealing with ignorant chiefs and tribal warriors. Sad to say, but the Prince was not entirely certain that we would see eye-to-eye; he will be most glad to here this news. As for lumber, yes, we have quite a surplus, for the edges of the barbarian lands are thickly forested, and we have little use for it. I can set up wagon-trains leading from Osst to your Assyria; is this acceptable?"

[Pablo Sanchez]

Maximillian smiled.

"It is a pleasant surprise that your eminence is so reasonable; I have languished on the barbarian frontiers, dealing with ignorant chiefs and tribal warriors. Sad to say, but the Prince was not entirely certain that we would see eye-to-eye; he will be most glad to here this news. As for lumber, yes, we have quite a surplus, for the edges of the barbarian lands are thickly forested, and we have little use for it. I can set up wagon-trains leading from Osst to your Assyria; is this acceptable?"

"Riverine transport is more efficient, but that is of course your decision to make. We care only that the lumber arrives; we will make good any cost you incur in acquiring and shipping the products," Alexios replied. He considered for a moment before making his next move.

He leaned a bit closer across the table and spoke in a lower tone, "As for our two nations seeing eye to eye, I believe that there can be more cooperation in the future. My father is an old man, and growing older. There will come a day, hopefully distant, that I will be crowned Emperor. It is my intention to then behave more actively than my father has done in recent years. On that day, I hope that the Republic will not forget our willingness to accomodate its wishes."

Alexios let that sink in before he stood, "This has been a most profitable meeting, Maximillian of Aust, may our two nations see many more like it."

He bowed slightly at the waist, a noteworthy move for a royal addressing a man of lower standing, and the guard ushered the diplomat from the room after the return bow.

[justifier]

Aleks watched the local militia entrenched atop their hill, this band was the first true resistence his army had encountered. The first few weeks into the country had led to easy victories, towns welcomed Alek's army and he had made sure to endear himself to the local populas, and rid the occupied lands of gangs and warring militias.

This town however was strong and had a large miltia. In their first encounter the miltia had attacked his camp causing casulaties and destroying four field guns. Alek's army had been continually harrassed by hit and fade attacks. Sweeping through the rural lands, Aleks' men had finally pushed most of the Militia onto the hilltop and secured the town just below. After a failed assault Aleks ordered a siege, to starve the defenders or at least force them to fight on open ground rather then from their trenches. So far there the defenders held their position, but Aleks could wait.

[Sea Skimmer]

Batavia, Java, Koronan East Indies

A brig slowly moved into the well-fortified port. It had been built to a considerable strength as was still operated by the Koronan East Indies Company but made available to warships of the Royal Navy by agreement. The Repel tied up along side a pier with care, after such a long journey she need repairs and considerable reprovisioning. Her crew quickly had a longboat over the side. Two officers where the sole passengers. They headed for the seventy-four gun Warcraft, flying the flag of Commodore Anson, commander of the far eastern squadron. He received the Capitan of the Repel, James Elliot and General Graves, one of her passengers in his quarters aft.

"Hello," said the Admiral. "I except your bring new of some importance to have sailed half way round the and not even take a moment to set foot on dry land first." "Yes sir, this comes from Admiral Burke and through him the King." Elliot handed Anson a sealed tube. he checked the wax seal on each end before opening it and pulling out the message.

To Commodore Sir George Anson

As you may already be aware, tensions with Europe are rising. Our chief enemy is attempting to spin a web of alliances and while the Royal Dock yards are now operating at peak capacity our dominance of the seas is considerably threatened. War now may be inevitable within the next year. Should conflict arise before new orders can be dispatched your mission will be to protect the holdings and shipping of Koronan in the East Indies, to harass and raid Kaiserreich possessions to the north and to intercept there treasure galleons bound for the coast of the Americas. The warships of the East Indies Company may be commissioned into his majesty's navy assist you in these tasks if necessary. I have dispatched General Graves to assist you in the task of preparing fortifications and raising additional militia forces though at this time more regulars cannot be dispatched. Be prepared for war at any time.

Signed Admiral Sir Andrew Burke

Anson looked up at the two officers. "So war brews." "Indeed sir." All three looked out the ships glass filled rear windows at several of the East Indies companies sixty guns at anchor awaiting a convoy to form up. Convincing their captains and the local Viceroy to enter regular service might be difficult, but if the job was hunting galleons things would be far easier.

[Dahak]

"Your Highness," the Chancellor said, his face deep in some of his notes, "our latest dispatches from Neu-Potsdam report the colony to be a stunning success so far. Even better than projected. So far we have not had any major oposition, except some local indio tribes. But the governor has seen to it, as humanly as possible. Our coffins already start to feel the influx of resources and gold and the new territories grow as we speak." He made a short pause, and looked up to his Emperor. He looked a bit disgruntled. "Although we have observed an high increase in piracy. We have lost a number of ships in transit. It may be, though I'm not sure about it, a side effect of the budding hostilities between the Koronan Empire and the Kaiserreich."
The Emperor thought for a few secods before he spoke. "I don't like it. Though we are allied with the Kaiserreich, I do not like to be guilty by association. Send out a dispatch to the Koronan Empire, stating our displeasure with the whole matter."
"Yes, your Majesty. And Admiral von Hannach has begun construction of something he called 'armed merchantman'. It's a ship based on our Neptun heavy merchantman.But with the armament of a frigate. He thinks it will get some pirates to think twice before attacking any of our ships. And he increased the numbers of our ships patroling the seas."
"Godd, good," the Emperor nodded. "Any news from the Haveland company expedition to Macao yet? The last reports indicated an interesting prospect. We should at least show our flag there."
"No, Sir, but we expect to hear in the next months or so."

[Alyrium Denryle]

"Pirates flag off the stern!" The man in the crowsnest of the treasure galleon Seahorse yelled at the top of his lungs.

The ship, carryng a cargo of gold from S. America was bound for the Kaiserreich capital. Both ships wer forcd to tack as the winds were not favorable, and as the galleon moved parallel to the wind, the pirate ship, entered firing range

"Schiessen!"

and on the uproll the galeon opened fire, her starboard guns firing on the uproll to inflich damage on the rigging of the pirate ship. Most shots at such a long range missed, but a few ripped through the sails of the pirate ship. Then the galleon turned, using its momentum and massive weight to tack into the wind. Just as shots from the pirate ship began splashing nto the water around the ship. one cannonball a 10 pounder, slammed into the captains cabin, sending shards of glass and oak casscading into the ocean. But the pirate ships rigging was damaged and it could not keep up with the galeon...

Meanwhile...

" Have the Koronans responded to our message?"

"No mein fuerher"

"Then war is inevitable... Send word to cities towns and hamlets, alert the local militias, and make sure our ships are fully provisioned and ready for war... I want recruitment posters in every city and town by the end of the week. Our army needs to be raised by at least 5000 men... And make sure our merchant vessels are aware that Koronan vessels may attempt to sink, raid or capture them.... GO!"

[justifier]

Two months had uneventfully passed.

It was before dawn, the guards had just rotated shifts when from the southern slope the defenders ran towards the Occvian encampment, from across the trench line field guns lit up, explosions ripping up the charge. Occvian soldiers fired their muskeets from the trenchs at the hill's base.

Watching this, Aleks ordered a charge up the hill on the east side. Two waves of pikemen followed by a wave of muskeeters. The top of the hill was taken, remaining militia fell back, some tried fleeing down the slope, some took shelter in a small pillbox. Before sunrise the hill, just out side the city known now as Dersniana fell.