Le Capitan
Recruit
Very good. D'sparil, do you mind if I invent a Laurian city roughly based on a Renaissance Sparta?
TEATRC tribute & universe expansion
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Merlkir
Le Capitan said:
that makes no sense.
Le Capitan
Recruit
Venitius said:
Sorry, I was tired. To explain more clearly, like a sort of fortress city that has dedicated itself to training armies, unlike the rest of the Laurian cities.
Venitius
Count
The Battle of Bielomor, as recounted by Lt. Col. Harnstaag.
Winter, 1495.
Prologue
We were on an incursion into Vaegir territory. We'd heard that they had fought off the Hakkapeliitta with small bands of irregulars. Major General Winnerstrand commanded us to march towards the west, as intelligence reported that our enemies, the Laurians, had settled there after Imelda invaded and reconquered the lands that Luis II had taken from the Swadians. And so we marched west, hoping to catch the Vaegirs by surprise. We were intending to restock at the settlement of Bielomor, which our Reiters had recently grappled from the tiny Vaegir militia that occupied the village.
We were forced-marched to Bielomor, for no apparent reason it appeared then. My regiment was not heavily depleted then, as it was reinforced a week earlier due to the new recruits sent from our homeland in the Hälmar Union. When we arrived there, it was nearing darkness. We saw the camp fires of the Vaegir force, and then we realized their strength. They must have greatly outnumbered us! Of course, we had no idea of their number, as the Crown Prince had deployed all of our spies to spy on the Laurians. And so we slept, knowing that the next day could be our last. We had a guard twice as strong as we had deployed earlier, as the Vaegirs could have ambushed us that cold night.
The First Day
We woke at dawn the next morning, and prepared for a tough battle. So we formed up, made ready our weapons and took cover behind walls or fences. My regiment happened to be in the middle of the Hälmarian battle line. We took cover behind a stone wall along a dirt road. Some reiters had already advanced to a wheat field, and an hour later some dismounted dragoons aided them.
The 34th Regiment of Foot, nicknamed the "Calivers & Katzbalgers" due to their equipment, were to take position in the village, but the doors were barred shut and so the Colonel of that regiment ordered his men to retreat behind the village, and behind a small ridge.
The said Calivers and Katzbalgers had been "acquired" when a Laurian Galleon was grounded after a storm near Hälmar;the Laurians had captured the weapons from an Imperial State merchantman. So we stood there, with Fineke's Regiment and some artillery pieces to our left.
Nothing happened. It was after noon when the enemy started to advance. The Vaegir Heavy cavalry charged the Närke Volunteers, out on the left. Due to the Hälmarian Infantry Reforms of '42, 1 man in 5 in a Line Infantry Regiment had to carry a halberd, not including NCOs and Officers. So the Volunteers duly formed a rudimentary square, and held. The 97th Hackapells and the 5th Dragoons flanked the Vaegir Heavies and defeated them, but then came under fire from a Vaegir Militia regiment and 2 bombards.
The 10th Reiters had been sent to scout for the enemy earlier in the day, and were under attack by Vaegir skirmishers mainly wielding bows. They were soon driven off when the 57th Pistoleers came to their aid. It was nearing about 4 'o clock by then, and the Vaegir Artillery, consisting of many different types of guns, such as bombards, culverins, sakers and incredibly large bombards, known as "monster bombards" fired upon Bielomor, believing that the Calivers & Katzbalgers (the 34th) had taken shelter in the village. They hadn't, and the Vaegirs were simply wasting their ammunition. The Vaegir army had since withdrawn to form a line behind the main Vaegir Artillery train, which had spread out. The Hälmarians delivered counter-battery fire to drive off the battery of bombards which was now attacking the Närke Volunteers. All infantry were ordered to lie down and cavalry to dismount and lie down. However, most officers were kneeling, some even standing, and some of the bravest even mounting horses and trotting down their regiment, encouraging and giving orders to their men. The bombardment was heavy and the village of Bielomor was razed to the ground after many Vaegir bombards fired stones wrapped in a cheap cloth, which was then set alight and fired. This was rather risky due to the inexperience of these men; many were killed if not wounded. Our artillery on the other hand, was rather successful at doing their job.
The Second Day
The Second Day's combat started earlier than the previous day. The Vaegir General decided on all-out attack, and sent all of his cavalry to attack the wheat field, in which the Reiters and Dragoons were. Our cavalry could not reach their horses in time and so were slaughtered. The Vaegir Cavalry then proceeded to charge us, but canister fire and our musketry pushed them off. They now joined forces and attacked the heavily-depleted Närke Volunteers which routed at the sight of the Vaegir Cavalry. Our surviving cavalry, consisting of a Hackapell troop and the General's bodyguard, charged the Vaegirs, who were heading for our camp, presumably to plunder it. Both sides took heavy casualties, but when news spread that the enemy General, who was rallying his troops to attack the Hälmarian Line Regiments, was hit by canister, the Vaegirs routed. Meanwhile, Militia and Streltsy and moved up to attack the 34th. Once they were in range, they did not fire, but instead charged. Axes and swords cut through the beleaguered Hälmarians until Finenke's Regiment, as well as mine, wheeled to face the Vaegirs and routed them. The survivors of the Vaegir army took shelter in a church on a hill near what was Bielomor. We were ordered to charge up the hill and kill them. We took many casualties getting up the hill, but eventually we defeated them, with the aid of our artillery. The Battle of Bielomor was won.
A/N:
What should I do next? I've run out of ideas.....
Jonesh
Sergeant
Nice story Venitius, it sounds like a dramatic battle
The Hälmarians appears in my mind to be some centralized state with a professional army where the king or appointed ministers/generals train and equip the army.
The reason I got that impression was because of some of the regiments' names, those regiments named stuff like the 34th Regiment of Foot sounds like they're not some nobleman's retainers. Though I presume Finenke and Harnstaag sounds like noblemen or somesuch.
Was that what you had in mind when you wrote the fan-fic?
The Hälmarians appears in my mind to be some centralized state with a professional army where the king or appointed ministers/generals train and equip the army.
The reason I got that impression was because of some of the regiments' names, those regiments named stuff like the 34th Regiment of Foot sounds like they're not some nobleman's retainers. Though I presume Finenke and Harnstaag sounds like noblemen or somesuch.
Was that what you had in mind when you wrote the fan-fic?
Venitius
Count
Jonesh said:Nice story Venitius, it sounds like a dramatic battle
The Hälmarians appears in my mind to be some centralized state with a professional army where the king or appointed ministers/generals train and equip the army.
The reason I got that impression was because of some of the regiments' names, those regiments named stuff like the 34th Regiment of Foot sounds like they're not some nobleman's retainers. Though I presume Finenke and Harnstaag sounds like noblemen or somesuch.
Was that what you had in mind when you wrote the fan-fic?
That was the main part of my idea, but the majority of the nobles are back in their homeland, as their Queen there was going to die soon, and the majority of the Hälmarian Army is there as well (to stop an uprising as the Hälmar Union is of course, a union, and may fracture easily). The Army in this battle forms a part of the Hälmarian Expeditionary Force, and so this army consists mainly of peasanty,bourgeoisie and the lower gentry, since they're not exactly more important than the larger Hälmarian army guarding the borders with Bermia, now a Laurian Territory. The Cavalry are intended to be the retinue of nobles and gentry, with a name and number slapped on. Some of the officers raise their own regiments, (for example in this battle, Finenke's and Harnstaag's regiments would have been raised by them using their own money) while some are funded by the state. Hope that clears things up a bit.
Bunduqdari
Sergeant Knight
nice..
Jonesh
Sergeant
Venitius said:
Cool, thanks.
Personally, I can't wait for the Hälmarians to be added in. I gotta represent yo!
I think I'll also write some fan-fiction soon about the Hälmarians, if I find the inspiration. Either I write about that or my favourite character Sir Fredric Fortesque and Fortesque's Fortuitous Fighters. I like alitterations(sp?)
William Iron
Recruit
Jan, do you scan you pictures? Because when i try to scan my drawings they lose a lot of quality, becouse only the darkest traces remain
Servitor
Sergeant Knight at Arms
I'd joined the Imperial State, and something awesome happen. I am almost suspecting D'sparil of having scripted this beforehand! :3
Imperal State. After being refused a castle for the 3e time with like 300 renown, I rebelled, and marched for one of the cities with a nice 300 - 400 infantry/guards with me.
Being close to the bridge from the Laurian side of the river to the imperial side, about 120 troops deserted already. (Out of food and right before the castle refused message it was payday, on which I was about 800 Denars short but because of the timing it was as though my soldiers left because I rebelled (imperials being nationalistic and stuff)) Standing on the bridge I was assaulted by an army of 600+ Imperials, with Kaiserlichwhatshisface at the lead.
Even more fun, instead of first asembling his army and attacking as they usually do, the guy's soldiers acted as if he'dve pressed CHARGE. So, before I could get my guards in a correct line and stuff I was overwhelmed. (I had turned down my graphics, planning on doing a siege and the battle size was at 450, my tactic advantage being negative... CRAP)
It was as though the Kaisherlicher guy KNEW I would rebel, KNEW I would march on his city and KNEW where to intercept me and KNEW how to defeat me. (Rushing forward, not giving my guards time to assemble)
T'was too awesome to put in words. :3 So damn role-playish. The result was 250+ losses on my side and 100+ on his... Damn. I got ended in the last few minutes of the battle by some gun. Don't know really for I do not play with casualties text on.
I would've put this into a good story, but the fact that my Reasonably successful Imperial State general rebelled is too out-of-story IMO. Also, I don't really write that well. Dyslectic! :S
I do not know the exact numbers. Forgot to write it down. ;P
Servitor
Imperal State. After being refused a castle for the 3e time with like 300 renown, I rebelled, and marched for one of the cities with a nice 300 - 400 infantry/guards with me.
Being close to the bridge from the Laurian side of the river to the imperial side, about 120 troops deserted already. (Out of food and right before the castle refused message it was payday, on which I was about 800 Denars short but because of the timing it was as though my soldiers left because I rebelled (imperials being nationalistic and stuff)) Standing on the bridge I was assaulted by an army of 600+ Imperials, with Kaiserlichwhatshisface at the lead.
Even more fun, instead of first asembling his army and attacking as they usually do, the guy's soldiers acted as if he'dve pressed CHARGE. So, before I could get my guards in a correct line and stuff I was overwhelmed. (I had turned down my graphics, planning on doing a siege and the battle size was at 450, my tactic advantage being negative... CRAP)
It was as though the Kaisherlicher guy KNEW I would rebel, KNEW I would march on his city and KNEW where to intercept me and KNEW how to defeat me. (Rushing forward, not giving my guards time to assemble)
T'was too awesome to put in words. :3 So damn role-playish. The result was 250+ losses on my side and 100+ on his... Damn. I got ended in the last few minutes of the battle by some gun. Don't know really for I do not play with casualties text on.
I would've put this into a good story, but the fact that my Reasonably successful Imperial State general rebelled is too out-of-story IMO. Also, I don't really write that well. Dyslectic! :S
I do not know the exact numbers. Forgot to write it down. ;P
You could trace the picture with a fine-liner or somesuch?William Iron said:Jan, do you scan you pictures? Because when i try to scan my drawings they lose a lot of quality, becouse only the darkest traces remain
Servitor
Merlkir
Or you could try fiddling with the scanning software. Usually scanners allow you to choose various options like "Rough drawing" that comes out really horrible and messy, or "Finest photograph" that scans nicely and in color. And you can play with it in Photoshop afterwards, especially with levels to bring out the lighter shades...
Corvid
Knight
The Laurian Merchant
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I am Eva-Maria Salgado, a specialist merchant from the Laurian Mainland.
One of my trades is selling art and delicates to the culture starved lands of Calradia but to say that I make my living as a merchant would be... Dishonest.
As we pass through the mighty gates of Vienna, Capital of the Swadian Holy Empire my men speak louder and draw attention to themselves while I look to my feet and avoid the eyes of the guards. I try not to be remembered if I can avoid it. It simply makes things easier.
As we come in at noon the tired and hungry guards search our cargo and our personal belongings but they will not find anything out of the ordinary, as there is nothing we are trying to bring in other than the goods we are supposed to. We are after all here to bring something out...
One of my trades is selling art and delicates to the culture starved lands of Calradia but to say that I make my living as a merchant would be... Dishonest.
As we pass through the mighty gates of Vienna, Capital of the Swadian Holy Empire my men speak louder and draw attention to themselves while I look to my feet and avoid the eyes of the guards. I try not to be remembered if I can avoid it. It simply makes things easier.
As we come in at noon the tired and hungry guards search our cargo and our personal belongings but they will not find anything out of the ordinary, as there is nothing we are trying to bring in other than the goods we are supposed to. We are after all here to bring something out...
The general goods are distributed amongst my men and sold at the different markets while the man acting as my husband is entertaining the lower nobility at the castle with trinkets and fine wine. The Swadian nobles are well trained and do not notice the quiet little subdued wife who looks out of the windows or peeks at the different doors in the inner castle area. First when I enter the small garden leading up to the newly built tower am I warned to stay with the others and not to stray. The two guards at the door into the tower are alert and probably very deadly.
The shiny and exotic goods from both my men and my "darling husband" are sold faster than I could anticipate and while we are striking good deals I wish I would have had more time to study my target but I feel that it is going well and the money will be a welcome addition on the way home.
One of my men has befriended a kitchen maid from who he has secured a key into the inner grounds of the castle so he could visit her at night.
From Heinrich Leorman the Engineer I have secured the drawings of the tower which holds my interest. I try to avoid bloodshed if I can but I had no choice but to cut the throat of him and his delightful and friendly wife. He did not wish to part with the drawings and I could not let him raise suspicions about me...
The shiny and exotic goods from both my men and my "darling husband" are sold faster than I could anticipate and while we are striking good deals I wish I would have had more time to study my target but I feel that it is going well and the money will be a welcome addition on the way home.
One of my men has befriended a kitchen maid from who he has secured a key into the inner grounds of the castle so he could visit her at night.
From Heinrich Leorman the Engineer I have secured the drawings of the tower which holds my interest. I try to avoid bloodshed if I can but I had no choice but to cut the throat of him and his delightful and friendly wife. He did not wish to part with the drawings and I could not let him raise suspicions about me...
I remove the "needles" holding my hair and place them in the lockpick set.
With my darker complexion none would believe me a servant in Swadia so I have prepared darker clothes and some lighter leather. I’ve oiled it myself over the last days so it should be quiet. The heavy Cinquedia dagger is placed in it’s scabbard together with the stiletto and I prepare the hand crossbow. It punches through almost anything but it’s not a marksman’s weapon.
I easily evade the guards and other servants in the outer grounds of the castle but I’m impressed at the guards so far. Had I not been prepared and already known the different watch posts I would probably been seen. A quarter to twelve when the watch changes I manage to slip by into the inner grounds. Silently following the western wall and gently lowering myself into the garden I come down behind the two guards.
A moment of pity and then three quick steps, I sink my heavy blade from a low angle up into the right lung of the guard. He collapses in gasps as he drowns in his own blood. The second guard has time to start his heavy blade in motion and draw breath to scream before I shoot him in the face with the crossbow and his blade clatters away on the stone. I end his pains and stand still to see if anyone has heard the commotion...
With my darker complexion none would believe me a servant in Swadia so I have prepared darker clothes and some lighter leather. I’ve oiled it myself over the last days so it should be quiet. The heavy Cinquedia dagger is placed in it’s scabbard together with the stiletto and I prepare the hand crossbow. It punches through almost anything but it’s not a marksman’s weapon.
I easily evade the guards and other servants in the outer grounds of the castle but I’m impressed at the guards so far. Had I not been prepared and already known the different watch posts I would probably been seen. A quarter to twelve when the watch changes I manage to slip by into the inner grounds. Silently following the western wall and gently lowering myself into the garden I come down behind the two guards.
A moment of pity and then three quick steps, I sink my heavy blade from a low angle up into the right lung of the guard. He collapses in gasps as he drowns in his own blood. The second guard has time to start his heavy blade in motion and draw breath to scream before I shoot him in the face with the crossbow and his blade clatters away on the stone. I end his pains and stand still to see if anyone has heard the commotion...
I quickly hide the bodies and reload the crossbow. One of the guards have a pistol, I place this in my belt. Working as fast as I can, I pick the lock on the door and nimbly step inside with my blade at the ready. No one is there when I enter and I jam the door shut behind me with the daggers I stole from the guards. I hesitate at the stairs uncertain of my direction.
From below I hear a low metallic grinding. It is with all probability a workshop for their contraptions so I go up the winding stone stairs that can’t be more than two months old. The large round room is filled with bookshelves and heavy wooden tables filled with old parchment and newer paper scrolls. At the centre I find what I’m looking for but I can’t believe my eyes. I refuse to believe that they will succeed.
From the many large windows I hear shouting from the outside, the guards have been found. I grab the scrolls and put then in the mapfolder on my back. I charge down the stairs into the basement while I in fright listen to the sounds of men cursing and axes on the door...
From below I hear a low metallic grinding. It is with all probability a workshop for their contraptions so I go up the winding stone stairs that can’t be more than two months old. The large round room is filled with bookshelves and heavy wooden tables filled with old parchment and newer paper scrolls. At the centre I find what I’m looking for but I can’t believe my eyes. I refuse to believe that they will succeed.
From the many large windows I hear shouting from the outside, the guards have been found. I grab the scrolls and put then in the mapfolder on my back. I charge down the stairs into the basement while I in fright listen to the sounds of men cursing and axes on the door...
The workshop is empty but for a young apprentice. I don’t care, as it is hard to focus, as the sound here is horrifying. Instead of driving a mill the water have here been made to drive several large hammers made to slam up and then down on heated metal sheets. The apprentice sees me and backs up into a corner as a door opens further up and a guard walks in.
The guard is surprised to see me but he is yet more surprised as I shoot him in the face with the pistol, dropping it and pulling my crossbow. It’s not a clean kill and he lies twitching in an ever larger pool of his own blood. Something within me react and I jump forward while turning in the air firing the crossbow behind me slamming a bolt into the leg of a soldier.
I rebalance and throw myself at the noble behind the now fallen soldier, dagger aiming for his face, eyes and throat. Unfortunately for me he is good and well protected. One plated and mailed hand grabs both hand and dagger in a vice like grip while his other equally protected and heavy hand hits my face... My knees won’t bear me... Strange... Floor coming up...
As I lay on the floor staring I see a model of what’s in my stolen scrolls. Tied down to a table floating a good three hands over is a model of a ship with what looks like a blown up pigs bladder instead of sails. Before darkness takes me I manage to catch the writing on the side.
IN SERVICE OF THE HOLY EMPEROR
THE FALCONE
The guard is surprised to see me but he is yet more surprised as I shoot him in the face with the pistol, dropping it and pulling my crossbow. It’s not a clean kill and he lies twitching in an ever larger pool of his own blood. Something within me react and I jump forward while turning in the air firing the crossbow behind me slamming a bolt into the leg of a soldier.
I rebalance and throw myself at the noble behind the now fallen soldier, dagger aiming for his face, eyes and throat. Unfortunately for me he is good and well protected. One plated and mailed hand grabs both hand and dagger in a vice like grip while his other equally protected and heavy hand hits my face... My knees won’t bear me... Strange... Floor coming up...
As I lay on the floor staring I see a model of what’s in my stolen scrolls. Tied down to a table floating a good three hands over is a model of a ship with what looks like a blown up pigs bladder instead of sails. Before darkness takes me I manage to catch the writing on the side.
IN SERVICE OF THE HOLY EMPEROR
THE FALCONE
The Noble stares at the woman for some time while the soldiers secures the tower and takes care of their wounded comrade... One of the officers turns to him with a frown.
"Told you if wasn’t safe enough Johann. If it wasn´t for the informer..."
The Noble shows a hungry smile and nods at the woman.
"True but this serves us well. Take her to Lord Maximillian... He will want a word with her. Bring the husband too, once a traitor..."
"Told you if wasn’t safe enough Johann. If it wasn´t for the informer..."
The Noble shows a hungry smile and nods at the woman.
"True but this serves us well. Take her to Lord Maximillian... He will want a word with her. Bring the husband too, once a traitor..."
Eliphas
Recruit
(Somehow I came up with this and knew I had to write it ... and thus finally getting a reason for registering. Hope it's canon-conform)
Observations on the Imperial State
All glory to Filaharn!
In my honourful duty as a librarian of the Lion Throne and in service to Filaharn, I have been given the task of gathering informations about one of our enemies in the northern provinces of Calradia, with the hope it may be of use to further spread His holy faith.
The Imperial State. Being a realm that once broke from its former lords and allegiances, their oath of service to the Holy Swadian Empire, they make no effort to hide their treacherous nature. They inhabit the western regions of Calradia, bordering to our regions on two places, a small pass and a well-fortified river, both have already been witnesses of brave skirmishes between our holy forces and the heretical armies of the State, who defended their unholy beliefs and fallen leader with all the grim enthusiasm typical for such barbarians. Their regions also border to those of another of our enemies, the Laurian kingdom, which as well has led to this unholy filth slaughtering each other. The Imperials have so far failed to show any kind of disobey or even doubt to their leader, and it is my deep belief our conflict with them can only end in violence.
Having served with the armies and lords of our Calradian provinces, I have had enough opportunity of studying the military tactics of this foe and I can say, they deeply represent both their cowardice and heretical disbelief. While most other nations we encountered so far used the art of building and shooting with guns mostly for supportive purposes, the State takes this to a perversive extreme: Each and every of their soldiers is armed with a rifle of some sort. The only exception creates their cavalry, which apparently though does not present a major part of their military and is only lightly armed, uncapable of withstanding an assault of our heavily armed riders. However, the Imperial proficiency in designing their guns and cannons is impressive for such a barbarian realm, being superior to the other disbelieving empires in Calradia by a remarkable amount. Also, their military apparently not only serves militaric, but also symbolic and ceremonic purposes, seeing how their professional footmen are equipped with pompous armor, which though proved uncapable of providing much protection, as well as with strange, spiked hats which don't seem to serve any purpose rather than impressing the simple-minded and further proving their submersion into heresy.
As with any faithless state, the Imperials, or "Kaiserliche", as they call themselves, have shown a distinct lack of diplomacy, seeming ready rather to call to arms against any foe than to listen to the words of others, though it seems unlikely those would be able to convince them. Their soldiers and generals, like I stated, would march against an overwhelming force in a hopeless battle, not doubting their mistakes for a single moment and in foolish, obsessed loyalty to their leader, so-called "Kaiser" Frederick Wilhelm. Once again I have to state my concerns about how unlikely converting them would be and that complete extermination might be the only way.
As I have stated, the Imperial technology is truely impressive for such a young and deep-fallen empire, and their mighty guns and cannons are main parts of their battle strategy. Usual tactics of Imperials in battle are staying in straight lines, firing at the enemy from a distance and not giving away any ground, even under constant fire. Those tactics have proven lethal to advancing infantry, yet vulnerable to a storm of heavy riders. Similiar tactics have been shown in siege battles, where they would just stay out of range of enemy archers and fire their cannons at the enemy's walls, once again displaying the recklessness and cowardice so common for disbelievers. I have been told similiar things of their naval forces, although I have been unable to see them with my own eyes, yet I am convinced they are not strong enough to pose a threat to us.
In conclusion, the Imperial State, while advanced in its technology, is still a heretic and primitive state, with no hope for quick redemption and surely unable to stand against our mighty forces. While with their demise certainly would destroy impressive inventions, mercy can and must not be shown.
Filaharn be honoured!
Observations on the Imperial State
All glory to Filaharn!
In my honourful duty as a librarian of the Lion Throne and in service to Filaharn, I have been given the task of gathering informations about one of our enemies in the northern provinces of Calradia, with the hope it may be of use to further spread His holy faith.
The Imperial State. Being a realm that once broke from its former lords and allegiances, their oath of service to the Holy Swadian Empire, they make no effort to hide their treacherous nature. They inhabit the western regions of Calradia, bordering to our regions on two places, a small pass and a well-fortified river, both have already been witnesses of brave skirmishes between our holy forces and the heretical armies of the State, who defended their unholy beliefs and fallen leader with all the grim enthusiasm typical for such barbarians. Their regions also border to those of another of our enemies, the Laurian kingdom, which as well has led to this unholy filth slaughtering each other. The Imperials have so far failed to show any kind of disobey or even doubt to their leader, and it is my deep belief our conflict with them can only end in violence.
Having served with the armies and lords of our Calradian provinces, I have had enough opportunity of studying the military tactics of this foe and I can say, they deeply represent both their cowardice and heretical disbelief. While most other nations we encountered so far used the art of building and shooting with guns mostly for supportive purposes, the State takes this to a perversive extreme: Each and every of their soldiers is armed with a rifle of some sort. The only exception creates their cavalry, which apparently though does not present a major part of their military and is only lightly armed, uncapable of withstanding an assault of our heavily armed riders. However, the Imperial proficiency in designing their guns and cannons is impressive for such a barbarian realm, being superior to the other disbelieving empires in Calradia by a remarkable amount. Also, their military apparently not only serves militaric, but also symbolic and ceremonic purposes, seeing how their professional footmen are equipped with pompous armor, which though proved uncapable of providing much protection, as well as with strange, spiked hats which don't seem to serve any purpose rather than impressing the simple-minded and further proving their submersion into heresy.
As with any faithless state, the Imperials, or "Kaiserliche", as they call themselves, have shown a distinct lack of diplomacy, seeming ready rather to call to arms against any foe than to listen to the words of others, though it seems unlikely those would be able to convince them. Their soldiers and generals, like I stated, would march against an overwhelming force in a hopeless battle, not doubting their mistakes for a single moment and in foolish, obsessed loyalty to their leader, so-called "Kaiser" Frederick Wilhelm. Once again I have to state my concerns about how unlikely converting them would be and that complete extermination might be the only way.
As I have stated, the Imperial technology is truely impressive for such a young and deep-fallen empire, and their mighty guns and cannons are main parts of their battle strategy. Usual tactics of Imperials in battle are staying in straight lines, firing at the enemy from a distance and not giving away any ground, even under constant fire. Those tactics have proven lethal to advancing infantry, yet vulnerable to a storm of heavy riders. Similiar tactics have been shown in siege battles, where they would just stay out of range of enemy archers and fire their cannons at the enemy's walls, once again displaying the recklessness and cowardice so common for disbelievers. I have been told similiar things of their naval forces, although I have been unable to see them with my own eyes, yet I am convinced they are not strong enough to pose a threat to us.
In conclusion, the Imperial State, while advanced in its technology, is still a heretic and primitive state, with no hope for quick redemption and surely unable to stand against our mighty forces. While with their demise certainly would destroy impressive inventions, mercy can and must not be shown.
Filaharn be honoured!
Eliphas
Recruit
(Well, I was in the mood and wrote something else, this time from the perspective of the Imperial State. You will also find some things which I wish would be in the mod in this.)
Operation Iron Sword
32. Day, 4th month
Day of Imperial Liberty
Mourne
In the name of the Kaiser,
I have been entrusted with the battle plans for the new offensive against our eastern war enemy, the forces of the Lion throne. Five armies stand at our disposal: The 2nd and 5th Infantry division, the 3rd Cavalry Division, the 1st Imperial Artillery Regiment and the 1st Imperial Army, the Kaisers personal strike force. The first target of our campaign into the east has to be Culmarr Castle, which guards the entrance into the Lion Throne provinces and is considered impregnable. To accomplish this goal I have devised a battle strategy, which goes as follows.
Our forces will be split up. While the 2nd Infantry division and the 1st Artillery Regiment will march directly for the castle, feigning a direct assault, the other armies will bypass it and form a ring around it, cutting them off from resupplies and escape. Because of our non-agression pact with the Holy Swadian Empire, the only thing to worry about are enemy reinforcement from Abdera - those are to be dealt with immediately. Meanwhile, our new advanced cannons are to be put to use for the first time and put the castle under fire, while staying outside of the defender's range. At this point, they are like a mouse in the trap.
Should the enemies attempt a counter-attack, our forces are to withdraw first and then, when they are between our lines, crush them. The most important goal is to decimate their cavalry, as those could not only cause severe damage to our lines, but also break through and call for reinforcements. This must not happen. Once they are either defeated or retreated back to the castle, we are going to send an ultimatum: They are to surrender, or we will storm the castle.
In the case of an attack, it is of utmost importance for our troops to cause as much damage to the defenders as possible, before we storm in. Their archers, while lacking the firepower of our guns and cannons, are known for their accuracy and have faster reload-times, so entrenchments are indespensable. We cannot allow ourselves too many losses at this battle, or our campaign would be hopeless. Once their archers are taken down, the castle is to storm, as soon as their forces are decimated enough. After this time, the enemy moral should have taken enough damage to make our victory easy.
As I have stated, taking Culmarr Castle is essential to our plans. Defeat or withdrawal are no options. Once the castle is in our hands, our victorious troops are to leave a minimal force for its defence and march on to Abdera. With the war against the Ormeli, the Lion Throne will have no ressources left to reinforce the city, and without the vital castle, it will fall into our hands soon. Once we have thusly gained a foothold in Lion Throne territory, and if we can keep Swadia and the Ormeli empire on our side, we should be able to take the remaining Lion Throne installations in that area for the Reich within a couple of months.
Helmuth von Fallberg,
Chief of General Staff
Operation Iron Sword
Day of Imperial Liberty
Mourne
In the name of the Kaiser,
I have been entrusted with the battle plans for the new offensive against our eastern war enemy, the forces of the Lion throne. Five armies stand at our disposal: The 2nd and 5th Infantry division, the 3rd Cavalry Division, the 1st Imperial Artillery Regiment and the 1st Imperial Army, the Kaisers personal strike force. The first target of our campaign into the east has to be Culmarr Castle, which guards the entrance into the Lion Throne provinces and is considered impregnable. To accomplish this goal I have devised a battle strategy, which goes as follows.
Our forces will be split up. While the 2nd Infantry division and the 1st Artillery Regiment will march directly for the castle, feigning a direct assault, the other armies will bypass it and form a ring around it, cutting them off from resupplies and escape. Because of our non-agression pact with the Holy Swadian Empire, the only thing to worry about are enemy reinforcement from Abdera - those are to be dealt with immediately. Meanwhile, our new advanced cannons are to be put to use for the first time and put the castle under fire, while staying outside of the defender's range. At this point, they are like a mouse in the trap.
Should the enemies attempt a counter-attack, our forces are to withdraw first and then, when they are between our lines, crush them. The most important goal is to decimate their cavalry, as those could not only cause severe damage to our lines, but also break through and call for reinforcements. This must not happen. Once they are either defeated or retreated back to the castle, we are going to send an ultimatum: They are to surrender, or we will storm the castle.
In the case of an attack, it is of utmost importance for our troops to cause as much damage to the defenders as possible, before we storm in. Their archers, while lacking the firepower of our guns and cannons, are known for their accuracy and have faster reload-times, so entrenchments are indespensable. We cannot allow ourselves too many losses at this battle, or our campaign would be hopeless. Once their archers are taken down, the castle is to storm, as soon as their forces are decimated enough. After this time, the enemy moral should have taken enough damage to make our victory easy.
As I have stated, taking Culmarr Castle is essential to our plans. Defeat or withdrawal are no options. Once the castle is in our hands, our victorious troops are to leave a minimal force for its defence and march on to Abdera. With the war against the Ormeli, the Lion Throne will have no ressources left to reinforce the city, and without the vital castle, it will fall into our hands soon. Once we have thusly gained a foothold in Lion Throne territory, and if we can keep Swadia and the Ormeli empire on our side, we should be able to take the remaining Lion Throne installations in that area for the Reich within a couple of months.
Helmuth von Fallberg,
Chief of General Staff
