The Known World [IC|Closed]

[The Jonathanian States]

"Sorry I didnt know you Sicilians are so serious.That was meant as a joke.
But yes, youre right. We have much to discuss."*looks on the map*"As far as I know the french are here"*points on map*"We all are currently here"*points on map*"I assume that the ayyubids will come from here"*points*"and possibly here"*points on map*"Their allies may come from there"*points*

"Ay, I apologise for stale humour, the expectations of my king are a heavy burden" Alfonso sighed, while his eyes followed the commanders fingers as he pointed them to areas across the map
"I am more of a pre-emptive man, I believe in striking before the enemy can strike you, if you are certain they may be established in those positions, i suggest we need to find them, and obliterate these pockets of heathen resistance before they multiply like rats"

"Well... define Certain.
Its were I assume they are or, if we have luck, will come from.At least thats the logical path one would assume they would do.
And in regard to preemptive strikes... That may work....It also may not...."

[Valentir]

Antioch, Syria
"General, General, the Pisan, Sicilian, and Venetian Crusading armies have landed!!"
"what, You there tell 10,000 men to come back from the docks and send the rest home. Sergeant, Assemble the men and drop the siege. Then move the cavalry to guard our flanks. Now lets march the crusaders of the France to Acre!!!!"
25,000 french men got in to their columns and battalions and marched under the General's Command. They would march over to Acre and show the Pisan, Venetian, and Sicilian dogs the true might of the French Army. While 20,000 men sailed home to France, 25,000 would stay and retake Jerusalem. They would kill all though who dare deny them Jerusalem. Jerusalem belonged in the hands of Good Catholics, and so it would be when in command of the French.

[Liberated Counties]

"Ay, I apologise for stale humour, the expectations of my king are a heavy burden" Alfonso sighed, while his eyes followed the commanders fingers as he pointed them to areas across the map
"I am more of a pre-emptive man, I believe in striking before the enemy can strike you, if you are certain they may be established in those positions, i suggest we need to find them, and obliterate these pockets of heathen resistance before they multiply like rats"

"Well... define Certain.
Its were I assume they are or, if we have luck, will come from.At least thats the logical path one would assume they would do.
And in regard to preemptive strikes... That may work....It also may not...."

"We should send scouting parties, disguised as a caravan, that'll get us very close to their positions" Alfonso said "Deceptiveness is key to any war"

[DrakoBlaria]

Cyprus

The Greek armies are victorious.The French surrendered under the promish that they will be local lords of the island and leave the castle.Upon doing so they are executed.


Italy

The Pope's gold is sailing towards Rome and shall soon arive at the papacy

[The Jonathanian States]

"Well... define Certain.
Its were I assume they are or, if we have luck, will come from.At least thats the logical path one would assume they would do.
And in regard to preemptive strikes... That may work....It also may not...."

"We should send scouting parties, disguised as a caravan, that'll get us very close to their positions" Alfonso said "Deceptiveness is key to any war"

"I propose you leave the organisation of scouts to us.We have some good contacts who owe us a favor."
*A Venetian Soldiers runs in*
"Sir,The French."*The Captain looks at the Soldier*"They sent 20,000 men back and they plan on capturing Jerusalem for themselves.They are marching towards acre."
"Well then tell the Emmisaries to the King that if he doesnt agree he´s gonna have a large greedy french army move past him, and attack his de jure Capital and hold it for themselves."

Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Jerusalem,Acre,KoJ,Levant
"The Venetian and Papal Delegation may enter."
*The Delegation enters the hall and bows.*
After the King told them, they stood up again.
"Your Majesty, as you may know, we are the Delegates of the Venetian Army and Fleet in total Crusaders.
But to repay for the mercenaries and the fleet and the Venetian Citizens, we agreed with the pope, and all other crusaders, that as repayment we get the Cities of Acre and Tyre, as well as all recources in the kingdom.To make you consider this offer seriously, we want to tell that we have a large fleet in construction, large enought to block all ayyubid seafaring.Also an argument which should make you consider this, is the fact that all crusaders, france, Siciliy,the Papal State with his orders and Venice agree on this.
Another reason is that our fleet and especially our mercenaries are already in the city, if you understand what I am trying to hint.....
And to verifiy the papal agreement to this, so you not think were just blackmailing you for money, the pope sent his delegation.
Another point is that, if you plan on having Jerusalem as part of your Kingdom you need the Venetian troops as if the french capture it first, they propably will take it for themselves.
This is all I came to tell.
Notify the commander when you decided."*The Venetian Delegation leaves the room.*

[Liecthenbourg]

"We should send scouting parties, disguised as a caravan, that'll get us very close to their positions" Alfonso said "Deceptiveness is key to any war"

"I propose you leave the organisation of scouts to us.We have some good contacts who owe us a favor."
*A Venetian Soldiers runs in*
"Sir,The French."*The Captain looks at the Soldier*"They sent 20,000 men back and they plan on capturing Jerusalem for themselves.They are marching towards acre."
"Well then tell the Emmisaries to the King that if he doesnt agree he´s gonna have a large greedy french army move past him, and attack his de jure Capital and hold it for themselves."

Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Jerusalem,Acre,KoJ,Levant

"The Venetian and Papal Delegation may enter."
*The Delegation enters the hall and bows.*
After the King told them, they stood up again.
"Your Majesty, as you may know, we are the Delegates of the Venetian Army and Fleet in total Crusaders.
But to repay for the mercenaries and the fleet and the Venetian Citizens, we agreed with the pope, and all other crusaders, that as repayment we get the Cities of Acre and Tyre, as well as all recources in the kingdom.To make you consider this offer seriously, we want to tell that we have a large fleet in construction, large enought to block all ayyubid seafaring.Also an argument which should make you consider this, is the fact that all crusaders, france, Siciliy,the Papal State with his orders and Venice agree on this.
Another reason is that our fleet and especially our mercenaries are already in the city, if you understand what I am trying to hint.....
And to verifiy the papal agreement to this, so you not think were just blackmailing you for money, the pope sent his delegation.
Another point is that, if you plan on having Jerusalem as part of your Kingdom you need the Venetian troops as if the french capture it first, they propably will take it for themselves.
This is all I came to tell.
Notify the commander when you decided."*The Venetian Delegation leaves the room.*

*Mont DeRichard and Montpellier rush into the tent*
"We heard what the French are planning to do!, the bastards!" said DeRichard
"Wait until the Pope hears about this!" Montpellier commented

[DrakoBlaria]

All of Cyprus is under Greek control.Now the Empire is almost restored.Once Anatolia is also retaken,we shall once more be a force to be reckoned with.

Anataolia.

The Georgian forces anhialate the Turkish ones but the Turks have not yet surrendered

[Valentir]

The French Army marches onwards to victory. They passed Acre and neared the Dead Sea. While the army camped the General sent a diplomat to Acre and ordered his cavalry scout out to make sure that the other Crusaders weren't near by and then they say figures in the distant, at least 1000 men. It was Murgo, William, and the French Merchant Guild. William had rescued Murgo and had come to return him to the French. The General sent horses and had the men brought to the Command Tent. "So what brings you to this part of the Desert?"
"He had come to rescue me from thoughs Heretics in Baghdad, captured me and wanted this." Murgo unfolded a a cloth and he showed the General the artifact.
"The King had me obtain this as use of leverage to the other Catholics, that and it is worth a pretty florin."
"So can help at all?"
"Well we need to get to the Dome of Rock in Jerusalem. Then we need a good fleet of at least 75 ships to transport us back to France."
"That it then, well if your with the King I will help you, Sergeant, get these men a tent and some water, then scout Jerusalem."
"Yes Commander"
"Now I have a letter to write." Murgo and William walked away and the General wrote a letter to Acre.

Dear King of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. I am a General sent by his majesty, King Justin of France, to recapture Jerusalem. However we will not be returning it to you. Instead it will go to the Pope and be under Papal Guidance. Sincerely General Pierre Montfort

[Baydara]

"So the King of France wants me to do what?"
"He wants you to bring your troops home."
"Fine send word for them to return immediately."
"Now my lord what are your commands?"
"Build a new port in Nice, collect taxes, make me lunch, hire 1000 mercenaries, build watchtowers on the borders, build a fort outside Nice, and then ready my mistresses and a big hot bath."
"Yes sire"
Provence was doing very well and was ok under French rule. The people had a big tax cut and were doing great and Provence was well protected, for now...........
OOC: I'm going to be gone all this week so I'm not gonna post. See You Guys. And don't kill everyone without me.

[DrakoBlaria]

Seeing how pirates blocked the way to Rome the Greek troops decide to settle at the Ionian sea.100 galleys and 50 more tranports filled with men are on their way to reinforce the Pope's payment.

So the ships will be 200 galleys and 150 transports

[Liberated Counties]

Alfonso watched from afar on a hilltop as the French marched towards Jerusalem a few Kilometres away, around 25,000 soldiers marched down an old roman cobblestone road,
"My one duty was to protect the holy city" He mourned "and of all the forces that could've pried control of Jerusalem from my cold, dead hands, of all the things, it was the French"

He got back onto his horse, and rode back to Acre.

[Alleniana]

Latakia, Protectorate of Latakia, Levant
The ships sailed serenely through the water, cutting the relatively quiet sea. The men in the town had just raised the alarm, a lot earlier than it was expected, but the ships were prepared, and sped forwards towards the harbor. They could see early morning lights being lit onshore which meant that they expected an attack. The European build of the ships would make them targets for destruction on sight unless they flew a Muslim symbol, flag or signaled in their way, but they had none, and would have to battle. The ships continued to sail.

"Forwards march!" The command was heard by all the soldiers and they began to walk forward. The only sound audible after that point was the marching of their boots and the occasional bumping when their ladders hit something. It wasn't long before the few city watchmen left on the walls noticed them, and they called their comrades. They were around 100m away when arrows began to spatter into heir ranks. An oddly shrill horn was blown and all the men broke into a run, trying to get to the walls to place their ladders. The men on top of the walls were hard pressed to push off all the ladders, but the pushing was relatively easy; at the bottom was an old ditch, now just a muddle indentation, but the mud in it made the ladders very susceptible to being pushed over. Yet more men rushed the walls, now more to the left and right. Dozens of ladders were put up and pushed down, but often, not before they had deposited a couple of men on the walls. Arrows began flying from random points along the walls as well as from the far left and right, skewering many attackers. By now, nearly half the city had joined in defense of the walls, as it had just happened that they had been practicing a military parade that day, right around the bottom of the walls inside the town. Although it was clear that the besiegers were taking heavy casualties from the multitude of stones, spears, arrows and other miscellaneous items landing on them as they scaled the wall, they still had the numbers to overwhelm the defenders.

The vessels were being hit and missed by occasional arrows, but not serious damage had been done yet. It appeared that the people on land were readying fire arrows and the sailors gathered barrels to put any possible fires out. Suddenly, a grey object streaked out of the town, flying towards a ship. It smashed into it in a could of splinters and several men were thrown overboard. It took off the mast, which now fell and practically destroyed the middle of the front of the ship. The warships now all began to move evasively, as none wished to be hit by the catapult again. Sped was still essential though, and even more so now as they were in range of the majority of the arrows. Their own archers replied and the distance between the ships and the docks was shortened enough that the archers could aim for individual people if they had the skill. The ships showed no signs of stopping as they approached within tens of metres of the dock, and by then, people were cowering behind crates or defiantly shooting arrows from the rooftops. The fleet finally began to slow and stopped right in front of the docks, all along the line. Now, all the sailors began to throw the rocks they had brought along for the purpose, showering the town in debris. A couple threw torches, setting the docks ablaze and burning many of the boats that were probably an integral part of the town's livelihood. All along the port, ships lined up to piers and on both sides, fire, arrows and rocks flew at each other, turning both the town and the ships into a morass of blood and fire.

The attackers finally overwhelmed the men on the walls and they stream in from the captured areas of the wall, rushing to kill the people on the others. Virtually nobody was on the wall, as they had all been killed, but the few remaining ones were quickly slaughtered by the soldiers. Groups rushed along the wall, securing a cordon around the town and gaining a massive height advantage while others found stairs into the town below where shocked citizens were slaughtered in the street. It seemed that they had not taken as heavy casualties as had first been thought. The masses of humanity flooding the streets definitely numbered more than a thousand, so they had at least around a half left to capture the city and subdue its inhabitants. The assault was ending, and the sack was beginning.

However well the defenders had fought, the sheer number of ships soon overpowered them and nearly all ran from the docks or didn't move at all. They were shot down in the back by arrows from the ships in many cases and soon after, soldiers jumped down from the ships and moved cautiously through the streets, often meeting with the soldiers from the siege. One pocket of resistance in the north was quickly eliminated by a charge by a platoon's charge. Fighting often broke out in the street, but of course. the town's men couldn't match the professional soldiers that had just attacked, flushed with victory. The warships moored and began to lick their wound, patching sails and mending ropes while the soldiers in the city ran around, looking for a few worthwhile items of loot. Soon enough, following their pre-battle orders, they stopped the rampaging and calmed down a bit, instead of bursting into a tailor and demanding all the money, they might burst into a tavern and demand a pitcher of ale. Not long after the battle, the soldiers were celebrating with their loot and victory and the townsfolk were quietly mourning.

OOC: I'm gonna make moar posts like this in the future

[Valentir]

The French Army marched on. Jerusalem was in sight and the French sharpened their swords and girded their loin and prepared to fight. They moved into position and surrounded the city. They planted stakes and fortified their position. Pierre wanted to be prepared for an attack from the front and behind and sent out scouts to make sure the Sicilians, Venetians, and Pisans weren't near. Then he moved his cavalry to his flanks and built Trebuchets. The French made every move correctly and now the city of Jerusalem. The holy city, the center of the Earth, would come back into the hands of the faithful............
Meanwhile in France.
King Justin writes a letter to the Pisan Leader

Dear Leader of the Pisans. I would love to announce that we are no longer aliies, we are not friends and refuse to trade with you. If you respond with hostile action the French Army will kill you. VIVE LA FRANCE, Sincerely King Justin of France

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Skyros, Kievan Naval Base, Byzantine

"Heave!"

The cry echoed over the hill where Igor was. Gripping the long rope, Igor and his fellow shipmates pulled on the rope. At the opposite end of the rope, a palisade lay. Slowly, ever so slowly, the palisade rose. The palisade segment was 15 feet long and 8 feet tall. It rose, and rose, as the Kievans pulled it up. Upon reaching it's zenith, several crew members ran forth with rocks and dirt. They filled in the channel at the base od the palisade. With a sigh, Igor let go. The final segment of the fort was complete, now, Igor could rest.

The fort was a mixture of wood palisade and stone. Using the previous stone fort, a second encircling wall was erected. Another wall was extended over a small harbor, encircling it from land. The main base was the preexisting fort of stone on a small hill 500 meters from the shore.

Igor watched the horizon, watched as the Kievan convoy arrived.

[Alleniana]

Army Report of the Conquest of Laodicea

Troops involved:
Land:
500 swordsmen
250 pikemen
250 spearmen
250 club/mace/axemen
750 archers
250 knights
250 miscellaneous (*)
Navy:
48 galleys; 768 sailors
Onboard:
768 archers
384 swordsmen
384 other miscellaneous (*)

After the battle:
368 swordsmen
134 pikemen
117 spearmen
109 club/mace/axemen
568 archers
224 knights
246 miscellaneous

41 galleys (4 unfit for sailing;repair, 3 sunk)
562 sailors
629 archers
145 swordsmen
218 miscellaneous

*=command, supply, medics, sappers, scouts, spies, etc.
End result: Victory
Casualties dealt:
Civilian: 459
Soldiers: 824
Friendly fire: 4

Sent from the City of Laodicea, capital of the Protectorate of Laodicea

[Communist republic of altorus]

The ayyubid army is currently heading home from Byzantium

[Alleniana]

The city of Laodicea is being rebuilt and fortified, as well as being populated with Pisans and other foreigners. The army is consolidating the Protectorate of Laodicea's territory.

[Alleniana]

To the Pope,
We would like to report France and a breaker of the peace. They sent the following letter to us,

[box]Dear Leader of the Pisans. I would love to announce that we are no longer aliies, we are not friends and refuse to trade with you. If you respond with hostile action the French Army will kill you. VIVE LA FRANCE, Sincerely King Justin of France

[Valentir]

France removes its soldiers from Corsica and withdraws from the Island completely, Meanwhile King Justin drafts three letters.

Dear Pope Tyrol. Our breaking of the alliance with Pisa is well justified. We were tired of their warmongering, malcontent, and espionage. We ask that you respect our decision and we would like you to know this will not lead to war against Pisa, unless they declare war on France, Sincerly Your Faithful Servant King Justin of France.

Dear Emperor of the Byzantines. We offer you a Military alliance and we want to rebegin trade. We announce that we will support your decisions in attacking the heathen Seljuks and will support on you the Honour of France and her King. We ask that you respond to this letter and lets begin to rebuild the relations between our Empires. Farewell your noble Friend King Justin of France.

Dear Foolish Pisan Council. We ask that only you only respect our decision and it was for the Good of France. We only have France in our interests and you were in the way of her interests. We ask that we have peace. But our embargos still stand. Should you declare war on us it will be met with a fair force. Sincerely King Justin of France

[Alleniana]

France removes its soldiers from Corsica and withdraws from the Island completely, Meanwhile King Justin drafts three letters.

Dear Foolish Pisan Council. We ask that only you only respect our decision and it was for the Good of France. We only have France in our interests and you were in the way of her interests. We ask that we have peace. But our embargos still stand. Should you declare war on us it will be met with a fair force. Sincerely King Justin of France

To France,
We respect your decision; we did not say that we did not. However, we will not stand for threats being thinly veiled and made out to us. You can rest assured that Pisa will not waste its time in a war with France.

2,500 of the troops in Laodicea are withdrawn and sent to fortify other Pisan territories.

The situation in the Balearics is as follows:
The populace is split over whether to pay the ransom for their Emir. It would cost an extremely large amount and they would likely have to make loans. However, they will likely be annexed without an Emir. Mallorca wishes to pay, but the other islands do not. The Mallorcans, as government island, is preparing to send a force to attack the others to extract the necessary funds. News of it leaked and there will soon be civil war. 3,750 troops have been sent including 2,500 from Laodicea.

[Liecthenbourg]

France removes its soldiers from Corsica and withdraws from the Island completely, Meanwhile King Justin drafts three letters.

Dear Pope Tyrol. Our breaking of the alliance with Pisa is well justified. We were tired of their warmongering, malcontent, and espionage. We ask that you respect our decision and we would like you to know this will not lead to war against Pisa, unless they declare war on France, Sincerly Your Faithful Servant King Justin of France.

Dear Emperor of the Byzantines. We offer you a Military alliance and we want to rebegin trade. We announce that we will support your decisions in attacking the heathen Seljuks and will support on you the Honour of France and her King. We ask that you respond to this letter and lets begin to rebuild the relations between our Empires. Farewell your noble Friend King Justin of France.

Dear Foolish Pisan Council. We ask that only you only respect our decision and it was for the Good of France. We only have France in our interests and you were in the way of her interests. We ask that we have peace. But our embargos still stand. Should you declare war on us it will be met with a fair force. Sincerely King Justin of France

Dear King Justin
It is your decsion entirely if you wish to break the alliance, but the trade embargo, I do not understand, either way it is up to you
From:SHC San-Clair

[Alleniana]

By the Decree of the Council of Pisa

From this day forth, all male citizens of the Republic of Pisa are equal when without rank and are subject to the same laws regardless of rank.

[DrakoBlaria]

In fears that a pirate attack would happen the Byzantine fleet enters the Adriatic Sea.

To The Pope
From Byzantium

We request you send someone to pick up the florins in the North Adriatic Sea.Unfortunately we will not be able to bring the florins to Rome via sea due to a pirate blockade

[The Jonathanian States]

The ayyubid army is currently heading home from Byzantium

OOC: Some details please?
Im not asking for much, but do they go by ship?By land?What are their amounts?
EDIT:
IC:
A messenger arrives at the Venetian Flagship.

To the Captain of the Venetian forces,
I hereby officially agree to your offer of repayment for the crusade.

Sincerely,
King Amalric of Lusignan, I. of Jerusalem

This message is sent to Venice from where immideatly merchant convois and settlers are organised and sent as fast as possible.
Furthermore the Venetian troops take place of the Royal Jerusalemian in the barracks.
Also convois of Volunteer troops, merchants and settlers are organised for tyre.

Venetian Headquarter of the Levant,Acre,Venetian Colony of Levant,Levant
"The French are at Jerusalem.The siege will soon begin.They sent scouts to different directions."
"Interesting.It seems as if they plan on taking it themselves... Send a messenger to them to ask from which flank our troops should advance to the siege.
Also, secure the City, I want nothing looted except trade posts.And with nothing else I mean nothing else.Give the order of execution to whomever may dare loot these now Venetian CItizens.
Furthermore I have been ordered by his Majesty to organise the local patricians and nobles and to -
a establish a city council, influenced by our great council
and b make the council vote on a noble and a patrician delegate who will represent Acre in the Great Council.
The same is to be done also in Tyre."

[Liecthenbourg]

In fears that a pirate attack would happen the Byzantine fleet enters the Adriatic Sea.

To The Pope
From Byzantium

We request you send someone to pick up the florins in the North Adriatic Sea.Unfortunately we will not be able to bring the florins to Rome via sea due to a pirate blockade

The Papal Vessel, its crew ready and the head of the treasury onboard, set sail for the Byzantine navy, the cross on the sails began shining in the sunlight, until it reached a gold hue.