I only got CK a few weeks ago, and have been enjoying it immensely. As such, this is my first AAR and second game, so hopefully all will go well. I've decided to present this AAR in a diary format, and hopefully all goes well.
I chose to play Aragon because they looked to be in a vulnerable position, however there were opportunities to expand south into muslim nations. Interestingly at the start of the game there are 3 different Sancho Jiminez's, as Kings of Aragon, Navarra, and Castille, and a fourth Jiminez, Alfonso , King of Leon. There is also a Jiminez as Duke of Galicia. Confusing.
My aims for this game
-Consolidate my claim as King of Aragon
-Absorb/Destroy the other three Jiminez dynasties
-Free Western Europe of Heathen influences
-Control Northern Africa and bring them into the light of Catholicism
Excerpts from the diary of Sancho Jiminez I of Aragon.
February 5, 1067
So, this is it, so despised by my fellow faithful that I must deal with Infidels. Our esteemed Emir of Mallorca offers, nay, begs for an alliance. I feel the time is not right for an alliance with such heathens, and as such had to politely decline.
August 15
A message arrived today from the Pope, he calls upon us to liberate our holiest of cities, Jerusalem. I expect we'll struggle to do much in our present condition. Sancho of Navarre, the vilest of creatures, threatens my beloved Jaca each day just by existing, he claims Aragon is his by right, however I know Navarra is mine own.
September 13
Much rejoicing is to be had, for my son was born today! Miguel Jiminez, future King of Aragon. I've declared a week of celebration for such a momentous occasion, as the true Jiminez line will continue for another generation. I expect great things from him.
November 11
I have done a dark deed today, however sometimes these things must be done. I've been increasingly concerned with my foul cousin Sancho, it pains me to say. He currently commands more men than I, and quite frankly this perturbs me, as he undoubtedly plots my downfall. Regardless, today I penned a reply missive to the Emir of Sevilla, accepted his offer of an Alliance. I can only hope that such an ally will keep at bay the hounds which no doubt are intent on bringing me low. Perhaps I am too paranoid, perhaps I am justified, perhaps I'll never know. May the pope forgive me for dealing with heathens in such times as these.
November 29
The Emir of Sevilla saw fit to declare war on Cordoba, so, naturally I felt obliged to help him, although it does become a peculiar choice, by helping one infidel I hurt another. Strange days. However, I won't be sending any forces, as I feel Sevilla is more than capable of crushing Cordoba. I have more important things to worry about.
April 29, 1068
Word has come that Mohammed al-Mutamid, Emir of Sevilla has destroyed Cordoba. One less Infidel to plague the world, our work is made easier by the foolish infighting of the infidels.
October 22
Mummadomna, my first daughter was born today, my lady wife is quite pleased, however I must admit to wishing for another healthy son.
January 9, 1070
We march to Urgell, and, if all goes well this could be an important move in history. Last year the Emirate of Zaragoza, on my southern border declared war on my eastern neighbours the Duchy of Catalonia, and much blood has been lost on both sides. The muslims of Zaragoza have taken Urgell, however they have traded it for Zaragoza. As I write this, I believe that Empuries is under seige from the forces of the Emir, which should serve my cause well. We march to war.
April 13
Urgell is mine, just like that. The fools left barely any to resist us, and after a brief seige they surrendered. Urgell is mine, and so is the title of Duke of Spanish Marche, none can oppose my claim. Now we march to Empuries, recently fallen to the heathens.
June 1
I have receieved word that my lady wife has given birth to my second son, Guzmán. Alas I am at war, however, and do not get to see him until I return. Such is life.
September 9
Our first skirmish, finally some resistance. Our seige of Empuries was disturbed by a minor assault from the Zaragoza forces. A successful day, I led the battle from the front and the troops are branding me a hero for my actions. One should not put too much stock in what they say, however even nobility can have their lapses in modesty.
September 10
The Infidels are beaten back! Although it can hardly be called a battle, after 2 days of skirmishing we drive them back, suffering only 6 deaths and leaving them 80 fewer. However, our first field victory of the war should not be underestimated. We still have to maintain the siege here, and it's good to keep morale up.
October 22
At last, a sizeable force opposes us, however, once more we beat them off easily. The heathen forces attacked in a disorganised fashion, and we've beaten them off causing approximately 750 casualties at the cost of only 100 of our own. Great generalship if you ask me.
November 12
Empuries is mine. I now completely control the Spanish Marche. The Heathens shall not again set foot in these castle walls whilst I still draw breath.
It appears I may have to put my words to the test, scouts report a sizeable force approaching, those scum leave me no time to celebrate my conquests.
November 25
Another convincing victory, however somewhat closer than previous engagements. The Heathen's have left 450 of their dead on the field, however we suffered 160 losses of our own. We now march towards Rosello, yet another fresh conquest of Zaragoza.
December 4
Pedro Ramon de Barcelona has seen the light and the wisdom of my rule. The once independent Duke has declared himself to my cause, greatly strengthening my position. At last, recognition. with strong dukes under my banner I can further my cause of uniting the Jiminez dynasties. With time I shall unite all of proper Aragon then force onto Leon and Castille. Justice will be done.
January 13, 1071
Another crushing blow to Zaragoza, they fall beneath the might of my armies. Nearly 900 Heathens fallen to the sword, at the cost of 200 Aragonians. True Aragonians all.
August 11
The siege is finally over, Rosello is ours. Morale is low, the men don't wish to continue fighting like this, however Lleida must be liberated from more infidels. I have arranged peace with the Emirate of Zaragoza, who yields all claims to titles now held by my, and have turned our attentions to the Shiekdom of Molina. We march to Lleida.
November 15
200 enemies lie dead, we have suffered 77 casualties. I must admit to feeling our losses more and more. One can't help but get to know the other men whilst on such a campaign, and I can say that at one stage or another I've had dealings with those that have died today. However a King must be objective, and we must drive these infidels out.
July 6, 1072
Another skirmish today, they continue to harry us whilst we lay seige to Lleida. This war is dragging on far too long. I'd like to go back to my family, see my sons. I have a feeling the men share these thoughts.
August 24
At last, we have liberated Lleida, an end to this damnable seige. Scouts have reported a sizeable force marching towards us, and so we will wait.
October 1
We've smashed their army and sent them retreating back towards Molina, however we'll not follow. I've arranged for peace with the Shiek of Molina, however he refuses to yield his claim to Lleida, and as such I have had to agree to white peace. I am however looking forward to seeing my beloved Jaca once more, and to finally lay eyes upon my second son Guzmán. Reports say he is quite the rowdy lad.
More to come later, I'll try to get through a generation a week. Thoughts/Comments appreciated. It's quite a bit longer than expected.
I chose to play Aragon because they looked to be in a vulnerable position, however there were opportunities to expand south into muslim nations. Interestingly at the start of the game there are 3 different Sancho Jiminez's, as Kings of Aragon, Navarra, and Castille, and a fourth Jiminez, Alfonso , King of Leon. There is also a Jiminez as Duke of Galicia. Confusing.
My aims for this game
-Consolidate my claim as King of Aragon
-Absorb/Destroy the other three Jiminez dynasties
-Free Western Europe of Heathen influences
-Control Northern Africa and bring them into the light of Catholicism
Excerpts from the diary of Sancho Jiminez I of Aragon.
February 5, 1067
So, this is it, so despised by my fellow faithful that I must deal with Infidels. Our esteemed Emir of Mallorca offers, nay, begs for an alliance. I feel the time is not right for an alliance with such heathens, and as such had to politely decline.
August 15
A message arrived today from the Pope, he calls upon us to liberate our holiest of cities, Jerusalem. I expect we'll struggle to do much in our present condition. Sancho of Navarre, the vilest of creatures, threatens my beloved Jaca each day just by existing, he claims Aragon is his by right, however I know Navarra is mine own.
September 13
Much rejoicing is to be had, for my son was born today! Miguel Jiminez, future King of Aragon. I've declared a week of celebration for such a momentous occasion, as the true Jiminez line will continue for another generation. I expect great things from him.
November 11
I have done a dark deed today, however sometimes these things must be done. I've been increasingly concerned with my foul cousin Sancho, it pains me to say. He currently commands more men than I, and quite frankly this perturbs me, as he undoubtedly plots my downfall. Regardless, today I penned a reply missive to the Emir of Sevilla, accepted his offer of an Alliance. I can only hope that such an ally will keep at bay the hounds which no doubt are intent on bringing me low. Perhaps I am too paranoid, perhaps I am justified, perhaps I'll never know. May the pope forgive me for dealing with heathens in such times as these.
November 29
The Emir of Sevilla saw fit to declare war on Cordoba, so, naturally I felt obliged to help him, although it does become a peculiar choice, by helping one infidel I hurt another. Strange days. However, I won't be sending any forces, as I feel Sevilla is more than capable of crushing Cordoba. I have more important things to worry about.
April 29, 1068
Word has come that Mohammed al-Mutamid, Emir of Sevilla has destroyed Cordoba. One less Infidel to plague the world, our work is made easier by the foolish infighting of the infidels.
October 22
Mummadomna, my first daughter was born today, my lady wife is quite pleased, however I must admit to wishing for another healthy son.
January 9, 1070
We march to Urgell, and, if all goes well this could be an important move in history. Last year the Emirate of Zaragoza, on my southern border declared war on my eastern neighbours the Duchy of Catalonia, and much blood has been lost on both sides. The muslims of Zaragoza have taken Urgell, however they have traded it for Zaragoza. As I write this, I believe that Empuries is under seige from the forces of the Emir, which should serve my cause well. We march to war.
April 13
Urgell is mine, just like that. The fools left barely any to resist us, and after a brief seige they surrendered. Urgell is mine, and so is the title of Duke of Spanish Marche, none can oppose my claim. Now we march to Empuries, recently fallen to the heathens.
June 1
I have receieved word that my lady wife has given birth to my second son, Guzmán. Alas I am at war, however, and do not get to see him until I return. Such is life.
September 9
Our first skirmish, finally some resistance. Our seige of Empuries was disturbed by a minor assault from the Zaragoza forces. A successful day, I led the battle from the front and the troops are branding me a hero for my actions. One should not put too much stock in what they say, however even nobility can have their lapses in modesty.
September 10
The Infidels are beaten back! Although it can hardly be called a battle, after 2 days of skirmishing we drive them back, suffering only 6 deaths and leaving them 80 fewer. However, our first field victory of the war should not be underestimated. We still have to maintain the siege here, and it's good to keep morale up.
October 22
At last, a sizeable force opposes us, however, once more we beat them off easily. The heathen forces attacked in a disorganised fashion, and we've beaten them off causing approximately 750 casualties at the cost of only 100 of our own. Great generalship if you ask me.
November 12
Empuries is mine. I now completely control the Spanish Marche. The Heathens shall not again set foot in these castle walls whilst I still draw breath.
It appears I may have to put my words to the test, scouts report a sizeable force approaching, those scum leave me no time to celebrate my conquests.
November 25
Another convincing victory, however somewhat closer than previous engagements. The Heathen's have left 450 of their dead on the field, however we suffered 160 losses of our own. We now march towards Rosello, yet another fresh conquest of Zaragoza.
December 4
Pedro Ramon de Barcelona has seen the light and the wisdom of my rule. The once independent Duke has declared himself to my cause, greatly strengthening my position. At last, recognition. with strong dukes under my banner I can further my cause of uniting the Jiminez dynasties. With time I shall unite all of proper Aragon then force onto Leon and Castille. Justice will be done.
January 13, 1071
Another crushing blow to Zaragoza, they fall beneath the might of my armies. Nearly 900 Heathens fallen to the sword, at the cost of 200 Aragonians. True Aragonians all.
August 11
The siege is finally over, Rosello is ours. Morale is low, the men don't wish to continue fighting like this, however Lleida must be liberated from more infidels. I have arranged peace with the Emirate of Zaragoza, who yields all claims to titles now held by my, and have turned our attentions to the Shiekdom of Molina. We march to Lleida.
November 15
200 enemies lie dead, we have suffered 77 casualties. I must admit to feeling our losses more and more. One can't help but get to know the other men whilst on such a campaign, and I can say that at one stage or another I've had dealings with those that have died today. However a King must be objective, and we must drive these infidels out.
July 6, 1072
Another skirmish today, they continue to harry us whilst we lay seige to Lleida. This war is dragging on far too long. I'd like to go back to my family, see my sons. I have a feeling the men share these thoughts.
August 24
At last, we have liberated Lleida, an end to this damnable seige. Scouts have reported a sizeable force marching towards us, and so we will wait.
October 1
We've smashed their army and sent them retreating back towards Molina, however we'll not follow. I've arranged for peace with the Shiek of Molina, however he refuses to yield his claim to Lleida, and as such I have had to agree to white peace. I am however looking forward to seeing my beloved Jaca once more, and to finally lay eyes upon my second son Guzmán. Reports say he is quite the rowdy lad.
More to come later, I'll try to get through a generation a week. Thoughts/Comments appreciated. It's quite a bit longer than expected.
