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Battle of Languedoc
The plains of Languedoc were silent, with the exception of the occasional chirp of a bird or gust of wind. The green grass slowly swayed from side to side on the cool spring afternoon of May 5th. The silence was soon pierced however by the distinct tap of a drum. The sound gradually grew louder, and was soon followed by the high-pitched whistle of a flute. In the distance the Stratos Italias marched in a three-line attack formation.
At their head, Mega Domestikos Alexandros rode upon his horse, while his three commanders, Georgios Curcuas, Nikolaos Psellus, and Damien Rshtuni rode a short distance behind him. Their scouts had just reported that the Spanish were only a couple of miles ahead of them, and Alexandros was determined to meet their attack with one of his own, rather than settling for a defensive position.
As the sound of the approaching enemy began to fill the air, Alexandros slowly turned his head to glance at his commanders, “There they are. You all know your orders, correct?” His commanders acknowledged him, “Then take your positions.” Alexandros finished in his usual direct tone. Thanks to the Camisards, they were now evenly matched in numbers. Hopefully the superior Roman training and weaponry would prove to be enough to send the rest of the Spanish army home in shambles.
The Captains in the center of the line saluted sharply as Commander Georgios Curcuas rode past them. Taking up a position behind the last centerline, he began issuing orders to his gallopers. This was his first major battle as Center Commander, and he was determined to show the Megas Domestikos that his decision to appoint him had not been erroneous in nature. As he was no longer in direct command of the 19th, he had appointed his former Lieutenant Adrianos Mauropus as its new Captain.
After straightening his uniform, Georgios gave a quick survey of the battlefield, noting the distance of the Spanish army at roughly 1400 yards. Turning to one of his gallopers, Georgios ordered him to have the cannon under his command open fire upon the center of the Spanish army, as Alexandros’ orders had instructed him to do when the Spaniards reached that precise distance.
Moments later the sound of cannon fire echoed across the battlefield as the black spheres sailed overhead at lightning speed. Georgios could clearly see the dirt that was thrown high into the air after each impact.
Peering into his personal telescope, he could tell that several of the Spanish regiments had been hit directly by the cannon fire, some of which had torn through multiple lines of infantry. However, the Spanish remained undeterred, and after closing to 1000 yards, the Spanish cannon began their counterattack.
Alexandros knew his enemy, however. He knew what their cannon’s capabilities were, and had instructed Georgios to have his troops assume a lose formation once the Spaniards came within 1000 yards. Georgios had transmitted this order to the Captains under him, and with a signal from the buglers, they quickly spaced their ranks.
The Spanish cannon fire soared towards their position and impacted violently on the ground, slinging dirt and grass high into the air. Several soldiers in the center of the line were inevitably crushed by the attacks, but casualties were kept relatively low by the spacing of the ranks. The two armies continued to exchange cannon fire, both hoping to soften up the other before the lines met in combat.
The Roman cannon were moved forward slightly to keep pace with the marching Roman Army in between fires, their crews being trained by Alexandros to reload on the move. As the two armies grew closer, the effectiveness of both side’s artillery barrages grew, however the Roman cannon remained far more effective than their Spanish counterparts, as the Spanish army continued to march towards them in tight lines.
Georgios knew that Spanish Generals tended to obsessively promote their tight and disciplined marching formations, even when they were more of a hindrance than a sound tactical maneuver. Many Roman Generals also thought this way unfortunately.
It was common for most European commanders to value the prestigious image of their soldiers in perfect marching lines even when it could potentially cost them the battle. Alexandros was different, however. He had trained the Stratos Italias in a variety of formations suited to any possible combat situation that he could imagine.
As Georgios watched the ‘tight and disciplined’ Spanish infantry lines be cut to pieces by the Roman cannon, while their own, spaced soldiers received relatively few losses, he couldn’t help but admire the Megas Domestikos’ genius.
When the two armies closed to roughly 400 yards, Georgios quickly signaled to his buglers with a wave of his saber, prompting them to give the center its signal to once again close its ranks. The regiments quickly obeyed, forming into tight five-man-deep lines. By this time, the armies were almost within effective musket range, and the cannon fire against the front lines had ceased for fear of striking their own troops.
As the two armies closed to roughly 300 yards, the first shots, by the Romans erupted from the muskets of the soldiers at the front of the army.
As the main body of the Roman and Spanish armies engaged each other, the left wing, consisting mostly of Imperial Heavy Hussars, moved to engage the Spanish cavalry, and prevent them from attempting any flanking maneuver. Saber to saber the horsemen fought, engaged in fierce melee combat with one another. Among them was Damien Rshtuni, fighting along side his men against the Spanish cavalry.
All of his previous attempts to get Georgios killed had only served to help the now Center Commander, while causing Rshtuni to be demoted. Rshtuni had decided, that instead of resorting to petty acts of betrayal and trickery, he would best Curcuas the honest way. After all, he, Damien Rshtuni, was of noble blood. If a mere Bourgeoisie like Georgios could show bravery on the battlefield and inspire his men, he certainly could.
Damien was indeed a capable swordsman, as most of the nobility in the military were, and he was holding his own against the Spaniards. He could feel the influence that his presence had upon his own men. Few things rose morale like having a high-ranking officer fighting on the front lines with their men.
As the Imperial Heavy Hussars proved why they were considered some of the best cavalry in Europe, the Spaniards gradually began retreating. Spain once had famously powerful cavalry themselves, but with the Kingdom falling upon such hard times, the military had indeed suffered. The Spanish soldiers were underpaid and poorly equipped by European Standards. This was truer now than in previous battles during the war, as the Spanish had suffered heavy losses not only in men, but also in valuable equipment.
The cavalry was where this was most clearly shown. Heavy cavalry required not only well crafted swords, but armor as well if they were to be used to maximum efficiency. The loss of this equipment that the Kingdom couldn’t afford to replace in the previous battles of the war had cost the Spanish Army greatly.
As the Spanish cavalry began to retreat en mass, Rshtuni decided to spring his plan into action. He would send his cavalry into the flank of the enemy while they were engaged with the main body, utterly devastating their ranks, and securing him a glorious victory that would impress the Megas Domestikos and regain him his lost rank and prestige.
“Rally around me!” Damien shouted as he rode through the army waving his saber high into the air, most of the Spanish cavalry having retreated in full by this time.
“We have routed the Spaniard’s cavalry brilliantly, and now, we must take the fight to the main body!” Damien shouted to them as he rode to the head of the Left Wing.
“Wedge formation! We will punch a hole into the side of their line!” The Heavy Hussars of the Left Wing quickly obeyed, still confident after their crushing defeat of the Spanish Cavalry. In truth, Damien was acting against his orders to ensure that the Spanish cavalry did not rally afterwards, but he knew that if he were able to pull this maneuver off, any transgression would surely be forgotten.
Raising his saber high, Damien gave the order to charge, riding along near the front of the formation. The force of nearly 4,000 cavalry thundered across the plains of Languedoc, ready to mow down the enemy before them.
Despite the previous bombardment by the artillery, the Spanish center was holding against their Roman counterparts. The Spaniards were fighting with a surprising amount of viciousness and vigor. The loss of their comrades in previous battles at the hands of the Empire, many of whom they knew, had enraged them to the point where they were willing to fight on even though they were underpaid.
Still, Georgios was confident in the battles outcome. The Roman Regiments had mostly remained intact in spite of Spanish cannon fire, and presented a solid wall of fire to the already battered Spanish Infantry. All he had to do now was wait. As long as the cavalry secured the flanks, the center would be able to crush the enemy.
The lines had yet to close to melee combat, both sides exchanging fire with one another at roughly 100 yards. The Roman muskets, being better constructed gave the Imperial Infantry a distinct advantage in both reload time and accuracy.
As the battle seemingly continued to progress as the Megas Domestikos had planned, Georgios stretched his limbs slightly while still mounted upon his horse.
“It should be over soon…” He muttered to himself. However, his confidence was suddenly shaken when he caught an unexpected sight out of the corner of his eye. It was the left wing, and instead of ensuring that the Spanish cavalry remained in retreat, they were heading towards the right flank of the enemy center.
“What the hell is going on?!” Georgios cursed, watching in shock as the Imperial Heavy Hussars collided with the main body of the Spanish army. This was not part of the plan, the cavalry were supposed to guard the flanks and leave the main body to the Roman Center. Was there a change in plan that he wasn’t told about?
“No…” He muttered to himself, “This attack is far too disorganized to be part of the Megas Domestikos’ plan…” It looked more like something that had been rashly planned at the last minute. Attacking the side alone was foolish, the Spanish had a large numerical advantage against them, and if they were able to rally, the left flank could find itself surrounded. But at the moment, all Georgios could do was watch with concern as the left wing foolishly tried to take on the main body of the enemy army by itself.
His concern soon turned to horror however, when he saw the Spanish cavalry that had previously been routed by the left wing heading back, their commander apparently being able to rally them. Either the left wing commander did not see them, or could not disengage to face them, but the Spanish cavalry were rapidly charging towards the rear of the already engaged left wing. It was apparent that the left wing was indeed about to find itself surrounded by the enemy.
Another Spanish soldier fell to the ground as Damien’s sword slashed him across the chest. Raising his blade high, he shouted to his men, “Keep fighting! We shall win a great victory for Constantinople this day!” Despite his proud display, he knew they need the encouragement. The Spanish center was putting up a surprisingly hard fight despite being hit from the flank. He was still confident however in their victory.
His ears were soon filled with the screams of men and horses however, causing him to quickly turn his horse to see what was happening behind him.
It was the Spanish cavalry! They had somehow managed to rally and attack their rear. Damien felt his heart sink at the sight. Why had he forgotten to send a detachment of cavalry to make sure they didn’t rally? Damien clenched the reigns of his horse tightly, cursing his rashness in the flanking maneuver.
What just five minutes earlier had seemed like an effective flanking maneuver to the soldiers of the left wing had quickly turned into a chaotic fight for survival against an enemy that now surrounded them. Despite the superiority of the Imperial Heavy Hussars, being attacked from both sides was quickly taking its toll on their ranks. Several Spanish regiments had fully disengaged from the main body and turned to face the left wing, pinning them in with no place to escape. Damien continued to fight desperately in the center of the chaotic grand melee, cutting down infantry and cavalry alike.
Soldiers of the left wing were fighting ferociously for their lives against the Spaniards, hoping for a miracle. However such a thing seemed but a fading dream as the brave Hussars continued to fall one by one, and the Spanish encirclement grew ever tighter. Despite Damien fighting with all that he had, the inevitable finally happened, as a stray musket shot hit his horse cleanly in the head, causing it to scream out in pain before falling onto its side, pinning Damien under it in the process.
Damien coughed up blood as his body was smashed against the ground by the horse, gazing up at the sky helplessly as the battle continued to rage around him. He no longer knew what was happening, as he could only hear the clashing of bayonets against sabers, of musket shots and screaming men and horses.
He could feel it; he knew that he was going to die. He was pinned to the ground, helpless. All someone would have to do would be to walk over to him and cut his head off.
Damien slowly closed his eyes and waited. Was this his punishment for trying to kill Georgios and the 19th? Or perhaps for a lifetime of treating people as if they were worthless. Perhaps a combination. As he lay there waiting for his would be killer, he couldn’t bring himself to say that his fate was unfair. He had brought far too much suffering on others to complain about his own life, he knew that.
And then, over the constant sound of battle, he heard footsteps. He could feel him approaching. He was running, why was he running? Damien knew he couldn’t go anywhere, so why run?
“Commander Rshtuni!” A voice shouted to him over the cries of battle.
A voice? Who was calling out to him? Had he not come to end his life?
Damien slowly opened his eyes, straining to see the man before him.
“Who are you…?” Damien managed to choke out as he strained to speak. The man, as well as three others beside him simply moved to lift his fallen mount off of him. After this task was complete they quickly helped him to his feet. Damien was close to losing consciousness at this point and was barely able to help himself along.
The sounds of battle seem to have quietened somewhat, what had happened? Was he being taken for ransom? He was soon laid on a cloth stretcher by his supposed “rescuers” and was being carried away from the battlefield quickly. Turning his head back to the battle to try and catch some glimpse of whom the one that carried him there was, he soon found his eyes wide in shock.
While for a moment, an otherwise straightforward battle threatened to become complicated, quick action on the part of the Center Commander prevented the Left Wing from being encircled. Riding forward from his relatively safe position, Georgios took the 19th, 14th, and 11th regiments and lead them into battle against the Spanish cavalry that had the Left Wing pinned down. With the Spanish cavalry now attacked on their flank, their own flanking maneuver quickly broke apart and their ranks were shattered.
Turning on the infantry, the Left Wing was finally able to disengage and reorganize despite their commander being injured. After this, it was not long before the battle ended. The Roman center overtook their Spanish counterparts, forcing one of the largest mass retreats and surrenders of the war thus far. The Spanish army was devastated after this defeat, granting a great victory to the Empire.
The battle was over…he could see soldiers celebrating in the distance as he lay in his bed. The doctors informed him that when the horse fell upon him, his ribs had been badly fractured. He would need to be removed from the Stratos Italias for the time being.
Damien simply looked up at the sky as he lay there, still in pain, but no longer in danger of losing his life. He once again heard footsteps, and he quickly glanced to his side to see Center Commander Georgios standing there, looking at him.
“How are your injuries, Commander Rshtuni?” Georgios questioned him as he scanned his condition with his eyes. Damien was surprised to say the least that he had come there just to ask such a question. He hardly owed him anything. In fact, most would say Damien owed Georgios his life and then some for the crimes he had committed against him. Damien slowly rose up in his bed, looking Georgios in the eye
“Why did you save me back there? After I tried to get you killed, after I tried to ruin your military career, why would you save someone like me?” He questioned Georgios, sounding sincere for once in his life. Georgios paused for a moment, looking down at Damien before he finally smiled,
“Maybe you remind me of someone I once knew.” He replied.
“Someone…you once knew?” Damien questioned, still somewhat confused.
“Yeah, a long time ago.” Georgios finished, gazing up at the sky, as if he were reminiscing about happier times.
Damien didn’t really know what to say, all he had done was try and make Georgios’ life miserable, and yet now, he had saved him. He didn’t deserve it, and he knew it.
“Commander…” Damien said quietly, “I’m…sorry…” He managed to choke out. He had never apologized to anyone in his life. Georgios looked legitimately shocked to hear that, but managed to laugh.
“I know, don’t worry yourself over such things.” Georgios said with a wave of his hand.
Damien shook his head slightly, “Sorry is not enough for what I have done. I honestly don’t know what I can say, or if it would do any good to say it.” He said in a truly apologetic tone. Georgios rubbed the back of his head slightly,
“Don’t start getting all sentimental, it’s in the past as far as I’m concerned…as long as you don’t pull anything like that again.” He said, arching an eyebrow at Damien.
Damien slowly glanced down at his cot, “I won’t.” He said dryly. He did not know what to say, the amount of forgiveness shown by Georgios was unheard of, at least to him. Where he came from, people were mere tools to be exploited for ones own ends. That was how he was raised. He had always been taught, and believed that he was born superior to others, but now it had become clear to him that rather than Georgios, it was he who was scum. A lesser human being. For one so willing to forgive a man who had tried to kill him not once, but twice, and to even go as far as to save his life when he had nothing at all to gain from it was truly worthy of being called a Nobleman.
As he watched Georgios walk away, Damien Rshtuni could only shake his head slightly, “Georgios Curcuas…the Megas Domestikos was right. You truly are interesting, but naïve.” He smiled slightly, “I hope that naivety never costs you your life, for there are those out there who are far worse than I…Good luck my foolish friend…” Damien said, watching the man who saved his life walk away, and for once, he saw him for the great man that he was.
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The Battle of Languedoc ended in a decisive victory for the Roman Empire over their Spanish enemies, crippling the Spanish army and removing their ability to mount offensive military campaigns for the next few years. Together with the ambush by the Camisards, the Spaniards lost over 15,000 troops, with most of the rest being captured or wounded. It was one of the worst defeats in Spanish military history.
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Whew! Took me a while to finally get an update out huh? But here you go. Sorry guys, I've just had absolutely no inspiration to write lately, and without that everything I write tends to come out subpar, which I can't stand posting.
But I'm feeling a bit better now, so I hope you enjoy that. I'll try and choke out another one soon for ya.
The update was well worth the wait!
A great victory. The 19th in the thick of it again, could be the regimental motto, helping to defeat the Spanish right wing cavalry, whose commander seems rather able.
I'm wondering whether that army will now proceed into Spain or continue to take provinces of France and what the Roman Empire's intentions are territory wise in the west?
A great victory. The 19th in the thick of it again, could be the regimental motto, helping to defeat the Spanish right wing cavalry, whose commander seems rather able.
I'm wondering whether that army will now proceed into Spain or continue to take provinces of France and what the Roman Empire's intentions are territory wise in the west?
Great battle description, SeanB, as always. I sense a complete and decisive victory over the French and Spanish is nearing. I too, as Chief Ragusa, am very interested in knowing what you want to gain from this war. Making the French your vassals perhaps?
-TGD
-TGD
Just caught up...great AAR so far.
Would you mind posting a screenshot of your empire?
Would you mind posting a screenshot of your empire?
Looks like Constantinople will maintain the initiative in this war, though it looked dicey for a bit there. I also am wondering what you are planning to do with France and Spain, post war.
Hmmmm... You are not falling into the dark abyss of the paranormal with Georgios, are you?
Glad to see your back Sean, and I can't belive I missed one update (well more reading for me ). As allways great writing. one thing I'm wondering (as everyone) what are youre post war plans? Personly I think you should take the balers and gibraltar from spain so that no one could argu that you are the master of the Mediterranean.
). As allways great writing. one thing I'm wondering (as everyone) what are youre post war plans? Personly I think you should take the balers and gibraltar from spain so that no one could argu that you are the master of the Mediterranean.
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Novea: No, at this point doing such a thing would be highly unrealistic. Reconquering the Roman Empire in the 19th century? If you even tried all of Europe would resolve its conflicts and turn against you, including the UK.
Chief Ragusa: Probably Baleres Islands, but we can't take Gibralter, as the UK grabbed it via event from Spain early in the war.
The-Great-Dane: Eh, I think making France a vassal is a wee bit wild, don't you think? I doubt the other allies would historically have accepted this, since they went to war to maintain the balance of power. Plus, the French people don't seem to be the type to be reduced to vassal status for any extended length of time.
Cyrus-the-Great: All in good time my friend, all in good time.
Max: You'll have to wait for specific end war details at the actual end of the war.
Zuckergußgebäck: ...? I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean. I don't remember Georgios doing anything remotely "paranormal".
Mr. C & Rirre: Thanks guys. We will see how it all turns out. Though Spain already can't project much power in the Mediterranean, so I might be nice and let them off easy.
Chief Ragusa: Probably Baleres Islands, but we can't take Gibralter, as the UK grabbed it via event from Spain early in the war.
The-Great-Dane: Eh, I think making France a vassal is a wee bit wild, don't you think? I doubt the other allies would historically have accepted this, since they went to war to maintain the balance of power. Plus, the French people don't seem to be the type to be reduced to vassal status for any extended length of time.
Cyrus-the-Great: All in good time my friend, all in good time.
Max: You'll have to wait for specific end war details at the actual end of the war.
Zuckergußgebäck: ...? I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean. I don't remember Georgios doing anything remotely "paranormal".
Mr. C & Rirre: Thanks guys. We will see how it all turns out. Though Spain already can't project much power in the Mediterranean, so I might be nice and let them off easy.
"You remember me of someone I knew once". To me, this sends the signal of Georgios beeing several hundred years old and having met some ancient byzantine chap. Although I could be wrong...SeanB said:
Yes... could we get a map?
Please????
Anyway... great stuff so far. How crushing was that victory anyway? Do you not have to worry about the Spanish ever again this war or what?
Please????
Anyway... great stuff so far. How crushing was that victory anyway? Do you not have to worry about the Spanish ever again this war or what?
After the defeat of the Spanish army, the fall of Languedoc followed two months later. Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious seemed to have a free hand in southern France. Spain’s offensive capabilities had been shattered at the Battle of Languedoc, and the army of France was severely tied down by the Germans, English and Dutch. Quickly marching the Stratos Italias towards Cevennes to join up with the Romelia Tagma, the two armies assaulted the fortress protecting the provincial capital of Aurillac. Though the French garrison fought hard, in the end their efforts were futile against the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Imperial Army.
By the time Cevennes had been fully secured however, it was November. The Pro-Catholic “White” Camisards had conducted a somewhat effective guerilla campaign against the invading Roman Army, delaying them in their efforts to pacify the region. By the end of the first week of November however, Cevennes was nominally under Roman control.
The Grand Domestic, realizing winter was upon him left reasonable garrisons of troops behind in the cities and ordered the Imperial Army to march back to Italy in order to reorganize and camp out for the winter. The army’s supply line was becoming increasingly overstretched as they pushed deeper into France, making the Grand Domestic weary of attempting to set up camp within France again, considering the heavy casualties they suffered during the previous attempt.
Opposition from his commanders however convinced him to make camp in Savoie, which was still fairly close to their supply center in Genoa, but would allow them to respond to any French counterattacks more efficiently.
Both the Stratos Italias and Romelia Tagma made camp in Savoie for the next three months. The Emperor in Constantinople had ordered that once winter had ended, the Grand Domestic was to take the province of Roussillon, a province in the far south of France that bordered with Spain.
The Emperor wanted a land rout to Spain opened before his planned invasion commenced. The Balearics had already fallen that past year, and Gibraltar was in the hands of England.
A land rout would allow the allies to invade Spain from four sides. One from the north through southern France, one from the South through English-controlled Gibraltar, one from the Sea from the Balearics, and with Portugal promising to join there alliance, one from there as well.
The plan was for a simultaneous attack from all four sides, all gradually pushing towards the Spanish capital of Madrid in order to crush all resistance.
Spain’s army would be too weakened to defend their country properly from a simultaneous four-pronged attack.
This plan however, while it might have looked effective on paper, was in fact far too complex of a strategy when the relatively slow methods of communication present then were taken into account. Even the fastest ships and horses would be unable to send information between the four armies at the speed that an operation that depended so heavily on careful timing like this one required.
On February 6th, both the Romelia Tagma and Stratos Italias marched on Roussillon. It was defended by only a small fortress and garrison, and despite a fierce resistance, had fallen to the invading armies by March 4th.
The northern rout to Spain was now open to the Empire, however the armies supply line was already dangerously overstretched, forcing them to withdraw from the province after setting up a small garrison.
At the same time that the powers of eastern and central Europe were fighting the War of the Spanish Succession, the northern powers, Sweden and Russia were fighting there own war, The Great Northern War. The nations of Denmark and Poland, as well as the HRE electorates of Saxony, Mecklenburg and Holstein had also been dragged into the conflict on one side of another. While Russia had a strong numerical advantage against the Swedes, they were more than holding there own.
Though Russia seemed as if it could simply overrun Sweden with its vastly superior numbers, revolts had broken out throughout Russia due to government instability and war weariness. This required large numbers of troops to quell, leaving them unable to devote a truly adequate number of soldiers to either task.
Once such province that had managed to break free of Russia was the Principality of Abkhazia. Knowing that they would not be able to remain independent against Russia alone, the Prince of Abkhazia sent a plea to Emperor Konstantinos XV to send a tagma to Abkhazia to protect it from Russian reprisal.
While Emperor Konstantinos normally would have gladly moved to protect a newly independent Orthodox state on the Black Sea Coast, the Empire was already heavily engaged in its war with France.
Becoming involved on a second front with its large northern neighbor could prove disastrous and would be an unpopular move with the people of the Empire who were already becoming weary of the war with France, and would loath another potentially long and brutal war, especially against another Orthodox nation.
The support of the common people was something the Emperor could not afford to lose at this time. Much of the Aristocracy opposed him because of his support of the Meritocratic Policies that had been slowly taking over the Empire since the 15th century. The Bourgeoisie still technically supported him, however in the past few years they had began pushing for a separate legislative branch and constitutional law similar to that in Britain. Their demands were becoming increasingly stern as the war progressed, and the Emperor was increasingly forced to rely on the reverence and loyalty that the common people held for him and the Imperial Throne.
However, though the common people still loved the Emperor, very few if any held any positions of power. If he were to fully lose the support of the middle class, then he would risk losing the throne entirely, and if he resisted the Empire could descend into civil war. The Emperor was forced to bide his time and hope for a quick resolution to the war. Abkhazia was forced to stand on its own, though the Empire did send it weapons and several hundred thousand ducats in support.
A strong French offensive had pushed its way into central Germany in early 1706, forcing the Holy Roman Empire on the defensive once more, while France was allowed to relocate some of their armies to check any other attacks in southern France.
In order the counter this threat; Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious left the Romelia Tagma to guard southern France from any potential counterattack, while he proceeded into Northern Spain with the newly re-supplied Stratos Italias.
Landings in the Valencia and Gibraltar followed, while King Pedro II of Portugal marched with his army towards Madrid. At first, the battered Spanish army was unable to stop the four-pronged attack by the allies, their overstretched armies buckling under superior allied numbers. Within months of the campaign’s start, Portugal had successfully captured Madrid and forced the King of Spain to flee and regroup his forces. Portuguese troops marched into Madrid on June 28th, and acclaimed Archduke Charles of Austria King of Spain.
King Philip appealed to his people however, to drive the foreign invaders from their home. While the Catalan population of former Aragon gave the allies support, the Castilian population strongly resisted them in many areas, especially near the center of Spain. Under the Duke of Berwick, the Spanish army succeeded in driving Portugal from Madrid, towards Valencia were the Roman army was camped.
Through well planned maneuvering, the Duke of Berwick cut off the allied armies communications, and by the end of 1706, had managed to gain the advantage with the arrival of French reinforcements. Isolated from Portugal and the Catalan rebels by the Duke of Berwick, the Franco-Spanish army moved on the allied army in Valencia, hoping to deal a decisive blow to the allied armies in Spain and drive them back into the sea…
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There you go. I would have wrote an update sooner but I came down with a nasty head cold (right on Thanksgiving too!) and felt too stuffed up to really think clearly. But I hope you enjoy!
By the time Cevennes had been fully secured however, it was November. The Pro-Catholic “White” Camisards had conducted a somewhat effective guerilla campaign against the invading Roman Army, delaying them in their efforts to pacify the region. By the end of the first week of November however, Cevennes was nominally under Roman control.
The Grand Domestic, realizing winter was upon him left reasonable garrisons of troops behind in the cities and ordered the Imperial Army to march back to Italy in order to reorganize and camp out for the winter. The army’s supply line was becoming increasingly overstretched as they pushed deeper into France, making the Grand Domestic weary of attempting to set up camp within France again, considering the heavy casualties they suffered during the previous attempt.
Opposition from his commanders however convinced him to make camp in Savoie, which was still fairly close to their supply center in Genoa, but would allow them to respond to any French counterattacks more efficiently.
Both the Stratos Italias and Romelia Tagma made camp in Savoie for the next three months. The Emperor in Constantinople had ordered that once winter had ended, the Grand Domestic was to take the province of Roussillon, a province in the far south of France that bordered with Spain.
The Emperor wanted a land rout to Spain opened before his planned invasion commenced. The Balearics had already fallen that past year, and Gibraltar was in the hands of England.
A land rout would allow the allies to invade Spain from four sides. One from the north through southern France, one from the South through English-controlled Gibraltar, one from the Sea from the Balearics, and with Portugal promising to join there alliance, one from there as well.
The plan was for a simultaneous attack from all four sides, all gradually pushing towards the Spanish capital of Madrid in order to crush all resistance.
Spain’s army would be too weakened to defend their country properly from a simultaneous four-pronged attack.
This plan however, while it might have looked effective on paper, was in fact far too complex of a strategy when the relatively slow methods of communication present then were taken into account. Even the fastest ships and horses would be unable to send information between the four armies at the speed that an operation that depended so heavily on careful timing like this one required.
On February 6th, both the Romelia Tagma and Stratos Italias marched on Roussillon. It was defended by only a small fortress and garrison, and despite a fierce resistance, had fallen to the invading armies by March 4th.
The northern rout to Spain was now open to the Empire, however the armies supply line was already dangerously overstretched, forcing them to withdraw from the province after setting up a small garrison.
At the same time that the powers of eastern and central Europe were fighting the War of the Spanish Succession, the northern powers, Sweden and Russia were fighting there own war, The Great Northern War. The nations of Denmark and Poland, as well as the HRE electorates of Saxony, Mecklenburg and Holstein had also been dragged into the conflict on one side of another. While Russia had a strong numerical advantage against the Swedes, they were more than holding there own.
Though Russia seemed as if it could simply overrun Sweden with its vastly superior numbers, revolts had broken out throughout Russia due to government instability and war weariness. This required large numbers of troops to quell, leaving them unable to devote a truly adequate number of soldiers to either task.
Once such province that had managed to break free of Russia was the Principality of Abkhazia. Knowing that they would not be able to remain independent against Russia alone, the Prince of Abkhazia sent a plea to Emperor Konstantinos XV to send a tagma to Abkhazia to protect it from Russian reprisal.
While Emperor Konstantinos normally would have gladly moved to protect a newly independent Orthodox state on the Black Sea Coast, the Empire was already heavily engaged in its war with France.
Becoming involved on a second front with its large northern neighbor could prove disastrous and would be an unpopular move with the people of the Empire who were already becoming weary of the war with France, and would loath another potentially long and brutal war, especially against another Orthodox nation.
The support of the common people was something the Emperor could not afford to lose at this time. Much of the Aristocracy opposed him because of his support of the Meritocratic Policies that had been slowly taking over the Empire since the 15th century. The Bourgeoisie still technically supported him, however in the past few years they had began pushing for a separate legislative branch and constitutional law similar to that in Britain. Their demands were becoming increasingly stern as the war progressed, and the Emperor was increasingly forced to rely on the reverence and loyalty that the common people held for him and the Imperial Throne.
However, though the common people still loved the Emperor, very few if any held any positions of power. If he were to fully lose the support of the middle class, then he would risk losing the throne entirely, and if he resisted the Empire could descend into civil war. The Emperor was forced to bide his time and hope for a quick resolution to the war. Abkhazia was forced to stand on its own, though the Empire did send it weapons and several hundred thousand ducats in support.
A strong French offensive had pushed its way into central Germany in early 1706, forcing the Holy Roman Empire on the defensive once more, while France was allowed to relocate some of their armies to check any other attacks in southern France.
In order the counter this threat; Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious left the Romelia Tagma to guard southern France from any potential counterattack, while he proceeded into Northern Spain with the newly re-supplied Stratos Italias.
Landings in the Valencia and Gibraltar followed, while King Pedro II of Portugal marched with his army towards Madrid. At first, the battered Spanish army was unable to stop the four-pronged attack by the allies, their overstretched armies buckling under superior allied numbers. Within months of the campaign’s start, Portugal had successfully captured Madrid and forced the King of Spain to flee and regroup his forces. Portuguese troops marched into Madrid on June 28th, and acclaimed Archduke Charles of Austria King of Spain.
King Philip appealed to his people however, to drive the foreign invaders from their home. While the Catalan population of former Aragon gave the allies support, the Castilian population strongly resisted them in many areas, especially near the center of Spain. Under the Duke of Berwick, the Spanish army succeeded in driving Portugal from Madrid, towards Valencia were the Roman army was camped.
Through well planned maneuvering, the Duke of Berwick cut off the allied armies communications, and by the end of 1706, had managed to gain the advantage with the arrival of French reinforcements. Isolated from Portugal and the Catalan rebels by the Duke of Berwick, the Franco-Spanish army moved on the allied army in Valencia, hoping to deal a decisive blow to the allied armies in Spain and drive them back into the sea…
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There you go. I would have wrote an update sooner but I came down with a nasty head cold (right on Thanksgiving too!) and felt too stuffed up to really think clearly. But I hope you enjoy!
One of those decisive battles looming. The Duke of Berwick forced the Portuguese out of Madrid, did he, the bastard? The Stratos Italia will put paid to him and that french puppet.
Interesting that the political situation back home is so volatile. Looking to knock Spain out of the War is the right strategy. Then you can concentrate on France. French colonies, anyone?
Interesting that the political situation back home is so volatile. Looking to knock Spain out of the War is the right strategy. Then you can concentrate on France. French colonies, anyone?
This is looking to be one tough war. And how is our good friend, Georgios doing? Is he in Spain, or France, or Italy? If he was in Spain then I have to wonder why he wasn't mentioned in that last update...
Zucker: Err...okay...?
Mr. C & Joeb: I'm holding the map off on purpose until a special time. I'll have a surprise for you when you next see the map.
Chief Ragusa: Yes, the Emperor certainly has his hands full back home at the moment. The outcome of that might be something worth watching.
Patrick: Thank you. Yes, I always wondered what throwing in an extra nation to a historically decisive battle would be like.
Joeb(second post): Georgios is in Spain with the Stratos Italias. The reason he was not mentioned was because that post was using historical narrative, and Georgios at the moment is still simply an officer within the Stratos Italias. Officers are rarely mentioned in such texts, the commanding Generals usually taking the credit.
Mr. C & Joeb: I'm holding the map off on purpose until a special time. I'll have a surprise for you when you next see the map.
Chief Ragusa: Yes, the Emperor certainly has his hands full back home at the moment. The outcome of that might be something worth watching.
Patrick: Thank you. Yes, I always wondered what throwing in an extra nation to a historically decisive battle would be like.
Joeb(second post): Georgios is in Spain with the Stratos Italias. The reason he was not mentioned was because that post was using historical narrative, and Georgios at the moment is still simply an officer within the Stratos Italias. Officers are rarely mentioned in such texts, the commanding Generals usually taking the credit.
When the Stratos Italias invaded northern Spain in early 1706, it was only able to bring roughly 10,000 troops due to supply issues. The army’s goal was to capture the supply routs that connected Spain to France. While the Stratos Italias under Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious easily won any skirmishes with the Spanish Army it had, the fierce resistance of the Castilian population and their reluctance to part with the supplies the army needed greatly slowed their progress.
In December of 1706, France, their offensive against Germany earlier that year having freed up troops, sent a large army of reinforcements into Spain.
The Stratos Italias, having recently gotten word of Portugal’s defeat at Madrid, feared that the French reinforcements and the Spanish army under the Duke of Berwick would attempt to attack them from both the North and South.
Knowing he was greatly outnumbered by the combined strength of both armies, Alexandros chose to retreat into areas held by the Catalan rebels.
The Duke of Berwick managed to unite with the French army and forced the English in the south of France to flee to the eastern coast of Spain in February of 1707.
Alexandros and the Count of Galway managed to link up at Valencia, and upon hearing of the Franco-Spanish armies approach, opted to take up a defensive position near the Spanish city of Almansa.
The army at Almansa consisted mainly of British, Portuguese and Greek troops. Command was divided between three men: Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious, Marquis de Ruvigny, Count of Galway and Marques das Minas, counsellor of War of Portugal.
This divided command however was anything but stable. While the allied army was divided amongst three generals, the Duke of Berwick alone commanded the Franco-Spanish army, giving it a single centralized command.
On the eve of battle, a set strategy had yet to be determined by the three generals, as they continued to bicker amongst themselves about what the best course of action would be…
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“Listen, we must commit our reserves into an all out attack on the Bourbon center! They will not be expecting such a bold move, and we will be able to utterly shatter their battle line.” The Count of Galway said, pounding his fist on the table.
“What? That would leave us completely open to a counterattack! He has the numerical advantage, so must fight this battle defensively.” Alexandros Beliarious countered with a slight sigh at his counterpart’s rashness.
“My cavalry will rip through their defenses easily! My forces need to be placed near the right wing so that they can launch an all out charge on the flank of the enemy!” Portuguese Counsellor of War Marques das Minas boasted strongly.
“Such rashness will only bring defeat! We must let the enemy tire himself out against our defenses! We do not have the numbers to attack!” Alexandros shouted in protest.
“This is no time for cowardice, Grand Domestic Beliarious! We must bring the fight to our enemies, and crush them with the superior training and discipline of our soldiers!” Galway shouted back, raising a clenched fist to symbolize the “crushing” of their enemy.
“My cavalry are the best in all of Iberia, they will cut through the Spanish left flank like a knife through hot butter!” Marques once again boasted.
“No! We must assault their center with our reserves, that is the only option for victory!” Galway shouted to the Portuguese general.
“Gentlemen!” Alexandros shouted, slamming both of his hands on the table, causing a small cup of tea to fall to the ground and shatter “Any attack will only serve to leave us open to reprisal by our enemy! We must make them come for us, and fight on our terms!” Alexandros pleaded angrily.
As the cup fell the ground, spilling the hot tea onto the floor, tempers only flared. “If you are too unreasonable to see the correctness of my plan, then I shall carry it out alone!” Galway said, picking the map up off the table and throwing it to the ground.
“That is fine by me! My cavalry shall carry this day alone if need be!” Marques shouted, turning and storming out of the tent.
Alexandros once again slammed his fist on the table, “Damned fools, all of them!”
A distance away from the command tent, Center Commander Georgios Curcuas sat upon his horse, looking on as the army practiced battlefield maneuvers for the upcoming conflict. He had changed from the man he was 2 years earlier.
His face was now home to a modest beard and mustache. His eyes had a hardness about them that only came from countless battles, many of which were he had to watched men die as a result of his orders. He was a seasoned commander now, but he did not like the sound of the shouting coming from the command tent in the distance.
“Our generals are fighting…if we have a divided command on the day of battle we will hand victory to our enemy.” Georgios muttered to himself as he glanced at the tent. Soon the sight of Marques and Galway storming out of the tent to go there separate ways was seen. Georgios could only shake his head. “Has this battle already been lost?”
In December of 1706, France, their offensive against Germany earlier that year having freed up troops, sent a large army of reinforcements into Spain.
The Stratos Italias, having recently gotten word of Portugal’s defeat at Madrid, feared that the French reinforcements and the Spanish army under the Duke of Berwick would attempt to attack them from both the North and South.
Knowing he was greatly outnumbered by the combined strength of both armies, Alexandros chose to retreat into areas held by the Catalan rebels.
The Duke of Berwick managed to unite with the French army and forced the English in the south of France to flee to the eastern coast of Spain in February of 1707.
Alexandros and the Count of Galway managed to link up at Valencia, and upon hearing of the Franco-Spanish armies approach, opted to take up a defensive position near the Spanish city of Almansa.
The army at Almansa consisted mainly of British, Portuguese and Greek troops. Command was divided between three men: Grand Domestic Alexandros Beliarious, Marquis de Ruvigny, Count of Galway and Marques das Minas, counsellor of War of Portugal.
This divided command however was anything but stable. While the allied army was divided amongst three generals, the Duke of Berwick alone commanded the Franco-Spanish army, giving it a single centralized command.
On the eve of battle, a set strategy had yet to be determined by the three generals, as they continued to bicker amongst themselves about what the best course of action would be…
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“Listen, we must commit our reserves into an all out attack on the Bourbon center! They will not be expecting such a bold move, and we will be able to utterly shatter their battle line.” The Count of Galway said, pounding his fist on the table.
“What? That would leave us completely open to a counterattack! He has the numerical advantage, so must fight this battle defensively.” Alexandros Beliarious countered with a slight sigh at his counterpart’s rashness.
“My cavalry will rip through their defenses easily! My forces need to be placed near the right wing so that they can launch an all out charge on the flank of the enemy!” Portuguese Counsellor of War Marques das Minas boasted strongly.
“Such rashness will only bring defeat! We must let the enemy tire himself out against our defenses! We do not have the numbers to attack!” Alexandros shouted in protest.
“This is no time for cowardice, Grand Domestic Beliarious! We must bring the fight to our enemies, and crush them with the superior training and discipline of our soldiers!” Galway shouted back, raising a clenched fist to symbolize the “crushing” of their enemy.
“My cavalry are the best in all of Iberia, they will cut through the Spanish left flank like a knife through hot butter!” Marques once again boasted.
“No! We must assault their center with our reserves, that is the only option for victory!” Galway shouted to the Portuguese general.
“Gentlemen!” Alexandros shouted, slamming both of his hands on the table, causing a small cup of tea to fall to the ground and shatter “Any attack will only serve to leave us open to reprisal by our enemy! We must make them come for us, and fight on our terms!” Alexandros pleaded angrily.
As the cup fell the ground, spilling the hot tea onto the floor, tempers only flared. “If you are too unreasonable to see the correctness of my plan, then I shall carry it out alone!” Galway said, picking the map up off the table and throwing it to the ground.
“That is fine by me! My cavalry shall carry this day alone if need be!” Marques shouted, turning and storming out of the tent.
Alexandros once again slammed his fist on the table, “Damned fools, all of them!”
A distance away from the command tent, Center Commander Georgios Curcuas sat upon his horse, looking on as the army practiced battlefield maneuvers for the upcoming conflict. He had changed from the man he was 2 years earlier.
His face was now home to a modest beard and mustache. His eyes had a hardness about them that only came from countless battles, many of which were he had to watched men die as a result of his orders. He was a seasoned commander now, but he did not like the sound of the shouting coming from the command tent in the distance.
“Our generals are fighting…if we have a divided command on the day of battle we will hand victory to our enemy.” Georgios muttered to himself as he glanced at the tent. Soon the sight of Marques and Galway storming out of the tent to go there separate ways was seen. Georgios could only shake his head. “Has this battle already been lost?”