TURN 5 concluded with the Byzantines collapsed in APULIA despite a reasonable start -- they did not disgrace themselves, but in the end succumbed to the Normans qualitative edge.
The battle for PALERMO was something else -- a very good start and a healthy lead for the Muslims early on, which then evaporated as the main infantry line crumbled and the Norman cavalry fought back very effectively ... with some luck and some handy terrain the PALERMO defenders held out for the narrowest of possible victories -- it ended: 56 - 55 = +1% for the Muslims.
Can't get any closer than that. 🤣
TURN 6
We are now into the 1060 - 1071 AD era.
The Norman sea-borne attack was a once-off... so now they are back to land attacks with ONE Intitiative Point.
The Byzantines/Papal side also have ONE IP.
The German Intervention roll was a 5 -- so no activity there.
@chiquichops -- two attack options for your Normans: BRINDISI or CALABRIA.
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
Qualitative edge, eh? What about astute generalship and sheer guts? Seriously, it was a great fight, both were. I'm happy to forget about PALERMO, those Fatimids are a tough nut to crack. It was a more bitter sting to get so close really. I'll make a move on BRINDISI, it's the only way forward here.
I wonder where you'll use your IP... The Papal army was pretty underwhelming last time but can you handle the stress of fighting two Byzantine battles? 😉
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
Normans attack into BRINDISI.
Byzantines have no choice but to counter-attack into APULIA to try and get some breathing space around BARI.
Hoping for some better results this turn against run of play so far. 😎
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
In Constantinople the Emperor receives the welcome, if somewhat astonishing news, of a glorious hard-fought victory over the Norman attackers in BRINDISI.
It ended 60 - 35 = +25% for the Byzantines -- both armies were pretty much shredded at the end of it, but the Romans fought off the Norman knights bravely and held the field of battle in the end.
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
A sad defeat indeed for the Normans, we needed that province. Is this where we run out of steam? We'll do better next time!
Good battle though @rico !
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
So, do you win that one or is it a draw?
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
So, do you win that one or is it a draw?
Technically, according to the letter of the rules, it was a Byzantine win (by 3%) 🤔
Any winning percentage difference in casualties inflicted wins the battle or captures the province if attacking.
The winner of a battle is awarded the IP.
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
You didn't even break a sweat! I wondered what the waiting was about. Maybe asking for a better map would be a good move, it's a bit of a dodgy win, even if I should've checked the rules.
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
Anyway, let's move on. You've got two attacks to set up.
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
You didn't even break a sweat! I wondered what the waiting was about. You could've given me a heads up or asked for another map...
LOL... I thought you'd eventually lose patience and come out fighting.... cause with my weak-ass Byzantines, there was no way I could fight my way into that position.
Let's re-fight it on another map. You want to set it up?
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
Haha, it is true, they don't have the muscle! It was a pretty poor map, let's refight, we get through the turns pretty fast. I'll set up
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
Done, usual PWD
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
Battle refought -- Byzantines started well, but then reverted to form and started crumbling the longer the fight went on.
Byzantine attack on APULIA is defeated and the Byzantine army removed off the map.
Norman attack on BRINDISI was also repulsed.
TURN 7
Both sides have ONE Initiative Point. Normans go first.
The Byzantines roll for new reinforcements -- it's a 1 ... so no new attacks from them.
The German Imperial Intervention roll is a 3 ... so still no Imperial army marching south.
@chiquichops -- attacking BRINDISI again, I presume? 😀
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
Yeah, I'll go for BRINDISI. My obvious goal is to take BARI. I'll set up later, keep an eye out for it.
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
Penultimate turn ... all to play for still!
Normans attacking into BRINDISI again -- hoping Byzantines can hold.
Meanwhile only attacking option are the Papal armies -- who attack into SPOLENTO -- let's see if they can do better this time than that last fiasco. 😆
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
Looking at the map, it seems that on the strategic level feels like a draw. The Normans managed to firmly establish themselves in Italy, whereas the Byzantine presence is still strong, albeit a bit reduced (by one province).
Looking at the map, it seems that on the strategic level feels like a draw. The Normans managed to firmly establish themselves in Italy, whereas the Byzantine presence is still strong, albeit a bit reduced (by one province).
Yes, the victory conditions for the Normans are quite tough in this one -- if @chiquichops manages to win in Brindisi this turn, he can have a go at the historically last strongpoint of Byzantines in Italy, Bari.
One of the most horrible features of war is that all the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting.
- George Orwell, Homage To Catalonia
After @rico very graciously accepted a rematch, I feel I still have a strong position strategically. Apulia is key for both sides. This turn will be a big decider. If I take Brindisi, I can get a crack at Bari. If I lose Spolento, I only have one turn to take it back...
Of course, coming one percentage point away from taking Palermo was a glimpse at a dream!
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates
A 59-63 victory against the Byzantines, what a battle! The Papal states won the day in the other battle, another nail biter too. Turn 7 was a real corker! Now, I'm facing a dilemma: try to recover SPOLENTO or go for BARI. It's not an easy choice.
Nice battles @rico !
"En cualquier dirección que recorras el alma, nunca tropezarás con sus límites." Sócrates