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Post by macbeth on Jan 17, 2021 10:37:20 GMT
The Italian Job – CRWG Campaign for 2021
Sunday January 10th marked the start of our club’s latest DBA Campaign. This year’s setting was the Italian Peninsular in the early 1050s as the Normans contest for power with the various entrenched states.
In effect we have restarted the campaign that stalled last year due to plague.
The starting line-up was
The County of Apulia – David Lonsdale – Red – III/51 Norman
The Duchy of Calabria – David Lawrence – Light Blue – III/21b Italian Lombard
The Empire of the Romans – Michael Callan – Purple – III/76 Konstantinian Byzantine
The Emirate of Sicily – Jon Willacy – Brown – III/33 Early Muslim Sicily & North Africa
The Patrimony of St Peter – Phil Baldoni – Yellow – III/77 Papal Italian
The Mach of Tuscany – Gary Moriarty – III/73a Communal Italian
1050
Spring
Papal forces invade the March of Tuscany. The battle of Pisa is a bloody affair but ends in a Tuscan victory after the Papal general is killed. Both sides suffer significant losses.
The Tuscans pursue the retreating Papal army which turns to fight at Ostia. The battle of Ostia is primarily decided by a fight between the Calabrian (supporting the Pope) and Apulian (supporting the Tuscans) knights who both arrive on the field behind the Papal line. The Calabrians wipe out the Apulians. The pursuing Tuscans were getting the better of the Papal army but were compelled to retire when they saw the approaching Calabrians.
Cheers
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Post by macbeth on Feb 15, 2021 10:53:57 GMT
Our second session was held on Sunday - we had two missing players but a new player joined. There was also another new player who played as a proxy for the missing Apulians.
Summer
The Sicilian Muslims attack Apulia. Salerno is besieged as the Apulian army retires to Bari. The garrison holds out.
Tuscany launches a second assault on the Papal States. Civitae is surrounded and besieged. The Papal army remains at Ostia. The city holds out.
Autumn
Calabria invades Roman territory. The battle of Bridinsi is a close run affair but the Lombard knights prove too much for the Byzantine cavalry. The battle is won in a bloody fight on the Lombard right.
Sicily continued the siege of Salerno. No further headway was made against the determined defence.
The Tuscan forces breached the walls of Ostia and captured the town.
At the end of 1050 the prestige table stands at
Duchy of Calabria – 10.9
March of Tuscany – 6.0
Emirate of Sicily – 2.0
County of Apulia – 1.0
Empire of the Romans – 0.0
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
1051
Spring
The Egyptian Fatimid Caliphate ceased its internal squabbling and commenced to strut on the world stage.
The Caliphate of Egypt - Adam Stone – Dark Green – III/66 Fatimid Egyptian
Tuscany continued its offensive into the Patrimony of St Peter. Rome is encircled while the small Papal army mans the walls to throw back the besiegers.
Summer
Egypt invaded Sicily, suffering losses on the journey from storms before being met by the Sicilian army. The battle of Syracuse sees a desperate defence by the Sicilians, using the island terrain to their advantage. The invaders are soundly defeated once their general is cut down.
Tuscany continued the siege of Rome but are held back by a stubborn Papal defence.
The Pope led his army out of Rome with the intent of driving off the Tuscan besiegers. The battle of Rome is s hard fought affair but the Tuscan numbers give them the advantage. Once his army is defeated the Pope submits to the Tuscan Margrave becoming a vassal.
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Post by macbeth on Mar 15, 2021 11:10:59 GMT
We had our third session on Sunday with an excellent turnout - two new players joined in bringing us up to nine players.
Apulia invades Calabria. The battle of Scalea is an unscientific affair in the open as the two lines collide then break apart. The Calabrian forces rally after being hammered in the initial stages and eventually beat back the Apulians with both sides suffering significant losses.
At the end of 1051 the prestige table stands at
Duchy of Calabria – 12.9
Emirate of Sicily – 11.9
March of Tuscany – 10.0
Empire of the Romans – 5.0
County of Apulia – 1.0
Caliphate of Egypt – 0.0
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
1052
The Holy Roman Emperor turned his attention to the South and massed his forces to intervene in Italy
Holy Roman Empire – Austin Kenney – Black III/53 East Frankish
In Tunisia the Berber tribes coalesced into a coherent state prepared to show their strength
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – Tony Cotton – Light Green – III/75 Islamic Berber
Spring
Spurred on by Apulian agitators, the Pope declared his oath of submission to Tuscany dissolved. The Roman mob rose up and cast out the Tuscan overseers.
Before the Tuscans could react to the Papal revolt they were confronted by an invasion by the Holy Roman Empire from the north. The battle of Pisa was a long drawn out affair as the two sides fought in the clear ground between a village and a forest. Eventually the Tuscans were victorious.
The Sultan of Ifriqiya launched an attack on the Papal States. The Apulians rode to support the Pope. The battle of Ostia was a hard fight which flowed back and forth in the centre with the Berbers eventually winning. The Apulians arrived too late to effect the outcome.
The Margave of Tuscany responded to Muslims on his doorstep with an attack on Ostia. The Berbers fled before the Italians – retiring to Tunis and leaving their recent conquest to resist the invaders as best they could. The city refused to surrender and a siege ensued.
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Post by macbeth on Apr 11, 2021 13:11:16 GMT
We had a good turnout for our fourth session - 8 out of 9 players and a proxy for the missing Ifriqiyan army. All up four battles and several seiges.
Summer
The Holy Roman Empire rallies and returns to the attack against Tuscany. This forces the Tuscans to lift the siege of Ostia to respond. The battle of Urbino is a brief and bloody affair where the German invaders are cut down by the Tuscans, fleeing after receiving heavy casualties.
The Empire of the Romans (Byzantium) attacks Calabria in an effort to regain their lost territory in Italy. They are supported by the Fatimids. The battle of Brindisi is a close fought affair with the Calabrians rallying after some early losses, nearly beating back the invaders until the arrival of the Egyptian contingent which tilts the balance.
The Count of Apulia leads his forces north to attack Ostia. The city surrenders without a fight having only just weathered the Tuscan siege.
Sicily invades Italy, attacking Calabrian held Reggio. The citizens surrender immediately after hearing the news of the defeat at Brindisi.
The Sultan of Ifriqiya makes a bold attack on Tuscany. The battle of Pisa sees the Berbers soundly defeated by the Tuscans. The promised Papal support for the invaders fails to arrive.
Autumn
The Sicilian offensive into Calabria continues, driving straight for the Calabrian capital. The battle of Rossano sees the outnumbered Calabrian defenders put up a desperate defence – their knights prove to be too powerful for the lightly armed Muslim cavalry and the invaders are beaten back.
At the end of 1052 the prestige table stands at:
Duchy of Calabria – 19.4
Emirate of Sicily – 13.9
March of Tuscany – 23.9
Empire of the Romans – 12.4
County of Apulia – 5.0
Caliphate of Egypt – 2.8
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – 0.9
Holy Roman Empire – 0.0
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
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Post by macbeth on May 17, 2021 2:19:19 GMT
For Session 5 of 'The Italian Job' we were missing a few players but with a proxy for the Holy Roman Empire and Sicily plus programmed leader rolls for the other missing player we soldiered on. Only one season was played out because there were three very bloody battles and with 10 players now it takes time to work around the board.
1053
From out of the dry southern wastes the Nubian tribes erupted.
Kingdom of Makauria – Leigh Dunn – Orange III/12 Christian Nubian
Spring
Makauria attacks the Caliphate of Egypt. The battle of Alexandria is an overwhelming victory for the Nubians. Alexandria is captured and the Caliphate forces retreat.
The Sultan of Ifriqiya plans an assault on Sicily. His army sets sail for Syracuse but is badly battered by storms. The fleet is blown back to Tunis with severe losses.
Calabria launches an attack Sicily’s foothold in Italy. They are supported by the Normans of Apulia. The battle of Reggio sees the Calabrian army suffer serious losses in the opening phases of the battle before rallying to claw back the advantage. The Apulian knights give valuable assistance and the Sicilians are defeated.
Tuscany attacks Apulian territory, with the assumed support of the Pope. The battle of Ostia is an overwhelming victory for the Apulians. The promised Papal support does not arrive and the fighting quality of the Normans suggests clandestine Papal blessing.
The Empire of the Romans launches an invasion of Calabria. Scalea falls to a surprise attack while the Calabrian army remained at Reggio.
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Post by macbeth on Jun 14, 2021 8:29:17 GMT
Session 6 of 'The Italian Job' ran well. We were missing a couple of players but pushed on. After the epic battle fought at the start - players were all suffering serious losses, so the following year ran through quickly as all actions were sieges, players opting to avoid contact.
Summer
Makauria switches its target to Sicily and attacks Syracuse. The city refuses to surrender leaving the Nubians no choice but to blockade.
Egypt attempts a counter offensive into Makauria. They attack Alwa but are repulsed and settle in for a siege.
An newly invigorated Papal army launches their own offensive into Apulia. They are supported by the Tuscans. Apulia in turn is backed up by the Sicilians. The Battle of Bari sees the outnumbered Papal army put up a stiff resistance with the help of their Tuscan allies before being overrun by the Apulian/Sicilian alliance.
Autumn
Makauria continues the siege of Syracuse, and the garrison decides to seek terms. After brief negotiations the city is occupied by the invaders.
The Fatimid siege of Alwa continues while the Nubians are otherwise occupied in Sicily. The garrison continues to hold out.
At the end of 1053 the prestige table stands at
March of Tuscany – 25.2
Duchy of Calabria – 19.4
Empire of the Romans – 18.4
Emirate of Sicily – 13.9
County of Apulia – 11.6
Kingdom of Makauria – 7.2
Holy Roman Empire – 3.0
Caliphate of Egypt – 2.8
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – 0.9
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
1054
Spurred on by the actions of the Nubians of Makauria other desert tribes coalesce into a kingdom.
Kingdom of Nobatia – Geoff Lewis – Grey II/55c Beja
Spring
Calabria moves to expel the Byzantines occupying Scalea. The garrison beats back the assaults. A siege ensues.
The Sicilians take Syracuse back from Makauria with a surprise attack on the city. The Muslim forces get into the city before the gates can be closed and massacre the occupying garrison.
Apulia turns its attention to the Empire of the Romans and falls upon Brindisi. The city surrenders as the attackers prepare.
Summer
The Calabrian siege of Scalea continues but the besieges make no progress.
The Empire of the Romans invades Calabria once again. This time Reggio is placed under siege.
Apulia continues its own offensive into Byzantine territory. Durazzo is encircled after refusing to yield.
Tuscany crosses the sea and invades Ifriqiya. Tunis is taken by assault, with only token resistance offered by the Berber garrison.
Autumn
Calabria’s siege of Scalea continues but still fails to make headway.
The Beja erupt from their homeland and fall upon Tripoli. Their fierce assault carries the walls and the city falls.
Reggio continues to resist the Byzantine siege.
The Apulians finally breach the walls of Durazzo and take the city.
Tuscany launches an assault on the Ifriqiyan capital Kairouan. The Berber army mans the walls and throws back the attacks with determination.
At the end of 1054 the prestige table stands at
March of Tuscany – 30.2
Empire of the Romans – 20.4 Duchy of Calabria – 19.4
Emirate of Sicily – 17.9
County of Apulia – 17.6
Kingdom of Makauria – 10.2
Holy Roman Empire – 8.0
Kingdom of Nobatia – 5.0
Caliphate of Egypt – 2.8
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – 0.9
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
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Post by macbeth on Jul 12, 2021 3:15:33 GMT
Session 7 of our campaign ran well on Sunday. We had two missing spots and after most nations had recovered from the bloodbath of the previous years we managed three very spectacular battles which were all on a knife's edge and involved allied contingents. This did mean that unlike last session, we only managed to get about halfway through a year.
1055
The Count of Apulia succeeds in bribing several Tuscan nobles to ensure that the Margrave of Tuscany cannot attack Apulian territory.
Spring
The Holy Roman Empire attacks Apulian held Ostia. Their assault is beaten back by a determined citizenry.
The Fatimids make a surprise attack on Alexandria and succeed in breaching the city before the garrison can react.
Ifriqiya liberates Tunis from the Tuscans with a potent display of force in front of the walls. The city opens its gates without resistance.
Calabria attacks Byzantine held Scalea, with support from the Apulians. The battle of Scalea is a close affair which sees the Calabrians victorious. The Apulian contingent arrives only in time to escort the beaten Greeks back to their own territory.
Summer
The Holy Roman Empire invades Ifirqiya. The battle of Tunis sees the mighty German army crash into a determined but outclassed defence made up of the Berbers of Ifriqiya and their Beja allies. Tunis falls as the defenders fall back in disorder.
The Papal States see their chance to liberate Ostia while the Apulians are otherwise committed in the south. Once again the citizens demonstrate that they prefer their current rulers and throw back the Papal assaults. A siege ensues.
The Apulians move in for the kill and attack Athens. The battle of Athens sees the Byzantines with Fatimid support face off against the Apulians. After initial success by the invaders, the Greeks rally and the battle hangs in the balance. The Byzantine general is struck down at the point of victory causing his army to break. The Byzantines become vassals of Apulia.
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Post by macbeth on Aug 10, 2021 13:30:05 GMT
We had our 8th session of our Campaign 'The Italian Job' last Sunday with a pretty good turnout. There were three very interesting battles, two of them as closes as could be.
Autumn
The Holy Roman Empire continues its offensive deep into Ifriqiyan territory, surrounding the capital Kairouan while the battered Berber army fights desperately to hold them back.
The Papal siege of Ostia continues to no avail and the city remains an isolated northern outpost of Apulia.
Egypt invades Makauria. The battle of Soba opens with the Egyptian right wing crashing through their Nubian only to be thrown back by a desperate defence led by the Nubian king. The battle nearly turns before the main lines clash and the Egyptians are victorious.
The Beja attack Tunis to force the Holy Roman Empire to lift the siege of Kairouan. The battle of Tunis is a close affair with the lightly armed Beja foot being ridden down on the right by German knights while the Beja mounted on the left inflict serious casualties on the German knights. Eventually the Germans are victorious. Contingents from Ifriqiya and Tuscany arrive to help the Beja and Germans respectively but are too late to effect the outcome.
At the end of 1055 the prestige table stands at:
March of Tuscany – 34.2
County of Apulia – 24.2
Emirate of Sicily – 21.9
Duchy of Calabria – 20.4
Empire of the Romans – 20.4
Holy Roman Empire – 14.3
Kingdom of Makauria – 10.2
Caliphate of Egypt – 6.9
Kingdom of Nobatia – 5.0
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – 0.9
Patrimony of St Peter – 0.0
1056
Spring
Nobatia foments revolt in Greece and the Empire of the Greeks promptly rises against their Apulian overlords
Sicily opens hostilities invading Nobatian territory. The battle of Tripoli sees the experienced and more heavily armed Sicilian forces crash through the Beja forces inflicting serious casualties whilst remaining unscathed themselves.
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Post by macbeth on Dec 14, 2021 11:22:16 GMT
And so we had our final session of The Italian Job last Sunday
We had a reasonable turnout and there were three brilliant battles (although the less said about my loss to the HRE the better).
I will shortly put this synopsis up with pictures on the Book of Face in the DBA Groups
Calabria requests permission and is granted free passage from Scalea to Syracuse to put its army in striking distance of Tunis.
The Empire of the Greeks surges out to recover its lost territory. Durazzo is besieged but the Apulian garrison holds out.
Makouria launches an attack on Egyptian held territory. The battle of Soba is an overwhelming victory for the Caliphate after the two armies’ centres spend a long time facing off.
Summer
Sicily continues the offensive into Ifriqiyan territory and surrounds the capital, Kairouan. The Berber army bolsters the defence and holds back the invaders.
Calabria launches an attack on Holy Roman Empire held Tunis. The battle of Tunis opens with the Calabrians in a good position but their impetus cools quickly. More than half their army is wiped out.
Having seen off the Calabrians, the Germans turn their attention to Apulia and attack Ostia. The battle of Ostia is a close run affair, with both sides suffering serious casualties. Victory goes to the Empire.
Tuscany falls upon Melfi and puts it to siege, but fails to breach the defences.
The Empire of the Greeks continues to besiege Durazzo but the defence remains dogged.
Egypt pursues the Makourians to Dongola and puts their capital under blockade. They are beaten back by a determined defence.
Autumn
Sicily continues to batter away at the defences of Kairouan but are unable to make headway.
The Greek siege of Durazzo continues through to the end of the year with no further advance made by the attackers.
Egypt redoubles the effort around Dongola but to no avail. Makouria remains unbowed.
At the end of 1056 the prestige table stands at:
March of Tuscany – 49.2
County of Apulia – 42.3
Emirate of Sicily – 40.5
Holy Roman Empire – 38.0
Duchy of Calabria – 29.4
Empire of the Greeks – 27.4
Caliphate of Egypt – 25.6
Kingdom of Makauria – 16.2
Kingdom of Nobatia – 14.0
Sultanate of Ifriqiya – 3.9
Patrimony of St Peter - 3.0
Cheers
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