- Pronouns
- He/Him
Blorbis83
Legend
OOC Note: This little thing contains names, places, and countries that aren't in the official lore, so, assume that they existed at some time but are obscure references. I did not want to make something that would break current lore, so adding these names and whatnot doesn't interfere with it. Also, any criticisms, insults or negative writings are purely the thought of Sopostra- he's an old man and has seen a lot and he's not afraid to burn you youngsters!
This is not a manual on how to wield a sword, nor is it a manual on how to ride a horse, shoot a bow, or kill a man. These things are to be taught by a physical mentor, not by one of text. It is recommended that you know how to do the aforementioned, because it may help you understand what your soldiers' go through, and it may win their respect as not just a ruler, but as a fellow warrior.
Firstly, you must prescribe the amount of soldiers needed for a certain campaign. Then, consider the payment each soldier will receive, from the foot soldier to the commander.
Do not rely on booty solely as payment, as there is always a chance that it may not even exist in the form of anything truly valuable. Recall the late Duke Nevis of the Tsever Commonwealth. Upon raising an army of three thousand men, he invaded Samatal, promising his soldiers enough booty to pay them three times over. Unfortunately, once the campaign reached its conclusion, not only did none of the Samatal cities have enough gold or valuables to pay the Tsever soldiers, but Duke Nevis was bludgeoned to death by his own men. His men, by the way, immediately joined the Samatalians afterwards.
If your soldiers are well disciplined, you most likely will not receive the same fate as poor Duke Nevis. However, without pay (or a dire enough circumstance), your soldiers will be prone to desertion or even inaction as a form of protest.
In short, make sure that the payment your men receive is sufficient for both their coffers and not one that will damage the kingdom's economy.
Such mathematical principles are simple, until one considers that a war may last for months or even years. Future payment will have to be increased and you must have the money ready for whenever the next period of payment is due.
A warhorse must eat at least three or four times as much as a man, as a good rule of thumb. A good cavalryman will feed his horse a goodly amount of oats before and after battle, as it will take fewer oats per pound to fill the horse's caloric intake. Whilst on the march, a horse will graze upon grass, and when resting for a night, it should be given a slightly more filling diet of alfalfa, grass or Timothy hay. Consider doubling the amount of feed for oxen, mules or workhorses if they are working many days.
A dog must eat twice as much as a man, and should be walked for exercise a mile or two whilst on the march, before being put back in its cart.
A strong man or woman would like to eat four times a day, usually with seconds. While on the trail, some soldiers will supplement their diet of corn, bread or whatever staple food with game or fish. It is a good idea to procure a few thousand pounds of salted meat or fish, as well as drinking water and watered down wine (or ale, if you're from the north east). Nobody can survive more than three days without water.
If preparing a campaign in the summer, take advantage of the season to maximize your people's crop and cattle output, build extra fisheries and encourage efficient and economical amounts of hunting. This way, when the campaign comes the next year, you will hopefully have a bit more food than expected.
Remember that men will eat more in the winter and fall to keep warm. Double the normal amount a person would eat in the summer.
Depending on the place, prices of food may vary, so calculate the price per pound (or gallon) accordingly.
1. Research heavily into medicine and hire credible doctors.
2. Have these doctors teach recruited medics basic field aid, as well as the cures or treatments to common ailments.
3. As for material, buy bandaging cloth, vinegar, medicinal plants, surgical tools and other medical equipment in bulk; but make sure they are of good quality, the best way to do this is to manufacture or grow these things within your own management. Produce or buy these things by the ton, for battle will leave many a soldier pleading for good medical salvation.
Different commanding ranks should be given distinguishing features in their armor, and higher ranking individuals should be equipped with better quality armor than the commonly do. It is a sign of respect and it will keep your key officers alive when you need them most.
Try not to give all your soldiers the newest developments in weaponry, as they may fail miserably in battle. For example, when Khan Gäznada gave half of his army "explosive" crossbow bolts, he ended up losing the soldiers due to the crossbows exploding in the user's face. However, do not be afraid to expand your arsenal- you never know when they may turn the tide of battle.
As for the price range of arms and armor, once again, it will vary. Try and negotiate prices with your weapon-smiths, as they historically are a hard bargaining bunch (see Notable and Notorious Figures, pg 290 under "Marebones Jones")
Roads come in many varieties, each with advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, there are dirt roads. Dirt roads are simple to design, but they can be difficult to keep track of if covered by debris or leaf litter. They are the easiest roads to hide if you must do so. Many villages will have long, winding dirt roads from either local shepherds or carts, generally leading to other villages or no where of military importance at all. A general would be wise to construct a dirt road in enemy territory only when it is in a isolated area. Good for leading fellow reinforcements to a camp incognito.
Gravel roads are cheap and affordable to make, and last longer than dirt roads in terms of servicing. They are not subtle, but they're much easier to walk upon in the spring than dirt roads. Firstly, gravel roads do not become muddy in the rain. Secondly, they stand out from the rest of the terrain, making it harder to become lost. Gravel roads have a degree of permanence, so if your soldiers must make a fortified camp for a few months, gravel works perfectly. Once you must abandon camp, soldiers can simply sweep aside the gravel or shovel it into barrels for further use.
Paved roads are among the most reliable type of roads. Constructed out of large cobblestones, they will rarely succumb to the forces of nature. They are wide and perfect for baggage carts. Unlike gravel or dirt, cobblestones do not wear down wheels, and they are flat and marching-friendly. Unfortunately, they are rare and take a long time to design. They will have civilian traffic and so are not good for marching quietly. Enemies will defend or utilize paved roads first above all other roads. If you are invading, expect that the enemy will have blockaded the highways. If THEY are invading, they will cut off these roads in hopes of stemming any supply lines.
All in all, make sure your kingdom's major roads are secure, and keep track of your borders.
Marching camps are not, and should not, be castles. Nor should they be sloppily put together tents near an inn.
Many organized armies pride themselves on having camps and forts that are uniform in structure; no one can get lost, and everything is built routinely. However, such camps and forts should only be built when they are well protected. Of course, to rely purely on the strength of your walls or on the strength and energy of your men is a mistake.
When mustering troops, the fort will most likely be a pre-built and permanent structure within your territory. It will have stone walls and good defenses, and a big space for troops to train in. It will be positioned in a defensible spot, where it can stop any enemy army intent on invading.
When on the march, however, things can be quite difficult. Tents may run out or break, wood for palisades may not be available, or too weak. Things will never be how they should work out. Be sure that, if you’re going to a place where there is little to no wood or flat land that you know the terrain beforehand and pick resting areas prior to your campaign.
Bring wood if you know there will be none, and bring extra supplies for the horses and men who have to haul those there. Many an army has been destroyed whilst slumbering because they were too tired to even put up bags of sand to deter enemies.
Every fort and camp will be different for every nation, so my best advice is to make your marching camp well defended, but not too difficult to take down in a timely manner. Know your surroundings and plan for every likely issue.
-Cities and Towns- In Aodhamair, armies are not allowed inside the cities, to prevent civil strife and the various Houses from using it as leverage. Because of this, there is almost no space for them to be housed for a long period of time. Of course, there are Vigiles and policing forces that care for the defenses and weapon-caches, but they are smaller in number than the soldiers. If an Aodhamite town was invaded, like in the Valorian War, the army would be charged to defend the town, but not stay in it for much long after. Of course, this system is unusual, as many cities have their own garrisons attached to it.
Villages and small towns will most likely be placed by forts, so as to be protected by the local garrison. Though, sometimes they are left isolated and neglected- though certainly this may allow them to grow larger as war rages around them- assuming they aren’t razed by invaders. Whatever the case, they should always have a palisade or defensive mound made of either sod or wood. The rugged people of the Montani highlands used a mixture of sod grass, wood, and sand. The sod would form the main structure, with wooden supports built inside. Then, sand would be piled high ontop of the structure. This method had two effects- it would make the palisade fire-resistant, and it would make climbing up the already steep hill even harder.
Cities and large towns are generally a kingdom's mainstay of influence and power. As they grow, wooden walls simply aren't strong enough to protect such a large population- a population that would doubtless demand more protection. So, walls made of local or imported stones are built. A wise- and wealthy- ruler would add everything to the wall at his disposal. From ballista towers to platforms for archers to perhaps even ditches of pine resin and wooden spikes, ready to be set aflame. A city should also have supplies at least two to three times the population of the city, locked away in secret areas. This should be include preserved meats and fishes, medicines, weapons, firewood, water and grain. Of course, replacements are to be made when items fall into decay or disrepair. Try placing food in barrels, stored in clean, well-lit chambers. Flammables should be placed far underground, so no one can sabotage them. Keep all weapons, armor and materiel well guarded.
The Most Serene Doge of Almafia is held to be a man of the people. Seeking advice from others, he surrounds himself with fine commanders and advisors. The Doge is of a peaceful demeanor, and only uses military as a last resort. They are a temperate people with a love of trade and political cunning. All in all, the Republic is in their best form when in peace.
In war, mercy and noble actions are paramount. Civilians who are not involved in the war are to be spared and sympathized. They are tactical, not ones for acts of bravado and sacrifice if one is able to retreat from battle to fight another day. In fact, the Doge is partial to peace if it means saving his city, an act any king would find admirable.
The army is a matter of civic pride. Banners of nobles are called, and citizens are drafted for the duration of the war. They promote upon good soldiers and the values of the republic, not on family name. The Doge does not believe in a standing army, but in emergency levies.
A typical Almafian army is versatile and adaptable. People going into the service are placed in positions based on skill of whatever particular arm they're at. Mostly, they use pikemen and archers, however the Doge admits that this reduces skill. There are a small corp of professional heavy infantry whose duty is to keep the peace and safeguard individuals. A standard soldier wears chainmail with a red tunic over it. Short swords and shields are commonplace, as are pikes or javelins.
The city is well fortified with stone. Surrounding it is a massive forest, which, at the time of my writing this, is being cleared, slowly but surely. Almafia has but one gate, constructed of sturdy wood. Instead of boiling oil, hot water or sand is more commonly used, a cheaper decision. Such substances are dropped down from murderholes. Like most walls, they have platforms for archers and crossbowmen. The bridge leading to the city would be burned in case of an attack- and the road below the walls are narrow- perfect choke points for archers and crossbowmen to pick off the enemy. Anhald- their ally- has been helping the Almafians construct and better their defenses, for they believe that the city is ill-prepared for a siege. It is in my opinion, however, that their defenses are sufficient to fend off a small raid or a particularly foolish force- though there could be improvements made. Above all, the Almafians are not warlike people, and so do not expect to make many enemies.
Sopostra's Footnote: I must make note that the Anhalder's standard for fortifications are vastly different and of a supposedly "superior" quality. While they might say that the Almafians are a weak people who should better their defenses- and to an extent I agree- they themselves are not the be-all end-all to warfare genius. Therefore, I took their criticisms of Almafia's defenses with many a grain of salt.
From my observations of their scathing critique of the Almafian defenses, these people are a people' who live for war. A highly religious and expansionist nation, the Anhalders stretch from coast to coast, and while split up into various vassals, all are unified by a sense of superiority to its neighbors and an almost fanatic love for their God. They have keen commanders, who are always one step ahead of a potential enemy, though they are rather arrogant when showing it. These people value training, devotion and action in their soldiers, not just numbers. Even in peace talks, they are relentless- trying to gain the advantage.
The typical Anhalder commander prides himself in the faith of his men. Able to take his soldiers to their limit, all the while their trust in their general does not waver. Aside from this, every Anhald warrior is a crusader- fighting to eliminate the "heretics" to appease their God. They are ruthless, and in the belief that since their Kaiser is an heir to the Silver Crown- that they have free reign over all mortal lands. Yet it appears that such a claim is laughed at by non-Anhalders. Even so, the Anhalders and their King believe that they are chosen by God himself, and that all who do not believe otherwise are infidels.
The Anhald army is composed of only, "the finest fighting men"- so says the Kaiser. He also boasted that his "field guns and ballistae are unmatched" and that "no man can stand against the crusade".
When I prodded him further, he noted that his knights ride in full plate, upon the finest Eberhall horses. He would not give a number, but said that the "Silver Crown" has no lack of backers. He also mentioned that his footmen lacked training, but fought well due to "knowledge of divine purpose".
I gave the Kaiser a scenario in which he was faced with an army of 2,000 heavy cavalry, and 5,000 pikemen, crossbowmen. He then boasted of his plate armor and how nothing can destroy it. He said that his field guns would destroy the cavalry and his cavalry would eliminate the infantry. Question after question was met with the same answer- "Nothing can defeat me- I am God's Honest Truth".
It was a absolute horror to talk to the Kaiser, and since his men demanded I make note of their mistakes, I shall. His capital goes unbuilt, and much of his empire consists of a few walled castles and untrained peasants. His boastfulness is most unpleasant, and far from informative. His country is a giant font of pride, fanaticism, and ignorance. They either hide their weaknesses with pure brute force or are too proud to admit or even see them.
I would say, from my observations, that a single, equally devoted force with strong forethought and numbers, would completely devastate this man's army. Though not without difficulty, I must admit- his commanders hold a goodly amount of wisdom. However, I believe that if every nation were to levy arms against Anhald, destroy them and their soldiers- their imbecile of a king would still believe he had won. It is with a heavy heart that I still had to see his army and fortifications to complete my tour of Anhald's military later that month. To those who read this, take note; pride such as that of Kaiser Peter Hallon the First, is either most assuredly compensating for a known weakness- be it in his army or in his bedroom.
Introduction
As the mentor of many an heir to the throne, there is a question that is posed almost every time I begin teaching a prince or princess on war- "Why should I learn these things when I will have generals and commanders to fight for me?" Each time, I answer with this: "Commanders can only begin a campaign once you have planned it out. Generals can only begin a battle when the campaign begins." They are helpful advisors to be sure, but they are also only capable when you have provided them with sensible instructions and sufficient pay. Not only this, but should your kingdom come to near ruin- it will be more than likely that you will have to take full charge of your military and end whatever foe attacks your homeland.This is not a manual on how to wield a sword, nor is it a manual on how to ride a horse, shoot a bow, or kill a man. These things are to be taught by a physical mentor, not by one of text. It is recommended that you know how to do the aforementioned, because it may help you understand what your soldiers' go through, and it may win their respect as not just a ruler, but as a fellow warrior.
~Chapter One: Logistics~
A successful victory in war needs three things to exist: money, money and yet more money. With money, you can buy food, men, commanders, horses, and if you are especially wealthy- the ability to bribe the enemy into submission. The last option is generally considered to be a cowardly thing to do unless the enemy is knocking at your gates.Firstly, you must prescribe the amount of soldiers needed for a certain campaign. Then, consider the payment each soldier will receive, from the foot soldier to the commander.
Do not rely on booty solely as payment, as there is always a chance that it may not even exist in the form of anything truly valuable. Recall the late Duke Nevis of the Tsever Commonwealth. Upon raising an army of three thousand men, he invaded Samatal, promising his soldiers enough booty to pay them three times over. Unfortunately, once the campaign reached its conclusion, not only did none of the Samatal cities have enough gold or valuables to pay the Tsever soldiers, but Duke Nevis was bludgeoned to death by his own men. His men, by the way, immediately joined the Samatalians afterwards.
If your soldiers are well disciplined, you most likely will not receive the same fate as poor Duke Nevis. However, without pay (or a dire enough circumstance), your soldiers will be prone to desertion or even inaction as a form of protest.
In short, make sure that the payment your men receive is sufficient for both their coffers and not one that will damage the kingdom's economy.
Such mathematical principles are simple, until one considers that a war may last for months or even years. Future payment will have to be increased and you must have the money ready for whenever the next period of payment is due.
-Food-
Yet it does not end there; man and horse must eat daily. It would be wise to set money aside for your commanders so they can purchase food from wherever possible. Even wiser, keep your fort and town granaries (grain storages) full of fresh grain and other food staples- enough for a year, if possible. Be sure that the act of storing food doesn't deprive the citizenry of their own food.A warhorse must eat at least three or four times as much as a man, as a good rule of thumb. A good cavalryman will feed his horse a goodly amount of oats before and after battle, as it will take fewer oats per pound to fill the horse's caloric intake. Whilst on the march, a horse will graze upon grass, and when resting for a night, it should be given a slightly more filling diet of alfalfa, grass or Timothy hay. Consider doubling the amount of feed for oxen, mules or workhorses if they are working many days.
A dog must eat twice as much as a man, and should be walked for exercise a mile or two whilst on the march, before being put back in its cart.
If preparing a campaign in the summer, take advantage of the season to maximize your people's crop and cattle output, build extra fisheries and encourage efficient and economical amounts of hunting. This way, when the campaign comes the next year, you will hopefully have a bit more food than expected.
Remember that men will eat more in the winter and fall to keep warm. Double the normal amount a person would eat in the summer.
Depending on the place, prices of food may vary, so calculate the price per pound (or gallon) accordingly.
-Medicine and Medical Personnel-
Medicines are a tricky beast. Malpractice due to ignorance and greed is rife in these days. The best bet to improve and bolster your army's medical abilities is to do the following.1. Research heavily into medicine and hire credible doctors.
2. Have these doctors teach recruited medics basic field aid, as well as the cures or treatments to common ailments.
3. As for material, buy bandaging cloth, vinegar, medicinal plants, surgical tools and other medical equipment in bulk; but make sure they are of good quality, the best way to do this is to manufacture or grow these things within your own management. Produce or buy these things by the ton, for battle will leave many a soldier pleading for good medical salvation.
-Arms and Armor-
Armor and weapons vary from place to place, but producing any such things require much time and much precision. If you are on a budget, have your common soldiers look to their own blacksmiths for arms. If you are not on a budget, try to give the soldiers the most quality armor you can manufacture by your own means.Different commanding ranks should be given distinguishing features in their armor, and higher ranking individuals should be equipped with better quality armor than the commonly do. It is a sign of respect and it will keep your key officers alive when you need them most.
As for the price range of arms and armor, once again, it will vary. Try and negotiate prices with your weapon-smiths, as they historically are a hard bargaining bunch (see Notable and Notorious Figures, pg 290 under "Marebones Jones")
~Chapter Two: On the March~
Campaigning or even simply marching back to wherever your troops are garrisoned can be tricky. If the conditions are not right, getting to your destination will take longer than necessary. If the roads are unkempt and muddy, carts and wagons for supplies may get stuck. Downed bridges or fallen logs can make for tricky obstacles. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a route for your army to march upon.-Roads-
Unfortunately, the state of any road is only as good as the management for those roads. Doubtless, when inside enemy territory, your foe will want to blockade all paths and keep your army off the roads and into the wilds surrounding them, leaving you with no sense of direction. It is for this reason that one should bring good maps and hire trusted guides.Roads come in many varieties, each with advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, there are dirt roads. Dirt roads are simple to design, but they can be difficult to keep track of if covered by debris or leaf litter. They are the easiest roads to hide if you must do so. Many villages will have long, winding dirt roads from either local shepherds or carts, generally leading to other villages or no where of military importance at all. A general would be wise to construct a dirt road in enemy territory only when it is in a isolated area. Good for leading fellow reinforcements to a camp incognito.
Gravel roads are cheap and affordable to make, and last longer than dirt roads in terms of servicing. They are not subtle, but they're much easier to walk upon in the spring than dirt roads. Firstly, gravel roads do not become muddy in the rain. Secondly, they stand out from the rest of the terrain, making it harder to become lost. Gravel roads have a degree of permanence, so if your soldiers must make a fortified camp for a few months, gravel works perfectly. Once you must abandon camp, soldiers can simply sweep aside the gravel or shovel it into barrels for further use.
All in all, make sure your kingdom's major roads are secure, and keep track of your borders.
-Camps and Forts-
All living beings must rest- stamina is finite. It is best to try and push your forces as far a distance as they will go without effecting their energy the next day. Often times, this means that each night will be sufficient enough marching.Marching camps are not, and should not, be castles. Nor should they be sloppily put together tents near an inn.
Many organized armies pride themselves on having camps and forts that are uniform in structure; no one can get lost, and everything is built routinely. However, such camps and forts should only be built when they are well protected. Of course, to rely purely on the strength of your walls or on the strength and energy of your men is a mistake.
When mustering troops, the fort will most likely be a pre-built and permanent structure within your territory. It will have stone walls and good defenses, and a big space for troops to train in. It will be positioned in a defensible spot, where it can stop any enemy army intent on invading.
When on the march, however, things can be quite difficult. Tents may run out or break, wood for palisades may not be available, or too weak. Things will never be how they should work out. Be sure that, if you’re going to a place where there is little to no wood or flat land that you know the terrain beforehand and pick resting areas prior to your campaign.
Bring wood if you know there will be none, and bring extra supplies for the horses and men who have to haul those there. Many an army has been destroyed whilst slumbering because they were too tired to even put up bags of sand to deter enemies.
Every fort and camp will be different for every nation, so my best advice is to make your marching camp well defended, but not too difficult to take down in a timely manner. Know your surroundings and plan for every likely issue.
-Cities and Towns-
Villages and small towns will most likely be placed by forts, so as to be protected by the local garrison. Though, sometimes they are left isolated and neglected- though certainly this may allow them to grow larger as war rages around them- assuming they aren’t razed by invaders. Whatever the case, they should always have a palisade or defensive mound made of either sod or wood. The rugged people of the Montani highlands used a mixture of sod grass, wood, and sand. The sod would form the main structure, with wooden supports built inside. Then, sand would be piled high ontop of the structure. This method had two effects- it would make the palisade fire-resistant, and it would make climbing up the already steep hill even harder.
Cities and large towns are generally a kingdom's mainstay of influence and power. As they grow, wooden walls simply aren't strong enough to protect such a large population- a population that would doubtless demand more protection. So, walls made of local or imported stones are built. A wise- and wealthy- ruler would add everything to the wall at his disposal. From ballista towers to platforms for archers to perhaps even ditches of pine resin and wooden spikes, ready to be set aflame. A city should also have supplies at least two to three times the population of the city, locked away in secret areas. This should be include preserved meats and fishes, medicines, weapons, firewood, water and grain. Of course, replacements are to be made when items fall into decay or disrepair. Try placing food in barrels, stored in clean, well-lit chambers. Flammables should be placed far underground, so no one can sabotage them. Keep all weapons, armor and materiel well guarded.
~Chapter Three: The Armies of the World~
~The Most Serene Republic of Almafia~
The Most Serene Doge of Almafia is held to be a man of the people. Seeking advice from others, he surrounds himself with fine commanders and advisors. The Doge is of a peaceful demeanor, and only uses military as a last resort. They are a temperate people with a love of trade and political cunning. All in all, the Republic is in their best form when in peace.
In war, mercy and noble actions are paramount. Civilians who are not involved in the war are to be spared and sympathized. They are tactical, not ones for acts of bravado and sacrifice if one is able to retreat from battle to fight another day. In fact, the Doge is partial to peace if it means saving his city, an act any king would find admirable.
A typical Almafian army is versatile and adaptable. People going into the service are placed in positions based on skill of whatever particular arm they're at. Mostly, they use pikemen and archers, however the Doge admits that this reduces skill. There are a small corp of professional heavy infantry whose duty is to keep the peace and safeguard individuals. A standard soldier wears chainmail with a red tunic over it. Short swords and shields are commonplace, as are pikes or javelins.
~The Capital's Defenses~
The city is well fortified with stone. Surrounding it is a massive forest, which, at the time of my writing this, is being cleared, slowly but surely. Almafia has but one gate, constructed of sturdy wood. Instead of boiling oil, hot water or sand is more commonly used, a cheaper decision. Such substances are dropped down from murderholes. Like most walls, they have platforms for archers and crossbowmen. The bridge leading to the city would be burned in case of an attack- and the road below the walls are narrow- perfect choke points for archers and crossbowmen to pick off the enemy. Anhald- their ally- has been helping the Almafians construct and better their defenses, for they believe that the city is ill-prepared for a siege. It is in my opinion, however, that their defenses are sufficient to fend off a small raid or a particularly foolish force- though there could be improvements made. Above all, the Almafians are not warlike people, and so do not expect to make many enemies.
Sopostra's Footnote: I must make note that the Anhalder's standard for fortifications are vastly different and of a supposedly "superior" quality. While they might say that the Almafians are a weak people who should better their defenses- and to an extent I agree- they themselves are not the be-all end-all to warfare genius. Therefore, I took their criticisms of Almafia's defenses with many a grain of salt.
~The Anhald Empire~
From my observations of their scathing critique of the Almafian defenses, these people are a people' who live for war. A highly religious and expansionist nation, the Anhalders stretch from coast to coast, and while split up into various vassals, all are unified by a sense of superiority to its neighbors and an almost fanatic love for their God. They have keen commanders, who are always one step ahead of a potential enemy, though they are rather arrogant when showing it. These people value training, devotion and action in their soldiers, not just numbers. Even in peace talks, they are relentless- trying to gain the advantage.
The typical Anhalder commander prides himself in the faith of his men. Able to take his soldiers to their limit, all the while their trust in their general does not waver. Aside from this, every Anhald warrior is a crusader- fighting to eliminate the "heretics" to appease their God. They are ruthless, and in the belief that since their Kaiser is an heir to the Silver Crown- that they have free reign over all mortal lands. Yet it appears that such a claim is laughed at by non-Anhalders. Even so, the Anhalders and their King believe that they are chosen by God himself, and that all who do not believe otherwise are infidels.
~The Anhald Army~
The Anhald army is composed of only, "the finest fighting men"- so says the Kaiser. He also boasted that his "field guns and ballistae are unmatched" and that "no man can stand against the crusade".
When I prodded him further, he noted that his knights ride in full plate, upon the finest Eberhall horses. He would not give a number, but said that the "Silver Crown" has no lack of backers. He also mentioned that his footmen lacked training, but fought well due to "knowledge of divine purpose".
I gave the Kaiser a scenario in which he was faced with an army of 2,000 heavy cavalry, and 5,000 pikemen, crossbowmen. He then boasted of his plate armor and how nothing can destroy it. He said that his field guns would destroy the cavalry and his cavalry would eliminate the infantry. Question after question was met with the same answer- "Nothing can defeat me- I am God's Honest Truth".
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