Enemies at the Gate - An Interactive Role Playing AAR

[unmerged(144412)]

The Lithuanian General rises from his chair and points to various places of the map while he talks.

"We should definitely make an offensive through the south into Astrakhan. If the city is taken, it would be a serious blow on the horde. Defensive lines should be placed to protect the cities of Moscow and Murom. If needed, we should scorch the earth in some border provinces.

Of course, this all depends on the manpower provided."

 

[Mr. Capiatlist]

"I would think all participants who share a direct border with the barbarians expand their borders eastward. I do not plan on standing idle, however, and I'm unsure if my kingdom's position would allow for any non-symbolic gain that doesn't include Astrakhan. But I also do not plan on stealing the Voivode's just reward and Caspian access. If an arrangement benefiting both Circassia and Murom is impossible, however, I can still offer my services to this collective effort in exchange for aid in subjugating the three Mohammedan Georgian emirates defiling the south of the Caucasus."

OOC: I believe one of the Georgia states is still orthodox... a miracle in many meiou games. I can check tonight.

 

[unmerged(231219)]

So we are all in agreement, Astrakhan is our primary target. The only question now is who will lead this expedition, I agree with the Emperor the forces should be lead by their own commanders. We should also make sure to keep some reserve garrisons, in the border provinces, in case of incursions from the east. When it comes to land claims we must remember that we russians have lost the most from these mongols, it is only just that we reclaim our rightful territory.

 

[unmerged(57578)]

"Novgorod can provide some forces to garrison the northern forts and towns whilst you are campaigning south"

 

[Johnconner]

We are all in agreement that forces should be lead by their own commanders of course, but the question that still remains is who should be in charge of this expedition as a whole. Coordination is important, and if there is no central leadership this operation will have many difficulties.

 

[Syriana]

"We agree with the proposal," said Ludovicus, "to retain native commanders but place the overall campaign under a unified command. We would propose that one of the generals of Muscovy, being accustomed to war with the Tartars and possessing invaluable martial experience, be appointed to lead the campaign. As for the question of numbers, We would propose that each party commit an army proportionate to their population and size."

 

[unmerged(231219)]

If the council desires a Moscovy general, then I am willing to volunteer myself. I've served in the army for many years and command Moscow's northern and western armies. I have plenty of experience fighting the hordes, why I rose to general fighting in a campaign against the mongol brutes.

 

[unmerged(358653)]

I can prove these words, Arkadiy fought together with me against the Hordes and showed his best traits. He's a brilliant commander, - said the prince.

 

[Johnconner]

Great Britain would be willing to accept that choice. We should be able to send about 15,000 men for this expedition, assuming of course that Moscow and Novgorod are willing to provide access through their lands.

 

[unmerged(57578)]

"Not from Novgorod, It would be better if you docked in Lithuanian ports"

 

[Derahan]

"Why are thou so reluctant to let the great britons who are willing to lend aid to you not dock at thou ports?"

 

[unmerged(57578)]

"Well dear ambassador the reasons are twofold; firstly, it makes no sense to land an army in northern novgorod when the campaign will take place around Astrakhan. Which leads to my second point that i see no reason for any soldiers of the coalition to enter within our borders."

 

[Derahan]

"Well literally speaking that would mean that you dont see any reason to even have your own troops in your own territory. If you are a part of the coalition the coalition troops should have acess through your terriotry as well."

 

[unmerged(57578)]

Gregor rolled his eyes
"We will not be sending forces south towards astrakhan, so in that regard, we are not in the 'joint military operations' coalition. I have offered to send forces to help secure the northern borders, however, nobody has taken me up on this offer as of yet."

 

[Johnconner]

Russia could be a very powerful nation, possibly the strongest in Eastern Europe. Despite this, Moscow has recently lost major amounts of land, is in danger of annihilation by the hordes, and Novgorod was sacked by the Lithuanians. The reason is because you cannot see beyond your petty rivalries even to ensure survival! Great Britain as well as other countries are offering soldiers to help protect Russia with no hope of personal gain, and yet you, a Russian nation, refuse to send more than token assistance or even allow other nations to assist you. As long as you Russians remain divided and fight yourselves even in times of trouble, you will always be dependent on other nations for survival.

 

[YF-23]

"Calm down, gentlemen. Dear Posadnik, you need not fear the Britons, for they are far and would have other things to worry about. It would be unwise of them to overstretch given the situation on Britanny. As for you, British duke," Ghwsch'ipse said, turning towards William, "all other considerations aside, unless you plan on sending fifteen thousand Scotsmen to this battle you would be better off sparing your troops from the harsh winters the Russian northlands have to offer. A Lithuanian or even a Circassian port will be far less likely to send your men to weather they are unaccustomed to."

 

[Johnconner]

I thank you for your advice. A Black Sea landing could work as well, however it would be a mistake to assume that British soldiers are unable to fight in extreme climates. Many of our colonies have temperatures that are not exactly mild, and you can be sure that Britain would be sending soldiers who are most qualified to fight in Russian weather.

 

[unmerged(57578)]

"The divisions between the russian states is through no fault of my own ambassador, my offers of friendship and unconditional support were snubbed by the princes. So please conduct your patronizing tones towards their direction if you will. May i also repeat that Novgorod is under no threat from the Tartars. Any force which we provide is through generosity rather than self-preservation. Unfortunately our goodhearted nature does not extend to aiding Murom and the pagans in sacking towns along the Caspian coast a thousand miles from the gates of Novgorod. Rather, the forces of Novgorod are prepared to offer their services in providing security for the russian people along the northern border with the horde. If you want to join the looting of Astrakhan, you should travel through Lithuania. As Ghwsch'ipse has pointed out, a black sea port will be far more suited to your needs"

 

[Johnconner]

You make a fair enough point, you are not under threat from the Tartars, not yet anyways. Hopefully we will be successful, and the Tartars will be driven back and no longer pose a threat to Europe. Despite the importance of this expedition however, it is apparently very difficult to send aid since neither the Lithuanians nor yourself are eager to allow foreign armies access. We would like to stress how important this issue is and point out that while the Tartars may not be a threat now, should we fail and Moscow be captured by them, Novgorod will be under threat with no nearby nations able to provide assistance.

 

[unmerged(144412)]

"Well, you may have arrived late, but you should know that our emperor has already given military access through various routes to everyone willing to help. Unlike our Novgorodian neighbors, Lithuania is fully committed to this cause."