Wisdom speaks through the knife
an Antioch AAR by Raxstones
After spending weeks lost in the wonderful and cruel world of Crusader Kings 2 and reading lots of AAR's, I wanted to write one myself. I'm new at writing stories and at posting at paradox forum, so I hope I'm acting the right way. I hope you enjoy my story and please comment on both the story and my not so native language English. For the start of this story, I was fascinated by the first crusade and the siege of Antioch. this impenetrable stronghold was seized through luck and betrayal. After the siege, an artefact called the Holy lance was found within its walls giving the crusaders the morale boost they needed to continue their quest. In my story you'll be following the 'de Holand' bloodline, an unknown family of traders from guess where, Holland, who accidentally happen to inherit the principality of Antioch trough crusade. The main character is called Noah
Prologue
15 August 1096 – somewhere in Normandy
I will always remember this day, as I woke up as a man sentenced to dead and went to bed as a free man with a noble cause. “Wake up Noah” yelled the jailer, banging on the bars of my viewless prison cell. “This is the first day of the rest of your miserable life. All your sins will be forgiven if you choose to fight in heavens army. The pope called everyone to crusade. The holy father will forgive your pity soul if you wield your blade to fight those infidels.” I didn't hesitate and took the oath as soon as they released me. Afterwards I went on my knees thanking the clever bastard who started this war in gods name, followed by the now so precious word amen.
24 February 1997 – Constantinople
As a holy warrior I served under the banner of Robert the second, duke of Normandy. During the time we set up camp outside Constantinople, I met Bohemond de Hauteville, a son of a somewhat unimportant noble family. At first sight he looked like a cocky, arrogant warmonger, but after a good drink, some laughter and a brawl, I found out he was also cruel. Those traits suit me well, thus afterwards we became friends until death would separate us.
21 October 1097 – Antioch
Today we crossed the Iron bridge, a small Muslim stronghold on a river cross, and are setting up camp near the walls of Antioch. The walls of this fortress are build to withstand a twenty thousand swords strong army. Luckily enough we have at least a thousand more men so it will probably take a few months to conquer.
3 May 1098 – Antioch
We were wrong. Those infidels do have brains and were smart enough to trick all Christians into leaving the fortress by having them dig trenches outside the walls. With them we have at least a five hundred extra mouths to feed and we barely have enough food for ourselves.
2 June1998 – Antioch
I'm writing from within the walls of Antioch as we speak. Bohemond, my dear friend and brother in arms did manage to bribe an Armenian guard named Firuz to surrender his tower. We entered the city by night with a twelve men squad and opened the eastern gate. It was a bloody massacre but it was well worth it. Due to the importance of de Hauteville his acts, he gained the title of Duke of Antioch. Tomorrow will be the official inauguration.
15 July 1999 - Antioch
Today there was news from Jerusalem that the city is finally in hands of the crusaders. This should have been a day of joy and happiness knowing the infidels have been driven from the lands that truly belongs to us. It makes me sad to write that my brother and liege has died. He didn't have any sons or daughters, so he left a testimony that says that I'm his successor. The task I have to bear will be hard, but I will do it with pride. Did I mention that the death of my friend was rather suspicious? They asked me if I by accident would have known anything about it. Of course I didn't. I would never murder my brother.
an Antioch AAR by Raxstones
After spending weeks lost in the wonderful and cruel world of Crusader Kings 2 and reading lots of AAR's, I wanted to write one myself. I'm new at writing stories and at posting at paradox forum, so I hope I'm acting the right way. I hope you enjoy my story and please comment on both the story and my not so native language English. For the start of this story, I was fascinated by the first crusade and the siege of Antioch. this impenetrable stronghold was seized through luck and betrayal. After the siege, an artefact called the Holy lance was found within its walls giving the crusaders the morale boost they needed to continue their quest. In my story you'll be following the 'de Holand' bloodline, an unknown family of traders from guess where, Holland, who accidentally happen to inherit the principality of Antioch trough crusade. The main character is called Noah
Prologue
15 August 1096 – somewhere in Normandy
I will always remember this day, as I woke up as a man sentenced to dead and went to bed as a free man with a noble cause. “Wake up Noah” yelled the jailer, banging on the bars of my viewless prison cell. “This is the first day of the rest of your miserable life. All your sins will be forgiven if you choose to fight in heavens army. The pope called everyone to crusade. The holy father will forgive your pity soul if you wield your blade to fight those infidels.” I didn't hesitate and took the oath as soon as they released me. Afterwards I went on my knees thanking the clever bastard who started this war in gods name, followed by the now so precious word amen.
24 February 1997 – Constantinople
As a holy warrior I served under the banner of Robert the second, duke of Normandy. During the time we set up camp outside Constantinople, I met Bohemond de Hauteville, a son of a somewhat unimportant noble family. At first sight he looked like a cocky, arrogant warmonger, but after a good drink, some laughter and a brawl, I found out he was also cruel. Those traits suit me well, thus afterwards we became friends until death would separate us.
21 October 1097 – Antioch
Today we crossed the Iron bridge, a small Muslim stronghold on a river cross, and are setting up camp near the walls of Antioch. The walls of this fortress are build to withstand a twenty thousand swords strong army. Luckily enough we have at least a thousand more men so it will probably take a few months to conquer.
3 May 1098 – Antioch
We were wrong. Those infidels do have brains and were smart enough to trick all Christians into leaving the fortress by having them dig trenches outside the walls. With them we have at least a five hundred extra mouths to feed and we barely have enough food for ourselves.
2 June1998 – Antioch
I'm writing from within the walls of Antioch as we speak. Bohemond, my dear friend and brother in arms did manage to bribe an Armenian guard named Firuz to surrender his tower. We entered the city by night with a twelve men squad and opened the eastern gate. It was a bloody massacre but it was well worth it. Due to the importance of de Hauteville his acts, he gained the title of Duke of Antioch. Tomorrow will be the official inauguration.
15 July 1999 - Antioch
Today there was news from Jerusalem that the city is finally in hands of the crusaders. This should have been a day of joy and happiness knowing the infidels have been driven from the lands that truly belongs to us. It makes me sad to write that my brother and liege has died. He didn't have any sons or daughters, so he left a testimony that says that I'm his successor. The task I have to bear will be hard, but I will do it with pride. Did I mention that the death of my friend was rather suspicious? They asked me if I by accident would have known anything about it. Of course I didn't. I would never murder my brother.
