Once more our much travelled war correspondent packed his bag and headed for Outremer in the year 1110. Baldwin of Bourcq, the Count of Edessa, decided to take advantage of Muslim infighting to push his territories further East. Having crossed the Euphrates he was shocked to hear rumours of a unified Muslim army waiting for him. As the Christians prepared for battle it become clear that all is not well in the Muslim camp. One commander had deserted and Sharaf al Din, the Lord of Mosul was struck down by a form of seizure that meant he was only lucid and comprehensible occasionally. Even worse than normal for troops led by Tony!
The deployments were both “classical” with infantry centres and cavalry on the wings. Sharaf used his stratagem to push some infantry forward to capture the high ground to the Muslim front, albeit still out of bow range of the Westerners.
On the Muslim left their cavalry soon had the outnumbered Crusaders in trouble, especially when they managed to kill a unit of Knights.
The centre battle degenerated into a trading of missile fire whilst the other wing appeared more even.
The Muslim left seemed unable to push their advantage, and the Crusader infantry started to move forward both to attack the raw Muslim spear and support their right. Then disaster on the Crusader left. “The General is wounded and has fled the field” was the cry…..only for Baldwin the Berk to remember that he had a “General saving” strategem. This miracle seemed to give fresh heart to the forces from Edessa who then proceeded to counter-attack the lighter Muslim cavalry. Units died or ran away seeing their compatriots ridden down, and disorders began to rack up along the whole front.
Eventually Baldwin’s trusty ally Tancred broke through the disintegrating Muslim line and took the camp thus winning the battle.
A fascinating encounter. At one stage most players were convinced the Crusaders were doomed but they rallied and held on for a famous victory. No doubt the Muslim command-and-control problem added to their woes but I am sure not even a totally lucid Tony could have saved this day.
Simon
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