061.Battle of Hattin_b - WDS Crusades Book II
0 - 0 - 0
| Rating: | 0 (0) |
| Games Played: | 0 |
| SM: | 3 |
| Turns: | 36 |
| Type: | Stock |
| First Side: | Anti-Crusader Alliance (CB2) |
| Second Side: | Crusader Alliance (CB2) |
Date: July 4th 1187 - Size: Large - Location: West of the Horns of Hattin
Crusade: Period between 2nd and 3rd Crusades
Scenario Briefing: Historical - With the death of Baldwin V in 1186, the new King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan was initially content to be less aggressive toward Saladin than many of those around him would wish. In particular, the powerful overlord of Kerak, Raynald de Châtillon and the Grand Master of the Templars, Gerard de Rideford, wished that Guy bring war upon the land. To help bring this about and to force the hand of King Guy, Raynald would need to break the fragile truce with Saladin. He would do this without the King's permission and in a manner sure to provoke Saladin to war. From Kerak, Raynald led a force to the roads where caravans travelled. These caravans would escort Muslim pilgrims on their way to the holy city of Mecca, for the Hajj. On this occasion, the sister of Saladin was one of the travelers. She and all the other Muslim travelers were attacked and killed by Raynald de Châtillon. This was an outrage that Saladin could not ignore. When his demands for recompense were refused, and these included the surrender of Raynald de Châtillon, war was declared. Following this declaration, both Saladin and King Guy assembled their forces. The numbers arrayed were the largest seen since the initial stages of the 1st Crusade, nearly 100 years earlier. Though exact numbers are not available for an event nearly 1000 years old, it is generally accepted that King Guy's army numbered over 15-20,000 and for Saladin 20-30,000.
After weeks of organizing and maneuvering, and with only limited contact such as the Battle of Cresson in May. Both armies were ready, but it was Saladin who made the initial move. His target was the walled city of Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. In response to this attack, King Guy moved his army to La Saphorie. This was a well defended location with good water sources. The march to Tiberias would normally take 2 days from La Saphorie.
At this time, the wife of Raymond III of Tripoli was within the walls of Tiberias. Shortly after the walls were breached and Tiberias was held by Saladin, King Guy was given the choice to attempt a counter attack, or stay in La Saphorie and hope that Saladin would attack him. Though initially convinced by Raymond and most of the other barons to stay at La Saphorie, King Guy then changed his mind after speaking with Gerard de Rideford. Gerard said that it would be a dishonor to allow Saladin to hold Tiberias and the wife of Raymond. This was in spite of the fact that Raymond himself was in favor of staying at La Saphorie.
In the early hours of July 3rd, King Guy issued the order to begin the march to Tiberias. Though water would be scarce, Guy believed that Tiberias could be reached before the hazards of fatigue and thirst could begin to take its toll on the Crusader army.
In this scenario, the 2nd day of the battle, King Guy's army is nearly exhausted and are completely without supplies. Many have been killed or wounded and most will start in a state of disorder. The Crusaders are now completely surrounded. Only a miracle can save them. Saladin has waited a long time for this moment. As commander of the Muslim forces, you have one goal, the complete annihilation of the Crusader army. With such a victory, Saladin hopes to recover the holy city of Jerusalem and destroy all remaining Crusader strongholds. But first must come the battle you see before you.
Be aware that the Crusaders have 3 exits. Use them if you can get to them.
Let the battle begin.
Recommended Rules: [Default]
Intended to be played as both sides against the AI or can be played Head-to-Head.
Suggested Reading: Runciman, Steven (1952). A History of the Crusades, Volume II: The Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Frankish East.
Crusade: Period between 2nd and 3rd Crusades
Scenario Briefing: Historical - With the death of Baldwin V in 1186, the new King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan was initially content to be less aggressive toward Saladin than many of those around him would wish. In particular, the powerful overlord of Kerak, Raynald de Châtillon and the Grand Master of the Templars, Gerard de Rideford, wished that Guy bring war upon the land. To help bring this about and to force the hand of King Guy, Raynald would need to break the fragile truce with Saladin. He would do this without the King's permission and in a manner sure to provoke Saladin to war. From Kerak, Raynald led a force to the roads where caravans travelled. These caravans would escort Muslim pilgrims on their way to the holy city of Mecca, for the Hajj. On this occasion, the sister of Saladin was one of the travelers. She and all the other Muslim travelers were attacked and killed by Raynald de Châtillon. This was an outrage that Saladin could not ignore. When his demands for recompense were refused, and these included the surrender of Raynald de Châtillon, war was declared. Following this declaration, both Saladin and King Guy assembled their forces. The numbers arrayed were the largest seen since the initial stages of the 1st Crusade, nearly 100 years earlier. Though exact numbers are not available for an event nearly 1000 years old, it is generally accepted that King Guy's army numbered over 15-20,000 and for Saladin 20-30,000.
After weeks of organizing and maneuvering, and with only limited contact such as the Battle of Cresson in May. Both armies were ready, but it was Saladin who made the initial move. His target was the walled city of Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. In response to this attack, King Guy moved his army to La Saphorie. This was a well defended location with good water sources. The march to Tiberias would normally take 2 days from La Saphorie.
At this time, the wife of Raymond III of Tripoli was within the walls of Tiberias. Shortly after the walls were breached and Tiberias was held by Saladin, King Guy was given the choice to attempt a counter attack, or stay in La Saphorie and hope that Saladin would attack him. Though initially convinced by Raymond and most of the other barons to stay at La Saphorie, King Guy then changed his mind after speaking with Gerard de Rideford. Gerard said that it would be a dishonor to allow Saladin to hold Tiberias and the wife of Raymond. This was in spite of the fact that Raymond himself was in favor of staying at La Saphorie.
In the early hours of July 3rd, King Guy issued the order to begin the march to Tiberias. Though water would be scarce, Guy believed that Tiberias could be reached before the hazards of fatigue and thirst could begin to take its toll on the Crusader army.
In this scenario, the 2nd day of the battle, King Guy's army is nearly exhausted and are completely without supplies. Many have been killed or wounded and most will start in a state of disorder. The Crusaders are now completely surrounded. Only a miracle can save them. Saladin has waited a long time for this moment. As commander of the Muslim forces, you have one goal, the complete annihilation of the Crusader army. With such a victory, Saladin hopes to recover the holy city of Jerusalem and destroy all remaining Crusader strongholds. But first must come the battle you see before you.
Be aware that the Crusaders have 3 exits. Use them if you can get to them.
Let the battle begin.
Recommended Rules: [Default]
Intended to be played as both sides against the AI or can be played Head-to-Head.
Suggested Reading: Runciman, Steven (1952). A History of the Crusades, Volume II: The Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Frankish East.
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