080.Siege of Arsuf_a - WDS Crusades Book II
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| Rating: | 0 (0) |
| Games Played: | 0 |
| SM: | 3 |
| Turns: | 36 |
| Type: | Stock |
| First Side: | Crusader Alliance (CB2) |
| Second Side: | Anti-Crusader Alliance (CB2) |
Date: September 7th, 1191 - Size: Large- Location: Coastal plain above Arsuf
Crusade: The Third Crusade
Scenario Briefing: Historical - Following the successful conclusion of the siege of Acre, on the 12th of July 1191, there was both celebration and turmoil. King Philip had decided that his vow had been fulfilled and preparations were made for his near immediate departure. Also, Duke Leopold of Austria decided to leave the Crusade as he felt slighted by the forceful removal of his banner that had for, a brief moment, stood beside that of both King Richard's and King Philip's banners. With their absence, King Richard remained as the undisputed leader of the Crusade.
Along with the surrender of the Muslim garrison, Saladin agreed to pay a ransom of 200,000 gold dinars, free 1500 Crusader captives and return the relic of the true cross that had been captured at the battle of Hattin. After some time had passed and with it, repeated deadlines missed, King Richard decided that Saladin was playing for time and had no intention of adhering to the original terms. At least not in a timely manner. And time is what concerned Richard the most. Not only was the campaigning season beginning the wane in the Levant; Richard had apprehensions about leaving his kingdom for an extended period of time. This was even more critical since King Philip had begun his journey back to France. And despite an oath to not attack, Richard had little faith that Philip would honor his oath. With all this to consider, Richard made the odious choice that would put a black stain on his reputation. He decided that Saladin could not be trusted to honor his agreement and put the entirety of Acre's surviving garrison to the sword. In total, this number was said to be about 2700. In response, Saladin too put to death the 1500 Crusaders whom he had in captivity.
With the fate of the prisoners decided, Richard took the bulk of his army south along the coastal road. The initial goal was Jaffa, and as Jaffa was the closest port to Jerusalem, he could move the army east and begin the reconquest of Jerusalem. Once this was complete; Richard could return to England with his vow fulfilled.
Though the exact number of troops on either side cannot be known with 100% certainty, the arguable estimates are 15,000 for Richard. This number would include about 2,000 mounted knights. And about 25,000 men comprising the army of Saladin. Though Saladin outnumbered Richard by almost 2-1, the morale difference for each army was certainly on the side of the Crusaders. Saladin's defeat at Acre, and failure to take Tyre had tarnished his reputation. Richard's reputation on the other hand was at its peak. He was, after all, the Lionheart "Richard Coeur de Lion." A name that was earned time and time again.
This scenario takes place along the road to Jaffa, just north of the ruined city of Arsuf. Saladin had been shadowing the Crusader army and was looking for a place that could be used with his army having the advantage of his mostly mounted archers and mounted spears.
As you decide with side to play, you have a chance to take revenge on the Crusaders, or solidify Richard's reputation as a warrior king that no one can hope to defeat in fair battle.
Note: If desired, the Crusaders have an exit hex at 89, 16. Exiting troops here would be seen as an act of pursuing the retreating army of Saladin.
Recommended Rules: [Default]
Intended to be played as either side or play Head-to-Head.
Recommended Reading: Asbridge, Thomas. The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land (p. 469).
Crusade: The Third Crusade
Scenario Briefing: Historical - Following the successful conclusion of the siege of Acre, on the 12th of July 1191, there was both celebration and turmoil. King Philip had decided that his vow had been fulfilled and preparations were made for his near immediate departure. Also, Duke Leopold of Austria decided to leave the Crusade as he felt slighted by the forceful removal of his banner that had for, a brief moment, stood beside that of both King Richard's and King Philip's banners. With their absence, King Richard remained as the undisputed leader of the Crusade.
Along with the surrender of the Muslim garrison, Saladin agreed to pay a ransom of 200,000 gold dinars, free 1500 Crusader captives and return the relic of the true cross that had been captured at the battle of Hattin. After some time had passed and with it, repeated deadlines missed, King Richard decided that Saladin was playing for time and had no intention of adhering to the original terms. At least not in a timely manner. And time is what concerned Richard the most. Not only was the campaigning season beginning the wane in the Levant; Richard had apprehensions about leaving his kingdom for an extended period of time. This was even more critical since King Philip had begun his journey back to France. And despite an oath to not attack, Richard had little faith that Philip would honor his oath. With all this to consider, Richard made the odious choice that would put a black stain on his reputation. He decided that Saladin could not be trusted to honor his agreement and put the entirety of Acre's surviving garrison to the sword. In total, this number was said to be about 2700. In response, Saladin too put to death the 1500 Crusaders whom he had in captivity.
With the fate of the prisoners decided, Richard took the bulk of his army south along the coastal road. The initial goal was Jaffa, and as Jaffa was the closest port to Jerusalem, he could move the army east and begin the reconquest of Jerusalem. Once this was complete; Richard could return to England with his vow fulfilled.
Though the exact number of troops on either side cannot be known with 100% certainty, the arguable estimates are 15,000 for Richard. This number would include about 2,000 mounted knights. And about 25,000 men comprising the army of Saladin. Though Saladin outnumbered Richard by almost 2-1, the morale difference for each army was certainly on the side of the Crusaders. Saladin's defeat at Acre, and failure to take Tyre had tarnished his reputation. Richard's reputation on the other hand was at its peak. He was, after all, the Lionheart "Richard Coeur de Lion." A name that was earned time and time again.
This scenario takes place along the road to Jaffa, just north of the ruined city of Arsuf. Saladin had been shadowing the Crusader army and was looking for a place that could be used with his army having the advantage of his mostly mounted archers and mounted spears.
As you decide with side to play, you have a chance to take revenge on the Crusaders, or solidify Richard's reputation as a warrior king that no one can hope to defeat in fair battle.
Note: If desired, the Crusaders have an exit hex at 89, 16. Exiting troops here would be seen as an act of pursuing the retreating army of Saladin.
Recommended Rules: [Default]
Intended to be played as either side or play Head-to-Head.
Recommended Reading: Asbridge, Thomas. The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land (p. 469).
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