***The Siege (Suprise) of Genoa***
The audience chamber of Milan was cavernous. Fires flickered in the pits along the walls, casting the shadows of the pillars every which way. The pillars themselves were so large around that it took three men to wrap their arms around. They were engraved with designs of Milanese grandeur.
Quite droll, at the moment. Now that we hold it, does that make them monuments to Venetian grandeur, since we crushed them? The stained glass windows cast the pictures of deceased dukes on the carpets.
From Venice. Ha!He had been summoned this morning by a personal messenger of the governor of Milan. 'Who's the best commander among the troops?' they had asked. Eventually he was pointed out.
Leaving my in this crypt to a dead nation. He strode down the central isle, enjoying the view of a section of the city that didn't show signs of the sack that had ripped through it.
Three days of rape, murder, arson and looting. And we're supposed to be the good guys. I think. He reached the end of the meeting hall and bowed to the Lord Governor. 'I am needed more here than babysitting a siege. My messengers say you are the best commander amongst the soldiers available to me. So, take the majority of the troops here and lay siege to Genoa.' he spoke as though he were the Duke of Venice, not a distant relation only kept here to prevent rebellion. 'Do not betray us as the last commander did, or you will die. That is not a threat, but instead it is a promise. DO not feel forced to assault, but should the chance present itself, well, the treasury could use enlivening.'
'Yes sir. Gather the troops, besiege Genoa, assault if it seems expedient.'
'Oh, we have a spy in Genoa, he shall give you what information he can about the defences. Do not fail me.'
Us. Do not fail us you arrogant bastard.'Yes sir, I shall depart within a week.'
Now he sat outside Genoa. 'Sir, the last of the ladders are ready,' said one of his assistants.
'Well, we shall begin the assault today then. Rouse the men!'
Four different troops with ladders charged towards the walls. A rams was sent towards the gate, and a second was wheeled in beside it.
Just in case.The spear militia swarmed up the ladders and began fighting a bloody battle on the walls. The many Pavise Crossbowmen he had began firing upon the walls.
Damn useful bastards, them. The ram bashed away. A few minutes later the gate gave in. 'Crossbowmen, through the gate!' They rushed forward and started firing upon the defenders from inside the walls.
Battle was now joined on both sides of the gate. The Milanese militia on the left buckled first, fleeing. The crossbowmen cut them down as they ran. Soon a handful of Milanese crossbowmen made an appearance. But they were too few, and too late.
Poor bastards, still better then fighting on the walls, though. We're all poor bastards, us soldiers. The crossbowmen fell back around a corner. 'Use plunging fire on the bastards! Don't be idiots!'
By now the Milanese on the right had been butchered completely.
Hope my men didn't aim for their guts, horrible way to die, stomach wounds. I'd much rather a clean blow to the heart. Or no blow at all, if possible. 'Men, get down here!' The militia descended from the walls and charged around the corner, into a hail of bolts.
Well, someone has to pay the butchers bill. They engaged and routed the crossbowmen.
'Rally! Form up!' he called. The men formed up and prepared to secure the central square. When they arrived the crossbowmen stood on the near edge and fought rabidly.
Crazy fucks they are, surrender, and we might not kill you, it's better then the deal you get like this. When they fell some nobleman appeared with his retinue and charged the meager remnants of the army. In the melee that followed many Venetians were killed by the heavy weapons of the Milanese nobles.
Eventually the hail of bolts felled the Milanese nobleman, leaving no one to defend the city. Upon investigation he learned that the nobleman had been the Duke himself.
At least he wasn't a coward. Don't know about ours. I can't remember the last time he fought, I think it was when Zagreb fell, well before my time.And with that grim engagement Genoa is ours, and Milanese might lays in ruins. I wonder if I'll get any recognition for this, or just sent back into the ranks now that my work is done?That's about how the battle went. This a turn after the Papacy ordered me to cease military action against Milan. Why? Aren't they too busy fighting the Sicilians? (Which, as we all know,
is in direct violation of one of the first rules of warfare.) Then again, the Papacy specializes in stupid. Such as 'Let's call a crusade on a random village that requires marching or sailing through the entirety of the (very rude) Byzantine Empire. Oh, and if you don't do it, we'll get pissed off at you. Heathen!'
So, I suppose I should find out where whatever remains of Milan is, and then destroy them? Then I can turn around and campaign east!
For
riches honour and glory!
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Topic: Medieval II: Total War LP (Read 34652 times)