[Let's Play] Empire: Total War

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 18 2012 06:14 GMT

As suggested by GMarshal, I'm going to be condensing my "Let's Play" of Empire: Total War into one topic here, so I don't flood the blogs section.

First off, I think I need to do something about my current chief Justice. Zeke is kinda a noob. At least he isn't as nooby as the guy for the Navy, but hes still pretty nooby. I need to bring in someone to dispense indiscriminate justice, and according to #tladt, Caller is a good choice for that. However, this was just a prelude to something that I have been dreading...

Austria declares war. Why? I have no fucking clue. Fuck them. Emperor Shauni of Austria must really hate me making Caller Chief Justice.

However, all isn't that bad in 1704. Warsaw may be in the shitter, and Austria may have declared war on me, but I had a daughter, Harem! She's really adorable.

And on a practically unrelated note, Crimean Khanate has been destroyed. I have no idea where that is, but someone out there is wiping countries off the map, like what I did to Saxony.

It has been half a year since General EchOne died, and his troops have finally raised up his successor. They chose WreakHavoc, who was Echo's most trusted aid and lieutenant. Looking at Havoc's traits, he isn't as good as Echo was, but he has potential. "Soldier from Birth", "A Happy Drinker", "Steady Under Fire", and "Prussian Junker" are his traits. Can he live up to his mentor?

In terms of income, I've been really poor lately. Having to replenish my troops during my conquest has cost me dearly. I'm in the positive, and money keeps coming in, but not nearly enough. I blame it all on my unfortunate autistic Lord Treasurer. Luckily, it looks like I have a great candidate to replace him with, so I fire my current one, and install Ecael as Lord Treasurer. With Caller as Chief Justice, and Ecael as my Lord Treasurer, things should start to get a little better as I secure my gains.

With Emperor Shauni having declared war, I need to do something quickly about the armies he has been gathering in Silesia. Silesia is within striking distance from almost any of my cities, and not all of them are well defended. General Kaal quickly moves in, in hopes of drawing the Austrians into the open field, rather than have one of my cities threatened.

However, it was not to be. The largest portion of the Austrian Army in Silesia, under General Emnjay, marched straight to Berlin, my capitol. At Berlin, there were barely any actual soldiers ready to defend her. About 300 Prussian Regulars were garrisoned there. Their commanding officer was simply that, a Regimental Officer who was appointed chief of the City Garrison by General Kaal, named Nagisama.

With the Austrian army marching on the city, Nagisama quickly ordered the conscription of every able-body man in the city, assembling a sizable force of Militia. However, Militia suck. They get routed really easily. All it would take would be a charge from a regiment of cavalry, or to square off against some Austrian regulars, and they would collapse. Nagisama also had no artillery support, and no horse. The battle indicator is tilted in Austria's favor. However, there are Reinforcements on the way from Dresden, but it will take time for them to arrive. Now, a lowly officer, who isn't even a General, is about to decide the fate of the Prussian Empire.

The Battle of Berlin

Nagisama musters his forces. It is Dawn when Emnjay attacks.

General Emnjay's forces make their advance, pushing up through a clearing to get to the city. Nagisama deploys his regulars in their way. While Militia suck and crumble at any attack, Prussian Regulars have their pride, and will stand and fight. And in the woods, Nagi deployed all his Militia. They know the area, and the trees will give them cover. The battle will rest on whether or not the Prussian Regulars can hold up against Emnjay's assault.

Emnjay charges his cavalry straight Prussian lines, however, musket fire mows them down, and quickly routes their charge.

With the Austria cavalry taken care of, both sides form up firing lines, and go at it.

The Prussian forces under Nagisama, with the weight of Prussia's future resting on their shoulders, rise to the challenge. They will not break!

Finally, reinforcements arrive! Victory is getting closer!

A badass regiment of Pikemen charge the Austrian South Flank. Let me repeat that. PIKE. MEN. These are dudes who fight with spears, not guns. Emnjay's forces have gotten too close to the treeline.

The Pikemen throw the Austrian forces into disarray, as they struggle to keep formation against this new assualt. The Prussian Regulars don't let up.

The Pikemen route a regiment of Austrian regulars, and the Militia of Nagisama's Right Wing move up, threatening to turn Austria's flank completely!

The beginning of the end. Most of the Austrians are in full retreat, while the Prussian lines hold.

The time to finish them off has arrived. All forces begin their advance.

This is a huge blob of units chasing Emnjay's army. Only cannons, and Emnjay's personal unit are left.

The cannons and Emnjay's units come under attack. It is only a matter of time before they break.

And they do. Unfortunately, the enemy General Emnjay, survives the battle. Without any horse to pursue, he is able to escape. However, his army is smashed, and he will be returning to Austria in shame.

Only 30 men survived the failed assault of Berlin on the Austrian side. However, Prussian forces took many loses as well, with each regiment of Riflemen being reduced to about 40% of their original strength. Nagisama's defense of Berlin earns him much fame. Maybe we will see more of this rising, talented officer, in years to come?

With Berlin secure, Kaal makes his move against Silesia. Number-wise, Kaal is even with the defending Austrians. However, they have no commanding General, not with Emnjay having been defeated and driven back into Austria. Kaal does have a great advantage. The equal numbers come from each of the Austrian units being separated in separate armies. If allowed to link together, they could be a problem, but if defeated each individually, then the battle will be much more simple.

The Battle of Silesia

Kaal assembles his forces, awaiting to strike the Austrians running to try and get back into the city.

The first group of Austrians attack, but Kaal's lines meet them.

Kaal's forces are sticking together, leaving little room for the Austrians to do anything.

Kaal's forces easily deal with the enemy.

With the first group finished, the 2nd army of Austrians advances, this time threatening to turn Kaal's flank. However, the Superior General reacts, and immediately reorganizes his lines, and gets ready to meet them.

Austrian cavalry charge Kaal's lines, while one of Kaal's slower units get brought into a melee between newly arrived forces, and remaining troops from before. However, Kaal's primary battle lines are still solid, despite these attacks.

The Austrian cavalry are routed, and the entire line reforms.

Meanwhile, another group of Austrian Horse tries to turn Kaal's flank, but Kaal's rear guard is ready, and catches them in a deadly crossfire.

Kaal's own Horse, which were in pursuit of routing enemy troops, is engaged by the 3rd and final Austrian army, and is routed.

Kaal brings up his lines, and engages the last regiments of the Austrian forces.

While the battlefield is disarray due to so many different formations of attacking units, Kaal divides his guys up, and his men fight several mini-battles at different parts of the battlefield. And eventually, the Austrians cannot hold, and their lines break.

Victory. The majority of Austrian troops in Silesia have been destroyed. King Sentenal hopes that it was most of Austria's strength, and the Battles of Berlin and Silesia will keep Austria from further actions for quiet a while.

Kaal's losses were few, especially compared to the Austrians. All that is left is to deal with the city itself, and the crucial area of Silesia will be under Prussian control.

After these victories, a new foe comes to the table. The tiny country of Westphalia declares war on me. I had to look around for where this tiny POS nation is, and its a single territory to my West, sharing a small border with Saxony. Why they want to pick a fight with me, I have no idea. I don't even want their country right now, since its surrounded on all sides by more threatening countries.

The situation in Poland got alot worse. A Polish rebellion has started. This actually is good, however. This gives me the chance to bring military action against the Polish people in Warsaw, while will counter-attack, at least somewhat, the stupid "Resistance to Foreign Occuptation" shit they have going on.

Btw Portugal got defeated

Finally, in Winter of 1704, Kaal besieges Silesia. With the Austrian forces in the area smashed, there isn't much other than militia in Kaal's path.

I don't really want to waste my time killing 4 groups of militia, so I demand their surrender. Silesia accepts my terms, and the city comes under my control.

The Austrians have been defeated, for now. Echo's victory in Warsaw has crushed the majority of Poland's army, but unrest remains. Now it will fall to Echo's successor, WreakHavoc, to supress this new Polish Rebellion, and keep the Eastern half of the Prussian Empire secure.

Gao Xi

Hong Kong5178 Posts

June 18 2012 06:20 GMT

Goddamn it nagi. Should've found a way to kill him

Emnjay808

United States10633 Posts

June 18 2012 06:38 GMT

Aww ya baby, Im on a horse ^_^

+ Show Spoiler +

ManicMarine

Australia409 Posts

June 18 2012 07:10 GMT

This is some cool Empire Total War action. Love the Total War series.

DannyJ

United States5110 Posts

June 18 2012 07:27 GMT

I didn't even like that game and this makes me want to play it.

GGTeMpLaR

United States7226 Posts

June 18 2012 07:58 GMT

Makes me want to play this game again so bad but my computer just runs Empire so slow ;/

Caller

Poland8075 Posts

June 18 2012 11:48 GMT

why the hell am i a bureaucrat

Nagisama

Canada4481 Posts

June 18 2012 19:15 GMT

On June 18 2012 15:38 Emnjay808 wrote:
Aww ya baby, Im on a horse ^_^

+ Show Spoiler +

Too bad you ran away from the fight like a coward! Face death with honor like a man!!

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 18 2012 20:03 GMT

On June 18 2012 20:48 Caller wrote:
why the hell am i a bureaucrat

lol, well, I asked #tladt who was an "Honest", "Harsh Reputation", "Status Quo" "Agrarian" for my Chief Justice, and Uta suggested you. So I blame him. Also, as far as Generals go, there is a line.

Part 5

Last time, the invading Austrian forces were defeated, but a Polish Rebellion started in Warsaw. Just one thing after another. I need to get Warsaw under control, so I can continue my advance into Poland.

Look at that little bastard, just sitting there, ready to burn down the country side in the name of Independence. Its like they are the Zabi family or something. However, I have a problem. My Eastern Army is still damaged from the Battle of Warsaw. And due to my financial situation, its gonna take a little time to refill my ranks.

I don't really want to deal with Poland itself right now, so I offer them a peace treaty. Do I intend to honor it? Hell no. Poland took the life of Echo. But, in order to further the cause of crushing their entire country, it would be best to end fighting with the formally. For now.

Poland responds with a counter-offer to my simple peace treaty. LOOK AT THIS SHIT. WHAT THE FUCK. Its like they think they are winning or some shit! They want me to give up West Prussia, the territory I took at the start of the game!!! THEY DON'T EVEN ASK FOR WARSAW, THEIR FUCKING CAPITOL. This Polish leader is retarded.

My counter offer is much better. Instead of a simple peace treaty, we can have peace and them pay me for it. They reject it, however.

Meanwhile, Kaal has his forces mop up remaining Austrian troops still around. Just a cavalry unit left.

I don't want to waste my time, so I auto-resolve the battle, and they are destroyed.

Finally, Havoc meets the Rebel Polish in the Summer of 1705. This will be his first battle since Echo's death, and his first battle as General, period.

The weather isn't cooperating, and Havoc has his debut battle in a rain storm. Havoc is eager for glory, however, and gives zero fucks. As far as he is concerned, the rain will help wash the blood off his boots after he is done curb stomping them.

Visibility is poor, however, scouts reports the Rebels are marching on him.

The Rebels form a massive firing line. While they may be simple militia, they seem to have SOMEONE on their side who knows something of discipline.

Havoc responds in kind, forming his own firing lines. He plans to meet the enemy the second they emerge from the treeline.

In addition to his firing lines, Havoc sent a regiment of cavalry riding around both enemy flanks. Should the enemy be foolish enough to ignore the cavalry, when they engage Havoc's infantry, both regiments of cavalry would hit them in their flanks, which would completely crush them. However, the Polish notice them, and break their firing line up, sending a few units off after his cavalry. While it isn't the best situation he hoped for, Havoc still forced his enemy to split his forces.

The Southern Lines meet each other in battle, Havoc's Prussian Regulars engaging the Polish rebels. Havoc orders his Cavalry in on this side, hitting their flank.

This combination attack threatens to break the Polish's entire Left Wing.

And it works. The cavalry charge routes their vanguard regiment, but soon enough, Polish reserves come into play.

Elsewhere, with the Rebel's Left Wing broken and routing, the remaining forces break and run. The Rebel General is killed in battle.

Now it is just a matter of mopping up remaining troops.

Try as they might, you can't out run cavalry on foot. The rain let up finally.

Havoc's career as a General is off to a good start, marked with a decisive victory over the Polish Revolution.

Havoc's losses were tiny, especially compared to the rebels. For every 1 Prussian who died, they killed 5 rebels.

All thats left is to mop up whats left. Havoc leads them personally.

Auto-resolve battle, don't want to waste time. Havoc has successfully crushed the Polish Revolt.

Remember that one tiny newbie country that randomly declared war on me, Westphalia? Well, they might be noobs, but they have some balls. They have launched an invasion of Saxony, and have besieged the city of Dresden. Kaal is busy pacifying Silesia, and Havoc is far to the East, so the West is currently without a protector. King Sentenal, by royal decree, commissions a new General, as commander all armies in the West.

The young officer who defended Berlin from General Emnjay, Nagisama, is raised to the rank of General. While he is still without much experience, King Sentenal sees a bright future ahead of him. Not many people would be able to rise to the challenge to defend Berlin like he did. Nagi's traits kinda suck right now. "Born Soldier" is good, his others are just "A Happy Drinker", and "Prussian Junker". But with experience comes more traits. Do your best, Nagisama!

Nagisama marches South from Berlin, and engages the invading Westphalian army, lifting the siege of Dresden. The invading army isn't much, but neither is Nagisama's army, which is made up of the Regulars who bravely defended Berlin. Nagi's ambition only starts here, however. There are reinforcements near, from the city garrison, to reinforcements from Kaal's army in Silesia. In order to set make his own future, Nagisama resolves to smash the invaders before reinforcements arrive.

Nagisama's story is just beginning, and the Second Battle of Dresden is about to take place.

KazeHydra

Japan2788 Posts

June 18 2012 21:00 GMT

#10

Nothing wrong with Nagisama being a happy drinker. Alcohol is humanity's friend. Can he abandon a friend?

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 18 2012 21:11 GMT

#11

On an interesting note, Nagisama and Havoc are both Happy Drinkers. Maybe they can Mittermeyer/Reuenthal it up one day, should they link up.

Zeke50100

United States2220 Posts

June 18 2012 22:36 GMT

#12

There needs to be a timeline or something for each person.

Conquer the world, Sent. I believe in you!

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 19 2012 00:32 GMT

#13

Part 6

Last time, Nagisama, newly appointed Prussian General, marched his forces from Berlin south, to lift the siege of Dresden. Nagisama intends to finish the battle quickly, with just his forces, before any reinforcements arrive to share in the glory.

The Second Battle of Dresden

Nagisama arrives, and organizes his troops. It is a cold winter, but thankfully there is no storm my vision or anything.

Nagi marches his units up to meet invaders. Half of his men march side by side down the city road, the other half take the outskirts. Nagisama's Regulars on the outskirts meet their enemy, and engage them.

With his flanks secured, Nagi deploys 3 firing lines to deal with the Westphalian Vanguard. Just going by simple numbers, the enemy should break soon.

And they do. Nagisama presses the attack, since reinforcements are getting closer, Nagisama presses his attack. He positions his cavalry to the side, ready to charge in when their lines waver in the slightest.

The remaining Westphalians hurry to form firing lines. However, both the regiments from the city, and the ones coming from the outskirts are converging at the same time, soon to catch them in a crossfire.

The Westphalians decide to divert all their attention on the regiment attacking from the city, before they are caught on two sides. Meanwhile, Nagisama's cavalry descend upon routing enemy infantry.

The Westphalians focus on Nagisama's forces in the city, however, their lines easily hold, and the rest of Nagi's forces arrive at their rear.

This crossfire breaks the enemy's lines, and Nagisama orders his cavalry in to chase down their remaining forces.

The resulting fighting claims the life of the enemy General, spelling an end to the Westphalian invasion.

That was easy, didn't even need all those reinforcements.

What a slaughter.

Following the victory at Dresden, Nagisama leads his men to hunt down and mop up remaining enemies.

Auto-resolve battle, ezpz

Meanwhile, back in the East, a small force of Polish Troops enter my territory. Havoc immediately deploys his army, and engages them in battle. However, this force was likely only meant as a raiding party, and not really worth of battle.

Auto-resolve, the tiny raiding force is crushed

With a new threat, however small, in the West, I'm now surrounded on 3 sides by enemies, not to mention rebellions inside. I send an envoy to Emperor Shauni, requesting a cease fire.

Surprisingly, he agrees! While this cease fire is nothing other than temporary, at least it gives me some time to focus on Poland and the rebels. Austria can be dealt with later.

Right after peace is declared, the Silesians rise up in a Rebellion. Probably because Austria signed a peace treaty with me, these rebels are not Austrian rebels, but local rebels. Since they are sorta close to the Austrian Border, General Kaal takes a "Lets see what they do", stance. Maybe they will go into Austria, and fuck with them!

However, they don't. Instead, the Rebels fortify their location. And as if in response to this, another rebellion breaks out in Warsaw. Two rebellions at the same time, I wish I had the option of just burning these cities to the ground, like in Civilization!!!

Since the Silesian Rebels aren't going anywhere, Kaal finally marches out to meet them. The Rebels are poorly trained Militia, so Kaal doesn't think much of their fighting strength. He marches with about 500 men, 3 regiments of Riflemen, and 2 regiments of cavalry. However, the enemy numbers almost twice Kaal's number. The coming battle will be a classic quality vs quanity battle.

Will General Kaal be able to crush these rebels without incident? Check back next time to find out.

Tiegrr

United States607 Posts

June 19 2012 01:48 GMT

#14

Well written. Enjoyed it since I'm a huge fan of the Total War series. Good luck!

cwalk

United States26 Posts

June 19 2012 02:10 GMT

#15

Normal difficulty is a bit too easy in my opinion.

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 19 2012 16:22 GMT

#16

Part 7

Rebellions have popped up in both Warsaw and Silesia. General Kaal marches on the Rebel Encampment, to put down the uprising in Silesia. Kaal took a small force of Regulars and light conscripted cavalry (not the good kind of horse), and is greatly outnumbered. A battle of Quality vs Quantity is about to commence!

Kaal's forces are small and compact. He surveys the battlefield, looking to see the Rebel's Formation, and judge their intentions.

The Rebels are in a troublesome spot. To the East, the Rebels are set up in firing lines on a hill, and have dug in to withstand Kaal's assault.

Their defensive advantage is really something. Not only would Kaal have to attack up-hill at them, but they have also made make-shift barricades, to provide both cover, and protection from a frontal charge. This will be tricky.

Due to the sheer numbers of the enemy, Kaal spreads his firing line long and then, to prevent getting simply overun, should the enemy attack. He marches them just out of firing range, and waits. Kaal hopes the enemy will see his small force, and come down to meet him, leaving their defensive position.

General Kaal waits, but the enemy isn't falling for it. So, Kaal chooses a new strategy. He marches his forces north, swinging around to the Rebel's Right Wing. He doesn't need to fight them all at once, and if they are just going to sit there, Kaal will descend upon them on the side. Not only would this negate much of the enemy's size advantage, but hitting them from the side would also nullify much of their height and barricade advantage.

The enemy sees Kaal's movements. One enemy unit got caught by Kaal's riflemen and cavalry, but the others see the what Kaal is doing, and their Left Wing swings out to meet Kaal. However, this is just what Kaal wants, as in doing so, they are leaving much of their fortification behind.

The first enemy unit is routed. Kaal calls his cavarly back. The stage is set for an open-field battle.

Kaal spreads his forces out, and they meet. In my entire playthrough, this is probably the cleanest "two sides line up and shoot each other" battle I've had. This is a very text-book 1700-era battle.

Additionally to spreading his battle lines to meet the enemy, Kaal deploys his cavalry regiments to both of the enemy's flanks.

And battle commences. Prussian Regulars march up and meet the militia in battle. At the same time, Kaal orders in his cavalry, hitting both enemy flanks.

The cavarly take heavy losses, and are routed. However, they served their purpose. The enemy formation has been damaged, allowing Kaal's main force to sweep in on them.

Kaal is just sitting up on that hill, going "God damn I'm good", looking at the battlefield. Do you guys notice anything about the battle lines now, compared to the start of the battle?

Kaal's tactics have essentially gained himself the high-ground. The enemy, who started on top of a hill, behind a barricade, as been forced to the bottom of the hill, and is constantly getting forced back, due to the swift positioning and repositioning of Kaal's troops.

One by one, the Militia routes, giving Kaal better and better positioning on the enemy.

One of the enemy units magically stops routing somehow, and turns around to fight, seeing as how the unit that defeated them now has their flank exposed. But Kaal sees this, and quickly repositions them again, to get ready for their attack.

While Kaal keeps his flanks protected, the center of the enemy unit crumbles and is routed.

Much of the enemy force has been killed or routed. Rebel Silesians have to step over body after body in order to get at the Prussian force, all the while volley after volley rains on them.

Finally, the Rebel Army can no longer stand up to Kaal's forces, and they break and run. All that remains is one final regiment of reserves, who bravely march out to meet Kaal's lines.

These are brave men whom are about to die. And die they do. Kaal descends upon them on 3 sides, and crushes them.

Kaal wins, and the game calls it a close victory. I disagree that it was close, but whatever.

And now we see why it was a "close" victory. Its because that even after the battle, the remaining numbers of units still have Kaal as out-numbered. But Kaal only lost about 200 men, compared to the Rebel's 500.

Kaal's troops are tired from battle, and fewer in number. Kaal must pursue the enemy, however. He calls up reinforcements to pursue, 3 fresh, full manned reigments of Prussian Regulars. Now, not only does he have the quality advantage, but he has the quantity advantage.

Auto-resolve battle, the Silesian rebels are crushed without much of a fight.

Meanwhile, back in the East, General WreakHavoc is about to entered into a new battle with Polish rebels. His units are all rested and supplied, and reinforcements are near. It has been long enough, and Havoc intends to put these Polish bastards in their place. Thus is the first step of Havoc's first campaign. His goal: Lwow, Galicia. The Southern Polish Fortress. The source of the armies that have been plaguing MY FUCKING RESERACH HOUSES FOR LIKE THE PAST 6 YEARS FUCK THEM.

lee365

United States448 Posts

June 19 2012 16:49 GMT

#17

Why did my campaigns never go as smoothly as this. I remember being hated by almost every nation in the game besides the ottomans. T_T

Sentenal

United States12398 Posts

June 19 2012 17:15 GMT

#18

I think the secret is that you need to be a big ass army, with a country attached to it. Apparently my power in this playthrough is "terrifying", so practically everyone other than those insane Westphalians shit their pants at the thought of fighting me.

Nagisama

Canada4481 Posts

June 19 2012 17:28 GMT

#19

With such awesome generals, who wouldn't be shitting their pants!

Xinder

United States2269 Posts

June 20 2012 17:22 GMT

#20

This is awesome! Almost makes me want to buy total war and play it...almost. Sadly I suck at these types of games so I probably wont. lol. Well done though! Makes me feel like I'm participating in the campaign with you.

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