Topic: The History of the Empire as Depicted in the Art of the Time

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

@ Zygmund: Thank you for the compliment. You are obviously a man of great taste and education.   
 

With the rear area secured, the next phase of the campaign could be set in motion: to cut off Marienburg from the sea.  Apparently, the Empire could rely more on its Engineers than its Wizards to perform magic.  25 smaller and 6 larger vessels of the Imperial First Fleet sailed from the Reik up the small river Bach to the hamlet of Fauligmere (near Salfen), where they were dragged on dry land. From Fauligmere to the sea, the Imperial Engineers had created a path towards the sea, leveling terrain,  removing trees, plants, and even two houses. The ships were then hauled over long rails of wood,  that were constructed before the ships, and then immediately removed and reconstructed a bit further ahead.  Using 240 oxen, hundreds of men, winches and rollers, the fleet was transported in 15 days 5 miles overland to be finally lowered into the Mannaanspoort Sea. In fact, the fleet literally sailed across the land, because, when the winds were favourable, the ships did set sail to facilitate the transport.¹ There can be little doubt that this impressive feat of Imperial engineering inspired the later invention of the Marienburg Landship.


Imperial sapeurs leveling the path to the Mannaanspoort sea.

2.


1. This part of the story is based on an even more remarkable but historical feat of engineering: in 1439, Venice hauled a small fleet up the River Adige and across a low mountain range to Lake Garda, in an attempt to support Brescia, besieged by Milanese troops. However, the fleet was destroyed in an ensuing naval battle – according to some, because of the damage caused to the ships by the overland transport. Unfortunately, there seem to be no contemporary depictions, with the sole exception of a detail on the “Almagia map” (some time past 1439), of which I was unable to procure a good digital copy.  In the Palazzo Ducale in Venice, there is a later painting (1584) by Francesco Montemazzano. During the siege of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmed II also had ships hauled over land, however, in less difficult circumstances. 
2. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p. 120 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Of course, an enterprise of this magnitude could remain unnoticed. Marienburg soon realised the danger, and decided to act, when the Imperial vessels, like beached whales, were at their most vulnerable. A diversionary attack by mercenary Wastelanders from inland was to draw away the defenders from the ships, while a smaller Marienburg amphibious force would attack from the opposite direction, and destroy as many of the ships as they could. The attempt ended in disaster. Dietrich von Bernau had anticipated precisely such a plan, and had taken the appropriate counter-measures. While the main guard, composed of a Stirland force under the personal command of the Elector Count Ulrich Haupt-Anderson routed the Wastelanders,

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The banner of the Stirland force still shows the "old" coat of arms of Haupt-Anderson (v. the heraldic note)

a specialist Hochland force ambushed the Marienburgers, once they had disembarked from their boats.

2.



Note Rijker's Isle in the distance.


1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p. 296 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern
2. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p. 039 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

For the first time in 5 years and not to  be repeated for the next 50 years , the Empire had a sizeable naval force in the northern waters, and the arrival of the First Imperial Fleet in the Mannaanspoort Sea indicated a strategic shift of power in the siege of Marienburg.

1. Marienburg's forces being threatened by land and sea.





1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p. 239 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Having served their purpose, the rails of wood were transported to Fort Solace, where they were used to construct additional naval war craft, in particular the Schneck (slug), an armoured raft, that could hold several cannon and up to 70 men. 

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The Schneck being equipped with cannon in the port of Fort Solace. In the background to the left, one can discern Reaver's Point on the opposite side of the Mannaanspoort Sea.



1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.242 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

In later years, the First Imperial Fleet, which mainly consisted of  river patrol boats, would be no challenge for Marienburg’s navy of seafaring warships, but at present, both fleets were more or less evenly matched.
At that time, Marienburg had at its disposal only the few major warships which had survived the destruction of the Second Imperial Fleet in the Waaagh, and, as we have seen, these had been sent as protection on the Groote Vaert. The city could rely only on its river patrol boats and merchant ships they equipped with guns. Marienburg had an intimate knowledge of the local waters, but this was counterbalanced by the combat experience of the First Imperial Fleet, which had played no small part in preventing the Orcs crossing the Reik during the Waaagh.
Nevertheless, Dietrich von Bernau had decided to take no risks, and had given orders to disrupt the supply lines of Marienburg, whike avoiding a pitched battle with the Marienburg fleet, withdrawing instead towards the shore, where they could be supported by coastal batteries.


1. The Marienburg fleet leaving port to face the First Imperial Fleet





1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.294 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Of course, the Imperial Fleet had the easier task: preventing Marienburg from getting food supplies. Fishing was easily disrupted by hit-and-run attacks or firing at long range, and, as we have seen, the cattle from hamlets accessible by sea had been driven away, precisely to prevent the resupply of Marienburg. Forage raids were forced to venture further inland, leaving not only the troops but also the ships vulnerable to attack by land.

1. Hochland troops capturing Marienburg ships




Marienburg did have the odd success: at one time, they were even able to intercept an Imperial convoy with food supplies.  But it was clear that, in spite of rationing, food supplies coming in fell far below requirements and that famine in the besieged city was only a question of time.   


2. Marienburg raiders returning with captured Imperial supplies





1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.240 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern
2. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.249 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

In Marienburg, the food, whether served on plates of gold, brass or pottery, changed from the pleasant to the plain, from the plain to the unappetising, and from the unappetising  to the unpalatable. Admittedly, the Great Houses and the common Marienburger may have had slightly different ideas about what constituted “unpalatable”. The same could probably be said, though, about the common Marienburger and the rest of the Empire. The Directorate indicated to Dietrich von Bernau that they would be willing to negotiate, but only directly with Wilhelm III. Upon receiving word from the Reiksmarshall, the Emperor immediately travelled down the Reik, confident that he could now reunite Marienburg with the Empire.   

1.



1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.106 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

However, when the Emperor’s heralds trumpeted his arrival, their call remained unanswered and the gates closed:  no embassy left the city, no negotiators appeared on the walls. 

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1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.109 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Perambulator]

  Nice work! Keep it up! Don't let this go by the wayside! I'm going to keep an eye on this. Very well done. I can only imagine the amount of work needed to put this together. 

[Derg]

ya this is really interesting never thought someone would commit to something like this, really appreciate all the time you put into it. ill definitely be keeping up

[Baron von Klatz]

This is truly inspired! 

Please continue this amazing project on the Empire's illustrious history.

Tis a shame you use only historical pictures but if you ever need a fill in picture let me know and I can sketch one up.

Best of fortunes to you friend.

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Thank you all for the encouragement!

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

The Second Campaign against Marienburg (continued)

The reason for this change of mind (if it had not been a stalling ploy in the first place) soon became clear, when a carrier pigeon from Fort Bregbes arrived with alarming news. A strong Bretonnian force, lead by Enguerrand VII, Sieur de Coucy, had suddenly appeared in  the Gisoreux Gap; having neutralised the bridge watch, they had crossed the bridge over the Oise, and were now moving on the road to Marienburg. They had not attacked Fort Bregbes itself, simply bypassing the Border Keep, but the latter had been in no position to try and stop or even delay the invasion of such a large force.


1. The Bretonnian army emerging from the Gisoreux Gap. 



The Bretonnians are identified by the archaic houndskull bascinet helmets. Because of the helmets (hundsgugel in Reikspiel), the invasion force was also known as Guglers. Note, more to the right, the Lion banner of king Charlen and, to the left. the banner of the commander, Enguerrand VII (or Ingelram in Reikspiel).



1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.202 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Baron von Klatz]

Bretonnians eh? I was wondering when they'd show up to take Marienburg.  Now things are getting interesting.

[Hashut]

I always kind of ignored this thread- just took the chance to read through it, and it's great! Well done mate 

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Thank you! And anyone, please feel free to point out any errors or inconsistencies (fluff or otherwise)! 

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

The Second Campaign against Marienburg (continued)

Upon this disturbing news, Wilhelm IV immediately started to draw forces together to face the threat head-on. The reported Bretonnian strength was only about 1/3 of the Imperial forces, but most of the latter were needed to maintain the siege. It was clear that the Bretonnian objective was to lift the siege: allowing them to do so was granting them victory, even if they were defeated in the field. 

Although the Imperial garrison at Klessen had been warned, thus was the speed of the Bretonnian advance that they still were taken by surprise and routed.

1.


1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.207 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Wilhelm IV hastily assembled the reserves and withdrew as many troops as possible from the siege to face the threat in his rear. Some gaps had to be accepted on the eastern side, as Wilhelm IV did want to weaken the west too much, lest a Marienburg sally tried to combine forces with the Bretonnians. Together with the reserves, this force was about the same size as the Bretonnians. Upon word of the prise of Klessen, he immediately marched towards Lehmburg, where he chose a blocking position in favourable terrain. The next day, the enemy appeared and proceeded to charge without delay. The size of the forces was about equal, their composition could not be more different:  heavy cavalry on the Bretonnian, mainly infantry on the Imperial side.  As we have seen earlier, the soggy terrain of Westerland, intersected by streams and ditches, was particulalry ill suited for heavy cavalry. The Bretonnians Lances forced to stay on firm ground,  were funnelled along the Gisoreux road, unable to deploy their full attack potential. While Hochland spearmen and halberdiers withstood the Bretonnian charge head-on, the other Imperial troops closed in from the flanks. Unable to break the Hochlanders, and about to be routed, the Bretonnians turned and fled back to Klessen.


1. The Battle at Lehmburg





1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.205 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

Meanwhile, the Marienburgers attempted a major sally near the Westernpoort. Their attack started by cutting several dykes and opening sluices:  the water in the town ditch rushed down in a torrent, drowning numbers of Imperial troops. Exploiting the disarray, the Marienburgers tried to break through the siege lines, but, after the initial confusion,  the Imperials rallied and held the line. When the reserve force arrived, the Marienburgers were thrown back into the city.

1. 

The Marienburg sally repulsed. In the foreground the corpses of Imperial troops drowned by the torrent. 



1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik II, p.270 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.2, Burgerbibliothek, Bern

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

The Bretonnians had entrenched themselves in Klessen, and were stubbornly defending themselves against the fierce Imperial attempts to dislodge them. However, it would be only a matter of time, before the surrounded Guglers would have to yield.

1.



1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.206 (1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.

[Fidelis von Sigmaringen]

But time is money, and the campaign was about to receive a blow from a completely unexpected corner.  A famous Halfling general once said “An army marches on its stomach,” but, ultimately, it runs on money. And, now, that money had ran out.
First, instigated by Marienburg taunts from the walls,  rumours started to spread in the Imperial camp that the Emperor could not pay anymore wages or supplies, creating unrest among the ranks. Then, messengers from Altdorf arrived with dire news for the Emperor:  the vaults of the Imperial Treasury had been cleaned out! There was clearly magic involved, as there had been no signs of forced entry, and the amount of treasure was simply impossible to be transported in one night, let alone without being noticed. The main suspects were three illusionists/Shadow Mages who had attached themselves to a prestigious theatre company,^a performing in the Imperial Palace in Altdorf, and had disappeared at the same time as the treasure. 


1. The three mages recommending themselves to the theatre company. 







a. Based on WFRP Sigmar’s Heirs, p. 22: (In 2429) A particularly daring  trio of illusionists, attached to a prestigious theatre company staying in the Imperial Palace in Altdorf made off with a fine selection of treasure from Wilhelm III’s collection. Wilhelm III orders  a mass trial for wizards on charges of witchcraft and consorting with Chaos.

1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.291(1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.
 

[Noble Korhedron]

a. Based on WFRP Sigmar’s Heirs, p. 22: (In 2429) A particularly daring  trio of illusionists, attached to a prestigious theatre company staying in the Imperial Palace in Altdorf made off with a fine selection of treasure from Wilhelm III’s collection. Wilhelm III orders  a mass trial for wizards on charges of witchcraft and consorting with Chaos.

1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.291(1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.
 

And how exactly is he going to try every wizard in the Empire?! Can he even do that? Considering the Colleges of Magic were founded by his most successful precedessor aside from Sigmar himself.....

[Baron von Klatz]

a. Based on WFRP Sigmar’s Heirs, p. 22: (In 2429) A particularly daring  trio of illusionists, attached to a prestigious theatre company staying in the Imperial Palace in Altdorf made off with a fine selection of treasure from Wilhelm III’s collection. Wilhelm III orders  a mass trial for wizards on charges of witchcraft and consorting with Chaos.

1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.291(1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.
 

And how exactly is he going to try every wizard in the Empire?! Can he even do that? Considering the Colleges of Magic were founded by his most successful precedessor aside from Sigmar himself.....

Anger takes precedent over reason. Hopefully he'll be stopped from doing this by his advisors, otherwise the witch hunters and lynch mobs are going to be working overtime.

[Noble Korhedron]

a. Based on WFRP Sigmar’s Heirs, p. 22: (In 2429) A particularly daring  trio of illusionists, attached to a prestigious theatre company staying in the Imperial Palace in Altdorf made off with a fine selection of treasure from Wilhelm III’s collection. Wilhelm III orders  a mass trial for wizards on charges of witchcraft and consorting with Chaos.

1. Diebold Schilling, Die Amtliche Berner Chronik I, p.291(1483), Mss.h.h.I.1, Burgerbibliothek, Bern.
 

And how exactly is he going to try every wizard in the Empire?! Can he even do that? Considering the Colleges of Magic were founded by his most successful precedessor aside from Sigmar himself.....

Anger take precedent over reason. Hopefully he'll be stopped from doing this by his advisors, otherwise the witch hunters and lynch mobs are going to be working overtime.

I know what you mean!!

Assuming GW don't retcon things half to hell again, who're the Emperors since Magnus the Pious? Magnus was succeeded by Leopold of Stirland as I recall, rather than his brother Gunther Von Bildhofen, but after that I'm pretty rusty apart from knowing Wilhelm III is the direct ancestor(i.e. so-many-greats grandfather) of Karl Franz.....

[S.O.F]

Assuming GW don't retcon things half to hell again, who're the Emperors since Magnus the Pious? Magnus was succeeded by Leopold of Stirland as I recall, rather than his brother Gunther Von Bildhofen, but after that I'm pretty rusty apart from knowing Wilhelm III is the direct ancestor(i.e. so-many-greats grandfather) of Karl Franz.....

Though the line of Emperors from Reunification/Magnus' Reforms to present is the most well developed in WFB/WFRP fluff is is very problematic. My own rough assemblage is something like:

List of Emperors from 2306 to present

Magnus von Bildhofen “The Pious”    2304 to 2369
Leopold Unfahiger-Kreiglitz   2369 to 2401
Dieter IV Unfahiger-Kreiglitz   2401 to 2429
Wilhelm III Holswig-Schliestien “The Wise”    2429 to 2458
Mathias IV Holswig-Schliestien    2458 to 2471
Matheus II Holswig-Schliestien    2471 to 2477
Luitpold I Holswig-Schliestien       2477 to 2502
Karl-Franz II Holswig-Schliestien    2502 to Present

Now there is a very good chance that Mathias and Matheus are the same Emperor but with strange conflicting tales from various WHFRP sources spread over many years (many still in the first edition)