User blog:Владимир Эльясов/Alexander Nevsky vs Richard the Lionheart

THE LAST CRUSADE

   Alexander Nevsky may defeated the Swedes, Teutons, Livonians and even the Romans ... but can he withstand the onslaught of the "First knight of Europe"? Richard the Lionheart will ride into a new campaign!

 '''Who... is... DEADLIEST???'''

Bio
"Who comes to us with sword, from sword will die."

- Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Yaroslavovich "Nevsky" (1220 - 1263) - russian statesman, military leader, Prince of Novgorod, Grand Prince of Vladimir. He headed the Russian troops to defend the north-western lands of Russia from taking over the Teutonic and Swedish feudal lords. After the landing of the Swedish squad in the river Neva, Alexander with a small brigade, suddenly attacked the Swedish camp, and completely defeated them, showing the courage to fight, tactical proficiency and personal skills. For this victory he was nicknamed "Nevsky". The victory strengthened his political influence, but at the same time, the popularity among ordinary people contributed to exacerbate its relations with the nobility, as a result of collisions with whom the prince was forced to leave Novgorod. After the invasion of the Livonian knights in the land of Novgorod Republic, the boyars had to again ask for help from Alexander, in the spring of 1241 he came back and quickly created an army repulsed Livonians captured the city, demonstrating its ability to storm the fortress. The following year, Alexander acted against the Teutonic Order, headed by the Master of the Order and the Bishop of Dorpat, but they suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of the Ice (5 April 1242).

Successful military activities of Alexander Nevsky permanently ensure the safety of the western borders of Russia, but in the east Russian Princes had to bow to the much more powerful enemy - the Mongols. Alexander received from the Great Khan in the management of the devastated southern Russia and Kiev. But he did not go to Kiev and back to Novgorod. About this time, Pope Innocent IV sent to Alexander Nevsky embassy with an invitation to Catholicism, allegedly in exchange for his help in the joint struggle against the Mongols. This proposal was categorical rejected by Alexander. Deciding to out of power recalcitrant Andrew Yaroslav, Batu handed label Grand Prince to Alexander Nevsky. But the younger brother of Alexander, Andrew Jaroslawich, supported by princes Yaroslav and his brothers Daniel, refused to submit to Batu. To punish the rebellious princes Batu-khan sends Mongolian army under the command of Nevruy, Andrew and Yaroslav will run from Rus.

In 1225 Novgorod expelled out of his former Prince Vasili - son of Alexander Nevsky. But Alexander, again set Vasili in Novgorod, severely punish the vigilantes who failed to protect the rights of his son - they were blinded. Later in Novgrode again mutiny against the Golden Horde and Alexander personally restored order by executing the most active participants in the unrest. Novgorod disobeyed orders to send tribute to the Golden Horde. To appease Berke Khan, Alexander Nevsky personally went with the gifts of the Horde. Khan held the prince beside him all winter and summer, in the autumn, Alexander was able to return to Vladimir, but on the way fell ill and died.

My opinion
Prince Alexander -  was certainly a key figure for the history of Medieval Russia. Victory over the west feudals and peace treaty with the Horde long determined future development of Russia. Alexander Nevsky personally led the army into battle when he was young, never was defeated in the battle, cleverly used tactic of "ambush regiment" and outsmart his brothers in diplomatic game. Over time, his personality and activities became legendary, and he was canonized as a defender of faith.

Many people idealize a person of Alexander, while others say what he's battles are small and he's deeds is no more than treachery and cruelty. But I think this is not correct, truth, as is often the case - in the middle. He was an intelligent and strong-willed person, but not ideal. He was not tall and big, but strong built. Some of his actions were really cruel, but in the Middle Ages it was a way of life everywhere. Not all of his men approved his friendship with Mongols Horde, but it is his actions saved the faith of the people. He betrayed his own rebellious brothers to the Horde, but only because he did not see any other way out to save Rus, except peace with Mongols. He was a great man of his time.

Army

 * [[File:Yellow.png]]Alexander on horse - Rus sword, Klevets, Kite shield, Coat chainmail with lamellar plate, Conical helmet with balaclava
 * [[File:Yellow.png]]Vityaz on horse - Rus sword, Rus composite bow, Kite shield, Coat chainmail with lamellar plate, Conical helmet with balaclava
 * [[File:Yellow.png]][[File:Yellow.png]]Spearman - Rogatina, Rus sword, Kite shield, Coat chainmail, Round helmet
 * [[File:Yellow.png]][[File:Yellow.png]]Archer - Rus composite bow, Klevets, Round shield, Coat chainmail, Round helmet

Bio
"You can make plan for the future battle, but as soon as it starts – your plan will be ruined. Horn shall sound! And the God with knights help, will put everything in its place."

- Richard I the Lionheart

Richard I the Lionheart (1157 - 1199) - King of England from 1189 of the Plantagenet dynasty. Richard and King Philip of France were to take part in the Third Crusade. In a short time, emptying the treasury and bled the country of extortion, Richard raised money and set sail for the Holy Land, leaving England at the head of his brother, Prince John. Looting on the way the city of Messina in Sicily and conquered Cyprus, Richard arrived in Palestine, where the fortress port of Acre in the siege of the Crusaders. Despite what they already agreed on the honorable surrender of the city - Richard tore the negotiations and took Acre by the quick storm. Immediately after that in the camp of the Crusaders began discord, Richard quarreled with Philip and grossly insulted the Duke Leopold of Austria.

Richard, not having received the promise of redemption for the garrison of Acre, ordered the execution of 2,000 prisoners, for which he received the nickname "Lion Heart".

After an unsuccessful campaign to conquer Jerusalem, Richard left home, but on the way back he was captured by his enemy Leopold of Austria, who has been repurchased by putting in honorable captivity, the German Emperor Henry VI. Richard was released after paying 150,000 gold marks and bringing homage to Emperor. In May 1194, Richard went to France to fight with Philip. France fear Richard's victories and hurried into an unsustainable peace with England. Richard went to war against the rebellious vassal, Viscount Adhemar of Limoges, and during the siege of the castle being naughty was shot in the arm with an arrow and died of gangrene.

My opinion
Richard was a great fighter and leader, he always claimed himself to be "the first knight of Europe," and was involved in the fighting, even if he was sick, even if it would have cost him his life. He does not make plans for the fight - always relying on fast and furious first attack. He was confident in his victory, and inspired confidence in his men, and won.

But although Richard has become a ideal of chivalry, he was a bad king as the ruler of the country, he was almost no interest in domestic issues of England. He was not the most skillful diplomat and quarreled with his allies and even be captured by one of them.

Army

 * [[File:red.png]]Richard on horse - Longsword, Battle ax, Knight shield, Full chainmail armor, Crusader enclosed helmet
 * [[File:red.png]]Crusader on horse - Longsword, Battle ax, Knight shield, Full chainmail armor, Crusader enclosed helmet
 * [[File:red.png]][[File:red.png]]Footman - English bill, Longsword, Knight shield, Coat chainmail, Kettle hat
 * [[File:red.png]][[File:red.png]] Crossbowman - Crossbow, Battle ax, Coat chainmail, Kettle hat

Weapons
Effective range - maximum distance at which can be penetrate a simple chainmail. Max range - maximum distance at which can be accurate shooting.

X-factors
Alexander---Richard

82-Physicality-88 In fact, the Alexander Nevsky was not a tall man (less than 170 cm),  but well developed physically and have better diet. His warriors like many northerners was growth and strength that allowed them to use heavy armor and weapons. Richard was a very big man (approximately 193 cm and 95 kg), but at the same time his men are not always able to show off this size. But the battle in armor in a hot climate of Middle East show their good endurance. 84-Training-87 Alexander, like many noble man of Rus, from the childhood trained in weapons and before he became the Grand Prince, he often personaly led troops in the decisive attack. However, training of russian warriors was versatile, while training the soldiers of Richard was more specialized, besides Richard spent most of his life in the war campaigns.  78-Brutality-85   Alexander did not show cruelty more than was needed. He could severely suppress the rebellion, if demanded by the situation or hard punish those who came to their land. But he had a moral religious and diplomacy сode. Richard is a realy man of war, he could go on the attack even if alone, besides the Crusaders was quite cruel to people of a different religion. Richard was able to punish without mercy, but he also showed respect for the enemy and the very chivalrous grace, which is so bards sang in later times. 85-Discipline-75 Warriors of Alexander were disciplined enough to fight according his plan. His reputation among the troops and the common people was high. And when it comes to protecting their land and fight for the faith - even ordinary militiaman are able to fight to the last drop of blood. However, his army was not  monolithic, so attended as warriors of his personal unit, as Novgorod warriors, as ordinary warriors. The Crusaders, except warriors Orders, is not particularly self-control and discipline, they sought as soon as possible rush into battle and take the trophies. In addition, they were treated with contempt by ordinary soldiers. Only a strong will of Richard helped to keep the troops in line. 90-Tactics and Intelligence-68 <p style="text-align:center;">Here everything is quite clear. Alexander - a skilled tactician, strategist, ruler, philosopher and diplomat. And Richard ... he need only one tactic to wins - ATTACK! <p style="text-align:center;"> 85-Leadership-88  Both warriors are great leaders. But Nevsky became Grand Prince stopped fighting personally and lost some authority for what he hard suppressed rebellion in Novgorod. While Richard leading his army until death and enjoyed great authority among the soldiers, even despite his capture.

Battle rules

 * Battle goes 6х6 format


 * Place of battle: Slightly hilly area and the ruins in the center.Ruines.jpg


 * The number of arrows/bolts for each long range fighter - 20

Voting rules

 * Detailed vote with EDGEs in Close Range, Mid Range, Long Range, Special, Armor and X-Factors - will count as 2.


 * Argumented vote with more than 5 sentences, but without EDGEs - will count as 1.


 * Single sentences - will no count.


 * Counterargument or mistake in vote can reduce vote's cost by 0,5


 * The winner of the public vote will receive a bonus 1 points.


 * If battle ending in a draw - then i'll wrote my detailed vote and choose a winner.


 * Voting ends by 10th August

Who is the deadliest warrior and leader?

Alexander Nevsky

Richard the Lionheart