Gilles de Rais

"When the said children were dead, I kissed them and those who had the most handsome limbs and heads I held up to admire them, and had their bodies cruelly cut open and took delight at the sight of their inner organs; and very often when the children were dying I sat on their stomachs and took pleasure in seeing them die and laughed."

- Extract from Gilles de Rais' own confession during his trial. Gilles de Rais was a French Knight and Lord who was a leader of the French Army during the 100 years war. Gilles was brought up mostly by his Grandfather after his parents died at a young age was grew up learning about military tactics. At the age of sixteen he was successfully able to negotiate the release of Duke John VI after his capture by rival claimants and amassed large monetary gifts in reward for his success which he used to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Gilles served as a commander for the French during part of the Hundred Years War (1427-1435 to be exact) and was known for his reckless bravery on the battlefield. He fought alongside Joan of Arc on many occasions, including during the Siege of New Orleans. For his successes against the English he was made a Marshall of France.

Gilles stepped down from his military role in 1435 and was said to take part in occult rituals. He was accused and convicted of being a child serial killer and executed in 1440 although some historians claim he was forced into a confession to avoid excommunication and his execution was politically motives to gain his lands and wealth.

Battle vs. Vlad the Impaler (by SPARTAN 119)
Vlad: 100 Gilles: 100

An army of 100 Hundred Year's War-era French soldiers led by Gilles de Rais sat at their camps, sitting around campfires. It was late in the evening. Suddenly, there was thunderous roar and a flash of fire from the forest to one side of the camp. Several Frenchmen were cut down as hand cannon balls and crossbow bolts struck them. Some were killed instantly by headshots, while others fell the ground, screaming in pain as they clutched their wounds.

Vlad: 100 Gilles: 89

After the initial volley of fire, Vlad himself raised his sword, leading ten cavalrymen on horseback, followed by the remaining 90 infantry. The soldiers cut down the few surviving, shaken and wounded survivors of the volley. Soon, however, they realized something was wrong- the camp they attacked was not the main camp, but a small outpost.

From the woods surrounding the camp, the crunching of armored feet under leaves, the pounding of hooves, and shouts in French were heard. A flash of fire blazed out of the forest as several hand cannons discharged with a loud bang. Nine of Vlad's men were cut down by a flurry of shot and crossbow bolts, before the main French force charged in, Gilles de Rais himself leading the charge from on top of his horse.

Vlad: 91

Gilles: 89

A few Wallachian gunners and archers got off shots, but they were quickly overrun by the French infantry and cavalry. Those that were not struck down by sword or polearm retreated behind the Wallachian infantry, who formed a wall of halberd points. The French cavalry parted their horses refusing to enter the forest of polearms.

Gilles led the small group of French knights to charge the flanks of Wallachian formation, only to be met by a similar-sized group of cavalry led by Vlad himself. A French knight tried to charge the Wallachian prince, but the Son of the Dragon swung his kilij, scoring a lucky hit to the gap between the gorget and helmet and cutting them man's throat.

The two cavalry forces then kept going and made a run at each other's infantry, however, they were quickly forced to turn back and face the enemy cavalry. There was also a limit to how much damage to scant few cavalry men could do in the face of so many infantry. The French suffered slightly fewer casualties than the Wallachians as more of them had plate armor.

Vlad: 81

Gilles: 83

The battle had devolved into a shoving match between two masses of infantry, with the two cavalry formations attempting to hit the flanks, but being forced to break off to engage each other. Soldiers on the front lines of each side grappled at close range. Men on both sides died in most brutal manners, as daggers slip into gaps in armor and polearms pulled them to the ground and then cleaved through armor.

While both sides suffered heavy losses, the French, with their superior armor began to gain the upper hand, driving a wedge of men into the Wallachian line and splitting them in two. At the same time the French knights overcame most of their Wallachian adversaries. One who stubbornly remained was Vlad himself.

Vlad: 53

Gilles: 65

Vlad charged straight at the French leader, trying to make a cut at him, but the blade had no effect on Gilles' thick plate armor. Making a second run, Vlad lunged at Gilles, forcing him from his horse. Even if he did not survive this battle, he was taking his foe with him.

The Wallachian prince slammed the French knight against the ground and attempted to drew his dagger and finish him off. While he did so, however, he did not see a French soldier, who broke off from the rear lines to help their leader. The soldier thrust his voulge into Vlad's back, The Impaler was himself impaled.

Vlad coughed up a mouthful of blood as he looked down to see the blade protruding from his chest. The Wallachian prince's body went limp and collapsed on top of Gilles. Tossing aside the enemies remains, the French soldier called out, "Sir, are you OK?"

Gilles got back up and responded, "Oui".

As Gilles and the surviving French knights turned to face the infantry battle, the saw the Wallachian lines begin to break apart. Men in the rear ranks turned and fled in full retreat.

"Cavalry! Ride them down, kill them all!", Gilles yelled, ordering his remaining six cavalrymen to charge after the retreating Wallachians. All told, of the 100 Wallachians, only 43 escaped the battle alive.

Cheers of "Vive la France!" erupted through the victorious French army.

WINNER: Gilles de Rais

Experts' Opinion
Gilles de Rais won this battle thanks in large part to the fact that French, with their greater wealth, had more men equipped with full plate armor (whereas chain mail was more common among the Wallachians), greatly increasing their survivability. Other factors included his great deal of experience in the Hundred Years war, and the greater versatility of the longsword in close combat.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here. == Battle vs Honda Tadakatsu, Yue Fei, Genghis Khan, Rashid ad-Din Sinan, Harald Hardrada & Richard the Lionheart in the Ancient Real Life Grail War (by Wassboss) == TBW

Expert's Opinion
TBW