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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 14:13:46 GMT
At Cogoleto, the French Fleet arrives within days of leaving the port of Marseilles. The transport flotilla unburdens itself and births into the town a French host commanded by François-Henri de Montmorency, duc de Luxembourg. They are ordered to quickly secure the town and to suppress any resistance to French occupation, with extreme prejudice if required. The army's artillery and ordnance are ordered to be positioned on the high-ground overlooking the harbour.
The French transport Flotilla upon resupplying whatever provisions are needed from the loot procured from the town, set sail for Marseilles under the escort of 6 Frigates.
The Ships-of-the-Line move into position only a few hundred yards off the shore of the quays of Genoa and commence the concentrated bombardment of the merchant-city.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 15:26:13 GMT
It seems the Genoese were prepared for this attack. Eugene, Prince of Savoy, only 25 years of age but already carving out his reputation as one of the greatest generals in Europe has prepared a defense force to fight off the French. 3,000 foreign regimentals hold the imperial bank, bolstered by 3,000 Swiss mercenaries, the Doge opts to hold out there with Prince Eugene. As the French advance through the town, militiamen spring ambushes from hidden streets and tall buildings. Any survivors from the attacks retreat back to the Reichsbank. Similarly, as the artillery attempts to make it to high ground, they are ambushed by a 3,000 strong dragoon force.
French casualties:
-1,500 line infantry -500 granadiers -200 engineers -500 dragoons -150 field guns destroyed -75 howitzers destroyed
Genoese casualties:
4,000 militiamen 2,500 dragoons 500 foreign regimentals 500 Swiss guard
Result: Stalemate, France takes the town, but are forced to besiege the heavily guarded Reichsbank complex, with most of their artillery destroyed it will take a while for them to break the garrison, though it will inevitably crumble. Louis XIV is left pondering how the Genoese knew of the attack.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 15:41:01 GMT
The surviving engineers set to work preparing the demolition of the Reichsbank complex. Barrels of gunpowder are loaded onto carts while the remaining howitzers and field guns continue to bombard it with a steady rate of fire, concentrating on the load bearing corners of the structure.
Upon the orders of the duc de Luxembourg, the reformed battalion of Grenadiers, under the covering fire of the Line-Infantry and dismounted Dragoons rush toward the structure, pushing the carts of power in front of them. Upon reaching the already weakened outer-superstructure of the building, pockmarked with crumbling masonry, the Grenadiers hastily position the explosive barrels at the base of the corners most affected by the bombardment, prior to lighting the fuses, and running like shitfire.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 16:15:22 GMT
OOC: some of the responses from Spain and Genoa may be delayed, as both admins will have to assess them for fairness.
As the Grenadiers advance, some of the barrel-wagons are shot at by the Genoese, inflicting heavy casualties. However, the plan seems certain to work. Then, sparking a bizarre chain of events, the Genoese stop firing. Emerging from the building is a man dressed in an elaborate white silk cloak, bearing shiny unspoiled armour. He puts his one of his hands in the air, revealing a white napkin - Parle.
In his other hand, he holds a hefty cigar. Some of the French soldiers begin to fire. The man stands there as shots ricochet around him, unnerved by the exchange. As a few bounce off his armour, he takes another drag from his cigar and exhales free of care. The captains tell their men to stop, whilst they await word from the Duc de Luxembourg. As the French stop firing a banner is dropped down the side of the Reichsbank, bearing the Odescalchi coat of arms. It seems the Duc has been treated with the presence of the Doge.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 16:37:54 GMT
"Good Lord. In't he the that relative to the Holy Father. What next. What-what."
Before finishing or being heard, the French concentrate fire upon the lone figure.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 16:39:45 GMT
The Doge stands tall as the French open fire. He is hit several times, but refuses to even flinch. The Duc realises his mistake and orders them to stop. However, this will give the French a reputation for regicidal actions. Mario takes another drag from his cigar, and raises the napkin again.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 16:44:33 GMT
The Duc approaches, "... perhaps we should talk. Come with me to the sanctuary of that church."
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 16:49:54 GMT
Mario Odescalchi remains silent, choosing instead to breath his fire. However, he does start in the direction of the church.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 16:50:58 GMT
The assault upon the citadel continues as they make their way down the street.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 16:53:27 GMT
Mario obviously hears the continued fire. He changes direction and starts walking back towards the complex.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 16:55:17 GMT
The Duc sighs.
"Shoot him in the face then."
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 16:57:07 GMT
Mario continues his waltz, undeterred by the 1,000 men now lining up their sights. With one fell salvo, Mario falls to his knees. He looks the Duc in the eyes and smiles as life slowly escapes him.
It seems this demonstration of heavenly courage has inspired his men to fight harder. More grenadiers are slain in the advance, but the walls fall, revealing a suspiciously large defensive complex that seems to go deep into the ground. The french will have to storm the breach.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 17:09:07 GMT
"Oh, my. What-what. What a pickle."
The duc turns to an adjutant.
"Cease the bombardment, retire the men to whatever portion of the city that isn't ablaze. The attack will recommence tomorrow."
That evening, fresh French reinforcements from Marseilles arrive, unaware, but soon to hear of the day's calamity.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 25, 2015 17:35:40 GMT
Eugene Prince of Savoy gather a cohort of 1,000 regimentals. He acts similarly to the late Doge, but will not be as careless. They advance to the fore of the Reichsbank and Eugene waves the flag of Parle. He will refuse to leave the point of safe retreat and asks that the Duc send someone to negotiate terms.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 17:45:06 GMT
The Duc and his retinue of adjutants and petty functionaries approach the barricade and communicate that they are willing to hear terms.
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