Crusades: Book I March east into one of history’s most consequential medieval conflicts in Crusades: Book I, a detailed tactical wargame covering the battles and campaigns of the First and Second Crusades and the battles fought between them. Beginning with Pope Urban II’s call to arms in 1095, Crusades: Book I follows the rise of the crusading movement from its explosive beginning through the capture of Jerusalem, the creation of the Latin states, and the growing pressure of increasingly organized resistance that culminated in the failed siege of Damascus in 1148. Take command in Crusades: Book I, where 40-meter hexes and 10-minute turns place you in control of medieval armies fighting for cities, fortresses, roads, and passes. Every battle is shaped by the realities of the age: detailed siege warfare, difficult terrain, fragile supply, and the constant struggle to hold a frontier with limited manpower. Bring medieval sieges to life with Mangonels, Onagers, Ballistae, Trebuchets, Siege Towers, Battering Rams, and ladders. Command the Armies of the Crusading Era Recreate the major campaigns of the 1st and 2nd Crusades and the battles between from either side of the conflict. Lead the forces of the Crusader states and western armies, including: Knights Men-at-arms Spearmen Crossbowmen Archers Pilgrims and levy forces Or take command of the Islamic alliances and regional powers, including: Turkish cavalry Infantry armed with spears and swords Archers Garrison troops Regional field armies The historically accurate Order of Battle includes the major forces that fought across the era, allowing you to experience the strengths and weaknesses of both sides — from heavily armed western knights and determined infantry to fast-moving eastern cavalry and defenders fighting for cities and fortresses. Siege Warfare and Frontier Conflict The Crusades were not decided by open battle alone. Crusades: Book I captures the full nature of medieval warfare in the Levant and Anatolia, where strongholds, roads, and relief operations often mattered more than simple battlefield victory. Conduct detailed siege operations using Mangonels, Onagers, Ballistae, Trebuchets, Siege Towers, Battering Rams, and ladders to break fortified positions or defend them against assault. Fight across a harsh and contested landscape where: Cities and fortresses dominate operations Roads, passes, bridges, and ridgelines shape every maneuver Supplies and frontage can decide the fate of an advance A delayed relief force can doom a city, while ample supply can save defenders From the sieges of Nicaea, Antioch, Jerusalem, Tyre, Edessa, and Damascus to smaller clashes, marches, ambushes, and defensive stands, Crusades: Book I recreates the military realities of an era where every victory had to be held against inevitable counterattack. 74 Detailed Scenarios Crusades: Book I includes 74 scenarios covering a wide range of actions and engagements, including: A solo tutorial scenario Five training scen...