There is initial success

The Magruvak had spent centuries honing their craft in the art of war against superior opponents, ever since all of Europa was under the heel of the Romanii Empire when it first expanded into Gaul, present-day Francois. Their tactics, technology and society had advanced enough that they were capable of contesting with other kingdoms on a more equal footing.

The only reasons why the Magruvak tribes were still considered primitive were due to their lack of unity - that rather than be united as one people they were divided between tribes like the Sultanates - and that they still worshipped their pagan gods instead of Christianity.

That did not mean they were any less difficult to deal with in battle; their shieldwalls were steadfast and unyielding, and it took much jostling of spears and shields for the Almaini troops to begin pushing back the Magruvak.

Magruvak cavalry were also formidable against Almaini knights, and Magruvak armour of fine make proved the equal of the best Almaini smiths, their armour deflecting lethal blows and their spears finding purchase through gaps or weakpoints in chainmail. Magruvak javelinists and archers circled around Almaini knights like vultures and filled them with holes, and it was only Almaini armour that prevented them from being completely overwhelmed.

Would that they could, the knights would make short work of the mounted skirmishers, but Almaini destriders were large and powerful horses that emphasized impact ****, which made them slower than the smaller yet more agile Magruvak steeds.

Your army held the centre flank, your phalanxes holding the marauding barbarians like a cliff against the rising tide, archers providing support as they riddled the Magruvak with feathered shafts. Dozens to hundreds fell in the initial exchange, and the Magruvak loosed a volley of javelins against your troops. It was a close fight but the centre held against the merciless onslaught.

Your wings, comprised of the armies of other autonomous duchies comprising the Europan Confederation, likewise held firm against the Magruvak, but the left wing was gradually beginning to buckle under the pressure. Commanders desperately issued orders to hold and throw them back, some even grabbing troops by the throat and thrusting them back into the melee, but they were losing ground quickly.

"Dietrich, the left wing's going to crumble!" You informed, "Take your cavalry and hit them from behind!"

"Aye, Sire!"

Dietrich, ever your faithful retainer and capable commander, swiftly diverted his knights to charge into the Magruvak formation from its flank, cleaving the army in half and claiming dozens of lives in a single charge. Though they had to withdraw quickly to avoid being drowned in bodies, their flanking attacks do their job and relieve the pressure on the left wing.

Then you receive terrible news.

"Sire, the barbarians are attacking us from the rear!"

A detachment of Magruvak troops appeared from behind your formation and began attacking your rear defenses, and your reserves stationed there fought desperately for their lives. With them preoccupied, that left the main army without reinforcements if things went sour there.

"Call back Dietrich and his knights now!" You ordered, drawing your sword.

"Yes Sire, but what about the main army?" A soldier questioned.

"They cannot spare any troops for this; inform Count Siegfried and Viscount Sigmar that they must hold the line," You stated, "Go, now!"

"At once, Sire!" The soldier saluted, going to perform his duty.

The Magruvak hit hard and fast, striking with such **** that they were able to penetrate two of three lines arrayed against them and even threaten your personal retinue. Mounting your horse, you bellowed one order:

"Charge!"

The troops blew the horn, and your retinue sallied forth into battle, cutting down many barbarians and blunting their momentum significantly. Before long, however, you were surrounded and your men were dropping like flies, and it became a fight for your survival as you struggled to get your troops out of this predicament.

Then you felt hot pain on your leg, and you saw that a horseman had stabbed your right thigh. You stabbed him back through the throat, sending him tumbling to the ground.

"Your Grace!"

Dietrich came through for you, his knights smashing into the rear of the attacking Magruvak just as you were about to be overwhelmed. Soon enough, you could hear the barbarians' horns sounding on the battlefield. Perhaps realizing their chance at securing victory was dashed, the attackers retreated from both the rear and the front, and your men cheered for their victory.

You heave a sigh of relief, and as the adrenaline faded you felt a dull ache in your leg, and you see blood oozing out of your wound.

"Your Grace, we must see to your wounds!" One of the soldiers cried in alarm.

You tiredly nod, slowly dismounting with help as you limp back to the main camp.