And now they give the base game away for free, at least for a little while. Wow...they're recycling a Bond villain plot here.
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Enticing those who may happen across it for the first time and think “oh, but all that DLC, sounds expensive!” Just buy the base game, play for a bit, then (like many of us) get into it and just want to add that bit more ... sounds like smart marketing to me.
Gotta love "loss leading"
As for the questions, I can't really add much more that hasn't already been covered.
"No Mr Bond. It will positively drive them out of their minds. And subsequently out of business."
And then we'll have thousands of new meats hooked and ready to buy DLC. Hundreds and hundreds of hours worth each changing the game in multiple and tangible ways but none really clearly better than other variations, meaning that there's lots of replay-ability and also the continued desire to buy more. And for CKII, we can keep that train going forever pretty much. The system is robust and the base game is great, and really easy to modify and improve with dlc. So we'll keep doing it for ages.
At least with HOI they can't pull this. If the EE game isn't good, they'll sell a lot of it. Then they'll bring out two or three expansions to fix/make playable several places that aren't the five main nations and then start on the next game. EUIV and CKII however is a gravy train that never ends.
And then we'll have thousands of new meats hooked and ready to buy DLC. Hundreds and hundreds of hours worth each changing the game in multiple and tangible ways but none really clearly better than other variations, meaning that there's lots of replay-ability and also the continued desire to buy more. And for CKII, we can keep that train going forever pretty much. The system is robust and the base game is great, and really easy to modify and improve with dlc. So we'll keep doing it for ages.
At least with HOI they can't pull this. If the EE game isn't good, they'll sell a lot of it. Then they'll bring out two or three expansions to fix/make playable several places that aren't the five main nations and then start on the next game. EUIV and CKII however is a gravy train that never ends.
You won’t find me complaining. They are ace base games. Why shouldn’t the developers milk them for all they can?
Too true. I want an entire world map for CKII as much as everyone else.
Aren't they building a mod for that? Umbrae Mundis or something? I tried it. Works fine. Probably funnier when you have a few friends though, it's a pretty big map.
Well of course to do it properly, most of the map should be fogged out and incorrect for the entire game, unless you are Chinese or a Viking. Or I suppose Polynesian and you want to settle the Pacific (I think later starts put us in the right millennium for it, if a bit early for some places). That wouldn't be a cool mod, one where the map is correct only where your units are and where your kingdom's borders are. Everywhere else looks like an actual medieval attempt at a map, or in some places a pretty good Ancient Greek stab at it.
But then, in terms of priorities what we all actually want is ship combat. And proper trade mechanics. And a proper taxation system for empires. And proper castle designs. And the ability to change geography to whatever your king wants, like what they actually did so many times in the so called dark ages. Want a river? You got one. Want a mountain for a hall and city? Sure! Want to plant a new forest for hunting! Absolutely! Want to build a cathedral? That...might take a while. But Italy be worth the prestige bonus in EUIv when it finally finishes!
Military Council of 9 October 876 (a summary of advice from Chapter 25)
Military Council of 9 October 876 (a summary of advice from Chapter 25)
Rurik stands on the deck of his longship, having just boarded after a successful raid on the rich city of Capua. His next target is Pisa, which promises to be even richer. Though in this case, it is part of a large Duchy, rather than an isolated single-county realm. He takes some quick advice from his military commanders and advisers before heading off for the next chapter of this Great Raid.
Rurik waits to board the ships in Capua: "Where to next? To Pisa, gold and glory!"
General Comments
Glad your home town was spared. And should that have been ‘Doges’ a bullet!!? Or is that more Venetian?
Ch25 Q1: Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match! Rurik is now seriously considering his options. If my assessment of the conditions for the proclamation of Rus (canvassed some time ago) are correct, then it wouldn’t matter if Konugarðr controlled a few de jure Rus counties anyway: Rurik is only one decent raid (for the money) and one medium-sized conquest away from being able to proclaim Rus. The question of a bond with Konugarðr would be more about whether it might get in the way of – or alternatively aid – a later desire to take it over, as the Rurikids soon did in OTL. There is also the issue (again, as discussed recently) of marrying for stats or inheritable attributes and also links further afield – whether other Norse countries that might play into a later campaign to unite the faith or for alliances or dynastic succession reasons. Or even matches with rulers from the steppes to the east, to provide some bulwarks in that direction (or meat shields as TBC would term them)!
A quick survey of available marriage options – male and female – had a range of Norse, Slav, Suomenusko, Romuva and Tengri matches. Even a single Catholic option of each gender, and a couple of Zoroastrian girls! I can provide more details if anyone thinks they would be relevant to advice but am happy to take broad principles and apply them myself.
So, building on previous advice re both Rus and marriages, views on the situation re Konugarðr (thoughts more on strategic pros and cons of a pact with them or preparation for their conquest) and more generally are welcomed. Also any religious nuances, factors for matrilineal marriages or not, etc in these circumstances are all welcome.
Ch25 Q2: New Content, New Decisions. As the knowledge and mores of the outside world continue to impact on the realm of Holmgarðr, Rurik and his Council must keep up with the times and be prepared to absorb these new ways of doing things. Any advice along those lines will be greatly valued. Some may be obvious, some not, but all views -as always – are welcomed!
Horse Lords – thought it my make Rus’s future a bit tougher, but don’t mind that … the AI usually needs the help. Except perhaps against rank newbies such as your humble authAAR! I will try bto get enough horse lord allies to help protect myself until the Mongols arrive. And then just do as happened in OTL: hope the Khanate of the Golden Horde (or its in-game analogue) doesn’t obliterate me!
All: The conversation then took off on the recent base game free release, DLC and mods in general, which was excellent and interesting. Happy with that and will let our subsequent to-and-fro on that speak for itself. But Rurik’s pre-raid briefing with his officers will keep its focus more precise.
Next episode out soon – some dramatic events in Pisa!
Rurik stands on the deck of his longship, having just boarded after a successful raid on the rich city of Capua. His next target is Pisa, which promises to be even richer. Though in this case, it is part of a large Duchy, rather than an isolated single-county realm. He takes some quick advice from his military commanders and advisers before heading off for the next chapter of this Great Raid.
Rurik waits to board the ships in Capua: "Where to next? To Pisa, gold and glory!"
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
General Comments
Indeed. You will have to read on below to discover how the next leg of the Great Raid proceeded.
Nice – I like a good pun (or even deliberately bad ones, which are still good)!
Glad your home town was spared. And should that have been ‘Doges’ a bullet!!? Or is that more Venetian? OK. For me in this game, for a good while anyway, I think these things will remain at the periphery of Rurik’s focus, other than in relation to raiding. Will try to keep track of how the Venice-Italy war goes, just for interest’s sake.
Haha! Just wait until you see what transpires (soon) in far off Pisa!Apart from that all good on the Viking front
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch25 Q1: Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match! Rurik is now seriously considering his options. If my assessment of the conditions for the proclamation of Rus (canvassed some time ago) are correct, then it wouldn’t matter if Konugarðr controlled a few de jure Rus counties anyway: Rurik is only one decent raid (for the money) and one medium-sized conquest away from being able to proclaim Rus. The question of a bond with Konugarðr would be more about whether it might get in the way of – or alternatively aid – a later desire to take it over, as the Rurikids soon did in OTL. There is also the issue (again, as discussed recently) of marrying for stats or inheritable attributes and also links further afield – whether other Norse countries that might play into a later campaign to unite the faith or for alliances or dynastic succession reasons. Or even matches with rulers from the steppes to the east, to provide some bulwarks in that direction (or meat shields as TBC would term them)!
A quick survey of available marriage options – male and female – had a range of Norse, Slav, Suomenusko, Romuva and Tengri matches. Even a single Catholic option of each gender, and a couple of Zoroastrian girls! I can provide more details if anyone thinks they would be relevant to advice but am happy to take broad principles and apply them myself.
So, building on previous advice re both Rus and marriages, views on the situation re Konugarðr (thoughts more on strategic pros and cons of a pact with them or preparation for their conquest) and more generally are welcomed. Also any religious nuances, factors for matrilineal marriages or not, etc in these circumstances are all welcome.
Advice re Konugarðr and other marriage targets noted and taken (see next episode) – thanks. Will look at Scandinavian options too a little later, perhaps when the focus may switch to acquiring Norse Holy Places: maybe looking for allies near them to use in taking them?
Ack!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch25 Q2: New Content, New Decisions. As the knowledge and mores of the outside world continue to impact on the realm of Holmgarðr, Rurik and his Council must keep up with the times and be prepared to absorb these new ways of doing things. Any advice along those lines will be greatly valued. Some may be obvious, some not, but all views -as always – are welcomed!
One of the reasons I’ve taken on Reaper’s Due (which I had been avoiding so far because of the epidemics) was in fact to start getting some of those zany treatments I’ve read about in other AARs! I think they are very amusing – and even funnier that some of them are deemed to work!
Thank you – interesting context. Re epidemics, seduction and secret societies … yes, my reading thus far had been why I hadn’t yet downloaded those DLC. But in the end, they had some aspects I wanted and I just wanted to pretty much bring things up to date with current game mechanics, so people commenting wouldn’t have to keep checking what DLC I did and didn’t have.
Horse Lords – thought it my make Rus’s future a bit tougher, but don’t mind that … the AI usually needs the help. Except perhaps against rank newbies such as your humble authAAR! I will try bto get enough horse lord allies to help protect myself until the Mongols arrive. And then just do as happened in OTL: hope the Khanate of the Golden Horde (or its in-game analogue) doesn’t obliterate me!
Agree with both points! I’m along for the ride, so have fastened the seatbelt.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
All: The conversation then took off on the recent base game free release, DLC and mods in general, which was excellent and interesting. Happy with that and will let our subsequent to-and-fro on that speak for itself. But Rurik’s pre-raid briefing with his officers will keep its focus more precise.
Next episode out soon – some dramatic events in Pisa!
Chapter 26: A Pisa Cake? (9 October 876 – 5 January 877)
Chapter 26: A Pisa Cake? (9 October 876 – 5 January 877)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … With Capua's countryside plundered, Pisa is Rurik’s next raiding target – and possibly the richest pickings yet; the search for a strategic match for one of Rurik’s daughters is on; and despite recent expenditure [on DLC!] new ways are slow to come to the realm of Holmgarðr.
October 876
The loyal council goes about its tasks, some at the court in Nygarðr, others ‘on the road’ or far afield. Chancellor Hrörekr has been instructed by his king to find a ‘Court Physician’, a new kind of appointee who it is reputed can assist with the health of the king and court. But, despite searching, he finds himself unable to do so.
Nor could Hrörekr seem to find anyone to summon for the job. He seeks advice from the wise of the realm.
But as Hrörekr chats to him about this new physician appointment, Godi Þorolfr reports that at least the moral authority of the Norse faith is comparatively healthy for now.
Hrörekr’s other task is to find a match for one of Rurik’s daughters. He is after one that would provide a non-aggression pact – perhaps an alliance one day – with a reasonably large or powerful realm in the ‘middle distance’ from Holmgarðr. While the princes of Könugarðr would be a good choice on one level: a powerful realm, of the Norse faith – others advise that a marriage tie may interfere with later expansion plans.
Hungary is looked to first – one of King Árpád’s sons. But Árpád is not interested enough to overcome his religious objections.
Perhaps one of the young Muromid princes of Mordva may be available? But both religious differences and political concerns make this even less likely than Hungary.
The Pechenegs are another reasonably large realm to the east – might that be possible? It looks like it may, despite the religious misgivings of their Tengrist High Chief. A letter of request is sent, proposing a betrothal between Iliana and young Bayça.
The boy is of a similar age – it may be a 12-year wait, but the Pechenegs are strategically placed in the east, guarding the steppe approaches to the hoped-for Rus kingdom. A pity about the other two (there are more children available) but Rurik would see what may happen in time.
A week later, confirmation arrived: High Chief Sol Havuksingila of Pecheneg agreed to the match.
On 18 October, Rurik’s raiding fleet arrived off the coast of Pisa. They looked forward to the traditional rich pickings and easy money. And with the city of Pisa only lightly guarded, it may even be possible to seize and sack it before they had to leave. Who knows what extra treasures or hostages might be found there? The men started debarking.
By 26 October, they were all ashore. If they could stay long enough, less than three months would see not only the countryside swept clean of valuables, but Pisa itself sacked.
The raid of Pisa began in the traditional way.
November 876
It took almost a month, but finally the Tuscan levies began to muster in the surrounding provinces. In total, those within immediate reach would number well less that the raiding force.
“What is your decision, my King?” asks Sverker. Many of the men are itching for a fight. They haven’t really done any for the whole raid so far. “Should we ready the boats?”
Rurik considers the situation. The rich city looms large in his vision.
“No, we stay and fight. We must defeat the first group to arrive before the rest reinforce. We have the advantage of numbers and will prevail, then sack Pisa with the enemy defeated.”
December 876
A week later, the battle begins at Volterra. Almost all the enemy troops are in a single formation in the centre. The raiders have a heavy preponderance of archers, which they hope will damage the Tuscans before they can close. But Rurik’s centre shield wall is heavily outnumbered. Just like at Ingria that time against the Pskovans. Oh dear!
Damn these Tuscans – the crows will feast on their bodies!
Twelve days later, the news is not good. Rurik’s centre shield wall has been broken and is in retreat – perhaps the enemy units of pikemen and light cavalry, plus a large advantage in heavy infantry, is telling against the more lightly and simply armed Norsemen! The effective numbers are now actually about even (in fact, with the recent arrival of that reinforcing enemy levy, they have the advantage). The enemy’s morale has been lowered, but so too is that of Sverker’s left wing, while Dan’s right wing continues to lash the Tuscan lines with arrows.
In Holmgarðr, a new Weaponsmith has been built. It looks like it will be needed!
By 19 December it is clear the raiders have been soundly beaten – the order is given to flee to the ships and make good their escape. The perils of campaigning in the Mediterranean, much warned-about before they set off, have finally become clear. They were simply not heavily armed enough. And perhaps need to centralised their smaller forces into a single formation? More lessons learned.
The forlorn and exhausted look of defeat.
The day after the Christian celebration of 25 December, they are given their own gift. The Battle of Volterra has ended in heavy and ignominious defeat. A little over 400 precious Holmgarðian troops have been lost to not quite 250 Tuscans. The light infantry in particular have suffered heavily. One of the Tuscan commanders was killed in the fighting. But, during the rout of Rurik’s centre regiment, the King was captured! Disaster!
The shame! King Rurik is manacled and held prisoner by Duke Adalberto ‘the Fat’ of Tuscany!
With Rurik languishing in Adalberto’s dungeon, [and by the CK2 magic of instantaneous information passage and the ability to rule Holmgarðr from Constantinople] Queen Ingjerðr takes over as Regent. A rather snippy note from her is delivered by the jailer to Rurik, to many guffaws and sniggers by the other prison staff.
These insults, and most of this whole sorry chapter, are of course nowhere to be seen in the official Rurikid Chronicle. However, the Court History of Duke Adalberto the Fat did record the events surrounding his glorious victory over the infamous ‘Norse pirates’ and the capture of the ‘’Great Norse King Rurik – the Christmas Gift of the 876th Year of Our Lord”.
At one point, one of Adalberto’s officers is sent to see whether Rurik is still in the Pisan dungeon or has been sent back to Florence. “Is he gone?”, he asks …
(0:35min)
As a result of this regency, Rurik’s holdings are, under Ingjerðr’s administration (and Rurik’s decreased diplomacy) well above what his vassals are happy to bear [7 vs 4]. But he is loathe to make any changes, choosing to suffer this temporarily rather than divesting himself of hard-earned territory.
Troop numbers are now back down to their previous poor levels again, after they had built up to 2,200 a little while before. Yet another setback. Note also Rurik has only 112 gold in the coffers. He must get his ships back to Holmgarðr before he can realise any benefit from the raid. Will 112 be enough to ransom Rurik (if Adalberto is willing to do so)?
The inquiry is made.
The ransom is steep. It would wipe out most of the gains from the raid so far and cannot currently be afforded. Rurik will need to languish in Adalberto’s dungeon for now.
The new year of 877 CE arrives, a cold and bleak time for the young kingdom. Their liege is stuck in an Italian dungeon. More precious soldiers have been lost. And they can’t even afford his ransom! Not until their ships return home, anyway. And at this stage, they will be down 400 troops, for a profit of about 10 gold so far. Gumarich made brief private notes of a meeting convened by Sverker, who had taken temporary command of the raid in the King’s absence.
And at this point, I’ll offer an observation, but if any wish to comment or otherwise treat it as a question, then please feel welcome to do so. I knew full well it was a risk having Rurik participate directly in combat, but I wanted to take advantage of his very high military score while I could. I did consider leaving him home and sending Helgi, but there were drawbacks to that too. But recently, after Helgi was converted to Norse, I thought “well, if Rurik is killed, then at least the Norse succession is probably safe.” I didn’t think of capture, and certainly not that the ransom would be so large if he was. Ah well, water under the bridge!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
As always, general comments on things not specifically raised below are welcome, as are any comments on story or narrative aspects. But, down to business.
Ch 26 Q1: No Physician Slot? Despite having bought and (I’m presuming) had Reaper’s Due load, no slot appears on the ‘minor appointments’ tab for a doctor, or in the decisions box. Is there something else that has to happen or I’m meant to do first to get one? I tried a quick google search that didn’t tell me much at all.
Ch26 Q2: The Battle of Volterra – what went wrong? OK, time for the post-mortem. Over-confidence here has been met with a cruel riposte. It would have been bad enough had it just been the lost troops, which was what Rurik had (until then) been widely trying to avoid. Even though Pisa had yet to deliver all its riches, the troops could – and in retrospect should – have dashed back to the ships to ply their trade elsewhere. But I wanted to have a battle and see if the enemy could be seen off. My two working theories are the heavy, pike and cavalry discrepancies pointed out earlier; and the dreaded ‘loaded centre wing’ that saw Rurik defeated in Ingria during the war against Pskov, allowing the raiders to be defeated in detail. Any views, learnings, advice, etc anyone has on the circumstances of this ignominy would be appreciated! Blunders no doubt made, but that’s the whole idea – to learn and do better next time.
Ch26 Q3: Demesne Holding Penalty. Is that the way to handle it? No precipitate divesting of county titles? Or are the effects more dire, if it goes on for a while, than I’m anticipating?
Ch26 Q4: Straight home or raid on the way back? There is not much doubt in my mind the fleet must now return. But is the risk of having Rurik in captivity for as long as it would take to hit a few target along the way unreasonable? After all, the money is sorely needed. But in the meantime, his authority is diminished and the vassals will be getting restless, while jail is a threat to his health. Needless to say, any raids that might be done on the way back would be purely loot and scoot. Advice I should have stuck to in Pisa! You live and learn.
Hel, the Goddess of the Underworld, has taken her share of Norse warriors these last days. The raiders hope she does not also claim their King before he can be ransomed. And Rurik hopes her secret minions in the world of men do not run riot while he is incarcerated in Italy.
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … With Capua's countryside plundered, Pisa is Rurik’s next raiding target – and possibly the richest pickings yet; the search for a strategic match for one of Rurik’s daughters is on; and despite recent expenditure [on DLC!] new ways are slow to come to the realm of Holmgarðr.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
October 876
The loyal council goes about its tasks, some at the court in Nygarðr, others ‘on the road’ or far afield. Chancellor Hrörekr has been instructed by his king to find a ‘Court Physician’, a new kind of appointee who it is reputed can assist with the health of the king and court. But, despite searching, he finds himself unable to do so.
Ch 26 Q1: No Physician Slot? Despite having bought and (I’m presuming) had Reaper’s Due load, no slot appears on the ‘minor appointments’ tab for a doctor, or in the decisions box. Is there something else that has to happen or I’m meant to do first to get one? I tried a quick google search that didn’t tell me much at all.
But as Hrörekr chats to him about this new physician appointment, Godi Þorolfr reports that at least the moral authority of the Norse faith is comparatively healthy for now.
Hrörekr’s other task is to find a match for one of Rurik’s daughters. He is after one that would provide a non-aggression pact – perhaps an alliance one day – with a reasonably large or powerful realm in the ‘middle distance’ from Holmgarðr. While the princes of Könugarðr would be a good choice on one level: a powerful realm, of the Norse faith – others advise that a marriage tie may interfere with later expansion plans.
Hungary is looked to first – one of King Árpád’s sons. But Árpád is not interested enough to overcome his religious objections.
Perhaps one of the young Muromid princes of Mordva may be available? But both religious differences and political concerns make this even less likely than Hungary.
The Pechenegs are another reasonably large realm to the east – might that be possible? It looks like it may, despite the religious misgivings of their Tengrist High Chief. A letter of request is sent, proposing a betrothal between Iliana and young Bayça.
The boy is of a similar age – it may be a 12-year wait, but the Pechenegs are strategically placed in the east, guarding the steppe approaches to the hoped-for Rus kingdom. A pity about the other two (there are more children available) but Rurik would see what may happen in time.
A week later, confirmation arrived: High Chief Sol Havuksingila of Pecheneg agreed to the match.
On 18 October, Rurik’s raiding fleet arrived off the coast of Pisa. They looked forward to the traditional rich pickings and easy money. And with the city of Pisa only lightly guarded, it may even be possible to seize and sack it before they had to leave. Who knows what extra treasures or hostages might be found there? The men started debarking.
By 26 October, they were all ashore. If they could stay long enough, less than three months would see not only the countryside swept clean of valuables, but Pisa itself sacked.
The raid of Pisa began in the traditional way.
November 876
It took almost a month, but finally the Tuscan levies began to muster in the surrounding provinces. In total, those within immediate reach would number well less that the raiding force.
Ch26 Q2: Heavy vs Light Infantry. I was mainly looking at the relative numbers here, but noticed while reviewing the screen shots that the Tuscans had a considerable advantage in heavy infantry, as well as light cavalry (of which I have none as yet). How significant a difference is that? Does anyone have a rule of thumb for judging such ratios (ie when you have a decent number more in total, but they have a significant advantage in heavy infantry. Alas, at this stage, I haven’t been able to build up a decent HI production base. NB: read on below before answering, as there are other factors in play in the ensuing battle!
“This Adalberto ‘the Fat’,” asks Rurik of his commanders. “What do we know of him? Should we stay and fight or head back to the ships?”
“My King, he can supposedly muster up to around 1,900 levies – greater than our strength, answers Sverker. “They seem to have fewer archers than us, but quite a few more heavy infantry and a reasonable amount of cavalry.”
“My King, he can supposedly muster up to around 1,900 levies – greater than our strength, answers Sverker. “They seem to have fewer archers than us, but quite a few more heavy infantry and a reasonable amount of cavalry.”
“And he has an alliance with the Duke of Spoleto that he may call on,” adds Dan.
“Very well, we will keep an eye on them for now,” decides Rurik, balancing the odds. “If the numbers look like over-matching us, we will leave. But I want to sweep as much loot as possible from Pisa and would dearly love to actually sack the city. We’ll stay for now.”
Four days later, reports come in from Rurik’s scouts: The Tuscan levies have decided to move on Pisa in a bid to relieve the siege. The armies of Prince-Bishop Goffredo and Count Berado will converge on Pisa by 2 December with around 1,300 troops. Another smaller force of levies will reinforce on 14 December.
Four days later, reports come in from Rurik’s scouts: The Tuscan levies have decided to move on Pisa in a bid to relieve the siege. The armies of Prince-Bishop Goffredo and Count Berado will converge on Pisa by 2 December with around 1,300 troops. Another smaller force of levies will reinforce on 14 December.
“What is your decision, my King?” asks Sverker. Many of the men are itching for a fight. They haven’t really done any for the whole raid so far. “Should we ready the boats?”
Rurik considers the situation. The rich city looms large in his vision.
“No, we stay and fight. We must defeat the first group to arrive before the rest reinforce. We have the advantage of numbers and will prevail, then sack Pisa with the enemy defeated.”
December 876
A week later, the battle begins at Volterra. Almost all the enemy troops are in a single formation in the centre. The raiders have a heavy preponderance of archers, which they hope will damage the Tuscans before they can close. But Rurik’s centre shield wall is heavily outnumbered. Just like at Ingria that time against the Pskovans. Oh dear!
Damn these Tuscans – the crows will feast on their bodies!
Twelve days later, the news is not good. Rurik’s centre shield wall has been broken and is in retreat – perhaps the enemy units of pikemen and light cavalry, plus a large advantage in heavy infantry, is telling against the more lightly and simply armed Norsemen! The effective numbers are now actually about even (in fact, with the recent arrival of that reinforcing enemy levy, they have the advantage). The enemy’s morale has been lowered, but so too is that of Sverker’s left wing, while Dan’s right wing continues to lash the Tuscan lines with arrows.
In Holmgarðr, a new Weaponsmith has been built. It looks like it will be needed!
By 19 December it is clear the raiders have been soundly beaten – the order is given to flee to the ships and make good their escape. The perils of campaigning in the Mediterranean, much warned-about before they set off, have finally become clear. They were simply not heavily armed enough. And perhaps need to centralised their smaller forces into a single formation? More lessons learned.
The forlorn and exhausted look of defeat.
The day after the Christian celebration of 25 December, they are given their own gift. The Battle of Volterra has ended in heavy and ignominious defeat. A little over 400 precious Holmgarðian troops have been lost to not quite 250 Tuscans. The light infantry in particular have suffered heavily. One of the Tuscan commanders was killed in the fighting. But, during the rout of Rurik’s centre regiment, the King was captured! Disaster!
The shame! King Rurik is manacled and held prisoner by Duke Adalberto ‘the Fat’ of Tuscany!
Ch26 Q2: The Battle of Volterra – what went wrong? OK, time for the post-mortem. Over-confidence here has been met with a cruel riposte. It would have been bad enough had it just been the lost troops, which was what Rurik had (until then) been widely trying to avoid. Even though Pisa had yet to deliver all its riches, the troops could – and in retrospect should – have dashed back to the ships to ply their trade elsewhere. But I wanted to have a battle and see if the enemy could be seen off. My two working theories are the heavy, pike and cavalry discrepancies pointed out earlier; and the dreaded ‘loaded centre' that saw Rurik defeated in Ingria during the war against Pskov, allowing the raiders to be defeated in detail. Any views, learnings, advice, etc anyone has on the circumstances of this ignominy would be appreciated! Blunders no doubt made, but that’s the whole idea – to learn and do better next time.
With Rurik languishing in Adalberto’s dungeon, [and by the CK2 magic of instantaneous information passage and the ability to rule Holmgarðr from Constantinople] Queen Ingjerðr takes over as Regent. A rather snippy note from her is delivered by the jailer to Rurik, to many guffaws and sniggers by the other prison staff.
“Trouble at ‘ome, eh, ‘Konungr’! So, is that Norse for cuckold, perhaps? Or loser? Forgotten already – maybe she’ll just leave you here to rot while she takes a strong golden-haired Norse toy-boy to keep her bed warm at night!”
Rurik boiled with shame and anger as the laughing jailers retreated to their quarters, bantering away at his expense.
Rurik boiled with shame and anger as the laughing jailers retreated to their quarters, bantering away at his expense.
These insults, and most of this whole sorry chapter, are of course nowhere to be seen in the official Rurikid Chronicle. However, the Court History of Duke Adalberto the Fat did record the events surrounding his glorious victory over the infamous ‘Norse pirates’ and the capture of the ‘’Great Norse King Rurik – the Christmas Gift of the 876th Year of Our Lord”.
At one point, one of Adalberto’s officers is sent to see whether Rurik is still in the Pisan dungeon or has been sent back to Florence. “Is he gone?”, he asks …
As a result of this regency, Rurik’s holdings are, under Ingjerðr’s administration (and Rurik’s decreased diplomacy) well above what his vassals are happy to bear [7 vs 4]. But he is loathe to make any changes, choosing to suffer this temporarily rather than divesting himself of hard-earned territory.
Ch26 Q3: Demesne Holding Penalty. Is that the way to handle it? No precipitate divesting of county titles? Or are the effects more dire, if it goes on for a while, than I’m anticipating?
Troop numbers are now back down to their previous poor levels again, after they had built up to 2,200 a little while before. Yet another setback. Note also Rurik has only 112 gold in the coffers. He must get his ships back to Holmgarðr before he can realise any benefit from the raid. Will 112 be enough to ransom Rurik (if Adalberto is willing to do so)?
The inquiry is made.
The ransom is steep. It would wipe out most of the gains from the raid so far and cannot currently be afforded. Rurik will need to languish in Adalberto’s dungeon for now.
The new year of 877 CE arrives, a cold and bleak time for the young kingdom. Their liege is stuck in an Italian dungeon. More precious soldiers have been lost. And they can’t even afford his ransom! Not until their ships return home, anyway. And at this stage, they will be down 400 troops, for a profit of about 10 gold so far. Gumarich made brief private notes of a meeting convened by Sverker, who had taken temporary command of the raid in the King’s absence.
“Commander Sverker did consider his next actions. So soon after our recent defeat, an attack to free our King – who would now be secured in a deep dungeon behind castle walls, surrounded by superior forces, would be fruitless and suicidal. The only real course seemed to be to return home, refill the coffers, pay the ransom and carry on, putting the whole episode down to experience.”
“The Commander did ask the other leaders of the raid one key question. Should we make haste and sail straight home, to ensure the King was rescued as soon as possible from his dank and unhealthy captivity? Or would he expect a little bit of ‘soft’ raiding on the way back home, to ensure the raid was not as complete a failure as it seemed it would otherwise be?”
“The remaining expedition leaders sat on pondered this question …”
“The Commander did ask the other leaders of the raid one key question. Should we make haste and sail straight home, to ensure the King was rescued as soon as possible from his dank and unhealthy captivity? Or would he expect a little bit of ‘soft’ raiding on the way back home, to ensure the raid was not as complete a failure as it seemed it would otherwise be?”
“The remaining expedition leaders sat on pondered this question …”
Ch26 Q4: Straight home or raid on the way back? There is not much doubt in my mind the fleet must now return. But is the risk of having Rurik in captivity for as long as it would take to hit a few target along the way unreasonable? After all, the money is sorely needed. But in the meantime, his authority is diminished and the vassals will be getting restless, while jail is a threat to his health. Needless to say, any raids that might be done on the way back would be purely loot and scoot. Sdvice I should have stuck to in Pisa! You live and learn.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
And at this point, I’ll offer an observation, but if any wish to comment or otherwise treat it as a question, then please feel welcome to do so. I knew full well it was a risk having Rurik participate directly in combat, but I wanted to take advantage of his very high military score while I could. I did consider leaving him home and sending Helgi, but there were drawbacks to that too. But recently, after Helgi was converted to Norse, I thought “well, if Rurik is killed, then at least the Norse succession is probably safe.” I didn’t think of capture, and certainly not that the ransom would be so large if he was. Ah well, water under the bridge!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
As always, general comments on things not specifically raised below are welcome, as are any comments on story or narrative aspects. But, down to business.
Ch 26 Q1: No Physician Slot? Despite having bought and (I’m presuming) had Reaper’s Due load, no slot appears on the ‘minor appointments’ tab for a doctor, or in the decisions box. Is there something else that has to happen or I’m meant to do first to get one? I tried a quick google search that didn’t tell me much at all.
Ch26 Q2: The Battle of Volterra – what went wrong? OK, time for the post-mortem. Over-confidence here has been met with a cruel riposte. It would have been bad enough had it just been the lost troops, which was what Rurik had (until then) been widely trying to avoid. Even though Pisa had yet to deliver all its riches, the troops could – and in retrospect should – have dashed back to the ships to ply their trade elsewhere. But I wanted to have a battle and see if the enemy could be seen off. My two working theories are the heavy, pike and cavalry discrepancies pointed out earlier; and the dreaded ‘loaded centre wing’ that saw Rurik defeated in Ingria during the war against Pskov, allowing the raiders to be defeated in detail. Any views, learnings, advice, etc anyone has on the circumstances of this ignominy would be appreciated! Blunders no doubt made, but that’s the whole idea – to learn and do better next time.
Ch26 Q3: Demesne Holding Penalty. Is that the way to handle it? No precipitate divesting of county titles? Or are the effects more dire, if it goes on for a while, than I’m anticipating?
Ch26 Q4: Straight home or raid on the way back? There is not much doubt in my mind the fleet must now return. But is the risk of having Rurik in captivity for as long as it would take to hit a few target along the way unreasonable? After all, the money is sorely needed. But in the meantime, his authority is diminished and the vassals will be getting restless, while jail is a threat to his health. Needless to say, any raids that might be done on the way back would be purely loot and scoot. Advice I should have stuck to in Pisa! You live and learn.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Hel, the Goddess of the Underworld, has taken her share of Norse warriors these last days. The raiders hope she does not also claim their King before he can be ransomed. And Rurik hopes her secret minions in the world of men do not run riot while he is incarcerated in Italy.
Ouch. Losing soldiers, having a Regent in charge who can't handle all the holdings, and not having much money in the coffers? AND you can't hire a Doctor? Tsk, tsk. That last part is part of the Reaper's Due DLC. Unless you have that you will have to pretend germs don't exist. Hehehehe!
Yes, pretty disastrous.
Almost as bad as those Viking table manners I had just bought Reapers Due, but the doctor appointment didn't come up as an option.
Is it normally one of the Minor Titles?Edit: Although I just checked and it hasn't appeared on the DLC list when logging in via steam. Same with Horse Lords, Conclave and Charlemagne. Must be a key thing. Will investigate (I'm not that familiar with the system).
PPS: Figured it out. Still needed to 'handraulicly' enter the product keys into steam.
That should solve the issue!
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It shouldn't affect the game at all but would affect a EUIV game a lot if Italy hung onto Venice and Genoa. Mind you Italy existing at all would shake up the game start. All it may do in CKII is give an AI unbearable amounts of cash, which tends to get spent on vast armies of mercenaries that spend through it all very quickly.
Ah yes, the coin toss of which limb or face gets disfigured to cure measles continues!
Ah...not good.
Check whether it is loading first, and whether you've approved it to run in CKII. There's shouldn't be anything in game you have to do. You can either appoint someone from the court or, if no one is about, send out using special commands for a randomly skilled person. You know, like real life.
Surrounded by enemies. Not good. Thinking you have enough time to siege out regardless. Common miscalculation. Should have abandoned the non vital siege and played chase with the Italians until last they're wildly out of position. Then you go for it (you have boats and they don't after all). In terms of unit composition. If you're going up against horses and they outnumber you and you aren't a pike army or across a river from them, you'll probably lose.
regencies seem to be by design broken and horrible things to deal with. Try to do what's best in the moment cos at any point your regent might decide to just fling the land away anyway. Or give it to themselves.
Get the cash. He's either going to die in captivity within months or spend another forty year or so stuck there whilst the regency council destroys the Rus back home.
Glad to hear that the dlc problem was something simple.
Also I support gaining the gold, as its by far the most likely way to get out of prison.
Also also, there CAN be circumstances where you marry someone with lands you want, as long as you are willing to wait (say they are female, and you male). Eventually inheritance can bring it in, though this tends to be more helpful inside of larger realms, to consolidate your power/make a play for the crown. Naturally higher level titles like Duke or King are more attractive targets with this strategy.
Also I support gaining the gold, as its by far the most likely way to get out of prison.
Also also, there CAN be circumstances where you marry someone with lands you want, as long as you are willing to wait (say they are female, and you male). Eventually inheritance can bring it in, though this tends to be more helpful inside of larger realms, to consolidate your power/make a play for the crown. Naturally higher level titles like Duke or King are more attractive targets with this strategy.
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Well, it was going to be simple until I got installation error messages for five of the pieces of content I bought the other day. But finally fixed that too! All working now
Chapter 26 Addendum (5 January 877)
Chapter 26 Addendum (5 January 877)
OK, I finally got the recently purchased DLC working! Here are the new decisions that were immediately available and prompted. So, these all happen on 5 January 877. A Court Physician can be appointed and all the children of the Royal House (Rurik’s and Helgi’s offspring, to start with anyway) can now be given focuses. And something I hadn’t heard of before is available: a Crown Focus on a province (clearly coming from one of the recent DLC), so I do that too. Any suggestions arising out of all this are welcome, but otherwise this is FYI.
5 January 877
The Godi is hired as the new Court Physician. He was at the very top of a short list of only one available candidate but should do nicely with that learning score.
The Crown Focus is initially set to Ladoga, Rurik’s ‘second county’, to see if that can also be built up significantly. [I realise now where I have seen events happen in some AARs that have up to date content – like Eurasia’s Road of Queens – as a result of this but didn’t know this focus was probably the cause].
A very new concept for the previously unschooled children of the court at Nygarðr!
The next alert from the Council was to choose the Education Focus of Rurik’s young daughter Asa (his eldest child by Queen Ingjerðr, now eight years old). It was decided Asa should be a pillar of the Germanic faith.
But it soon became obvious that others needed a guiding hand provided in this new Age of Learning in the court of Nygarðr. Foremost was Helgi’s young son (and heir) Buðli who, having been born while Helgi still worshipped the false Slavic gods, was himself still a heathen (even at the tender age of not quite two yet). It is hoped that this will see him brought into the light and wisdom of Odin by the time he comes of age, a task his tutor also has.
Helgi’s second infant son, the unfortunately ugly Hakon, is at least a true Germanic-Norse boy. As the second son, it is hoped that duty and diligence might see him along the path to stewardship, or some other useful pursuit – where looks aren’t the key.
Switching back to Rurik’s remaining children, Eilif looks like he may have a promising military career in front of him, so is encouraged to be bold and struggle for what he wants. If he becomes too difficult to control later, perhaps he can be sent raiding, or off to join the Varangian Guard!
Young Iliana, who is betrothed to a well-connected but heathen Pecheneg Tengrist boy, is schooled in the ways of the true Germanic faith, to give her strength to maintain her values when she finds herself far away and surrounded by unbelievers.
Little Dyre may as well be encouraged to be a dutiful and conscientious young lad. Hopefully he will be of use and not get underfoot too much.
And finally, the youngest, Ulfhildr, will be schooled in the benefits of thrift. She may one day prove a good money manager for a prospective husband.
OK, that brings things up to date for now. If there’s anything you think I’ve missed or should know, or there are views on how to best manage the education of both direct royal line children and any others at court, I’m sure you’ll let me know! I’ll deal with any addition answers or comments with the rest of the earlier Chapter 26 Questions in the next Military Council meeting. It was just the delay in me sorting out the DLC inclusion that made me tide this over.
OK, I finally got the recently purchased DLC working! Here are the new decisions that were immediately available and prompted. So, these all happen on 5 January 877. A Court Physician can be appointed and all the children of the Royal House (Rurik’s and Helgi’s offspring, to start with anyway) can now be given focuses. And something I hadn’t heard of before is available: a Crown Focus on a province (clearly coming from one of the recent DLC), so I do that too. Any suggestions arising out of all this are welcome, but otherwise this is FYI.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
5 January 877
The Godi is hired as the new Court Physician. He was at the very top of a short list of only one available candidate but should do nicely with that learning score.
The Crown Focus is initially set to Ladoga, Rurik’s ‘second county’, to see if that can also be built up significantly. [I realise now where I have seen events happen in some AARs that have up to date content – like Eurasia’s Road of Queens – as a result of this but didn’t know this focus was probably the cause].
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
A very new concept for the previously unschooled children of the court at Nygarðr!
The next alert from the Council was to choose the Education Focus of Rurik’s young daughter Asa (his eldest child by Queen Ingjerðr, now eight years old). It was decided Asa should be a pillar of the Germanic faith.
Ch26A Q1: Education Focus. Perhaps this only matters once the children turn six, which is why Asa only came up on the alerts. In any case, while I was at it I set the others as well, thinking it couldn’t do any harm. Does the learning focus have an effect from the start – the focus slot certainly let me set it – or is it immaterial until they get to the right age? Just curious.
But it soon became obvious that others needed a guiding hand provided in this new Age of Learning in the court of Nygarðr. Foremost was Helgi’s young son (and heir) Buðli who, having been born while Helgi still worshipped the false Slavic gods, was himself still a heathen (even at the tender age of not quite two yet). It is hoped that this will see him brought into the light and wisdom of Odin by the time he comes of age, a task his tutor also has.
Helgi’s second infant son, the unfortunately ugly Hakon, is at least a true Germanic-Norse boy. As the second son, it is hoped that duty and diligence might see him along the path to stewardship, or some other useful pursuit – where looks aren’t the key.
Switching back to Rurik’s remaining children, Eilif looks like he may have a promising military career in front of him, so is encouraged to be bold and struggle for what he wants. If he becomes too difficult to control later, perhaps he can be sent raiding, or off to join the Varangian Guard!
Young Iliana, who is betrothed to a well-connected but heathen Pecheneg Tengrist boy, is schooled in the ways of the true Germanic faith, to give her strength to maintain her values when she finds herself far away and surrounded by unbelievers.
Little Dyre may as well be encouraged to be a dutiful and conscientious young lad. Hopefully he will be of use and not get underfoot too much.
And finally, the youngest, Ulfhildr, will be schooled in the benefits of thrift. She may one day prove a good money manager for a prospective husband.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
OK, that brings things up to date for now. If there’s anything you think I’ve missed or should know, or there are views on how to best manage the education of both direct royal line children and any others at court, I’m sure you’ll let me know! I’ll deal with any addition answers or comments with the rest of the earlier Chapter 26 Questions in the next Military Council meeting. It was just the delay in me sorting out the DLC inclusion that made me tide this over.
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You can always search for another physician if this one isn't great.
For focuses, the best ones are stewardship, and the second best is also stewardship. Really the only other good one is diplomacy, unless the kid already has random stat highs somewhere else and you want to make them the best at that stat. If you want to make a kid harmless and useful, train them in diplomacy. If you just want them to go away and do nothing, train them in a learning one.
EDIT: Crown focusing is useful only when you're willing to build up the counties you have and you've basically decided which cluster of them you want to keep. When you've done that, then focus of course on building tall and making them the best in your realm. I tend to only switch crown focusing when I get a new ruler. Improving one county over the course of a reign is a pretty good goal unless you are very rich (it was a mark of how brokenly wealthy Albion was, before I decided to invade mainland Europe and establish standing armies, that I could improve multiple places in the Crownwall at once. But once you start building, it gets more expensive but also easier. Your personal tax base will sore and you will have many, many more troops than your vassals which makes it easy to win wars by yourself which boosts prestige and keeps them happy.
For focuses, the best ones are stewardship, and the second best is also stewardship. Really the only other good one is diplomacy, unless the kid already has random stat highs somewhere else and you want to make them the best at that stat. If you want to make a kid harmless and useful, train them in diplomacy. If you just want them to go away and do nothing, train them in a learning one.
EDIT: Crown focusing is useful only when you're willing to build up the counties you have and you've basically decided which cluster of them you want to keep. When you've done that, then focus of course on building tall and making them the best in your realm. I tend to only switch crown focusing when I get a new ruler. Improving one county over the course of a reign is a pretty good goal unless you are very rich (it was a mark of how brokenly wealthy Albion was, before I decided to invade mainland Europe and establish standing armies, that I could improve multiple places in the Crownwall at once. But once you start building, it gets more expensive but also easier. Your personal tax base will sore and you will have many, many more troops than your vassals which makes it easy to win wars by yourself which boosts prestige and keeps them happy.
Love the title pun by the way.
Yeah, raiding is hit and run, it doesn't make much sense to stop for fighting. If your enemy has enough men and confidence to march against you while you are raiding, I have found out they usually do because they have a good chance at winning. Otherwise they will unite and stare intensely at you hoping you will move away for fear of an attack. Rule of thumb when raiding: when they march, you get the hell out of that province, if possible to the ships.
Yeah, keep them, any malus they may be getting now will disappear as soon as Rurik is back in charge.
Go back home. Rurik is in the prison of a lord he has raided, and with Reaper's Due on, he is also at risk of catching something. You can come back raiding another time, but for now you need to carry the money your ship are transporting back home to pay Rurik's ransom.
That is indeed more Venetian, the Duchy of Ferrara had a long history but being under a Doge was never in the mix, as far as I remember (we have been under the Pope for a few centuries though).Glad your home town was spared. And should that have been ‘Doges’ a bullet!!?