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Well, I have now played through and written up the next episode, but it may have to wait till tomorrow (my time) for editing and posting.
It was quite eventful and I enjoyed it, with some new things happening I've not had crop up before in this, my first CK2 game. A bit of tension there, too. Though I have read a little about these things in some other AARs, playing through them is different - and kinda fun.
And I must admit Eilif has started to grow on me a little bit, especially when I see his main competitors aren't the stars I thought they might have become. Dyre in particular is becoming a right pain in the bum! Eilif is definitely different to his father (especially being a bit dull in comparison to his exceptional pater), but he has his strengths and a bit of resilience. And in some things (his nickname for starters) he has become surprisingly good at following the Rurikid legacy.
But now, to comment feedback: Factions first (where a real consensus emerged), in answer to the specific question, then to other general comments.
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Ch 61 Q1: Dealing with Factions.I know there are a number of ways of seeking to shut factions down and that the methods chosen, timing and indeed whether to try are all situational. But does anyone think I’m being too stand-offish with these factions? My feel is that unless they start building to critical mass or I have a reason to want to force a confrontation I think I can win (ie to strip someone of their lands, for example), it is not overly dangerous to let plots such as these simmer for a while. Many times they seem to go away of their own volition.
I've never really had a strategy for factions besides maintaining enough of a reserve cash horde to merc them down if they revolt and try to live long enough that everyone loves me
I tend to be rather hands-off with factions - unless I actually want them to rebel (situational) or they start looking troublesome. I mean, if an opportunity arrives to detach a member from a faction I might take it - it just depends.
I think just waiting until things are spiralling out of control is good. most of the time the problems are solved themselves. other times it's better they revolt so you can kill them and replace with loyal people. it's only a precarious situation nowadays when we're weak but it'll pass before they get serious.
I may well want to take advantage of - or even provoke - a revolt at some point in the next few years, while Eilif's reign is still young and he can hopefully make later use of the new provinces he might gain - until elective gavelkind wrecks it all again!
I am more or less going to second (third?) the consensus here. I'd keep a weather eye on them in case they start gathering momentum, but you can generally leave factions alone as long as they don't cross the "dangerous" threshold -- which, thankfully, will give you a handy notification at the top of the screen, so you don't have to micromanage it too much. Most faction concerns can be preempted by proper care and handling of your vassals in general.
Of note here is that Germanic pagans get hit with more severe "Short Reign" opinion penalties than their "civilized" counterparts, which usually means that your most dangerous years for a ruler (with reference to internal strife) are going to be the first couple years of their reign -- if you can make it past those in one piece, then you're generally set, barring some major upset or catastrophe (which, of course, happens more often than you'd like in CK2, but I digress...)
Great advice - many thanks. You will see in the coming chapter the manifestation of some of that strife - though really, with a bitter rivalry between a king and his heir (for now), it will take a lot of management to keep that from bubbling over!
I agree with the others on factions. I'll sometimes use my councilor to improve relations with different vassals to slowly break them away from factions, but beyond that I don't do much unless they grow in power.
Rurik had some success with that once or twice. Some marriages also seemed to work, too. You will see there are some things coming up that both help and hinder Eilif's attempts to build his reputation and relations with his more powerful vassals: a big split here is between the Germanic (far more amenable, tetchy close relatives aside) and non-Germanic vassals - the price of an ethnically divided realm.
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General Comments
Dealt with a few of those along the way. For the rest:
There's one already, but nothing there or with his wife yet. I remember it took Helgi a while to get going, but once he did, the kids came along regularly. I don't want to overdo it with sons given the gavelkind shenanigans, but if nothing happens soon, Eilif will keep adding to the concubine pool. I'd rather not turn to one of the 'procreation focuses/ambitions', but it may have to come to that at some point.
maybe he can be a seer? I remember Eilif's wife was great but I don't remember how great. by the way I'm surprised, for a grey eminence he only has 11 diplomacy.
He's not really good enough at anything much. She's a megastar, so I'm keen to keep her at the proselytising business (even if it can be a bit hazardous ).
are there any "quick" ones? that's also inheritable. it's like genius light i think we can take multiple concubines. oh this concubine business is one of the aspects of this game i love
Just so long as you're happy to keep with me, I am. You don't need to feel you must provide advice to be a very welcome commenter here. That goes for everyone else, too. Very happy just to get short comments, questions, 'agrees' etc.
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OK, that's it for now. Thanks once again for reading and commenting - look for the next episode tomorrow some time.
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Chapter 62: More Brotherly Love (2 August 891 – 9 June 892)
Chapter 62: More Brotherly Love (2 August 891 – 9 June 892)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif slowly grows into his role as King – known (like his father) for his justice, he also looks to emulate his raiding in his own modest way (though by proxy – he doesn’t yet have an heir!); King Dyre the Stranger is as beset as always including by Garðarikian opportunists; Jarl Dyre is off raiding but may be caught by the Franks at Yperen; and the king’s nephew Buðli Helgisson has come of age – and fully into his inheritance as Jarl of Belo Ozero.
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August 891
“My Leige, I have tidings from the wise of the realm,” says Hrörekr, the King’s venerable Lawspeaker. Eilif has yet to convene a full Þing during his short reign.
“Speak on, Hrörekr.”
“There have been suggestions that the Finnish lands to the immediate north of Uusimaa may be a handy diversion for our raiders, rather than returning to Kexholm and heading south.”
“Well, I’m willing to hear alternatives.”
“My King, if I may,” says Sverker, one of Rurik’s veteran commanders and participant in all the great raids of the dynasty’s founder. He has ridden ahead of the returning raiders to consult with the King.
“Go on, Sverker. Your raiding prowess and experience are renowned. I would value your views.”
“I suggest we do this as we did in the old days, in Britannia, Frankia and the Mediterranean,” Sverker goes on, laying out an annotated map before him. “The bureaucrats' tax estimates are one way of looking at the richness of raiding targets, but we always found direct information on wealth held was a more reliable guide for who is worth hitting. How much can be easily grabbed and how much must be prised out of strongholds by siege.”
"Ah yes, the old raiding maps; Father would talk of these!"
“The treasure to be had from Satakunta and Häme is minimal” Sverker continued. “And of the four western border counties, despite previous appearances, Polotsk would actually provide the richest harvest of gold – much of it easily had. I recommend we strike there as our next target.”
“Good advice, Sverker. We’ll do it!”
Eilif may not have the intellect of his father, but he is an accomplished fighter. He knows what he wants. The orders would be given to head south once the raiders got back to Kexholm in a few days.
Many miles to the west, we know through records preserved in the Rurikid scroll trove, Dyre’s Tverian raiders were caught in Flanders by a far larger and better armed Flemish force on 3 August at Yperen.
On hearing of this tale upon Dyre's return, Eilif had minstrels compose a parody of Dyre's adventure in Flanders. It was thinly disguised as a song about a minor Breton knight from Cornwall in Englaland, but all at court in Nygarðr knew who it was really about ...
(50 sec) The Tale of Brave Sir Robin (a.k.a. 'Jarl Dyre the Scaredy Chicken', by Eilif at least) - Part 1
On 19 August, the Garðarikian Raiders arrived victorious in Kexholm and as arranged began the march south to Polotsk.
Some Military Statistics
Given this is a learning AAR as well as a story, I took the opportunity to have a look through the main different elements of the army at this point to see what I could glean. Here are some selected representative stats for the main elements: HI (including the Huscarls), LI and archers.
Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Dyre managed to extract himself from Yperen not too the worse for wear and was soon heading for the safety of the boats.
Or, as the somewhat simplistic and unsubtle Eilif characterised it, "the little chicken ran away, wearing his brown trousers, y'know, to try to cover up the poop in his pants."
(26 sec)
The Tale of Brave Sir Robin (a.k.a. 'Jarl Dyre the Scaredy Chicken') - Part 2
As well as his liking for insulting minstrel performances, all this talk of Europa stirred Eilif’s curiosity about the wider world. He had his Royal Secretary Gumarich der Schreiber give him the latest map to hand of Europa, the Mediterranean, the eastern border lands and Asia Minor.
Chancellor Tyueykezhut sent the King a report at that time, showing Dyre remained the overwhelming choice as successor to Eilif should anything, ah, ‘befall’ him. And somewhat ironically – or craftily – Buðli himself supported Dyre, not his own claims. Only the untrustworthy kin-slayer Gradimir of Tver was pledged to vote for him. He clearly wanted to register a protest vote against his Jarl!
Queen Ingrid, Eilif’s brilliant Seeress, wife and adviser, suggested that there was little point trying to convert the lowly Finns of Zaozerye to the Germanic faith at this stage: “It is a flea-ridden backwater and unimportant,” she remarked acerbically.
“Far better we aim high, husband. I propose travelling to Jarl Tyueykezhut’s court in Yaroslavl. Converting that province would be a great boon to the Germanic faith. Even better would be converting the Jarl himself, or perhaps his heir. This would make him far more amenable to your influence.”
“Great idea, Ingrid. But please be careful – it is dangerous work. Now, before you go, I really would like to have an heir, and …”
Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
The day after these discussions, a note arrived from the old Steward, Alfgeir. It seemed the King's prosperity drive was already bearing fruit.
On 23 August, word was received that Chief Grimr of Smaleskja had successfully occupied Vitebsk – his claim war objective – and was marching south-east towards his home county. Though perhaps he would continue on into other Könugarðian lands after that to further his bargaining power. The same day, far away in the Strait of Dover, Dyre’s depleted raiders had boarded their ships and began the voyage back home with whatever loot they had secured during their foray into Western Europa - only to find the torment of well-observed sarcastic minstrelsy!
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September 891
“My King,” said Gumarich as he delivered a short note from the Chancellor on 13 September. “The Zhetsyu-Mari Subjugation War has ended with High Chief Dogan failing in his attempt and conceding defeat to Saksa the Monster!”
“Er, there was a Zhetsyu-Mari Subjugation War? I didn’t know. Where is it?”
“A small realm to the south-east of Mari, on the Black Sea coast, King Eilif.”
“Um, well, OK. Good for Dogan for trying, a pity the Monster won.”
However much the King tried to pretend he was on top of the situation, his simple ways and lack of guile fooled no one – certainly not the very experienced and learned Gumarich, who after almost 25 years of service to King Rurik and now his son was a senior though ageing presence in the court. But, of course, he maintained a straight face throughout and kept his wry musings to his private journal.
Far more serious news arrived in the person of the King’s brother, Jarl Dyer, back early from his raid in the west by fast boat. To be greeted by a rendition of the Tale of Brave Sir Robin as he entered his brother's hall. It did nothing to improve his mood.
“So, you’re back, eh. And one piece,” said Eilif, a noticeable look of disappointment on his face, replacing the smirk that had been there while the song was being played.
“Yes I am, you dribbling simpleton. I had plenty of time to think on our relationship during my travels.”
“Yeah, and what of it?”
“I decided it must end. Permanently. Through your painful death at the end of my spear, preferably. I challenge you to a duel! If you are a man of honour, you will accept. Unless, of course, you’re a craven!”
“A what!?” yelled Eilif, sure he was being insulted again, but not exactly how.
“Chicken, you dolt!”
“Arsehole! I’ll see you dead!”
Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
After his brother had left, Eilif took Marshal Þorfinn aside and asked him how this had come about. In the more than 20 years of his father’s reign, there had been no reports of formal duels anywhere within the realm.
“King Eilif, it looks like a combination of factors. First, there is a report from your Mother’s spy network: just today, your brother has announced a plot to have you killed! So far, no others have joined him.”
“The wretched little toe-rag!”
“Indeed, Sire. He has also focused his endeavours on war, which has led him to be able to make duel challenges on rivals – of which you are one. He would inherit the kingdom if you died.”
“Yes, but I would inherit his Jarldom when – not if – I kill him deader than dead!”
“That’s the spirit, King Eilif. A good way to unite the realm.” What Þorsteinn left unstated was that the realm would be just as united by Eilif’s death as his brother’s.
[This certainly occurred to me – I rather looked forward to the duel, if with a little trepidation. I wanted Eilif to win on balance, but if it was Dyre who took over – well that could be OK as well.]
Even with Dyre’s war focus, Eilif, despite being a bit of a dullard, was superior in martial skills to Dyre. But would any of this give him the edge in a personal fight? [I certainly don’t know!]
The two estranged brothers met for their duel on 26 September. Eilif sought to beat Dyre down by the power of a ferocious, head-on attack. Would it work …?
Damn! A humiliating but indecisive result. Eilif was wounded (though not mortally, it would seem). And a loss of royal prestige just when it was starting to build up again through hard work. And the simmering feud was likely to blaze up again at some point.
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October 891
The physical wound to Eilif did not prove too serious or long lived. He was up and about again in little more than a week – with a dashing new scar to help salve his damaged pride and prestige.
Alas, his name around the realm was now mud again, this latest personal humiliation following up that of the capitulation to the Karelians and undoing all the good work the raid in Uusimaa had done.
Eilif was not pleased that Dyre had been bragging about his recent duelling victory. Their rivalry was even more intense than ever. Alas, while he tried to act in a kingly manner around his senior counsellors and vassals, when it came to his brother - he just lost it every time and reverted to his immature and childish side.
“Jarl Tyueykezhut, can we not demand that Dyre stop his plan to kill me? I am the king, after all.”
“Of course we can ask, King Eilif,” said the Chancellor with an impassive face. “The only problem is that he would ignore any such direction. He is determined in this.”
“May Thor use his hammer to crack Dyre's balls like walnuts!” All the king could do was stew away – and pursue the other business of the realm to take his mind off things.
In Könugarðr, Hrolfr remained as busy as ever with his claim war on Dyre the Stranger, with Kolomna now occupied and the Chief of Vladimir looking for more ways to press his claim on Moramar.
The raiders had by now arrived in Pskov then marched straight on to pillage Polotsk. And help the king once again rebuild his tattered reputation.
Jarl Dyre’s main fleet returned to Narva on 12 October, without exactly bringing the king’s brotherly rival a huge windfall. Eilif, never renowned for his diplomacy or subtlety, couldn’t help himself, sending Dyre a rude note. He also chafed that it was Dyre who had inherited control of the hard-won Baltic boatyards and not him. They should be mine, he thought to himself.
[At this juncture, I checked my notification settings, discovering the reason Buðli’s exploits had been evading my notice was that I had not tagged him as a character of interest. Thus alerted, I checked the other main players to see who I may have neglected thus – and found I hadn’t tagged Jarl Tyueykezhut either! Elementary errors, but easy enough to make. I fixed it up.]
The next event of noted recorded around this time was more news of raiding – but this time, the victim was none other than Jarl Dyre – in Narva! High Chief Vandemeel of Estonia was raiding his formerly-owned county. Once again, the irony was not lost on Eilif – who could not help making fun of his brother. Dyre was leading troops next door in Pskov at the time: but too few it appeared for him to intervene. How humiliating, thought Eilif. Excellent!
While his brother suffered some of his own medicine in Narva, Þorsteinn’s raiders arrived in Polotsk, setting up siege works and scouring the countryside for coin.
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November 891 - January 892
The first few months of winter were fairly quiet, other than the continuing raids and the eternal war in Könugarðr. On 3 November, Steward Alfgeir reported that the treasury had once again begun to fill: all the realm’s debts were paid off thanks mainly to recent raiding. This news would improve army morale considerably [ie by 25%].
In early December, Marshal Þorfinn noted that Jarl Dyre had been mustering his levy, but he did not have many troops to call on from his own demesne and they were well dispersed. Dyre only has 150 warriors available in Pskov – not enough to challenge the Estonian raid of Narva.
The new year brought in more of the same that had ended the last. The raids in both Narva and Polotsk went on – the Garðarikians had suffered some casualties in Polotsk over the winter months, but they decided to keep at the siege of the tribal stronghold: mainly in the hope of taking some captives, for a future Blot or for ransom. With all the gold outside the keep looted, it was estimated the siege would take only another couple of weeks to complete.
Some more interesting – and somewhat disconcerting – news came from elsewhere in the Norse lands that month: the ambitious and active Rögnvaldr had succeeded in having himself declared the King of Noregr. Just three days later, his new ambition was revealed – he was reportedly preparing to invade Lotharingia in Western Europa and was amassing a war chest to help achieve it.
By the end of the month, all the ‘loose change’ in Narva had been taken by the Estonians and they settled in to finish their siege of the holding there – more humiliation for Dyre, who still sat helplessly observing all this from Pskov.
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February 892
The raid of Polotsk was successfully concluded on 1 February – but only another 52 silvers and no prisoners were taken. This disappointment was heavily outweighed by the news that these raids done at his behest [seems you don’t have to be physically present in command] had earned King Eilif the reputation as a Viking raider! Huzzah! In yet another way, he followed in his father’s footsteps.[Particularly well done to become a scourge of the seas, given he didn’t actually have any boats to his name!]
This [+15 opinion for Germanic faith characters] would certainly help with those Norse vassals who remained persuadable: Jarl Buðli [now only -11], Hrolfr [+40] and Grimr[+29] – all powerful vassals within the realm. Alas, with Dyre it was merely a drop in the ocean of malice! Though in that regard, the timely buff to Eilif's personal combat skill could come in handy.
The job done in Polotsk, the raiders made straight for Latgale[and although in foreign lands, it seems being on the border was enough to still receive a few reinforcements each month, something I hadn’t realised before these latest land-bound raids].
Eilif basked in all this recent good news and his brother’s discomfort. But as he sank a few horns one evening, Dyre's unwelcome entrance to his feasting hall interrupted his celebrations.
It took nine days for the two to make their arrangements and meet at the designated isle where the holmgang would be held. This time round, in part buoyed by his Viking status, Eilif was more confident of prevailing – and he would use the Neckbiter rather than some sword. This should settle the matter once and for all! His upstart little brother would be worm food, for certes! Three days after their arrival, the two met, exchanged disgusting (and physically impossible) insults, then axe clashed with axe …
Except that it didn’t settle things at all - not for the long term. This time, the two brothers fought each other to a standstill, with nothing resolved, though they both gained prestige from a tough fight.
As Eilif emerged from his fight, tired and bruised, he was informed his raiders had arrived in Latgale to no opposition and were now setting about their work. He found his prestige had been buffed from the raiding and latest fight too [now up from -88 after the first duel to just -9]. His Viking reputation and the recent duel had decreased the brothers’ mutual hatred just a little as well [Dyre’s view of Eilif was now -99, Eilif’s of his brother -98!], but they remained bitter rivals.
A few days later (22 February) brought news that the Estonians had starved out Dyre’s Narva garrison, looted another 2 gold and, having suffered just 19 casualties themselves, were headed back home, happy and with some extra spending money at Dyre’s expense.
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March-May 892
A quiet March saw no news of great import recorded in Gumarich’s writings. It wasn’t until late April that Þorsteinn reported the next development in the raid on Latgale. All the ‘loose’ loot (8 gold) that could be easily collected was on its way back to Eilif’s keep in Nygarðr. This time, rather than waiting around for a siege against a large garrison that may cost casualties to starve out and probably wouldn’t yield much more loot, the raiders headed north again to Tartu, in Livonia. Eilif by this time was getting a little over-confident and failed to check the details of the Livonian defences in advance.
“I don’t care, we’ll loot and scoot!” was Eilif’s attitude.
At the same time, King Dyre’s realm was once again largely occupied by various adventurers. It seemed he would be allowed no rest from his torment. Hrolfr had occupied Desht-e-Kipchak in the south and had moved on to besiege Chortitza. The other three claimants had also made progress, occupying more lands of the once-formidable Könugarðr.
The Garðarikian raiders arrived in Tartu on 15 May with a little over 1,500 men, to find a large garrison (1,040 troops, including 477 levies bottled up in the fort) but no opposition in the field. They started gathering loot as quickly as they could (an estimated 7 gold was unprotected and easily available).
A week later, High Chief Tyueykezhut ‘the Good’ of Livonia started mustering his levies. It turned out he owned all three counties personally and (even without the troops trapped behind Tartu’s walls) could eventually muster forces equal to or larger than those Þorsteinn had with him. Though (like Eilif) with a reputation for being ‘dull’, the High Chief was a fine and experienced commander. An even fight was not what the raiders wanted and the casualties wouldn’t be worth the meagre loot to be had. They would gather what they could and head off as soon as the going became a bit dicey …
… which was another week later. The order to withdraw was given and with a few more gold in the sacks the raiders headed back home.
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Early June 892
Eilif’s nephew Rikulfr turned 12 years old on 3 June: a new path for his education needed to be chosen. He had potential as an intriguer, but that was the last thing Eilif wanted in a close male relation, given recent events. The rowdy young man would benefit from a military education – perhaps he could become a decent commander one day.
On 9 June the raiders returned to home territory in Pskov. This time, the troops were dismissed: they would enjoy a summer break from fighting. How long that break would last was not yet known: Eilif had decided this local raiding caper wasn’t a bad one after all. A good way to keep occupied during a period of ‘peace’. In the last months, another 346 warriors had been trained within the four ‘home counties’ of ‘Greater Holmgarðr’: even more would be available the next time the levy was called. The Huscarls, their numbers now built up to 114 heavy infantrymen, headed home to the capital.
With that, ‘raiding season’ was over for now. But the ever-present threat of spontaneous violence between the King and his brother Jarl Dyre remained as the weather began to turn hot that summer. Would their tempers also boil over again? And Eilif still sought an heir - both on general principles, but also in part to further frustrate his malevolent brother. Perhaps it is time to seek another concubine, he thought to himself. I will get Gumarich to search his lists of eligible women.
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Questions
With a few more questions to ask of the wise of the realm this time, Eilif ordered Hrörekr to convene a full Þing – the first of Eilif’s brief reign, to seek advice.
Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
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The holmgang has come to Gardariki – when and how will this season of brotherly hate end? Will there be more challenges? We await the translation of the next batch of documents from the Rurikid scroll trove to find out.
“The treasure to be had from Satakunta and Häme is minimal” Sverker continued. “And of the four western border counties, despite previous appearances, Polotsk would actually provide the richest harvest of gold – much of it easily had. I recommend we strike there as our next target.”
my modus operandi is to travel from province to province looting every single one of the neighboring provinces. after all it might take a long time until we obtain some ships and we'll not make war for 5 years so gotta keep the army busy and some cash flowing albeit small. so after polotsk go to latgale, tartu, kalevan... so on
Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
Damn! A humiliating but indecisive result. Eilif was wounded (though not mortally, it would seem). And a loss of royal prestige just when it was starting to build up again through hard work. And the simmering feud was likely to blaze up again at some point
DAMN! I thought we'd have ships again, I didn't think this would happen but I really warmed to Eilif. Helgi should've lived to prevent all these from happening
Alas, his name around the realm was now mud again, this latest personal humiliation following up that of the capitulation to the Karelians and undoing all the good work the raid in Uusimaa had done.
[At this juncture, I checked my notification settings, discovering the reason Buðli’s exploits had been evading my notice was that I had not tagged him as a character of interest. Thus alerted, I checked the other main players to see who I may have neglected thus – and found I hadn’t tagged Jarl Tyueykezhut either! Elementary errors, but easy enough to make. I fixed it up.]
Eilif basked in all this recent good news and his brother’s discomfort. But as he sank a few horns one evening, Dyre's unwelcome entrance to his feasting hall interrupted his celebrations.
seems like the increase in personal combat skill was indeed very timely. if Eilif can improve just a little bit more next time Dyre asks for it he will receive.
This time, rather than waiting around for a siege against a large garrison that may cost casualties to starve out and probably wouldn’t yield much more loot, the raiders headed north again to Tartu, in Livonia.
I finally came to catch up with the story I've been wanting to read for a while, and Eilif's latest projects have been an entertaining read. So here's another councillor gained.
Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Yes, that's about it. There's the retinue-based bonus for your huscarls, and the tech level of your county. The cultural buildings provide an additional bonus for the troops corresponding to your retinue (heavy infantry attack for the Norse), but I'm not sure if tribals could build these buildings too before Holy Fury. Else this is only something to keep in mind for after feudalization.
Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
He may. I think it depends on his AI's zeal value how actively he pursues conversion. In any case, aiming to convert the strongest vassals can only help realm stability in the long run, as there won't be a different religion opinion malus present. Then again, Norse vassals are more aggressive, which can be both good and bad.
Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
IIRC, anyone with a modified personal combat skill has it displayed at the bottome of the tooltip that appears if you hover over the crossed swords that show a character's battle modifiers. Martial skill, strength and some other factors may influence it. Holy Fury widened the range of the combat skill and gave it more value.
I finally came to catch up with the story I've been wanting to read for a while, and Eilif's latest projects have been an entertaining read. So here's another councillor gained.
Thanks so much for that dedication. Wonderful to have such an esteemed councillor at the Thing! As is tradition, I’ll incorporate the detailed comment responses in Hrorekr’s report of proceedings.
True - it seems more up front and honest. No ninja assassins or poisoned reindeer stew - a good plain fight, Viking style! Though if Eilif had any kids, they could also be at risk (there is precedent there from Eiluf’s own mother)! So I wouldn’t put it past Dyre or Budli at some point.
Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Huh, learn something new every day! I've never actually delved into the specifics of particular levies like this.
Your intuitions are correct -- in addition to the base tech level, specific buildings will also provide appropriate benefits to your levies (and possibly to your Retinues as well if built in your capital, though I'm not 100% certain on that).
Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
In general there's no real downside to trying to convert your vassals. If they end up being the proselytizing sort, then that's an extra Court Chaplain they can use to help convert their own counties (the chances are calculated separately for each one, meaning that if you and your vassal are both trying to convert the same province, it'll generally go faster). If not, then you've at least eliminated a possible "Wrong Religion" opinion penalty, which is always a plus. Just watch out for Zealous vassals -- they'll almost never convert via the standard methods, meaning you're better off sending your Chaplain elsewhere.
Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
The First Þing of Eilif’s Reign – June 892 (a summary of advice from Chapter 62)
King Eilif the Just seeks to stamp some authority and stability on his reign by convening the first full Þing of his still-short reign. The Old Lawspeaker, Hrörekr, retains his role as Chief Þingy!
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Ch62 Q1: Units Strengths.Clearly, it is possible to track the higher military tech in Holmgarðr and its effect on troop bonuses. So too that big extra attack bonus the Huscarls get. I can see the rough correlation between level of tech in the county of origin and the percentage strength bonuses for the different unit types and morale levels. If anyone has additional observations or specific guidance or advice on any of this (including ways of improving other than by the relevant tech research – buildings I guess?) they would be very welcome.
Yes, that's about it. There's the retinue-based bonus for your huscarls, and the tech level of your county. The cultural buildings provide an additional bonus for the troops corresponding to your retinue (heavy infantry attack for the Norse), but I'm not sure if tribals could build these buildings too before Holy Fury. Else this is only something to keep in mind for after feudalization.
Duly noted. I’ll scan the characteristics of buildings I can currently construct to see if any seem to offer such bonuses. Not that I can afford any more at the moment.
Your intuitions are correct -- in addition to the base tech level, specific buildings will also provide appropriate benefits to your levies (and possibly to your Retinues as well if built in your capital, though I'm not 100% certain on that).
Per above, will try to remember to have a bit of a scan when I next fire the game up (which will be soon – it’s Eilif’s turn next).
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Ch62 Q2: Proselytising Policy.So, am I right in thinking (I think touched on previously) that if we could convert the Jarl, he may start to influence his own county and subjects to do the same? Or does the tribal set-up inhibit that? In any case, with the home counties all now Germanic, I intend my conversion policy to now focus on the top vassals who still hold to heathen ways. Does that sound like a good approach?
He may. I think it depends on his AI's zeal value how actively he pursues conversion. In any case, aiming to convert the strongest vassals can only help realm stability in the long run, as there won't be a different religion opinion malus present. Then again, Norse vassals are more aggressive, which can be both good and bad.
I will check Jarl Tyuey to see if he has that zealous trait. I’ll just have to live with that Norse aggression: part of it is the role-playing objective I gave myself at the start, the rest to (while still elective gavelkind, but useful later too) to get as many troop-holding vassals on side as I can so they can be called to arms in wars.
In general there's no real downside to trying to convert your vassals. If they end up being the proselytizing sort, then that's an extra Court Chaplain they can use to help convert their own counties (the chances are calculated separately for each one, meaning that if you and your vassal are both trying to convert the same province, it'll generally go faster). If not, then you've at least eliminated a possible "Wrong Religion" opinion penalty, which is always a plus. Just watch out for Zealous vassals -- they'll almost never convert via the standard methods, meaning you're better off sending your Chaplain elsewhere.
Absolutely – getting rid of the religious bias is the main objective. And being able to take advantage of the ‘Germanic’ positive ones – such as being a recognised Viking. And it would be nice if someone as powerful as Jarl Tyuey could not only be converted but then himself spread the good word!
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Ch62 Q3: Duels.So, the first duel of this AAR! Nice. I don’t have Holy Fury and had (you will remember) to block the latest major update, which wrecked my game save. I go into how the duel must have come about below, but do have one question. I know the new update now explicitly shows personal combat strength, but it seems (like health) it is mentioned and gets bonuses, but the actual value is not displayed in earlier versions. Is that right? Is there any way of finding it out or calculating/estimating it? Is it based largely on martial skill (with the bonuses applied) or some other method?
IIRC, anyone with a modified personal combat skill has it displayed at the bottome of the tooltip that appears if you hover over the crossed swords that show a character's battle modifiers. Martial skill, strength and some other factors may influence it. Holy Fury widened the range of the combat skill and gave it more value.
my modus operandi is to travel from province to province looting every single one of the neighboring provinces. after all it might take a long time until we obtain some ships and we'll not make war for 5 years so gotta keep the army busy and some cash flowing albeit small. so after polotsk go to latgale, tartu, kalevan... so on
DAMN! I thought we'd have ships again, I didn't think this would happen but I really warmed to Eilif. Helgi should've lived to prevent all these from happening
Quite. I wanted the duel to end in one of them dying, which should have ended up in one or the other inheriting both the core demesne and the boatyards. Though with elective gavelkind and my inexperience, you can never be sure. And Eilif is turning out better than I thought. Even though I do feel bound to bring out his relative youth + 'dullness' and rivalry with his brother as either childish or naïve behaviour when doing the narrative dialogues. He tries to act more responsibly around the older Councillors and vassals.
Hadn't noticed that benefit as well - thanks. As you saw, the episode ended with him thinking he might have to increase his household to get an heir. Who will hopefully not inherit the 'dull' characteristic!
seems like the increase in personal combat skill was indeed very timely. if Eilif can improve just a little bit more next time Dyre asks for it he will receive.
I did with some, but haven't had any prisoners from that for quite a while. And people may recall Feverdyn is still in house arrest (still alive last time I looked, unloved and unransomed and with no Blots held since either) from that long-ago raid by Rurik in Cornwall! And the gold coming out of the sieges was a pittance and after incurring the odd siege troop loss event, I decided it wasn't worth it unless for a wealthy prize (ie Western Europe, the Med etc).
Yes, though I’m not sure how, except by accident! Or I guess taking on the war focus, perhaps? The Viking trait certainly helped, it seems!
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Time now for me to tackle the next session, armed with the excellent counsel from above, which Hrörekr will pass on faithfully to young King Eilif. And we’ll see if he and Dyre are both still alive at the end of it!
Thanks once more to all readers in general and delegates to the Þing in particular. Your support helps keep me going on this intense schedule of three AARs in three different games at once.
Thanks once more to all readers in general and delegates to the Þing in particular. Your support helps keep me going on this intense schedule of three AARs in three different games at once.
In my game I was not Norse, so raiding with ships was not possible. Except when I was warring, I kept my entire army on this merry-go-round around the country. Wait in a province until all holdings fall, move to next. On and on forever.
you're such a good authAAR, it would be a huge waste of talent if you don't keep going. thanks for all the AARs
this was why I've been droning on about concubines for some time
In my game I was not Norse, so raiding with ships was not possible. Except when I was warring, I kept my entire army on this merry-go-round around the country. Wait in a province until all holdings fall, move to next. On and on forever.
I didn't realize this was happening so that's why I didn't care and waited for everything
To All: Thanks so much too to those of you who may have voted for this AAR to make it the Gameplay AAR of the Year for 2018 in the end-of-year awards! It really is very warmly appreciated. To celebrate, here comes the next chapter soon (uploading and formatting now, may be an hour or two).
Chapter 63: A Dyre Curse (9 June 892 – 27 February 893)
Chapter 63: A Dyre Curse (9 June 892 – 27 February 893)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Raiding expedition done, Eilif’s thoughts turn once again to securing his line; King Dyre’s never-ending torment continues; apart from a desire to kill his brother, Jarl Dyre seems to have turned from raider to raided; while Eilif turns his eye to some necessary domestic realm management.
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June 892
“King Eilif, I have that list you were asking for,” announced the Chancellor, Jarl Tyueykezhut. He seemed weighed down by something these days, his face often grim. But Eilif had not the subtlety to work it out. Gumarich, a far better judge of people, saw it, though.
“Ah, excellent,” said the King brightly, oblivious to his stoically sad Jarl. “Let me have a look!”
“Yes, yes, this Edla will do fine – she seems the pick of the bunch!”
[Note: Most of the more qualified picks were already Gyðas and/or Seeresses and none had the Genius or Bright traits – even among those not available to come to court. And I want them of Norse/Germanic stock if possible, for consistency and role-playing reasons. Edla might even make a decent Spymaster if needed in the future.]
“Of course, King Eilif. The letter will be sent. You also asked me for details about Italy.”
“Yes, someone asked about them at the recent Þing, and I became curious. It is, after all, where father, ah, decided to end his personal raiding career.”
“We’ve prepared a couple of maps, one describing the political overview, another on their cultural make-up. It is a very mixed realm – even more so than ours,” Tyuey said sourly – he still resented the fact that Germanic Norsemen ruled over the Finns of the region, in particular.
Predominantly Italian culture, a large Lombard minority, with a few others thrown in.
“If that will be all, King Eilif?” The King nodded absently, looking at the maps. He didn’t even notice as Tyueykezhut shuffled off, his lined face weighed down with worries.
Yes, yes, he has the depressed trait, among others. But at least he isn’t Zealous, per the question raised at the Þing. Perhaps the light of the True Gods can brighten his day if he lets the Queen convince him that the Germanic Gods are more fitting!
Later that evening, Jarl Dyre happens to walk past his brother in a corridor of the Nygarðr compound. The usual exchange of insults occurs, but there is no challenge this time. Perhaps, thought Eilif to himself, it is because Dyre realises that I'm the better fighter these days.
Thanks to the wise for the advice at the recent Þing - found this very quickly.Interesting, although he has the ‘Dull’ trait, Eilif actually has slightly better diplomacy and learning scores than Dyre does.
Another question raised during the Þing concerned whether any buildings Garðariki could construct at this time could improve the fighting ability of the levies. A quick survey done by Steward Alfgeir – who seemed to be looking rather thinner than he had of yore, noticeable especially due to his very ‘diminutive’ stature (he is the Court Dwarf, after all) – indicated that only the Weaponsmith seemed to have that effect [+10% Morale, in addition to +10 levy reinforcement rate]. The rest granted increased base numbers or proportions.
Finally, the Queen Mother’s spy network passed on some gossip about Eilif’s nephew, Jarl Buðli. It seemed he was regarded as a ‘Grey Eminence’, which made him a reasonable diplomat, though not a stellar one. They did, however, note that the young man did seem to prefer the company of other young men, in a romantic sense. Whatever floats your boat, murmured Eilif in Gumarich’s hearing. He has plenty of company around the realm, it seems. Just so long as he doesn’t rebel.
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A week after the end of the latest raiding campaign, Sverker provided Eilif with another map showing prospects in Estonia and Finland for future action. Kaleva would be the most lucrative target (though not by that much) – and a raid would also teach the Estonians a lesson about raiding Garðarikian lands. The rest would only yield what seemed to be the ‘minimum loot’. The other Finnish provinces to the north and northwest would give similar results but were not marked. War-torn Könugarðr was too ravaged to provide anything worth raiding.
“Thank you, Sverker. There’s not a great deal on offer for now. We will let the men have their summer and harvest at home and look at another raid or two later in the year.” Eilif would concentrate on domestic matters for a while.
One of those was the arrival of the King’s new concubine, Edla. Vagn may have a quaint turn of phrase, but Eilif didn’t care about that [and, as noted @diskoerekto there is the additional prestige bonus – though I see it is for nubile concubines! Ageism! ]
“Marshal Þorfinn, I was wondering what was happening these days with my old warband. I heard Dan has taken them over to Britannia on contract.”
“Yes, King Eilif. The remittance is flowing into our treasury, helping to gradually offset all the investment that your father put into it. He serves the Mercians over there. Last we heard he was in Warwick and he has a little over 1,500 men under arms. Dan sends his warm regards and professes his strong personal loyalty to you.”
“Yeah, that’s nice I guess,” remarked the King nonchalantly. He never got to lead the Novgorodian Band in battle himself but was happy they had gained employment. Garðariki needed the gold.
“Also Sire, I can advise your trained personal levy is now approaching 1,700 men, together with the 115 Huscarls now trained.”
Next to visit the king that day was Alfgeir, who had made the short trip down from Ladoga, where he was trying to establish Norse settlers, to report to the King in the capital of Nygarðr, in Holmgarðr county.
“Sire, I have a report on the realm’s finances for you. Through careful management and your most welcome focus on prosperity, stewardship and local raiding, I can report we have started to accumulate a small reserve of gold in the treasury. We are making a small profit each month through regular revenues, but by itself it will never amount to much. Both for cash and prestige, raiding will be the only path to wealth for us for the foreseeable future.”
“Thank you Alfgeir, your wisdom and efficiency are so very welcome. And your long service to the realm, since its founding, is legend,” said the King, attempting to be as regal as he can manage.
“Thank you, sire,” says the old dwarf.
“But please, take a seat and maybe a horn of mead. I must say, you really look like crap!” The latter was blurted out – so much for kingly subtlety! “Are you all right? You look very thin.”
“I have been a bit under the weather of late, I must admit Sire. But I think it only old age. I remain well able to carry out my duties.” He thinks here of what happened to his old colleague Hrörekr, who lost his post as Chancellor to Jarl Tyueykezhut when it became politically expedient to do so.
“Oh, of course Alfgeir, no problems there. But do take care of yourself.”
“Thank you, Sire. If there is nothing more, I must be straight back to Ladoga. Spreading Norse culture can never be neglected.”
The Steward walked out of the royal audience chamber rather slowly and gingerly, it seemed to Gumarich der Schreiber who, as ever, watched on and took notes. I too feel the years now, he thought to himself and later wrote in his private confidential journal. Gumarich by then (from what we can deduce) well into his fifties and knew he could not last forever. I must see to finishing the training of my protégé and successor. Bjarte [Old Norse for ‘bright man’] would suit the role of scribe and secretary very well, when the time came, he wrote. Though I hope not for some good time yet.
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July 892
The first day of July 892 AD brought news to Nygarðr that High Chief Tatimir had finally won his claim for Bryansk against Dyre the Stranger. Combined with previous losses, this now divided Könugarðr into two parts with a smaller eastern section bordering Mari and the rapacious Saksa the Monster. And despite the victory for Chernigov, another new claimant had appeared (High Chief Bogdan of Turov claiming Dyre's county of the same name). And Hrolfr now occupied most of the remaining Könugarðian territory, meaning he would soon be dragging Dyre to the peace table as well. The curse of the Gods Dyre surely brought on himself by turning to the Christian God would never be lifted, it seemed.
The next message to arrive was a report that Eilif’s brother had once again been raided, this time in Kexholm by the Finns – from Uusimaa of all places! Eilif tried - but failed - to suppress another snigger. His own Huscarl company would soon return to the capital. Should I send them north to aid my brother, he thought to himself? Maybe. Or maybe not. We’ll see.
Just three days later, Hrolfr sent word that he had forced The Stranger to cede him his claim on Moramar. The realm had expanded yet again, without Eilif having to lift a finger to do it.
On 19 July the Huscarl company arrived back in Holmgarðr: Instead of a rest, these professional warriors would earn their salary: they were ordered north to Ingria – the ‘Crossroads of the North’ - to keep an eye on those Finnish raiders. And also be in position should another raid be called. Word also came through that Hrolfr, who had cemented his position in the realm with his new holding, had now dedicated his efforts to grooming his heir. Good for him.
At this point, Eilif reviewed the main tasks he councillors performed within the realm. The Marshal continued to help organise the army and his mother to pry secrets from the Byzantines in Constantinople. The Chancellor continued to try – so far without result – to bring his nephew Buðli to support him, while Alfgeir tried to spread Norse culture in Ladoga – the realm’s ‘second county’ after the capital – and his wife to convert the heathen Finns in Yaroslavl.
Indeed, by the end of the month, the Chancellor’s advisers had made Eilif aware that Hrolfr, first raised by his father and now a powerful noble in his own right, had become somewhat ambivalent toward his liege. It seemed he felt he deserved his own position on the Council now, befitting his rank and power! How things change, Eilif thought, but he has a point. And he is a great warrior who has proved himself a hard and merciless war leader on his own. I can’t afford him to desert my cause, as one of the few good Norsemen among my vassals.
“Marshal Þorfinn, I would like to thank you for your fine work as Marshal since taking over following my brother Helgi’s untimely death.”
“Thank you, King Eilif,” said the hulking warrior. He was renowned for his hot temper, zealotry and bouts of madness. Some wondered (quietly) whether he may be a follower of Hel, but no such evidence had ever emerged.
“But I must, ah, suggest that you take the opportunity, to, er, spend some more time with your family,” Eilif opined clumsily.
“King Eilif, what are you talking about!?” The hulking Þorfinn is not looking best pleased.
“Ah, I have decided that Hrolfr will be our new Marshal, befitting his title and position in the realm,” there, out with it. Eilif was no coward, but this wasn’t easy.
“What!? Why, you …” Þorfinn barely manages to restrain himself, but is furious.
Hrolfr, when he had been informed of this a few hours ago, was of course very happy indeed. Other than a minor change to the efficiency of retinue and horde maintenance, it would be a seamless change. But he wisely made sure he was nowhere to be seen when Eilif broke the news to his predecessor.
Had it been anyone other than Hrolfr, Þorfinn may have erupted, but as it was he knew Hrolfr was a good choice for the post.
“Ah, Þorfinn, there is another matter … er, this new generation of Finnish and Slavic chiefs are a fractious lot. I need to assuage them with appointments to gradually win them over. So, um, I have decided to hand out three vacant hirdman positions to Chiefs, Vihavald, Ukko and Tihomir.”
“But there are only two vacancies!” Poor Þorfinn had really walked into that one.
“Yes, well, I’m transferring your hirdman appointment as well, sorry …”
“… now before we go any further, I know this will all disappoint you and you are still our foremost field soldier, so you will take up the Commander’s appointment vacated by Hrolfr on his promotion. A chance for you to lead men in the field and perhaps one day seek a place in glorious Valhalla! Congratulations!” Eilif quietly holds his breath.
“Thank you, King Eilif,” manages Þorfinn through gritted teeth. “”I may take my leave now, if there is nothing else.”
“Of course. Go with Thor’s blessings, loyal Þorfinn!”
The old warrior stalks out of the chamber. A few seconds later, the sounds of slammed doors, broken chairs and smashed walls can be heard, fading into the distance.
That could have been worse, Eilif thought to himself half-heartedly.
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But it would not be the last difficult conversation of the long day. The next caller was old Steward Alfgeir, once again in town for a brief visit.
“Sire, I thought I’d better deliver this news in person. I won’t beat about the bush: the Physician believes I have cancer and it eats my small frame from the inside out.”
“Oh no, I’m very sad to hear that, Alfgeir,” said Eilif with genuine feeling. Alfgeir may not be his favourite person, but he respects his abilities and long service to the realm.
“I wish to keep serving until the end, if I may, but it is of course your decision, King Eilif.”
“Please, continue your good work as long as you feel able, if that is your wish. You have earned the right.”
“Thank you, Sire. I have lived a long life and have no great regrets. Now, I’ll be back to Ladoga. There is work to be done.
Eilif next read a report the Chancellor’s staff had sent him on the current relative power and views of his direct vassals. Aside from Godi Ale (his local temple head in Holmgarðr), his two Norse Chiefs remained well enough disposed. His two Norse relatives (and Jarls) were not so happy. Though Buðli was slowly coming around, Dyre seemed a hopeless cause. Of the rest (Finns and Slavs) Jarl Tyueykezhut remained firmly opposed but had not caused any trouble of late. The three minor chiefs, who had all been made Hirdmen that day, ranged from antagonistic (Tihomir) to almost amenable (Ukko).
The final report of a very busy day came in that evening, born by the new Marshal, Hrolfr. Dyre had sent his levy from Austerbotn to attack the raiders in Kexholm, while his other main levy in Pskov still mobilised. There would be a battle on 4 September and the opposed forces were almost exactly matched in size and strength.
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August-September 892
In mid-August, news came that The Monster had declared a claim war on Khopyor, part of the eastern ‘rump section’ of Dyre’s now riven kingdom. The snake was consuming its own tail: it had been Dyre’s failed Holy War on Mari that had started his downward spiral, what must by now have been five years ago. The treaty between the two had lapsed, so now Saksa came in to grab his share of the dying kingdom.
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The battle for Kexholm began in early September: unfortunately for Dyre, his force from Austerbotn – led by Chief Gradimir (the Kin-slayer) – had to cross a river to get to the Finnish raiders: this would place him at a tactical disadvantage.
Then, just nine days later, the Gods’ curse on all leaders named Dyre manifested itself again. With the Austerbotn levy fighting in Kexholm, the dreaded High Chief Tuure of Karelia decided to send a strong force – of well over 500 men – to raid Austerbotn! Eilif didn’t know whether to laugh – or laugh harder.
More productive news arrived a week later: the King’s prosperity drive was paying dividends.
And a week after that came news of a sound defeat for Dyre’s forces at the hands of the Finns in Kexholm, even though the forces involved – and casualties – were quite small.
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October-December 892
The Queen Mother’s spy network reported that the usual range of murder plots - some quite juicy by all accounts, including one on Tyueykezhut’s brother and heir, Kezhevat – was in progress. And Dyre’s desire to kill his brother the King remained implacable: a source of continuing anguish to their mother, who said nothing could be done at this point to make Dyre stand down. For his part, as long as it remained the threat of a duel rather than an assassin in the night or some dodgy ‘hunting accident’, Eilif didn’t mind that much if it continued. He would enjoy finally seeing his brother off in a fair fight if it came to it, which he was now quite confident of winning.
Marshal Hrolfr, who was now well-versed in the politics and wars of the region to the south of Gardariki, advised that a war had been going on for some time between Chief Barsbek of Sharukan (who was claiming the county of Chernigov) and High Chief Tatimir the Old of Chernigov. Tatimir, the recent usurper of Bryansk, seemed to be winning quite handily.
News of war and an idle autumn season made King Eilif hungry for more action. After Marshal Hrolfr finished his report, Eilif made his decision.
“Hrolfr, too much peace is a tiresome thing. I think it time for some more Blood and Battle! Let us muster my levies! The Sacred Raiding Toggle will be invoked. We will gather in Narva and then strike Kalevan as soon as we have enough troops ready to invest their stronghold!”
“Excellent news, My King. I will get straight to it.”
November was spent in deployment, with the Finnish raiders remaining undisturbed in Dyre’s northern counties. But in early December, the cursed Jarl suffered a double blow within the space of a week.
Ch63 Q1: Vassal Looting Effects.OK, going off the screens above, it is clear the prestige loss is suffered by the vassal, Dyre in this case. But it is less specific re the lost gold (only small amounts here, but the principle is important). It just says ‘lost gold’: does that mean it is the realm liege that loses it, or is that still the vassal as well? I’d also ask the same of the general looting of ‘loose treasure’ in the county leading up to the fall of the holding: is that lost by Dyre as the owner (which had been my assumption) or by Eilif? In which case, he wouldn’t be laughing quite so much and may have been batter served smashing the raiders that have been plaguing his brother.
The Karelian raiders, their plundering finished in Austerbotn, began heading back home on 7 December. But the Uusimaan raiders in Kexholm stayed on, presumably intent on looting the temple holding there. But it seemed they did not have the numbers to maintain an effective siege over it.
The first group of Garðarikian raiders had assembled in Narva on 15 December: they had just enough soldiers to besiege the Estonian holding there, so marched straight away to ensure they remained bottled up and to get things moving. Þorfinn was given the command, in the hope it might salve the former Marshal’s wounded pride. By the time they arrived in Kalevan on 26 December, the next group was ready to march. They would add their weight to the siege, which against a combined garrison of 985 would take quite some time – some months into the new year.
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January-February 893
The turn of the new year marked exactly 26 years since Eilif’s father had founded the realm and the Rurikid dynasty. Eilif felt he was slowly growing into the role of ruling it, even if Rurik's heady days of grand conquests and sweeping subjugation wars was behind. For now, anyway. He might one day exert his own ambitions once the realm was ready for it.
Þorfinn was joined by Þorsteinn and Sverker on 10 January, bringing their combined raiding force to 1737 men. They settled in for a long siege, while ensuring all available wealth from the countryside was scooped up and sent home. The last raiding company arrived in Kalevan on 29 January, taking the besiegers to nearly 1,900 men – slightly over double the garrison. All available treasure had been plundered from Kalevan by 15 February, but this time the raiders were determined to take the Estonian stronghold – and perhaps this time seize a few lucrative hostages. The tedium of the siege dragged on.
Having headed back to Nygarðr for the winter, Eilif received more welcome news that February: military organisation had increased in Toropets, which still retained Eilif’s crown focus.
A week later, Chief Tihomir of Luki advised he had launched a claim of his own on Vitebsk – which Grimr of Smaleskja had long coveted and had occupied himself for some time now. This could well bring the two into open conflict.
“Grimr has the stronger position and army – I think Tihomir is foolish to do this, King Eilif,” was Marshal Hrolfr’s advice.
“I agree, but I’ll not interfere – this business is between them. The strongest – or luckiest – will triumph. And the county would be brought into the realm whichever wins.”
“Quite so. But if they manage to wear each other down and let The Stranger back in, they will both look foolish.”
“Maybe, Hrolfr, but with so many crows picking at Dyre’s walking corpse, he be lucky to muster the troops to do it.”
“True words, My King. Time will tell.”
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Question
As ever, even though there is only one formal question this time, additional comments, observations, or answers to questions I should have asked (but didn’t know enough to do so) are always welcome!
Ch63 Q1: Vassal Looting Effects.OK, going off the screens above, it is clear the prestige loss is suffered by the vassal, Dyre in this case. But it is less specific re the lost gold (only small amounts here, but the principle is important). It just says ‘lost gold’: does that mean it is the realm liege that loses it, or is that still the vassal as well? I’d also ask the same of the general looting of ‘loose treasure’ in the county leading up to the fall of the holding: is that lost by Dyre as the owner (which had been my assumption) or by Eilif? In which case, he wouldn’t be laughing quite so much and may have been batter served smashing the raiders that have been plaguing his brother.
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Finnish raiders in the harsh northern winter. When Eilif heard stories of them sometimes taking their infants on raid with them, he could not help but lament his own seeming inability to sire an heir – or a child of either gender, for that matter - even with a wife and two concubines available.
Those Finns are proving to be resourceful raiders in their own right – especially when the target does not have the troops to properly contest them, as has been Jarl Dyre’s misfortune of late. But the time may come, as with the Estonians at the moment, when his older brother decides to avenge the slight on Garðariki with a crushing counter-raid. Though he remains wary of Tuure and his Karelians. Eilif would like nothing better than to throttle the Finn personally without all those fanatical tribal hordes to assist him, but may need to wait some time yet to do so.
To All: Thanks so much too to those of you who may have voted for this AAR to make it the Gameplay AAR of the Year for 2018 in the end-of-year awards! It really is very warmly appreciated. To celebrate, here comes the next chapter soon (uploading and formatting now, may be an hour or two).
I didn't know the voting existed so I missed the chance to vote, but this AAR is so great it didn't even need my vote. The other 2 AARs were too, but sadly they missed an award :/
“Yes, someone asked about them at the recent Þing, and I became curious. It is, after all, where father, ah, decided to end his personal raiding career.”
Yes, yes, he has the depressed trait, among others. But at least he isn’t Zealous, per the question raised at the Þing. Perhaps the light of the True Gods can brighten his day if he lets the Queen convince him that the Germanic Gods are more fitting!
He seems to have the "Content" trait, so he's veeery unlikely to ever rebel. A good choice to give some lands to if one day we have too much land to keep for Eilif
So, what's the concubine limit again? Maybe Eilif would take more... About the nubile thing, well the cold hard facts of the middle ages is that childbirth is a dangerous thing so most of the time the concubines are all nubile.
How things change, Eilif thought, but he has a point. And he is a great warrior who has proved himself a hard and merciless war leader on his own. I can’t afford him to desert my cause, as one of the few good Norsemen among my vassals.
“Ah, I have decided that Hrolfr will be our new Marshal, befitting his title and position in the realm,” there, out with it. Eilif was no coward, but this wasn’t easy.
Well at least you didn't give the guy's wife to someone else Speaking of which, if he's not married, marrying him to a suitable woman might change his mood. It always works!
“Sire, I thought I’d better deliver this news in person. I won’t beat about the bush: the Physician believes I have cancer and it eats my small frame from the inside out.”
Ch63 Q1: Vassal Looting Effects.OK, going off the screens above, it is clear the prestige loss is suffered by the vassal, Dyre in this case. But it is less specific re the lost gold (only small amounts here, but the principle is important). It just says ‘lost gold’: does that mean it is the realm liege that loses it, or is that still the vassal as well? I’d also ask the same of the general looting of ‘loose treasure’ in the county leading up to the fall of the holding: is that lost by Dyre as the owner (which had been my assumption) or by Eilif? In which case, he wouldn’t be laughing quite so much and may have been batter served smashing the raiders that have been plaguing his brother.
As far as I know the gold is lost from the province, and it results in an income penalty for some time to the province. So it doesn't leave your coffers, neither your vassal's, but in the long run it robs you of some of the tax income of your vassal that would've trickled back to you as scutage. I'm not 100% sure about this, but this is how I think it works. When I'm in this position I mostly let them screw around with my unruly vassal, but protect his vassals (in this case the temple holding for example).
There were a few good choices there for concubines. Þordis might also make a good addition as concubine, strong and healthy as she is (concubine limit is three). Personally, I always tend to search for attractive concubines .
That Tyuey isn't zealous is far better for your chance of conversion, which would be much lower if he was.
Looks like the Catholics go through troubled times. Edla coming from Metz, pagans in Swabia, and a prepared invasion targeting Italy. Meanwhile, Eilif's reign seems fairly stable for now.
Ch63 Q1: Vassal Looting Effects.OK, going off the screens above, it is clear the prestige loss is suffered by the vassal, Dyre in this case. But it is less specific re the lost gold (only small amounts here, but the principle is important). It just says ‘lost gold’: does that mean it is the realm liege that loses it, or is that still the vassal as well? I’d also ask the same of the general looting of ‘loose treasure’ in the county leading up to the fall of the holding: is that lost by Dyre as the owner (which had been my assumption) or by Eilif? In which case, he wouldn’t be laughing quite so much and may have been batter served smashing the raiders that have been plaguing his brother.
Yeah, gold seized in sieges is always seized from the character owning that particular holding. On the other hand, the 'loose treasure' isn't. I agree with @diskoerekto here: it's a penalty for the province's tax modifier. As with your level of tribal organization the vassals don't pay any taxes to you, and I doubt Dyre would join any wars, if he's raided the only one weakened in the end is him. It is worth defending vassals in such a situation if you need their troops.
As someone who suffers many raids in his games, I can confirm that it definitely doesn't come from the liege. And as the others have pointed out, the 'loose' gold comes from the province itself. You can see it as that bar that decreases on the province screen. Until it refills, the province suffers a penalty to it's tax rate. Note that non-raid military stuff can also lower that bar too.
Others have already covered the raider looting query well enough, so I'll basically second what they've said.
It's a bit unfortunate seeing Þorfinn booted from the Marshal's seat like that, especially given Eiliff's somewhat... abrupt manner of dismissal -- but the needs of the realm come first, of course. It is certainly well that the king has so many competent leaders to draw upon to fill the position.
Eilif is definitely different to his father (especially being a bit dull in comparison to his exceptional pater), but he has his strengths and a bit of resilience. And in some things (his nickname for starters) he has become surprisingly good at following the Rurikid legacy.
