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Just a few comments to address this time - the question was clearly answered, which I'll deal with first, then other comments after.
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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).
Seems the first part is right from all the answers below, but as a tribal ruler, I get no tax income at all from any of my vassals, just my own demesne counties.
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.
Thanks for confirming and clarifying. Given Dyre is a lost cause re troops, I wasn't worried there. Indeed, if it comes to fighting him at some point, the weaker he remains the better. But a good point re a vassal I actually value - I would definitely try to help one of them against external raiders if possible to do so.
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.
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 :/
It may take a while. I recall Helgi started slowly, but then kids came along at a steady rate. I may need to look for a third concubine if nothing happens in the next session.
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.
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!
He's had a good long time, so anything from here is a bonus. It would free up a council position though. But I want someone pretty good in it, not just a displeased vassal hack.
Yes, they are slowly fading away and there will be more of that in the next little period. But the local raiding scene is indeed humming - a Viking pub crawl!
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 .
Þordis perhaps, though Eilif will have a look to see if anyone more promising has turned up with the passage of a bit of time. Another talent show may be needed!
Yes, that's good. Converting his religion at least would go a long way to mending relations. Looks like making the kingdom Norse culturally will take eons!
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.
Happy for the Catholics to be in trouble for as long as possible. And I think Eilif is stabilising - time aids his opinion around the realm and his actions - especially the raiding - help both with the money and prestige (which also cements his position).
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.
Yes, the needs come first. Given Þorfinn's character and Eilif's clumsy interpersonal skills and 'dullness', I thought it worth hamming it up a bit! And Þorfinn had only been Marshal since Helgi had died (Rurik had suspected he might be a follower of Hel and had kept him sidelined after he emigrated to Gardariki), so it wasn't like sacking a long-term retainer.
Speaking of which (ie Hel), there's been no obvious evidence of their activities or influence that I've noticed. Just the normal Slovensky murderous activities and royal family hatreds. No werewolves, suspiciously missing children, heads in bags (just making that up) etc. Like Rurik, Eilif doesn't have one of the seven deadly sins as a trait, so he couldn't join anyway. Helgi, had he lived to succeed, did, though ... that might have been an interesting 'learning experience'!
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OK, thanks for those who commented this time round and all who read. The next session is played, screenies edited and words written. Just need to upload. If not tonight (my time) then hopefully in the morning!
Chapter 64: A Stranger is Delivered (27 February – 27 September 893)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif’s search for an heir continues, with his second concubine found – but is his sword mighty enough? King Dyre the Stranger continues to be harried from all directions – perhaps he can find a way to end the interminable torture? Hrolfr is made Marshal, raids continue and the King tries to further consolidate his hold on power by seeking to persuade his nephew Buðli to be more accommodating; and Tihomir of Luki launches a counter-claim on Vitebsk in Könugarðr – which is likely to put him on a collision course with Grimr of Smaleskja and his long-standing claim.
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February-March 893
“King Eilif …” said the Jarl Tyueykezhut after he finished explaining the advice from the latest Þing on the flows of money during enemy raids of the King’s vassals.
The King was reassured – and felt comfortable once again smirking at his brother’s ill fortune at the hands of a series of Finnish raiders.
“… it may interest you to know that the wars in the south continue to boil away.” The Jarl handed over a map and started pointing out developments to the young King.
“Chief Barsbek ‘the Liberator’ of Sharukan seeks to subjugate his neighbour, High Chief Tatimir 'the Old' of Chernigov, who himself has only recently won Bryansk from Dyre of Könugarðr.”
“Er, yes, I remember all that, of course,” replied Eilif – rather unconvincingly.
“Well, despite his initial success, the tide has turned against Tatimir. Hrolfr suspects Barsbek has enlisted a large horde of tribal warriors. He is now in a strong position and will likely win, which would make Tatimir his unwilling vassal.”
“I see.”
“I don’t think Tatimir deserves Bryansk if he can’t hold it and we don’t want Barsbek grabbing it. Hmm, perhaps I may think on that a little ...”
The Jarl focuses again. “Anyway, King Eilif, the Stranger is now in trouble against his old nemesis the Monster. Saksa has occupied a few of his eastern provinces and besieges another. The likely result there is that Khopyor will be folded into Mari.”
“That doesn’t sound so good either, even if Dyre should be punished for embracing that fanciful Christian God!”
“Indeed not, but there seems little we can do about if for now but watch and wait for some future opportunity. Saksa is rightly feared but is neither a popular nor, by all reports, very healthy. His cobbled-together realm may collapse if he dies, My King.”
“We can hope for that anyway!”
A few weeks later, Tyueykezhut – ever ambitious for more titles and glory, even though it doesn’t ever seem to make him happy – announces he would claim Bryansk from Tatimir the Old by right of conquest! Looks like he will catch and kill his own again. Within a few days, his levy is mustering. He may need to be quick if he wants to beat Barsbek the Liberator to the punch!
Later that month, word comes through from the raiders in Kalevan: the siege has been successfully concluded. A few troops were lost to skirmishes during the siege, but the good news is two captives have been taken – including High Chief Vandemeel’s wife and son!
This prompts King Eilif to check his list of prisoners. Poor Feverdyn remains in open house arrest, 22 years after his capture in Cornwall by Rurik. And Tommo, the surviving rebel leader, still awaits his date at the next Blot. Eilif decides to ransom Salme first: the son can follow – no doubt with the additional urging of Vandemeel’s soon to be released wife!
Eilif also summons Lawspeaker Hrörekr and Queen Ingrid as the Seeress to ask about whether and when he may be able to hold a Blot himself.
“Steward Alfgeir advises we have now just managed to accumulate the gold it would take to conduct a Blot. It would empty much of the gold from the coffers, but hopefully more will keep flowing in if the raids continue,” explained Hrörekr. “Otherwise, all the other material conditions have been satisfied.”
“Husband, the only thing stopping a Blot now – which I think may be a good idea – is time,” noted Queen Ingrid. “By the sacred customs of the Gods, it must be nine years since the last Blot – which it has been. But it must be done in the cold months, between November and the end of February. We are three weeks past that point. You will need to wait until November and ensure all the other conditions can still be met.”
“All right, can you please both remind me when the time comes? I tend to forget these things.”
Ch64 Q1: Blot. I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
Ten days later, Salme’s ransom arrives and she is released, carrying a follow-up demand for ten more gold for her son. The money is handed over a few days later and the lad released. A very handy profit!
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April-May 893
Given Saksa’s continued ambitious depredations in the east and south, a profile of ‘the Monster’ was provided. The Chancellor confirmed that constant conquest and ‘Monsterhood’ seemed not to sit well with the bloodthirsty ruler of Mari. As previously noted, he had resorted to drink to try to wash away the stress and depression of leading. Perhaps there is a sensitive inner Saksa offended at all his own hideous behaviour. A few of his original vassals remain loyal, to varying degrees. But the rest ranged from dislike to active loathing, especially those he had recently subjugated. One of those is Bayça of Saray, connected by marriage to the Rurikids through Eilif’s sister Iliana.
Not long afterwards, Tyueykezhut brings welcome news: Eilif’s nephew Jarl Buðli of Belo Ozero had been persuaded to support his uncle the King!
Þorfinn’s raiding group, having finished sacking Kalevan in March, had been picking up new recruits as it marched through Ingria in early May to its next destination: the small Finnish chiefdom of Häme.
10 May found High Chief Tatimir in trouble in his fight to stave off subjugation. He had taken his army south to Sharukan in a bold bid to take Barsbek’s capital. But his three original Chernigovian counties had now been occupied by Barsbeck – whose whereabouts and army size were as yet unknown to Garðarikian observers. And Jarl Tyueykezhut’s Yaroslavian army (commanded by a namesake of the Monster, as it happened) was now largely assembled and about to invest Bryansk!
Then in mid-May, a notably strange and mystical event occurred. A haggard, ugly old woman – Alvör, she said her name was – proclaimed to those gathered in the King’s great hall in Nygarðr that she was a mystic and offered her services as Court Völva. Eilif knew his father had long been on the lookout for such a mystic seeress, but it had fallen to Eilif to finally receive the offer. Not quite knowing what this may bring, he accepted.
Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
As the strange crone was shown to a hut she could occupy, Marshal Hrolfr briefed the King on happenings in the ever-turbulent region to the south of the realm. Timohir’s Lukian army was now besieging Vitebsk, the object of the conflicting claim with Smaleskja and currently held by Grimr. The Yaroslavians now invested Bryansk: and were able to report that Barsbek’s very large army in Susgrov (around 5,000 men, swelled undoubtedly by some additional hordes recruited for the conquest) would descend on the unfortunate Tatimir at Sharukan within a week . And Grimr, alerted to Timohir’s attempt to grab Vitebsk from him, had begun to march back north – presumably to intercept his fellow Garðarikian chieftain.
Grimr had these days changed his appearance somewhat by this time. The old-style Norse helmet was gone, for a more ‘cultured’ look. With his club foot and puny build, he would fool no-one as a fierce Norse warrior, though he remained a passable commander when he took to the field himself, as he did now in Chortiza. He had two heirs now, but both were daughters. He had chosen to focus on war and wanted revenge on High Chief Tuure of Karelia: both sentiments of which Eilif approved.
Instead of claims now lessening, the weakness of King Dyre the Stranger seemed to draw ever more claimants for his shrinking domain. It was getting to the point where there were more claimants than counties left to take! Four longer-standing and more advanced claims continued, while four newer ones (including Tihomir’s on Vitebsk) had made little to no progress yet. The map of Könugarðr still resembled a motley patchwork.
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June-July 893
But on 8 June 893 AD, all of Dyre’s trouble were suddenly over. The brilliant but apostate Norseman-turned-Christian had died at the age of 48 from gout-related complications! This contemporary and once-equal of Rurik had years ago descended into a personal hell of war, occupation and humiliation. He was now with his Christian God. His son – the rather unimpressive Halfdan – had inherited what was left of the once-great Kingdom of Könugarðr. Including all of his father’s wars. Eilif knew the feeling, but (he thanked the All-Father sincerely) not to anything like this extent!
Later that month, Þorfinn sent word he had arrived in Häme and the raiding was once more being conducted as a business enterprise with weapons. The gold started flowing again, even if the takings were modest.
On 1 July, Eilif attended his nephew Buðli’s wedding to his long-betrothed bride, Ravzhava – the daughter of Jarl Tyueykezhat. She was of course both a Mordvin and of the Suomi faith. Combined with Buðli’s other interests, it did not promise to be a warm relationship. But at least both were prepared to do their respective duties – if not much more. After the feast, Buðli went off with one of his young warriors to ‘inspect the barracks’. Ravzhava quietly fumed, but her father the Jarl was firm: this was business, not pleasure.
Meanwhile, in the south Tatimir had been badly defeated in Sharukan, losing most of his army. Barsbek remained to lift the siege of his own capital, which Tatimir had reduced before he could arrive to relieve the siege. [In modern terms, Könugarðr and Chernigov now resembled ‘free fire zones’ for the many armies that ranged across them.]
The following morning, Marshal Hrolfr came to deliver an enthusiastic report: his efforts to organise the army had significantly improved the skills of one of the King's commanders. But when he learned the details, Eilif was not as pleased as his Marshal thought he might have been.
Eilif’s personal levy was by now around 2,000 strong. With a few loyal vassals, he was confident of being able to muster up to 3,000 men. By now, High Chief Tuure of Karelia would (hopefully) have lost the benefit of his reinforcing hordes. But their truce still had another year and a half to run and there was still his ambition to fulfil to see the realm prosper. There was also a desire to secure a source of ships for raiding, which might have to come first. But revenge of Karelia would come one day, Eilif was sure of it.
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August-September 893
On 9 August, word came that the new King Halfdan of Könugarðr had won his lords’ approval to institute Absolute Tribal Organisation Law. It was not known whether that would make much difference to his chances of survival.
On 18 August, Grimr forces finally met those of his rival Chief Timovir in Grimr’s home province of Smaleskja. Much to Grimr’s irritation, almost all his good work on his claim war for Vitebsk had been wiped out when the Lukians had won the siege of the keep. Now they met on the field of battle, where the Smolenskians enjoyed a reasonable superiority in numbers. Both sides clashed with a single central division each and went at it.
A report on 2 September advised that Tyueykezhut had instituted Medium Tribal Organisation Laws in his Jarldom. Now the King asked his Lawspeaker for advice. Hrörekr said he would lay the legal matters before the Þing.
Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
The Battle of Smaleskja was resolved by mid-September, after almost a month of fighting. Despite the advantage in numbers – which he maintained until the end – Grimr had lost and now retreated north. Tihomir retained the bragging rights – and Vitebsk. Eilif was not pleased - he had wanted the Norseman to win against those 'bloody Slovenskys'.
A week after this, Jarl Tyueykezhut completed his victory over Tatimir and subsumed Bryansk into his demesne – and therefore also the Kingdom of Garðariki.
This was the final straw for Tatimir: he surrendered to Barsbek four days later [I didn’t get a separate announcement as I hadn’t done the ‘character of interest’ tags – fixed now]. Barsbek was now High Chief of a united Chernigov, Tatimir a mere vassal chief, still holding two counties – and a grudge!
The next day brought victory in Häme: more gold was taken, but no lucrative prisoners. Þorfinn’s next raiding target was Satakunta, the northern county of the independent Finnish realm of the same name.
As September drew to a close, Eilif asked for a report on the plots currently festering away in the realm. He got a nasty surprise when he discovered his nephew Hakon Helgisson, who had only come age a few weeks before, had joined his brother Dyre’s murder plot against him! Family – may Loki infest their undergarments with a multitude of fleas and lice! Hakon was a fierce rival of the King – but a murder plot was just too much.
Hakon – landless, talentless and clueless, as far as Eilif was concerned – did not have the standing of his brother Dyre. As he resided in Nygarðr, Eilif confronted him: it would stop, or by Thor he would smash his goolies for him!
Eilif imagines himself as the embodiment of Thor and the hulking and hideous Hakon as a Jotun, with his family jewels about to go under the hammer, so to speak - should Hakon refuse this request.
“I await your answer with great interest, nephew. How dare you plot in this way, serpent!”
Back in his hall, and somewhat calmed down by a few horns and the company of his two concubines (neither of whom was with child yet, nor was his wife), Eilif pondered the political climate with the rest of his fractious vassals.
Three of the five most powerful lords were now in his corner, to varying degrees. Dyre was of course a lost cause. Tyueykezhut was even more powerful than ever, but still inherently hostile, despite doing his duty as Chancellor well enough. Of the rest, Tihomir seemed implacably hostile for now, but Ukko, the relatively new Chief of Vologda, might be coming around. Maybe something could be done to bring him into the fold?
As Chancellor, Tyueykezhut could hardly influence himself to be more supportive of the King, so he was sent to Vologda to see what he could do.
As his raiders made their way on foot to another Finnish chiefdom for meagre takings, Eilif started to formulate more plans for possible expansion. As had been advised at a number of Þings, he was drawn to the possibility of seizing Uusimaa as a personal fief, as it brought two shipyards with it (there was one associated with the Temple of Porvoo as well as the main tribal holding). Kalevan had a shipyard too. With a fleet of ships, he could take a sizeable force to raid rich coastal towns in Europa, the Mediterranean of even the Black Sea. Now that would be nice, he thought to himself.
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Questions
Eilif had a range of legal and religious questions he asked Hrörekr to pose to the next Þing.
Ch64 Q1: Blot.I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
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Would the coming of Nygarðr’s first Court Völva bring any strange or mystical happenings?
A few weeks later, Tyueykezhut – ever ambitious for more titles and glory, even though it doesn’t ever seem to make him happy – announces he would claim Bryansk from Tatimir the Old by right of conquest!
Ch64 Q1: Blot. I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
As far as I know it's only a honorary title such as Hirdsman etc, but having one enables a very interesting event chain. I'll put in spoiler tags in case you want to keep it a mystery.
There's more or less 1% chance every time your wife is pregnant (I guess concubines are exempt, but not sure. It checks for pregnant female characters whose spouse is a human player. Does Eilif count as the spouse to the concubines? I don't know) that the baby turns out to be a demon child. It is a hard to kill person with all the negative personality traits (7 deadly sins + impaler) that kills all its siblings to become the heir and sometimes spawns armies with witch generals. So, some fun I guess? Funny thing is, with no Volva to warn you about a possible demon child, demon children just don't appear.
Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
I'm not 100% sure but having Kalevan might be a problem in case there's another succession. I made some calculations some time ago which I don't fully remember now, but as far as I remember it was Uusimaa and Satakunta I guess which was good to have? Are there shipyards on Satakunta?
About warfare, Eilif has the once-in-a-lifetime Pagan Subjugation CB, right? I wonder where/when we should use it. It should be a big pagan realm. What are the biggest pagan realms around to add to our kingdom?
Now they are trying to kill the King. Good times. I would give advice but only played as a Pagan once. Almost reformed the faith by taking the last site I needed, Zealand, and...then a Vassal started a Civil War and everything fell apart. Bitter, bitter memories....
Later that month, word comes through from the raiders in Kalevan: the siege has been successfully concluded. A few troops were lost to skirmishes during the siege, but the good news is two captives have been taken – including High Chief Vandemeel’s wife and son!
Ten days later, Salme’s ransom arrives and she is released, carrying a follow-up demand for ten more gold for her son. The money is handed over a few days later and the lad released. A very handy profit!
A small note on these: Judging by the portrait, the character referred to as Vandemeel and Salme's "son" is actually their daughter Of course, it would be entirely in character for someone like Eilif to simply not be paying that much attention.
Ch64 Q1: Blot.I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
In general there's never a downside to holding a blot in and of itself, but when you're strapped for cash like you are now it's generally wise to make the most of the benefits that you can. I'd wait until just before your next proper war of conquest, so that you can get some mileage out of the morale boost to your levies.
Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
The only thing I have to add to diskoerekto's post above is that, given they often have decent Learning stats (which the Mystic trait helps to boost), they sometimes make a decent option for Court Chaplain or Court Physician if / when eligible.
Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
Halfdan is almost certainly aiming to go feudal, since Absolute Tribal Organization and being a member of an organized religion are both requirements for it. (Whether it'll actually do him any good at this point is another story...). Tyuey might be going for it, but unless Suomenusko is on the verge of reforming (unlikely) he's probably aiming for vassal taxes and levies instead.
Peaceful times. If you discount the raiding, the wars of the vassals, the murder plots... But for Eilif at least, peaceful.
Buðli doesn't seem like he'll cause much trouble, being content and married. If he weren't, Tyuey could have gained an ally against the king, but it doesn't look like that. The one who looks like trouble is Barsbek - as a liberator, his event stack will keep reinforcing and stay around until fully depleted or Barsbek's death. Might be worth keeping an eye on him.
As for expansion targets, my advice would be to look at the target's prestige and piety before rushing to action .
Ch64 Q1: Blot.I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
It offers prestige & piety (moreso with Abrahamic sacrifices), raises opinion with participating vassals, and provides a nice little morale boost for a year. If money is an issue it is not entirely necessary, but always good to have.
Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
I don't think I ever had the völva do much more than appear... But at least every völva is a mystic, and mystics can be used as special court physicians regardless of their learning, which is even more important for tribals who can't just invite one over by decision.
Mystic physicians are great (though they sometimes... disappear treating someone at court).
Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
Halfdan might feudalize, as he definitely fills one of the conditions - he's not unreformed pagan - but he still needs a reinforced hillfort in his capital, and I very much doubt Könugarðr had enough cash to do these upgrades . For your vassal Tyuey though, it mostly affects the relation to his vassals.
1) The money nets you prestige, which you can use to build stuff as a tribal ruler. Whether or not that's worth the tradeoff at a given moment is the question, though.
2) I'm not sure really.
3) They need the buildings and they need to be of an organized religion, so it depends whether or not they meet those conditions.
I find that blots can be very helpful to do whenever I have a succession (assuming I have the prisoners of course), as the opinion bonus helps you stabalize the realm. That said the prestige/piety are also great if you have some specific need for one or the other.
The Second Þing of Eilif’s Reign –September 893 (a summary of advice from Chapter 64)
The Second Þing of Eilif’s Reign –September 893 (a summary of advice from Chapter 64)
King Eilif the Just once more asks the wise of the realm to muster at the Þing, where the venerable Lawspeaker Hrörekr will take advice and comments and ensure the King continues to get the best advice from the smartest people.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch64 Q1: Blot.I did manage to hold one of these early on under Rurik. I’ll go back and have a look to see what benefits tended to accrue. But money was less of a problem than compared to now, with the raiding options a bit limited. Would this still be worth doing on general principles, do you think?
In general there's never a downside to holding a blot in and of itself, but when you're strapped for cash like you are now it's generally wise to make the most of the benefits that you can. I'd wait until just before your next proper war of conquest, so that you can get some mileage out of the morale boost to your levies.
It offers prestige & piety (moreso with Abrahamic sacrifices), raises opinion with participating vassals, and provides a nice little morale boost for a year. If money is an issue it is not entirely necessary, but always good to have.
1) The money nets you prestige, which you can use to build stuff as a tribal ruler. Whether or not that's worth the tradeoff at a given moment is the question, though.
I find that blots can be very helpful to do whenever I have a succession (assuming I have the prisoners of course), as the opinion bonus helps you stabalize the realm. That said the prestige/piety are also great if you have some specific need for one or the other.
These all sound like good reasons for running one when I can and Eilif’s reign is still fairly young. Especially with all those non-Norse Germanic vassals around disliking him on religious and cultural grounds.
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Ch64 Q2: Völva.I had a quick search and found little to nothing about the Völva and have not read about one in an AAR. Is this one of those cosmetic appointments only? Or are their functions or perhaps some event chains that occur through having a Völva at court (which is my vague expectation). I don’t necessarily want to be told of all the details in advance (happy to discover any as I go if there are any): I’m just curious to know if there is any substantive resulting effect for having one. It would be a little strange to have this happen if there wasn’t something – perhaps some sorcery options or some such.
As far as I know it's only a honorary title such as Hirdsman etc, but having one enables a very interesting event chain. I'll put in spoiler tags in case you want to keep it a mystery.
There's more or less 1% chance every time your wife is pregnant (I guess concubines are exempt, but not sure. It checks for pregnant female characters whose spouse is a human player. Does Eilif count as the spouse to the concubines? I don't know) that the baby turns out to be a demon child. It is a hard to kill person with all the negative personality traits (7 deadly sins + impaler) that kills all its siblings to become the heir and sometimes spawns armies with witch generals. So, some fun I guess? Funny thing is, with no Volva to warn you about a possible demon child, demon children just don't appear.
The only thing I have to add to diskoerekto's post above is that, given they often have decent Learning stats (which the Mystic trait helps to boost), they sometimes make a decent option for Court Chaplain or Court Physician if / when eligible.
I don't think I ever had the völva do much more than appear... But at least every völva is a mystic, and mystics can be used as special court physicians regardless of their learning, which is even more important for tribals who can't just invite one over by decision.
Mystic physicians are great (though they sometimes... disappear treating someone at court).
Hmm, so should I replace my current (high learning) Court Physician with the Völva anyway, do you think?
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Ch64 Q3: Tribal Organisation Laws – Other Rulers.So for Halfdan instituting Absolute and Tyueykezhut Medium Tribal Organisation, should I be taking much notice of that or be expecting anything interesting or different from them as a result? Does it perhaps indicate that Könugarðr could be turning feudal, perhaps? Or just background noise.
Halfdan is almost certainly aiming to go feudal, since Absolute Tribal Organization and being a member of an organized religion are both requirements for it. (Whether it'll actually do him any good at this point is another story...). Tyuey might be going for it, but unless Suomenusko is on the verge of reforming (unlikely) he's probably aiming for vassal taxes and levies instead.
Halfdan might feudalize, as he definitely fills one of the conditions - he's not unreformed pagan - but he still needs a reinforced hillfort in his capital, and I very much doubt Könugarðr had enough cash to do these upgrades . For your vassal Tyuey though, it mostly affects the relation to his vassals.
It’s like Halfdan has just been landed in the middle of a dung pile head first! His father was a stats gorilla and could do nothing after he lost that fateful Holy War on Saksa.
16 September 895, I believe. So just under another two years. I had to go back and look this up from the AAR – the end date doesn’t appear on the ambition mouseover in the character screen: is there some easier way of checking it from the interface?
I'm not 100% sure but having Kalevan might be a problem in case there's another succession. I made some calculations some time ago which I don't fully remember now, but as far as I remember it was Uusimaa and Satakunta I guess which was good to have? Are there shipyards on Satakunta?
I know, but it starts to do my head in! I may just do it to get get the ships anyway, given it is (hopefully) early in Eilif’s reign, and worry about the succession consequences later. As it is, I lose these provinces from the demesne with this infernal gavelkind succession anyway. Hmmm….
About warfare, Eilif has the once-in-a-lifetime Pagan Subjugation CB, right? I wonder where/when we should use it. It should be a big pagan realm. What are the biggest pagan realms around to add to our kingdom?
Yes, thanks for reminding me, I’ve been storing that one up. I should also look at some relevant law changes soon too, if they would be of any benefit. But first, I need to build up a decent army, perhaps a war chest and reliable vassals who should support a conquest war as allies.
Now they are trying to kill the King. Good times. I would give advice but only played as a Pagan once. Almost reformed the faith by taking the last site I needed, Zealand, and...then a Vassal started a Civil War and everything fell apart. Bitter, bitter memories....
Sounds like just the kind of thing the game is likely to do to you! It still seems like ages off before I could hope to be in a position to reform, still it remains a long-term ambition.
A small note on these: Judging by the portrait, the character referred to as Vandemeel and Salme's "son" is actually their daughter Of course, it would be entirely in character for someone like Eilif to simply not be paying that much attention.
Peaceful times. If you discount the raiding, the wars of the vassals, the murder plots... But for Eilif at least, peaceful.
Buðli doesn't seem like he'll cause much trouble, being content and married. If he weren't, Tyuey could have gained an ally against the king, but it doesn't look like that. The one who looks like trouble is Barsbek - as a liberator, his event stack will keep reinforcing and stay around until fully depleted or Barsbek's death. Might be worth keeping an eye on him.
As for expansion targets, my advice would be to look at the target's prestige and piety before rushing to action .
Yes, reasonably peaceful for a Viking – the vassals have been doing all the fighting to expand the realm (sometimes with each other, but boys will be boys). Yes, I’m happy with Buðli for now and am wary of this Barsbek. Hopefully Tyuey can keep him in check for now. And, after Rurik’s misadventure in Karelia (the time I got overconfident and distracted and I didn’t check) I’ll definitely be doing the prestige, piety and gold checks!
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So thanks once again for your excellent answers to questions and general comments – all really appreciated. I’ll play the next session soon, where (among other things) Eilif will see if he can figure out what the Fellowship of Hel (which he is too virtuous to join) may have been up to … to the extent he can.
That's really up to personal preference and/or RP. The greatest advantages of a mystic physician are that their treatment may provide a cure without cutting off body parts and that even a coward can be healed completely.
They can also completely alter the character of whoever employs them, which can be both good and bad.
On the other hand, if their treatment doesn't cure the disease, it tends to be less effective than a 'normal' treatment.
Low learning doesn't help, in any case. Then again, there are also physicians in high 20s of learning who do nothing else but botcher their treatments.
Chapter 65: The Gods Must Be Laughing (27 September 893 – 23 February 894)
Chapter 65: The Gods Must Be Laughing (27 September 893 – 23 February 894)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif still has no heir, nor one on the way – but he does have plenty of close relatives trying to kill him: his nephew Hakon has fallen in with Jarl Dyre’s murder plot and has been told to cease – will he? King Dyre the Stranger escaped his worldly troubles by dying through illness, leaving all his problems to his hapless son Halfdan. Saksa the Monster continues to throw his weight around – what will he do next? Eilif’s border raids continue, without too many problems, while he waits for his current prosperity drive to play out: then he wants shipyards of his own and revenge on Tuure of Karelia – will he be able to get either?
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September-October 893
As the King absorbs the latest advice from the Þing, he asks the Nygarðr-based deputies of his mother the Spymaster and his wife the Seeress to provide any information they have on the secretive Fellowship of Hel. He also asks the new Völva – the mystic crone Alvör (who has no sinful traits and therefore cannot be a member herself) – to keep her expert eye out for any signs of dark sorcery being practiced in the kingdom.
Their report is quick but inconclusive:
Ch65 Q1: Fellowship of Hel.So, they’ve been up to something clearly, but I can’t tell what. I also don’t know for sure if this report covers activity across all Germanic-practicing realms where the Fellowship may hold sway (my base assumption) or just in Garðariki, where there have been no obvious signs of their malevolent and violent activities. Also, what does ‘Influence’ measure or what is its broad effect or implication?
The raiders fall upon the negligently unprepared Finns of Satakunta on 9 October and ‘set up business’ there, raking in the valuables and besieging the tribal stronghold. It will take the best part of three months to starve them out.
Two days after receiving this news, Hakon’s reply to the King’s demand to stop trying to kill him comes back as expected. Of course he will stop. At least he seems embarrassed by the whole thing and puts on an outward show of politeness. It does nothing to stop their rivalry or increase Eilif’s opinion of him, however. But at least he has been put back in his box. Just as well, as he looks fairly good at personal combat!
Several days later, some truly interesting news comes through from the Chancellor: King Vladimir the Wise of Bulgaria – a significant eastern European regional power – has launched a Holy War on the Monster! He seeks to claim Itil.
“He may have sympathy for pagans, Tyuey, but not enough to prevent him launching a holy war against one! Though it is the Monster, so perhaps that is understandable.”
“Yes, quite, King Eilif,” says the world-weary Jarl. “Though I hope this Orthodox monarch remembers what happened to King Dyre when he tried the same thing.”
“Hmm, you’re right there,” Eilif’s initial glee at seeing Saksa attacked by a serious player is now tempered a little. “And, uh, Tyuey. Where is this ‘Itil’ Vladimir is trying to take?”
“Ah, there are two areas of that name. One is a county on the northern shores of the Black Sea. It’s actually currently owned by the Karakhanids, so it can’t be that he’s after. There is also a de jure high chiefdom of the same name, of which Saksa owns a number of counties. It must be that the Bulgarians seek to conquer. Here, this map shows what I’m talking about.”
Mari’s borders are the ones in gold.
Many of Saksa’s vassals soon answered his call to arms to repel the Bulgarians, a few refused. One who did accept was Chief Bayça of Saray – married to Eilif’s sister Iliana. Oh well, Eilif thought, I suppose he believes he must do his duty – it is a defensive holy war against a Christian invader, after all.
The King’s agents also reported on some of the doings in Chernigov, run by the ambitious Barsbek the Liberator. Much as Rurik eventually did with Tyuey, though even more quickly, he made the subjugated former High Chief Tatimir the Old his Chancellor on 19 October! On the same day, his council approved the passing of High Tribal Organisation laws. Seems he’s an adept administrator and politician as well as being a successful conqueror. Or should that be ‘Liberator’!?
And in Könugarðr, yet another border claim war had been lost. This time Orsha was ceded to Yudki of Curonia – another piece of the realm sliced away. And there was a game of musical chairs being played: Jarl Samovlad seems to have immediately usurped the chiefdom of his under-aged vassal Ingvar Yeliseyovich to maintain a holding. Halfdan’s Marshal has his work cut out with his new ‘replacement’ holding of Vitebsk though: it is the county jointly claimed by Tihomir of Luki and Grimr of Smaleskja, who have been fighting over it like seagulls over beached fish!
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November 893
As if Halfdan didn’t have enough to contend with, word arrived at the beginning of November that Slavs had risen in Turov (the county, not the duchy visible on the map). But the county was currently occupied by the Poles, so it was unclear who the Slav’s leader Mstislav would end up fighting (the details were not visible to Garðarikian agents).
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Legal Matters
Eilif just shook his head and moved onto more immediate matters. He was discussing law reform with Hrörekr the Lawspeaker. It made the King’s head ache, but he had to tackle these issues if he wanted to be a true King and ruler.
“So, the Religious Control Mandate first. You mentioned that a previous Þing under my father advised that if I pass this, I can still revoke titles as I can now, but this adds the ability to revoke them on religious grounds? Of any ‘infidel’ – meaning anyone not of the Germanic state faith?”
“That is my advice, My Liege.”
“Even though, in the unreformed Germanic faith, I cannot force anyone to convert?”
“I believe so, My Liege, but that delves into religious matters and it may be wise to put this precise point to the next Þing.”
“Please do so, Hrörekr. In any case, now that my Council has more power, I would need to put it to a vote? And most of them would oppose it at present? Even my wife – the Seeress?”
“I’m afraid so. Considerable cajoling would be needed to win over enough to approve it. To push it through over the wishes of the Council would, I understand, cause you to be considered a tyrant.”
“Very well, Hrörekr. Get the advice of the Þing, but for now I’m not willing to proceed with this.”
Ch65 Q2: Religious Control Mandate.Following up on previous discussions of this, there seem no real downsides to enacting this, even if implementing such a revocation could be fraught (assuming it can be enforced and the conversion prohibition is quite a separate legal matter). The main problem would be getting it through in the first place – looks like some considerable political dealing would be necessary to pass it. And am I right that I could ram it through as King over the Council’s wishes, but the old tyranny penalty (which Eilif really can’t afford at all and wouldn’t seem near worth it at this point) would apply?
“My Liege, we now move to the issue of Tribal Organisation. Another matter discussed previously with the wise of the realm. Your father raised these laws to the low level. It principally seems an enabling law for increased levels of general centralisation. And it is always disliked by your vassals.”
“And what’s this note here about passing it implementing Title Revocation and Grant Committees? Does it mean subjecting more royal prerogatives to the wishes of the Council?”
“That is my advice, King Eilif. Though I profess not to be familiar with the practical functioning of such committees: we’ve never had them in this realm.”
“And this time, only my mother would support a change, so that sounds a lost cause anyway. But ask the Þing about all that as well, while your at it. Many of them are well-travelled and will have first-hand knowledge of such things, I’m sure.”
“Of course, My Liege.”
Ch65 Q3: Tribal Organisation.Just checking my understanding here – this is one of those necessary stepping stones to feudalisation, among other things? And what are the practical effects of these Title Committees – does it mean I need their vote every time I want to grant or revoke one? Seems rather onerous if that’s the case.
“So now, Centralisation Laws, Hrörekr. Correct me if I’m wrong: I can implement this next level if I want, because father pushed through those Low Tribal Organisation laws we were just talking about. And the Council actually broadly supports it, with no negative impacts on vassals’ opinions of me? Meaning I can control more counties and vassals directly?”
“Yes, My Liege.”
“Any drawbacks?”
“None I’m aware of.”
“Though, since the succession, I don’t actually need it at the moment, as I am well under both limits?”
“True also.”
“Hmm, well in that case, if no harm is done and it doesn’t stop or delay me passing any other laws subsequently, it could be worth pursuing in case it comes in handy later, it seems. So put that to the Þing as well and see what they say.”
“As you command, My Liege.”
Ch65 Q4: Centralisation.OK, should I just do this (go to low centralisation) even if I don’t need it right now, just because I can and there are only possible future benefits, no harm? Or is there some catch I’m not picking up?
“Now, Hrörekr, to finish off … as a by-product of that law change my father made just before he died, the Council now has the power to vote on any new war declaration I might care to make? And if I go against their majority veto I will be seen far and wide as a tyrant?”
“It has never been tested in our realm of course, My Liege, as the war on Karelia was declared before the law change was made. But from my readings of its application elsewhere, that is the usual effect of overriding a Council that has been granted these powers. The old Romans would call it a quid pro quo for the granting of increased powers or privileges for the crown in other areas.”
“Right. We’re still a year or two off from testing it out. We shall see how that works out. I think, in the meantime, I need to work to increase my influence over the various Council members. Having a few indebted to me for favours would be nice – I will look for opportunities to get them.”
“A wise course, My King. Though I’m afraid I have no specific ideas for generating such debts of gratitude, other than waiting for opportunities to arise.”
Ch65 Q5: Gaining Favours.Is there any way to actively generate situations where I can do something to get a favour owned? Or do I just have to wait for the right circumstances to come along? There’s been virtually none of that happen so far in this game: could it be a function of the primitive laws of my entry-level tribal society not leading to these opportunities very often?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
A week later, a note arrived from the Seeress, Queen Ingrid, off in Yaroslavl trying to convert the heathen Finns to Germanic practice. She reminded Eilif that, it now being November and with enough gold in treasury and at least one prisoner to sacrifice, he had until March to conduct a Blot if he wished to. He pondered it briefly – he would like to do it. But given the cost and the fact he could only hold one every nine years, he heeded the advice of the Þing and decided to wait for a little while, perhaps holding one in the lead-up to a war of conquest that he hoped would make his name as a true king and worthy successor to his father.
Good news came a little later, with his mother once again prising some military secrets out of the Byzantines. The next desired improvement in that area was in heavy infantry, given the growing Huscarl Company now employed as the Royal Guard of Garðariki. But it would still take a while longer to acquire the necessary knowledge.
Queen Mother Ingjerðr: 'Progress' is her middle name!
The month had begun with the Slavic uprising in Turov: it ended with the defeat of that revolt and the imprisonment by King Halfdan of its leader! How did he manage that? Eilif wondered to himself. Perhaps the Poles defeated him and he then went cap in hand to the King? No matter, it is but a passing trifle to me.
A win for a King of Könugarðr? That’s been a long time between drinks!
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December 893
Some not-so-welcome correspondence arrived for the King in early December 893: his wife had run into some trouble in her efforts to convert the heathens of Yaroslavl. The local revolt risk was now badly elevated and Jarl Tyuey had yet another reason to be irritated with him. Little wonder, as he would have to deal initially with any revolt that erupted! Though Eilif couldn’t help a little private snigger at that – duly diarised later by Gumarich der Schreiber in his confidential private journal.
The winter snows of December brought another chill – of a conspiratorial kind – to the dark halls of Nygarðr. Eilif had asked for a review of extant plots in the realm – mainly to check on Dyre and his desire to off him. And he couldn’t believe his eyes when he read the report!
“That oaf! Fool! Cur! I thought he had stopped!?”
“Sire, he did,” said the chief of the spy network in the capital. “But it seems he has quickly fallen back under the influence of your brother".[Who resembles Scar more in appearance and deed with every passing day!]
Eilif soon confronted none other than his brutish nephew Hakon once again in the halls of the keep – this time incandescent with fury.
Hakon again undertook to stop – but not until an eleven-day delay. The little reptile. He did seem chastened once again, though, doubly embarrassed at having been caught out twice now.
One more such discovery and it will be a one-way bromance! Or should that be ‘nephmance’? Though that does sound strangely unwholesome, so perhaps we won’t go there after all.
A week later, as the year was coming to an end, Eilif enjoyed a quiet dinner with his wife, who had come back from Yaroslavl[narratively, not in-game] for a quick ‘matrimonial’ visit. He suddenly slammed his horn of strong spirits to the table in anger.
“That mongrel dog Hakon. He needs putting down. I think I will challenge him to Holmgang!”
[Presumably the double-conspiracy discoveries triggered this event option for Eilif, despite the fact he’s not currently following the War Focus and I don’t have the latest patch/DLC.]
“Eilif, I know it’s tempting, but think. He’s simply not worth it. It could even be that Dyre has encouraged Hakon for just this purpose. He may realise he is unlikely to beat you now in a duel – so has put Hakon forward as a surrogate – and one who is your equal in fighting prowess.”
“I suppose so – it’s not like I’m suffering the dishonour of rejecting a challenge. Though seeing his warm red blood flowing in a torrent onto the cold white snow would be a beautiful sight …”
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
January 894
The pleasure of a duel deferred for now, Eilif celebrated the 27th anniversary of the kingdom’s founding – and his father’s birthday – with the surrender of the keep in Satakunta. Another bloodless victory under Þorfinn’s command. No noble prisoners were taken, but a small haul of gold was sent back to Nygarðr and more was now freed up for pillaging. They would stay until every last available valuable or coin was secured.
The same day, scouts reported that Saksa has mustered a host of some kind (whether mercenaries or some tribal army was unknown) of 2,500 men, seen in Cheremisa heading south to Burtasy and the battle front with Bulgaria.
“Better for the Bulgarians to fight these hordes than us,” mused King Eilif to his Marshal, Hrolfr (whose own holdings were on the border with Mari, nearby to the sighting), as he reported the news.
Soon after, Saksa concluded his war against Halfdan of Könugarðr – another victory for the Monster, of course. This would let him focus on the Holy War with Bulgaria now. I hope it costs him dearly, muttered Eilif.
This left Halfdan’s kingdom smaller again, divided now into a vulnerable crescent of counties based around his capital and two small and isolated ‘exclaves’ to the north and north-west. Though it did free the rest of the north-eastern ‘rump’ from Marian occupation. Meaning he ‘only’ had another six claim wars to resolve!
Border gore galore!
Later in January, the ambitious Rögnvaldr of Noregr was ready to launch his prepared invasion against Lotharingia, for Frisia (presumably the part controlled by Lothaire III).
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February 894
The Smaleskjans had finished recuperating after their defeat at the hands of the Lukians and panicked retreat. They had returned to invest Vitebsk once again. The Lukians remained to the south, besieging Mstislavl. Would they break that and once again confront their fellow-Garðarikians?
She may have stirred up some religious tension (which remained) but it must have been because Ingrid’s work there was effective: she had converted Yaroslavl to the true Germanic faith! Eilif felt more pious as a result. He also felt something else, so he decided to pay a quick visit to his wife to offer his regards in person …
Despite this good news, Jarl Tyuey remained committed to his own Suomenusko faith and Eilif was reminded he couldn’t do anything to force him to convert. He would now have to put up with being of a different faith to his capital county, though. As well as having them in a state of religious unrest. Eilif sniggered again. Perhaps he will see the light of Odin in due course.
But before Eilif could set out for Yaroslavl, news of an entirely different type was delivered. Poor old Alfgeir Flatnefr, Royal Steward for the last 27 years and one of the few remaining figures of his father’s era, had finally succumbed to cancer. Still, at age 64, he had lived longer than most did. Though he had many vices and a difficult personality, the talented dwarf would be missed for his skills, if not for his bonhomie.
Vale Alfgeir.
So Eilif met with his Chancellor to consider a replacement. First, he looked at the candidates from within the realm.
The best qualified was Gandalfr af Ath Cliath, an unlanded courtier who would make a competent but not outstanding steward. The next best qualified was his brother and rival Dyre, who of course had a burning ambition for a seat on the council. Although it may go some way to repairing their broken relationship, he would almost certainly be a malign presence – and would only be a middling keeper of the realm’s wealth. Had it not been for their bitter rivalry, Eilif might have made the appointment – but he could not bring himself to do so. He did not want a riven Council, given his Chancellor was already a malcontent within its ranks. The other possible political appointment would be his nephew Buðli: but he would make a fairly poor steward (with his skills he’d be better suited as Chancellor) and was already reasonably disposed.
“So, Tyuey, what other Norse-Germanic candidates are available beyond our borders?”
“King Eilif, here is our current list, ranked by reputation as managers of money.”
“Hmm, Anlaufr is best qualified, but would probably require an inducement to come. We must count our coins carefully right now and the man is already 50: I’m not sure we’d get our money’s worth.”
“Egill of Rennes is the next most qualified candidate who would also be willing to join your court. He is young too, though he does have something of a, ah, reputation.”
“A pants-man! I’m not sure I like that. How about Vagn, the Marshal of Agdir? He’d be willing to come and still has outstanding qualifications.”
“We can ask him, King Eilif. At 34, he is experienced but not elderly.”
“Do so then, Tyuey. I’m off for a quick visit to Yaroslavl to, ah, confer with Queen Ingrid.”
After a time – or a few times, anyway [an oldie but a goodie], Eilif asked Ingrid to head over to Luki to attempt to convert them. Its Chief, Tihomir (old Svetozar Slovensky’s successor) was – after Tyuey himself – the next most powerful non-Germanic vassal in the realm.
And on the same very event-packed 6th of February, before he left Yaroslavl, Eilif heard that one Ovtay had been offered up in sacrifice by Jarl Tyuey to ‘the Ancestors’. Surely this could be no coincidence, coming on the very day of the conversion of his capital to the Germanic faith? It would take him a while yet to embrace the state religion, clearly!
A week later, back in Nygarðr, Eilif prepared to receive his new subject and steward-designate, Vagn, freshly arrived from Agdir. But after a conversation with the envious and ill-disposed man, Eilif was most disappointed and withdrew his offer of the high office of Royal Steward. Vagn was not what he had been expecting – he may well have become a discontented presence on the Council, even with the opinion boost the appointment would have granted. It was too much of a risk: he was sent away empty handed, to languish in the outer court.
“Jarl Tyuey! To my private chamber, please!”
“Yes, King Eilif?”
“I may live to regret this and it means leaving the position vacant a little longer, but send a letter to this Egill. I’ll interview him when he arrives and see if I can gauge what kind of Council member he would be if appointed.”
“Of course, I will do it straight away.”
The next day, Jarl Tyuey sought a meeting with his king.
“Has Egill replied already?”
“No, King Eilif. I bring far more disturbing news, I’m afraid.”
“By Loki’s festering buttock boils! This is terrible!” Eilif’s dreams of revenge on the Karelian High Chief have been dealt a low blow. “Let’s hope Vladimir can bleed him dry. And that the Monster dies early, his realm dissolves into warring factions and his alliance with Tuure is broken!”
“Yes, King Eilif, but all that could be a long way off.”
That afternoon, Marshal Hrolfr arrived with rather better news: the raid in Satakunta is done, with all available treasure now extracted.
“Good, bring them home Hrolfr. To Kexholm.”
“At once, My King.”
It would be a long trek via Häme, but Eilif wanted to ensure the Huscarls finished closer by, not in far-off Austerbotn, even though the rest of the levies could have been more quickly dismissed from there.
“Oh, and when you get more news of how The Monster fares in his war with Bulgaria, please let me know.”
On 23 February, Hrolfr arrived with just such a report. But it is not what they wanted to hear.
“Two developments, Sire. First, Saksa has seized the county of Don-Portage from King Vladimir. And second, yet another tribal army of some sort has been spotted in Cheremisa, heading south like the other one we saw at the beginning of the year. It seems his prestige or piety are sufficient to once again muster great forces against an invading foe.”
“Curses!” was all Eilif could respond with this time.
So February ended with the next candidate for Steward still en route; the raiders returning from their latest adventure; still no child on the way for the King, who now contemplated acquiring a third concubine if a promising young woman could be found; an alliance between Karelia and Mari like a thorn in the side; and Saksa the Monster summoning seemingly endless hordes to defend the Holy War launched on him by the Bulgarians. And Eilif still had law reform to consider and a Council to fully fill and try to shape to his will.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
There are touchy questions of religion, law and politics for the learned of the Þing this time.
Ch65 Q1: Fellowship of Hel.So, they’ve been up to something clearly, but I can’t tell what. I also don’t know for sure if this report covers activity across all Germanic-practicing realms where the Fellowship may hold sway (my base assumption) or just in Garðariki, where there have been no obvious signs of their malevolent and violent activities. Also, what does ‘Influence’ measure or what is its broad effect or implication?
Ch65 Q2: Religious Control Mandate.Following up on previous discussions of this, there seem no real downsides to enacting this, even if implementing such a revocation could be fraught (assuming it can be enforced and the conversion prohibition is quite a separate legal matter). The main problem would be getting it through in the first place – looks like some considerable political dealing would be necessary to pass it. And am I right that I could ram it through as King over the Council’s wishes, but the old tyranny penalty (which Eilif really can’t afford at all and wouldn’t seem near worth it at this point) would apply?
Ch65 Q3: Tribal Organisation.Just checking my understanding here – this is one of those necessary stepping stones to feudalisation, among other things? And what are the practical effects of these Title Committees – does it mean I need their vote every time I want to grant or revoke one? Seems rather onerous if that’s the case.
Ch65 Q4: Centralisation.OK, should I just do this (go to low centralisation) even if I don’t need it right now, just because I can and there are only possible future benefits, no harm? Or is there some catch I’m not picking up?
Ch65 Q5: Gaining Favours.Is there any way to actively generate situations where I can do something to get a favour owned? Or do I just have to wait for the right circumstances to come along? There’s been virtually none of that happen so far in this game: could it be a function of the primitive laws of my entry-level tribal society not leading to these opportunities very often?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Mordvin warriors of Mari on the warpath: can anyone stop The Monster? Perhaps only he himself can be the author of his own undoing.
This left Halfdan’s kingdom smaller again, divided now into a vulnerable crescent of counties based around his capital and two small and isolated ‘exclaves’ to the north and north-west. Though it did free the rest of the north-eastern ‘rump’ from Marian occupation. Meaning he ‘only’ had another six claim wars to resolve!
Despite this good news, Jarl Tyuey remained committed to his own Suomenusko faith and Eilif was reminded he couldn’t do anything to force him to convert. He would now have to put up with being of a different faith to his capital county, though. As well as having them in a state of religious unrest. Eilif sniggered again. Perhaps he will see the light of Odin in due course.
But before Eilif could set out for Yaroslavl, news of an entirely different type was delivered. Poor old Alfgeir Flatnefr, Royal Steward for the last 27 years and one of the few remaining figures of his father’s era, had finally succumbed to cancer. Still, at age 64, he had lived longer than most did. Though he had many vices and a difficult personality, the talented dwarf would be missed for his skills, if not for his bonhomie.
“Egill of Rennes is the next most qualified candidate who would also be willing to join your court. He is young too, though he does have something of a, ah, reputation.”
A week later, back in Nygarðr, Eilif prepared to receive his new subject and steward-designate, Vagn, freshly arrived from Agdir. But after a conversation with the envious and ill-disposed man, Eilif was most disappointed and withdrew his offer of the high office of Royal Steward. Vagn was not what he had been expecting – he may well have become a discontented presence on the Council, even with the opinion boost the appointment would have granted. It was too much of a risk: he was sent away empty handed, to languish in the outer court.
Looks like finding fresh blood is difficult, in more ways than one:
Replacing old Flatnefr as steward. Spilling Hakon's (holmgang's a random event firing, mostly against rivals). Getting an heir .
Ch65 Q1: Fellowship of Hel.So, they’ve been up to something clearly, but I can’t tell what. I also don’t know for sure if this report covers activity across all Germanic-practicing realms where the Fellowship may hold sway (my base assumption) or just in Garðariki, where there have been no obvious signs of their malevolent and violent activities. Also, what does ‘Influence’ measure or what is its broad effect or implication?
It covers the entire Fellowship's actions across the Germanic world. The idea behind influence was to make them more or less likely to succeed (as in abduction attempts, for Hel-worshippers); but it apparently worked badly, one had no influence on influence, and so it has been scrapped for HF. I certainly never paid attention to it.
Ch65 Q2: Religious Control Mandate.Following up on previous discussions of this, there seem no real downsides to enacting this, even if implementing such a revocation could be fraught (assuming it can be enforced and the conversion prohibition is quite a separate legal matter). The main problem would be getting it through in the first place – looks like some considerable political dealing would be necessary to pass it. And am I right that I could ram it through as King over the Council’s wishes, but the old tyranny penalty (which Eilif really can’t afford at all and wouldn’t seem near worth it at this point) would apply?
The king acts as tie-breaker, so if you would get three councillors to support the law, it would pass. As long as the council has no say about title revocation, you can then freely revoke infidel titles, with one cost though - coreligionists would get an opinion penalty (understandable, as they may be next). So in this situation this would mean that you should probably avoid drinking with Tyuey, not that he'd be likely to surrender his titles without a fight (bringing in other discontents into a tyranny war, so perhaps not easy to win now). But it would give you a chance to norsify the realm both culturally and religiously.
Ch65 Q3: Tribal Organisation.Just checking my understanding here – this is one of those necessary stepping stones to feudalisation, among other things? And what are the practical effects of these Title Committees – does it mean I need their vote every time I want to grant or revoke one? Seems rather onerous if that’s the case.
Yes. And you've got the committees right - acting against the council means tyranny then. Once you can feudalize, the council will be nearly fully empowered.
Ch65 Q4: Centralisation.OK, should I just do this (go to low centralisation) even if I don’t need it right now, just because I can and there are only possible future benefits, no harm? Or is there some catch I’m not picking up?
There is actually a trade-off involved in this law. In your current fully decentralized realm, your vassal limit is higher than with this law enacted. But seeing as the vassal limit is pretty far away, there would be no harm in centralizing and it's good if you wish a bigger demesne, which is always good (though you'd have to seize it first, be it through war or revocation).
Ch65 Q5: Gaining Favours.Is there any way to actively generate situations where I can do something to get a favour owned? Or do I just have to wait for the right circumstances to come along? There’s been virtually none of that happen so far in this game: could it be a function of the primitive laws of my entry-level tribal society not leading to these opportunities very often?
You can either buy favours, or ask for council support. The first comes at a gold cost, the latter at the cost of a favour to repay (and may be used to force a vote to repeal the law you just enacted later on). Both can be declined.
As liege, I recall two events which may give you endebted characters: Either a released noble criminal or a talented female councillor.
Then you may also gain a favour with the losing side by ordering the end of an intra-realm war, though I don't know if it's true for tribals.
