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1) I wasn't aware you could tell even that much without being a member. Nothing to add, therefore.
2) Right now, you can revoke titles but it makes everyone unhappy unless you have an excuse (they were disloyal, etc). This reform gives you a permanent excuse against other religions, but with a relational penalty for other members of the religion.
3) You are fully correct.
4) The tooltip is somewhat misleading on this one. Those bonuses are not compared to the current level of the law, but to a baseline of no bonus. If you get the tooltip from each level, you'll see that increasing centralization allows you to have a larger demesne at the cost of a lower vassal limit. Your (very nicely) cropped screenshots don't allow us to see how you're doing on those limits, so it's hard to advise. But I'd guess further centralization is useful to you right now, or will be within Eilif's lifetime.
5) There should be an option to directly buy them, and opportunities come up now and again otherwise.
Your (very nicely) cropped screenshots don't allow us to see how you're doing on those limits, so it's hard to advise. But I'd guess further centralization is useful to you right now, or will be within Eilif's lifetime.
Ah, there wasn’t an Eilif screenie in this update. He’s at 4/9 demesne and 8/20 vassal limits. All due to the post-succession reduction of the Royal demesne.
Ah, there wasn’t an Eilif screenie in this update. He’s at 4/9 demesne and 8/20 vassal limits. All due to the post-succession reduction of the Royal demesne.
Yeah, may as well nab increased centralization, then. It'll be nice as he consolidates, then. And if it ever goes too high, I've found it easy to lower, everyone tends to like that.
When the time comes to stop raiding and start warring, you might want to consider Jarl Dyre as a target.
He's plotting against you, so you can attempt to imprison him without incurring any opinion penalties with any other character.
If he escapes and rebels, he will be imprisoned once you win.
Either way, once he's imprisoned, you can revoke all of his titles.
Since he's in your prison, he can't refuse your revocations.
And since you should have strong claims on all of his titles, you won't incur any opinion penalties with any other characters.
Obviously, Dyre will hate you (-60 for each title revoked, plus penalties for imprisonment).
But that (plus his claims on your titles) just means that you can't ever ransom or release him.
He'd be a good candidate for the Oubliette (or a Blot if you feel like kinslaying).
With this done, you will have removed a troublesome vassal and solved your boats problem, with at most one war.
It's hard to see any other targets with a better risk/reward ratio.
The Third Þing of Eilif’s Reign – February 894 (a summary of advice from Chapter 65)
The Third Þing of Eilif’s Reign – February 894 (a summary of advice from Chapter 65)
A range of topics at this Þing for Hrörekr to canvass this time. We'll leap right in.
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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.
Well, at least it served the purpose of shedding light on more obscure corners of the game.
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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.
2) Right now, you can revoke titles but it makes everyone unhappy unless you have an excuse (they were disloyal, etc). This reform gives you a permanent excuse against other religions, but with a relational penalty for other members of the religion.
And thanks for the additional clarification. It may come to a time when a strong king (Eilif or a successor) wants to go on a possibly violent internal drive to make the state religion truly dominant. This would be a necessary tool for that, I can see.
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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, a price for doing business. I don’t mind if it makes playing a bit harder – the AIs in these games tend to need the help: unless it also makes it harder for the NPCs, of course!
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).
4) The tooltip is somewhat misleading on this one. Those bonuses are not compared to the current level of the law, but to a baseline of no bonus. If you get the tooltip from each level, you'll see that increasing centralization allows you to have a larger demesne at the cost of a lower vassal limit. Your (very nicely) cropped screenshots don't allow us to see how you're doing on those limits, so it's hard to advise. But I'd guess further centralization is useful to you right now, or will be within Eilif's lifetime.
Ah, there wasn’t an Eilif screenie in this update. He’s at 4/9 demesne and 8/20 vassal limits. All due to the post-succession reduction of the Royal demesne.
Yeah, may as well nab increased centralization, then. It'll be nice as he consolidates, then. And if it ever goes too high, I've found it easy to lower, everyone tends to like that.
Thanks – and his vassal limit is quite high, so that shouldn’t be a problem, for a good while anyway.
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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.
I will see what comes along: as a rule, I think I am averse to owing favours, especially to those who may want me to vote for stuff I don’t like. One more reason to build the treasury with some proper raiding in due course.
Alfgeir was one of the last of the Rurik-era main characters. Queen Mother Ingjerdr, as Spymaster, is about the last in the realm – she was very young when she married Rurik.
Haha, thanks! I think a few colourful curses are necessary, especially as the characters we’re talking about here were neither very cultured nor restrained. And yes, there are a few alternatives around if Eilif is side-swiped without an heir. Even with an heir, under elective gavelkind, one of them might succeed to the main title anyway (at least until they are grown, which will be many years off).
Good points – I’ve considered some of these angles, but you lay it out very fully and nicely. There are a few reasons, but one that has held me back from a move has been the fact that he’s my heir – and the next best one at the moment: he’d almost unify the kingdom again if he inherited now, I think. Same of course goes for Eilif knocking off Dyre. The other, as you point out, is the peace and prosperity drive. The third is whether I’d be quite ready or not, though I think Dyre remains pretty weak: the danger might be what Jarl Tyuey may do. Or external players (I have the dramatic example of Konugardr to see what can happen there). Finally, there was the thought it might come to a more decisive duel this time, which would be far less messy – though would one of them get the kinslayer trait even if it was a legal holmgang? And yes, I’ve long hungered for access to Dyre’s shipyards. Though I want more than he has at the moment, so any others conquered in the interim would still be useful.
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Thanks everyone – your comments are once again generous, useful and illuminating! Now, Eilif will be off to see where things take him over the next few months …
Chapter 66: Hot Blood, Cold Winter (1 March 894 – 13 April 895)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif, despite trying hard, has no heir of his own on the way – but his relatives would be happy to fill the vacancy – sooner rather than later! King Halfdan of Könugarðr limps on, trying to salvage the remains of his father’s once-great kingdom in the name of his Christian God. Saksa the Monster seems to know neither fear nor defeat, starting strongly in his defence against the Bulgarian Holy War against him. Eilif looks to appoint a new Steward – will the reputedly lecherous Egill be hired? And while Eilif pursues his policy of ‘peace with raiding’, his Norse brothers in other kingdoms look for conquests of their own.
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March 894
Egill arrived in Nygarðr in early March, to make his case for appointment. He made a better impression on the King than the previous unsuccessful applicant. The king assessed that if appointed, this Egill would most likely turn out to be a seeker of glory, or perhaps a pragmatic administrator. Though clearly unlikely to be a loyalist, he should not be a malicious presence on the Council. With the appointment, he would owe Eilif gratitude and was likely to become better disposed to him. And he was very efficient with money. Despite misgivings over his amorous reputation, Eilif decided to hire him. With a warning.
“If your manly spear decides to try jabbing at any of my women, I will create a new appointment for you. So be careful!”
“Er, yes, My Liege, of course!”
Time would tell as to whether Egill would be able to keep his carnal desires in check around the king’s wife and concubines – but he was the new Steward of Garðariki!
A week after this, the old King Sigurdr of Denmark died. Young Rögnvaldr (not to be confused with the ambitious King of Noregr, who was still alive and kicking) became the new ruler of that powerful Norse realm. Which meant Eilif’s niece, Yngvild Helgissdottir, was now betrothed to a crowned ruler. The plan when the betrothal had been made by Rurik was to see a non-aggression pact between the two realms – perhaps even an alliance in due course. But Helgi had died and the link would [I’m assuming] not be so powerful with a niece as it would have been with a daughter.
Ch66 Q1. Marriage Ties.So, am I right – the NAP will just remain personal (as it is now) between Rögnvaldr and Yngvild when they marry? Not an NAP between Denmark and Garðariki as the parent-daughter bond has been broken? Will there be any opinion bonus at all, or is it now just another overseas marriage?
On 22 March, Þorfinn’s raiders returned to Kexholm from their latest Finnish ‘business trip’ and were stood down, with the Huscarl Company, now exactly 200 strong, heading back to the capital. That day, Eilif bumped into his young nephew Rikulfr in the corridors of the fortress. The lad actually seemed to be a decent young man and to be enjoying his military training. He showed Eilif a few manoeuvres he had just learned. A close male relation who is not a deadly rival and trying to kill me. Excellent!
With Egill settled into his duties, Eilif sat down with Gumarich der Schreiber to discuss the Council's leanings and motivations. He relied more on the Secretary and the old Lawspeaker (and former Chancellor) Hrörekr for this kind of confidential political advice, as he could not fully trust his Chancellor to be so impartial. The moody and recalcitrant Jarl Tyuey performed his duties competently enough and had shown no recent signs of overt disloyalty, but it would probably never be a trusting relationship - unless he one day came to Odin's light. Both knew his appointment had been made primarily to keep him in line.
“It seems my council is half full of ‘glory hounds’, Gumarich. The only one I can fully rely on is my dear Mother. My wife Ingrid is more pragmatic than loyal and has always had a strong mind of her own on official matters.”
“Yes, My King, but it could well be worse. Only Jarl Tyuey is discontented with his lot – I don’t think he will ever forgive the Rurikids for having subjugated him under what he sees as a heathen religion and foreign customs. But he seems to have remained loyal by the letter of the law, anyway.”
“True, Gumarich. It will be interesting to see what their positions are when it finally comes time to declare a war. Will the ‘glory seeker caucus' be happy with the conquest of one of our smaller neighbours for shipyards, as I would like? Or will they push for something grander – and more dangerous? Especially with that Mari-Karelia alliance now in place. I wish Saksa would just up and die – or one of his discontented vassals would off him!”
“Until that happy day, My King, we will just have to deal with what is put before us.”
“Yes, yes. I will eventually test the Council with some legal decision – probably on centralisation, given they seem very keen on that for the realm. But not quite yet.”
What Eilif did confirm was that Egill would pick up where Alfgeir had left off, trying to settle Norse folk in Ladoga. But it could be another long wait for that to happen [only one county converted in 27 years and Egill has an 8.5% yearly chance to make Ladoga number two].
As the two discussed these matters, Marshal Hrolfr was announced. Chancellor Tyueykezhut was with him.
“We have some matters to report, King Eilif,” began Hrolfr. “First, the Bulgarian Holy War on the Monster. Reports are that Saksa must have won a battle or two, because he hasn’t occupied any territory yet but has the upper hand, according to our agents in King Vladimir’s court. The Bulgar King fights his war alone with his considerable personal levies. But the Monster, in addition to at least two tribal hordes we’ve seen, has successfully called most of his vassals to arms to help repel the Christian attack.”
“That’s not good news, Hrolfr, even if it is against the Christians. I'd be applauding almost anyone else other than Saksa. But at least he’s expending his energy and calling in favours against a Christian, and not us. Jarl Tyuey,” said Eilif, turning to the Chancellor. “I trust you have better news for me on the search for a third royal concubine?”
“Alas, no, King Eilif,” replied the doleful Jarl. “We searched for a good Norse woman from within the realm, but the best we could find was Gyða. Strong, smart and looking for marriage. But, devious, gluttonous and no genius. Also, ah, perhaps not as attracted to men as they might be to her,” added Tyuey cautiously. “Not necessarily beneficial to the chances of siring an heir.”
“Er, no, quite,” replied Eilif. “Any others further afield?”
“We tried Norse women from all other known realms, not many qualified, willing to come, no geniuses there either. Then we tried all marriageable woman from the known world. One bright and brilliant, but she is a 74-year-old Muslim woman. One other, a genius and mystic, a Slavic woman from Hamborg – 35, but she might have been suitable … could not be persuaded to come.”
“So, no suitable new talent is what you’re trying to tell me. Maybe we need to look for lusty women instead. Fertility over quality.”
“Perhaps, King Eilif. There was also something else we picked up from Constantinople about your mother’s, ah, desires – I will leave the information with you.” Tyuey did that and left quickly, before Eilif had a chance to read the whole report.
The three-way contest between Grimr, Tihomir and King Halfdan for Vitebsk still sat in the Lukian chief’s favour, but Grimr’s Smaleskjans, who Tihomir had previously defeated in battle, had returned to Vitebsk and were once again besieging it, while Tihomir’s men were off south in Mstislavl.
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April-May 894
In mid-April, word came that Saksa had fully occupied a second Bulgarian county: Sarkel (containing two holdings), while either another new tribal host or perhaps just the reappearance of a previously sighted one was spotted heading in that direction.
In better news from the south, the Queen Mother reported success in Constantinople yet again. The military theories discovered would be applied to heavy infantry tactics.
Early May 894 AD was marked by Saksa taking another of the provinces in Bulgaria’s eastern enclave: the fall of Sarpa only seemed to give the Monster a small edge in the war. But he had just over 2,000 more troops of his own under arms than did King Vladimir according to reports – and that did not[as I understand it] include the forces of his many vassals fighting as tribal allies. Things were not going well for the Bulgarians: they had either ignored or forgotten the lessons from Dyre the Stranger’s past attempt at a Christian Holy War on Mari – which had led directly to the long-term decline of Könugarðr.
The Huscarl Company (full-strength at 200 men) arrived in Holmgarðr in mid-May, where they would spend a quiet summer training and resting. Possible raiding targets were considered – this time a foray to the previously untouched small Finnish realms to the east of Karelia were scouted. No rich pickings, but better than nothing, perhaps. The problem was only Romny shared a border with Garðariki, so the others could not be gainfully raided.
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June 894
On 4 June, a messenger from Grimr reported to Nygarðr: he had wrested Vitebsk back from Tihomir of Luki and was now poised [suddenly shot to 100% warscore] to force a settlement on the unfortunate King Halfdan. This was finalised six days later, with Vitebsk becoming part of Grimr’s demesne. This pleased Eilif, who had wanted to see it go to a Norse lord – and one who had so consistently supported the Rurikids from the start. And who (due to his position on the Council as Advisor) already had quite a good opinion of the King. It also meant the end of the Lukian claim, with the two Garðarikian chiefs no longer at each other’s throats – and a few more occupied provinces being released back to Halfdan. Though probably for some other claimant to seize!
Another county joins the realm thanks to active vassals. And this time to a Norse lord.
Hot on the heels of another war loss, Halfdan soon had more bad news to cope with: his mother, Sif Hjort, had died “attending to chamber business” as Tyuey so delicately put it. Always a nasty end (so to speak) when dysentery conquers its victim. At one time a believer in the true Germanic faith – who with her husband had entertained Rurik once as he sailed south on a raid to the Mediterranean - but Sif's new Christian God had not been kind to her since their conversion.
“King Eilif, I have news of Grimr,” announced Tyuey in a confidential meeting just a few weeks after the chief’s victory in Vitebsk.
“Ah, excellent man that Grimr, whatever they say about his habits and physique. Good to see Vitebsk safely in Norse hands. I trust he is enjoying his new domain.”
“Hmm, he certainly seems to be, King Eilif. So much so we’ve had word from your mother’s operatives that he has started a faction to make his new holdings independent.”
“What!? The disloyal bastard! The mangy cur. I never liked him much. Can I order him to stop?”
“Ah, it seems not directly. For some arcane reason of the laws of the steppe, you can directly ask someone to stop a plot (whether they heed it or not is another matter, of course), but not with a faction. There’s still that one of Tihomir’s to lower tribal organisation levels, too.”
“But what can I do – this is intolerable!”
“Well, Grimr is still quite well disposed to you King Eilif, even though you may not hold him so highly in your affections. And the faction is just him, not powerful and not really a threat.” Unlike mine that short time I had it going, thought Tyuey to himself, but wisely refrained from saying this out loud.
“Well, think of something, will you? There must be something I can do.”
“I’ll confer with your mother’s deputy here in Nygarðr and report back in a few days, My King.”
Three days later, Tyuey was back.
“Perhaps we could ask your mother to intervene personally, King Eilif. There are a couple of ways I think this might be done, but we haven’t had real need of either of these missions since the founding of the realm. It would involve bringing your mother back from Constantinople, however.”
“She has been so successful there all these years I’m loathe to end her mission there, but tell me what they might be.”
“One is to scheme generally from here in the capital, to uncover plots and discourage factions throughout the realm. It wouldn’t be specific to Grimr, but might catch him up. Possibly Tihomir, too. The second is to build a spy network in Smaleskja itself. We believe it would be far more likely to succeed – but is also more dangerous. There is a small but appreciable risk – larger than with simple scheming – that your mother may be personally attacked. Perhaps fatally.”
“I won’t divert Mother from her work yet – Grimr's plot is too insubstantial to be too worried about right now – but I will think on this. Please get Hrörekr to seek further advice from the Þing on all this, Tyuey.”
“As you wish, King Eilif.”
“How about giving him gold – to gain a favour, as was discussed at the last Þing? How much would it cost? And could we use that to stop him plotting?”
“Well, my guess is that would take around 135 gold. You have 112 in the whole treasury at present. Even if you had the required amount, I’m not sure it would be well spent if it did mean you could call the favour in to make him stop.”
“Hmm, let’s keep an eye on him for now and seek advice on the pros and cons of using my Mother as Spymistress to see if she can work to end this plotting.”
[112g in treasury, mouseover says Eilif has 80% of the gold required for a favour.]
Ch66 Q2: Faction Discouragement.OK, so to confirm, would either of the two missions be the thing to stop one or both of these conspiracies? As an academic proposition, can favours be used to stop plots? Any views on the cost-effectiveness of any of these solutions (or others I haven’t thought of) for stopping plots? I know neither is very strong, but for the learning exercise I’d like to explore the possible options and views on the best.
While the early worms of factionalism ate away at the core of the realm, rabies was at work in Vologda. Chief Ukko’s wife died frothing at the mouth on 25 June. A Russian and follower of the Slavic Gods, Ukko was one of the chiefs Eilif was trying to persuade to side with him. His wife’s death also brought a non-aggression pact Ukko had with Tihomir of Luki to an end. Eilif thought perhaps a marriage arrangement might make Ukko happy with him. He suggested Gyða (albeit a Norse woman and worshipper of the Germanic Gods) might make a suitable bride – but Ukko would have none of it. Fair enough, thought Eilif. I’ll search outside the realm for a suitable Suomenusko bride who is willing to come to our court.
Olota of Tyumen had been recently widowed, had a young daughter and another child on the way. She was loyal and generally virtuous. Eilif invited her to Nygarðr.
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July 894
But not even a good Suomi woman would do – it seemed Ukko’s problem was not just with the women, but who was trying to broker the marriage! Political perspectives and a comparatively favourable opinion of his king aside, Ukko could not get over the fact he was (in his eyes) an infidel. And the lack of prestige the proposed brides brought with them was another factor – perhaps an even larger one. Both together made it a non-starter.
Ch66 Q3: Matchmaking with Infidels.So, these attempts failed. Is it pointless me trying to arrange marriages for non-Germanic vassals? Of (other things being favourable, as in these cases) might a sufficiently prestigious prospective spouse be enough to persuade an ‘infidel’ to agree on occasion?
As a historical aside, Gumarich’s chronicle recorded the death around this time of Tatimir the Old – who had lived up to his nickname by making it to age 72. The former High Chief of Chernigov was succeeded in the chiefdom of Novgorod Seversky by his son Mechislav. He had no great love for his new liege Barsbek the Liberator – who nonetheless gave Mechislav his father’s old position of Chancellor. No doubt to keep the powerful Chief and vassal on-side.
As Chancellor Tyueykezhut apprised Eilif of this development during a Council meeting, he also brought other news. It was a map, bought off traders from the Byzantine Empire, of the known world of Europe and the Mediterranean at that time. It has been translated and translated into a modern format for this history.
And with high summer upon the lands, Hrolfr deemed it a good time for another raid. As previously determined, the small Finnish realm of Veps (of which Zaozerye had formerly been a part), north of Garðariki, would be targeted this time. The levies were mustered and ordered to rendezvous in Chud, ready to target Romny – where the local chief already seemed to have a small force already mobilised.
As the troops made their long approach marches, Eilif was mildly irritated by a report he heard on 20 July about Ukko: the Chief of Vologda had made his own marriage arrangement, this time with the slimy Chief Gradimir of Tver. The king didn’t like it much – or the closer ties between the two chiefs it would bring – but there was little he could do about it.
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September-December 894
The gathering of all the contingents in Chud had taken longer than Eilif had anticipated: it wasn’t until 30 September that the army was mustered, the ‘old crew’ appointed under Þorfinn, the Sacred Raiding Toggle invoked and the march to Romny begun, where the Chief of Veps (his official tile) had a small standing retinue in place. They would surely be brushed aside by the far stronger Garðarikian force.
The Battle of Romny Tribe went as predicted: the skirmishing was quick, decisive and easily in Þorfinn’s favour. Suffering only seven warriors killed to over a hundred of the enemy, the siege of the tribal holding was underway by 30 October. With a chill in the air already in these northern climes, this was just as well. Romny had a large garrison (936 including the un-mustered levies) and would take some time to reduce, with an estimated five gold of the total booty of nine available in Romny protected within the hold. Reducing it would take some time, but the raiders were determined to do so.
Not long after the victory in Romny, Eilif received more irritating news he could do little about directly. Young King Erikr of Sviþjod had declared he would conquer the Estonian county of Kalevan! This was one of Eilif’s longer-term targets for its shipyards. He fumed in private but did nothing – just hoped the Swedes would fail.
November was relatively quiet. As was December, with the siege in Romny progressing without incident and no newsworthy developments noted. Not until the end of December did Gumarich record some more news: and (as it often did) it came from the troubled realm of Könugarðr.
“So, High Chief Jaunule has won his claim war for Turov against Halfdan, but himself is almost beaten by King Choscisko of Poland for the same place?”
“That’s correct, King Eilif,” replied the Chancellor. “Halfdan has passed the classic poisoned cup to one of his tormentors, losing a province he couldn’t hold anyway and leaving his two erstewhile adversaries to fight it out between them.”
“So, while he won’t enjoy having lost yet another part of his birthright, he gets another two enemies off his back and some more provinces released from occupation.”
“Quite right. In fact, Halfdan now only has one war left to fight at the moment, anyway. A minor Hungarian noble, Chief Drágfi of Galich, is attempting to claim Halfdan’s capital of Könugarðr. Drágfi has a sizeable host and Halfdan (as usual) only a handful of personal levies."
Halfdan would have to rely on vassals joining his defence (only one had so far), but after years of losing wars and territories, they may not be able to offer enough for him to hold. Losing Könugarðr itself would be a terrible blow and Halfdan had gained the reputation of being a craven and mediocre ruler, more interested in writing romantic poetry than fighting to save his declining kingdom.
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January 895
It was the middle of a cold, cold winter. Eilif was restless and bitter. The shame his nephew Hakon had felt after being twice reprimanded for plotting to kill his king and uncle had worn off – their long-standing feud was rekindled. It was becoming too much for Eilif, whose wise wife was away in Luki trying to bring the light of Odin to the infidel Slavs there.
Thoughts of Hakon invaded Eilif’s mind. Seeing him regularly around the stronghold of Nygarðr only made things worse. Once more he longed to plunge Halsbitr into his sneering face. This time, he could not resist. Thought turned to deed. Time passed in a haze. Before he knew it, the two faced off in a square marked by hazel wood staves, on a small island in the river outside the stronghold.
Eilif was dimly aware of his own seconds standing behind him. Of Hakon’s supporters, only one face stood out – the leering visage of his hated brother, Dyre. But then, the duel was on. Only one would leave the holmgang alive – of this Eilif was certain.
Axe clashed on axe as each man swung, parried and dodged. Evenly matched, the combat dragged on. Eilif felt his hands becoming wet and slippery despite the biting winter cold. One last effort, he thought, I will win or go to Valhalla.
A clash of steel – the two warriors fight to the death. Hakon on the left, Eilif with Halsbitr on the right.
Suddenly, there is an opening! Eilif lashes out – and Halsbitr bites the neck of his nephew. Hard. And so sudden, the strike captures the arrogant sneer on Hakon's face as his head sails through the air and his hot blood gushes onto the cold snow. Victory! Honour vindicated!
A warm glow suffused Eilif’s body. He heard the voice of his concubine Edla whisper softly into his ear … what is she saying? I can’t quite make it out … wait, what is she doing here at the holmgang!? Something is wrong …
“… Eilif, Eilif, wake up, you dream too strongly! Wake up!”
“Wa-what? Edla? I dreamed?”
“Yes, my handsome Scarface, so much so you lashed out in your sleep and struck me!”
“Ah, oh, I’m sorry my sweetling. That cur Hakon even invades my dreams.”
Despite the urgings of his darker side, on waking Eilif laid back and recalled the wise advice of his wife, Queen Ingrid. And the sneering face of Dyre, who had in the dream been enjoying the fact that the king risked all against a hulking but landless nephew while he stood to inherit all on Eilif’s passing. The dream was a warning.
“It will not happen,” Eilif said aloud. “If Dyre wants me challenged, he will have to do it himself!”
“Of course, dear. Now why don’t you come here and we’ll see if we can banish these tormenting thoughts …”
Just four days later, Eilif had cause to question his decision. One of his mother’s agents made a report to him. Was it a new plot or fresh rumours about Dyre’s machinations? Nothing was certain, but he made further inquiries.
Ah, just the same old plot from Dyre – and I hope there isn’t another one we’re not aware of. But wait, what’s this?
“Hakon!? AGAIN! Oh, by Heimdall’s rampant horn, I hope that this worthless scum gives me the excuse I need to lock him away in the darkest pit in the realm!”
This also gets Eilif thinking again about using his mother’s well-honed skills back home after her decades away with the Byzantines.
Around a week later, the still-fuming King of Garðariki sat in his long hall, doing the day-to-day business of the realm; hearing disputes, proposals and messages of various kinds. His Chancellor interrupted, bearing a sealed scroll in his hand.
“Ah, is it finally a reply from my loathsome spotted reptile of a nephew? He’s been avoiding me this last week.”
“No, I’m afraid an ill wind blows from the south. The Monster celebrates once more.”
“Another foul creature this world would be better without!” But there was even less Eilif could currently do about Saksa – who had never actually attacked or sought to lay claim on Garðarikian territory – than he could about his own errant relations.
Speaking of mangy curs, Hakon’s grovelling letter renouncing the plot – the third such missive he has been forced to deliver in recent times – soon arrived.
“And the reeking abscess on the arse of the court can’t even bring himself to refer to the plot against me in the first person! As if it is someone else than his uncle and king that he conspires to murder!”
But done was done – for now. How long would this cycle go on before something broke?
The end of the month brought the end of the siege in Romny – all that was left to do now was scoop up the remaining gold, which would take a little while yet. Distracted by events at home and on the borders of the realm, Eilif failed to notice the dreaded Grinning Rictus of Wasting[ie I didn’t notice the attrition skull icon at that time, only realised later] lurked in the frozen north. There had been not a single casualty during the siege – all had seemed well enough.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
February-April 895
No more reports came from the north for a month, though it seemed to be taking a very long time to gather the remaining gold. February passed without the raid completed. [Had I been paying attention, I would have noticed that by 24 February, 146 men had been lost to attrition.] Though good news was that knowledge of Town Infrastructure had spread to Torzhok[bringing it to Level 1 – I suppose that will mean there are some more buildings I can construct there, if I had the money or prestige for it.]
In early March, Saksa completed the conquest of Tana, on the Sea of Azov - the last of Bulgaria’s four-county enclave on the Don River [warscore now 44% in Saksa’s favour]. It seemed nothing could stop him.
The next piece of significant news came on 21 March. With his usual awful timing, Eilif’s brother Jarl Dyre declared his own war of conquest on Kalevan. He did this just as the main Swedish host – which he had now put himself in armed opposition to – was approaching over land, having arrived in Kexholm and making its way to Ingria. Though it too was suffering from attrition due to the bitter northern winter.
At this time, Þorfinn’s records, later incorporated into the Rurikid scroll trove, showed that the strength of his force was now down to 2083 men [another 71 succumbing to frostbite in Romny since February], but the focus at that time was on the plunder of gold from the countryside, which was not quite completed.
By 30 March, all loot had been scoured from Romny and it was only at this point that the plight of the troops there became apparent. Once the report on the conditions they faced was seen, they were pulled out straight back to Chud.
Ch66 Q4: Attrition.OK, I’m not exactly sure how the attrition percentages applied themselves here. Is it assessed daily, or monthly? Did I suffer more attrition earlier because I was over the supply limit of 2,000? And what is the relationship between the ‘total monthly attrition’ figure of 1.8% and the ‘maximum monthly attrition in county’ figure of 32.8%? The loss of 146 in roughly the month to February was either 6.3% (if all those were from one month) or about half that if the 146 was actually two cuts and I missed the ‘turnover’. Because the next cut (from February to March) of 71 troops was about 3.3%. The reinforcement rate of soldiers a month would not greatly affect those rates. I’ll also need to work out which months the severe winter extends between and whether that is a constant or varies a little from year to year.
The raiders arrived in Chud on 13 October, mercifully having suffered no more attrition casualties [perhaps March represented the end of winter no nothing more happened for that reason – I didn’t check this time]. The Huscarl Company had (in net terms) lost 14 men of their 200 (7% of their strength). This would slowly be recouped, but for the levies and retinue, an important lesson had been learned – in part.
“Hrolfr, I’d like you to dig deeper on the matter of attrition, especially if we plan to campaign more in the north in coming years. Please put it to the Þing.”
“I certainly will, My Liege. For a start, we need to muster earlier next time, to ensure we have more time to raid before the severe northern arctic winter sets in. We should calculate to be ready to attack just as the thaw comes, to maximise the time available. The rest of the details will be researched further.”
With the recent advance in heavy infantry tactics in the county of Holmgarðr, Eilif was also curious as to the effect that had had on their efficiency. Comparing the Huscarls (with their additional bonuses to attack and morale) to the levies of Ladoga allowed both aspects to be measured. The difference [15% vs 6.6% on attack and defence attributed solely to technology] was instructive. The quicker this additional training spread to the outlying counties of the Jarldom of Holmgarðr in particular, the better. But it counted most in the capital, where the vast bulk of the heavy infantry were based, which was well.
The demesne levies were dismissed, glad to be spared the further trials of a northern winter in enemy lands. But their memories of those times would persist with all who lived through them.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
Ch66 Q1. Marriage Ties.So, am I right – the NAP will just remain personal (as it is now) between Rögnvaldr and Yngvild when they marry? Not an NAP between Denmark and Garðariki as the parent-daughter bond has been broken? Will there be any opinion bonus at all, or is it now just another overseas marriage?
Ch66 Q2: Faction Discouragement.OK, so to confirm, would either of the two missions be the thing to stop one or both of these conspiracies? As an academic proposition, can favours be used to stop plots? Any views on the cost-effectiveness of any of these solutions (or others I haven’t thought of) for stopping plots? I know neither is very strong, but for the learning exercise I’d like to explore the possible options and views on the best.
Ch66 Q3: Matchmaking with Infidels.So, these attempts failed. Is it pointless me trying to arrange marriages for non-Germanic vassals? Of (other things being favourable, as in these cases) might a sufficiently prestigious prospective spouse be enough to persuade an ‘infidel’ to agree on occasion?
Ch66 Q4: Attrition.OK, I’m not exactly sure how the attrition percentages applied themselves here. Is it assessed daily, or monthly? Did I suffer more attrition earlier because I was over the supply limit of 2,000? And what is the relationship between the ‘total monthly attrition’ figure of 1.8% and the ‘maximum monthly attrition in county’ figure of 32.8%? The loss of 146 in roughly the month to February was either 6.3% (if all those were from one month) or about half that if the 146 was actually teo cuts and I missed the ‘turnover’. Because the next cut (from February to March) of 71 troops was about 3.3%. The reinforcement rate of soldiers a month would not greatly affect those rates. I’ll also need to work out which months the severe winter extends between and whether that is a constant or varies a little from year to year.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
A harsh winter in Romny, in the High Chiefdom of Veps.
I have never used the "we can discourage this vassal from faction" options when the event pops. In my experience anyone disgruntled enough to be threat via join factions who you might want to discourage is never the target of the event and whoever you use it on will hate you making them more likely to join factions later. Generally when one vassal is powerful enough to really need to be kept out of faction i find an excuse to throw them in jail, usually excommunication.
That day, Eilif bumped into his young nephew Rikulfr in the corridors of the fortress. The lad actually seemed to be a decent young man and to be enjoying his military training. He showed Eilif a few manoeuvres he had just learned. A close male relation who is not a deadly rival and trying to kill me. Excellent!
What Eilif did confirm was that Egill would pick up where Alfgeir had left off, trying to settle Norse folk in Ladoga. But it could be another long wait for that to happen [only one county converted in 27 years and Egill has an 8.5% yearly chance to make Ladoga number two].
First search for as low as let's say 15-16 years of age and if there's a genius about to come of age, wait for her. Otherwise if the pipeline seems to be dry then just go for whatever is available
In mid-April, word came that Saksa had fully occupied a second Bulgarian county: Sarkel (containing two holdings), while either another new tribal host or perhaps just the reappearance of a previously sighted one was spotted heading in that direction.
Well since it is not his war, he cannot keep those, or add wargoals as far as I remember. Still a worse outcome than him getting defeated and his realm crumbling, but at least he'll not get stronger.
Ch66 Q2: Faction Discouragement.OK, so to confirm, would either of the two missions be the thing to stop one or both of these conspiracies? As an academic proposition, can favours be used to stop plots? Any views on the cost-effectiveness of any of these solutions (or others I haven’t thought of) for stopping plots? I know neither is very strong, but for the learning exercise I’d like to explore the possible options and views on the best.
I'd guess the spymaster missions would stop the conspiracy but I have no idea about if favour would do it. 135 gold seems too much to stop this unless you're swimming in gold and our spymaster is now doing good work so I think before any conspiracy becomes very strong there's no need to do anything. I didn't expect this from Grimr :/
Ch66 Q3: Matchmaking with Infidels.So, these attempts failed. Is it pointless me trying to arrange marriages for non-Germanic vassals? Of (other things being favourable, as in these cases) might a sufficiently prestigious prospective spouse be enough to persuade an ‘infidel’ to agree on occasion?
In fact it seems like Gydha was pretty close to making the cut due to her age and skills and the fact that the infidel vassal still likes Eilif. If a younger, more skillfull and betterborn Norse girl was to be found he can maybe accept that (and subsequent children may grow up to be Norse?)
Ch66 Q4: Attrition.OK, I’m not exactly sure how the attrition percentages applied themselves here. Is it assessed daily, or monthly? Did I suffer more attrition earlier because I was over the supply limit of 2,000? And what is the relationship between the ‘total monthly attrition’ figure of 1.8% and the ‘maximum monthly attrition in county’ figure of 32.8%? The loss of 146 in roughly the month to February was either 6.3% (if all those were from one month) or about half that if the 146 was actually two cuts and I missed the ‘turnover’. Because the next cut (from February to March) of 71 troops was about 3.3%. The reinforcement rate of soldiers a month would not greatly affect those rates. I’ll also need to work out which months the severe winter extends between and whether that is a constant or varies a little from year to year.
I'm not really sure but can it be that the monthly 32.8% only applies to troops over the 2000 troop supply limit? So maybe your 2300 troops, the 300 over the supply limit had a 32.8% attrition for a few months and received a few reinforcements? And since after a few months the number converged to 2000 the attrition got slower. Just trying to make sense into it, no concrete knowledge here.
Halfdan would have to rely on vassals joining his defence (only one had so far), but after years of losing wars and territories, they may not be able to offer enough for him to hold. Losing Könugarðr itself would be a terrible blow and Halfdan had gained the reputation of being a craven and mediocre ruler, more interested in writing romantic poetry than fighting to save his declining kingdom.
By now it may be best to just send Hakon somewhere far away. He doesn't get the lesson, and his sight always provokes dreams of holmgangs. How about marrying him away to some Gyðja so that he's out of court and can't keep plotting against him?
Ch66 Q1. Marriage Ties.So, am I right – the NAP will just remain personal (as it is now) between Rögnvaldr and Yngvild when they marry? Not an NAP between Denmark and Garðariki as the parent-daughter bond has been broken? Will there be any opinion bonus at all, or is it now just another overseas marriage?
You're right. For now, it would just be another overseas marriage, but you should have the option to renegotiate the NAP as long as the marriage is between close enough relatives, which it should be in this case. Or break the betrothal and rearrange it, but then there's a chance that Rögnvaldr will decline due to the opinion malus.
Ch66 Q2: Faction Discouragement.OK, so to confirm, would either of the two missions be the thing to stop one or both of these conspiracies? As an academic proposition, can favours be used to stop plots? Any views on the cost-effectiveness of any of these solutions (or others I haven’t thought of) for stopping plots? I know neither is very strong, but for the learning exercise I’d like to explore the possible options and views on the best.
Yes, there's a chance your spymaster can move against the faction members through both missions - it depends on their traits if you can force them out or if they can keep factioning. Favours work for making them join your faction (though it never lasts in my experience), but not to make them leave.
The simplest way is to have NAPs with your vassals, though if you marry them to daughters you have claimants to your title in the next generation. Another option is to make them like you .
Ch66 Q3: Matchmaking with Infidels.So, these attempts failed. Is it pointless me trying to arrange marriages for non-Germanic vassals? Of (other things being favourable, as in these cases) might a sufficiently prestigious prospective spouse be enough to persuade an ‘infidel’ to agree on occasion?
I've never bothered with that, and seeing it from the vassals' perspective, I can fully understand why he disagrees. But yeah, if you have the right spouse available you may persuade them, though it would be a lot of effort for little gain. I doubt Ukko (or anyone else for that matter) is going to gain an ally powerful enough to oppose Eilif directly.
Ch66 Q4: Attrition.OK, I’m not exactly sure how the attrition percentages applied themselves here. Is it assessed daily, or monthly? Did I suffer more attrition earlier because I was over the supply limit of 2,000? And what is the relationship between the ‘total monthly attrition’ figure of 1.8% and the ‘maximum monthly attrition in county’ figure of 32.8%? The loss of 146 in roughly the month to February was either 6.3% (if all those were from one month) or about half that if the 146 was actually teo cuts and I missed the ‘turnover’. Because the next cut (from February to March) of 71 troops was about 3.3%. The reinforcement rate of soldiers a month would not greatly affect those rates. I’ll also need to work out which months the severe winter extends between and whether that is a constant or varies a little from year to year.
There's a monthly roll for attrition, as long as you are over the supply limit. The higher over the supply limit, the higher the attrition. I've never paid much attention to the maximum value, but I guess that means that should you bring far, far too many men you'll never lose more than these 32,8% monthly in this case.
Perhaps there was also a siege event affecting your troops which made the clear attrition calculation a little faulty.
I only look at winter when it matters to me (mostly with winter soldier commanders and attrition), but I seem to recall that it varies in intensity and slightly in time.
It's nice to know there is an After Action Report written from the beginner's perspective! I like your decision to preserve Norse faith as Rurikid and love the amount of the insight you put in the story. Consider me subbed, just need to catch up with the most recent chapters.
It's nice to know there is an After Action Report written from the beginner's perspective! I like your decision to preserve Norse faith as Rurikid and love the amount of the insight you put in the story. Consider me subbed, just need to catch up with the most recent chapters.
Wonderful to have you on board, @valentino! I’ve really enjoyed your Croatian saga so far and very much welcome any comments, suggestions or insights you may offer.
As I say to people joining in, if there’s anything you feel like commenting on from a previous chapter, feel free (but not obligated ) and don’t feel restricted by the questions I pose - anything is up for comment, either gameplay or story.
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The Fourth Þing of Eilif’s Reign – April 895 (a summary of advice from Chapter 66)
The Fourth Þing of Eilif’s Reign – April 895 (a summary of advice from Chapter 66)
It seems Hrörekr has received all the advice he is likely to for this Þing, so he will report to King Eilif accordingly.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch66 Q1. Marriage Ties.So, am I right – the NAP will just remain personal (as it is now) between Rögnvaldr and Yngvild when they marry? Not an NAP between Denmark and Garðariki as the parent-daughter bond has been broken? Will there be any opinion bonus at all, or is it now just another overseas marriage?
You're right. For now, it would just be another overseas marriage, but you should have the option to renegotiate the NAP as long as the marriage is between close enough relatives, which it should be in this case. Or break the betrothal and rearrange it, but then there's a chance that Rögnvaldr will decline due to the opinion malus.
I’ll look into it. Then again, if a chance emerges to sieze some Germanic Holy Sites quickly to reform the religion, not having an NAP could come in handy …
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch66 Q2: Faction Discouragement.OK, so to confirm, would either of the two missions be the thing to stop one or both of these conspiracies? As an academic proposition, can favours be used to stop plots? Any views on the cost-effectiveness of any of these solutions (or others I haven’t thought of) for stopping plots? I know neither is very strong, but for the learning exercise I’d like to explore the possible options and views on the best.
I have never used the "we can discourage this vassal from faction" options when the event pops. In my experience anyone disgruntled enough to be threat via join factions who you might want to discourage is never the target of the event and whoever you use it on will hate you making them more likely to join factions later. Generally when one vassal is powerful enough to really need to be kept out of faction i find an excuse to throw them in jail, usually excommunication.
Hah, that sounds just like the vagaries of a game system. Though if a relevant opportunity comes up, I might use it anyway, just for the ‘learning value’.
I'd guess the spymaster missions would stop the conspiracy but I have no idea about if favour would do it. 135 gold seems too much to stop this unless you're swimming in gold and our spymaster is now doing good work so I think before any conspiracy becomes very strong there's no need to do anything. I didn't expect this from Grimr :/
Yes, there's a chance your spymaster can move against the faction members through both missions - it depends on their traits if you can force them out or if they can keep factioning. Favours work for making them join your faction (though it never lasts in my experience), but not to make them leave.
The simplest way is to have NAPs with your vassals, though if you marry them to daughters you have claimants to your title in the next generation. Another option is to make them like you .
Thanks for the favour clarification – very useful. Grimr like Eilif more than most and already had a place on the council … as one of the Germanic Norse chiefs, I was a little taken aback when he started an independence faction so quickly. But it’s probably in the Norse in-game DNA!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch66 Q3: Matchmaking with Infidels.So, these attempts failed. Is it pointless me trying to arrange marriages for non-Germanic vassals? Of (other things being favourable, as in these cases) might a sufficiently prestigious prospective spouse be enough to persuade an ‘infidel’ to agree on occasion?
In fact it seems like Gydha was pretty close to making the cut due to her age and skills and the fact that the infidel vassal still likes Eilif. If a younger, more skillfull and betterborn Norse girl was to be found he can maybe accept that (and subsequent children may grow up to be Norse?)
I've never bothered with that, and seeing it from the vassals' perspective, I can fully understand why he disagrees. But yeah, if you have the right spouse available you may persuade them, though it would be a lot of effort for little gain. I doubt Ukko (or anyone else for that matter) is going to gain an ally powerful enough to oppose Eilif directly.
Yes, I just wanted it to see if I could help tip him over into a positive opinion, given he’s now very close (only -8, even with the wrong religion and culture). I don't have much money for buying popularity and have handed out all the offices I can. And I just wanted to try the mechanic out a bit more.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch66 Q4: Attrition.OK, I’m not exactly sure how the attrition percentages applied themselves here. Is it assessed daily, or monthly? Did I suffer more attrition earlier because I was over the supply limit of 2,000? And what is the relationship between the ‘total monthly attrition’ figure of 1.8% and the ‘maximum monthly attrition in county’ figure of 32.8%? The loss of 146 in roughly the month to February was either 6.3% (if all those were from one month) or about half that if the 146 was actually teo cuts and I missed the ‘turnover’. Because the next cut (from February to March) of 71 troops was about 3.3%. The reinforcement rate of soldiers a month would not greatly affect those rates. I’ll also need to work out which months the severe winter extends between and whether that is a constant or varies a little from year to year.
I'm not really sure but can it be that the monthly 32.8% only applies to troops over the 2000 troop supply limit? So maybe your 2300 troops, the 300 over the supply limit had a 32.8% attrition for a few months and received a few reinforcements? And since after a few months the number converged to 2000 the attrition got slower. Just trying to make sense into it, no concrete knowledge here.
There's a monthly roll for attrition, as long as you are over the supply limit. The higher over the supply limit, the higher the attrition. I've never paid much attention to the maximum value, but I guess that means that should you bring far, far too many men you'll never lose more than these 32,8% monthly in this case.
Perhaps there was also a siege event affecting your troops which made the clear attrition calculation a little faulty.
I only look at winter when it matters to me (mostly with winter soldier commanders and attrition), but I seem to recall that it varies in intensity and slightly in time.
OK, thanks to both of you. If the opportunity comes up later to test the mechanic a little, I may try - though not by intentionally freezing a lot of my troops to death if I can help it! I’m pretty sure it wasn’t (as far as I can tell) a siege event, because that was won before there were any casualties incurred from the attrition.
First search for as low as let's say 15-16 years of age and if there's a genius about to come of age, wait for her. Otherwise if the pipeline seems to be dry then just go for whatever is available
Well since it is not his war, he cannot keep those, or add wargoals as far as I remember. Still a worse outcome than him getting defeated and his realm crumbling, but at least he'll not get stronger.
Yes, you are right there I believe. That is what happened with King Dyre’s earlier failed Holy War. No actual loss of territory resulted, but a bad settlement on top of the terrible loss of troops. Everyone else then ganged up on him and then Saksa jumped in later when the peace treaty ran out. Mind you, if that happens to Bulgaria, it’s not as important to Gardariki as Konugardr (given it contains all those possible later Rus imperial gains).
By now it may be best to just send Hakon somewhere far away. He doesn't get the lesson, and his sight always provokes dreams of holmgangs. How about marrying him away to some Gyðja so that he's out of court and can't keep plotting against him?
Ha, he may well do at that. But one can hope until then.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
OK, next it's back to Gardariki to see what Eilif will get up to next. But, in the interim, if there are any more comments on the last chapter or perspectives on the questions raised, please feel free to join in. It will take a few days to play, edit and post the next chapter.
Chapter 67: Invoking Víðarr (13 April 895 – 20 February 896)
Chapter 67: Invoking Víðarr (13 April 895 – 20 February 896)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif continues to work hard produce an heir; King Halfdan still can’t shake the tormentors (many of them from Garðariki) who continue to whittle away his kingdom, bit by bit; and after their harsh northern winter, Eilif’s raiders look for their next target as the realm continues to prosper; and Eilif dreams of vengeance on Tuure of Karelia – but how to avoid bringing Mari into the equation?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
April 895
“So, Tyuey, how is the concubine search going? That suggestion from the Þing about finding a girl approaching 16 and keeping an eye out seemed a good one. Any luck?”
“King Eilif, as you know, we can’t invite any of them to court until they are of proper age. And we are not sure exactly what all their talents and attributes will be until then, but this list has a couple of potential prospects. Gunnhildr of Galloway is a bright girl and would probably be the pick of them at the moment.”
Gunnhildr is a little depressed perhaps, but that is sadly common enough.
“All right then, keep an eye on her. I guess I will have to make do with those I have at the moment. Edla, to me please. If you’ll excuse me, Tyuey – I have important state business to conduct. In private.”
Later that evening, Eilif pondered another bit of advice a smart attendee at the Þing had whispered to him over a few horns of mead. After consulting with his Chancellor, he penned a letter to the Gydja of the Temple of Cartmel in far-off Jorvik.
“Oh, this is good Tyuey. Not only will he lose what little prestige he has, but we’ve found the dullest and least talented Gydja on your lists – and she is way off in Britannia!”
“It should be an, ah, interesting marriage King Eilif – given she also has a reputation as a cynical, angry coward!”
A few days later, Hrolfr sought out Eilif to make an announcement.
“Sire, I have a mind to pick off another of Halfdan’s eastern chiefdoms for myself – and of course the realm. He can’t hold on to them – and we don’t want the Monster getting his filthy hands on it.”
“Certainly not, Hrolfr. Good luck with the campaign!”
More good news arrived the very next day: Hakon was packing his bags and heading off to Cartmel. Good riddance!
“Sigrid the Unready! It is to laugh!” Eilif chortled to himself.
In the west, the Estonians tried to get their small army back from Finland to defend their homeland – though it was so small it would do little good anyway. Two different armies were making their way to Kalevan. One was the Swedish force bent on conquering it. The other was from Uusimaa – they also seemed to have some kind of claim going on Kalevan, but not one that brought them into conflict with Sweden. Jarl Dyre, who had been gathering his own force to conquer Kalevan, had seen the Swedes coming and chose to escape south to neutral Tartu. He should make it out five days before the Swedes arrived: his timing had improved a little!
“Thank you for the report, Hrolfr. Tyuey, can you please find out what Uusimaa is up to? How is it they can also war on Kalevan but not be in conflict with the Swedes?”
“I will make inquiries, King Eilif.”
Having had a few weeks to recover, the raiders were kept under arms and ordered on a long march to Kexholm. They could gain recruits along the way. Their target would be the Karelians, starting with Karjala. Reports indicated Tuure no longer had the money or piety for raising large hosts, while Chancellor Tyueykezhut advised the king that because it was only a raid and not an invasion, he was sure the provisions of Tuure’s alliance with Saksa the Monster would not be triggered.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
May 895
Not to be outdone (if he could help it) by his neighbour Marshal Hrolfr, in early may Jarl Tyuey let Eilif know he too would be trying to carve another chunk off the fast-shrinking Kingdom of Könugarðr. Hrolfr’s force had mustered and was about to cross the border into Ryazan. Now Tyuey would be preparing his Yaroslavian levy for a venture into Kolomna.
During this discussion, Tyueykezhut once again made known his keen desire to have Vologda made part of his demesne – he wanted Ukko to swear allegiance to him. Eilif did not grant this request straight away, but thought hard about it and did not rule it out, either.
Because of Tyuey’s obvious self-interest, the king called in Lawspeaker Hrörekr for advice.
“There are pros and cons, My Liege,” said the aged Lawspeaker. “Not only would granting the request remove a major reason for the Chancellor’s dissatisfaction [the -25 malus], but he would also be quite grateful for the transfer of vassalage [another +10 opinion buff].”
“In all, it would give my most powerful vassal and Chancellor reason to think quite positively of me – which is very important to keep him on side and maybe even responsive to a call to arms in the future. The main problem is, of course, it makes him even more powerful. But Ukko is a bit of a pain in the arse – he would then become Tyuey’s problem.”
“Shall I ask the Þing for its views?”
“Yes, please do Hrörekr.”
Ch67 Q1: Transfer Vologda?This is a simple enough question – should I or shouldn’t I transfer Ukko to Tyuey? The answer and considerations could be a little more complex than the question, of course. Other than the immediate opinion considerations (which I hope I have right – in effect a 35 point positive opinion shift), I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on the idea and any implications I may not have considered or warnings I should heed. Eilif’s initial concerns are plain enough, but it is a tempting thought.
Late May saw the Swedish and Nylander (Uusimaa) armies in Narva, soon to arrive in Kalevan (Estonia). Dyre’s men were waiting in Tartu – it looked like they would be safe enough there but had no prospect of being able to contest the Swedish claim on Kalevan.
Also of interest was news that Barsbek the Liberator of Chernigov had set himself the ambition of seeing his realm prosper – which (aside from raiding) should hopefully see him laying off expansionist conquests for the next five years. And also in late May, Jarl Tyuey’s Yaroslavian levy had been mustered and was concentrating for their campaign to conquer Kolomna. Hrolfr’s smaller force was by then already laying siege to Ryazan.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
June-August 895
On 1 June the ‘dual siege' of Sweden and Uusimaa was in progress in Kalevan. Tyueykezhut had his report ready for Eilif on the various cross-claim wars.
“King Eilif, here is a map and diagram that shows who High Chief Vandemeel is defending against and what they are claiming.”
“So,” ventured Eilif after studying it hard – always a bit of a struggle for him. “We knew about the rival claims of Dyre and King Erikr to conquer Kalevan, which is why they are hostile to each other. But because Chief Lalli of Uusimaa is waging a war to subjugate Estonia, it technically doesn’t put him at odds with Erikr? Is that right?”
“It seems so. If you wish, I can refer it to Lawspeaker Hrörekr and he can obtain additional advice from the Þing.”
“You may as well, Tyuey. This could be something interesting and useful to know about for the future. We may be able to use such knowledge one day if we find ourselves in competition with someone else for a claim but can find a non-clashing one to prevent ‘collateral hostilities.”
Gumarich noted in his private journal that Jarl Tyuey looked at the King with a slightly raised eyebrow and a small look of surprised respect flitting across his face.
“Indeed, King Eilif, that is a wise thought. You are beginning to pick up some of the finer points of statecraft.”
Chapter 67 Q2: Complementary Claims.Does Eilif have this right? While a direct competing claim for conquest can, as we’ve seen a few times now, lead to mutual hostility between the two claimants, if it is of a different type, does that mean in all or at least some cases they can be prosecuted simultaneously without causing such a clash?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
There was a quiet knock on Eilif’s stateroom door one balmy July evening, the long day still light.
“Enter!” he called out, looking up from an update from Þorfinn on the preparations for the raid on the Karelians.
Gumarich popped his head around the partly-opened door.
“My Liege, one of your mother’s, er people is here. He says he has a message for your ears only.”
“All right. Call him in. But,” said the King in a lower voice. “have him searched first for any weapons. Just in case.”
The agent is soon ushered in. “Sire, I have word of your nephew Hakon.”
Eilif groaned. “What is the arse-wipe up to this time?”
“Murder plotting, Sire.”
“The toe-rag! I thought we’d be safe from him now he is Jorvik. Does he dare to plot against me yet again?”
“He clearly still has contacts back here in the court and plots the demise of a rival, Sire, but not you this time. His target is Commander Sverker’s son, Sölvi.”
“Well, that’s a partial relief, but it does mean he can still reach back here. Sölvi is quite a promising officer, too, like his father – though not quite so skilled [martial 13].”
“Sölvi has asked if there is anything you can do to discourage Hakon, but I think your options are limited, Sire.”
“He won’t listen to me. I’ll inform Sölvi accordingly – send him to me. We now share an unenviable bond – both rivals of Hakon, both the target at one time or another of his murderous plotting.”
In mid-July, Gumarich brought a small snippet of gossip to the king: in Yaroslavl, Jarl Tyueykezhut was now apparently being referred to by the nickname ‘the Hunter’.
“Very nice for him, I’m sure, Gumarich. He must have been out in the forest pestering bears or whatever. I might rib him about it the next time I see him.” Then, thinking of his forbidding and often miserable-looking Chancellor, he reconsidered. “Or maybe not.”
“A wise choice My Liege,” Gumarich said quietly.
The end of the month finally brought the raiders to Kexholm, where another two and a half weeks marching would finally see them in Karjala. [I’d not wanted to cross into Karelia via a major river, just in case they had mustered their forces. Possibly a needless precaution but given the previous experience in Karelia … Eilif was erring on the side of caution.]
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
King Erikr hoisted the Swedish flag over Kalevan on 9 August, while the Estonian army sat by helplessly in Narva, besieging Dyre’s hold there. Dyre's troops were on their way to relieve it, but it looked like the Estonians would be forced to yield to Erikr and disband before any battle was fought.
Indeed, ten days later the formal peace treaty was signed, with Vandemeel rendered homeless and Kalevan renamed by the Swedes to Reval. Dyre’s bid also lapsed – but at least he didn’t get his troops butchered this time.
By 24 July, the raiders were in Karjala, scouring the countryside for loot (though there was not much to be had) and besieging the holding (where most of the wealth was stashed).
In the south, the Hrolfr’s forces had occupied the keep at Ryazan and were now engaged in besieging a secondary settlement. Meanwhile, the Yaroslavian army was investing Kolomna.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
September 895
In Karjala, all the ‘loose change’ had been gathered from the countryside and Þorfinn was patiently reducing the Karelian’s stronghold. In mid-September one of his scouts reported on movements to the south.
“Commander Þorfinn, we have word of High Chief Tuure. He has called his levies in Ääninen.”
“How many?”
“We counted 224 men under arms.”
“Hah! Let him come if he wishes. We’ll send them back without their heads.”
On 17 September, Eilif’s carefully maintained ambition to see his realm prosper was finally fulfilled. He had learned more about stewardship and saw the realm's small revenues increase. When faced with a decision as to what he should look to next, he decided he must do more to secure his dynasty. He would seek to groom an heir. Or at least sire one! Whether he would wait all the way until the potential successor came of age was another matter. To start with, he just wanted one. And this would help.
The day after that, the Karelians foolishly chose to send a tribal levy (or muster one, couldn't tell where it came from) to Karjala. They were soon set upon by the raiders. It would not be a long battle. Or close.
In Vologda, the Chancellor’s persuasion of Chief Ukko paid off at last, with the man finally developing a positive outlook toward his King and liege.
Tyuey was sent to the next recalcitrant Chief in the realm’s pecking order – Vihavald of Ingria.
And, while looking at council matters, Eilif realised that his new Steward, Egill, was not yet married!
“Best keep him occupied – even if a wife of his own may not stop him pestering those of other men.” Eilif paused and considered for a moment. “Ah, I have it! Gumarich, please prepare a letter from me to Egill …”
Egill would be married to his predecessor’s daughter, Yrsa! A step up in the social pecking order for Egill – and a good match for Alfgeir’s daughter.
To finish off a busy day of realm business, Tyuey informed his King that he had been successful in reducing the stronghold in Kolomna and was now moving on to Pronsk, in an effort to force King Halfdan to the peace table. Hrolfr’s men still toiled away in Ryazan.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
October-November 895
As Eilif listened to a report from Marshal Hrolfr on the raiding expedition, he knew his offerings to Víðarr for vengeance against the Karelians was being answered. He hoped the God’s support would continue.
“It was more of a slaughter than a battle, My King.”
“All the better! Tonight, we celebrate!”
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
As autumn pushed inexorably towards winter, the raid continues at its slow pace. Concerns for what the winter might bring were raised. When the time came, vigilance for any signs of attrition in Karjala would be carefully maintained. The beginning of November told a familiar tale in the picked-over lands of Könugarðr. For years now, whenever one war finished and Halfdan got his land back, someone else would come in for their chop. There were fewer claimants now than before – but that was probably because there was not much left to take! Barsbek, while not seeking to conquer any southern counties, was instead systematically raiding them! Halfdan could never get any clear air to rebuild.
There seemed nothing to stop the three current claims from succeeding – and Chief Drágfi Lázár’s quest to take the capital of Könugarðr itself (and thus bring it into the Hungarian kingdom) was getting close to completion!
The Bulgarians (King Vladimir specifically) looked to have lost around a third of his troops since his ill-conceived Holy War on the Monster of Mari had begun. He had lost no more territory (his entire eastern march being occupied), but his effort was surely doomed.
Vladimir the Not-So-Wise if you ask me, Eilif thought to himself.
Eilif once again thanked Víðarr as word came through that the stronghold in Karjala had been taken. There was a small windfall of gold and silver – but for some reason the raiders seemed unable to access the rest of the loot they were expecting to. The delay was a mystery.
Chapter 67 Q3: Looting Delay.This one had me stumped. The stronghold had fallen, but the ‘not able to loot’ icon was still on and the looting bar still seemed to show a stronghold in place. This persisted for quite a while – not just the day of the victory. It was a one-holding county. Any idea what might have been delaying this? You will see further down that looting eventually recommenced, but there was no obvious reason for the delay nor its resumption. I don’t recall this having happened before (if it did, I’d missed it).
The suddenly very active King Erikr of Sviþjod declared in mid-November that it was his ambition to build a war-chest. Ominous enough for his neighbours. And without even waiting to do so, he launched into his next grab for territory: this time the Finns. But he may find High Chief Onni a tougher customer than the poor Estonians had been.
On 17 November, Þorfinn was still not able to loot in Karjala: somehow, despite the keep having fallen, the bulk of the treasure was still ‘protected’ – but by what? It was particularly irritating with winter fast approaching.
Around a week later, Eilif’s younger sister Ulfhildr came of age. It was time to decide if her betrothal to King Erikr should proceed. It would mean a non-aggression pact, which was good given the Swede’s sudden display of aggression to others but would also mean not contesting gains he might make on Gardariki’s western borders. But Eilif had no desire to be seen as an oath-breaker and it would be a powerful match. Even if Ulfhildr took a claim to the Garðarikian crown with her. Erikr had asked nicely.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
December 895
“King Eilif, a word if I may.” Chief Ukko was paying a visit to the court in Nygarðr and sought a private audience with the King. Ah, thought Eilif to himself, he wishes to pay his respects after Tyuey’s good works there. Even if the old statesman does want Ukko as his own vassal.
“Of course, Ukko, it would be my pleasure!”
“Oh, King Eilif, I don’t think it will be.”
Eilif’s good mood evaporated instantly: What now, by Fenrir’s stinking butthole!?
It seems Ukko had somehow lost his 'Content' trait, giving his Suomenusko zealotry full reign and meaning his opinion of Eilif was suddenly negative again. And then he joined the independence faction! That made Eilif think even harder about just signing him over to Tyuey. He was too much trouble and not really worth the effort to sweet-talk any more. He’d happily get himself a new physician – perhaps someone good from overseas.
Also around this time [no event message came to signal it] looting recommenced in Karjala[I’d still like to know what caused the delay, if anyone has any theories].
Winter brought with it a visit from the wife of a distant and obscure German count. At least they were Germans, even if they were Christians. And they seemed interested in a non-aggression pact, of all things! Well, what harm can it do? Eilif thought he would reach out, just to see what came of it.
This was the first time I got this event, so I thought I would go with it anyway. What the hell!
As the year drew to a close, more news of Hakon filtered out of Jorvik. Eilif had stopped speculating on what his wayward nephew would get up to next. Which was just as well, because he wouldn’t have guessed this one!
Ch 67 Q4: Hakon’s Host.He really is a busy character! I checked (to be sure) and it is not a mercenary band. He is also not at war with or raiding anyone (yet anyway). Is there a chance he’s been plucked as an adventurer, given some troops and will soon be off to try to do some conquering?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
January-February 896
The new year saw a normal winter in Karjala and no attrition problems for the raiders but the looting was taking quite a while to complete.
In Könugarðr, Hrolfr - not Tyuey – had succeeded in taking Pronsk, despite having fewer troops and getting there later. Both armies were now headed over to Roslavl which – by some miracle – had not already been occupied by someone else!
Another report of Hakon [the Energiser Bunny of the 9th century Vikings!] on 9 January noted he was now trying to groom an heir. Eilif could only hope he would be killed by an enemy before one was conceived!
As the looting dragged on in Karjala, despite the onset of severe winter in late January, no attrition resulted. They would continue their task.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Another royal wedding was celebrated in February. This time, Eilif’s niece Yngvild Helgisdottir was due to fulfil her betrothal to young Rögnvaldr of Denmark. Whatever the practical benefits – if any – Eilif was proud that House Rurikid was now intermarried to the other two great Norse Viking realms of Scandinavia.
Finally, after many long and cold weeks, Karjala was looted of every available valuable. Eilif would extend his vengeance against Tuure of Karelia by sacking Ääninen – and hopefully slaughtering some more of Tuure’s troops in the process.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
Ch67 Q1: Transfer Vologda?This is a simple enough question – should I or shouldn’t I transfer Ukko to Tyuey? The answer and considerations could be a little more complex than the question, of course. Other than the immediate opinion considerations (which I hope I have right – in effect a 35 point positive opinion shift), I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on the idea and any implications I may not have considered or warnings I should heed. Eilif’s initial concerns are plain enough, but it is a tempting thought.
Chapter 67 Q2: Complementary Claims.Does Eilif have this right? While a direct competing claim for conquest can, as we’ve seen a few times now, lead to mutual hostility between the two claimants, if it is of a different type, does that mean in all or at least some cases they can be prosecuted simultaneously without causing such a clash?
Chapter 67 Q3: Looting Delay.This one had me stumped. The stronghold had fallen, but the ‘not able to loot’ icon was still on and the looting bar still seemed to show a stronghold in place. This persisted for quite a while – not just the day of the victory. It was a one-holding county. Any idea what might have been delaying this? You will see further down that looting eventually recommenced, but there was no obvious reason for the delay nor its resumption. I don’t recall this having happened before (if it did, I’d missed it).
Ch 67 Q4: Hakon’s Host.He really is a busy character! I checked (to be sure) and it is not a mercenary band. He is also not at war with or raiding anyone (yet anyway). Is there a chance he’s been plucked as an adventurer, given some troops and will soon be off to try to do some conquering?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
In Norse mythology, Víðarr is a god among the Æsir associated with vengeance. Víðarr is described as the son of Odin and the jötunn Gríðr, and is foretold to avenge his father's death by killing the wolf Fenrir at Ragnarök, a conflict which he is described as surviving. He is currently Eilif’s favourite God!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
AuthAAR’s Note: The last session has been played through to 31 July, but I needed to pause the story here for reasons of space etc.
“Oh, this is good Tyuey. Not only will he lose what little prestige he has, but we’ve found the dullest and least talented Gydja on your lists – and she is way off in Britannia!”
“It should be an, ah, interesting marriage King Eilif – given she also has a reputation as a cynical, angry coward!”
Not to be outdone (if he could help it) by his neighbour Marshal Hrolfr, in early may Jarl Tyuey let Eilif know he too would be trying to carve another chunk off the fast-shrinking Kingdom of Könugarðr. Hrolfr’s force had mustered and was about to cross the border into Ryazan. Now Tyuey would be preparing his Yaroslavian levy for a venture into Kolomna.
This is a very good kind of competitive spirit that helps the kingdom It's also good that they are getting counties from the same de jure duchy (if I'm not mistaken) which would mean neither would be able to create the title but we could. In fact, when you have some time you can check if after recent conquests of our vassals there are new duchy level titles to create or not. They bring a lot of prestige.
Ch67 Q1: Transfer Vologda?This is a simple enough question – should I or shouldn’t I transfer Ukko to Tyuey? The answer and considerations could be a little more complex than the question, of course. Other than the immediate opinion considerations (which I hope I have right – in effect a 35 point positive opinion shift), I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on the idea and any implications I may not have considered or warnings I should heed. Eilif’s initial concerns are plain enough, but it is a tempting thought.
In line with my previous comment, just make sure if that does not enable your vassals to create a new duchy level title that you could've created. Other than that, there's no single rule about granting vassals to vassals in my opinion, it depends on each case and in your case it makes a lot of sense actually (regarding that you're not enabling a new duchy level title to Tyuey by that).
Chapter 67 Q3: Looting Delay.This one had me stumped. The stronghold had fallen, but the ‘not able to loot’ icon was still on and the looting bar still seemed to show a stronghold in place. This persisted for quite a while – not just the day of the victory. It was a one-holding county. Any idea what might have been delaying this? You will see further down that looting eventually recommenced, but there was no obvious reason for the delay nor its resumption. I don’t recall this having happened before (if it did, I’d missed it).
Chapter 67 Q2: Complementary Claims.Does Eilif have this right? While a direct competing claim for conquest can, as we’ve seen a few times now, lead to mutual hostility between the two claimants, if it is of a different type, does that mean in all or at least some cases they can be prosecuted simultaneously without causing such a clash?
Ch 67 Q4: Hakon’s Host.He really is a busy character! I checked (to be sure) and it is not a mercenary band. He is also not at war with or raiding anyone (yet anyway). Is there a chance he’s been plucked as an adventurer, given some troops and will soon be off to try to do some conquering?
In Turkish we call characters like him as "having maggots in his arse" and interestingly it sounds very Gardarikian when translated to English In game mechanics terms though I have no idea what he's up to.
Oh one thing I forgot to add about q1: if giving ukko to tyuey would make him create a duchy, or if you just want to screw with them, you can give ukko to somebody that you want tyuey to hate. So if he has a buddy he always has with him when he is factioning or so, give ukko to him then tyuey will be pissed off at him for having that province and not you. You’ll lose the negative, you’ll not gain the positive but you’ll put a wedge between 2 vassals.
EDIT: also, you'll still have an opinion bonus, just not with Tyuey but whoever you gave Ukko to.
“So, Tyuey, how is the concubine search going? That suggestion from the Þing about finding a girl approaching 16 and keeping an eye out seemed a good one. Any luck?”
“King Eilif, as you know, we can’t invite any of them to court until they are of proper age. And we are not sure exactly what all their talents and attributes will be until then, but this list has a couple of potential prospects. Gunnhildr of Galloway is a bright girl and would probably be the pick of them at the moment.”
A small note: If the concubine-to-be won't accept an invitation to your court first, you can always petition the ruler whose court she's in and see if you can get him to turn her over instead. Not exactly the most progressive option, yes, but then again these are medieval Vikings we're talking about here
“My Liege, one of your mother’s, er people is here. He says he has a message for your ears only.”
“All right. Call him in. But,” said the King in a lower voice. “have him searched first for any weapons. Just in case.”
The agent is soon ushered in. “Sire, I have word of your nephew Hakon.”
Eilif groaned. “What is the arse-wipe up to this time?”
“Murder plotting, Sire.”
“The toe-rag! I thought we’d be safe from him now he is Jorvik. Does he dare to plot against me yet again?”
“He clearly still has contacts back here in the court and plots the demise of a rival, Sire, but not you this time. His target is Commander Sverker’s son, Sölvi.”
“Well, that’s a partial relief, but it does mean he can still reach back here. Sölvi is quite a promising officer, too, like his father – though not quite so skilled [martial 13].”
“Sölvi has asked if there is anything you can do to discourage Hakon, but I think your options are limited, Sire.”
“He won’t listen to me. I’ll inform Sölvi accordingly – send him to me. We now share an unenviable bond – both rivals of Hakon, both the target at one time or another of his murderous plotting.”
You know, if you had kept him in your court you would have had a valid reason to throw him in prison with all these plots... Ah well, hindsight is 20/20 and all that.
The end of the month finally brought the raiders to Kexholm, where another two and a half weeks marching would finally see them in Karjala. [I’d not wanted to cross into Karelia via a major river, just in case they had mustered their forces. Possibly a needless precaution but given the previous experience in Karelia … Eilif was erring on the side of caution.]
Technically a raiding group isn't flagged as "hostile" until it actually enters the other ruler's land, so you should have been good here. Still, a good thing to keep in practice if / when a real war arises.
Ch67 Q1: Transfer Vologda?This is a simple enough question – should I or shouldn’t I transfer Ukko to Tyuey? The answer and considerations could be a little more complex than the question, of course. Other than the immediate opinion considerations (which I hope I have right – in effect a 35 point positive opinion shift), I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on the idea and any implications I may not have considered or warnings I should heed. Eilif’s initial concerns are plain enough, but it is a tempting thought.
Pretty much going to second @diskoerekto, both on his original answer and on his later addendum. It's mostly a matter of weighing whom it would benefit the most.
Chapter 67 Q2: Complementary Claims.Does Eilif have this right? While a direct competing claim for conquest can, as we’ve seen a few times now, lead to mutual hostility between the two claimants, if it is of a different type, does that mean in all or at least some cases they can be prosecuted simultaneously without causing such a clash?
This is basically correct. A subjugation war transfers and / or disbands any titles of equal rank to the attacker, then vassalizes the defender, so Uusimaa could in theory have still asserted dominance over Vandemeel if he had another landed title after losing the one Dyre and the Swedes were contesting.
Chapter 67 Q3: Looting Delay.This one had me stumped. The stronghold had fallen, but the ‘not able to loot’ icon was still on and the looting bar still seemed to show a stronghold in place. This persisted for quite a while – not just the day of the victory. It was a one-holding county. Any idea what might have been delaying this? You will see further down that looting eventually recommenced, but there was no obvious reason for the delay nor its resumption. I don’t recall this having happened before (if it did, I’d missed it).
Ch 67 Q4: Hakon’s Host.He really is a busy character! I checked (to be sure) and it is not a mercenary band. He is also not at war with or raiding anyone (yet anyway). Is there a chance he’s been plucked as an adventurer, given some troops and will soon be off to try to do some conquering?
He certainly is -- you can even see his shiny new "Adventurer" trait in the traits roll there As of now it looks like he's simply spawned as the "wandering raider" type, which means he isn't targeting a specific realm and will just wander the map, raiding and looting, until he either gets some land for himself or he dies. Hopefully the latter.
Ah, there wasn’t an Eilif screenie in this update. He’s at 4/9 demesne and 8/20 vassal limits. All due to the post-succession reduction of the Royal demesne.
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