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1) The only real risk is an ambitious vassal grabbing more land there, but if it happens there are ways of mitigating the problem. So conquer away!
2) I've seen strange things happen, but I've never been clear on why. But that screen is pretty accurate.
3) You understand the question correctly.
4) There are tooltips for all consequences. So no surprises. Therefore:
If you can directly revoke titles without tyranny penalty, do so. Ithink the plot and maybe the claims should allow this. Repeat until there's a penalty. At worst, he'll refuse, you'll have your war, and you have an easier time taking.
Demand he end the plot if he'll refuse. Otherwise let it be as it gives you excuses to do things to him. But anyone supporting the plot should be dissuaded.
Put your spymaster to work in his primary holding. Surely there's dirt to be dug up on him. Or invented. If nothing else, this should increase arrest chances.
If you go for an arrest and he starts a war, that will count as a title revocation reason. If he's arrested, none is added, so it just makes applying the other reasons easier.
If you capture him at any point, never let him see the light of day again.
The Monster wasting his tribal resources for very little reason can only be good. But one has to wonder if his death would be so good - save for being a coward, Kinyak seems capable enough.
For Tyuey though, this period went very well - gained Eilif's favour, defeated Halfdan in battle...
And so it is now time to provide my best of advice for the king concerning the future of the realm.
Ch69 Q1: Finland.@diskoerekto et al – I could collect a few more Finnish territories and still be quite safe from the worst succession problems, couldn’t I? Other than the normal ones I’ll have to put up with until I can change to feudalism, anyway! Sweden taking Reval (formerly Kaleva) was irritating, though, and they’ll soon have Suomi.
I don't have anything to add to the above advice (as I've said before, my experience with EG is limited ).
What I am certain about is that should the titles be split, then whoever inherits Garðariki wouldn't have much trouble reintegrating Finland through a claim war.
Ch69 Q2: Council Votes.So, my reading (but complete lack of experience) in council votes is that this is an indicative estimate and something could change (favour-calling, etc) in an actual vote. Is that broadly right?
If it's a law voted for and it shows council consideration, yes. But for any action with instant effects (such as any diplomatic action, including a declaration of war), the vote happens as it is shown, a favour may already influence it (malcontent advisors in particular tend to have all voting for them in my experience).
Ch69 Q3: Next Steps – External Targets.Immediate goals are, in rough order: Romny and Uusimaa. Later, whichever of Chernigov (the lifetime subjugation maybe) or Mari (conquering a border county in de jure Garðariki). And the calculations the AI makes with the Council members: I assume it only looks at the target’s demesne levy, rather than vassals who may respond in support. These are the external expansion targets, and you may have others you reckon worth pursuing. But there is another, darker possibility that Eilif did not see fit to broadcast in the Council meeting …
IIRC the AI didn't take tribal vassals into account before HF, which is why Vladimir's holy war was... a very optimistic attempt, to put it mildly.
As for the course of expansion, county conquests against weak targets are always something easily manageable, and as for a stronger target? Well, if Sviþjoð intrudes into the Garðarikian sphere of influence, it may be time to teach them just what that means... (or does Eilif have a NAP with them? If the faith should be reformed, the Rurikids need to head west if you don't want to put your faith into the AI's efforts.)
What has to be kept in mind is that as long as Barsbek lives and his rebel stack isn't annihilated, it keeps reinforcing. So subjugating him might add a very powerful vassal to the realm with little love for the king.
Ch69 Q4: Imprisonment for Dyre?If I ask Dyre to end the plot against Eilif, he would almost certainly refuse. So, if he push it anyway and he does refuse, does that mean I could imprison him without the tyrant penalty? Then if I captured him (otherwise it’s war I presume, which is quite likely as I’d only have a 35% chance of imprisoning him according to the screen) and threw him into say the oubliette and he died there, would that count as kin-slaying? Can you revoke all of someone's titles with impunity if they’re in prison? Or is it still the same calculation? PS: rereading this, Eilif does in fact have claims on all these titles: would the revocations there still 'cost him prestige and anger his other vassals'?
Any plotter can be imprisoned without being flagged a tyrant, there's no need to ask him to stop first. Only plot backers cause tyranny if you haven't given them a chance to repent before. In any case, there's an action of the marshal to increase your chance of imprisoning a vassal (perhaps not for tribals, I rarely use it). I'd guess Hrolfr can bring the imprisonment chance to about 50%.
If he dies in the dungeon, that's bad luck for him. You only get kinslayer through actively killing him, if he dies of starvation and poor hygiene it's clearly not your fault . You can revoke the titles of prisoners as you want, but you can only revoke one traitor's title without being labeled a tyrant. If you have a claim, others won't care.
Ch69 Q5: Dyre: Revocation and War?So let’s say war does break out because of a revocation or a failed imprisonment attempt, the odds don’t look too bad. But I’m only guessing at the possible additional implications. Have I missed any important ones? Any common contingencies in such situations I should be aware of? How severe and long-lasting might the effects be on Eilif’s reign, even if he does win? Any and all technical and strategic advice more than welcome! In essence, does now seem a good time to pull the trigger on Dyre and, if so, should it be duel, imprisonment or revocation first up?
If you wish to go against Dyre, then asking for revocation first is the worst course. He'll refuse, and you'll end up at war - and in the end he'll be in Eilif's dungeon. Imprisoning him has the chance to skip the "war" part.
Should Dyre end up in prison though, it may be a good idea only to seize the shipyards Eilif desires. For as long as he's in prison, you have a vassal neutralized from acting against you - and you'll end up inheriting both his titles and wealth anyway.
If you wish to go against Dyre, then asking for revocation first is the worst course. He'll refuse, and you'll end up at war - and in the end he'll be in Eilif's dungeon. Imprisoning him has the chance to skip the "war" part.
Should Dyre end up in prison though, it may be a good idea only to seize the shipyards Eilif desires. For as long as he's in prison, you have a vassal neutralized from acting against you - and you'll end up inheriting both his titles and wealth anyway.
The Seventh Þing of Eilif’s Reign – April 897 (a summary of advice from Chapter 69)
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Ch69 Q1: Finland.@diskoerekto et al – I could collect a few more Finnish territories and still be quite safe from the worst succession problems, couldn’t I? Other than the normal ones I’ll have to put up with until I can change to feudalism, anyway! Sweden taking Reval (formerly Kaleva) was irritating, though, and they’ll soon have Suomi.
Yes you can get 4 more without risking anything, and I'm not sure what is the size of the risk anyway. I mean having less than 5 imeans zero risk in terms of auto Kingdom creation, but what I don't know is having more than 5; is it 1% risk or 50% risk or 100% risk? Best is to collect only 4 I guess?
The following is from the wiki:
“In addition, Elective Gavelkind has several unique features for junior heirs. First, on succession in kingdoms and empires, new kingdoms might be created for junior heirs. The outgoing ruler must control 51% of the de jure kingdom and meet any other specific requirements for creating that kingdom. Since many kingdoms have additional AI requirements, mostly related to culture, this means player realms are more vulnerable to split than AI realms!”
So even if we have more, if the land is divided between multiple people it seems we can get away with it. But as with many things related to inheritance this is a bit fuzzy.
I say Uusimaa first, and see what we can get next. Suomi and Uusimaa was my 2 main targets along with Narva, and whatever we get until we get to the kingdom creation risk province limit. Suomi seems to be going, so maybe Satakunta instead of that for the second one? By the way, what was the CB Sweden used? I hope they don't get all the provinces there.
I don't have anything to add to the above advice (as I've said before, my experience with EG is limited ).
What I am certain about is that should the titles be split, then whoever inherits Garðariki wouldn't have much trouble reintegrating Finland through a claim war.
A good point. I don’t want to limit my ambitions too much from fear of manageable consequences.
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Ch69 Q2: Council Votes.So, my reading (but complete lack of experience) in council votes is that this is an indicative estimate and something could change (favour-calling, etc) in an actual vote. Is that broadly right?
If it's a law voted for and it shows council consideration, yes. But for any action with instant effects (such as any diplomatic action, including a declaration of war), the vote happens as it is shown, a favour may already influence it (malcontent advisors in particular tend to have all voting for them in my experience).
Thanks guys, and @alscon in particular for that extra nuance.
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Ch69 Q3: Next Steps – External Targets.Immediate goals are, in rough order: Romny and Uusimaa. Later, whichever of Chernigov (the lifetime subjugation maybe) or Mari (conquering a border county in de jure Garðariki). And the calculations the AI makes with the Council members: I assume it only looks at the target’s demesne levy, rather than vassals who may respond in support. These are the external expansion targets, and you may have others you reckon worth pursuing. But there is another, darker possibility that Eilif did not see fit to broadcast in the Council meeting …
Good thinking. I'd say using the subjugate on Saksa would be wasting it since he only has 3 provinces that we really want. In contrast, Barsbek's provinces are all in the de jure Empire of Rus. When Saksa dies of his healthy lifestyle and his realm shatters, those 3 provinces even can come to our realm themselves just like the Konugardarian ones through our active vassals. Or if those Rus provinces become independent rulers we can just ASK them to swear fealty to us since they're in our de jure kingdom (what I learned last episode )
IIRC the AI didn't take tribal vassals into account before HF, which is why Vladimir's holy war was... a very optimistic attempt, to put it mildly.
As for the course of expansion, county conquests against weak targets are always something easily manageable, and as for a stronger target? Well, if Sviþjoð intrudes into the Garðarikian sphere of influence, it may be time to teach them just what that means... (or does Eilif have a NAP with them? If the faith should be reformed, the Rurikids need to head west if you don't want to put your faith into the AI's efforts.)
What has to be kept in mind is that as long as Barsbek lives and his rebel stack isn't annihilated, it keeps reinforcing. So subjugating him might add a very powerful vassal to the realm with little love for the king.
OK, I’m holding off on HF for now as the associated patch broke this game and I’ve had to stick to the previous version for it.
Eilif is keen on picking up a few of those weak targets – but can he swing it? And yes, there is a marriage NAP with Eirikr of Sviþjoð – who is still only 17. Reform is a longer term goal though and I agree it doesn’t look like any of the others will do it.
And I guess you’re saying that subjugating Barbek could be a little like bringing typhoid mary home for afternoon tea? Will have to see what he does in the future when thinking about using that CB on him, then.
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Ch69 Q4: Imprisonment for Dyre?If I ask Dyre to end the plot against Eilif, he would almost certainly refuse. So, if he push it anyway and he does refuse, does that mean I could imprison him without the tyrant penalty? Then if I captured him (otherwise it’s war I presume, which is quite likely as I’d only have a 35% chance of imprisoning him according to the screen) and threw him into say the oubliette and he died there, would that count as kin-slaying? Can you revoke all of someone's titles with impunity if they’re in prison? Or is it still the same calculation?
PS: rereading this, Eilif does in fact have claims on all these titles: would the revocations there still 'cost him prestige and anger his other vassals'? [Comment: I didn’t reread closely enough though (another newbie trap). He is first in line to inherit Dyre’s lands, but when I rechecked on firing the game up again, I found I had made an error here, as you will see in the next chapter – later today my time.]
This should work, but I have a feeling the vassals can still find something to get pissed off at. I'm thinking once one is a traitor and in jail stripping him off his titles should be free of hassle, but even if not at least he wouldn't be able to father children from the oubliette?
If you put him in the obuillete it will not count for kin-slaying. If he refuses to end his plot you can imprison him without penalty(If it is successful) but I dont think you will be able to revoke his titles without tyranny normally, but I actually think you having claims would allow you to do that while only angering him and not your vassals.
Good advice. And I was incorrect (per above extra comment): it was inheritance Eilif had, not claims – I’d blithely assumed he would have them but checked again and he didn’t. So revocation without a claim would definitely be tyranny.
4) There are tooltips for all consequences. So no surprises. Therefore:
1.If you can directly revoke titles without tyranny penalty, do so. Ithink the plot and maybe the claims should allow this. Repeat until there's a penalty. At worst, he'll refuse, you'll have your war, and you have an easier time taking.
2.Demand he end the plot if he'll refuse. Otherwise let it be as it gives you excuses to do things to him. But anyone supporting the plot should be dissuaded.
3.Put your spymaster to work in his primary holding. Surely there's dirt to be dug up on him. Or invented. If nothing else, this should increase arrest chances.
4.If you go for an arrest and he starts a war, that will count as a title revocation reason. If he's arrested, none is added, so it just makes applying the other reasons easier.
5.If you capture him at any point, never let him see the light of day again.
6.You can always go for a kidnapping plot, too.
1. Per above, no claim, so tyranny applies from the start, sadly.
2. He would refuse, I’m sure, but with no claims and a reason for imprisoning him, perhaps better not to make the demand. And there is now no-one backing it (after the repeated dissuading of Hakon).
3. Good tactical advice, though the spymaster is also well employed still in Constantinople. And Eilif is after something more – immediate.
4. Useful to know. You will see how it transpires!
5. Agree wholeheartedly!
6. Hmm, haven’t tried that or seen one written up in an AAR. Sounds interesting – I’ll have to check it out some time!
Any plotter can be imprisoned without being flagged a tyrant, there's no need to ask him to stop first. Only plot backers cause tyranny if you haven't given them a chance to repent before. In any case, there's an action of the marshal to increase your chance of imprisoning a vassal (perhaps not for tribals, I rarely use it). I'd guess Hrolfr can bring the imprisonment chance to about 50%.
If he dies in the dungeon, that's bad luck for him. You only get kinslayer through actively killing him, if he dies of starvation and poor hygiene it's clearly not your fault . You can revoke the titles of prisoners as you want, but you can only revoke one traitor's title without being labeled a tyrant. If you have a claim, others won't care.
Hakon having been warned off, it’s just Dyre, so no need to ask then. Great advice re the Marshal action. Eilif has noted it!
Also good to have the confirmation of his ‘accidental’ passing = not kin-slaying. In this case, if arrested, I guess he’s not a traitor per se (presuming that is if he resists, revolts, is captured in a war and is then imprisoned). And per above, I got it wrong about having the claims, so the tyranny risk remains – unless and until Eilif can generate any.
Sound advice. You will see how much Eilif is able to do next episode. Though my incorrect reading of the claim circumstances earlier make the revocations more fraught than I had hoped they would be. But you have to start somewhere.
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Ch69 Q5: Dyre:Revocation and War?So let’s say war does break out because of a revocation or a failed imprisonment attempt, the odds don’t look too bad. But I’m only guessing at the possible additional implications. Have I missed any important ones? Any common contingencies in such situations I should be aware of? How severe and long-lasting might the effects be on Eilif’s reign, even if he does win? Any and all technical and strategic advice more than welcome! In essence, does now seem a good time to pull the trigger on Dyre and, if so, should it be duel, imprisonment or revocation first up?
On the long run, all characters will be dead and every bad deed will be forgotten. I mean, nothing unbearable will happen but there still will be headaches. I'd say no to duel, it made more sense before Eilif had heirs but now if Eilif loses (having better chance doesn't mean Dyre has zero chance) it will just be another succession where stuff gets divided and also Eilif's once in a lifetime CB wasted before he used it. Imprisonement sounds good to me if you put on your mind to finish this now. Revocation in my opinion can get messy.
Doing nothing and waiting for some ill to befall Dyre, plotting to kill him or just waiting until Dyre peacefully dies and his eventual heir being on good terms with you are all other options.
If you wish to go against Dyre, then asking for revocation first is the worst course. He'll refuse, and you'll end up at war - and in the end he'll be in Eilif's dungeon. Imprisoning him has the chance to skip the "war" part.
Should Dyre end up in prison though, it may be a good idea only to seize the shipyards Eilif desires. For as long as he's in prison, you have a vassal neutralized from acting against you - and you'll end up inheriting both his titles and wealth anyway.
Haha! Nice one. Given Saksa’s many nasty afflictions, that could well be the cause. It should be a disease option or something a member of the Fellowship of Hel can curse someone with!
There will be a detailed view of that in the next update – and some interesting developments, too. But in general, apart from the event armies, Saksa has a small-medium sized levy but lots of vassals who generally answer his calls to arms.
you're welcome and if there is a character with multiple stats over 12 and has a 4 star education trait, he/she could make a good dedicated teacher. As far as I remember though the 4 star own education is more importan if a person with both of the qualifications cannot be found.
Good to take provinces from the de jure Empire of Rus. Once we have 53 provinces we can declare the Empire. We have around 27 I guess? 21 Rus and 6 Ruthenian more or less. With the once in a lifetime thingy we will get a bunch fast. I wonder which ruler will be the one to do that, I hope soon
Eilif his now still only in his later twenties – he inherited young so who knows, it may be his life’s work to get as close as possible. Though theres also religious reform, ships, raiding, etc. So many things to do and they all take time.
Makes sense, in the meanwhile we can pick one province realms and grow, flexing our muscles. I hope Barsbek also grows so that when we subjugate him we subjugate a bigger realm. I'm not sure if there's anything we can do to make him more active, but if there's we should. He'll both deplete his collection of money, prestige and piety calling warrior bands and be a juicier realm to add to ours.
The Monster wasting his tribal resources for very little reason can only be good. But one has to wonder if his death would be so good - save for being a coward, Kinyak seems capable enough.
For Tyuey though, this period went very well - gained Eilif's favour, defeated Halfdan in battle...
And so it is now time to provide my best of advice for the king concerning the future of the realm.
Interesting comment. My main hope re Mari is messy a succession break-up and internal feeding frenzy. And the observation re him blowing his piety does not go unobserved in the next chapter …
As for Tyuey, yes. But he is getting on now and what will happen to his big fiefdom once he shuffles off? I don’t really know the game and succession mechanics well enough yet to have a firm idea but feel a bit of chaos could result. And it should (hopefully) break up the big slice of power and territory Tyuey has assembled since he was subjugated by Rurik early on.
And very welcome advice it is!
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Great advice and comments as always, very useful indeed – re Dyre’s case only compromised a little by the incorrect advice I provided initially. Next episode written and illustrated, just need to upload, edit, format and publish.
Chapter 70: A Hot and Cold Council (8 April – 27 September 897)
Chapter 70: A Hot and Cold Council (8 April – 27 September 897)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Eilif’s patience with Dyre’s antics has almost come to boiling point – will he act on it? Tyueykezhut’s war for Kolumna in Könugarðr suffered a setback when he lost the key province, but his recent battlefield win has put him back in the box seat; Eilif looks for new targets but must now be mindful of the will of his Council – and they are proving a bit capricious; Saksa the Monster is now at peace after winning the Holy War Bulgaria had launched on him – but for how long? And Barsbek the Liberator of Chernigov remains a hive of activity – will raiding be enough for him? Can he keep his liberating drive in check?
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April 897
“King Eilif, I have that advice you were after following the report of the latest Þing,” said the Chancellor, Jarl Tyueykezhut, as he stood before his king in the council room at Nygarðr.
“Ah yes, do tell, Tyuey.”
“First, to confirm, the non-aggression pact with King Eirikr of Sviþjod remains fully in force through marriage bonds. He also retains a high opinion of you, my King.”
“So, we need fear no attack from that quarter, but neither can we seek to take either of those two ship-building counties they have recently acquired while that remains in force.”
“Just so, My King. As to your brother, Jarl Dyre. While you remain set to inherit his titles, you have no legal claims on any of them. If you tried to revoke any of them – by decree or through war – I’m afraid you would be looked upon as a tyrant. There would be widespread unrest among your other vassals, for whom this would be a very worrying precedent.”
“I see. Even you, Tyuey.”
“Even me, sire.”
(3 sec)
“Well, that’s a pity. I’ve worked too hard to have good relations with my vassals to spend that good will for another county. Thank you, Tyuey, that is all for now. Gumarich, could you please send a messenger to Marshal Hrolfr? I’d like to see him. If he’s asked about the reasons, have the messenger say nothing. I just need to consult him about a military matter.”
“At once, my King.”
Hrolfr was soon standing where Tyuey had been a few minutes before.
“Hrolfr, you have been doing excellent work these many months assisting with the recruiting and training of the army. But I now have another task for you.”
“Of course, King Eilif.”
“Your are to take a small party of your best men to Ostrov, my brother Dyre’s seat in Pskov. There, you are to seek to arrest him. With your presence, we believe there is an even chance he will surrender or decide to fight. If it is the latter, ensure you have a quick escape route into the countryside – as it will be war.”
“I will bring him to you if it is humanly possible, my King.” The steely look in Hrolfr’s eyes – born of a long and distinguished military career – confirms his grim determination. “How stringent do you want me to be with him when I have him?” As he says ‘stringent’, he pauses almost imperceptibly and subtly raises a quizzical eyebrow.
“Be firm but fair – no violence unless he resists. But put him in chains. Let him know he is being arrested for soliciting the murder of his King and brother – the would-be fratricide.”
“It will be done, my King.” And with that, Hrolfr was soon away and riding to Pskov with his picked troops.
Three days later, confronted with the grim-faced Hrolfr, Dyre submitted to his arrest. Given the charges, there was no rush to arms in his court. But he was in no way pleased!
A few days later, with Dyre safely in the dungeon, Eilif consulted with his Chancellor. Tyuey was becoming ever more powerful, as he consolidated his conquests of former Könugarðian provinces. Dyre really wanted him positively disposed – to hopefully discourage him from seeking independence and also to make it more likely he would answer a call to arms with his powerful levy, should the need ever arise.
“Tyuey, Ukko of Vologda has been a minor thorn in my side for quite some time, despite your efforts to persuade him of my better intentions.”
“Yes, a troublesome chief, that. I think he needs a firm hand.”
“I agree, Tyuey. And I am aware that you very much desire to provide that to him. It has been a matter that has perhaps prevented us from being on better terms these last years.”
“I won’t deny it, King Eilif.”
“Indeed not. Well, I propose to resolve that today. I will inform Ukko that his vassalage will be transferred to you, with immediate effect. Let this be the beginning of a new closeness between us, as befits a king and his most powerful Jarl and Chancellor.” And I can say good riddance to that pimple on the Loki’s hairy arse from Vologda – hell be your problem now, Tyuey, Eilif thinks to himself.
At this time, Tyuey’s war with Halfdan for Kolomna still dragged on [45% warscore] as he was still besieging Kolomna after Halfdan retook it. Tyuey’s opinion of Eilif was moderately unfavourable [-15%, including -25% due to his desire for Vologda].
“Most generous, My Liege, thank you very much! I’ll soon have Ukko in line.” The often-unhappy Jarl broke into a rare smile. He assumed he would find it far easier to control Ukko, as they were of the same religion.
From that time, the ageing Tyuey [58 years old by then] held his king in higher regard, making their working relationship more relaxed than it had been, if no less formal. The same could not be said of the discontented Ukko of his new liege: he immediately became a sour presence in Tyuey’s court. [ie. -63 opinion on transfer!] But Ukko’s independence faction-of-one was gone, of course. No immediate threat, but always a concern that other might have joined.
The very next day, Eilif’s jailer sought permission to report directly to the king.
“A most sensitive matter, he says, My King,” said Eilif’s Secretary Gumarich as he relayed the request.
“Let him in, and see that we are not disturbed, Gumarich.”
The jailer, a hunched and brutal man, was a lame former soldier who had been wounded in one of Rurik’s raids. He tended to take his frustrations out on his prisoners – when given the opportunity, anyway.
“King Eilif, I’m right grateful you let me talk to you, private-like. I won’t keep you long.”
“I think I can guess part of what you are going to say, but do tell me what it is.”
“Your brother, my King, he’s been complaining about his conditions. Doesn’t like his cell. Giving the lads a gob-full, asking for ‘more suitable accommodations’. Like me prison ain’t good enough for ‘im.” The jailer (whose name is lost to posterity) hawked and spat a vile green stream onto the floor at that. Then, realising what he had done, started to apologise profusely. “I’m right sorry, my king, on yer nice clean reeds ‘n all!”
“Worry not – I can understand your anger, my good man.”
Dyre was lucky Eilif was known for his sense of justice and did not have a cruel streak – or he might have ended up less the man he was. As their father had suffered in Italy. Though it wouldbe a good way to ensure he had no sons to inherit, Eilif thought grimly, before banishing it from his mind.
“My brother has a point. I do believe he deserves more suitable accommodation. We are blood, after all.”
The jailer does his best to disguise his unhappiness and disappointment at this. He’d hoped for some more sport with his high-born prisoner.
Eilif could ignore the request – and Dyre would be pissed off. He could put him under house arrest, which would make Dyre hate him marginally less than he already did. Or he could release him, hoping he had learned his lesson. Or … Eilif quickly made his decision.
“His dark cell with the other prisoners is too good for him. Throw the ingrate into the oubliette!”
Dyre should have known from their father's fate that it was dangerous to challenge a captor's choice of incarceration!
“Oh yes, Sire. It’ll be me pleasure!” The jailer limps away, a happy man again. His cackling laughter could be heard as he left the room and disappeared down the corridor.
This would be the first time since the founding of the original Kingdom of Holmgarðr that the oubliette had been used. And the beauty of it was, there was no need to ‘get it ready’, clean it out, remove vermin, filth and so on. Those things all added to the desired effect!
Ch70 Q1: Blots and Kinslaying.So, Dyre is a prisoner. If he doesn’t die in the oubliette beforehand, I assume that means I could let him die honourably in a Great Blot, should I hold one come November (mwahaha)? And would that count as kin-slaying? Or would his death be sanctified by his sacrifice to the Gods?
Later that afternoon, Eilif once again spoke with his Chancellor – the atmosphere just that little bit warmer than it had been these last almost eight years.
“So, with no formal claim on Dyre’s lands, although I still stand to inherit them if he dies, I risk being branded a tyrant if I try to revoke his title in Narva.”
“Yes, Sire, I’m afraid that’s true. It would also lower your prestige in the realm among all your vassals, although you could bear that better now.”
“Right. I will think this over and give you my instructions in a week or so.”
In what was proving an eventful month, Tyuey announced that his troops had retaken Kolomna on 19 April – and he was in the process of summoning Halfdan to the bargaining table, convinced he would be able to impose his terms this time [warscore now to 100%].
But Tyuey’s rare good mood was soon spoiled. Just four days later, he appeared in Eilif’s chamber for instructions on what was to be done about Dyre’s titles. But before they moved onto that, he vented on something that the two men now shared in common – irritation with Ukko!
“The weasel! I can see now what you have had to put up with, My King,” fumed the morose Jarl. “He has founded a faction to install my brother Kezhevat as Jarl of Yaroslavl! The effrontery! The treachery! The betrayal by family!”
“Oh, that’s terrible Tyuey. Ukko’s scheming and upstart brothers – you have my sympathy.” This was mostly genuine, given their recently improved relationship. But Eilif only just managed to conceal the ironic amusement he felt at this development. He did ask for it, he wrote in his private journal later that night.
“But I must be patient – my physician has told me to try to be more positive in my thoughts. I will try to find a way around this. I did seek Ukko as my vassal – I will see if he can be persuaded to see the error of his ways.”
“Good luck with that, Tyuey; keep your expectations modest is my advice! But that is not the purpose of our meeting today. I want you to wind up your influencing efforts in Ingria and travel to Narva straight away. There, you must search the records and use your persuasive powers to establish my legitimate claim on Narva. I want the troops and the shipyards it can provide. I’m relying on you to see this through.”
“As you command, Sire. It may take some time, but I will do what I can.”
And the big news kept coming before the month was over. High Chief Barsbek the Liberator of Chernigov was the latest to challenge the so-far invincible High Chief Saksa the Monster of Mari! [A King Kong vs Godzilla match-up if ever there was one.] He had been unable to sustain his ambition to see his realm prosper in peace and left his carousing behind to once again go to war.
Barsbek’s aim was simple – he wanted to take the border province of Khopyor. It was Tengri against Suomenusko, the two ascendant powers of the south pitted against each other. No-one had picked this outcome – and Eilif looked on with delight.
Barsbek’s timing looked quite good: Saksa had used much (probably too much) of his religious reputation in defeating the Holy War of Vladimir of Bulgaria, and the great host he had assemble for that defence had disbanded. Barsbek retained his own additional host and, on paper, outnumbered Saksa by more than two-to-one in troops.
But despite his recent activities, Saksa retained enough piety to call forth one more defensive religious host against his Tengri attacker. And he was usually very adept at ensuring his vassals joined his cause. This should be an interesting match-up. The other open question was Saksa’s failing health: would he even survive a possibly long and difficult war against this serious foe? One with a great military reputation and prodigious powers of persuasion and diplomacy?
Thinking on piety and defensive religious hosts, Eilif thought to check High Chief Päiviö of Veps (Chief of Romny). Apart from having way too many dots above the letters in his name, he also had a significant religious reputation.
Päiviö would likely summon 2,000 religious warriors out of thin air if a formal declaration of war was made. Even if Eilif mobilised his entire demesne levy and some vassals supported an attack, giving him an edge in numbers, the likely price to paid for once flea-bitten frigid northern province was likely to be too high. The earlier experience with Karelia still haunted the Rurikid clan. So Romny was off the menu for now. He would have to think of something else.
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May 897
Tyuey’s negotiations with Halfdan came to a successful conclusion on 3 May. He gained another province, for himself and for the kingdom.
Interestingly, and despite Ukko’s shenanigans, Tyuey actually appointed Ukko as his regent at this time! He was clearly going to try persuasion to bring the man around. Eilif had his doubts, but it was up to his Jarl to sort his vassals.
And speaking of vassals, with Tyuey’s victory, Eilif reviewed the power and opinions of his vassals and those of Tyuey. It made for some interesting but sobering reading.
Tyuey’s current troop strength was significantly more powerful than his king’s, whether measured by current or total notional strength. Ukko’s opinion of his liege Jarl seemed to be even worse than it had been, but the rest of Tyuey’s longer-term vassals all seemed very pleased with him. For Eilif, with Dyre sidelined, his three other most powerful vassals were all now favourably disposed to his rule.
With Satakunta still maintaining its large standing army and fighting against Sweden, Romny deemed not worth it and a revocation war on Dyre not yet prudent either, Eilif thought he might grab a bit of the disintegrating Könugarðr for himself, by taking Roslavl, bordering on Smaleskja. But when he ran this idea by the Council, he received a rude shock. All the ‘glory hounds’ were against the idea – Könugarðr was now considered too weak to constitute an honourable fight! It hadn’t stopped all his southern vassals from taking pieces – including three of those (Tyuey, Hrolfr and Grimr) who would vote against the idea if it was pushed to a vote! Hypocrites!
And even worse, the Queen Mother Ingjerðr had changed her viewpoint from being a loyalist for her son to joining the ranks of the glory-seekers! There was now a solid phalanx of five of them to contend with. So they would all be cold now on this idea and anything similar – only his practical wife, Queen Ingrid, would side with him in this instance. Any vote would be lost soundly with Eilif incurring the tyrant brand if he pushed ahead anyway. Frustrated yet again, he ordered the Huscarl Company – which had just arrived in Ingria – to proceed to Holmgarðr, while he thought of something else.
Ch70 Q2: Council Viewpoints.More out of interest, but is there much method to how the perspectives of Councillors change and whether there’s much one can do to influence that? I’m talking here about whether they are glory hounds, loyalists, pragmatists etc. And noting that, since the last time we looked a few months back, the Queen Mother went from being a loyalist to a glory hound, for example.
Hot on the heels of making him his regent, on 8 May Tyuey made Ukko his Marshal! That was likely to have provided a major boost to Ukko’s loyalty. Tyuey was clearly serious about wooing him over.
Another interesting morsel of information came to the capital in mid-May. Young King Eirkr of Sviþjod, at the tender age of just 17, had earned the nickname ‘the Depraved’!
“What on earth must he have done to be called that, I wonder!” Eilif exclaimed to Gumarich when he read the message. Perhaps it was his lustful ways?
The next day, reports from one of Tyuey’s outposts in Bryansk said that an army of over 2,700 men from Chernigov was approaching the border with Khopyor. The game was on! At the same time, Marshal Hrolfr advised that Tyuey’s army had downsized back to ‘normal’ levels – an on-call personal demesne levy of around 1,750 men. But the Jarl had much prestige and piety [over 500 of each], so would be no easy target for any potential aggressors. So long as he lived and retained all that power in his own hands, at least. After succession, the great Yaroslavian Jarldom may well break up – as had Rurik’s great demesne on his death.
By 21 May the Swedes had finally taken the last hold in Uusimaa – the whole of Satakunta was now under occupation and Onni's wife and children imprisoned by the Swedish king [warscore 100%]. Onni’s large tribal army (still over 2,300 men) was by then in Kexholm, but the ‘Depraved’ Eirikr had over 6,700 in Uusimaa itself: Onni couldn’t hope to save the situation and must surely concede. Meaning Uusimaa should soon be ripe for the picking!
A week after that, Barsbek proclaimed a new ambition for all to hear and know: he wanted to become the King of Khazaria! He owned just two of the de jure counties himself – the rest were in the hands of Könugarðr, Bulgaria, Mari (Saksa) and the Yabguids. Funnily enough, his current claim on Khopyor would not directly contribute to that ambition. He really needed to start consuming that eastern enclave Bulgaria still owned. Meanwhile, Saksa had used the last of his religious reputation to summon a religious army: it almost matched Barsbek’s main force in size and was following up some of the smaller levies already heading to Khopyor for the confrontation. There was also word of him issuing calls to arms to all his vassals – it was assumed Barsbek would do the same for his (fewer in number as they were).
Barsbek's ambition (above) and the current ownership of those lands (below).
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June-July 897
Onni agreed to terms with Eirikr on 2 September. Suomi was ceded to the Swedes and renamed Finland.
Eilif quickly checked with the Council – they were all in favour of attacking Onni of Satakunta to claim Uusimaa.
In the Chernigov-Mari war, at that time Hrolfr estimated Saksa’s strength as about 3,200 and Barsbek’s at just over 2,800. Of course, this would not take vassals allies into account [both had about 2,000 event troops each].
The next day, the Huscarls (by then back in Holmgarðr) started marching all the way back to Kexholm! Onni had disbanded all his troops and had to find the funds to start ransoming back his family members from Eirikr – who hopefully would not do anything too depraved to them!
Then some news that prompted much head-shaking and amazement throughout the region made its way to Eilif’s study. The Monster had declared a revocation war on one of his own Chiefs on the eastern edge of Mari! One of only two who had so far answered his call to arms for the war against Barsbek! And strangely, young Chief Balgor of Uzen remained at war with Barsbek as Saksa’s ally. These horse lords of the steppe certainly had strange ways!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
As summer was reaching its height in mid-July, Saksa’s main host was in Mordva and would reach Khopyor on 2 August. Unfortunately, Garðariki had no direct visibility over what would happen there. They would have to deduce outcomes from secondary reports.
As July drew to a close, the Huscarls were ready in Kexholm and Onni’s levy had barely regenerated (only 17 men available): taking Uusimaa would be a pushover! Which was exactly the problem. With his large defensive army disbanded, the Council had now gone cold on the idea of conquering Uusimaa – how frustrating!
Eilif, having got an initial go-ahead, had not thought to check again after Onni had demobilised – and all the glory seekers now thought such a project beneath the realm. Again, as with Roslavl, only Queen Ingrid would side with him. So close, but out of grasp again unless he became a tyrant to his vassals. This was becoming very tedious.
Ch70 Q3: A matter of timing?I suppose if I had immediately declared war on Onni after he had concluded his peace with Eirikr but before he had disbanded his army, the Council would have approved it. But them he would have presumably kept his 2,300-strong army, sitting in Kexholm. More just musing out loud: I wasn’t going to do that anyway. It was more just the waste of time positioning for the conquest without having rechecked to Council after he demobilised. You learn something new every time.
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August 897
Someone with no such problems was King Rögnvaldr of Noregr. He had just won his prepared invasion of Holland, carving out a new Jarldom for himself from the hide of Lotharingia. Fittingly, he earned the moniker ‘the Victorious’ from that. Eilif looked on this feat with respect and envy. He hoped his day would come, as it had for the old King of Noregr.
Once again frustrated in his aims for conquest, Eilif thought he may position himself to take advantage of Barsbek’s attack on Saksa. With the additional claim war in the east and Saksa’s illness, he wanted to be able to pounce if the timing seemed right. He sent word to the Huscarls to counter-march, this time with orders to go all the way to the border with Mari: the de jure Garðarikian counties there may be in play! As word reached the troops, Eilif received word that old Þorfinn, the mad ex-Marshal and latterly commander of the field army, had died of natural causes on 15 August, aged 60. A replacement would need to be found.
Meanwhile, it looked like the irresistible force of Barsbek had met the immovable object of Saksa in Khopyor, but there was no indication as yet as to a victor, meaning the combat must still be going (having been due to start on around 2 August). It would hopefully be a bloody battle for both of them. Both men seemed to have called up most of their vassals by then. Balgor was still listed as one of Saksa’s allies but would presumably be too busy fighting Saksa to help him against Barsbek!
Looking to internal Garðarikian candidates for commander first, Hrolfr’s list by merit showed that Chief Vihavald of Ingria was the leading candidate. Although the only non-Germanic man on the list, he was one of the vassals who was getting quite close to a positive attitude. Making him a commander to replace Þorfinn would help a little. It was done.
Just a little more and he could be swung in favour of his king. As usual, cultural and religious differences were the main obstacle. But at least Eilif had established himself to the extent that his reign was no longer considered short.
It was also noticed at this time that the Völva position at court was again vacant. The old crone who had appeared a while back to take it must have died or wandered off, unheralded.
Then, just a week later, the field army lost another commander. Sverker, the stalwart raider and accomplished field commander, had fallen off his horse one day as he accompanied the Huscarls back south. From the accounts given it may be deduced today that a stroke was the most likely cause. He survived, but was rendered incapable. Another vacancy had to be filled. As it happened, the next candidate in line at court was his son, Sölvi – the one who the far-off nephew of the king, Hakon, was still trying to have murdered.
Eilif decided to do right by Sverker and appointed Sölvi to his father’s position. Þorsteinn assumed formal command of the field army. When speaking to Sölvi, the new commander had remarked to the king that he wished to marry so that he could continue the ‘family business’ of soldiering for the Rurikids. Thinking this an admirable sentiment, Eilif said he would see what he could do.
He was as good as his word. In a serendipitous match, Gyða, who had just lost her father Þorfinn the week before, was the match! The children of two renowned commanders were joined – and Eilif hoped he would live to see them have sons who would follow in their grandfathers’ footsteps one day.
This helped improve the King’s mood somewhat after what had been a frustrating period where he wanted war but could not find one because of his Council’s vainglorious ways.
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September 897
A month passed with no great news to report. Then near the end of September, in came in all of a sudden. Hrolfr was the first to report during a Council meeting.
“My King, we have news of the Barsbek and Saksa. Barsbek has taken Khopyor, which gives him a powerful bargaining chip. It looks like both sides have taken considerable casualties, but Barsbek clearly won at least one battle, perhaps two against different forces. We are not aware for sure where either of their main hosts are, but one small group of routing Marian troops has been spotted fleeing north-east in Mordva.”
“This is good news, Hrolfr. I will wait for a while and then am minded to hit Saksa, to start taking the border provinces that rightly belong to us. Perhaps in just over a month, we can hold the first Blot in Garðariki for many years, then take the fight to the Monster. Be ready when the time comes.”
“Of course, My King: Saksa is a worthy opponent. We will also have to keep an eye on whatever forces Tuure has managed to rebuild in Karelia, assuming he honours his alliance with Saksa. Perhaps we could use some of the vassal allies to help secure the north while the rest of us head east?”
“Good thinking, Hrolfr. I only hope that a goodly number respond when I issue the call.”
And just to make sure, Eilif checked his council for views on war with Saksa. The approved wholeheartedly, pragmatist and glory hound alike. For now, anyway. He had finally found something they could all get behind, and Saksa was in the worst position he had been since his meteoric rise began years before.
Next to speak was Chancellor Tyueykezhut, back briefly for the meeting from his work in Narva.
“My King, you mentioned the Blot earlier. As we have discussed previously, all should be ready in just over a month. If you wish to hold it, you must not declare war before then.”
“Yes, understood Tyuey. Is there any limitation on declaring war once the Blot preparations have begun? Or must we remain at peace until it is completed?”
“I’m not too sure of your heath- ah, Germanic ways, My King,” replied Tyuey, hastily trying to correct his slip of the tongue. Before Eilif could ask, he gently held up a supplicatory hand. “And I will ask Hrorekr to put it to the Þing as soon as possible, Sire,”
Ch70 Q4: Blot and War.Just a simple question. Can you declare war after the Blot preparations have been commenced, or must you wait for it to finish completely. And having only done one and that very early on) roughly how long do they take to run through from announcement to finish?
“On another matter, King Eilif, there is word of a large outbreak of disease to the south of the Caucasus Mountains. They call it the ‘small pox’ and it is apparently a very nasty ailment. There are also some smaller outbreaks of the measles, but no other reports or disease anywhere else in Europa or the Mediterranean.”
“I will make an offering to Freya to seek her protection from these afflictions for our people, husband.” Queen Ingrid had similarly made a short trip back from her proselytising work in Luki for the important Council meeting.
“Thank you, Ingrid. I can’t think of anything more we can do against these curses of the Gods. Gumarich, I believe you have a report from my mother’s network of agents?”
“I do, My Liege. There is the usual wide range of plots among vassals and more common folk in the realm. The best news is that your brother’s longstanding plot to kill you has been shut down as a result of his imprisonment.”
“Excellent news indeed, Gumarich. Anything else of significance?”
“Just that Hakon persists with his vile plot to kill Commander Sölvi, but it is him alone that supports it and there seems little chance of it succeeding.”
“We will keep an eye on all this and we have no influence over Hakon to make him stop, but the rest can have their fun for now.”
“My King, I thought you might be interested in how the Novgorodian Band fares," Hrolfr suggested after the spies' report had been reviewed. "We have had a letter from Dan af Belo Ozero – all the way from far-off Aquitaine.”
“Please, tell us what he says.”
“He remains under contract to the Salimid Emirate, which is part of the great Umayyad realm. Emir Barakat claims Urgell in northern Hispania from King Carloman ‘the Accursed’ of Aquitaine. The Band is way to the north in Lusignan. While Barakat’s war goes poorly, Carloman has had his capital taken by the Danes. Your relation by marriage, younf King Rögnvaldr, claims Nantes as his own and pushes his cause vigorously.”
“It is interesting indeed to have a small glimpse of these great and rich realms of the west. How I wish we had the ships to raid their coasts, as in the old days of my father!” At that, Eilif looks a bit leerily at the glory hounds in his Council that have discouraged him from gaining those ships in Uusimaa. “So, has the strength of the band recovered at all?”
“A little. They approach 350 in strength – a long way from their peak, but better than the last time we heard.”[When they were down to around 150, from memory.]
“Right. And what of this Carloman? He rules a great realm and carries a famous name. And why is he called ‘the Accursed’?”
“Perhaps I can help there, My King,” offers Tyuey. “It seems those who know him considered him to be possessed by demons or some such.”
“Quaint views these heathen Christians have.”
I just thought I’d provide this as a little item of interest for all of you who are familiar with French goings-on – a very popular focus for games and AARs. Including a few I follow closely.
“Thank you all. Our meeting today is finished. I look forward to hearing again from the Þing, to a Great Blot to be held soon and then for a cleansing flame to be put to the Monster – it is long overdue.”
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
Ch70 Q1: Blots and Kinslaying.So, Dyre is a prisoner. If he doesn’t die in the oubliette beforehand, I assume that means I could let him die ‘honourably’ in a Great Blot, should I hold one come November (mwahaha)? And would that count as kin-slaying? Or would his death be sanctified by his sacrifice to the Gods?
Ch70 Q2: Council Viewpoints.More out of interest, but is there much method to how the perspectives of Councillors change and whether there’s much one can do to influence that? I’m talking here about whether they are glory hounds, loyalists, pragmatists etc. And noting that, since the last time we looked a few months back, the Queen Mother went from being a loyalist to a glory hound, for example.
Ch70 Q3: A matter of timing?I suppose if I had immediately declared war on Onni after he had concluded his peace with Eirikr but before he had disbanded his army, the Council would have approved it. But them he would have presumably kept his 2,300-strong army, sitting in Kexholm. More just musing out loud: I wasn’t going to do that anyway. It was more just the waste of time positioning for the conquest without having rechecked to Council after he demobilised. You learn something new every time.
Ch70 Q4: Blot and War.Just a simple question. Can you declare war after the Blot preparations have been commenced, or must you wait for it to finish completely. And having only done one and that very early on) roughly how long do they take to run through from announcement to finish?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Eilif must put up with a Council that doesn’t always do what he wills it to, dominated by those who seek glory for its own sake, even to the possible detriment of the practical interests of the realm. But that is what he must work with in these ‘empowered’ times.
With acknowledgement to GRRM’s ASOIAF/AGOT (a series I had read through before it ever came to TV). But it did seem appropriate.
I think he won't stop until he declares the kingdom of Ruthenia as he is a nationalist rebel leader (he is a Khazar and I'm not sure if Khazar is the de jure culture of the kingdom of Ruthenia but still he's a liberator and he's operating in Ruthenia so that must be it) and in fact that's one reason he might be useful to us as a vassal. We already have a bunch of Ruthenian provinces and Barsbek is trying to conquer a lot of them to be able to create the title. If he is our vassal, when he's 6-7 provinces away from creating the title we'd already be able to do so so his liberating lust will be working for us.
Three days later, confronted with the grim-faced Hrolfr, Dyre submitted to his arrest. Given the charges, there was no rush to arms in his court. But he was in no way pleased!
Ch70 Q1: Blots and Kinslaying.So, Dyre is a prisoner. If he doesn’t die in the oubliette beforehand, I assume that means I could let him die honourably in a Great Blot, should I hold one come November (mwahaha)? And would that count as kin-slaying? Or would his death be sanctified by his sacrifice to the Gods?
“The weasel! I can see now what you have had to put up with, My King,” fumed the morose Jarl. “He has founded a faction to install my brother Kezhevat as Jarl of Yaroslavl! The effrontery! The treachery! The betrayal by family!”
And the big news kept coming before the month was over. High Chief Barsbek the Liberator of Chernigov was the latest to challenge the so-far invincible High Chief Saksa the Monster of Mari! [A King Kong vs Godzilla match-up if ever there was one.] He had been unable to sustain his ambition to see his realm prosper in peace and left his carousing behind to once again go to war.
oh this is surprising for me too, I thought Barsbek was going for Ruthenia but is he in fact going for Khazaria? This makes sense and answers my question about him being a Khazar trying to have a kingdom in Ruthenia. I think my earlier plan can be regarded as crap. Still he can be an interesting character in our court
Interestingly, and despite Ukko’s shenanigans, Tyuey actually appointed Ukko as his regent at this time! He was clearly going to try persuasion to bring the man around. Eilif had his doubts, but it was up to his Jarl to sort his vassals.
Ch70 Q2: Council Viewpoints.More out of interest, but is there much method to how the perspectives of Councillors change and whether there’s much one can do to influence that? I’m talking here about whether they are glory hounds, loyalists, pragmatists etc. And noting that, since the last time we looked a few months back, the Queen Mother went from being a loyalist to a glory hound, for example.
Ch70 Q3: A matter of timing?I suppose if I had immediately declared war on Onni after he had concluded his peace with Eirikr but before he had disbanded his army, the Council would have approved it. But them he would have presumably kept his 2,300-strong army, sitting in Kexholm. More just musing out loud: I wasn’t going to do that anyway. It was more just the waste of time positioning for the conquest without having rechecked to Council after he demobilised. You learn something new every time.
you're correct here, and sometimes the council is just being idiots. Now the problem is, except for the once in a lifetime CB, all the wars council would approve would be against a strong army (unless you can catch a realm already fighting another war like Mari) and for only 1 province. You can try replacing some council members but there's already a fine balance there and I believe being Norse pushes the council members to being glory seekers.
Although, I'm not 100% sure if Onni's army would've stayed or gone.
Someone with no such problems was King Rögnvaldr of Noregr. He had just won his prepared invasion of Holland, carving out a new Jarldom for himself from the hide of Lotharingia. Fittingly, he earned the moniker ‘the Victorious’ from that. Eilif looked on this feat with respect and envy. He hoped his day would come, as it had for the old King of Noregr.
Just a little more and he could be swung in favour of his king. As usual, cultural and religious differences were the main obstacle. But at least Eilif had established himself to the extent that his reign was no longer considered short.
Eilif decided to do right by Sverker and appointed Sölvi to his father’s position. Þorsteinn assumed formal command of the field army. When speaking to Sölvi, the new commander had remarked to the king that he wished to marry so that he could continue the ‘family business’ of soldiering for the Rurikids. Thinking this an admirable sentiment, Eilif said he would see what he could do.
Good RP, but as a side note keep in mind Martial 12 and 16 are major cutoff points where good tactics have increased chances of happening (8-12-16 major, 10-14 minor ones and a few 7, 9-13-17 and a few 18). So commanders having over 18 martial is of no use that I know of, and at least 16 is highly desirable. >18 martial + some good commander traits is the best combination.
He was as good as his word. In a serendipitous match, Gyða, who had just lost her father Þorfinn the week before, was the match! The children of two renowned commanders were joined – and Eilif hoped he would live to see them have sons who would follow in their grandfathers’ footsteps one day.
I think King Eilif should pay a little more attention to the constant rise of power of his chancellor; as much as I sympatize the morose and experienced Jarl of Yaroslav, it could create some problems to the stability of the realm if he becomes dissatisfied in time (somehow it goes well with his character to be malcontent)... Otherwise, great riddance of that treacherous excuse for the brother.
I think King Eilif should pay a little more attention to the constant rise of power of his chancellor; as much as I sympatize the morose and experienced Jarl of Yaroslav, it could create some problems to the stability of the realm if he becomes dissatisfied in time (somehow it goes well with his character to be malcontent)... Otherwise, great riddance of that treacherous excuse for the brother.
To be honest, I'm trying to appease Tyuey while he lives, but hope he dies of natural causes soon and his big bloc is broken up and much more manageable (though it may be more chaotic).
I think he won't stop until he declares the kingdom of Ruthenia as he is a nationalist rebel leader (he is a Khazar and I'm not sure if Khazar is the de jure culture of the kingdom of Ruthenia but still he's a liberator and he's operating in Ruthenia so that must be it) and in fact that's one reason he might be useful to us as a vassal. We already have a bunch of Ruthenian provinces and Barsbek is trying to conquer a lot of them to be able to create the title. If he is our vassal, when he's 6-7 provinces away from creating the title we'd already be able to do so so his liberating lust will be working for us.
this has been smooth
That I have no idea about mechanically but sounds good RP-wise
hahahahahahahah they never fail to amuse
oh this is surprising for me too, I thought Barsbek was going for Ruthenia but is he in fact going for Khazaria? This makes sense and answers my question about him being a Khazar trying to have a kingdom in Ruthenia. I think my earlier plan can be regarded as crap. Still he can be an interesting character in our court
How pissed Eilif would be if Ukko somehow wrestled the Jarldom from Tyuey and became a bigger pain in the ass
I haven't found a way to change that (it may exist), but I was changing the council members
That is for torturing prisoners I believe.
Just as I realized albeit only minutes ago
you're correct here, and sometimes the council is just being idiots. Now the problem is, except for the once in a lifetime CB, all the wars council would approve would be against a strong army (unless you can catch a realm already fighting another war like Mari) and for only 1 province. You can try replacing some council members but there's already a fine balance there and I believe being Norse pushes the council members to being glory seekers.
Although, I'm not 100% sure if Onni's army would've stayed or gone.
That's where I live! I would've preferred Eilif than this Rognvaldr, or the Willem Alexander we have now
If only they could see the true ways of Norse religion!
Good RP, but as a side note keep in mind Martial 12 and 16 are major cutoff points where good tactics have increased chances of happening (8-12-16 major, 10-14 minor ones and a few 7, 9-13-17 and a few 18). So commanders having over 18 martial is of no use that I know of, and at least 16 is highly desirable. >18 martial + some good commander traits is the best combination.
Breeding humans is one of the funnest aspects of this game.
Thank you - I will wait to the Thing for the major response, but yes, although the last period was rather frustrating, there was some fun to be had. Eilif will get there eventually, I hope!
To be honest, I'm trying to appease Tyuey while he lives, but hope he dies of natural causes soon and his big bloc is broken up and much more manageable (though it may be more chaotic).
To be honest, I'm trying to appease Tyuey while he lives, but hope he dies of natural causes soon and his big bloc is broken up and much more manageable (though it may be more chaotic).
No, I’d need to check. But I did notice his heir changed from his brother recently (kezhevat) so maybe that’s why there’s a faction backing him now. Will look at it some time in the near future.
I have no concrete info on this I never played Blot but game mechanics wise it feels like it will not be fratricide. Although, disregard this post when deciding
THIS is why I don't let my Council have ANY power at all. They are aides and helpers. Nothing more! Unless I gain even more lands....then I might need to give them power to help keep the Realm in one piece. But that is a future bridge to burn when I get to it.
Three days later, confronted with the grim-faced Hrolfr, Dyre submitted to his arrest. Given the charges, there was no rush to arms in his court. But he was in no way pleased!
Eilif could ignore the request – and Dyre would be pissed off. He could put him under house arrest, which would make Dyre hate him marginally less than he already did. Or he could release him, hoping he had learned his lesson. Or … Eilif quickly made his decision.
“His dark cell with the other prisoners is too good for him. Throw the ingrate into the oubliette!”
Ch70 Q1: Blots and Kinslaying.So, Dyre is a prisoner. If he doesn’t die in the oubliette beforehand, I assume that means I could let him die honourably in a Great Blot, should I hold one come November (mwahaha)? And would that count as kin-slaying? Or would his death be sanctified by his sacrifice to the Gods?
I didn't know this offhand, but unfortunately my research in various sources seems to consistently point in one direction: Sacrificing close kin at a blot is considered kin-slaying, just as executing them or deliberately killing them in a duel.
Ch70 Q2: Council Viewpoints.More out of interest, but is there much method to how the perspectives of Councillors change and whether there’s much one can do to influence that? I’m talking here about whether they are glory hounds, loyalists, pragmatists etc. And noting that, since the last time we looked a few months back, the Queen Mother went from being a loyalist to a glory hound, for example.
As previously noted, you can almost always buy a Favor from a councilor, then call it in to have them support your vote, or else offer them a Favor from you in exchange for their support (though this can sometimes result in them calling it in for something that goes against your best interests...), which always overrides other preferences. As @diskoerekto notes, though, it is often easier to change a councilor entirely than it is to change their vote
As for the Queen Mother's shift in stance: Judging by the information on the page, I suspect that she's upset at Eilif for imprisoning Dyre -- even if they're rivals, they're still both her children, after all. I'd check her opinion modifiers for something along the lines of "Imprisoned my Son" or "Imprisoned X" and see how it factors into the overall opinion calculation.
Ch70 Q3: A matter of timing?I suppose if I had immediately declared war on Onni after he had concluded his peace with Eirikr but before he had disbanded his army, the Council would have approved it. But them he would have presumably kept his 2,300-strong army, sitting in Kexholm. More just musing out loud: I wasn’t going to do that anyway. It was more just the waste of time positioning for the conquest without having rechecked to Council after he demobilised. You learn something new every time.
Of note: While researching the above info, I noticed that the Glory Hounds' "Enemy is too weak!" trigger is met if your realm is about three times stronger than theirs, with possible allies (including tribal vassals) factored into the calculation on both sides.
As word reached the troops, Eilif received word that old Þorfinn, the mad ex-Marshal and latterly commander of the field army, had died of natural causes on 15 August, aged 60. A replacement would need to be found.
Ch70 Q4: Blot and War.Just a simple question. Can you declare war after the Blot preparations have been commenced, or must you wait for it to finish completely. And having only done one and that very early on) roughly how long do they take to run through from announcement to finish?
To be on the safe side, I'd wait until the blot finishes and you get the appropriate modifier. I'm not 100% certain on blots in particular, but I know that ongoing feasts can be broken up due to war, and the "afterparty" seems to use the same feast mechanics.
1) Unless this has changed in recent patches, you will definitely git kin-slayer. I learned this the hard way.
2) Their traits play into it, mostly. But especially loyal ones might become loyalists (above 95 opinion), and especially disloyal (anything below 0) might become malcontent.
3) I think you have the right of it. That can be the trade-off: depending on your council they might not want an easy fight. Of course, they often aren't the ones doing the fighting.
4) If it's anything like the Christian tournaments, declaring war after its started will cancel the Blot. And I believe it can take a couple of months to run all the way through. I'd fight the war now.
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