We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Anyway, looks like the Teutons are quite a thorn in the Norse's side. As Poland has feudalized now, they are in a state of great weakness, and the Danes tried to take advantage of that. But as a prepared invasion, adjacent Christians sadly came to Witosz's aid. Things will be tough, and it doesn't help that the raiders were defeated in Umayyad lands.
They definitely are. Without the Teutons, and with Russia helping Denmark (eventually), it would have probably been a fairly quick and easy Norse win. And losing the 700 men in Spain was a real pain, but at least not fatal.
Halsten the Monster is another of those people worthy of their own saga. Once he's taken Borkvard down a notch, he'll likely terrorize the surrounding Christians with the army from his adventuring days.
Eilif should really take a more active stance in these days, or he's likely to lose his army against the Teutons - and there are always people waiting for any show of weakness, within the fellowship and without.
Now, I have the advantage of knowing what Eilif does next and how it goes (at least in the next little while), but generally how active a stance were you thinking of for him? I’d be interested to compare it to what happens next in the following chapter. I’d probably weave it into the story as ‘discussion at a military folk moot’ or some such.
Click on the red head of her death, it will take you to her killer. Look for 'known murderer' trait or modifer. Also if her children are rivals with her killer. 'Known murderer' means regular murder, no malus or rivalry with survivor means spymaster trying to stop scheme. This is what happened when Helgi murdered your daughter and did not become kinslayer.
His choice was the wise raven: mainly chosen because he realised his own stewardship skills were his weakest personal area. And in the Fellowship, buffing intrigue skills a little was always a useful thing.
June brought momentous news and an important decision for Eilif: Denmark had declared war on Poland King Þorlofr was demanding Russian support. Eilif did not want to break the alliance and certainly did not want the opprobrium of being labelled an Alliance Breaker. And he wouldn’t mind seeing Poland taken down a peg or two.
I wanted Poland for us, but it makes no matter as long as the pagans in Baltic area are getting isolated from the Christians (either by us or our Danish brethren)
By 28 December, the surviving troops were aboard with the 290 gold they had collected to that point. The long a subdued voyage back to safe territory in Sussex (owned by Jarl Bertil) commenced.
700 men lost might be regarded as a good result, it could've been a disaster too, and it's really a snoozefest to watch over a raiding army when stuff is happening elsewhere so no fault on you
Word came that Warchief Palnatoke of the Jomsvikings, fighting under contract in Bedford (England) at the time, had joined the pagan pact opposing Eilif. What a cheek, wrote the Emperor in his Infernal Journal. May Loki strike the scoundrel dead for such insolence to his Fylkir and ingratitude for past favours shown.
Huh? Strange, isn't he a vassal of a vassal? In any case, I wonder if calling him to capital for building a hospital option was really there, have you checked?
Now, I have the advantage of knowing what Eilif does next and how it goes (at least in the next little while), but generally how active a stance were you thinking of for him? I’d be interested to compare it to what happens next in the following chapter. I’d probably weave it into the story as ‘discussion at a military folk moot’ or some such.
Just the usual stuff, you know - actually ruling instead of killing his own peasants . Though it wouldn't hurt to lead his men into battle, too. IIRC, he's not too bad at it, and being an impaler is very good for your martial prowess, increasing morale damage.
He's far from that, but with enough morale modifiers, a commander leading a small elite force even of light infantry can rout huge enemy armies.
Nah. If the Danes win, they'll seize all Polish Pomeranian provinces (and any other ones they occupied), but nothing else. Would make the Danes a useful ally.
Nah. If the Danes win, they'll seize all Polish Pomeranian provinces (and any other ones they occupied), but nothing else. Would make the Danes a useful ally.
Click on the red head of her death, it will take you to her killer. Look for 'known murderer' trait or modifer. Also if her children are rivals with her killer. 'Known murderer' means regular murder, no malus or rivalry with survivor means spymaster trying to stop scheme. This is what happened when Helgi murdered your daughter and did not become kinslayer.
I wanted Poland for us, but it makes no matter as long as the pagans in Baltic area are getting isolated from the Christians (either by us or our Danish brethren)
700 men lost might be regarded as a good result, it could've been a disaster too, and it's really a snoozefest to watch over a raiding army when stuff is happening elsewhere so no fault on you
Huh? Strange, isn't he a vassal of a vassal? In any case, I wonder if calling him to capital for building a hospital option was really there, have you checked?
Nah. If the Danes win, they'll seize all Polish Pomeranian provinces (and any other ones they occupied), but nothing else. Would make the Danes a useful ally.
Just the usual stuff, you know - actually ruling instead of killing his own peasants . Though it wouldn't hurt to lead his men into battle, too. IIRC, he's not too bad at it, and being an impaler is very good for your martial prowess, increasing morale damage.
He's far from that, but with enough morale modifiers, a commander leading a small elite force even of light infantry can rout huge enemy armies.
The session was played through, so he'll consider the advice about leading into battle subsequently. There's been a Rurikid phobia about it though: one got imprisoned and castrated, then another killed in battle when he broke the Rurikid Tradition and also went into battle. I'll be hesitant to do it before his heir is of age.
Chapter 130: The Last Laugh (1 October 968 to 1 June 970)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Loki had laughed once again at the Dark Fylkir, who presumed to serve his ends in the world of men. The ambush of the Russian Raiders by a great Muslim host at the Battle of Espinheiro in Hispania in December 867 had cost 700 lives and led the remaining warriors to flee back to Sussex by ship to recover.
After a promising start by the Danes, a great army of the Teutonic Order had been called upon by the Poles and the Danish invasion of Pomerania was thrown back in disarray. More levies were mustered in Russia and have begun a campaign to aid Denmark’s war, for which Eilif had been bound by treaty and honour to join, by marching to attack Poland’s eastern holdings. Hakon sailed from Sussex with a rebuilt host of over 5,000 men to Holstein in June, with another 1,100 troops to follow when the boats returned for them. They would do what they could from that direction.
Meanwhile, Jarl Bertil II had launched another war of conquest in February 968, this time against King Louis V of West Francia for Brugge. But old Bertil had died a month later, leaving his son Jarl Bertil III to carry on that fight and the Skáld family’s name. Bertil’s death had been followed by the murder of Spymaster High Chieftess Ingrid of Lithuania in April, to be replaced by Bertil III, at last bringing King Sigurðr onto the Council as Advisor.
Then in July, Ingrid’s son and successor Gandalfr, just 13 years old, was murdered at the orders of an unknown assailant – to be replaced by his own father Einarr as Jarl. By September, Werle was under siege by a smaller Teutonic army, while Hakon closed on them with almost twice their number. But he waited cautiously for the rest of his army to join him before attacking. The main Polish-Teutonic army (over 13,000 men) was then in northern Poland, reclaiming land taken in a side-war.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
October 968
On 1 October, Hakon was in Polish-held Liubice, to the west of the Teutons in Werle. His siege of the castle of Travemünde was fairly well progressed (about three quarters complete). The rest of his army arrived that day, bringing his strength to over 6,300, with the nearby Teutons in Werle then a little over 2,800 strong. Hakon intended to finish the siege first, then attack.
On 12 October, the new Jomsviking Warchief Ermengau was made an offer of vassalisation. Just five days later, Þorgil of Sussex (one of Bertil’s vassals) won his war for Norfolk – and the Jomsvikings were finally released from their contract. The very next day, Eilif called them to his banner: they would help to counter the great strength of the Teutons in the Germanic-Catholic showdown over Pomerania being waged by Denmark.
Morag was given command of the Jomsvikings (Ermengau being holed up in besieged Werle) in Holmgarðr and began marching the over 7,600-strong Holy Order army to join the levies in the campaign in eastern Poland.
The same day, Eilif was presented an opportunity to increase his learning – another of his weaker areas. He took it, even if it meant granting his Chancellor Arnbjörn a favour: what real harm can come of that, he thought to himself. Time – and the Gods – would be the judges, no doubt.
At this point, King Witosz of Poland had three wars to contend with. He was winning to smaller conflicts with ambitious Chiefs (including of Werle) trying to carve off pieces of his kingdom. And while the Danish invasion remained notionally in King Þorolfr’s favour, the arrival of the Teutons had turned the tables, giving Poland the momentum.
Victory in the siege of Travemünde came on 25 October: Hakon had lost 182 men achieving this. Three days later, the militarily second-rate and cowardly Warchief Ermengau, secluded in Jomsburg, smuggled out a letter agreeing to swear fealty to Eilif.
And Hakon was on his way from Liudice to relieve Werle: Ermengau would soon be shown the mettle of his new liege, who wasted no time in marching to his rescue.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
November-December 968
November began with news that Chichayka the Sedure, Hel Deputy and murderer of Eilif's previous spymaster and a prisoner after his failed rebellion against the Jarl of Vladimir, was exposed and burned at the stake by a local chief - the Cupbearer of Lithuania, Tylze the Purifier. The Lithuanian Curse spread its web far and rebounded on those who sought to benefit from it.
By early November, Hakon was in Weligrad, though in marching through it he suffered attrition from supply shortages and an outbreak of slow fever (10% combined). The sooner they were through and attacking the Teutons in Werle, the better, as far as he was concerned.
And on 6 November, Hakon had his wish. With still over twice the enemy’s total strength, and the better commanders, the skirmishing began. The one area the enemy host had the advantage in was light and especially heavy cavalry. The Russians had the better of the skirmishing, but did not have things all their own way.
A fierce melee had broken out all along the line by 25 November, in which the enemy cavalry inflicted heavy losses on the Russians, even as the morale of the outnumbered Teutons failed more quickly. The enemy’s right broke the next day, then the other two divisions by the 28th as the Russian pursuit began. Hakon had won a hard but clear victory in the Battle of Stralsund by 6 December, doing much to reverse the recent trajectory of the war.
As the battle against the Teutons raged, back in Nygarðr more mundane politics were at play. By 8 November, the Emperor’s Council now numbered two Loyalists (Seer Hysing and the secretly Hel-worshipping Marshal Gnupa), two Zealots (Spymaster Jarl Bertil III and Advisor Larj Tryggve) and three Glory Hounds (Chancellor Arnbjörn, Steward Jarl Gorm and Advisor King SygurSteward Jarl Gorm and Advisor King Sigurðr).
Seeking to extend his influence even further, Eilif gave Bertil a rich ‘gift’ in the hope of making him even more loyal, to support his delayed legislative agenda. But the money was wasted: the very next day Bertil was slain by none other than Sigurðr’s Seer and fellow Witch Hunter, but apparently in a ‘private’ capacity this time! The title went to his son Jarl Ormr, still in his minority. The chuckling of Loki was seemingly audible to the frustrated Emperor.
However, a silver lining shone from this dark cloud: the replacement spymaster proved to be a Loyalist at heart and gave Eilif the final vote he needed. The new Regulated Inheritance law was put to the Council on 12 November and would be approved by 2 December.
Politics was always a treacherous game, however. Jarl Buðli ‘the Ill-Ruler’ of Belo Ozero dared to found a faction in Gorm’s name for the Imperial Crown on 16 November. Eilif was in no mood to placate the troublesome vassal this time: a Jotun [150 Dark Power] was summoned to possess him! The conjuration began formally on 24 November.
It wasn’t until over a month later that word came to Eilif of Buðli’s fate: the same day he had declared a claim war on the Jarl of Yaroslavl, the Jotun to possession of his mind and soul! He at least now had a positive opinion of his kinsman – even if it was forced!
The Teutonic Army defeated in Werle fled south to Altmark (at that time a Polish-owned county) after the Battle of Stralsund. But Hakon did not give chase. Instead, by 12 December the bulk of his army began embarking on the Russian fleet that had shadowed him along the Pomeranian coast. A smaller element of around 500 men would be picked up later.
On 19 December, Hakon’s army was all aboard and heading for the Russian outpost in Memel, where he would be closer to the approaching Jomsviking band approaching from the capital.
In the winter cold of mid-December, various troublemakers sought to build factions, but none were strong enough to cause concern. The faction founded in Gorm’s name did not attract his support.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
January-April 969
On the day after his possession, Jarl Buðli obligingly vacated the leadership of the Jarl Gorm faction on 3 January.
Following the success of the possession of Jarl Buðli, Eilif decided to throw around more of his abundant Dark Power: what is it worth if it’s never spent? he asked of himself rhetorically in his Infernal Journal in mid-January. There is one way to ensure old Gorm never turns against me.Another loyal servant to bend to my will!
Even as Hakon was making landfall in Memel, the main Polish-Teutonic army (around 13,400 men) had marched across and began laying siege to Werle again in the second week of January. Though the winter conditions and slow fever would cause them significant attrition [12.6% monthly].
Which was fine with the Russians now all many miles to the east. The advance guard levy army in Turov completed its siege of the tribal holding there on 13 January, losing none of its 2,100 men, even as Eilif conjured another Jotun for Gorm back in Nygarðr. This was balanced six days later with the fall of Waren in Werle for just 83 enemy casualties [warscore +25%].
Hakon’s army, reinforced by the outlying element and regaining condition in Memel, numbered over 5,500 men by 19 January.
As the war went into a slower phase and the elements of a Russian Grand Army slowly converged in eastern Poland, Eilif explored possibilities for the revocation of his brother Prince Ingolfr’s title of the potentially rich county of Sarpa. His strength on Council was now just enough for him to gain their approval: but the opinion penalty he would suffer with the rest of his vassals was not deemed worth the game, especially in time of war.
Out of spite – and hoping to eventually provoke a reaction – Eilif made the unruly Ingolfr Court jester instead! He also granted the prestigious post of Lawspeaker to Jarl Einarr – who it would be better to have as a friend than an enemy. If he could survive for long in that now perilous title.
The next day came word that Eilif’s ally King Borkvard of Jorvik had lost the Civil War for Seniority to the far more powerful Halsten the Monster. No surprises there!
On 3 March the Bishopric of Dubrovitsya fell for no Russian loss [warscore +27%], completing the occupation of Turov. By then, Morag had brought the Jomsviking army to reinforce, with 9,850 troops now in the Eastern Army.
This host had marched west through (friendly) Pinsk was investing the county of Podlasie by 2 April. Hakon remained in Memel, rebuilding his force (now 5,825 strong) and not wishing to risk the winter attrition the surrounding neutral counties would bring if he started marching through them. A small enemy force (around 580 men) had slipped into Turov by them and had begun a siege of their own.
The last existing defensive pact against Eilif was dissolved on 10 April 969: and here he was embroiled in this seemingly interminable was against the Poles (principally the Teutonic Order) on behalf of the Danes. How frustrating!
For now, the strategy was to chip away at Poland’s eastern holdings and hope to catch the enemy either piecemeal, or with the combined Russian host in a strong defensive position the Poles might attempt to attack at a tactical disadvantage. But all the while, other opportunities for Russian expansion were going begging. To Loki’s great amusement, no doubt.
On 13 April, Folki took a detachment of over 2,500 Jomsviking troops back east to Turov to flush out the Polish regiment attempting to retake it, leaving almost 7,300 men to besiege Podlasie.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
May-July 969
The ‘Lithuanian Curse’ continued to grow more deadly on 2 May, with the death of Jarl Einarr from ‘severe stress’ (probably a stroke). His brother Borkvard took over – a man of modest ability and whose view of his Emperor was completely neutral.
Hakon had turned over command of the army in Memel to Gunnarr in mid-April, when they started marching towards Poland. By 3 May they were approaching the northern Polish county of Plock, despite the long-lasting poor conditions. Gunnarr hoped to catch a company of about 300 Polish troops there, but his own numbers had been whittled down by attrition to only 4,930 men by that time.
On 12 May, Folki closed on the Polish troops in Turov with a single division of the Jomsvikings, all concentrated on the Russian right. He made short work of the Poles. By 2 June the pursuit was over and one of their commanders had been captured – who paid his own ransom to free himself. [But other losses in the West had reduced the warscore to +22%, even with this victory.]
The battle duly won, Folki headed back to the main army in Podlasie. At the same time (12-24 May), Gunnarr fell on the unfortunate Polish company in Plock and slaughtered them all, losing just three men in the process (Russia 3/4,92; Poland all 296 killed).
While these skirmishes were fought, Podlasie tribe fell on 19 May (no Russian losses).
As the Polish sieges continued, a month later the Housecarl Training Ground was finished in Nygarðr (Holmgarðr county). Two days later, an upgrade of the castle walls in Yamsky Gorodok (Torzhok) wer begun. The increase to both levy size and tax income would be welcomed.
As June wore on, dispositions in Poland saw the main Polish-Teuton army concentrated in the west and now numbering over 16,000 men. The Russians were more spread out in the east but could concentrate fairly quickly if necessary. A small Danish army lurked in the centre, but their intentions were unknown and they were too few in number to have any significant impact.
Victory in the siege of Sejny in Podlasie (no Russian loss) on 7 July saw that county fully occupied and the main army re-formed under Olafr, numbering 9,800 men. He now marched west to Czersk. Gunnarr had just under 5,000 men in Plock, with the siege on the tribal hold there well progressed.
Back in Läänemaa (part of Eilif’s personal demesne), the building program for the fort there continued, seeking to make it a feudal county.
Plock tribe also fell on 22 July, yielding two prisoners. One of them, a child named Danuta, was ransomed to High Chief Miroslaw for 10 gold. The other, a woman named Dobrava, had no ransom available: should nothing be paid, her fate in Eilif’s dungeon was likely to be grim. She would be lucky (if that was the bon mot) to survive until the next blot.
The next day, the main Polish army (16,200 men) was sighted in Lower Silesia (central Poland), marching east to Kalisz. Olafr (9,800) and Gunnarr (4,900) at siege in Czersk and Plock respectively, booth shielded by the wide Vistula River.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
August 969 – January 970
But by mid-August, the Poles had turned north to Poznan and were now making west again for Brandenburg. Perhaps they had been distracted by the Danes, who were to the south of Brandenburg by then. This delay was used to good effect in progressing the two Russian sieges.
Soon after, Godi Hjalmar of Worms appeared again in Eilif’s journal, this time combining with King Sigurðr to burn another junior Fellowship member. Some dark fate might be suitable for this meddler, but Eilif did not wish to offend (or indeed alert) his brother if it could be helped.
Czersk tribe (624 Russians killed) and Pruszkow (no loss, completing the occupation of Plock) both fell on 10 September [warscore to +30%]. Gunnarr (Hakon had a flank command within the army at this time) took his army west to Kujawy, nestling in a bend of the Vistula: a very strong defensive position, while Olafr sought to complete the occupation of Czersk.
Olafr finished his task by 16 October [warscore +33%] and began marching via occupied Plock to join the advance guard in Kujawy. By then, the Poles had reached Brandenburg and the Danes still hovered around in the centre.
Inowroclaw fell to Gunnarr and Hakon on 30 October and this also brought a holy Christian relic into Eilif’s possession. It was of no material use to a Germanic owner, but Eilif sought to boost his own prestige by having it displayed in the main temple in Holmgarðr as a trophy of war.
Perhaps this bone brought him luck after all, as the very day his concubine Gytha became pregnant after Eilif had once more done his ‘melancholy duty’ as Emperor.
Another successful siege on 25 November saw the war swing further in favour of the Germanic side, with only an easy siege of Radziejów needed to complete the occupation of Kujawy. But by then, the main enemy army had returned from its business in the west and was approaching Kalisz from Lower Silesia once more. The Poles had about 2,000 more men than the Russians, but if they attacked they would have to do so over the Vistula, which should prove a major obstacle and might even up the odds, or perhaps even give the Russians a narrow advantage. The Russian stood fast for now and awaiting the next move of the Poles.
Their intent was revealed a week later: their commander, one Count Diepold (with Teutonic, Franconian and Thüringian armies under command) arrived in Kalisz on 2 December and began making preparations to cross the Vistula straight away. This would put the attackers at a considerable tactical disadvantage.
There was still plenty of time for the Russians to retreat if they wished, as the crossing would take some time to complete. But they decided to stand their ground: it would be death or glory in this great clash between huge Catholic and Germanic armies in the heart of Poland. Pole against Russia, Teuton against Jomsviking. Eilif wanted an end of the war one way or another and was determined to have the last laugh this time.
The battle of Kruszwica began on a cold mid-December morning. The two sides were broadly even in heavy infantry, the Poles with an advantage in archers and especially heavy cavalry (almost 1,500 knights). The Russians had more light infantry and pikemen. But as the skirmish phase turned to melee on 1 January, despite the river defence and a shortening of the line on the left, the Russians were taking the heavier casualties and their morale suffered. Within six days, the whole Russian-Jomsviking line had broken and a vicious pursuit was led by the enemy cavalry.
By 14 January the catastrophe was complete and the Russians fled towards Memel in a panicked rout. The Jomsvikings had borne many of the over 5,000 casualties, but both the Russian Guard and Levies were hard hit. The war was swung massively towards the Poles’ favour, wiping out the previous hard-won siege and battle gains. And Eilif’s whole strategy for winning the war and rescuing the flagging Danish effort was shattered.
Filled with frustration and rage, Eilif conjured some of the strongest and foulest magic in his power, using the seiðr to send a Tainted Touch to infect his victorious opponent, King Witosz. He did not care whether this might lead to the end of the war or not: he just wanted revenge, pure and simple.
But such was his recent use of Dark Power, crowned with this most blatant use of Hellish magic yet, that suspicions at last began to form around Eilif, despite his best efforts to suppress such rumours.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
1 February to 1 June 970
By 30 January, the Jomsvikings had a new Warchief, but Eilif was done with the grief and expense of the war in support of the Danes, whose prospects now lay in a well of despond. He had in his own eyes done his part and far more and would now withdraw from the conflict. Had he been able to conclude a separate peace with the Poles, he would have done so. The Jomsvikings, having failed their great test against the Teutons, were dismissed.
There was a small piece of good news on 3 February when the war against West Francia for Brugge was won on behalf of young Jarl Oddr. The Brabantian thirst for conquest remained unquenched.
A week later, somewhat silly-sounding news arrived from England: King Bjorkvard had been dubbed ‘the Lord of Jorvik’! [Doh.]
On 2 March, the rout back to Memel ended. Hakon took 5,771 troops back by ship to deal with some raiders in Kexholm (their maximum capacity), leaving 3,688 men in Memel for now. The Polish army had headed back south-west and were now poised to attack the small Danish army there.
The 340 unlucky Finnish raiders in Kexholm therefore felt Hakon’s full wrath on 24 March. By 2 April all the raiders had been killed, for only two Russians killed.
As March drew to a close, Eilif was told that, like two of his predecessors as head of the Rurikid dynasty (the founder and his namesake, Eilif I), he had been given the moniker ‘the Wise’. At that point, he felt nothing like it – as Loki’s mocking laughter reinforced as he struggled for sleep that night.
In early April Hrane Yngling, the new Jomsviking Warchief, let it be known that his heavily reduced Order was available for re-hire at a bargain basement cost, with no monthly upkeep payment required.
Ch 130 Q1: Jomsvikings. Would their strength gradually regenerate if rehired and left on Russian territory? Is their no-fee deal because it is a war against the heathens? Or because they were so badly depleted? Or as he is now Eilif’s vassal? If I have something new for them to do, would it be worth taking them back on board again (the piety cost is minimal for Eilif)?
Then as May began, Eilif pondered his options. First, he dismissed all his own and vassal levies remaining under arms, leaving the depleted Guard (1,382 men) in Kexholm.
One expansion option was a new war against the ever-cheeky Karelians. They would not countenance becoming vassals of the Russian Emperor (who they hated and whose foreign culture they despised). But the Council would approve a declaration of war to conquer Uusimaa – thus linking Russia with Sweden via a Finnish land bridge.
The Polish war situation had deteriorated further [-11% warscore]. He now intended to let it run its course, until Þorolfr conceded defeat.
Ch 130 Q2: Ending the War.I couldn’t find any way to either negotiate a separate peace nor prevail on Þorolfr to do so. Does that sound right, or was I not looking hard enough?
Council affiliations had drifted a little, with Seer Hysing joining the Glory Hounds, Edmund and Gnupa remaining in the Loyalist faction and Tryggve the sole Zealot. But all were generally supportive – to some degree.
A few days later, Eilif took out his frustrations on that prisoner taken in Poland some months before – in happier days.
The main holdings of Brabant on the continent were at least in good shape at that time, with both Artois and Brugge having been added in relatively recent times.
1 June brought another small piece of good news, with yet another son born to the Dark Fylkir: not bad going for one whose first preference was not the company of women (his seventh child and fourth son).
Eilif’s heir, Prince Styrbjörn, was now ten years of age, but the Emperor had three spares if required.
Three more counties had been converted to Germanicism over this period: Pfalz on 30 November 968, Belgorod on 17 October 969 and Votyaki on 3 January 970.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
Ch 130 Q1: Jomsvikings. Would their strength gradually regenerate if rehired and left on Russian territory? Is their no-fee deal because it is a war against the heathens? Or because they were so badly depleted? Or as he is now Eilif’s vassal? If I have something new for them to do, would it be worth taking them back on board again (the piety cost is minimal for Eilif)? Ch 130 Q2: Ending the War. I couldn’t find any way to either negotiate a separate peace nor prevail on Þorolfr to do so. Does that sound right, or was I not looking hard enough?
… and what the Hel to do next, as always!
Note: this chapter brings us back up to date with the game again. As you can see, Eilif tried to win that pseudo Holy War against the Polish-Teuton axis, but it ended in misery for him and mirth for the fickle trickster Loki. It is now time to rebuild and perhaps look for some more modest gains. Or is it?
However, a silver lining shone from this dark cloud: the replacement spymaster proved to be a Loyalist at heart and gave Eilif the final vote he needed.
Ch 130 Q1: Jomsvikings. Would their strength gradually regenerate if rehired and left on Russian territory? Is their no-fee deal because it is a war against the heathens? Or because they were so badly depleted? Or as he is now Eilif’s vassal? If I have something new for them to do, would it be worth taking them back on board again (the piety cost is minimal for Eilif)?
I think if it was only depletion it would be cheaper but not 0 cost. On the other hand I have no idea if that's because they're a vassal or because it's a holy war. I think probably the second, but there are commentAARs with more CK2 knowledge than me here so I'll pass this one. But on surface, if it's only 22 piety and 0 cost, why not hire them and declare war to all small realms around?
I think I'd just pick some more realms like Uusimaa and declare war on them as well before concluding the Uusimaa war (and thus increasing infamy). There's so much border gore to fix!
Seems like our Baltic adventure is not going to go very well so instead, I offer my current homeland as the new target for a Merchant Republic. It's historically fitting somewhat as well! Both the 3 county Gelre and 4 county Holland are great targets, and in fact we already have 2 out of the 4 provinces of Holland, so 1 more province and we can call the Duchy ours as well to turn into a MR. Since Francia is shattered the realm there seems a small one. What do you say? Which of our vassals already has the 2 Holland provinces (Zeeland and I guess West Friesland)? Are they direct vassals or vassals of vassals? What tier? If that's a hairy situation it might be better to just go for Gelre instead. It's also a good thing that they're a separate de jure kingdom than Brabant where our vassals are running amok expanding.
Good to see your Hel deputy get his just desserts for killing your spymaster when she discovered his plotting. He was very dangerous! Christian Cavalry is Stronk!
Things could have gone better in the war, but not all is bad - the Jomsvikings make for a very useful vassal. And the Dark Fylkir is finally reaping the profits of his unholy actions. None shall oppose his will.
He can now pick some poor sod to conquer or possess, and wait for the Polish war to conclude before launching a GHW.
Ch 130 Q1: Jomsvikings. Would their strength gradually regenerate if rehired and left on Russian territory? Is their no-fee deal because it is a war against the heathens? Or because they were so badly depleted? Or as he is now Eilif’s vassal? If I have something new for them to do, would it be worth taking them back on board again (the piety cost is minimal for Eilif)?
Yes. Holy Orders, like mercs, always replenish their troops, no matter if in friendly, neutral or hostile territory. They fight for free against heathens.
And if not fighting heathens, a vassal holy order (or mercenary band, though vassalizing one is rarely possible) is so powerful because they are cheap to hire and maintain, as they charge their liege lord only a fraction of their cost and never abandon their employer even if out of money. It's one of the reasons why Egypt (with the Mamluks) and Rum (with the Ghilman) are far stronger than they appear to be - vassal mercs. Byzantium's Varangians number only a few thousand, so they are bearable.
The low cost enables emperors to basically keep them around as highly powerful standing armies.
Depletion matters in terms of upkeep, not in hiring cost. If, say, the Great Company got dismissed while having been reduced to one guy, their next employer still has to pay him 450 gold to hire him. That wouldn't make him an overpaid military star, as he'll charge upkeep only for his humble self and spend the hiring cost for more men for the company.
Ch 130 Q2: Ending the War. I couldn’t find any way to either negotiate a separate peace nor prevail on Þorolfr to do so. Does that sound right, or was I not looking hard enough?
Yes, no separate peace. You are in until the bitter end. In cases like these, I pull out of the conflict and leave my ally on his own. The Poles won't get any warscore from besieging your land, so as long as your armies don't wander off too close to their army, they'll be fine.
Perhaps this bone brought him luck after all, as the very day his concubine Gytha became pregnant after Eilif had once more done his ‘melancholy duty’ as Emperor.
I think if it was only depletion it would be cheaper but not 0 cost. On the other hand I have no idea if that's because they're a vassal or because it's a holy war. I think probably the second, but there are commentAARs with more CK2 knowledge than me here so I'll pass this one. But on surface, if it's only 22 piety and 0 cost, why not hire them and declare war to all small realms around?
I think I'd just pick some more realms like Uusimaa and declare war on them as well before concluding the Uusimaa war (and thus increasing infamy). There's so much border gore to fix!
Seems like our Baltic adventure is not going to go very well so instead, I offer my current homeland as the new target for a Merchant Republic. It's historically fitting somewhat as well! Both the 3 county Gelre and 4 county Holland are great targets, and in fact we already have 2 out of the 4 provinces of Holland, so 1 more province and we can call the Duchy ours as well to turn into a MR. Since Francia is shattered the realm there seems a small one. What do you say? Which of our vassals already has the 2 Holland provinces (Zeeland and I guess West Friesland)? Are they direct vassals or vassals of vassals? What tier? If that's a hairy situation it might be better to just go for Gelre instead. It's also a good thing that they're a separate de jure kingdom than Brabant where our vassals are running amok expanding.
Yes, lot's of gore and plenty of time yet, so that may be the way ahead for the next little while. The MR is boiling my brain a little - so may look into it again down the track!
Good to see your Hel deputy get his just desserts for killing your spymaster when she discovered his plotting. He was very dangerous! Christian Cavalry is Stronk!
Things could have gone better in the war, but not all is bad - the Jomsvikings make for a very useful vassal. And the Dark Fylkir is finally reaping the profits of his unholy actions. None shall oppose his will.
He can now pick some poor sod to conquer or possess, and wait for the Polish war to conclude before launching a GHW.
Yes. Holy Orders, like mercs, always replenish their troops, no matter if in friendly, neutral or hostile territory. They fight for free against heathens.
And if not fighting heathens, a vassal holy order (or mercenary band, though vassalizing one is rarely possible) is so powerful because they are cheap to hire and maintain, as they charge their liege lord only a fraction of their cost and never abandon their employer even if out of money. It's one of the reasons why Egypt (with the Mamluks) and Rum (with the Ghilman) are far stronger than they appear to be - vassal mercs. Byzantium's Varangians number only a few thousand, so they are bearable.
The low cost enables emperors to basically keep them around as highly powerful standing armies.
Depletion matters in terms of upkeep, not in hiring cost. If, say, the Great Company got dismissed while having been reduced to one guy, their next employer still has to pay him 450 gold to hire him. That wouldn't make him an overpaid military star, as he'll charge upkeep only for his humble self and spend the hiring cost for more men for the company.
Good to know. It's good to have the Jomsvikings as vassals then - a nice thing to fall into Eilif's lap. And yes, basically they are now a large standing army, which is going to be pretty handy.
Ch 130 Q2: Ending the War.
Yes, no separate peace. You are in until the bitter end. In cases like these, I pull out of the conflict and leave my ally on his own. The Poles won't get any warscore from besieging your land, so as long as your armies don't wander off too close to their army, they'll be fine.
Got it. That's what I've done, basically. And they still have a lot of counties we took to recover before they can look to invade Denmark and win. You never know, if they lose troops over time, perhaps we could re-enter against them later on ...
For the time being I'm just suggesting some expansion and if possible title creation (and retention of said lands and titles) in the de jure kingdom of Frisia.
For the time being I'm just suggesting some expansion and if possible title creation (and retention of said lands and titles) in the de jure kingdom of Frisia.
Chapter 131: Karelian Days (1 June 970 to 1 January 571)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … the war against Poland in support of Denmark had faltered badly with a big defeat at the hands of the Teutons. Now Eilif must look closer to home for his next gains … and entertainment.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
June 970
Suspicion had fallen on Eilif after he had committed his most brazen exercise of Dark Power on King Witosz II of Poland in January 970: but he was looking gratifyingly ill by 1 June.
No time was wasted in moving on to punish High Chief Ahma the Brute for his general malfeasance: a de jure claim on Uusimaa was prosecuted. The Guard (still badly under-strength from the Polish campaign) was in position to start things early, while Eilif’s levies were mustered in the heartland.
This time, Eilif – the fourth-ranked commander by ability in the Empire – made himself available for command, going against recent Rurikid practice.
The Polish War had moved to a stage where the main Teuton-backed host was heading east, presumably to start reversing all the Russian occupations from earlier in the war.
In Russia, the Jomsvikings were recalled: given their commander was still holed up in his castle in Werle, Eilif took personal command and headed for the front against Karelia.
Good news came through towards the end of June: Witosz’s illness had been diagnosed as rabies – his prognosis was likely to be very poor, but wasn't dead yet.
The first field engagement of the war came on 27 June, when the Guard took on a small Karelian contingent in Uusimaa: they had been wiped out by 7 July.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
July 970
A review of the Council showed that old Jarl Gorm [Stewardship 6] was really not up to his role as Steward: so as not to offend his powerful uncle, King Sigurðr swapped his newly won Advisor position with Gorm, to become Steward, Gorm now an Advisor.
As victory came in the siege of Porvoo in Uusimaa on 7 July, the Poles retook Czersk Tribe [warscore -12%].
But Eilif’s path to personal improvement advanced, with that language training he’d taken for a favour to his Chancellor paying off in two of his weaker areas. He decided he would boost his diplomatic standing further by carousing and partying hard.
Garwolin fell to the Poles the same day [warscore -18%]. And the stone hillfort was completed in Läänemaa – but it could not be upgraded to a castle yet, as the ‘wrong religion’ (Suomenusko) held there. Seer Hysing was sent to convert the infidels to the True Germanic faith.
Old Chief Falki had been the Court Physician for a long while, but Eilif decided he would like a specialist for the position – a good Germanic Norseman was recruited from abroad. But Falki was not a happy camper after being dismissed from the post. Naturally, Eilif couldn’t care less.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
August-September 970
The Poles liberated Inowroclaw (7 August) and then Kruszwica (10 August) [warscore -26%].
Feeling a little bored, Eilif was tempted by his cousin Malfrið to go on a ‘little outing’ in the latter half of August. And once more the countryside was vilely despoiled by the Dark Fylkir.
When a small troop of raiders struck Läänemaa on the 21st, Folki was given a company of levies to deal with them: the garrison there was still so small that it was under threat even from 87 raiders. Elsewhere, there were plenty of men available to deal with the Karelians.
The death of Seer Hysing on 2 September gave the Fylkir a chance to replace a mediocre Seer with a more talented Seeress. A very grateful Gydja Ulfhildr of Toropets found herself elevated to the top position and was soon off to continue the mission to convert Läänemaa – far more effectively than her predecessor.
The highly irritating Jarl Kolbjörn of Vladimir decid3ed to try claiming Galich Mersky from Jarl Syrbjörn of Yaroslavl – now known as ‘the Faceless’. Probably a case of an overzealous physician deciding it was the first resort cure for an ingrown toenail or some such!
Eilif sincerely hoped Kolbjörn would come off second best in this contest.
Two weeks later Uusimaa Tribe fell to Hakon’s Imperial Guard besiegers (for no Russian loss [warscore 23%]). They went to work on the Temple of Porvoo.
On 21 September, the new castle walls were completed at Yamsky Gorodok in Torzhok. No new project was commenced, funds being preserved for possible war expenses (treasury at 250 gold). As Eilif marched north with the Jomsvikings, he summoned his ex-lover Botulfr to command the right wing, with shieldmaiden Morag commanding the left. Perhaps he hoped something might spark again with his former lover – and Botulfr was a very effective commander anyway.
News came at the end of the month that the Pope had declared a Crusade for Italy. It was not clear to the Russians why this had been done or what the specific objective was, but it was against some remote outpost of the Germanic faith. This was undesirable, but at the time Eilif felt he was too preoccupied to intervene in the backyard of the Catholics.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
October-November 970
Seeress Ulfhildr proved very efficient indeed: by 21 October, Läänemaa had been successfully converted. The tribal holding was soon upgraded to a castle, with city and temple holdings immediately founded as well. These were soon distributed to a couple of unlanded courtiers, while Eilif retained possession of the castle, which was now feudal and of the ‘right’ type.
Victory came in the siege of Porvoo on 23 October, once more for no Russian loss [warscore 93%]. The next day, Folki’s company engaged the raiders from Liivimaa in a running skirmish that would last until 13 December.
By 28 October, Eilif was in Tavastehus and heading towards Austerbotn, where a significant portion of the Karelian army had gathered. Uusimaa was secured and Savo under siege.
The factional strife in Russia was widespread but largely under control in mid-November 970. Interestingly, Styrbjörn and Kolbjörn were the members of the only faction of any significant strength – advocating gavelkind succession in the Kingdom of Finland. Despite being at war with each other.
Eilif was unconcerned with all this factionalism and would ‘let the boys play’ for now.
As November ended, Eilif engaged the Karelians (the ones who hadn’t been able to flee in time) in Austerbotn with the Jomsvikings. It was, of course, a crushing Russian victory by the time the pursuit ended in mid-December.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
December – 3 January 970
And it was enough for High Chief Ahma the Brute to surrender, his vassal Chief Uoti handing Uusimaa over to Eilif: who promptly gave it a more suitable Germanic name. And then upgraded it to a castle, with the city of Esbo founded as a result.
The new Barony of Raseborg would be retained by Eilif, with Esbo handed over to a now very happy Fellowship member.
Eilif thought that either Saaremaa or Liivimaa might be the next targets for border expansion and the Guards and Jomsvikings were soon marching there, while levies were dismissed as soon as they were on home territory.
Eilif wanted to hold onto his new acquisition but did not want to antagonise his vassals in the longer term. He moved to change the Imperial Laws to more highly centralise administration to permit a larger demesne to be held by the Emperor. The Council seemed supportive as he left them to consider the new law.
December saw the Poles take Plock (24 December) and Pruszkow (27 December) back, repeating a pattern where they besieged the tribal holding then assaulted the less strongly held temple in each county with their huge host.
The new year began with good news on the legal front: the law had passed easily enough and Eilif’s demesne was now ‘legally’ enlarged to eight holdings.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Endnote. No specific questions this time, just a shorter update with the next months already played through, after which the advice of the Þing will once again be sought on future directions. But please, comments and advice on any aspect warmly welcomed.
Good news came through towards the end of June: Witosz’s illness had been diagnosed as rabies – his prognosis was likely to be very poor, but wasn't dead yet.
Seeress Ulfhildr proved very efficient indeed: by 21 October, Läänemaa had been successfully converted. The tribal holding was soon upgraded to a castle, with city and temple holdings immediately founded as well. These were soon distributed to a couple of unlanded courtiers, while Eilif retained possession of the castle, which was now feudal and of the ‘right’ type.
So quick! So if I remember everything right the conditions for a MR is now ripe, isn't it? I mean if you still hold the county and the duchy titles. Giving away the city already shouldn't prevent you from making the city the county capital, right?
Endnote. No specific questions this time, just a shorter update with the next months already played through, after which the advice of the Þing will once again be sought on future directions. But please, comments and advice on any aspect warmly welcomed.
The best question about the crusade is how the Germanics got to Italy! How many counties and duchies do Latium in de jure Italy (what is the potential loss)? Changing the county capital to a city or church is easy peasy. Just grant a current mayor or bishop the county. I just watched the AI seize a county monthly for five years because the county had turned into a theocracy but the AI wanted to own the county. AI kept making new prince-bishops!
Thanks to my loyal responders! It's been a while spent rotating through the other AARs, but the Dark Fylkir's shadow will soon be cast over Rurikid Russia again.
So quick! So if I remember everything right the conditions for a MR is now ripe, isn't it? I mean if you still hold the county and the duchy titles. Giving away the city already shouldn't prevent you from making the city the county capital, right?
The best question about the crusade is how the Germanics got to Italy! How many counties and duchies do Latium in de jure Italy (what is the potential loss)?
Italy has been a strange melting pot in this game. Not sure how they wound up there. I'll have to check next time the game is fired up - though Eilif isn't too worried about goings-on in Italy.
Changing the county capital to a city or church is easy peasy. Just grant a current mayor or bishop the county. I just watched the AI seize a county monthly for five years because the county had turned into a theocracy but the AI wanted to own the county. AI kept making new prince-bishops!
And it’s his home county, so will probably stay loyal. (?)
