Taurica Part II : Middle Ages (450 AD - 1300 AD)

[kakom]

Black Death, this early? Or is it Justinian's Plague, as hinted from the text string in the inheritance image?

In the options I specified that it can appear at any time, and multiple times, for greater chaos and unpredictability.
Info. - We are approaching the end of this AAR part played on The Fallen Eagle mod. In practice, there's still a month until the DLC is released, and I have about a hundred years of material from 800 - 900 for the Rajas of Asia mod. I am planning a chapter on religions in the year 800 and a description of the world divided into two parts, concerning that which is known at present and that which is unknown at present. In general, I also have a preliminary idea for something in the style of Marco Polo's Travels or Ibn Battuta when the Paradox DLC comes out.

 

[kakom]

Theophilos III (786 AD – 789 AD)

​

Theophilos III, who ascended to the imperial throne following the tragic death of his father, Aratos II, due to the Arab plague, was a young ruler in an extremely complicated situation. He was only 12 years old, and his life had been marked by difficulties from the beginning. Born from an incestuous relationship between his father and his cousin, Vivina Alexadris, he suffered from blindness, which further complicated his ability to fulfill the role of emperor.

Despite these challenges, Theophilos III possessed qualities that could have made him a great ruler under different circumstances. He was just, hardworking, and ambitious, which inspired hope in those around him. Despite his blindness, his intellect was clear, and his beauty and charisma won him the sympathy of many at court.

However, as a child, he was not yet ready to rule independently. The actual power thus lay in the hands of his regent, Gorgippos Hyrcanis. Gorgippos, a seasoned advisor to Aratos II, played a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the empire during these challenging times. He governed the state on behalf of the young emperor, making key decisions and ensuring the empire's interests were protected. Under Gorgippos' rule, Theophilos III was merely a puppet. Although the regent held full authority, Theophilos III increasingly participated in decision-making, hinting at a future in which he might become a capable and legitimate ruler upon reaching adulthood.

​

The Arab plague, which by 787 AD had engulfed the entire territory of the Tauric Empire, was one of the most tragic disasters ever to strike the state. Like two previous plagues from antiquity, its spread was inextricably linked to the region's major rivers, such as the Don, Dnieper, Dniester, and Volga, which were the empire's main trade and communication arteries. These routes, which had served for centuries as channels for the exchange of goods, people, and ideas, now became conduits for the deadly disease.

The disease, carried by merchants, travelers, and pilgrims, quickly penetrated every corner of the empire, sparing no region. The great cities along these rivers, which had previously symbolized wealth and culture, quickly became epicenters of the plague. The population of the cities, including the capital Pantikapaion, dwindled at an alarming rate, and those who could fled in panic to the countryside or less populated areas.

The plague not only decimated the population but also devastated the empire's economy. The collapse of trade, the lack of labor, and general chaos plunged the state into a deep crisis. The Arab plague, like earlier epidemics, left lasting scars on the empire's social and economic fabric.

​

In 787 AD, when the Arab epidemic reached its peak and caused enormous losses throughout the Tauric Empire, the peasants, who suffered the most, began to cry out for help. Among them emerged a leader named Chrysanthos, who became the voice of the desperate and impoverished masses. Faced with the tragic situation, Chrysanthos sent demands to the imperial court, calling for the abolition of tribute and immediate assistance for the population affected by the plague.

These demands were an expression of the growing anger and frustration felt by the lower social classes. The peasants, increasingly organizing into armed bands, were ready to use force to fight for their rights. The threats from Chrysanthos, though initially seen as a desperate plea for help, quickly gained support among the peasant ranks, leading to rising tensions throughout the country.

Regent Gorgippos Hyrcanis, who held full power on behalf of the young emperor Theophilos III, rejected these demands. Instead of negotiating or offering any concessions, Gorgippos viewed Chrysanthos' claims as a threat to the stability of the empire. His refusal to provide aid or abolish tribute led to the outbreak of rebellion.

​

The uprising, though initially chaotic, gained strength as other discontented groups, including small artisans and mutinous soldiers, joined the fight. The empire faced a serious threat of destabilization, and the rule of the young Theophilos III was put to a severe test.

As a result of the regent's refusal, a bloody armed conflict erupted, lasting from 787 to 788 AD. The peasants, determined to fight for their rights, put up fierce resistance against the imperial forces. The rebellion spread across many regions, and as more peasant groups joined the fight, the rebellion grew in strength. However, the imperial forces sent by Gorgippos proved ruthless in suppressing the uprising.

The conflict ended in 788 AD when the imperial forces brutally crushed the rebellion. The bloody campaign conducted by the imperial troops was merciless. The uprising was violently suppressed, and its leaders were executed or forced to flee. Chrysanthos, who had become a symbol of peasant resistance, was captured and executed, and his death silenced any further attempts at rebellion for years to come.

​

By the end of 788 AD, the situation in the Tauric Empire had reached a critical point. The powerful noble families, who played a key role in the empire's politics, began to express their dissatisfaction more openly. The ongoing plague, which had decimated the population, the bloodily suppressed peasant rebellion, and the growing power of regent Gorgippos Hyrcanis led to rising tensions within the empire.

The nobility was particularly concerned about the increasing influence of Gorgippos at the imperial court. Using his power as regent, Gorgippos took control of key state decisions, causing anxiety and outrage among the aristocracy. The noble families saw him not only as a threat to their traditional role in the empire but also as a potential usurper who could become an even greater danger if his influence continued to grow.

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At the end of 788 AD, the leaders of the most powerful noble families decided to act. They formed a secret alliance aimed at deposing Theophilos III and removing Gorgippos from power. They sent an ultimatum to the imperial court, demanding the abdication of the young emperor Theophilos III. The nobility argued that his young age, blindness, and the fact that he was the product of an incestuous union made him incapable of effectively ruling the empire during such a deep crisis.

Along with the demand for abdication, the noble families proposed placing one of the few surviving adult members of the Alexadris dynasty on the imperial throne. Their choice fell on Taurion a more experienced and mature member of the family, who, in the nobility's view, would have a better chance of restoring stability to the empire and curbing Gorgippos' growing influence.

The ultimatum sent by Grand Duchess Smol Ausra, a representative of one of the most powerful noble families in the Tauric Empire, was intended to be the final signal to the imperial court that the sentiments among the aristocracy had reached a critical point. Duchess Smol Ausra, known for her uncompromising stance and influence, united discontented nobles around her, forming a strong opposition against the young Emperor Theophilos III and his regent, Gorgippos Hyrcanis. However, despite the growing threat, Gorgippos ignored the ultimatum. Confident in his control over the army and the imperial administration, he believed he could suppress any rebellion that the disgruntled nobles might incite. This decision, however, proved to be fateful.

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In 789 AD, a civil war broke out, shaking the foundations of the Tauric Empire. Grand Duchess Smol Ausra, with the support of a significant portion of the aristocracy, declared an uprising against the young emperor, claiming that the empire needed a stronger and more experienced ruler. Her forces, composed of loyal knights and warriors from the northern and eastern regions of the empire, marched south to capture the capital.

Gorgippos, though initially dismissive of the threat, quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Faced with the rebellion, he mobilized the imperial legions, believing he could crush the revolt as he had done with the peasant uprising. However, the aristocrats, accustomed to fighting and possessing their own private armies, presented a much more formidable challenge.

The civil war spread across a significant portion of the empire, with battles fought on many fronts. Cities and villages, already devastated by the plague, now found themselves engulfed in the flames of war, further deepening the chaos in the empire. During the conflict, the loyalties of various noble families often shifted, further complicating the situation.

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By the end of 789 AD, the Tauric Empire experienced yet another shock. The death of the 16-year-old Emperor Theophilos III, who was soon expected to take full control of the empire, was not only a tragedy but also an event that sparked numerous controversies and speculations. Despite his physical defects resulting from the incestuous relationship of his parents, the young emperor was known for his ambition, intelligence, and sense of justice. In the last years of his life, he increasingly attempted to assert independence from his regent, Gorgippos Hyrcanis, which may have led to tensions and conflicts between them.

Theophilos III's death occurred under mysterious circumstances, immediately arousing suspicions at the imperial court and among the aristocracy. Although Gorgippos officially blamed the young emperor's genetic defects, tied to his incestuous origins, many at court speculated that Theophilos's death might have been the result of a plot aimed at securing the regent's continued power.

To maintain his control over the empire, Gorgippos immediately installed the late emperor's younger brother, the five-year-old Tauriskos IV, on the throne. The young boy, entirely dependent on his guardian, became a puppet ruler, enabling Gorgippos to continue his rule from behind the throne.

Many nobles and aristocrats, both those loyal to the dynasty and those in opposition, interpreted the death of Theophilos III as yet another sign that the regent was willing to take the most drastic measures to maintain his position. These fears only intensified tensions and strengthened the determination of Gorgippos's opponents to continue the fight.

Meanwhile, the Tauric Empire was in an increasingly critical state. Internal conflicts, plagues, and political uncertainty weakened its structures, while the regent sought to maintain control through the young, helpless emperor Tauriskos IV. These events deepened the empire's fragmentation and chaotic rule, leaving the future of the dynasty and the empire in serious doubt.

 

[Killcrazy13]

That's some chapter. Poor Theopilos never had a chance to prove himself before the god struck him down. Is the claimant war still ongoing with another child on the throne?

 

[TrocaNero]

Inbred child ruler + devastating plague + peasant rebellions does not a stable empire make. A civil war over the throne will make this even worse.

Let's see if Taurica sticks with Tauriskos IV or get a Taurion II.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

The regency gets extended, how distantly related is Taurion? Because if he's closely related to Tauriskos, he could end up inheriting Taurica.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Caught up on CK3. As a CK2 player, I am amazed at how high the stats and how many inherit the genetic traits. Is this CK3, the mods or good RNG? Thanks

 

[kakom]

That's some chapter. Poor Theopilos never had a chance to prove himself before the god struck him down. Is the claimant war still ongoing with another child on the throne?

yes, this war is going on

The regency gets extended, how distantly related is Taurion? Because if he's closely related to Tauriskos, he could end up inheriting Taurica.

Taurion is very closely related and is the only adult male representative of a dynasty, that like other families, was decimated by epidemics.

Caught up on CK3. As a CK2 player, I am amazed at how high the stats and how many inherit the genetic traits. Is this CK3, the mods or good RNG? Thanks

Most genetic traits from Petty Inheritable Traits mod. High stats are a combination of traits, items.

Inbred child ruler + devastating plague + peasant rebellions does not a stable empire make. A civil war over the throne will make this even worse.

Let's see if Taurica sticks with Tauriskos IV or get a Taurion II.

It will be seen in the next chapters.

Info. Generally I plan on finishing this part of the AAR in this week.

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

Good grief. What a terrible time for the world and the House of Alexandris

In saying that, I would like to say that this is perhaps one of my favourite AARs ever made. I adore everything about this. If you weren't already WritAAR of the week, I'd nominate you again @kakom

 

[kakom]

Tauriskos IV (789 AD – 794 AD)

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In 789 AD, following the death of Emperor Theophilos III, Gorgippos Hyrcanis, acting as regent, swiftly placed the deceased ruler's younger brother, the five-year-old Tauriskos IV, on the throne. The young emperor, still a child, was entirely dependent on Gorgippos, who effectively wielded the power in the empire. Due to his age and lack of experience, Tauriskos IV had no real control over the government, and his role was limited to a symbolic presence on the throne.

Like his older brother Theophilos III, Tauriskos IV suffered from health complications stemming from the incestuous union of his parents. From a young age, he faced numerous health problems that made him sickly and weak. His frail health and physical fragility rendered him incapable of actively participating in the political life of the empire, which only further strengthened the position of his regent, Gorgippos Hyrcanis.

Tauriskos IV’s upbringing, entirely entrusted to the regent, left much to be desired. Instead of receiving a solid education and preparation for ruling, the young emperor was neglected. Gorgippos, focused on maintaining his power, did not devote sufficient attention to the boy's moral and intellectual development. As a result, by the time Tauriskos IV reached the age of 11, he was characterized by gluttony, laziness, and a lack of discipline.

The young emperor spent most of his time in the palace chambers, indulging in excessive feasts and entertainment, which only worsened his health. Instead of developing the qualities necessary for governance, his character was shaped by an atmosphere of decadence and neglect. His physical and mental weakness, along with the lack of proper educational support, made him increasingly dependent on his regent, further empowering Gorgippos.

Despite holding the imperial title, Tauriskos IV was, in reality, a puppet in the hands of the regent. His sickliness and lack of energy affected his ability to make decisions, and his poor preparation for the role of ruler made him incapable of governing independently. As he grew older, it became clear that his reign would be dependent on the will and ambitions of Gorgippos, and his potential as a ruler was severely limited by the neglect he experienced in the early years of his life.

In 791 AD, Gorgippos Hyrcanis, taking advantage of his position as regent of the young and weak Tauriskos IV, annexed significant territories within the empire for himself. By simply coercing the young emperor to grant his consent and seal, the duchies of Maeotia and Alania were formally incorporated into his private domain. This was a highly controversial move, but also an effective one, as Gorgippos gradually became one of the most powerful magnates in the Tauric Empire.

The acquisition of these territories significantly strengthened his position, both politically and economically. The duchies of Maeoti and Alani, rich in resources and strategically located, were valuable assets that increased Gorgippos’s influence. However, this was not his only success. In fact, the regent gradually took control over the Tauric Peninsula, the wealthiest and most important part of the empire.

The Tauric Peninsula, with its fertile lands, key ports, and developed trade, was a crucial area both economically and politically. Control over this region meant domination of the empire, which Gorgippos effectively exploited.

The Tauric Empire continued to struggle with the devastating effects of the Arabian Plague, which spread throughout its territory. Although the plague began to wane in 789 AD, its long-lasting consequences were still felt across the empire. The epidemic not only decimated the population but also severely weakened the economy and morale of the empire.

Simultaneously, Gorgippos faced growing dissatisfaction and rebellion from nobles who questioned his increasing power and authoritarian style of governance. The battles with the rebellious magnates, which took place between 788-790 AD, however, resulted in successes for the regent. Through a series of victorious battles, Gorgippos managed to quell the rebel forces and maintain control over strategic areas of the empire.

Despite these victories, the situation in the empire remained unstable. Despite military successes, the rebellion of the nobles and widespread dissatisfaction with the regent’s rule undermined the foundations of imperial authority. In 791 AD, the Kingdom of Antean's Slavic forces invaded the lands of the Moravian Duchy. The Moravian Duchy, had previously been seized by Grand Duke Zenon II of Vistulia without imperial consent, during the reign of Aratos II.

Gorgippos, who at that time was grappling with growing discontent among the nobles and rebellion, decided to take advantage of the situation to his benefit. The Slavic invasion from the Kingdom of Antean, directed against one of the rebels—Grand Duke Zenon II—provided him with an excellent opportunity to weaken his opponents without directly engaging in the conflict.

​

The regent decided to ignore the invasion, knowing that the Slavs could cause significant damage to the rebellious nobles, ultimately weakening their position. He allowed the Moravian lands to be taken by the invaders, which was a tactical move aimed at undermining the power of Grand Duke Zenon II and other powerful figures who resisted his rule. This calculated decision by Gorgippos, although it brought immediate benefits in the form of weakening the opposition, had long-term consequences for the empire.

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In 793 AD, during one of the battles with the rebels, Taurion Alexadris, one of the key leaders of the opposition against Emperor Tauriskos IV and his regent, was killed. Taurion’s death was a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as his loss weakened the rebels’ morale and undermined their ability to continue resisting.

The death of such an influential figure forced some of the rebellious vassals to reconsider their actions. Faced with further losses and the growing strength of the regent, many rebels realized that continuing the fight could lead to total defeat. In this situation, they decided to initiate negotiations with Regent Gorgippos and the young emperor.

These negotiations resulted in an agreement that was crucial for ending the war. Under the terms of the agreement, a ceasefire was established, and a return to the status quo ante bellum was agreed upon. As part of the deal, Gorgippos and Emperor Tauriskos IV committed not to take punitive measures against some of the rebels, provided they laid down their arms and recognized central authority. This agreement, though it ended the ongoing war, was effectively a victory for the regent, who managed to maintain his power and control over the empire.

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Despite the agreement and temporary ceasefire, some nobles were dissatisfied with the terms and decided to continue the fight against Regent Gorgippos. Leading this new wave of resistance was the son of Grand Duchess Smol Minbutas, who resolved to fight for the restoration of his family's full rights and influence, as well as those of his allies.

The resumption of hostilities plunged the Tauric Empire back into chaos. The conflict, which initially seemed to be nearing its end, flared up again when the young leader rallied disgruntled magnates around him and launched military actions against the regent and his supporters.

The battles became even more intense as both sides realized that the outcome of this confrontation would determine the future shape of power in the empire. Some magnates, who had originally agreed to the ceasefire, now openly sided with Minbutas, seeing in him a hope for changing the unfavorable arrangements.

Regent Gorgippos, though he had initially managed to suppress the first wave of rebellion, now faced a more organized and motivated opponent. The continuation of the civil war under Minbutas leadership led to further bloody clashes, further destabilizing the empire and causing more destruction in a country already weakened by previous conflicts and the plague.

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The death of the eleven-year-old Tauriskos IV in mid-794 AD shocked both the rebels and Regent Gorgippos. Despite his flaws, Tauriskos IV had been the perfect tool for the regent to maintain control over the empire, and his sudden passing left Gorgippos in a difficult position. To retain his power, the regent was forced to turn to the last surviving son of Aratos II, the three-year-old Theodoros.

However, this decision sparked a wave of speculation and distrust. Many nobles, and even ordinary citizens, began to doubt the authenticity of this child as the son of the deceased emperor. Rumors circulated that Theodoros's age did not align with the time when he should have been conceived by Aratos II. Whispers spread about possible machinations by Gorgippos, who might be using this child as a false pretender to the throne to maintain his grip on the empire.

This situation only deepened the existing crisis. Instead of bringing stability, the death of Tauriskos IV and doubts about the identity of his successor led to further chaos. The rebels, seizing the opportunity, began to question the legitimacy of the new emperor’s rule, leading to even greater tensions and threats to the unity of the state.

 

[kakom]

Good grief. What a terrible time for the world and the House of Alexandris

In saying that, I would like to say that this is perhaps one of my favourite AARs ever made. I adore everything about this. If you weren't already WritAAR of the week, I'd nominate you again @kakom

Thanks, it's always nice to hear that something I write for my own pleasure is liked by others.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

the three-year-old Theodoros.

Many nobles, and even ordinary citizens, began to doubt the authenticity of this child as the son of the deceased emperor. Rumors circulated that Theodoros's age did not align with the time when he should have been conceived by Aratos II. Whispers spread about possible machinations by Gorgippos, who might be using this child as a false pretender to the throne to maintain his grip on the empire.

I mean they have a point, Theodoros was born in Tauriskos' reign, when they had an older brother who also ruled for a bit. The father died in 786, but the son was born in either 790 or 791.

 

[TrocaNero]

 

[Midnite Duke]

Where did they find this child? He is supposed to be born two years into his brother's reign. A Super-Long pregnancy. Thanks

 

[Killcrazy13]

I think a newly discovered bastard might have been a better candidate. The regent is doing everything he can to hold the reins of power but this is maybe a sign he's losing the plot.

 

[kakom]

Theodoros I (794 AD – 798 AD)

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In November 794 AD, three-year-old Theodoros I was officially placed on the throne of the Tauric Empire. This decision, made by Regent Gorgippos, aimed to ensure the continuity of his power following the sudden death of Tauriskos IV. However, the coronation of young Theodoros did not bring the desired stability; instead, it sparked numerous controversies and speculations.

Many nobles and courtiers openly questioned whether Theodoros was indeed the son of the late Aratos II. The primary reason for these doubts was the child's age, which did not seem to match the time when Aratos II could have fathered him. There were suspicions that Theodoros might have been a substitute child, used by the regent as a puppet to maintain his control over the empire.

These rumors began spreading through the court and among the aristocracy, fueling distrust towards Gorgippos. In the eyes of many, the regent, already criticized for his ruthlessness and ambition, became suspected of betraying the dynasty. Some even suggested that Gorgippos might have gone so far as to murder Tauriskos IV to install on the throne a more easily manipulated boy who had no genuine claim to power.

This situation complicated the already difficult position of the empire, which was still struggling with the consequences of the Arab plague, ongoing noble rebellions, and general chaos. While Gorgippos sought to maintain control at all costs, opposition to him grew, and doubts about the legitimacy of Theodoros I's reign posed a serious threat to the future of the state.

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The battles with rebels led by Minbutas from 794 to 798 AD were a brutal and exhausting conflict that led to deep divisions within the Tauric Empire. These clashes, which took place after the death of the young emperor Tauriskos IV and the coronation of Theodoros I, permanently altered the Tauric Empire. After Tauriskos IV's death in mid-794 and the surprising installation of the three-year-old Theodoros I on the throne by Regent Gorgippos, many of the empire's noble families questioned the legality of the new reign. Minbutas, an ambitious and capable commander, took the lead in the renewed rebellion in early 794 AD, and the conflict quickly escalated into open warfare.

The rebels, capitalizing on the dissatisfaction of some of the aristocracy and the populace with Gorgippos's rule, began a series of attacks on loyalist forces. The first clashes took place in the northern regions, where Minbutas's influence was strongest. In a short time, the rebels captured several smaller fortresses, which boosted their confidence and increased their number of supporters.

By 795 AD, the conflict had intensified. With the support of local magnates and part of the military, Minbutas launched an offensive on territories controlled by Gorgippos. Numerous skirmishes occurred, in which the rebels used tactics of swift attacks and equally quick withdrawals, aimed at weakening the loyalist forces.

Determined to maintain his position and prevent the further spread of the rebellion, Gorgippos decided to bring in additional mercenary forces from Central Asia, including various nomadic groups from Magyars to Cumans, who found employment in this conflict. These mercenaries, known for their brutality, were used to launch a series of offensives aimed at regaining control over the rebellious regions. However, the rebels, led by Minbutas, put up fierce resistance, particularly in the northern regions of the empire, including the grand duchies of Vain, Styr, and Borystheni, where the bloodiest battles took place.

In the spring of 796 AD, one of the most significant battles occurred at Tahent in the Grand Duchy of Sarmati, where the regent's forces clashed with the main rebel units. This battle was extremely bloody, and the city of Tahent was severely damaged. Although the loyalists achieved a tactical victory, the rebels managed to regroup and continue the fight.

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By 797 AD, both sides were beginning to feel the exhaustion of the prolonged conflict. The war not only claimed thousands of lives but also devastated the empire's economy. War-related destruction, the looting of towns and villages, and declining morale among the troops led many magnates to withdraw their support for further fighting.

Minbutas, realizing that continued fighting might only bring more losses, began to consider the possibility of negotiations. Gorgippos, who still controlled the capital and the main centers of power, also recognized that his position was at risk and that the prolonged conflict could lead to the complete destabilization of the empire.

In early 798 AD, after a series of informal talks mediated by neutral magnates, both sides agreed to a peace settlement. The terms of this agreement were more pragmatic than satisfying for either side. A so-called "white peace" was concluded, which involved halting military operations without a clear victor. Minbutas agreed to recognize Theodoros I as the legitimate emperor in exchange for amnesty for his supporters and the preservation of his lands and titles. Gorgippos, weary of the war and the potential for further conflicts, accepted these terms, hoping that time would allow him to strengthen his position.

Although the peace brought a temporary respite, the Tauric Empire remained internally divided, and doubts about the legitimacy of Gorgippos's rule and his puppet emperor Theodoros I continued to circulate among the aristocracy. This conflict left deep wounds that could reopen in the future.

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In October 798 AD, a dramatic event occurred that forever changed the course of the Tauric Empire's history. There was an assassination and murder of Theodoros I. The attack on the young emperor was well-organized and executed with great precision. Theodoros I was murdered in his palace, in a room that was supposed to be one of the most secure places in the entire empire. The perpetrators managed to evade capture, and the identity of those who ordered the crime remained unknown, although many speculations arose.

The death of Theodoros I shocked the empire. Not only did it mark the end of the Alexandris dynasty, but it also led to even greater political destabilization. Gorgippos, who had already been the subject of suspicions and accusations of excessive ambition, became the prime suspect in the eyes of many nobles. This event only deepened the crisis of confidence in his rule.

The end of the Alexandrid dynasty meant that the empire faced a significant power vacuum. With no clear successor to the throne, various factions and aristocratic families began competing for influence and the ultimate resolution of the succession issue.

The parties to the conflict, who had just signed the white peace, now faced a new challenge. The death of Theodoros I complicated the political situation and made it impossible to implement the terms of the peace agreement. Among the rebels, especially those loyal to Minbutas, hostility towards the regent grew, and rumors of his responsibility for the emperor's death spread widely.

Gorgippos, in order to avoid accusations and possible retaliation, had to act quickly. Regent tried to find a new puppet figure who could ensure his continued control over the empire. However, the lack of direct descendants of the Alexandrid dynasty made the choice of a new emperor a matter of intense rivalry and a struggle for power.

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The death of Theodoros I in October 798 AD marked the end of one of the most influential dynasties in the history of the Tauric Empire. This tragic event opened a new chapter in the empire's history, one filled with uncertainty and chaos. With the fall of the Alexandris line, the empire found itself on the brink of another crisis, the resolution of which would determine the fate of the entire state.

The eight-year-old emperor Theodoros I, who sat on the throne as the last representative of the Alexandrid dynasty, was murdered by unknown assailants. His tragic death ended the dynastic line of the Alexandrids, descended from the legendary Alexander I, one of the greatest rulers of the empire. The death of Theodoros I came at a time when the empire had just regained fragile stability after years of devastating civil wars and epidemics. The emperor was a young, barely eight-year-old child, and although nominally his, the reign was in reality controlled by Regent Gorgippos.

Alexandrid dynasty's reign, which had ruled the Tauric Empire for nearly 350 years. From the year 450 AD, when Alexander I founded the dynasty, until the tragic death of Theodoros I, the Alexandris family shaped the history, culture, and politics of the empire, setting the direction of its development for centuries.

Alexander I (450-492 AD), the founder of the dynasty, was a figure who united fragmented territories and laid the foundations of a strong, centralized state. His reign initiated a period of stability and growth that lasted for many generations.

The golden age of the dynasty occurred during the reigns of emperors such as Alexander III and Tauriskos III, who strengthened the empire's borders, developed the arts and culture, and effectively managed the vast empire. The empire became a political and cultural power, influencing all of Eastern Europe and beyond.

The decline of the dynasty began in the second half of the 8th century when a series of crises—epidemics, rebellions, internal conflicts, and corruption—weakened the empire. The reigns of Aratos II and his descendants were marked by a gradual decline in imperial authority and the growing power of nobles like Gorgippos Hyrcanis.

After the fall of the Alexandrids, the empire faced difficult choices and the potential for fragmentation. Without a clear successor to the throne and the unifying force that was the dynasty, central authority began to falter. The empire entered a period of turmoil, which could lead to its breakup unless a new, strong leader emerged who could unite the various factions and restore the authority of the imperial power.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

RIP Alexandrid dynasty, surely Taurion must have a chance to rule now.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Time for a return to the original.

 

[TrocaNero]

Ouch, that's it for that dynasty.

 

[Nikolai]

Ouch, that is a bad, bad end to the once glorious dynasty! No good alternative for a future emperor, but I guess the regent is primely placed.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Unless the regent can pull another rabbit out of his magic bag, he must take the reins and face the consequences. Thanks