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Part 10 - Legacy of St Daniel
Son of the Great Pagan King Dausprungis, Kerstigens took over the rule from his regent and grandmother Viba. Estonia was a cocktail of Romuva, Suomenusko tribals and Orthodox counties recently united only by the authority of Curonian sword. Fractured realm was economically undeveloped, with only 2 ducats in taxes monthly.
Daniel’s achievements list was long:
As a result, all Estonia’s provinces were converted Catholic and abandoned their tribal ways to more advanced Merchant or Feudal government.
Tax revenues increased from 2 to over 70 ducats monthly, levies increased to over 7,000 soldiers.
St Daniel had created a Rich and Free Republic for generations to come.
Daniel’s achievements list was long:
- Christianization of Estonia;
- Founding multiple cities;
- Establishing of Republic;
- Developing economy;
- Taking over Gotland;
- Building the Great Harbor of Ezerpils.
As a result, all Estonia’s provinces were converted Catholic and abandoned their tribal ways to more advanced Merchant or Feudal government.
Tax revenues increased from 2 to over 70 ducats monthly, levies increased to over 7,000 soldiers.
St Daniel had created a Rich and Free Republic for generations to come.
Part 11 Priest Hater - The Crusader Crossroads
***
Peteris looked at the keys presented to him on a pillow in a ceremony that had made him the new Prince Mayor of Estonia. Everyone was talking how Daniel was the Saint and the greatest Prince Mayor possible. He might had been the greatest, but Peteris had better cloth and would also order himself new regalia!
***
Crown of Pearls, Ruby Scepter and the finest Golden Sword - all of that was fitting and well sponsored by taxes. Peteris always found a way to earn a bit more. His greed and envy were legendary. Just like his cynical approach to the faith. Some even went as far as to claim he only joined the Crusade for extra gold.
*CRUSADE*
Crusade for Jerusalem was the topic of church and everyday city talk. The Holy Land and brave Christian knights. Peteris got Knights Hospitallers hired (“For free! They would fight for free! For Jesus... and a bit for Peteris Kerstigens too, Hah!”)
Despite cynical thoughts, Peteris joined the Crusade and actually lead his joined retinues/Hospitallers troops against heathens. They participated in major battles, such as Battle of Farama and were victorious, some claimed it was Prince Mayor’s skill in Desert fights that helped to avoid the loss in some close battles.
***
Sultanate of Rum, Silifke, Southern Coast of Anatolia, window view with palms and seaside. Matiss Dausprungis was drinking coffee with his wife Khorishah - beautiful Armenian countess (bayan). He got married to young widow of Daniel’s trade partner and had produced many children since then. Being lustful and gregarious their family life was full of pleasures.
After Turkish invasion years ago his wife’s Arzrouni clan became vassals of Rum Sultanate. Matiss’ pride made him uneasy to be just a consort in the castle and a vassal to heathens. Therefore a letter from Estonia made him happy. He would be picked as the Benefactor for Republic in the Crusade!! Matiss left the Silifke to join his brother to the Holy Land.
Crusade was successful and for Northern Republic’s contribution Matiss was granted a county of Kerak.
=======================================================================================================
Here I am taking a pause since there are two options how to move further:
1. Play as Prince Mayors of Estonia and build up the Baltic power (own Kingdom level Republic)
2. Play as Matiss Dausprungis and his heirs in the Kingdom of Jerusalem (own one county)
I have done some playing with Estonia further the line, and must say "the night/plague is long and full of terrors", but there is also a "Gothic prince who was promissed" in that reality.
I have not played in Jerusalem, but might open up for some fun interactions.
Plus for Estonia - established, solid income, solid army, did some play already, great drama ahead.
Minus for Estonia - I dont like the Republic inheritance system.
Plus for Kerak - new interactions in Near East, some interesting options in Jerusalem and nearby.
Minus for Kerak - only one county and in that reality they faced Jihad.
Anyway I am open for your suggestions. As before, let's try best of 6 votes, with my vote as a tie breaker.
Peteris looked at the keys presented to him on a pillow in a ceremony that had made him the new Prince Mayor of Estonia. Everyone was talking how Daniel was the Saint and the greatest Prince Mayor possible. He might had been the greatest, but Peteris had better cloth and would also order himself new regalia!
***
Crown of Pearls, Ruby Scepter and the finest Golden Sword - all of that was fitting and well sponsored by taxes. Peteris always found a way to earn a bit more. His greed and envy were legendary. Just like his cynical approach to the faith. Some even went as far as to claim he only joined the Crusade for extra gold.
*CRUSADE*
Crusade for Jerusalem was the topic of church and everyday city talk. The Holy Land and brave Christian knights. Peteris got Knights Hospitallers hired (“For free! They would fight for free! For Jesus... and a bit for Peteris Kerstigens too, Hah!”)
Despite cynical thoughts, Peteris joined the Crusade and actually lead his joined retinues/Hospitallers troops against heathens. They participated in major battles, such as Battle of Farama and were victorious, some claimed it was Prince Mayor’s skill in Desert fights that helped to avoid the loss in some close battles.
***
Sultanate of Rum, Silifke, Southern Coast of Anatolia, window view with palms and seaside. Matiss Dausprungis was drinking coffee with his wife Khorishah - beautiful Armenian countess (bayan). He got married to young widow of Daniel’s trade partner and had produced many children since then. Being lustful and gregarious their family life was full of pleasures.
After Turkish invasion years ago his wife’s Arzrouni clan became vassals of Rum Sultanate. Matiss’ pride made him uneasy to be just a consort in the castle and a vassal to heathens. Therefore a letter from Estonia made him happy. He would be picked as the Benefactor for Republic in the Crusade!! Matiss left the Silifke to join his brother to the Holy Land.
Crusade was successful and for Northern Republic’s contribution Matiss was granted a county of Kerak.
=======================================================================================================
Here I am taking a pause since there are two options how to move further:
1. Play as Prince Mayors of Estonia and build up the Baltic power (own Kingdom level Republic)
2. Play as Matiss Dausprungis and his heirs in the Kingdom of Jerusalem (own one county)
I have done some playing with Estonia further the line, and must say "the night/plague is long and full of terrors", but there is also a "Gothic prince who was promissed" in that reality.
I have not played in Jerusalem, but might open up for some fun interactions.
Plus for Estonia - established, solid income, solid army, did some play already, great drama ahead.
Minus for Estonia - I dont like the Republic inheritance system.
Plus for Kerak - new interactions in Near East, some interesting options in Jerusalem and nearby.
Minus for Kerak - only one county and in that reality they faced Jihad.
Anyway I am open for your suggestions. As before, let's try best of 6 votes, with my vote as a tie breaker.
Well, the name of the AAR is the Path of the Letts... it'd be an unexpected twist, though.
Peteris is clearly quite different from pious Daniel. Still, greedy isn't the worst trait for a Merchant King. As for the vote, I say stick with Peteris. Lord of Kerak would probably be interesting, but I'm curious to see where Peteris takes Estonia.
Peteris indeed is different and that is good. All Saints would be too boring.
Kerak(Jerusalem) - one vote
Estonia - one vote
The Path goes ever on and on
Right from the post where it began
Now far ahead the AAR has gone
Yet I must follow, if I can
Persuing it with tired eyes
Until I find the thread's new page
And whither then, I cannot say
Sorry all, but @Levgar 's post just made me smile and immediately think of a certain poem in a certain well known book my moderately well known author.
So, we got 2 votes Baltics, 1 vote Jerusalem.
To limit this in time let’s do 6 votes or Monday (midnight Sunday to Monday) whichever comes first.
To limit this in time let’s do 6 votes or Monday (midnight Sunday to Monday) whichever comes first.
Work in Estonia is far from done, while the lord of Kerak can only do so much.
So go for the Baltics.
So go for the Baltics.
Part 12 Priest Hater - A Man Of Science
Best wax candles available in Ezerpils lit the table where Peteris was working. He was drawing movements of stars, making notes and discussing results with brother Mikelis.
He had invested a lot to build the best laboratory possible and observatory - the best in the Northern Europe. Peteris had neglected rulership and was focusing on the science. Later generations would remember Prince Mayor as a proponent or even creator of Heliocentric model, that challenged Catholic dogmas. This way Rome no more looked favorably at the new Republic.
In his late writings though Peteris (who had become an internationally recognized leader Magus of Hermetic Society) would emulate St Daniel. Texts were humble, but among the best philosophical writings of late Medieval era.
Peteris died only 43 years old of severe stress balancing Prince Mayorship, science and very difficult relations with church authorities. Rule of Estonia went into hands of Kaaren of Estonian (kohta) Muhu family. Peteris' friend, brother and apprentice Mikelis became a new Patrician of House Kerstigens.
***
A servant ran upstairs into Observatory. Mikelis was watching stars fully focused. Madis regained his breath:
He had invested a lot to build the best laboratory possible and observatory - the best in the Northern Europe. Peteris had neglected rulership and was focusing on the science. Later generations would remember Prince Mayor as a proponent or even creator of Heliocentric model, that challenged Catholic dogmas. This way Rome no more looked favorably at the new Republic.
In his late writings though Peteris (who had become an internationally recognized leader Magus of Hermetic Society) would emulate St Daniel. Texts were humble, but among the best philosophical writings of late Medieval era.
Peteris died only 43 years old of severe stress balancing Prince Mayorship, science and very difficult relations with church authorities. Rule of Estonia went into hands of Kaaren of Estonian (kohta) Muhu family. Peteris' friend, brother and apprentice Mikelis became a new Patrician of House Kerstigens.
***
A servant ran upstairs into Observatory. Mikelis was watching stars fully focused. Madis regained his breath:
- “Lord Mayor I got a message..”
- “Can it wait?”
- “War!”
- “Are we under attack?”
- “No, We are.. Prince Mayor Kaaren is.. attacking Cumans to liberate Lithuania!” servant quickly explained
- “What? but... I mean it is a noble cause.. to liberate them from Cuman hordes.. but,” mumbled Mikelis, ”a patient ruler would wait for a better moment, right? Wise man said don’t attack when outnumbered. And that man was wise.. he was!”
Poor Peteris, he did accomplish some good scientific advancements but I get the sense history will favor his father over him.
Part 13 Ghost of Dausprungis - The First Appearance
***
Prince Mayor Kaaren ruled for only 1 year when he died "attending to chamber business". For unknown reasons a criminal Patrician Baisis Vidins got elected new Prince Mayor. Year later also Baisis Vidins died in the dungeons of Mikelis. This was when rule of Estonia returned to the hands of Kerstigens House.
However Vidins son would not let it slide, he gathered support for "democratic reforms" to make Council more powerful. Mikelis had no choise.
***
First foreign affairs act was to stop the war for Lithuanian Liberation. They met with Khagan near Tervete castle and agreed it was just a misunderstanding by previous Prince Mayors. White Peace ensued. Later that night however Mikelis suffered terrible night sleep. He got visited by his pagan grandfather.
- "Mikelis, eh, Mikelis," said the ghost.
- "Who are you?" asked Prince Mayor.
- "I am Dausprungis, the real king of Curonians! The only king of Estonia! What have you turned this land into?" asked Dausprungis
- "Estonian Republic is..." explained Mikelis
- "What Republic??? I built it as a glorious Kingdom! I built it for the honor of our ancestors! Of mighty Perkons!" claimed the pagan king,"I am the only rightful heir, but look what you turned it into. Men dressed up like pussies! Estonians ruling us over! Drinking mead with Khagan who enslaved our Romuva brethren! I despise you! And I will kill you, I will destroy this land and its rulers! You will see, Romuva shall rise again!"
- "pater noster qui es in caelis..." prayed Mikelis doing cross signs over and over. Dausprungis left.
***
The years passed by. Son Petros was born to a Gothic girl that Mikelis legitimized. It was his firstborn and a heir to the Republic. He was attractive young boy and stars predicted a great diplomat. Mikelis was happy and satisfied. He asked Pope to baptise Petros and name him after Mikelis' friend and mentor.
***
On year 1307 a significant event happened that changed a lot. Mikelis pressed a claim of mayor Kettil. He was of a noble house, rulers of Ostrogothia province. This was the first time Estonia gained a land West of the Baltic Sea. He also increased Estonian presence in Finland claiming Karjaa for Lord Mayor Imanta, yes, the same Lord Mayor who increased council power. Mikelis had to do a lot to satisfy his internal lords and balance the power.
***
Mikelis went on a hunt for animal parts he could use in alchemics. That was the year black death started in Estonia.
They never closed the gates because the lord was hunting outside.
Castration did not save Mikelis' life.
Keys got passed to Peteris II. The ceremony master was really nervous and tried to do it as quick as possible, hoping he would avoid what was to come. But there was no escape.
Estonia had gained a bit of territory during the rule of Mikelis, but an untimely hunt and keys got passed to Peteris II... Long live Peteris II?
Prince Mayor Kaaren ruled for only 1 year when he died "attending to chamber business". For unknown reasons a criminal Patrician Baisis Vidins got elected new Prince Mayor. Year later also Baisis Vidins died in the dungeons of Mikelis. This was when rule of Estonia returned to the hands of Kerstigens House.
However Vidins son would not let it slide, he gathered support for "democratic reforms" to make Council more powerful. Mikelis had no choise.
***
First foreign affairs act was to stop the war for Lithuanian Liberation. They met with Khagan near Tervete castle and agreed it was just a misunderstanding by previous Prince Mayors. White Peace ensued. Later that night however Mikelis suffered terrible night sleep. He got visited by his pagan grandfather.
- "Mikelis, eh, Mikelis," said the ghost.
- "Who are you?" asked Prince Mayor.
- "I am Dausprungis, the real king of Curonians! The only king of Estonia! What have you turned this land into?" asked Dausprungis
- "Estonian Republic is..." explained Mikelis
- "What Republic??? I built it as a glorious Kingdom! I built it for the honor of our ancestors! Of mighty Perkons!" claimed the pagan king,"I am the only rightful heir, but look what you turned it into. Men dressed up like pussies! Estonians ruling us over! Drinking mead with Khagan who enslaved our Romuva brethren! I despise you! And I will kill you, I will destroy this land and its rulers! You will see, Romuva shall rise again!"
- "pater noster qui es in caelis..." prayed Mikelis doing cross signs over and over. Dausprungis left.
***
The years passed by. Son Petros was born to a Gothic girl that Mikelis legitimized. It was his firstborn and a heir to the Republic. He was attractive young boy and stars predicted a great diplomat. Mikelis was happy and satisfied. He asked Pope to baptise Petros and name him after Mikelis' friend and mentor.
***
On year 1307 a significant event happened that changed a lot. Mikelis pressed a claim of mayor Kettil. He was of a noble house, rulers of Ostrogothia province. This was the first time Estonia gained a land West of the Baltic Sea. He also increased Estonian presence in Finland claiming Karjaa for Lord Mayor Imanta, yes, the same Lord Mayor who increased council power. Mikelis had to do a lot to satisfy his internal lords and balance the power.
***
Mikelis went on a hunt for animal parts he could use in alchemics. That was the year black death started in Estonia.
They never closed the gates because the lord was hunting outside.
Castration did not save Mikelis' life.
Keys got passed to Peteris II. The ceremony master was really nervous and tried to do it as quick as possible, hoping he would avoid what was to come. But there was no escape.
Estonia had gained a bit of territory during the rule of Mikelis, but an untimely hunt and keys got passed to Peteris II... Long live Peteris II?