Age of Heroes and Conquerors - A East Roman AAR

[Arnulf Floyd]

Hi, welcome to my third AAR. I've choose 1066 AD because is generic start date. I will play a East Roman custom house in Ironman mode and I try to have fun and entertain readers

Game: CK2 2.5.2 with all DLCs enabled except Sunset Invasion(I not want fantasy stuff in my playthrough)
Mods: None
Dynasty: Argyriades

Epilogue:

Since fall of Rome, Byzantium manage to keep old Imperial ways despite speaking Greek language and belonging to Orthodox faith. For short time, Empire under Justinianus manage to reconquer Italy from Ostrogoths. After losing Aegyptus, Palaestina, Syria and Africa to overwhelming Arabian forces, Byzantines struggled to remain a power. Empire flourishes under reign of emperors of Makedonian dynasty in 9th and 10th centuries, but long rule of Zoe and her many husbands weaken so much strength of East Roman Empire. Argyriades, a ancient but minor noble family, take opportunity of crowning of Konstantinos Doukas to take Adrianople from Strategos, begin a coup but head of Argyriades clan, Ioannis was thrown in jail and executed for treason. His young and attractive wife, Helena, manage to take Adrianople and depose former Strategos, she become ruler of theme of Bononia.

 

[Bullfilter]

Good luck with this one, Arnulf. Hope you are able to get it bedded in and rattling along.

 

[stnylan]

One rarely goes wrong with Rome

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

Chapter I: Roman Lady

Helena Argyriades begin her rule in 15 september, two days after sucessfully coup which depose Michael Doukas of his titles - duchy of Bononia and theme of Adrianople. Helena was by all accounts a beautifull lady with dark-brown hair and dark eyes, she was also known for her chastity, temperance and kind heart which make her beloved by people. But her sex was a problem in eyes of her vassals which consider women not to be capable to rule, they says as Zoe despite a powerfull woman, she marrying so many times because a empress can't rule without a consort. Helena spent her time with Prokopios, her little son, born before execution of Ioannis, which make her stressed and overprotective with her only son. Helena send chancellor to improve her relations with Konstantinos the Fat, marshall to research military tehnology in Adrianople, spymaster to Danube for spy Pecheneg chiefdoms located in old Dacia, court chaplain to proselytize in Naissos. One of Helena's vassals want as council get more power, fortunely he dying and Helena's demesne increased. She decide to marrying for have heirs besides Prokopios, her groom was prince of Aelfwine of Knytling dynasty.

 

[stnylan]

Going a long way for a groom, but at least he is royalty, even if from the barbarian north.

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

Chapter II: Imperial Ambitions

Argyriades were one of most important families in Empire because Helena is a able and good ruler. Winter has passed and spring coming in Balkans, Helena begin rides her mane in green fields and rolling hills, she remembers her sweet childhood in her homeland, Arcadia, landscape and life were similar to idyllic Arcadia, this experience makes her to be happy and her stress is gone forever.

A view over a village in Arcadia

Panorama over a city in Arcadia(Source: Greece.com)

(Another panorama from Greece.com)

Some months later, Helena discovers as she is heavy with child of Aelfwine. She decides to rest during her pregnancy for avoid hard birth and sickness of her babe.

Helena spent much times reading books such as Aeneid, Illiad, Odyseey and many other works of Greco-Roman literature which make her to forgot all her minor troubles. She gives birth in january of 1068 to a boy, duchess naming him Belisarius after famous conqueror of Italy and North Africa.

Helena begin visit a monastery know for her sweet wine, but young duchess developed a passion for drink many goblets of wine, courtiers spread rumours as their lady is already alcoholic, a disgrace for a powerfull lady of nobility. Helena heard as Seljuks commanded by sultan Alp Arslan were always victorious in war against Basileus. Duchess manage to demand her husband to convert to Orthodox faith, Aelfwine accepts because he loves Helena and want to make her happy because a widow need consolation, Helena remembers her happy but tragic marriage with Ioannis, a gentle and honest man, she knows as Fortuna not was good for poor Ioannis but she has achieve his dream

 

[stnylan]

An heir is most welcome

 

[guillec87]

subbed

 

[Bullfilter]

Does Helena have some ambitions for her house, anything she is aiming to achieve?

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

Chapter III: Songs of Honour
Helena decides to organise a summer fair. During archery contest winner is arrested due to his rude manners. Knowledge of siege equipment was increased due to Helenas efforts. She begin to speaking in languages, making violent episodes and attack people nearby, show signs as she is possessed by foul spirits. Empire is fragmented by main factions vie for power because Konstantinos rule, they ignore prince Michael and other rightfull heirs: Michael is a gluttonous and slothfull craven know for arbitry laws. Anna, his sister, is a brawny girl full of ambition and cynicism, latter not liked by all Christendom. Anna has long golden curls falling on shoulders and little lips which make her a adorable. Helena struggles with her drunkard habits, she cant resist to drinking wine as any man, Aelfwine tell her as her vice not is so good because excessive drinking will destroy her health if she keeps this way.
Helena is pregnant again, Aelfwine is proud as his wife can produce him children but he stress her to abandoning drinking during her pregnancy. Situation in Empire is dangerous due to rise of revolt of Rashka which cause turmoil in Balkans. Helena making progress in improve cavalry tactics and keeps in Singundum. Helena ask to her liege for give her another title, Emperor refuses because she has enough demesne. Helena gives birth to another boy named Demetrios.
She manages to assassinate a chancellor tasked to fabricate a claim on her title, also a peasant revolt occurs in Naissos, insurgents were defeated by her levy. Konstantinos IX dies, he was succeeded by Konstantios IV, a boy of mere 12 years. Helena decide to be more on faith, she make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for escape of her vice. Helena forgot to learn her son about riding, she try but she have a bad headache. Helena spent less time with her sons because her excessive drinking. Helena discover as she is pregnant for third time since her marriage with Aelfwine

 

[stnylan]

So whilst the succession sounds pretty assured now, it is clear they are living in increasingly perilous times.

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

I decide to put this AAR on hold. I feels as my English must improved and I want to master game better

 

[stnylan]

I decide to put this AAR on hold. I feels as my English must improved and I want to master game better

I am sorry to hear that, but I quite understand. I have a basic knowledge of Danish, and I know how daunting it is trying to express something in a language one feels one is not good enough in.

 

[Bullfilter]

We do understand and didn’t mind at all, but you must do what you’re comfortable with. Good luck with whatever you do next, whenever that might be. In the meantime, you have become a great presence on the forum, so “don’t be a stranger “!

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

I declare this AAR abandoned because I lost both savegame and interest also I want to says as I feel as AARs not fit with my classic writting style instead I choose focusing better on my semi-fantasy medieval novel and read real literature. Anyway was a pleasure to writting on AARland

 

[stnylan]

No worries

 

[Bullfilter]

You gave it a go! Hope your other writing is a success and we still see you around the forums!