Annals of Thessalia

[FrostPegasus]

Annals of Thessalia
A Crusader Kings II AAR

Prologue

***
ENTER THE ROMAN EMPIRE
***​

"It really is time, My Lord."

Every day these words echo softly in these halls...

I am the last, the last of my line, the last of my house, the last of my family. I stand alone in a world where this is percieved as a weakness to be exploited, a world where politics are conducted not solely with the weapon of wit, but with other, less proverbial weapons as well. Although I've been a part of this ... way of life for several years now, I fear I may never get used to it. Praise be to God that I am not part of the Basileus' entourage, that old man would murder his children to further his own ambitions.

He is my liege, and I am honour-bound to serve him. I should be grateful to him, as he is the one who made me who I am today, and yet I am not. All the things I once respected in the man have slowly eroded under the strain of a heavy crown and an even heavier court. Even now he presses his war against the Turks in the east. Is it truly his wish to fight these infidels or is his head filled with the subtle murmurs of his courtiers? I fear he may no longer be the man who I swore my loyalty to.

"My Lord, if it does not happen soon, it will be too late."

Ever I am reminded of my duties, with the best of intentions, of course. It is true, age is beginning to catch up on me. I am no longer the young, ambitious man I once was, and yet, I wonder ... is this all there is to life? Maybe they are right, and it is almost too late. Perhaps I need to go through with it to ensure my name's future. I think it may be time to marry, before My Liege calls me to war in Anatolia - from which I may not return.

Crossroads. Never was a word more true.

I am Archon Nikephoros Basiliakos of Thessalia, and this is my story.

These are the Annals of Thessalia.

***

Index

Nikephoros Basiliakos
I. A Humble Life​

 

[Nikolai]

Very good start! You really set the mood right.

 

[FrostPegasus]

A Humble Life

15 September 1066​

I'm a proud man. That's how my parents raised me, to be proud of who and what I am. Some say this pride will cause my downfall, yet it has shaped me over the years to be a just person. After all, if one shows pride in his work, does that not make him just as well, as to preserve that work? Many would disagree, yet I have always handled my affairs in Thessalonia with a just hand.

Life is not bad here in Larissa. My donjon may not be as luxurious as the palaces of the Basileus, but it is home, and I could be worse off. I eat, I sleep, I drink, I laugh. Life is good, life is simple. Banquets with Bishop Adrianos of Bolos and Mayor Eusebios of Neopetra, my two vassals, and frequent discussions with my right hand, and Chancellor, Eustathios of Damathis fill most of the days.

Ever have I been a warrior. Trained by my father himself before he died, I learned to lead men in to battle - and win. That's where I prefer to be, in the thick of battle, commanding troops to victory or glory. Is there anything better than riding forward with comrade-in-arms?

"I've found someone suitable, My Lord, the daughter of the Archon of Tarsos."

Who? I've been an Archon for six years now, and I still do not know all of them. Thank God for Eustathios, if not for him I would've had my lands and titles revoked moments after being offered them.

"Is she beautiful, Eustathios?"
"Rumoured to be, yes. She's also quite a bit younger than you, increasing your chances of producing an heir."

I imagine I have no choice but to go through with this. I should've done this earlier had I not always been too busy fighting or protecting my holdings from Constantinople's greedy upper echelons. Eustathios is right, it is time.

"Very well, friend, send the request..."