Blood and Empire: A Clash of Civilisations

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

After a relatively quiet year at home, November 1273 saw another Spymaster murdered by a random adversary. Styrbjörn (dead at only 23) was replaced by Mayor Eirikr of Spångsholmr, who received 50 gold in ‘danger money’ to keep him happy.

In June 1274, the new Spymaster was sent to investigate rumours of an artefact. A month later, he reported steady progress. And by early December he too was dead, murdered by yet another non-entity from the provinces.

That happens once your realm gets to a certain size (because there are so many plots running in secret at any given time).

 

[Eurasia]

HA! With the Aztec appearing the folks in India will get some time to prepare their defenses!

 

[Midnite Duke]

Do not trust a word from the Byzantines! Lying and back-stabbing are the national pastimes! The Byzantines have discharged the (in)famous law firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe for being too honest. Crown Prince Bjorn is giving material aid to his cousin's attempt to overthrow his *itchy wife. If successful, this may bring Sicily into the Empire. Would Bjorn be a traitor against wife or a hero for help to Empire?

To raise a vassal's army or navy in a county beside capital: Go to province screen of county controlled by vassal (need not be owned by vassal or even their direct vassal. Click the two buttons to the right of revolt risk and supply limit.

In response to @StrategyGameEnthusiast, does the number of plots matter? Putting a spymaster on the scheme mission is often a death sentence. This may be an unorthodox way to kill rival sister without incurring kin slaying malus. I have seen 0 intrigue courtiers kill 20+ intrigue spymasters.

How are Mongols doing? Are preparations readied to attack them when they leave defensive pact (probably at death of either ruler)?

Thanks for the update.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

In response to @StrategyGameEnthusiast, does the number of plots matter? Putting a spymaster on the scheme mission is often a death sentence. This may be an unorthodox way to kill rival sister without incurring kin slaying malus. I have seen 0 intrigue courtiers kill 20+ intrigue spymasters.

I don't have exact data, but I've found from experience that the more count+ vassals you have, the shorter your spymaster's life expectancy. Source: In A2Z1 Afghanistan, my spymasters rarely got assassinated (I had 4 duke-tier vassals, 1 per de jure duchy), while in TWWAMSttPD, I'd estimate I needed a new spymaster every decade (long serving ones to natural causes, short serving ones to assassination; I had about 90 duke-tier vassals in the Ireland save, 1 per barony - thanks to the mods I had downloaded). I think there actually has to be landed vassals plotting for the scheme mission to be dangerous - so far in One King, I haven't had any ill effects towards my spymasters (in just under 300 years of save 1, with no vassals above the rank of baron)

 

[Midnite Duke]

@StrategyGameEnthusiast, I have twice had unlanded courtiers kill my character, but both times they were serving as spymasters for the Byzantine Basileus. Scheming is a death sentence for spymasters!

 

[jak7139]

Unable to enforce realm peace any longer, he hoped this new law would limit some of the rampant internecine wars that infested the realm like lice. [Note: though it seems to have a very restricted application due to different realm laws, from what I’ve since seen and looked at in the chats.]

I'm 90% sure that crown laws only affect de jure vassals. So you either need to wait for more assimilation of titles into Russia proper, or pass the same law in other kingdoms.

On 21 August 1271, Neophytos died: as was often the case in Byzantium, apparently murdered. And somewhat to the surprise of the Russian court, Arsenios assumed the Roman throne after all! Now it was Bodil who headed to the Byzantine capital of Nikomedeia. And a short time later, Arsenios agreed to renew the alliance between the two realms.

Maybe one day a Rurikid will sit on the throne of Rome. One step at a time.

But Arsenios really shouldn't have messed with the Bear!

Very nicely done on these map graphics. Always helpful and appreciated!

By the end of the month this folly was made clearer, with the Republic of Ferrara jumping on the bandwagon. Still, neither war would be resolved by March 1275.

Perhaps many large gifts can be sent so Markia can merc up?

Also, regarding the Aztecs:

Could you revoke a county from a vassal in Morocco, give it to a Christian/Muslim courtier (assuming any would join court), then grant them independence so the Aztecs have a nearby target?

 

[Wraith11B]

Also, regarding the Aztecs:

Could you revoke a county from a vassal in Morocco, give it to a Christian/Muslim courtier (assuming any would join court), then grant them independence so the Aztecs have a nearby target?

I'd absolutely see if this could be done! A fun work around...

 

[diskoerekto]

A Germanic ceremony is celebrated in the renamed Temple of Heilagr Speki (‘Holy Wisdom’ in Old Norse, the equivalent meaning of Hagia Sophia) to mark the occasion of its conversion to Reformed Germanicism in May 1271. [MS Copilot]

Halvdan was really there in this timeline!

Unable to enforce realm peace any longer, he hoped this new law would limit some of the rampant internecine wars that infested the realm like lice. [Note: though it seems to have a very restricted application due to different realm laws, from what I’ve since seen and looked at in the chats.]

I thought this would solve the internecine wars as well, I'm upset to see if it didn't work

In January 1270, Toste’s old collaborator Basileus Neophytos ‘Son of Loki’ agreed to a proposal that his eldest son Arsenios would marry matrilineally with Toste’s daughter Bodil. It seemed another Sgouros family member, a young boy of 8, was the Basileus heir, but the Russians thought this would be a good match and you never know, might eventually lead to a Rurikid sitting the throne of Byzantium. Arsenios came to live with Bodil in Nygarðr.

hopefully it works this time

On 21 August 1271, Neophytos died: as was often the case in Byzantium, apparently murdered. And somewhat to the surprise of the Russian court, Arsenios assumed the Roman throne after all! Now it was Bodil who headed to the Byzantine capital of Nikomedeia. And a short time later, Arsenios agreed to renew the alliance between the two realms.

so quick!

It was an even greater shock when, despite close marriage relations, a formal alliance, a reasonable personal relationship and these placatory words, Arsenios rudely and outrageously broke the alliance that had been forged just four weeks earlier. A vile tadpole indeed!

I'm not really sure, but if his eventual son inherits the empire, would he also be our heir? that might be a way to peacefully annex them but as I said I'm unsure

Toste went from cool diplomacy to white hot anger in an instant. Arsenios’ impetuous and presumptuous behaviour in breaking the alliance had left Byzantium temporarily outside the world-embracing defensive pact against Russia. There would be a war of punishment.

Ha!

The war had lasted six days short of one year.

quick and successful. a king tier title would never accept a vassalization request as far as I remember, but the title should pass peacefully at the next ruler change

Her lover was a notorious seducer and cocksman, the Lovers Pox-ridden Jarl Rikulfr ‘One-Eye’ of Silesia (and his one-eyed trouser snake, as the bards were want to call it)

 

[dmurgell]

I'm 90% sure that crown laws only affect de jure vassals.

I can say 100%
And they do affect all de jure vassals, even if they are not de facto your vassals when passing the law.

I experienced both the pros and cons playing as an independent Duke from its de jure Kingdom.

 

[Bullfilter]

That happens once your realm gets to a certain size (because there are so many plots running in secret at any given time).

Right, though it seems to ebb and flow - I could be imagining it, but it doesn't seem to happen as much when it's a major landowning vassal in charge.

HA! With the Aztec appearing the folks in India will get some time to prepare their defenses!

The rate they're going, India will be completely safe from them!

Do not trust a word from the Byzantines! Lying and back-stabbing are the national pastimes! The Byzantines have discharged the (in)famous law firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe for being too honest. Crown Prince Bjorn is giving material aid to his cousin's attempt to overthrow his *itchy wife. If successful, this may bring Sicily into the Empire. Would Bjorn be a traitor against wife or a hero for help to Empire?

True words. A hero, defs.

To raise a vassal's army or navy in a county beside capital: Go to province screen of county controlled by vassal (need not be owned by vassal or even their direct vassal. Click the two buttons to the right of revolt risk and supply limit.

I never knew that and (when I remembered it )came in very handy in the next sesh. Many thanks.

In response to @StrategyGameEnthusiast, does the number of plots matter? Putting a spymaster on the scheme mission is often a death sentence. This may be an unorthodox way to kill rival sister without incurring kin slaying malus. I have seen 0 intrigue courtiers kill 20+ intrigue spymasters.

Sneaky.

How are Mongols doing? Are preparations readied to attack them when they leave defensive pact (probably at death of either ruler)?

Very poorly. Always ready for an opportunity, especially now I know I can muster vassal levies in any of their counties. Makes that fragmentation of their holdings in many different places quite unintentionally useful!

I don't have exact data, but I've found from experience that the more count+ vassals you have, the shorter your spymaster's life expectancy. Source: In A2Z1 Afghanistan, my spymasters rarely got assassinated (I had 4 duke-tier vassals, 1 per de jure duchy), while in TWWAMSttPD, I'd estimate I needed a new spymaster every decade (long serving ones to natural causes, short serving ones to assassination; I had about 90 duke-tier vassals in the Ireland save, 1 per barony - thanks to the mods I had downloaded). I think there actually has to be landed vassals plotting for the scheme mission to be dangerous - so far in One King, I haven't had any ill effects towards my spymasters (in just under 300 years of save 1, with no vassals above the rank of baron)

@StrategyGameEnthusiast, I have twice had unlanded courtiers kill my character, but both times they were serving as spymasters for the Byzantine Basileus. Scheming is a death sentence for spymasters!

Even the ones with great intrigue can be cut down, I've seen.

I'm 90% sure that crown laws only affect de jure vassals. So you either need to wait for more assimilation of titles into Russia proper, or pass the same law in other kingdoms.

Yes, that's what I read in the wiki too. Well, more kingdoms do keep coming into the de jure empire. But I also don't think it applies to civil war type conflicts either.

Maybe one day a Rurikid will sit on the throne of Rome. One step at a time.

But Arsenios really shouldn't have messed with the Bear!

This is becoming increasingly likely. And bear-baiting is never wise (as well as being abominable).

Very nicely done on these map graphics. Always helpful and appreciated!

Thanks! I think they do help with the more complex campaigns (wars and raids) and also allow some stuff to be compressed/cut out.

Perhaps many large gifts can be sent so Markia can merc up?

Could be ... though there are some other options too. More on this in a future chapter.

Also, regarding the Aztecs:

Could you revoke a county from a vassal in Morocco, give it to a Christian/Muslim courtier (assuming any would join court), then grant them independence so the Aztecs have a nearby target?

I'd absolutely see if this could be done! A fun work around...

Agree! Now that's a good idea. Won't try it yet, but if we get to a future stage of enforced chaos it might be a good trick to attempt. Not that there are many Christians left around and, as you say, it may be hard getting any to join.

Halvdan was really there in this timeline!

And this time it goes Germanic instead of Muslim.

I thought this would solve the internecine wars as well, I'm upset to see if it didn't work

Me as well.

hopefully it works this time

It may in time.

so quick!

This is Byzantium

I'm not really sure, but if his eventual son inherits the empire, would he also be our heir? that might be a way to peacefully annex them but as I said I'm unsure

Not sure about that, but one can hope anyway. But I think the Russian Imperial line may be a separate branch?

Ha!

quick and successful. a king tier title would never accept a vassalization request as far as I remember, but the title should pass peacefully at the next ruler change

Yes, a quick take-down though with a little blood and battle, at least.

I can say 100%
And they do affect all de jure vassals, even if they are not de facto your vassals when passing the law.

I experienced both the pros and cons playing as an independent Duke from its de jure Kingdom.

Thanks for confirming. It's probably mitigating some internal conflict, anyway. Most of the time I just ignore them and let them fight it out.

To All: Next chapter written up and out fairly soon.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 88: Talking Turkomen (1275-1279)

Heavy cavalry of the Rurikid Imperial Guard on the charge in northern Anatolia, c. 1275 [MS Bing]

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The Turks Come to Anatolia

By the end of March 1275, the Mongols had established their capital in Nikaea, right next to the Byzantine capital in Nikomedeia, which in turn was just across the Sea of Marmara from their old capital of Constantinople – now a direct possession the Fylkir Toste IV ‘The Sword of the Lord’ Rurikid.

However, this arrangement was soon overturned when Captain Basbuga ‘the Conqueror’ of the Turkoman Company completed his invasion of Trebizond against Khagan Yeke on 13 July, taking most of Mongol Anatolia and holdings north of the Caspian Sea into a new realm. This included Nikaea, which they renamed Iznik.

​

This presented a target of opportunity to the always rapacious Rurikids, who promptly declared war on the Turkomen to take Iznik/Nikaea before they could join any defensive pact against the Fylkir. The Wallachian levy of 14,600 was mobilised to the north, while a Guard raiding army of 6,750 resting in Beirut was sent north to reinforce the attack. More troops could be summoned later if required, but at that time Basbuga had fewer than 800 men to his name.

By January 1276 both the Russian armies were in place in north-west Anatolia. In the interim, Basbuga had hired his own mercenary company of about 8,500 men and now mustered around 10,200 men all told. By march, had had begun recruiting tribal armies of 5,000 men each [showing as ‘event spawned’], but the main army had moved from Anatolia to the northern Caucasus as the Russians invaded Iznik and Sinope. By September 1276 those sieges proceeded [warscore +37%], while an army of 17,500 Turkomen remained in Semender in the northern Caucasus.

By the end of October, Basbuga had 23,450 men and a large army was heading back to Anatolia. At that point, the levy of the King of Bohemia (around 7,600) was raised as additional insurance [NB: had forgotten about the ability to raise them closer at that stage, so they were marching from Bohemia itself]. The Turkoman force had increased again to over 28,700 by mid-November as their main army re-entered eastern Anatolia.

​

This prompted the additional call-out of the large Lotharingian levy in the Tirol the same day – 25,000 men but with a long march to the front.

In the meantime, the Turkomen now had comparable numbers on their side, with the army in Sinope withdrawn to safety as the enemy approached Amaysa in early December.

​

In mid-January 1277, Basbuga had nearly 31,000 troops mobilised but had decided to back off from Sinope after getting as far as Amaysa a few weeks earlier.

​

At the end of March 1278, Basbuga had 37,000 men under arms but most were still sitting back in Trapezous, apparently unwilling to engage the Russian invaders. After more holdings fell in Iznik, by mid-July Toste’s advantage had increased [+63% warscore] but Basbuga had finally sent an army of 8,300 men to retake Sinope.

Basbuga had acted to slowly and timidly, and by the end of August the Russian reinforcements had arrived and an army of 24,000 men led by King Þorgil had attacked the Turks in Sinope, with more troops approaching from Iznik, which had been fully occupied at that stage. A decisive victory was won by 10 September 1277.

​

Following a brief skirmish against a Turkish vassal army in Amaysa, sieges in five Turkoman counties were in place by 21 November, after more Guard armies had been diverted from raiding in the Middle East to assist with the invasion.

​

But the extra sieges would not be needed after Germanicopolis in Sinope fell on 29 December 1277 with no serious challenge having been mounted by Captain Basbuga in the field despite all his tribal recruiting.

​

Iznik once again became Nikaea, with not too much addition to the Russian threat level. The new holdings were distributed among four prominent magnates in need of a bit of opinion boosting but the top-level county holding of Nikaea was given to Crown Prince Björn (now 38 years old). This would bring him back from the Neapolitan court of the wife he despised, Queen Markia of Sicily and make him a happy man.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Raiding Campaigns

Raiding continued in Mecca and Taizz in Arabia in March 1275, with other raiding armies either resting or in transit at that time. Then on 30 April 1275, a small Guard contingent accidentally ran into a Hijazi army in Shaka while on its way to Russian territory to the north. All the troops were wiped out by 12 May before they could escape or reinforcements reach them.

​

Apart from the loss of retinue companies, the main impact was to invalidate any new raids on Abbasid territory for the foreseeable future (Hijaz being a vassal of the Caliph).

Revenge was exacted soon afterwards at a second Battle of Al Lith when General Tryggve attacked the Hijazis.

​

A few months later there was a third battle after a foolhardy attack by the Emir’s men on an even larger Guard army, ending in another heavy Hijazi defeat. But by then the Russians were on the lookout for new raiding targets.

Still unable to raid Suhailid territory, then ended up in Semien and Gondar by the end of the year, while other raiding armies had headed north to take part in the ongoing Turkoman War, staying there until 1277.

​

In the meantime, after the victory against the Turks in December 1277, three raiding armies were in place in the remaining three Mongolian Anatolia counties by mid-March 1278. Those raids continued into 1279.

​

In July 1278, large Danish and Aquitanian levy fleets were called up in the Red Sea [I’d finally remembered that advice about calling levy forces up in dispersed counties owned by the vassal]. They sailed north, to pick up raiders who had returned to Palestine by that time. In early October, those troops were loaded aboard and began heading for a long voyage around to the Persian Gulf for the first ever Russian seaborne raid beyond Suez.

​

They had landed in Larestan and Fars in early 1279 to establish very lucrative raids in these new raiding locations for the Russians. The fleets had a huge capacity for storing loot.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Foreign and Vassal News

On 26 March 1275, Queen Markia of Sicily was at war with Prince Sabas of Derbenti over a claim on Sicily [+12% in favour of Markia] and Ferrara over the City of Brendesion [+45% in favour of Ferrara]. By May the war with Ferrara had been conceded, with the renamed Brindisi going to Ferrara. But a new war, with Venice claiming Messene in Sicily, was launched in December that year. Neither would be resolved before 1279.

On 14 October, there was good news that King Asbjörn of Mali declared a prepared invasion of Egypt against the Suhailids. Otherwise, most magnate acquisition attempts either failed or remained ongoing for the period as a number of internal wars continued.

Old King Þorbjörn finally passed away in July 1278, to be succeeded by his son Þorolfr, who would soon rebuild his troop numbers as he settled into his rein.

​

Young King Bertil of Aquitaine’s lands were these days significantly weighted towards North Africa and Egypt, where his capital had been for some time. He added to those holdings by taking Kassala in September 1278. Soon after he created a fourth kingdom title for himself in Egypt.

​

At that time Sviþjod, Lotharingia, Irland and then Aquitaine were the clear ‘top four’ magnates within the mighty Russian Empire.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Domestic Matters

The loss of troops in Arabia after the first ambush at Al Lith resulted in new retinue recruiting for the Guard in May 1275, with two cavalry, one defence and one skirmish companies raised. Around that time, Russia’s threat briefly slipped below 75%, though this would not last.

In October, another advance was made in heavy infantry tactics.

​

A few months later, Holmgarðr completed the most advanced hospital available in the medieval world, with an estimated epidemic resistance of up to 75%.

​

Not long afterwards, 1 January 1276 saw 100 years of governance over Bavaria see that kingdom absorbed into the de jure Empire of Russia.

​

More institutional nepotism came in February 1276 when Marshal Hrolfr died and was replaced by Toste’s brilliant daughter Linda: not the most proficient candidate but still very qualified – and a confirmed loyalist. She was immediately also made a shield maiden.

​

Linda was also given a marriage, which she wanted (even if her personal preferences lay elsewhere); on top of a generous ‘hiring bonus’ and the council shieldmaiden appointments, this ensured Linda would be even more loyal to her father.

​

More family favouritism followed in March, when Empress Khorijin advocated for their son Prince Ottarr – a well-recognised religious scholar – to replace the current Seer. Ottarr was only slightly less qualified than Seer Tolir, who was replaced to keep the council even more ‘in the family’.

​

The building program continued throughout this time, with five new buildings started as others were completed from March 1276 to October 1278, all in military infrastructure.

​

Toste’s increasingly harsh and cruel treatment of rebel leaders took another turn when a revolt in Telemark was ended by local forces in February 1277. Rather than execution, Toste resorted to torture and release, to serve as an example to others. The unfortunate rebel was left a broken man.

​

But in such a large empire there would always be periodic risings, the next coming all the way south at Bambuk in Mali on 1 April 1277. It had dragged on for a few months until September when the unfortunate rebels were rolled over by King Asbjörn of Mali’s invasion army being prepared for Egypt, containing 27,400 special troops who detoured to Bambuk to wipe out the peasant rebellion. Due to the bravery of their leader, he was afforded the ‘mercy’ of a quick hanging, rather than something worse.

Soon after, the long search for the rumoured artefact went on, with the Spymaster given unpopular financial support in order to make significant progress.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Personal Affairs

After a quiet few years on the home front, Toste’s increasingly harsh ways ended up alienating his young daughter Gyða in December 1277 over a whipped dog. It would not be the only such instance in the latter years of the Fylkir’s life as he refused to change his ways.

​

There was far more potentially consequential news in April 1278 when Crown Prince Björn became seriously ill. He had only returned to taken up his position as Chief of Nikaea in January: at least it meant Toste was able to summon medical aid.

​

Alas, Björn hung on for a couple of weeks before dying on 14 May 1278. The new heir was his son, Ulfr, only 12 at the time (also heir to the Kingdom of Sicily through his mother Markia). This also brought a couple of marriage-based non-aggression pacts to an end.

​

This left Prince Arni – a sinful man but an accomplished soldier and intriguer – as next in line, followed by Arni’s son Klas and three more of Toste’s children.

​

In August 1278, King Þorsteinn required yet more money for the artefact search. But there was enough funding to pay for it and Toste was curious to see what might be found.

​

Before the end of the month the search was over – and a valuable artefact uncovered and brought into the Imperial Treasury. The Sword of Heroes was indeed a valuable object that would boost the reputation of any who wielded it. However, Toste already owned a very similar and very slightly more effective object – the Dagger of Glory – which remained the preferred item.

​

Toste acquired another young antagonist in late 1278 after beating another mangy dog. This time the new rival was the daughter of a minor court noble. Toste did not particularly care – such foul ticks deserved whatever harsh treatment they received. At least the bites of these supposedly rabid dogs did not give the Fylkir a fatal case of rabies!

​

It was time for another blot in February 1279 and Toste wasted little time in calling one. He could only hope he would live to see another in nine years’ time. As always, it was the post-sacrifice feasting that brought out the bad behaviour and this time King Sæmundr of Könugarðr was in the thick of it (so to speak), caught in flagrante with none other than the Warchief of the Jomsvikings by the Fylkir himself!

​

Sæmundr was really living it up this time, a few days later gorging himself so much that he chundered (colourful Australian slang) in the lap of one of the other guests. Nonetheless, these minor indiscretions aside, the blot was the usual success whose benefits would be felt for the next year.

​

The period ended with some good news for the Fylkir and his concubine, Chancellor and general right-hand-woman Epiphania with the birth of a daughter in April 1279. She was Toste’s 13th child, ten of whom were still living.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Sæmundr was really living it up this time, a few days later gorging himself so much that he chundered [colourful Australian slang] in the lap of one of the other guests. Nonetheless, these minor indiscretions aside, the blot was the usual success whose benefits would be felt for the next year.

I'm guessing that many guests will be hoping Saemundr is not in attendance at the next blot...

 

[diskoerekto]

However, this arrangement was soon overturned when Captain Basbuga ‘the Conqueror’ of the Turkoman Company completed his invasion of Trebizond against Khagan Yeke on 13 July, taking most of Mongol Anatolia and holdings north of the Caspian Sea into a new realm. This included Nikaea, which they renamed Iznik.

Are the Seljuks coming?

Captain Basbuga in the field despite all his tribal recruiting.

Nah, not Seljuks Timurids or Rum style; rather a normal adventurer. However, hordes like I listed might spawn in their court I guess. What religion is he?

Alas, Björn hung on for a couple of weeks before dying on 14 May 1278. The new heir was his son, Ulfr, only 12 at the time (also heir to the Kingdom of Sicily through his mother Markia). This also brought a couple of marriage-based non-aggression pacts to an end.

if all goes well, will this be the first time we inherit land like this in this run?

 

[jak7139]

but the top-level county holding of Nikaea was given to Crown Prince Björn (now 38 years old). This would bring him back from the Neapolitan court of the wife he despised, Queen Markia of Sicily and make him a happy man.

I'm sure Bjorn is eternally grateful.

In early October, those troops were loaded aboard and began heading for a long voyage around to the Persian Gulf for the first ever Russian seaborne raid beyond Suez.

Russia's reach continues to grow. How long until the marcher lords decide to pillage the riches of Persia!

On 14 October, there was good news that King Asbjörn of Mali declared a prepared invasion of Egypt against the Suhailids.

More ambition like this is needed from all the vassals. Plot against outsiders, not the Fylkir.

Toste’s increasingly harsh and cruel treatment of rebel leaders took another turn when a revolt in Telemark was ended by local forces in February 1277. Rather than execution, Toste resorted to torture and release, to serve as an example to others. The unfortunate rebel was left a broken man.

Toste’s increasingly harsh ways ended up alienating his young daughter Gyða in December 1277 over a whipped dog. It would not be the only such instance in the latter years of the Fylkir’s life as he refused to change his ways.

Toste acquired another young antagonist in late 1278 after beating another mangy dog.

How sad.

Toste is developing into a cruel old man. No one expected this from the hard-studying, mentally challenged Fylkir during his childhood years. It makes for an interesting character, even if I wish he was nicer.

Alas, Björn hung on for a couple of weeks before dying on 14 May 1278. The new heir was his son, Ulfr, only 12 at the time (also heir to the Kingdom of Sicily through his mother Markia). This also brought a couple of marriage-based non-aggression pacts to an end.

Protect Ulfr at all costs!

Sæmundr was really living it up this time, a few days later gorging himself so much that he chundered [colourful Australian slang] in the lap of one of the other guests.

One of the bards at the most recent blot supposedly penned that these celebrations were, "where women glow and men chunder."

 

[Midnite Duke]

Thank you for the update. Poor Bjorn! With vassal inheritance rules banning foreign inheritances, I wonder if Ulfr will get everything. Is he still heir for his mother as he is a foreign ruler, though her title would be an upgrade and Nikaea would leave your realm. If mom dies before gramps, he may not receive the empire. I hate the lawyers. Let us have a blot and have lawyers as honored guests.

Praise to Captain Busboga and the Turkomans. Mercenaries can challenge realms by two methods. 1) Their employer quits paying their wages and the mercenaries mutiny. 2) They tire of the vagabond lifestyle and invade the de jure kingdom holdings of a realm. The Turkomans probably did the second option. Successful mercenary invasions are very rare. Are the Turkomans feudal or tribal? Are the Mongols tribal or feudal and have they converted to an organized religion? It would be neat if they choose updated Germanic.

In typical Paradox logic, two different methods are used to rank vassals. In the realm pull-down menu, vassals are ranked by size of military which is highly variable. To determine influential vassals who demand council seat, the number of holdings is used.

I noticed some pre–Holy Fury patch changes that I wish to highlight. The tech tree is slightly different as heavy infantry and light infantry have been combined into infantry. Shaka province has been renamed. (Two new provinces have been added in the Hijaz area.)

 

[iain_a_wilson]

I love a good epic saga, and this certainly is that! You do a great job with the screen captures - all the information is very well laid out - but most of all you made an appropriate use of "chundered" so you have my attention

Keep up the good work.