Blut und Schlacht (Blood and Battle): A Learner’s Saga

[Bullfilter]

The Twelfth Thing of Rurik's Reign – Nygarðr, 27 June 879 (a summary of advice from Chapter 34)

With the Kingdom of Garðaríki so recently established, many aspects of the new realm level laws, succession questions and possible outcomes from a successful subjugation of Merya (where war has been declared but no battles have taken place) are still being discussed and confirmed. On instruction from King Rurik, Chancellor Hrörekr has convened a meeting of the great and wise in the capital hold of Nygarðr to debate these arcane topics.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

A new Kingdom to stand astride the world. I have to say i didn't expect that, but it did make me smile when I "saw" it happen.

Glory to the Reich of Cities!

Thank you both – more power to Rurik’s arm!

finally found some time to reply

I have only a little experience with [Qs 1-3] those so I'll pass but I find it that instead of revoking a title I like just waiting for them to revolt and hand the title to me on a platter better.

And as always I’m grateful that you have.

[Re New Appointments] It's nice that the Norse have a court vulva. No wonder though there are no available candidates. Maybe you can find one among the Byzantines

I honestly don’t know where to get someone for this. If anyone has any good ideas on where I might find someone with all the right characteristics (including being Norse Germanic), I’d happily look there.

Why are you using the promote commander and present debutante decisions? I never used them and always called people from the people finder tool. Maybe I was doing something wrong but I think there was a better selection there. Not that the ones you got were not good enough, I just was too lazy to fire the decision and just grab whoever I liked from the pool.

OK, being new to the game, by ‘people finder tool’ do you mean the screen that pops up when you click on the vacant position? Or the list of court characters? Or is there another function I’m missing? The reason I’ve been asking for new blood (for example with the new commanders and wives for them) is that all the local talent wasn’t up to scratch (and I’m trying to populate with Norse Germanic courtiers to bring religious and cultural change by osmosis). In this realm, the talent pool seems to be very small – could be because it’s at the start? Or that I haven’t been looking in the right place. If you could give me a screenshot of the button/pool your’re talking about and where you access it, I’ll be able to see if we’re talking about the same thing – but my available talent is just not good enough yet.

I said: Although longer term, he would be looking back to the Baltic, where one or two coastal provinces within the royal demesne would be very useful for the founding of shipyards for those who would come after him – when his personally bound fleet of longships would return to their homes ports.

This has been a constant source of worry for me. If there is some obstacle on Baltics, you can try the polar sea as well but Baltic is the better target.

Yes, has been worrying me too, but raiding and kingdom building have so far been the priority. I’ll try the Baltics: hopefully any obstacle can be bull-dozed through (without making me the baddest boy in the known world – or after Arpad of Hungary, anyway, who has 30 countries in pacts against him!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch34 Q1: Realm Laws 1. OK, given the unruly vassals I already had and have recently had many more forcibly added by subjugation, to me this was a no-brainer. I need this ace up my sleeve. But there are now some realm laws displayed that either I hadn’t looked at much before, weren’t there or have been added by the recent slab of DLC I got (all bar Jade Dragon now of the major expansions). First question: had I gone instead for Low Tribal Organisation, what do ‘Empowered Council’ and ‘War Declaration Committee’ do (briefly)? And in return for that, would I be able to directly ask my tribal vassals to provide liege levies (which I can’t at the moment), instead of having to ask them as allies? And in light of whatever the answer is, would this be worth pursuing as the next law reform (which can’t be attempted for ten years anyway)?

Per above, I was wondering when I should be generally aspiring to get whatever benefits accrue form giving more power to the council. As opposed to now, where they are just helpful gophers who do things for me but demand nothing and don't get to vote on my decisions!

Empowered Council will make other items start appearing on the council laws screen. In and of itself, it doesn't do much that I can recall, but it's required for the rest. Though at some point (I can't recall if tribal governments need increased tribal organization first) it can enable factions who will strive for increased council powers.

The war declaration committee means you'll need the council's approval to declare war at all (I can't recall if it's absolutely required or if they just become really unhappy if you go against them). It's a straight up/down vote, but there's lots of favor trading and diplomacy that can influence it, beyond the councilor's personalities. It can be really helpful to put loyalists in as your advisers.

For low tribal organization, the wiki says that the bonus is title revocation. Presumably one that can be used against all vassals (or at least all tribal vassals), but beware: other vassals won't like it if you do so without a suitable excuse. Direct levies (and taxes) aren't until high tribal organization, and can actual lead to fewer troops (if convenient in that they're directly controlled).

Tribal organization is ultimately required for reforming to a feudal kingdom. However, not being an unreformed pagan is also required (either by reforming the religion or adopting a religion of the book). And the tribal organization laws also include a series of escalating opinion penalty, so while you need to start enacting them well before you convert, you may not want to do so too early.

Thanks – from reading others’ AARs, I’m pretty sure you can go against a Council war veto, but you are labelled a Tyrant and it tends to spark uprisings. While you’re at war. Bad medicine! Which Specialist290 confirms below.

@Ihdrendur covered most of the high points, so I'll just go over a few areas of uncertainty:

Empowering the War Declaration Committee also means that council members cannot form or join factions while the Council is content. There are basically two ways the Council can become discontent: By default immediately after a new succession, and by the ruler defying / overruling a council vote (which also, naturally, comes with an opinion hit for being a tyrant) -- so yes, you can overrule your council if you disagree with the outcome; just be aware that there are consequences, and plan accordingly.

There's never really a "good" time to surrender power like that if you can help it, but if you have to (voluntarily) give up power, best to do so when everyone likes you -- it may be a rough ride every now and again until you manage to feudalize, but once that happens you can gradually reassert your ruler's authority and tie up loose ends.

On a tangential note, since it's going to be more important as you gradually give more power to your council in your quest to raise Tribal Organization, take note of the five main Councilor Stances, which heavily factor into how they'll vote on a given issue:

•Loyalists will basically support the ruler so long as they themselves aren't being directly harmed.

•Pragmatists want a strong realm overall and will support de jure wars and the ruler paring down over-powerful vassals, but they will also tend to veto "military adventurism" if the opposing realm is too powerful, and they don't want to see anyone getting too powerful -- including the ruler.

•Glory Hounds are basically the inverse of the Pragmatists, supporting "glorious" wars to expand the realm and break the might of powerful foes (basically the "Leeroy Jenkins" Council Stance). On the plus side, they want to see the realm strong and will support attempts at centralizing power -- but at the same time, that same respect for strength tends to mean they'll oppose you weakening powerful vassals without cause.

•Zealots, as the name might suggest, will pretty much support anything that weakens religious enemies and oppose anything that harms pious members of the same faith.

•And finally, Malcontents are basically the inverse of the Loyalists, opposing anything the ruler wants unless they personally stand to gain from it.

As always, the wiki has more info about what all goes into voting considerations if you're curious.

Many thanks for all that – very useful. Yes, one of the DLC I got relatively recently included that new screen and voting attributes – fortunately at the moment they don’t vote on anything, but it will eventually have to happen – it seems ultimate progress demands it.

Q1 - Tribal Organization is your pathway to Feudalism. You can't go feudal without max tribal organization, so damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead. Empowered Council simply means that - your councilors become more assertive about bending the Kingdom to their will. Unfortunately, two powers will be given to the council every time you increase your tribal organization. Empowered Council and War Declaration Committee are actually a net benefit. With War Declaration Committee, any vassal that is on the council won't join a faction. So if you throw those vassals that hate you onto the council, they very suddenly have power to lose. They can still murder you though, so watch out.

OK, thanks for making it clear – I’d only had a vague general idea of that till now (banished in my thoughts to the fuzzy future). I will probably have to make that the next legal priority. And now, I have to worry about all these unhappy new vassals I’ve subjugated, as well as those perennially murderous Slovenskys! Although the plot closest to home so far was within the family, when the Queen plotted to kill Helgi (before he converted to the true Germanic faith).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch34 Q2: Realm Laws 2. ‘Low Tribal Organisation’ would (I presume in ten years’ time) give me the next option of changing to ‘Low Centralisation’. The demesne and vassal limit increase figures are simple to understand. Just a wise thing to enact when the chance comes? No real hidden drawbacks? One for the future (20 years off now, I guess), but just curious.

All vassals will probably become unhappy about it (both a small ongoing opinion penalty and a larger time-limited one). And they'll occasionally form factions to decrease it. They'll probably also form factions to decrease tribal organization, too.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you're actually (slightly) reducing your vassal cap. The numbers listed are the absolute bonus you get over the default, and you already get a +10 to your Vassal Limit from Minimal Centralization. Basically, as you go further up, you're trading the ability to manage more vassals for the ability to control more territory directly. Other than that, pretty straightforward.

Q2 - Centralization is nice and all but not really needed at this point I wouldn't think. At least not while you are tribal.

Thanks all – when the time comes, and per other comments above, I’ll have to consider the path to feudalism and whether it means I must grasp the nettle to increase centralisation as well as tribal organisation. But not yet (still getting my head around the tribal basics and kingdom level issues now).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch34 Q3: Realm Laws 3. If this (Vassal Obligation Laws) was here before, I’d either not seen it or forgotten about it (maybe it’s a new Kingdom level thing). Looks like these are part of the ‘only one every ten years’ limit. Again, any here you think are worth aspiring too, in any particular order, or that need precursor tech advances or law changes? I see them appear in AARs every so often, but don’t really know what they do or how useful they are. Not after a full description (that can always be sought on the wiki, I guess): just broad thoughts and advice, shared experience, etc. Relative values may also differ from feudal to tribal realms, I’m assuming.

When you get big and powerful, making feudal vassals give you a little taxes instead of just troops can make you wealthy, too. If I play a Byzantium game, that's one of the first things I do. Other than that, it's pretty situational and the defaults are good.

Thanks: I look forward to getting to the point where it’s worth looking at a bit harder!

The chief thing to remember about your vassal preferences is that your vassals prefer to "play to their strengths" and don't want to give up the one thing they specialize in: Feudal lords prefer sending cash to troops, and city / merchant republic vassals prefer sending troops to cash. Otherwise, Ihdrendur pretty much nails it -- once your realm gets big and advanced enough that you can maintain sizable retinue forces and hire mercenaries for extended periods of time without breaking the bank, you can afford to relax your feudal vassals' levy restrictions.

OK. I can’t even raise a retinue yet, so still have a way to go!!

Q3 - Not worth bothering with at this point. It's very micro. The only one that you need worry about while tribal is the tribal slider, but you have other priorities at the moment IMO. The other 3 are for feudal vassals - barons, mayors, and bishops.

Again, thanks for the specific pointer. In due course, I’ll have a look at the tribal slider just to see how useful any of it might be in the future.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch34 Q4: Merya, Subjugation and Titles. So, above you have my working hypothesis on what happens next:

a) Rurik still gets all the current Meryan realm lands on victory, even the ‘undeclared’ vassals.

b) Though I’m hoping, because they won’t have had any titles stripped off them directly, it will just be swapping one liege for another and the others won’t be as angry about the change of management as Tyueykezhut.

c) The Jarldom of Merya title would transfer across ready-made, with that fourth Jarldom (whether Merya or another, determined by some unseen pecking order of seniority/value) going to Helgi.

d) I could then also create Rostov if I wanted to (though don’t see why I would as yet).

Any additional or contrary views or advice always welcomed. Will need to come to grips with all that by the time the victory is secured and Tyueykezhut becomes the next to be forced into ignominious subjugation. Rurik is nothing if not grand and arrogant these days. This is a way for him to substitute figurative for actual cohones!

You know, I'm not sure off the top of my head.

No worries – that’s what the hive mind is for!

I think that, now that you're a king-tier ruler, you'll simply force duke-tier Merya to swear fealty to you while he keeps his vassals and titles, but otherwise the logic should be sound -- if you were of equal rank to your target, you'd gain their top-rank titles, and all vassals they had would become sworn directly to you.

That’s OK with me for now, though I’d rather it had gone to one of my sons. He can look after all his pesky vassals instead of me. And if he crosses the line – well, his head will be used to invent football!

Q4 - I'm actually going a different way and treating this as a primer on vassal management. As a King, you can now have Ducal vassals, which can have Count vassals of their own. 3 vassal counts hate your guts? Make one a Duke and make the other 2 counts his problem instead of yours. They'll plot against him instead of you for the most part. (They can still join assassination plots within the Kingdom, so be careful) 1 vassal count hates your guts? Make a friendly Count in his duchy the Duke, and bury the hater. Flood those haters with the Court Chaplain and the "Settle Tribe" councillor option (forget which one it is lol) to make them your religion & culture.

Also, make the time to start revoking those Slavs. Once you're done with Merya, start strengthening your realm from within in order to make those Organization hits less painful. You're going to have to keep raiding, a lot, so it isn't like you won't be doing anything. But let that threat decay and handle some internal politics.

Edit - Pagan subjugation only seizes titles of a higher or equal rank to your own, As a King subjugating a Duke, you'll have a shiny new Duke that hates your guts.

As mentioned before: this is interesting stuff and instinctively makes some sense. How a new Jarl will go, given I still personally hold all the other Jarldoms, will be interesting. And different again when the sons inherit and there are 3-4 of them under the king. In the meantime, if he keeps all his vassals, I may decide I think he has too many. Though I won’t be sure I can do much about it under my current tribal laws unless he steps out of line (ie, with my recently enacted Revocation Law, “traitors or unlawful subjects”).

I am not sure if the title of Jarldom of Merya (Duchy of Jaroslavl) will transfer to you. To my understanding, there is a strong chance that the High Chief of Merya will be your vassal and keep his vassals. If nobody has the Jarldom of Rostov, you could create it (I always do when I have the chance to because 1- prestige 2- somebody else might create and beat me to it 3- why not 4- probable slight obsessive compulsive disorder). One problem in your case might be about having too many jarldoms is a shrinking demesne after succession, but if you have 7 Jarldoms in the end Helgi will inherit 3 while the others will inherit 2 so he will have around 7-9 demesne provinces if I am not mistaken. How many demesne do you have now / prefer to keep?

I will see how it eventually unfolds and what options (if any) are presented. I may need some more money to do much more Jarldom creation, too. Setting up the kingdom cost a bit and this war will also cost more than I earn. And I’d like to have more gold for emergencies (mercs), buildings, etc. Need to find the time for some more raiding!

I haven't been able to see last weekend so have some catching up to do...

Just leafing through comments though, vassal issues aren't so much problems as 'which solution am I willing to pick?', for there are many ways to get rid/diffuse/fob off any vassal who isn't a perverted powerful duke or king tier. Since you are tribal, and the leader of raids, bribery is actually a very cheap option for the most part. Most of your vassals earn almost nothing in revenue, whilst you can earn hundreds in raiding. Plus leading them in a successful war really increases their respect. And since you are on gavelkind as well, you are far and away the most powerful person in the realm in terms of land and manpower, so realistically they can't do much to you anyway aside from plot to kill you. And as we know, that works out...almost never.

Per above, if I can find some time for more raiding while I still have ships (ie while Rurik lives) I’ll have more money, but I’m not really that well provisioned at the moment and tax/trade earnings are still a pittance. But for the foreseeable future the King is, as you say, way and above the most powerful in terms of demesne forces and it will hopefully stay reasonable even after the inevitable diffusion of power after succession. Just need to ensure Helgi keeps a large demesne when he inherits. Hopefully his half-brothers don’t war with him.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

As always, many thanks to those who comment and those who read. Off now to give those heathen Mordvins of Merya a damned good thrashing, Viking-style!

“Óðinn á yðr alla! (Odin owns you all)!” “Tyr!” “Have at ye, ye worthless heathen Mordvins!” etc etc​

A single spear will soon be thrown over their heads – if the tricksy scum can summon the courage to stand before us in an open field of battle!

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 35: Odin Owns You All! (27 June – 11 October 879)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik has proclaimed the creation of the Kingdom of Garðaríki – and quickly sees to expanding it towards its de lure limits; the Great Tribal Army is assembled and approaches the forces of Merya; the Chancellor seeks to work out legal questions arising from the creation of the new kingdom and the likely effects of succession laws; and the hunt continues for talent to populate the offices of the realm.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

June 879

Gumarich’s notes reveal that the creation of the kingdom sparked a search for talent to stock the realm with suitably qualified – and fertile – Norse men and women of the true Germanic faith. The next recruit was already an established Marshal among the Normans: but he was willing to join Rurik, who liked the fact Hrolfr de Normandie was not only the foremost Norse commander willing to join him but was also an expert in commanding flank formations. An invitation was duly sent. Kjartan, Marshal of Hjaltland, was also a possible prospect, though he seemed to be stressed by his duties. He would be kept in mind. And Rurik was also interested in hiring an accomplished Shield Maiden as a commander – which may be his next recruitment action.

Hrolfr was also keen to be wed – of which the king heartily approved. But a search of single Norse Germanic adult women from all realms [within diplo range or not] revealed none readily willing to come to Garðaríki! So a debutant would again have to be sought.

Iliana – from the newly acquired Vyazma – would do. We shall meet her in a little more detail later, when she is introduced to her new husband.

Spoiler: Ch35 Q1: Great Hunt

Ch35 Q1: Great Hunt. Back when I started, there was a Great Hunt decision available (seasonal, but greyed out when not in season). It disappeared a while back from the options. I’m assuming it must have been associated with the Hunting focus and disappeared (without me noticing at first) when Rurik took up Scholarship/Learning. Is that right?

I’m also assuming ‘Hold a Great Blot’ should appear again nine years after the last one (would have to check to see when it was). So, there don’t seem to be any other hold a party/festival etc minor decisions that come up now (and yes, I checked up and down the slider to make sure). Does that seem right for a tribal ruler? I’m not missing or doing something that prevents them appearing (other than not engaging in the hunt)?

While scouring the records and foreign reports for military talent, Prince-Marshal Helgi sought a ranking by reputed martial ability of the known world’s military leaders – from all countries. It was no great surprise when it was found Rurik was considered the greatest general in the world. He was closely followed in reputation by Shah Ya’kub of Sistan, then a range of others from diverse religions and cultures.

July 879

We are fortunate that Gumarich der Schreiber accompanied Rurik on this campaign. He left detailed notes and maps of the manouevres of that summer and autumn, which we are now able to use to reconstruct what was called the “Russian-Yaroslavian Subjugation War”, despite the fact both realms were known by different names at the time. [One of Paradoxian history’s little conundrums. ]

Rurik, leading his small personal regiment and the Great Tribal Army, arrived in Uglich on 6 July and noted Tyueykezut’s unified demesne levy was three days away from arriving back in his capital of Yaroslavl. Rurik sought to meet him there, though knew the traditional cat-and-mouse game of the smaller trying to dodge the larger army would likely ensue. Grimr’s Smolenskians and the main body of Rurik’s demesne levy were still some way off. But he was more than happy with the numbers he had – and also wanted to protect his precious levy base as much as he could from casualties. The troops with him were frankly both more expendable and were motivated (in the Tribal Army’s case) by a fierce desire for blood, battle conquest and selection by the Valkyrie’s to fight for Odin in Valhalla.

Sure enough, within a couple of days, the Meryans abandoned their march to Yaroslavl and turned instead towards Uglich. But in this counter-marching they had lost precious time, and would not arrive until 25 July. With Rurik due in Yaroslavl on 13 July, he reasoned if he kept going, he may then be able to hook south and catch the Meryans before they could make it to Uglich. He therefore refused to be distracted and kept marching to Yaroslavl.

On 11 July, Hrolfr de Normandie arrived at court. Dan, who had first joined Rurik as a commander for the Great Raid of Britannia almost 11 years before (in November 868), was deemed surplus to requirements and replaced by the new man: to have summoned a Marshal all the way from Normandy then leave him ‘on the shelf’ would have been pointless. Perhaps Dan would once again rise to command or gain employment with one of Rurik's vassals. He had the same martial ability as Chief Svetozar and was better skilled in the handling of light foot, but Rurik did not want to offend the touchy Slovensky chief by depriving him of his command. Yet, anyway. So Dan had to make way.

On 13 July, as the follow up levy force gradually mustered towards Tver, Rurik arrived in Yaroslavl. He immediately moved to block the Meryans advance on Uglich: they could either continue and risk being ambushed in Uglich, or stop cold again in Merya – sitting ducks for Rurik’s bloodthirsty tribal warriors.

Sure enough, the next day Tyueykezut discovered the ploy, halted and turned tail, trying to flee south. Rurik gave chase, hoping to catch them cold this time. Looking to his forces available, much as he had wanted to promote Hrolfr to command one flank and leave Sverker in charge of another, the Great Tribal Army could not be broken up [or I couldn’t find any way to do it, at least]. Rather than having one small regiment [his remaining personal event troops, now fewer than 200] isolated and exposed to likely devastation on a flank, all were concentrated in the centre division, which was commanded by Rurik himself. The Great Tribal Army regiment remained under the personal leadership of Vsemil ‘the Cleansing Flame’. He should enjoy hacking away at these heathen Finnish Mordvins … if they would ever stand and fight!

Rurik had moved faster than Tyueykezut (who commanded the opposing centre division): they met in open battle in Merya on 21 July 879.

“Odin owns you all, you heathen swine! Come and meet him!” Insults and the traditional spear are thrown, arrows loosed, axes and swords brandished. The crows circle and the Valkyrjur wait to pounce on the fallen of both sides.​

By 29 July the fight continues; Tyueykezut in the centre has of course taken the brunt of the attack. Knowing his cause was in trouble he had summoned his vassals: the day before he had received word from the first of his vassals to answer the call to arms – but that sizeable levy remains two provinces away in Mochkava. The damage being born by the Garðaríkan host from the two unopposed flanks was easily manageable.

August 879

A few days later and the two sides had come to grips in melee. First the enemy centre broke and fled. Vsemil then directed his ferocity and that of the Tribal Army to the enemy’s left, which also broke soon after. By 3 August Rurik’s men had fallen upon the enemy’s remaining right flank. A battlefield report from Vsemil, cited by Gumarich, described the great carnage being inflicted in the close combat. By this point, around 25 Yaroslavians were falling for every Gardarikan warrior. It was a bloodbath – and greatly enjoyed by the merciless Norsemen and their (admittedly Slavic) regimental commander. A few days earlier, on 1 August, the other two Meryan tribes had summoned their levies, but it would surely be too little, too late.

By 5 August, the last enemy flank had broken and the pursuit began – aided by the light cavalry squadron of the Great Tribal Army, who would kill another 150 Meryans as they chased them over the next week.

The pursuit ended and the victory was formally declared and on 12 August. 115 Norsemen would be knocking on the doors of Valhalla, while 457 of the enemy were also given over to the Valkyrie’s judgement.

A later depiction of the aftermath of the Battle of Merya. Rurik (left, in the Garðariki-red tunic and his banner behind him) and Vsemil (mounted, right) can be seen in the middle of the painting. Wounded are tended, equipment mended and preparations made to resume the advance, while the cavalry harry the enemy as they flee south-west. Boats can be seen in the distance on the Volga River, along whose southern bank the Garðarikians would advance towards Suzdal.​

By this time, Þorsteinn, commanding the main body of Rurik’s personal levies, had arrived in Tver and was sent on to Pereyaslavl Zalessky (south of Merya) to begin investing the stronghold there. Rurik headed south-east to Suzdal, to dispatch another of the vassal levies that had mustered there, before they could join their comrades to the north in Kostroma.

By 22 August, Rurik had intercepted the Suzdal tribal levy and initiated a very uneven combat. There was nothing sophisticated about it: two central divisions met head-on. Rurik outnumbered his relatively lightly equipped enemy five to one. By 25 August they too were in full flight. Plenty of blood, though not much battle! Elsewhere, Tyueykezut’s fleeing main host had picked up the Mochkavan levy who joined them in their flight south-west: they would simply be ignored for now. The small Kostroman levy continued to head to Merya, but crossing the Volga would delay their progress.

September 879

The brief and lop-sided ‘Battle’ of Suzdal ended in another victory for Rurik on 2 September. An easy slaughter with very few Garðaríkian casualties. The best kind.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Gumarich tells us that the rigours of the campaign trail did not prevent Rurik – a true polymath for his time and people – from simultaneously pursuing his scholarly studies of the stars. In fact, the nights on the trail provided an ideal opportunity for Rurik to observe the heavens and, by candlelight in his command tent, dictate his notes to his faithful scribe. He had come to a startling conclusion.

“My faithful Secretary, I have confirmed through my studies, with certainty, that the earth is a great globe upon which we sit. How we stay fixed to it, I know not. But sit upon it we do!”

The scribe is secretly shocked, but keeps up a brave face and remains quiet, except for a murmured “Indeed, My Liege.”

“And – you may wish to take a stool, my good man – it is the earth that revolves around the sun, not it around us, no matter what we think our eyes may tell us!”

It was a testament to Gumarich’s training, poise and long association with the King that he remained calm, registering interested surprise rather than profound shock. In recent years, the King had developed a somewhat wild-eyed demeanour when declaiming with such excitement. The scribe knew well the limits of his position.

“My King, this is - ah - momentous news. What will you do with it, may I enquire?”

“That is the question, Gumarich. I have a range of options and must decide which course to take.”​

Rurik then walked outside, lay on his back, stared at the crystal-clear autumn night sky, and pondering his choices and their implications.

Spoiler: Stars in his Eyes

After some time, Rurik returned to his tent and addressed his scribe, as recorded in Gumarich’s highly confidential personal journal.

“Gumarich, I know I need hardly remind you after all this years as the keeper of my secrets, but I must swear to you to never utter a word of this to any living person,” the king told him. “Take my final notes on this matter, but guard them with your life.”

“Everyone else must think that I have learned all I can about the stars and have completed my studies, satisfied I have learned all I may from them. I will continue my studies, but alone and in secret. Should I proclaim this knowledge widely, it would undermine my position with the Godi, our priests and zealous believers in the Faith.”

He paused briefly, then continued. “People like me!” he said, thumping his chest to emphasise the point.

“They would call me heretic – which as King and would-be champion of the Germanic Faith I simply cannot afford. And do not wish. I believe I have both the learning and faith to reconcile this startling knowledge with my steadfast and zealous belief in the Gods – but I know very many would not. For that reason, my discovery must remain a secret. And I have all the prestige and acclaim I need as King and Conqueror. The public aspect of my project to study the stars is at an end.”

“Of course, my Great King. I am your Secretary and will take this to the grave.” And indeed he did – happily and with a great deal of relief, given the disquieting nature of the king’s supposition – which he confided (only to himself) could be the product of the king’s so-called lunacy suffered after his incarceration and castration in Pisa. ​

The recent discovery of the Rurikid scroll trove was the first time anyone became aware that Rurik had made this epochal discovery centuries before many in the west would acknowledge it as scientific fact. Gumarich noted that he had nightmares for years afterwards, imagining himself clawing onto the earth to keep from falling off it, into a great abyss (the Underworld?) or worse: falling through an eternal nothingness, forever, and never hitting the bottom.

Gumarich der Schreiber's nightmare.​

Rurik was by this stage of his life an accomplished – indeed a masterful – scholar. He had taken a relative weakness and turned it into a strength. Even if it was to be as a private rather than as a public and acknowledged (and likely vilified) thinker as far as his studies of cosmology were concerned.

King Rurik of Garðariki – a scholar of astronomy and a circumspect 'round-earther' and heliocentric, many years ahead of his time.​

Spoiler: Ch35 Q2: Nicknames

Ch35 Q2: Nicknames. Tempting as it was to grab the prestige and obtain a nickname, both in-game and in-character, I decided against Rurik betraying his religious convictions and antagonising the very priests and zealous Germanic followers he is seeking so earnestly to promote. People will volunteer their views on the pros and cons of going public – I hope they do, anyway – but I do have one question. Is the nickname simply a cosmetic reflection of an event or perception of a character? Or does it have any known concrete effect or modifier? My assumption is not, but of course I don’t know. In this case, I thought choice 2 at least gets the scholar trait. Options 3 and 4 seemed non-starters to me. Unless, of course, studying in secret starts some other possible track (ie the secret getting discovered or some such), which opting for the +2 bonus does not risk?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Back to the war, and Grimr’s Smolenskians (seeking to link up with Rurik’s main host as autonomous allies) would intercept the small Kostroman levy in Merya in just over a week, the latter having just arrived there after crossing the Volga. The rest of the Meryan forces remained in flight, leaving Rurik (in Suzdal) and Þorsteinn (in Pereyaslavl Zalessky) to conduct their sieges untroubled.

The Smolenskians made contact with the enemy on 11 September as predicted, commencing the Second Battle of Merya. More Garðarikian levies assembled in Tver: they would be dispatched as necessary from there, probably to join Þorsteinn.

It took a month of skirmishing, manouevre and then pursuit for the latest battle in Merya to come to its conclusion. The Meryans put up a good fight and pushed Rurik’s allies. Reports received after the battle showed that at first things seemed close-run, but by 4 October the enemy had broken. The pursuit ended on 11 October, with the enemy’s commander being captured. Grimr takes him prisoner – the battle securing him a decent share of the campaign’s glory – and once again demonstrating the steadfast and welcome support of Norse Smaleskja to the cause!

A later engraving, commemorating the Smolenskian victory at the Second Battle of Merya on 11 October 879 CE – worthy allies indeed.​

Much as Rurik would like to reinforce his standing with Grimr (and show his gratitude for his longstanding and steadfast support) with the award of an honorary title, he must wait until the young man reaches his maturity – almost nine years yet. Though if there was later need to have a loyal vassal take on additional lands, once his sons were properly catered for … it would be considered in due course. His focus on young Chief Grimr Holming’s prospects did however lead Rurik to realise the recent reallocation of Jarldoms on the founding of Garðaríki had led to an unfavourable perception among his vassals. They believed he directly owned too many such high-level titles [irrespective of Rurik otherwise being under the demesne and vassal limits, though it makes sense as a mechanic].

Holmgarðr was now designated as a Jarldom within the Kingdom of Garðariki. Together with the conquered Jarldoms of Belo Ozero (automatically formed after the defeat of Chud) and Tver (usurped after the recent victory there), that made three now held directly by Rurik. The succession orders for each are listed below.

The Jarldom of Holmgarðr, containing most of Rurik’s personal demesne and to be inherited by Helgi, would be off-limits to any reallocation. Belo Ozero contained some territory currently held by Rurik personally; while it could probably be let go at a pinch, he preferred to keep it under his direct control until Eilif inherited, unless circumstances changed. The counties of the Jarldom of Tver, on the other hand, were all in the hands of troublesome, newly-subjugated vassals. Perhaps it might be a logical target for gifting? It was due to be inherited by his youngest son, Dyre.

But could it be allocated now to someone else reliable? If not the young Grimr, then perhaps some trustworthy but un-landed Norse Germanic courtier? Either the most loyal of his commanders, or maybe one of the men already on his Council (who would not therefore agitate to join it? He would take advice on this matter – though his Councillors would naturally be biased in their views! Or would that alienate Dyre and set him up as a future opponent of Helgi? The King therefore sought discreet advice from learned experts before he decided anything.

Spoiler: Ch35 Q3: Dispensing with a Jarldom

Ch35 Q3: Dispensing with a Jarldom. So, any thoughts from the hive mind are welcomed on:

1) Should Rurik indeed dispense with one Jarldom now, rather than wearing the malus and waiting until the succession?

2) If he were to allocate a Jarldom, should it be Tver?

3) And if so, to whom should he allocate it? Dyre, to cement his inheritance? A current Councillor, to put it in safe adult hands now? Or to either Grimr or a suitable un-landed courtier with the right credentials?

4) Another Duchy could be created for Dyre later, if necessary – or not if contra-indicated, to prevent fragmentation.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

As always, any commentary on any aspect of the game or story (not restricted to the specific questions raised) is very welcome.

Ch35 Q1: Great Hunt. Back when I started, there was a Great Hunt decision available (seasonal, but greyed out when not in season). It disappeared a while back from the options. I’m assuming it must have been associated with the Hunting focus and disappeared (without me noticing at first) when Rurik took up Scholarship/Learning. Is that right?

I’m also assuming ‘Hold a Great Blot’ should appear again nine years after the last one (would have to check to see when it was). So, there don’t seem to be any other hold a party/festival etc minor decisions that come up now (and yes, I checked up and down the slider to make sure). Does that seem right for a tribal ruler? I’m not missing or doing something that prevents them appearing (other than not engaging in the hunt)?

Ch35 Q2: Nicknames. Tempting as it was to grab the prestige and obtain a nickname, both in-game and in-character, I decided against Rurik betraying his religious convictions and antagonising the very priests and zealous Germanic followers he is seeking so earnestly to promote. People will volunteer their views on the pros and cons of going public – I hope they do, anyway – but I do have one question. Is the nickname simply a cosmetic reflection of an event or perception of a character? Or does it have any known concrete effect or modifier? My assumption is not, but of course I don’t know. In this case, I thought choice 2 at least gets the scholar trait. Options 3 and 4 seemed non-starters to me. Unless, of course, studying in secret starts some other possible track (ie the secret getting discovered or some such), which opting for the +2 bonus does not risk?

Ch35 Q3: Dispensing with a Jarldom. So, any thoughts from the hive mind are welcomed on:

1) Should Rurik indeed dispense with one Jarldom now, rather than wearing the malus and waiting until the succession?

2) If he were to allocate a Jarldom, should it be Tver?

3) And if so, to whom should he allocate it? Dyre, to cement his inheritance? A current Councillor, to put it in safe adult hands now? Or to either Grimr or a suitable un-landed courtier with the right credentials?

4) Another Duchy could be created for Dyre later, if necessary – or not if contra-indicated, to prevent fragmentation.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Odin owns them all! ​

Rurik believed the main battles of this war to subjugate Tyueykezut have probably now been fought, though there is a chance one of the defeated Meryan levies may limp back to contest the issue before the sieges can be concluded and Tyueykezut forced to acknowledge him as his True King and Suzerain. For now, the Valkyries’ work done, Odin will judge which of the battle dead will join his warriors in Valhalla – and which will be left to the tender mercies of Hel in the underworld.

 

[Bullfilter]

A Drink from Mímisbrunnr - October 879 (a summary of advice from Chapter 35)

While Rurik pushes on with the war on Merya, his council members back in Nygarðr seek answers to the questions he has sent back by courier. Their answers are sent by return messenger.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

Great episode, and Merya seems to be going downhill quickly. We are officially a regional power

Thank you. Yes, I think as a proper Kingdom (if still young), we have indeed arrived. Back at the start of the AAR, this was one of my stated game objectives, so for me (with all the learning along the way) this has already been a success!

Re spouse seeking, filters, etc:

I'm not sure but for marriage I think join court filter is not necessary. It is weird there is nobody, there should be tons of available people?

I’ll keep probing it. There are a few who may come if pushed (even if they’re not keen to come), including wanting money. But then I may as well pay a couple of gold and get a young debutant … perhaps as the relam expands and more Norse Germanic children of current spouses come to hand. Remember, the vast majority of the provinces are still Russian, Suomenska and Slavic or Finnish, and I was screening out non-Germanic Norse and children. So it may be it will take a while for more local candidates to show through.

The option for changing the adjective for a realm is underneath the realm name change option. For ease of access and to show how historical hindsight faceted Albion history, most of my duchies, kigndoms and empires have the adjective 'British' on them, and all their wars are thus British ones against whoever. Camelot however is Arthurian, and so on. Have a look and see what you would like it changed to, or you might decide that having the wars refer to the people rather than the specific realm at the time might actually be better than changing it. Especially if you do end up becomig Russia.

Ah, useful to know. I’ll leave it for now but may look at amending later. I’m planning to stay Norse Germanic, but who knows, the tide may turn and we may become Russified. At the moment it’s a small Norse ruling family at the top and mainly Slav/Russian Chiefs and peasants below.

And so Rurik’s much vaunted ambitions writ large and starts to slowly come to pass. A kingly kingdom must perforce require kingly ways. Time will tell whether our emasculated ruler has the cojones to truly rule in a regal way...

Well, at least he adopted a more kingly hairdo! Not sure how regal a fierce but emasculated old warrior such as Rurik will be – especially if he starts getting ‘lunatic’ events. We will see what cards he is dealt!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch35 Q1: Great Hunt. Back when I started, there was a Great Hunt decision available (seasonal, but greyed out when not in season). It disappeared a while back from the options. I’m assuming it must have been associated with the Hunting focus and disappeared (without me noticing at first) when Rurik took up Scholarship/Learning. Is that right?

I’m also assuming ‘Hold a Great Blot’ should appear again nine years after the last one (would have to check to see when it was). So, there don’t seem to be any other hold a party/festival etc minor decisions that come up now (and yes, I checked up and down the slider to make sure). Does that seem right for a tribal ruler? I’m not missing or doing something that prevents them appearing (other than not engaging in the hunt)?

With the Way of Life DLC you indeed need to have the hunter focus to use it

Q1 - Great Hunt linked to focus and Blot on cooldown as you surmise

That is right

As other have noted, you are correct here.

Thanks all for confirming. He might even switch back to hunting later to be able to hold one – and for the health bonus as even his strong bones start to age …

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch35 Q2: Nicknames. Tempting as it was to grab the prestige and obtain a nickname, both in-game and in-character, I decided against Rurik betraying his religious convictions and antagonising the very priests and zealous Germanic followers he is seeking so earnestly to promote. People will volunteer their views on the pros and cons of going public – I hope they do, anyway – but I do have one question. Is the nickname simply a cosmetic reflection of an event or perception of a character? Or does it have any known concrete effect or modifier? My assumption is not, but of course I don’t know. In this case, I thought choice 2 at least gets the scholar trait. Options 3 and 4 seemed non-starters to me. Unless, of course, studying in secret starts some other possible track (ie the secret getting discovered or some such), which opting for the +2 bonus does not risk?

To me, I haven't seen any effect of a nickname, it just seems to reflect your traits, which do affect you but the nickname itself does not seem too though I may be wrong

Q2 - Nicknames are cosmetic. They are handed out depending on actions/traits/circumstances etc., but once given are just "nice"

Just cosmetic. For gameplay purposes, regarding the character is regarded as insane, I would've gone for the first choice even if it didn't give any prestige or anything (and the maluses are not extremely bad I guess) just to tie his insanity with his deep understanding of the cosmos and make it like "he wasn't insane at all, he was just ahead of his time, and that's how he reformed his religion" but option 2 is good too. 3 and 4 were not for a courageous man like Rurik.

Nicknames are purely cosmetic.

Again, thanks for that: an open and shut case as well. Though a good nickname is a great bonus for storytelling!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch35 Q3: Dispensing with a Jarldom. So, any thoughts from the hive mind are welcomed on:

1) Should Rurik indeed dispense with one Jarldom now, rather than wearing the malus and waiting until the succession?

2) If he were to allocate a Jarldom, should it be Tver?

3) And if so, to whom should he allocate it? Dyre, to cement his inheritance? A current Councillor, to put it in safe adult hands now? Or to either Grimr or a suitable un-landed courtier with the right credentials?

4) Another Duchy could be created for Dyre later, if necessary – or not if contra-indicated, to prevent fragmentation.

1, 3, 4) I dont have much experience with gavelkind so dont really know

2) I usually make my decision for giving away on the manpower and gold of the counties in it, though I am not sure if that's the most effective way

It’s one way, and not at all illogical. My other criteria (many from previous advisors) is keeping a centralised demesne and seeing what I think can be kept together as a bundle after a gavelkind succession. And later, wanting to grab a coastal demsne province or two for shipbuilding.

Q3 - I must confess I don't understand the succession mechanics well enough to understand what the implications are

That makes two of us!

Q3.1: I'd wait, but as I said before my experience is as a nomad only so my way might be the wrong way. But the vassals who will be loyal will be loyal despite this small malus, and the ones who will not be loyal would rebel earlier so pose a chance earlier to be replaced by a loyal one. keeping the titles are win/win/win in my opinion.

Good points re the malus and its relative importance.

Q3.2: It is possible that a weaker Jarldom might come into existence after the war with Merya. There can be a sorry 1 county 1 holding Jarldom or something like that. If you must give something, you should give the crappiest, right? And that way you will be giving a Jarldom out of 4 or 5 or more, and not a Jarldom out of 3 when you have 3 sons. Tver can be a good choice (I believe 2 county 2 holding Jarldom) after you have more than 3 Jarldoms, or there might be a 1 county 1 holding one (Pskov maybe?)

Yes, Tver at the moment is probably the logical choice, but I really don’t know what will emerge out of that Meryan hotch-potch. So maybe I should wait a bit.

Q3.3: Oooh I didn't understand it completely until now. If giving to sons is also on the table it is a different story. Upon inheritance the Jarldoms will go to the sons anyway, so you can go ahead and allocate in advance while avoiding the malus. Since it will not make sense to give away the good provinces (which the elder sons would take) and it will make only some amount of sense to give lands to a kid, again you can wait for the 4th Jarldom and give it to Helgi, who would have inherited the 4th Jarldom anyway. I know the king is a ring giver but I guess I am a tight fisted stingy penny pincher when it comes to titles and I'd hate to lose them. On the other hand, of course if you create and give to Helgi the 4th Jarldom, you would still be holding 3 and have the same malus as now so you can maybe give Tver to Tyre BUT then he will have a regent and that can cause some problems.

So this is a conundrum. You have 3 sons and only Helgi is not a minor but you cannot give away your most powerful Jarldom now. If you give him a weak Jarldom now to get rid of the too many Jarldoms malus and not have a regent while keeping your capital, then when Rurik passes the new king Helgi will be in a weak position. So it seems it is either the malus, a regent, giving away the capital Jarldom or screwing Helgi's kingdom. I hope there is a better option that I am not seeing now.

A neat summary of the quicksand Rurik finds himself in. Perhaps he will see how he goes absorbing some malus now, hope Merya can be resolved quickly, and then do some divisions after that: it is the last major conquest on his books for the foreseeable future: anything more is likely to be small strategic land grabs (a province at a time), holy site liberation or raids for money.

Q3.4: If Dyre has no duchies to inherit, he will inherit most of the unallocated counties. I think it is better for him to have a duchy instead to give king better control of future duchies to create. As long as gold is not a problem, creating all available duchies and giving them away to the sons who will inherit them can be a good course of action. Of course keeping in mind the regency thing. It can be no problem at all or not

It’s the need to keep Rurik’s demesne together for now (and the need to pass as much of it on to Helgi as possible) and regencies that are holding me back.

This is a circumstance where a non-ironman game would be useful for verifying you get what you intend. I would hand out the inheritance to one of the later sons now. Start with one county, then give him the duchy, then additional counties until he won't inherit more. I think that should be possible, as he shouldn't get new inheritances beyond his fair share. You should be able to keep borders neater than they would be otherwise. But gavelkind has changed multiple times in CK2's life, so I could be wrong.

Hmm, that is one test option I have deliberately not given myself – perhaps, in retrospect, a somewhat bold step for a first game! But I like a challenge, and for the AI to have some help. Makes the game and commentary a bit more uncertain and exciting, anyway!

Q3 - typically, at this point, as a young Kingdom, I would tell you to grant the Jarldom to a Norse Chieftain with the de jure boundaries of Tver, if you own no land there. However, you aren't trying to stabilize the Kingdom - yet. It's only a -10 malus, and the best case scenario for you right now would be to have a bunch of Slavs decide to rebel so that you can revoke and redistribute some of their titles. So for now... hang on to it and do your best to provoke them Worst case scenario would be for your Norse vassals to rebel, but the Slavs already hate your guts, so they're far more likely to. Check to see if there are any nascent factions plotting your downfall.

Useful perspectives, and I think it builds on previous advice you have given – which has led me to dare the bastards to rebel (well, the worst two, anyway) and other advice above about at least waiting until the conquest of Merya before appraising again. And hoping Rurik doesn’t shuffle off in the interim. And look, even if I end up missing a consolidation option because of an untimely succession, it is all still good learning and story material, so I won’t sweat it too much. Onwards, to battle.

All: that was a really useful discussion for me on a complex topic. I’ll now see what the game throws at me and Rurik (or Helgi!!) will take it from there!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Scholars and Lifestyle Traits

This ended up being an interesting side-bar sub-thread, so I’ve gone with it as a separate topic.

Scholar (+3 Learning) is a lifestyle trait (indicated by the shield shape of the icon).

Once you have one lifestyle trait, you won't trigger any more lifestyle event chains, which are the main way to get lifestyle traits.

So by taking the Scholar trait you've mostly foreclosed the possibility of getting others.

I tend to think that Scholar is one of the weaker lifestyle traits, so I usually take the +2 Learning option (which is not a lifestyle trait) in order to be able to get a better lifestyle later on.

But Scholar is one of the easiest to get, so taking it does have the advantage of getting a lifestyle trait early.

Not a big deal -- you can experiment with different lifestyle traits in the next generation.

See https://ck2.paradoxwikis.com/Traits#Lifestyle

My original answer:

Thanks StevenJ! That’s a very useful little nugget of info. In this case (apart from not knowing any better!! ) I thought the rest of Rurik’s stats were pretty boss and technological backwardness a bit of a problem in the region, but of course I could be wrong. Also, Rurik is getting on a bit now, so maybe it’s not so much of a problem? But a useful consideration for future characters, especially early in their career, as you say. I’ll take look at the wiki reference, thanks.

Even after browsing the link in the Wiki, I still thought there was ambiguity. While it looks pretty clear that you may not get any more events for that particular lifestyle choice, I didn’t think it was certain that you couldn’t then embark on a different lifestyle choice and embark on a new and different event chain as a result of that. Is there something definitive elsewhere that states as black letter law that you can only have one lifestyle trait?

Scholar and piety focuses are for end of life monarchs who have a decade or less left to live (over the age of sixty say) and are basically building up a treasury and political support for their heir. Making works of art and prestige boosting is the name of the game here, and the only egatvies are some minor health difficulties such as stress. It's not as useful as the seduction or family or stewardship focuses but good for old rulers looking to boost their family up a little bit in piety and prestige before they die.

Well, as many characters seem to start pegging out around their mid-fifties and Rurik is nearly 50, it may not have been the worst choice to make. It also fitted with his in-game desire to lift the realm out of its backwardness.

PS: No doubt I’ll get opportunities to explore different focuses as things roll on, either with Rurik or his successors.​

As @TheButterflyComposer mainly useful for later in life. Also it's useful for truce breaking.

Sounds interesting: how does it aid trucebreaking?

It mitigates the effects. One of the effects of truce braking is loss of prestige so if you have more prestige, then you lose some but since you have more, you end with more. You will still face the other effects but you can absorb the prestige loss

In this game, at the moment Rurik has very high prestige (I think around 1,300 IIRC) so I’ll bear that in mind if I need to go around breaking any!​

For games where I expect to be playing enough centuries for investments in tech to pay off, I actually like spending a short stint in the Scholarship way of life for most of my rulers, just for the observatory event chain. And I'll do it even when they're young. But I'll take the +2 Learning over the +3 Learning because the extra point of Learning isn't enough to justify giving up a chance at Game Master, Carouser, Socializer, Gardener, Architect, or Administrator (the Lifestyle traits I think more).

Again, noted. If there is a single lifestyle trait limit, then taking the +2 does indeed make plenty of sense as an option to keep that free for another focus pursuit, especially in a younger learner. And equally, the corollary must be true that (if that limit does apply) I can pursue other focuses and, even if I can’t get the main trait from an event chain, might still be able to get a similar +2 option from them? So they would still be worth pursuing anyway?

I tend to switch to this family&health or whatever bonus when my characters are aging and I want to keep them alive. There was one that gave extra health and nice peaceful events.

Noted. Hunting gives a health bonus too.

Focus trees aren't forever, just a couple of years. Mind you founder characters tend to survive much longer than you might expect (remember Uther was the longest lived monarch of Camelot until Galahad came around and became possibly the longest lived Ironman character ever). This means you might have chance to change it again, but I probably wouldn't at this point. It's a good one to end on. Especially with the new religious dlc promising bonuses to prior rulers having higher piiety bonuses (aka, we can actually get some canonised etc).

Per above: I’m assuming I can still benefit from a new focus, even get another event chain (if Rurik has enough time left for that) – there’s just the carry-over question from above on whether I’m barred from gaining the main lifestyle trait at the end of it.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

All: Once again, my sincere thanks to all contributors – Rurik will find the advice very useful. As do I! On now to the battlefields of Merya and their hopefully rapid suppression (though sieges are involved, of course). And whatever else the game throws at our intrepid dynasty founder.

Odin and Mímir’s head at Mímisbrunnr. In Norse mythology, Mímisbrunnr (Old Norse "Mímir's well") is a well associated with the being Mímir, located beneath the world tree Yggdrasil.​

We noted in a past episode that Mímir was killed and beheaded by the Vanir during the Aesir-Vanir War. Upon seeing the severed head, Odin embalmed it with special herbs and chanted magical songs over it to preserve it. He consulted the head in times of need, and it continued to dispense incomparable advice. Odin famously sacrificed an eye to Mímir in exchange for a drink from Mímisbrunnr – from which he was reputed to drink every morning.

While Rurik does not have access to Mímisbrunnr under the World Tree, he has the next best thing: access to the Hivemind via the Þing and the mysteries of the World Wide Web!

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 36: Blood, Threat and Fears (11 October 879 – 12 January 880)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik presses his war of subjugation on Merya; he has swept the field of the enemy and now besieges two of their holds; speculation swirls around what terms may be offered to High Chief Tyueykezut of Merya and where that worthy would stand under the tribal laws of the new Kingdom of Garðaríki; Rurik wonders whether he can ever summon another ambition to fulfil in the latter part of his reign – however long he may have left – and what focus he might apply himself to next.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

October 879

Rurik’s journal from this time reveals that he still harboured thoughts about the focus of his life and ambitions for the future. He thought he would be ready to select a new focus for his life in the spring [27 March 880, to be precise ], after he had turned 50 and by which time he hoped the war to bring Merya in the new realm would be over. He also yearned to find another ambition for his reign but for now, a suitable one eluded his thoughts.

Spoiler: Ch36 Q1: Focus

Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.

As Rurik waited out the siege of Suzdal in the cooling autumn weather, Gumarich der Schreiber brought him a map of the known world of 879 CE. A modern version of what historians understand that geography to have been is reproduced below. Hungary remained dominant in central Europe; different Norse holdings covered a good half of Britannia; Italy remained a strong European power; the Byzantines were dominant in the East; a variety of Islamic countries vied for leadership in Africa, Mesopotamia and Persia; great kingdoms dominated India; and a variety of horse lords ruled in the great eastern steppes.

A closer look at Europe highlighted the continued dominance of Hungary and the many gains Rurik’s Norse brethren had made in Britannia and on the continent.

In the region immediately around Garðaríki, Konugarðr was a major (and fellow Norse) power to the south, now bordering Rurik along an extensive frontier, but it remained spread out, with Chernigov and Pereyaslavl sitting like large lumps of undigested meat in its stomach. Would they be consumed, or give King Dyre a bad case of indigestion? Small states surrounded Rurik on the Baltic coast and to his north and the horse lords of the steppe ruled to the east. Rurik hoped the betrothal of his daughter Iliana to one of the young horse lords of the Pecheneg royal family might one day bring an alliance with them.

A close-up look at the state of the war shows the forested terrain [favourable to Rurik as a Rough Terrain Expert], the sieges in progress, the lack of enemy armies and the Smolenskian allied levy now about to join Rurik in Suzdal.

And Chief Svetozar, still one of Rurik’s commanders, brings another sizable levy detachment to join Þorsteinn’s army in Pereslavl Zalessky.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

November 879

Just over a month later, High Chief Tyueykezut’s main host arrived back in Mochkava, having rallied somewhere off to the south. They are headed towards Tver and will get there before one of Ruirik’s small levy detachments (from far Chud)will either be able to escape or have Þorsteinn (who in any case has almost finished his siege and is loath to abandon it) arrive to rescue them. By this time, Svetozar’s detachment had joined Þorsteinn. Another pointless massacre was feared.

“We don’t need them to finish this war,” declared Rurik when informed of the situation. “Let the enemy do their worst at Tver – I care not, and we will be finished here long before he makes any progress there. Tell the men to disband and melt into the forests. We cannot afford pointless losses of our precious warriors. There is no shame in dispersing before a massive enemy force.”​

It was done: and because they were still safely in Garðaríki territory, they should all be able to make it home safely. The men from Chud appreciated this, as it was a detachment from their county that was massacred in a similar way during the war against Tver!

The small Chud detachment simply faded into the forests of Tver before Tyueykezut could fall upon and butcher them.​

A week later, Tver was under siege. Gumarich recorded (in his private and confidential journal, not the public chronicles) that he heard Rurik mutter “And welcome they are to it! I hope they eat that wretch Zhavoronok for breakfast! Before I do the same to them.” Followed by a wicked – almost unhinged – cackle.

The sieges of both Meryan strongholds ended in victory on the same day, with a couple of young prisoners taken. Rurik started heading west, to take his larger host to relieve Tver, while Þorsteinn was ordered to Mochkava to besiege its holding and cut off Tyueykezut’s retreat.

The Bear in Winter: never bait the Great Bear of Garðaríki!​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

December 879

As December wore on, Rurik’s army was closing in on Tver, which still held comfortably. Mochkava was now also under siege.

In the depths of winter, the Queen’s spy network reported a new Solvensky murder plot: this time Vsemil’s heir wanted to kill some other Slavic countryman. Rurik couldn’t care less: “Let them all murder each other off, it that is their will!”

On 19 December, the two small levy groups previously routed return from winter rallying quarters. Þorsteinn – whose siege of Mochkava was only in its early days, was despatched to intercept these potential flies in the ointment. If either of them should succeed in defeating one of the small occupying garrisons, it could set back the war effort. He will head to Suzdal, from where he should be able to discourage any enemy incursions. Rurik kept his eyes on the main game, in Tver.

On 28 December, Rurik fell upon the Meryan siege camp in Tver with grim ferocity. The Smolenskians were with him in the single central division, with the Cleansing Flame again personally commanding the Tribal Army's large regiment.

A later painting of King Rurik at the Battle of Tver, in late December 879 AD, Hálsbitr in hand. Its edge was as cold and sharp as the weather as it slaked its bloodthirst on the necks of his enemies.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January 880

Rurik turned 50 during the Battle of Tver, on 1 January 880. A portrait from the time shows his years finally beginning to catch up with him. But he still seemed largely hale of body and mind, despite the toll the ordeal of Pisa had taken on both.

Happy birthday to you, King Rurik!​

6 January saw all the Meryan divisions in full retreat at Tver, with a pursuit in progress through the terrible snows of a Russian winter.

Þorsteinn reached Suzdal in time to ward off any enemy encroachment there (both enemy armies had been heading towards it until they realised he was also approaching). One held where it was in the east, the other turned west, back to Pereslavl Zalessky. Þorsteinn then split his force (easily done, as it was made of numerous large and small levy regiments), taking one to head off the enemy’s western thrust, the other under Snorri’s command to confront the army holding in the east. The battle in Tver was very nearly over by then.

And the next day, it was all over! Rurik had been thinking that this latest victory, thumping though it was, would not be enough to force Tyueykezut’s surrender. But it seems the capture of his brother (and heir), was enough to tip the scale over the edge.

Spoiler: Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore

Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.

On 12 January 880, King Rurik met with High Chief Tyueykezut in Tver to negotiate the terms of his subjugation. As some advisers had surmised, with Rurik now a true king, Tyueykezut joined the realm as a subject High Chief, retaining all his current titles and vassals. And because he retained his titles, it meant Tyueykezut only detested Rurik, rather than loathing him with an unquenchable passion. Naturally, like other powerful lords of the realm, he demanded a seat on the Council: and also like them, would be denied it! The High Chief’s brother was also automatically released (along with Rurik’s other prisoners) on signature of the settlement. At which point Rurik cursed himself for not having attempted to ransom them beforehand. Although on reflection, the early release of Kezhevat might have emboldened Tyueykezut to keep fighting.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Blood, Threat and Fears

Rurik surveyed a newly drawn map showing the boundaries of the kingdom: he liked it – a lot. Compact, giving good protection to the capital and core counties and with good interior lines of communication to the borders. His prestige was again sky high – and he would look to use some of it on some military infrastructure. Perhaps leaving some up his sleeve in case another tribal army ever has to be raised. And he can still add to his personal demesne: maybe one or two coastal provinces now, to establish a proper royal shipbuilding capacity?

That evening, Gumarich handed his King a note from Chancellor Hrörekr: it notified him that enough time had passed since the last Great Blot to hold another. With the release of all the Meryan prisoners after the peace agreement, that left poor young Feverdyn, the witless child captured nine long years ago in Cornwall when they were on Viking, as the only remaining prisoner. Rurik had never been able to ransom him back – and it was little wonder why: he had never seen such an abjectly talentless and frankly useless child in all his years. Nothing had improved with age – and old Dumnarth of Cornwall still refused to take him back. Alas, perhaps serving the Gods by becoming the sacrifice for the Blot might be the merciful thing.

And word also came to Rurik that with the subjugation of Merya, the perception of his threat to his neighbours had leapt: as well it should!

Gumarich recorded his King’s reaction to the news for posterity: “A fine measure of success, by Thor’s Mighty Weapon! I think we can afford to inspire a little more fear and respect among them before we are quite done expanding the realm.”

“Of course, My Liege,” Gumarich replied. “Though it would pay to check any new prospective target to ensure they have not made alliance arrangements with their brethren.”

“Gumarich, you offer good counsel, as always. We will ensure we can crush both the target and any allies foolish enough to support them, if necessary!”​

As he basked in the latest glory and achievement, Gumarich handed him a note from the Steward, Alfgeir. In it, he suggested that if the King had for now finished with his plans for expansion, he could aim for a period of prolonged peace, with great benefits for the prosperity of the realm. And it shouldn’t prevent a bit of lucrative raiding, as that would not qualify as a war. It would also help to keep all the newly acquired counties in check and make them less likely to rebel against their new ruler.

A copy of Rurik’s response was found in the scroll trove:

“Your idea has some merit, Alfgeir. I am not sure whether my current expansion plans are quite finished with – but they should be soon. Perhaps then this may be a worthy ambition for me as the King of a newly forged realm. It would still allow us to raid again – and for our neighbours to be lulled into a sense of false security regarding our threat to them! Which we may need if a couple more acquisitions are made. Though too long a period of peace will begin to erode my prestige in the eyes of our tribal lords. Let me think on it.”​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The Smell of the Sea

Rurik spent some time that evening looking at a map of the two maritime provinces on the Baltic that bordered Garðaríki, in the north-west of the realm. He assesses them as targets. The figure below illustrates the considerations Rurik was looking at. He may want both but would select one first – in case the next opportunity may have to wait, for diplomatic or practical reasons.

• On the one hand was the county of Narva, owned by the Estonian Suomenusko High Chief Illimar ‘the Just’. With two counties (Narva was not his capital), he could muster a levy of 1,160 men. With his piety, he could also likely muster a religious horde. He had no external allies and had yet to form or join a pact against Rurik. Narva itself had a basic shipyard already, so satisfied that requirement. Its single tribal holding had a market village and a hillfort, but otherwise had low monthly revenue of 3.45 gold. A minor river crossing would be required to take it.
  
  
• The other option was the single-county Finnish Chiefdom of Käkisalmi, ruled by Chief Ahma. His levy was very small but he also had the piety to summon holy warriors to him. Like Illimar, as yet he only had a pact with his wife. The tribal holding was poor but importantly, did boast a shipyard. The richness of the county was enhanced through the presence of a well-developed temple (Raivola), provided rich revenue and with its own temple shipyard!

On balance, Rurik considered Käkisalmi by far the most tempting target. To proceed immediately, he would again have to dismiss his levies, but the bulk of them, when re-mustered, would be close to the jumping-off point of Ingria. The Great Tribal Army and his (now small) personal regiment in Tver would have to march across three provinces to get there but could do so soon enough: they may be needed to contend with an invading horde of Finnish holy warriors. If things got desperate enough, Rurik could recruit another tribal army, but would prefer to use his hard-won prestige developing his own holdings, if possible. He started drawing up plans for the next acquisition, to despatch to Helgi in the morning.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

A Rogues' Gallery

Late that evening, exhausted but very happy with developments, Rurik surveyed a report on his new "Rogues' Gallery" of vassals – considerably expanded in recent months. And he received another pleasant surprise. Understandably, his new vassal, as a High Chief, wanted a position on the Council. And Zhavaronok of Tver, his other most recently added vassal (who lost his High Chiefdom in the process) has similar ambitions. But the rest of his previously restive vassals have surrendered that ambition: perhaps because they see their relative power within the realm eclipsed by that of the more powerful new additions, both of whom still control multiple counties (Zhavoronok may no longer be High Chief, but gained/retained direct control of the other two counties that had made up his former High Chiefdom of Tver). Indeed, Nuyanza of Ingria, with that particular bee out of his bonnet, was now well disposed to the King. Vsemil remained as before (mildly positive). But the other (peskier) Slovensky, Svetozar, had mellowed and now only disliked his King somewhat! Even Miemo had slowly begun to mitigate the white hatred of his new overlord. [And this is still with the -10 malus from holding too many duchies.]

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Matters of Faith

Rurik had considered the state of the Germanic Faith before, but with the passage of time and one major ambition now fulfilled, he again turned his attention to this long-held dream. Of the three criteria for reforming the faith (assuming it was very unlikely he or his successors would be able to take and hold all five Holy Sites at the same time), two were currently satisfied: the moral authority of the faith was just above the requirement, while the recent victory over Merya had seen Rurik’s piety up to just over 750. But the key criterion remained personal possession of the minimum three holy sites: two of these at least would need to come from Germanic brethren, probably by sea raid. Hliedra and Uppsala being the easiest to access. Discounting Paderborn (inland and owned by the powerful Hungarian empire), that would leave either the distant Maere, or maybe a quick raid and occupation of Tholen.

Rurik assumed that he would only need to control the three sites briefly – long enough to enact the reform – and would not need to hold them indefinitely, which could be difficult. That way, a Holy Site in Scandinavia could be relinquished to a fellow Germanic kingdom if not sustainable to hold without losing current moral authority, while a temporarily held Tholen, for instance, could be ceded back to Lotharingia if necessary, without trying to support a distant permanent garrison against waves of powerful attackers. But, being unaware of some of the religious and political subtleties in this matter, Rurik undertook to take the advice of his Godi and the Þing, which would be summoned forthwith to consider a range of important matters.

Spoiler: Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again)

Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

A Great Þing will be held in Nygarðr to help Rurik confirm his plans for the immediate and longer-term future. In addition to the three questions posed above, a fourth, more general one, has been added below. And as always, all are welcome to attend the Þing and to comment on any matter they wish to, and as many or as few as they wish.

Spoiler: Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans

Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.

Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.

Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?

Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ

Rurik's covetous eyes were cast upon the shipyards of the nearby Baltic coast. ​

Rurik’s thoughts turn again to the sea and raiding. This is not an issue for him – his fleet of 40 ships is more than enough for his current needs – but for the future. Those ships will disperse on his passing: access to new ships will be a must for his successors – especially if his work of reforming the Germanic Faith is not completed before his death. The Gods would not be pleased if he neglected this important provision for the future survival of the Old Gods against the new.

 

[Bullfilter]

The Thirteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – January 880 (a summary of advice from Chapter 36)

With Garðaríki largely now consolidated, Rurik looks to the future. The wise assemble in the capital to give counsel.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

Nice. Moving right along towards being more than just a regional power.

Thank you. Quite happy I didn’t crash and burn in my first game: helped by a strong starting position and lots of help! Pretty pleased with the first 12 years of the Rurikid Dynasty.

for some reason I did not receive the email notification for the new posts in this thread, I just stumbled upon all the new posts and a whole new episode! Hurra!

Those notifications are notorious.

this made me miss my yabguid game which was ruined by a bug :/

Damned insects – particularly bothersome on the steppe in spring, so I understand!

the Chud levy caught again! they should make an offering to gods or something, they have some kind of curse upon them.

that's a genius move by the cunning king Rurik.

I was pretty pleased with that little ploy: though no doubt many others must have used the same ploy when small levies are caught out like that, I’d never actually seen it documented (that I can recall) in a CK2 AAR I’ve read, so it was re(?)-invented this time!

the most prestigious member of the royal family inherits, so if your son in law is not the first in line of inheritence maybe you can give him a prestige creating position in your court to bump his chances up. Beware of giving a landed title, that was what broke my save (your save will not be ruined but for the pechenegs life will be hell).

I think he is the first son of the heir to the High Chief, but we’ll see how it turns out.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.

Q1 - I would go Stewardship, and then Hunting. Considering a second round of hunting as what he does as he winds down (presuming he lives that long).

Stewardship seems the smart play. Though hunting has its benefits … and I never finished off the event chain before the – ah – unfortunate events of Pisa.

1 - I tend to like stewardship, as money is always nice. Of course, as a tribal kingdom, prestige is still your main currency for upgrades. Looking at the list though, you might want to go with business. For reasons.

Yes, though given how little income there is, I wonder (out loud, to myself) how much benefit Stewardship will provide at this point?

I think stewarding should be fine, if a bit dull.

Yes, it’s a bit too un-Rurik like, perhaps? Though he did go for learning in recognition of the prior deficiency there.

Q1 - I like to pick up hunting for health once advanced age hits, if I've got a decent character I'd like to stretch out some.

Good point and one of Rurik’s key considerations. Hmmm.

Summary: A 50-50 call: Rurik’s decision will be made known in the next instalment (which still needs to be played).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.

Q2 - I have always presumed captives can feature, but do not know for sure

Others have assisted us below.

2 - On the warscore screen, you can hover over the total in the middle and it'll tell you how much each captive contributes to the total score. Capturing your main foe should give you an automatic 100%, but heirs and family members are smaller numbers. The number only persists while you still hold them captive, so if you'd have ransomed him you'd have lost the bonus.

Ah, I will do that next time I have the chance, thanks. And also for confirming re ransom and the warscore (will just do it on raids or when the warscore effect is negligible/absent.

The warscore can be hovered over to give more details, as said above. Family members do count, though you'll only really notice if you capture the ruler himself cos then you win.

Again thanks. Though it looks like the heir has a sizeable effect (in this case enough to tip me over the 100% mark).

Q2 - Hovering over the giant green 100% will give you an exact breakdown. The ruler is 100%, the heir is 50%, and other close relatives are I believe 5% each.

Excellent, nice to have the precise figures.

Summary: So the ones to ransom in war (as opposed to a raid) are the lesser lights that may be captured. No point keeping them for a Blot if it’s a war of conquest, because it seems the conquered prisoners become vassals and are automatically released on peace. I wonder if it is different if they come from somewhere that is not conquered as a result of the war?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?

Q3 - I may be wrong, but I think it is just required when you do the reformation.

3 - You can leave once the job is done.

Religious sights...depends on what blend of dlc you have I think? Not sure and this new one might mess it all up again even in the base game. But I think...it should be fine to raid them.

I have everything up to but not including Jade Dragon. No mods.

Q3 - I think it's a moot point since I believe you need to be at peace to reform the religion.

Ah, I kept misreading the question. Yes, you have to actually own the provinces, because you need to be at peace. Once you've done the reformation, though, you can release them again (though maybe you'd not want to do that at that point).

I'll just re-emphasize the "I believe" that you need to be at peace - it's been awhile since I reformed a pagan religion It doesn't say so in the tooltip, but if my memory serves me correctly, I've never reformed Germanic while at war, and I have to believe it's either because you can't while at war, or you have to be the top liege, which you can't be until you've peaced out the war by annexing the holy site. One of the two!

Summary: OK, I think the upshot is I need to assume I hold them as titles, not just occupied in combat. If it ends up being easier than that after all, I can be pleasantly surprised! Can it (as I’d assume unless advised differently) be control via a vassal who I in turn command? Just so long as it is my realm?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.

Q4 - I would grab those desired provinces, and then settle down to try and turn your new Kingdom into a stable state for whenver Rurik dies

Yes, though I’ll need to be clear about some of the what ifs below.

4 - I think raiding and building your holdings (or at least the ones going to your main heir) might be a good focus for now. But I do tend to be a builder. If you get good opportunities to grab holy sites, though, don't miss them.

Roger that. I built a lot at first till I ran out of money. Hence more raiding for those that need either money or prestige (given raiding provides both in equal measure)! Yes, those sites are going to be a challenge, so I’ll have to get smart about finding out when those opportunities arise (could come in a variety of ways, I imagine) and a means for making such opportunistic grabs. Which probably involves ships most of the time.

Better get reformed before the first crusades hits you.

Indeed - I’ll see if I can manage it.

And for future plans? Change your inheritance laws. Change your realm laws to keep such a large personal group of lands. Build tall (cos building is broken and will net you oodles of cash and troops more than owning an empire will) and wait for a while to pick your targets. Then start moving out again. Perhaps since Europe is so messed up, heading north and clearing it up till you have the northern counties boarding Siberian wastelands and Scandinavia securely under you. With your back against impassable territory and the top of the map, you can turn around and smash back against the Christians. I do think you prob all do need to unite the Lagan world first though to stand a chance, especially as the husngrains, Bulgarians and Byzantines have all been lucky in this game.

Oh, I’d love to get those inheritance laws changed. Still seems a way off though. Won’t be possible before Rurik shuffles off, I’m thinking, even if he does last a while yet. Or am I being too pessimistic?

Q4 - I was tempted to tell you to leave them alone because of inheritance shenanigans. Your primary heir *probably* won't inherit them since they are outside the de jure Kingdom. This is where Gavelkind gets annoying. Ships won't be important until your heir inherits as you've got the event fleet to tide you over. However; long run they are important enough, so if you are going to invade, send your troops through Tartu and hit him from the south instead of across the river. Leave a force in place to block him from crossing the river, and send it through to hit your target at least one day after the flanking force arrives, to negate the river crossing penalty. The owner of Tartu won't fuss about it.

But yeah, Rurik unless he gets lucky won't be starring in this little endeavor too much longer. I generally give my rulers an even 50/50 shot of hitting 50 and a less than 25% chance of hitting 60. So many things can go wrong. So getting coastal provinces now won't help Rurik much, but it will make the life of the primary heir much easier, especially once he starts eliminating rival Rurikids for their juicy shipyards.

So, if I conquer these counties now but grant them direct to Helgi off the bat, does he keep them on succession? Or is there some Gavelkind pecking order that would take them away again? If I could, and be confident he would keep them, I could perhaps do that and even build more ship facilities before succession, if necessary, for him?

I guess for the first time I have no idea about the answers to the technical questions. On the other hand about Q4, I say secure a shipyard (and if there is a good CB, why not conquer a bigger duchy? Aren't there other neighboring realms that has shipyards which are bigger? For instance, who rules the Arctic Sea provinces of Pomorye, Dvina, Bjarmia and Saamod? (In fact, I wonder how is the political situation up north, when you have the chance can you post a screenshot?) Wouldn't it be great if they are in one realm and you eat them all in one go? And they are in the de jure empire of Rus, so a step in a nice direction for the generations to come. I wonder when it will be possible to create the EMPIRE

OK, I’ll have a look around, including up north. But I was assuming I’d now only be able to conquer one county at a time (if I’m not subjugating via the Rus ambition). And they’d all be outside de jure Rus/Garðaríki now.

After that, conquer more neighboring realms after the shipyards until the badboy is high enough for alliances against you to form, and then take the 5 year prosperity and raiding break to build and strengthen, and then you can return with the wars for the 3 holy sites. I think after getting your hands on the holy sites, you can even build them up with beefed up church holdings so they give good levies, make them into one religious title and give to a religious loyal norse guy as a kind of a norse vatican that would also provide a loyal and tough fighting force. I'll call that: a norse religious authority / warrior order a good project.

OK, will monitor how that goes re the Badboy. Maybe one of those extra conquests should be a Holy Site? Though not one that brings me into war with Hungary or one of the Christian realms?

Summary: Some interesting choices here. I’ll take immediate steps and have the rest in mind and refine plans as things develop. When in doubt, just wing it!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Thank you all once again for your support and sharing your knowledge and views. I will probably play the next session tomorrow some time, so if there’s any ‘late mail’ or follow-up advice arising from the above, please let me know.

“The Dread Viking Ragnar is here – for your soul!”

Spoiler: The Dread Pirate Roberts - Princess Bride

(8 sec)

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 37: Ingria - the Crossroads of the North (12 January – 14 June 880)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Merya had been defeated and subjugated into Garðaríki; next steps must be decided - after a sustained period of expansion in the interior, eyes now turn north and west; for a Viking nation, shipyards are needed for the long term; and the Germanic religion cries out for reform - another factor pulling Rurik’s gaze westwards.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January 880

The levies were dismissed on 12 January 880, immediately after the victory against Merya. First, Rurik cast his eyes to the north, one of the suggestions from the last Þing. Apart from requiring a long voyage around the top of Scandinavia to get to anywhere useful from there, it was found these northern reaches were almost completely bereft of shipyards. Rurik sought facilities already built that could be used and developed and were ideal for raiding in the Baltic and Western Europa.

He decided that the previously identified single-county Chiefdom of Käkisalmi will be the target, with both a shipyard in its tribal holding and another in its Temple of Raivola. It is also in the general direction of the Holy Sites of the north. The main concern was the great piety of its Chief: we would be able to use it to summon Finnish religious fanatics to his standards.The Tribal Army and Rurik’s personal regiment were ordered to gather in Ingria.

War was declared on Chief Ahma.

The first moves of the campaign were made. Ahma raised his personal levy, while Rurik again called up his main personal levies from Ladoga and Holmgarðr.

Four days later, Chief Ahma summoned 2,000 holy warriors to his cause. A check of the Cleansing Sword of Belo Ozero had showed he would likely respond to a call to arms this time (which would be a first) – and he did so quickly when asked, bringing almost 500 men to the field. Vsemil had once again demonstrated surprising dedication: his forces were detailed to join Þorsteinn as he made toward Ingria with the Holmgarðr Regiment – now 1,000 strong.

And a week later, Ahma used his very pious reputation to call up yet another 2,000 holy warriors and with this force of well over 4,000 made toward Ingria. This caused Rurik to change his plans: his main force would concentrate in Holmgarðr, with all his personal levies now summoned and the call going out for the Smolenskians to once again join in the fight. They would then aim to march to Luki, where an advance guard was sent, to be able to attack Ahma from the south, avoiding a river crossing and fighting Ahma in the rough terrain (forest in this case) that Rurik was strongest in.

And a few days later, Grimr once again did his duty and mustered his levies for the King (it took a little longer for the message to reach him). Like Vsemil, they were directed to join Þorsteinn. Rurik would assume command once the main body was mustered.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

February - March 880

The second half of January and then February were spent by both sides mustering and marching. The Garðarikian advance guard was now assembled in Luki and the majority of the main body in Holmgarðr, which now also began moving to Luki. At this point, Ahma was still making his approach long march and river crossing to Ingria.

Early March saw the winter snows not yet thawed and Ingria under siege. And for some reason, the Belo Ozero contingent was taking the ‘scenic route’ to join the main body via Zaozerye! It looked like Ingria may be able to hold out for about two months: it would be a close-run thing as to whether Rurik could muster a sufficient force in Luki to close with Ahma before it fell.

As Rurik waited in the capital before joining his troops, Gumarich noted in his journal that the King's second son, young Eilif, was taken badly ill with the flu. While not normally fatal, the flu could be dangerous in the young: the Godi Þorolfr was summoned immediately to lend what assistance he could as Court Physician - and Rurik's closest and most trusted confidant.

A few days later, Rurik was sitting one evening in his private chamber, considering reports of troop movements and the sundry affairs of state that running a now large kingdom required. The hearth gave off a comfortable glow and welcome warmth – the winter was not yet fully at bay. As he pored over a report by candlelight, a knock at the door sounded.

“Enter.”

“My Liege, a seek leave to disturb your musings and would add more for your considerations,” it is Hrörekr, the Chancellor. “We have this evening received word from our eastern neighbours in Mari. It seems the threat they feel from our recent expansions has goaded them into action. They have announced the formation of a defensive pact against you.”​

​

“Hah, well, they can hardly be blamed for that – we were expecting something like this to happen. How many do you think may join?”

“Well, My Liege, he is a Mordvin of the Suomenusko faith. We many expect others of his faith who share a border with us to join, especially after our attack on Ahma. It should not bring them into the current conflict, but may start to draw others in to our west and north, where the Suomi are prevalent and they seek protection in numbers.”

“I see, Hrörekr. Depending on who does join, it will increase the stakes for future expansion, especially against the Suomi. Ensure you keep me well informed when I head off to Luki to join the army. I will take Gumarich with me: please coordinate the passage of information through him while I am in the field.”​

The Chancellor left. Rurik pondered his map, wondering where this would lead.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

April 880

Rurik had less than two weeks to wait before the pact against him began to gain adherents: Livonia joined the defensive pact in early April. He also looked at the numbers he would be able to gather against Ahma: even with all his levies mustered, the Tribal Army and Vsemil and Grimr’s contingents, he would have slightly fewer troops to hand than Ahma – whose ranks of heavy infantry had been greatly boosted through the two religious hordes he had summoned. Rurik decided to increase the odds in his favour by calling on another Tribal Army: 2,500 troops more, again many of them heavy infantry, would do the trick nicely.

Rurik had hoped to avoid expending the extra prestige on this but felt it would be necessary to ensure a healthy victory and ensure his precious levies were shielded from the kind of carnage a close battle – or even defeat – might bring. And having lost battles twice in Ingria previously before finally beating Pskov against another religious horde early in his reign, he vowed not to do the same this time. He quickly wrote orders to Helgi to call more conquering hordes to the ranks.

Spoiler: Ch37 Learning Point 1: An embarrassment of riches.

Ch37 Learning Point 1: An embarrassment of riches. Alas, on this occasion a mixture of newbieness and failure to double-check something made me genuinely regret playing in Ironman mode for the first time. Which in retrospect I wouldn’t have done for a first and learning game plus AAR (where I feel there is more invested than simply stuffing something up in private, where you can race through a game and just put it down to experience).

So when I went to raise the tribal army via the intrigue screen, I clicked the relevant box and nothing seemed to happen – it stayed green. I was either expecting a notification of some sort or for the box to grey out after clicking. Perhaps I just wasn’t concentrating properly in this session: it wasn’t the only or worst error I made – more on that in the next episode. So, without getting out of the screen to check, I clicked the button again. *Your authAAR palms face vigorously!*

Yes, more experienced players than me (which is just about everyone) will have already guessed by now. What had happened is I had so much prestige (almost 1,500 by then – I hadn’t wanted to build anything new until I knew how much I would have left from the new raisings) that the box stayed green after the first click because I had enough for another. It’s a good thing I hadn’t crept over the 1,500 mark by then, or I may have wound up with three extra tribal hordes and no prestige left!

Let this error be warning to others! This is the kind of silly game mechanic and inattention error that (had this been a non-Ironman game) I would have fixed promptly and without any pangs of conscience: it’s not like Rurik would have ‘accidentally’ raised double the number of troops he wanted to because he tapped his finger twice on map of Garðaríki! But I will have to deal with it in-character as best I can. Here endeth the confession and explanation of Silly Error No 1 for 880 CE!

Helgi was in his quarters when his father burst into the room without knocking.

“Son, what is the meaning of this? I wake this morning to see a host of five thousand men mustered outside the gates of Nygarðr! My prestige spent like water, for a host that is far greater than necessary! I had wanted to expand our holdings for the longer-term betterment of the army – and your own inheritance. But now I have less than half the clout I had been expecting to do it with. Explain yourself, man!”​

Helgi was (as he recorded in his personal journal) taken aback and thoroughly surprised by his father’s presence so early in the morning – and by his angry reaction.

“But Father ... Sire … I thought you would be delighted by the speed with which we have assembled this host at your instructions! I am only doing what you asked of me.”

Now both men were non-plussed. There was an awkward pause as both tried to figure out what had happened.

Seeing this, Helgi picked up a note from his table and continued: “I have your note from last night here, Father. It was short, but I thought clear and urgent. ‘I have assessed we will need two Tribal Hosts to take on Ahma in Luki. We must have overwhelming numbers – see to the mustering at once!’ Father, I am reading from your note - these were your exact words and there was no time to be lost – I issued the call on your behalf accordingly. We now have the greatest host this realm has ever fielded: when assembled and with Grimr and Vsemil’s men, we will have over 10,000 men under arms. We can do much with such a host, and beyond dealing with Ahma.”

Rurik – whose sense of justice and honour had not been set aside by his supposed ‘lunacy’ – was stopped in his tracks. His face when slack momentarily before he mustered his thoughts and replied.

“You are right, my son. My note was ambiguous. This is entirely my fault. I had been assessing the situation and had been thinking of our existing Tribal Army needing one more to match the two smaller religious hordes Ahma has brought with him. With our own far larger demesne levies and the extra thousand men brought by Grimr and Vsemil, plus our far superior quality of generalship and on favourable terrain, I thought that around 7,500 to their 4,300 would have been easily enough for a handsome victory. So, I had meant two tribal armies including our current one. But, in my haste and the late hour of the night, I did not make that clear. I have only myself to blame for this outcome.”

“But,” said Rurik, continuing after a short pause to gather his thoughts, “we can make a virtue out of this. Such a host can indeed, as you say, be used for far more than taking down Ahma – and it will make for even fewer casualties and quicker sieges when we move into his lands and have two holdings to reduce. We will take this Great Tribal Host and use it while we can, even as our neighbours begin to form their pacts against us.”​

Later in April, more news of opposition to the Rurikid rise becomes known – this time domestically. News came through the Queen’s spy network in the recently acquired counties and Jarldoms of the south-east: the unhappy Jarl Tyuekezhut of Yaroslaval (formerly the High Chief of Merya until a few months before) had joined Chief Miemo’s independence faction. Again, not a surprise: it was inevitable that the disaffected former realm leaders would yearn for their freedom. It remained to be seen whether or when there would be a reckoning. It could be something that would be left to Helgi to contend with. Still, it was the price for expanding so quickly by subjugation of proud neighbours then trying to accommodate them within the new realm. It would just have to be managed – either with finesse and patience, or if necessary the axe!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

May – June 880

By 2 May, Rurik’s Great Host had assembled in Luki. It was reorganised, with the two new tribal regiments sent to either wing. The trusty Sverker was left to command the right flank [given his additional skills to his simple martial rating of 15] while the flanking expert, military ace and former marshal from Normandie, Hrolfr [Martial 20], took command of the left flank. Every available commander of the realm was used to take charge of key companies within the great army. Snorri with Sverker on the right, Svetozar with Hrolfr on left. Vsemil would continue his sterling work with the original tribal company in the centre, under Rurik, while Þorsteinn was entrusted with command (and protection) of the strong Holmgardian tribal levy. The centre also contained all the other smaller tribal levy companies under Rurik’s direct command. The two allied contingents would slot in where they would, as they operated as sovereign bodies. All in all, Rurik was very pleased with the strength, balance and leadership of his force.

Spoiler: Ch37 Q1: Subordinate Commanders

Ch37 Q1: Subordinate Commanders. I’ve made an assumption here that having commanders for companies within a division adds their skills and bonuses in combat to those of the overall flank commanders. I’ve mentioned (briefly) doing this before and no-one demurred, but just thought I would seek confirmation and views as to whether it is worth the risk of exposing them to battle for whatever benefit may accrue (assuming they may also pick up battle-related bonus skill events, as well as the risk of maiming and death). Also, if I (in the future) want to check the effect during combat, can that be done by a mouse-over of some sort in the battle screen?

The Great Host set forth for Ingria that day, only to be met a day later with the news that Ingria had fallen and Nuyanza’s two young sons had been captured and imprisoned. They would be freed and Ingria avenged! Ahma was reportedly heading towards the capital in Holmgarðr but would have to cross the River Lovat first. Rurik was confident they would catch the Käkisalmian host before they could cross, with five days to spare. In the end, their timing was just right. Another week and it might have become another one of those cat-and-mouse games! The Belo Ozero contingent was commanded by Vsemil’s son Radogor, an up-and-coming warrior with good skills [Martial 17] in his first independent command. If the Smolenskian regiment had a commander, his name is lost to history.

As the Great Host marched north, Rurik was met with more news of the gathering defensive pact: Gumarich handed him a simple note from the Chancellor. This was of direct interest, as Chief Lalli’s shipyards would be a logical next target. Tackling him would now bring additional consequences.

24 May brought news that Ahma had found a way to raise another thousand warriors back in Käkisalmi. Rurik was aware that Ahma had a vassal priest in Raivola who presumably could raise a levy and may have responded to a summons, but the source of the rest of these troops was something of a mystery, as Ahma's demesne levy was only around 300-plus and had already been summoned, while Käkisalmi was a single-county Chiefdom. And these did not look like mercenary raisings, while Ahma didn’t have the gold (55 at previous count) to hire them. The group was heading toward Ingria but would take over a month to arrive: the battle would be decided long before then. Rurik largely dismissed them from his mind, which was focused on Ahma himself.

The latest Battle of Ingria commenced on 26 May 880 – the largest clash of arms in the dozen years of Rurik’s reign. Almost as soon as combat commenced, it transpired that Ahma had placed his two holy warrior divisions on either flank – and neither with an assigned commander. He himself was stationed in the centre, with his small personal levy of just over 300 men. They were no Spartans and were quickly reduced in size and fled the field within minutes [ie before I could even pause for the screenshot!]. Given his very poor military skills [Martial 5], perhaps that was all unsurprising. This left the two flanks as a contest of rival hordes – but Garðariki had the edge in numbers and leadership, while Rurik was able to send his own centre division in to assist Sverker on the right almost immediately.

Spoiler: Ch37 Q2: Allies in Battle

Ch37 Q2: Allies in Battle. So the two 'tethered' allied companies had joined the centre division once the battle began - does this always happen with allies when they join in a battle, does anyone know?

​

Spoiler: Ch37 Q2: Additional Troops

Ch37 Q3: Additional Troops. OK, it didn’t matter too much at the time given the numbers and the fact the main battle was about to start, so I didn’t dig any further then (and it is too late to now), but any idea where these additional troops may have come from? Are there events etc that Ahma might have benefited from? It would just be useful to know, as it could happen again when the numbers are far closer.

Spoiler: Ch37 Q3: Nominal Command?

Ch37 Q4: Nominal Command? Another little aside and question here, but you may notice on the screenshot that the blue crossed swords symbol of the allied Belo Ozero (led by Radogor) rather than Rurik’s Garðarikian bear is shown for the Great Host here. Is that significant? Does it mean he is leading instead? Or some other consideration I should be aware of? It may also explain something which happened shortly afterwards, though that could be a coincidence.

Ah, the clash of arms. The sweet smells and sights of the battlefield. Blut und Schlacht on the grand scale!​

By 31 May, the enemy’s left had been broken and all attention now focused on their right, which continued to resist stoutly. But it could not last and, by 4 June, all three enemy divisions were fleeing, with the Garðarikians in pursuit.

While the combat continued, back in Nygarðr Helgi and Jorunn had another son born to them – making it three now. While good news on the one hand, this profusion of sons may create similar problems down the tract for Helgi as would follow Rurik’s passing – if the gavelkind inheritance system could not be changed by that (hopefully very distant) time.

During the pursuit, with the victory all but won and the enemy in headlong retreat, something most unexpected happened: young Radogor Vsemilovich Slovensky, son of the Cleansing Flame, was felled by an arrow while leading a charge by his Belo Ozero troops against an enemy rear-guard detachment. Rurik suspended his normal disdain for all Slovenskys and Slavs: the promising young man had been killed fighting for his King, at the head of an allied contingent which had answered the call to arms, and on the same battlefield where is father lead one of the main regiments under Rurik’s command. Though, for once it made him glad he now kept Helgi at home training troops: he would never again risk both himself and his heir on the battlefield at the same time.

One of the Slav’s heathen priests performed a moving ceremony in the field to mourn Radogor’s glorious death in battle. Rurik hoped the young man might find his way to whatever the heathen Slav equivalent of Valhalla might be, if they had one.​

Vsemil was so enraged he decided one sword was no longer sufficient for his work – he would Cleanse the Finns with two! Giving no mercy was already his byword. Let us simply observe that he pursued the enemy with even more vigour than usual.​

Victory in Ingria was formally declared on 13 June. Almost 1,500 enemy troops had be killed, for the loss of only 173 of the Great Host – one of them the late and lamented Radogor. [I wonder out loud whether the crest of Belo Ozero being seen as the ‘lead’ one in the battle screenshots meant he was the one exposed to being killed this time? Has Rurik dodged a bullet (or we should say arrow in this milieu) that hit Radogor instead?]

Ahma had left a small garrison to hold Ingria: outnumbering them more than 100-1, Rurik had no hesitation in ordering an immediate assault. A day later, Ingria was back in friendly hands. Only eight men were lost, while the entire garrison was put to the sword.

The advance to Käkisalmi was ordered straight away, chasing the retreating Ahma and scaring off the ‘Kexholmian’ army that had gathered there – they headed off north-east to neutral Karjala instead. There would be no opposition to take advantage of the river defence that could have been mustered.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

This ended the first phase of the Garðarikian War to Conquer Käkisalmi, with the next seeing Rurik’s 9,000 men and a further 1,000 from his vassals taking the fight to Ahma’s heartland. A Military Folkmote would be held on the campaign trail to consider the questions raised from this first phase of the campaign [and bearing in mind that second phase has already been played through].

Questions

Ch37 Q1: Subordinate Commanders. I’ve made an assumption here that having commanders for companies within a division adds their skills and bonuses in combat to those of the overall flank commanders. I’ve mentioned (briefly) doing this before and no-one demurred, but just thought I would seek confirmation and views as to whether it is worth the risk of exposing them to battle for whatever benefit may accrue (assuming they may also pick up battle-related bonus skill events, as well as the risk of maiming and death). Also, if I (in the future) want to check the effect during combat, can that be done by a mouse-over of some sort in the battle screen?

Ch37 Q2: Allies in Battle. So the two 'tethered' allied companies had joined the centre division once the battle began - does this always happen with allies when they join in a battle, does anyone know?

Ch37 Q3: Additional Troops. OK, it didn’t matter too much at the time given the numbers and the fact the main battle was about to start, so I didn’t dig any further then (and it is too late to now), but any idea where these additional troops may have come from? Are there events etc that Ahma might have benefited from? It would just be useful to know, as it could happen again when the numbers are far closer.

Ch37 Q4: Nominal Command? Another little aside and question here, but you may notice on the screenshot that the blue crossed swords symbol of the allied Belo Ozero (led by Radogor) rather than Rurik’s Garðarikian bear is shown for the Great Host here. Is that significant? Does it mean he is leading instead? Or some other consideration I should be aware of? It may also explain something which happened shortly afterwards, though that could be a coincidence.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The glories of battle are many – will Ahma be able to muster his forces – or new allies – for another great battle? Or will it be the boredom and squalor of siege warfare from here on?​

 

[Bullfilter]

Military Folkmote – June 880 (a summary of advice from Chapter 37)

Looks like these questions were a bit arcane this time round. Ah well, will have to leave them to the game’s mysteries. If I discover any further answers (or anyone else has any) I’ll ensure they are floated in subsequent feedback.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

So anti-blobing is setting in with defensive pacts against the Ruriks.

As mentioned before, yes, I think that’s a good thing in principle. But the next chapter will show I’m a far more effective anti-blobbing factor that anything the AI can do!

northern wastes, i did not expect there to be this desolated, sorry for the wrong direction

Ah well, it was worth a check. Maybe they will have more in the future.

good call, and also in the de jure scandinavian kingdom/empire which is perhaps the second most probable one to add to our list of titles after Rus

May as well get moving that way early!

which religions do we have as neighbors?

Slavs mainly in Russia, Suomi in the north and the Baltic states. That’s mainly it for now.

I guess now you have to make the best out of this huge army and keep on conquering until you are the worst boy around

That’s the plan, anyway!

I like to hedge my bets so on the one hand trying to befriend their heirs and groom them in a way that will make them like my (or my heir's) rule, on the other hand i wait for my ruler to die and my heir to become ruler so that the disloyal would rebel and get decapitated

I’ll try a bit of all that and see what they do before their heirs take over.

good to have some spares

Though not too many under this Gavelkind inheritance. But yes, better than running out and losing!

I will be very interested in the answers to those questions ... because I don't know.

Looks like that’s most of us!

I have done the same thing regarding calling warriors from prestige ... kinda annoying.

It is at that! In part my own fault for going Ironman when I didn’t know the game. But done is done.

I have no insight to offer for the questions this time.

Looks like they’re real posers this time.

Unfortunately, the inner workings of the battle system elude me a bit; beyond the general combat bonuses, the available "literature" on the subject is fairly sparse when you get into this fine-grained level of detail.

Too right.

A magnificent battle my lord king but there are some powerful adversaries aligning themselves against you...

My battle knowledge starts and stops with "overwhelming numbers".

Haha! Not a bad precept when it can be managed.

I too have multiple clicked that damned triball army button lol

Seems I’m in some pretty august company, then!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch37 Q1: Subordinate Commanders. I’ve made an assumption here that having commanders for companies within a division adds their skills and bonuses in combat to those of the overall flank commanders. I’ve mentioned (briefly) doing this before and no-one demurred, but just thought I would seek confirmation and views as to whether it is worth the risk of exposing them to battle for whatever benefit may accrue (assuming they may also pick up battle-related bonus skill events, as well as the risk of maiming and death). Also, if I (in the future) want to check the effect during combat, can that be done by a mouse-over of some sort in the battle screen?

to be honest i am not sure about this, i always had to have at least 2 armies to rule so never had the luxury of putting commanders in command of regiments so no experience about this.

OK.

The one benefit I've seen from assigning sub-unit commanders is that if the overall flank leader dies, one of the other commanders in that flank can step in, mitigating the loss of the deceased's Martial score bonus. It would be logical to assume that they do provide some small bonus to the regiment they're assigned to, though the overall tactical direction of the flank seems to be absolutely under the flank commander's control.

That’s something, at least.

Summary: then I’ll just assume there is a benefit without knowing exactly what it may be (will see if any clues emerge in the future). Otherwise there would not be much point in being able to assign them.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch37 Q2: Allies in Battle. So the two 'tethered' allied companies had joined the centre division once the battle began - does this always happen with allies when they join in a battle, does anyone know?

As for allied army stacking preferences: If I had to make an educated guess, I'd assume it's down to the way the AI fills out its flanks in general. By default, the first regiment goes into an army's center, and I'd assume that allied armies retain whatever internal structure they have going in alongside another army, i.e. their regiment will commit to whatever flank they were sorted into within their own army. It's not really something I've ever paid much attention to myself, honestly.

Summary: I’ll try to keep an eye on it in the future and see if any pattern emerges. So far, they’ve all gone up the middle that I’ve seen.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch37 Q3: Additional Troops. OK, it didn’t matter too much at the time given the numbers and the fact the main battle was about to start, so I didn’t dig any further then (and it is too late to now), but any idea where these additional troops may have come from? Are there events etc that Ahma might have benefited from? It would just be useful to know, as it could happen again when the numbers are far closer.

no idea about this

Doesn’t look like any of us do!

Summary: Another mystery of the game. Will see if that kind of thing happens again.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch37 Q4: Nominal Command? Another little aside and question here, but you may notice on the screenshot that the blue crossed swords symbol of the allied Belo Ozero (led by Radogor) rather than Rurik’s Garðarikian bear is shown for the Great Host here. Is that significant? Does it mean he is leading instead? Or some other consideration I should be aware of? It may also explain something which happened shortly afterwards, though that could be a coincidence.

I think this is probably just a coincidence but i am not speaking with any authority, just gut feeling. all commanders taking place in battle has some chance to die, and i do not think it would increase with whoever gets to put his coat of arms in the battle screen but i might be wrong too. as to why he got to put his coat of arms there, i have no idea i thought it was decided by whoever has biggest martial attribute but i guess that isn't the case.

As good a guess as any!

Summary: Another one I’ll try to keep an eye on in the future and again, see if there’s any science to it.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Well, those questions seemed a little obscure this time round, but that’s OK. May be a day or two before the next episode is up. I have to psych myself up to write it!

Loki lies in wait for Rurik: what does he have in store?​

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 38: Twelve Days that Shook the Realm (14 June – 9 November 880)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik had unwittingly summoned twice the number of additional tribal warriors he had intended, but determine to use them for as long as he could; he not only sought new shipbuilding facilities for the future of the realm – but decided it was time to start pushing west and north, closer to the Germanic Holy Sites of Scandinavia; but the recent activity had started prompting some of his neighbours to form a defensive pact against him, which would increase the cost of some of the further conquests he had planned.

Spoiler: Author’s Note

Author’s Note. As foreshadowed, a bit of a blunder by yours truly has put something of a dent in Rurik’s ambitions – but he is nothing if not persistent! What follows was going to be a long chapter, where immediate events would be followed by consideration of what should come next, to be put to the Þing. But put together, it was just getting a bit too long to be manageable and indeed digestible. So I have broken it into two pieces. The first just goes through the events leading up to the end of October – the second part of the campaign against Chief Ahma of Käkisalmi and its immediate aftermath. The next chapter will follow shortly (I hope – it may have to wait until after a short trip that will take me away on Friday and Saturday. Will see how things go).


This piece below is really just a description of events, with no specific questions posed, though comments are very welcome, of either commiseration or ‘haha fool-boy’ variety! The second will be the one contemplating next steps and posing the serious questions for the next Þing, which will convene after that one.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

June-September 880

Following the victory in Ingria on 13 June and the assault and liberation of Chief Nuyanza’s keep the next day, the rest of June saw the Great Tribal Host marching north from Ingria to visit bloody vengeance on Chief Ahma’s holdings in Käkisalmi.

In early July, another potential target – Estonia – joined the anti-Rurikid pact. A smart move on their part!

​

As he travelled north with the army, Rurik was inspired by the summer countryside and the companionship of his faithful hound Hunter. So much so, he changed his main ‘extra-curricular’ focus in life back to hunting. With the promise of much fighting ahead and his desire to maintain good health as he aged, he yearned once again for the forests of his youth. Gumarich der Schreiber noted how the hunts on the march north that summer seemed to reinvigorate Rurik.

​

Rurik had often been away on campaign or loaded down by the worries of creating and expanding a great realm. But now, his children were starting to grow up: word came through from Nygarðr that his daughter Asa, having turned 12, needed a new focus for her education. She was a very conscientious girl – if a bit devious – but should do well as a manager of money: she would focus on stewardship.

​

The siege of Ahma’s tribal holding started in mid-July and had barely done so when bandits started harrying the siege camps. But wanting to keep troops in hand for the long term (and knowing the tribal armies would not be replaced when killed), Rurik decided to wait the defenders out rather than assaulting. It shouldn’t take too long. At this point, Ahma’s main force was still fleeing to the north-west, while his other force (of somewhat mysterious origins) lurked to the north-east. Neither had anything close to the strength to interfere with the siege.

​

A former foe of Rurik’s – High Chief Karhu of Veps, from whom Zaozerye had been carved back some years before – was the next Suomenusko country to join the anti-Rurik defensive pact.

Siege routine continued until the end of August, when the hold fell. The next holding in line was the Temple of Raivola. It had a larger garrison but few fortifications. It shouldn’t take much longer than a month to reduce. By this stage, Ahma’s force had finished its rout and was moving from Pohjanmaa to Karjala to link both his groups together. Little good it would do him.

​

Ugra was the next to join the Suomi pact against Rurik in mid-September. The siege of Raivola continued uneventfully.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

October 880

Latgale joined the pact at the beginning of October, even though the perception of Rurik’s threat to the region was slowly decreasing.

​

In mid-October, Chief Vsemil stayed back after a meeting of the leading officers of the army.

“King Rurik, a word with you, if I may,” he started hesitantly his ‘peg leg’ not unduly hindering his movement – nor fierceness as a commander and warrior, if it did slow him down a little.

“I know we have not always seen eye to eye on things, but I feel in recent years I have come to appreciate the benefits of a strong dynasty to rule this expanded realm and the role you have played in building it. I hear good words back from my people in Belo Ozero – your man Hrörekr is a persuasive and diligent fellow.”

“Why thank you, Vsemil. While we may never be boon companions and we differ on religious matters, there is enough we have shared these last years to strengthen the bond. I appreciate your words and deeds these last years.” Rurik could not forget those previous times when Vsemil failed to heed the call to war, but he had fought as a commander and now sent his levy when called and lost a son on the campaign. That was surely enough to allow Vsemil some leeway for his past failures and provocations.​

Vsemil nodded and left before the conversation could peter out and the silence become uncomfortable. But Rurik was left thinking this was far from the most troublesome Slovenksy going around the realm at the moment!​

​

But the good news seemed to start taking a leave of absence around then. The next day, a disease outbreak killed hundreds of the besieging troops (almost 700, by estimates of the time). Ahma had reunited his forces by then and was on the way south-east, no doubt to attempt a raid on Rurik’s lands. But the siege – and the war – would be over well before they could threaten any Garðarikian lands.

Yes, it’s these guys again – back in force at the siege camp of Käkisalmi.​

The next day, as Rurik read the reports of the deaths cause by the short-lived outbreak, Gumarich appeared in his quarters (Ahma’s old personal chambers in the Käkisalmi keep). He bore a sealed message from Chancellor Hrörekr.

As the king accepted the message cannister and began to unroll the letter, he remarked that he thought it might be some more good news from the Chancellor:

“A sign from the Gods that their favour has once again returned after this recent pestilence.” Alas, it was not to be.​

Þorolfr is sent on his way to the Gods in Ladoga, where he was proselytising in the name of the True Faith. Rurik, to his great sadness, was on campaign and unable to attend.​

Gumarich later recorded his memories of this moment for posterity:

“The Great King Rurik’s face did turn the colour of grey ashes. The light left his eyes. It did not return for weeks afterwards, I fear.”​

No account from Rurik himself of this period exists. His journal entries stopped abruptly after a single despondent entry that day:

“My greatest friend, confessor, spiritual guide and Seer, the wise and venerable Þorolfr of Tikhvin, has left to be by Odin’s side. I am bereft. All seems dark. We must have – I must have – done something to offend the Gods. We were of an age – and now he is gone. He was the best man of the realm: Odin, you have many wise Gods and Men to advise you! I needed him and his advice, just for another few years. He saw me through the Hel that followed my time in Pisa. What shall I do without him?”​

A new Godi of Tikhvin inherited Þorolfr’s title the next day. He was a master scholar and theologian – perhaps even a shade more learned than his predecessor. But he was a strange mix of different traits: trusting, yet deceitful and cruel.

​

While he may well serve admirably as Godi and was the logical choice also for Seer of Garðaríki (to which role he was appointed), he was not the good and virtuous man Þorolfr had been. Nor did he have the age and experience, though he seemed very loyal to his king. And for now, he was far away and an unknown quantity to Rurik.

He secluded himself in Ahma’s old chamber and was not seen for the rest of that day or the next. Servants left meals at his door – some we eaten, others not.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

On 19 October, Gumarich knocked on his door, hoping some good news would gain him entry.

“My Liege, may I enter? I have good tidings!”

“Do you tell me that Odin has returned Þorolfr to me? I had a strange dream of him last night. He was gone, but then I met him again. I could not tell – or no longer remember - if it was in this world or the next.”

“No, My Liege, I’m afraid the Godi’s state remains as advised. But may I enter? Your commanders bring news.”

“Very well, if you must."
​

Gumarich entered – and liked not what he saw. The king wore the same clothes he had two days before and looked like he may not have slept since then either. No fire was lit in the hearth, even as the autumn chill descended once again. The king looked at him with bloodshot, bleary eyes.

“What is this news you bring, my good Secretary?” Rurik’s voice is husky, his demeanour lethargic. Old dishes clatter as he shifts himself upright from the bed in which he had been reclining – but clearly not resting.

“The Gods favour us again, My Liege! Raivola has fallen today. The infidel temple is now a Germanic place of worship. The men rejoice! Ahma offers his unconditional surrender!” Gumarich tried to make all this as energising as he could. But the effect is not what he had hoped.

“I would not be so certain Gumarich. Fate conspires against me. My enemies circle. I have not the energy to deal with all this. I empower you to see to the terms with Ahma. I do not wish to be disturbed again.” Rurik turns away at this, what should have been the sweet taste of victory as ashes in his mouth.​

Gumarich left, crestfallen, to do his King’s bidding and to note the sad state of his beloved king in his confidential journal. His private musings, only just now translated from the Rurikid scroll trove, shed new light on an obscure passage of Rurikid history that has been the subject of much speculation for centuries.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Time Flies

And then Rurik could not be roused from his room for the next twelve days. The door was barred; none gained entry. He would take only food and water: anyone who tried to enter when he emerged to grab these necessaries was met with a fierce snarl and a brandished Hálsbitr.

Spoiler: Tempus Fugit

Tempus Fugit. OK, what actually happened at this point, with victory won; all the usual victory screens up ready for the old F11; then either save and exit or do the next arrangements to roll the Great Tribal Host onto the next target; I had to get up and do something. I paused the game and came back just a few minutes later …

… or, more accurately, I thought I had paused the game. Somehow, I had not. Again, this was the second lapse of concentration during this session (the first was more a newbie mistake with the tribal army double click). I virtually never do this! I can’t remember the last time I did, on any of the games I’ve played recently. But I did this time. Nothing to do with being new to CK2. No game event or madness: just a good old-fashioned stuff-up.

Now, normally this may be inconvenient, but at this particular juncture? In Ironman, so it couldn’t be recovered? Having done that irritating double-click so that I now had 1,500 prestige points worth of Tribal Army in the field? By now, many of you will have guessed what happened next. I have used Rurik’s ‘lunacy’/PTSD and the recent death of Þorolfr to provide a narrative explanation of this non-event-related passage. But it wasn’t the game – just your authAAR’s little error. For the full consequences, read on.

Rurik’s seclusion went on for twelve days. Twelve days that had major implications for the realm and for Rurik’s reputation at the time. He finally emerged on 31 October, dishevelled and somewhat disoriented, but otherwise largely back to ‘normal’. He opened his door and quietly asked a guard to bring Gumarich. And a horn of the strongest brew in old Ahma’s cellar.

“Whatever it is, make it strong, or I’ll strike you down where you stand!” "Yes, My King!” A few minutes later … “Ah, that is better!”​

Gumarich appeared soon after Rurik had refreshed himself with the vilest rot-gut in the keep.

“Ah, Gumarich, the Gods entreat me to return to the realm of men after all. Now, fill me in on what has happened. We will summon the Great Host and march on to our next unfortunate neighbour and relieve him of his shipyards!”​

Gumarich was aghast. It fell to him to explain what had gone on while the king had been indisposed.

Gumarich was shocked. “Ah, My Liege, best charge that horn again. Much has happened – and not happened – while you have, ah, communed with the Gods.”​

“First, the good news, My Liege. The county is now part of Garðaríki and has a more appropriately Germanic name. This keep and the county as a whole are now known as Kexholm.”

“Yes, that’s good Gumarich. Now, what is it you are not telling me,” said Rurik as he put the map of the newly acquired county the Secretary had given him on the table.

“Ah, refill that horn again My Liege, and we will walk down the corridor and look out to the south, where our army is mustered.”​

Rurik now had a very queasy feeling in his stomach and it was not caused by the alcohol. In fact, he suddenly felt the need for more. He drained the horn and refilled it, as Gumarich had suggested, and followed him out of the chamber.

As he gazed out to the south of the keep, he immediately realised what it was his scribe did not have the heart to put into words. Where, two weeks ago, there had been a mighty host of warrior, now barely a fifth or the former strength was present. As the blood drained from his face, he sought to replace the loss from the horn. And just looked at his secretary with one raised eyebrow.

​

“My Liege, when you could not be roused, the officers met. None had the authority – nor the boldness – to declare any new war after the peace with Ahma, as none knew your mind on the matter and the rising pact against us complicated the issue. So no declaration was made. All three tribal armies lost interest and wandered off not long after. I am sorry, My King.”​

Rurik stood silently for some time, cursing his inattention. How could he have just let the time slip by, at such a crucial juncture? The fruits of his prestige left to lie rotting on the ground, food for scavengers. A great opportunity had slipped away. If not a disaster for the realm, certainly a personal one for him.

“So, my old friend, Loki – as always – has had the last laugh. I should have expected nothing less. We do indeed have the Gods’ attention, but that is always a dangerous thing. The last time I made a pact with one, I got what I wished but not in the way I had imagined – and paid a heavy price for it.” The pain of Pisa once again deepened the lines in his worn and weathered face.

“But, it didn’t kill me then and this latest setback won’t kill me now. Odin lost an eye but gained wisdom. I lost my manhood but gained freedom. I have lost focus and a mighty host but have gained peace and two new shipyards. Let us get on with the work of the realm.”​

Gumarich wrote that at that moment, he had never admired his brilliant but tortured king as much as he did then. Many a man would have raged, lashed out, given up or retreated into tyranny and accusation. Rurik simply saw it as another lesson and just punishment from the Gods. He found no words, but simply nodded deeply to his King and awaited further direction.

“What else must be attended to, Gumarich?”

“The new Seer, Godi Styrbjörn, advises that the temple of Raivola, now a shrine to the True Faith, must have a Germanic Godi of good standing to lead it. A search of the realm turned up no seer of sufficient standing for the role.”

“Then let us see who else from our good Germanic Norse brethren in other realms may wish for such a promotion.”

“My King, during your time of introspection, our new Seer has performed that task and has come up with someone he believes will fit the bill admirably.” Gumarich handed over a scroll with the relevant description of the proposed appointee.

“Indeed, the seer has found someone I may well have appointed to his own role had he been with us earlier. This fellow Haukr looks to be both brilliant virtuous. Let us see if he will join us.” It seemed the new Seer was not without his uses. The invitation was sent by fast messenger.​

​

"And there is a suggestion that we could expand the shipyards here in Kexholm. Though it would take much prestige to att5ract the craftsmen to do it. There is also the question of who may inherit this county later, when the building of these additional ships becomes most relevant. If not Prince Helgi as your heir, then another may gain them and may not be motivated to send the vessels if asked to."

"We will defer this question for now. Perhaps I could grant the county to Helgi now and build the shipyard for him? There is also the question of how many extra ships would be gained."

Just a quick confirmation: I'm assuming it would allow an additional seven ships to be built, making 13 (6 for the Level 1 facility and 7 for the Level 2), not just adding one to make it 7, which wouldn't make sense. But just to be sure.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

November 880

The levies were dismissed and Rurik pondered his next steps – too shocked by recent events to think clearly [well, I certainly was, anyway ]. And his two most likely next targets had joined this accursed pact against him, at a time when his once tribal army had melted away. He would take a few days to consider things a little further.

Over the next nine days, a series of messengers arrived from the Chancellor with news of diplomatic developments. Whether it was the conclusion of the war or the dismissal of the tribal army, it seemed his neighbours were not so adamantly opposed to him as they had been. First, Latagle, then Estonia, Livonia and Mari (the originators of the grouping) left the pact that had so recently formed. Perhaps more would follow? And this meant more options would open for his diminished forces. But should it be war and conquest or peace and raiding?

​

At its height, the pact had included Mari, Livonia, Uusimaa, Estonia, Veps, Ugra and Latgale. Of those, only Uusimaa, Veps and Ugra remained.

In this map, current members of the pact against Rurik are marked by red banners, recent former members by blue.​

The current (reduced state) of the anti-Rurik defensive pact.​

And on 9 November, Haukr arrived in Kexholm. A very polite note was passed into the King, who asked to see the new Godi for a quick meeting before he headed off to Raivola. The man seemed very pleased with new appointment. Rurik himself was ambivalent, but certainly admired his talents. The death of Þorolfr had also opened up a vacancy for the appointment of a Court Physician and now there was a second candidate to choose from. He felt Haukr slightly more qualified for the job and sufficiently loyal. Styrbjörn had his Seer’s appointment: Haukr would be Physician. The man left well enough pleased to take up his new title and clean out any filthy heathen remnants from the newly Germanic temple of Raivola.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

So, as mentioned at the start, no specific questions at this point but comments and discussion are always welcome. And, in case anyone was going to have a good laugh at my expense and you’re quite welcome to. I’m over it now. Really! And Loki has beaten you to it anyway:

The trickster Loki is well pleased with his handiwork! His laugh haunts Rurik's dreams.
​

The next episode will contain a review of potential targets, troops available and a discussion among Rurik's remaining senior officers about them. The advice of the wise will then be sought before next steps are taken.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 39: Necessity is the Mother of Invention (9 November 880)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik’s Great Tribal Host had melted away like the snows in the spring thaw while he "communed with the Gods”; with his levies dismissed, the chastened King of Garðaríki began to head back to his capital of Nygarðr in Holmgarđr county from the recently conquered Kexholm, wondering what he would do next and where he would do it; ever active and impatient for blood and battle, he did not take rest easily: he would do what he could with what he had.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Rurik gathered Gumarich and his key remaining officers that evening for a council of war. First, they looked at potential conquest targets. In Finland and the North, these were outside the de jure realm of Garðaríki, so the only casus belli available for each being seriously considered (in Finland) was to conquer one bordering or coastal county: fine where it was a one-county Chiefdom but requiring a choice of target where there were two or more.

Finland and the North

Ussimaa. Pros: not much coin or piety, small levy (even with the temple vassal), two shipyards. Cons: member of the anti-Rurik pact, would therefore drag in Veps and Ugra, meaning two different and distant fronts.

​

Savo and Häme. Considered together, as they are similar, but two different propositions. Pros: single chiefdoms, small levies, not in the pact. Cons: neither have shipyards or access to the sea for building them later; Chief Mielus of Savo has enough piety to summon a religious horde.

​

Satakunta. Pros: both counties have shipyards; small levies; not in the pact. Cons: High Chief Ihala has enough piety for two religious hordes; no land border with Garðariki, though could be invaded and conquered by sea.

​

Pohjanmaa. Pros: both its counties have shipyards; not in anti-Rurik pact; small levies (vassal not shown here); opposed to Björn Ironside – Rurik’s father-in-law and buddy; closer to the Holy Sites. Cons: a little isolated, though a land border is shared.

The Finnish coastal town of Pohjanmaa. It could be a useful springboard to the rest of Scandinavia in years to come.
​

Karelia. Pros: small-medium sized levy; not in pact; Ääninen tribe has a shipyard. Cons: High Chief Tuure has the piety for a religious horde; the shipyard could be on its northern (Arctic) coast.

​

Estonia has been examined previously. The same analysis as before applies, as they have since withdrawn from the pact. They can still raise a religious horde.

Finnish Duchies. Another consideration for the Finnish options is the de jure duchies there and the fact that conquering enough counties there would eventually allow them to be established. There are two in southern Finland: Karelia (of which Kexholm is already one of the four counties which constitute it); and Satakunta (made up of six counties). Of these, Karelia is closer and more contiguous with Garðaríki and one of the counties is already held. But of the remaining three provinces, only Ääninen has a shipyard or capacity to build one.

​

Spoiler: Ch39 Q1. Shipyard Capacity

Ch39 Q1. Shipyard Capacity. Mainly an observation, but also double-checking something: it seems some counties, even though they are coastal (such as Karjala) don’t even have the option of building a shipyard. I wonder what the basis for determining that is. The other is in Ääninen, where would the built ships appear? Only on the north (White Sea) coast, therefore having to make it the long way around Scandinavia and then the Baltic to get to Garðaríki proper? Or (I’m assuming not, because there is no channel from the north to the lakes) could they appear in one of the lakes (Ladoga or Onega)? I’m assuming not, because Ladoga county (mine) has access to the lake and thence the sea via the channel past Ingria, but has no capacity to build a shipyard, thus my assumption they can only be built on sea coasts, and that is thus where the ships would appear. If so, this makes Ääninen less attractive as a shipyard acquisition.

Available Forces. Rurik now has just over 500 prestige after the conquest of Kexholm. Just enough for yet another tribal army, though that would mean no new construction of training grounds or another shipyard for some time. It might be considered if necessary if a prolonged series of conquest wars are contemplated [Until dangerous Badboy or pacts stop it. And being very careful not to blow it again between wars!!]. Otherwise, current demesne levy strength plus Rurik’s personal troops mean around 2,000 men are immediately available (and noting the new Godi of Tikhvin now only provides around 25 troops [due to not having old Þorolfr’s 100% loyalty]. If prepared to wait, this would increase considerably and dwarf all neighbours (though not all of them together). Of the vassals, Ingria, the trusty Smaleskja and the recently more amenable Belo Ozero could again provide up to another 1,000 allied troops, though that is not certain. Nuyanza of Ingria currently has no troops to his name, presumably because of the recent sacking of the county by Chief Ahma. Realm funds are not high, so mercenary hire is not really an option for the foreseeable future, without another major raid.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Sverker and Hrolfr were the only two commanders left in Kexholm, still with Rurik and his small personal company after the loss of the Great Tribal Host and the dismissal of the royal demesne levies. Along with Gumarich, they had gathered to look at next steps, prior to submitting questions to the Þing.

“I seek your views on the best next steps. I will hear yours first. We must make the best of the circumstances my – ah, regrettable – absence in late October has brought about. In the broad, if we keep going in Finland we must look at war and continued conquest, a county at a time. We will look at inland options, to seize remaining de jure counties of Garðaríki, separately.”

“Very well, My King,” began Sverker, who had campaigned for many years as his liege’s trusted military right hand. “Let us first discount those targets that are not ripe for the picking. I think we must include Uusimaa among them. They would be a prime target if not for their membership of that pact against us. We cannot afford such a war right now. I say leave them for another day – perhaps if they leave that pact, or in the future when we have more forces available for a larger war in many places.” All around the table nodded their agreement.

“I think Savo can be eliminated due to the likelihood of another religious horde appearing should we attack them," states Hrolfr confidently. "And it’s just not worth the trouble: no shipyard, not much else going for it. They could be taken some time in the future if we seek to unite the counties to form a new Jarldom. Häme would be easier, but again not of much use. I say leave them both.” The skilled and experienced Hrolfr speaks with a good deal of authority. His words also meet with general agreement.

“My Liege,” ventures Gumarich. “I would also suggest the High Chiefdom of Satakunta is not yet ripe for conquest. We could take either county by sea, but the concern is High Chief Ihala’s piety: as we saw with Ahma just recently, two religious hordes would be tough to defeat and our ability to summon more Tribal Armies is more limited than before. We could raise one, but it would cost most of your remaining prestige. And still may not be quite enough in any case. Even a victory could be bloody and a conquest would be isolated until we could link it up through other land conquests.”

“I think you have the right of it, Gumarich,” answered Rurik. “Let us now see if there are any worthwhile conquest options left in Finland. Sverker, what think you of Pohjanmaa?”

“A little isolated perhaps, but that could be rectified by more conquests later. I think it has much to recommend it. The southern county – Kaleva’s seat of Pohjanmaa itself - has shipyards on the Gulf of Bothnia. It projects our power well westwards. And your father-in-law, King Björn ‘Ironside’ Ragnarrson of Sviþjod, may be pleased at our taking down an opponent of his. Kaleva’s levy is small and he has not the gold or piety to summon more troops. I think it could be a fine choice.”

“I do not disagree, but Karelia could be another viable approach,” suggests Hrolfr. “The county of Ääninen could be a useful acquisition. It has a shipyard, though that may be made less attractive if it is on the northern coast: we should investigate that. But it is another county of the de jure Jarldom of Karelia. The concern though is High Chief Tuure’s ability to raise a religious horde. Even with Vsemil and Grimr’s men answering the call, it could be hard going without our own tribal army: added to his own levy, those religious warriors field a high proportion of heavy infantry. Our more lightly armed levies could find it difficult, even if we can muster larger numbers (not guaranteed) and better leadership. As an option, I think it possible, but am left a bit uneasy by my own suggestion.”

The King summarised the discussion on Finland. “I think it is agreed then: the main option for another conquest in Finland soon is Pohjanmaa. The alternative is to wait for more forces to be recruited before taking on one of the other targets later or summon another tribal army. And if we are to wait, perhaps it should be for a longer period of careful raiding and peace, allowing our threat to subside, levies to build, gold to flow in and prestige grow. And to make use of my ships while I still command them.” ​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

De Jure Garðaríki

“An alternative is to look for some easy pickings to expand de jure Garðaríki,” continued Rurik, after draining another horn. All that discussion was thirsty work. “There are five counties sitting just outside our borders that are rightfully ours. One is owned by Mari, three by Mordva and one more by our brethren in Konugarðr. This map sets them out.”​

Another map showed the two realms being discussed, which stretched well to the east. Mordva was very large.​

“My King,” began Gumarich. “Here is what we know about the strength of these two realms. High Chief Varaka of Mordva is known as ‘the Ill-Ruler’. He is broke, does not have the piety to summon any holy warriors and only has a small personal levy to call on. He is tied up in three separate wars – one with his neighbour Mari. Of his four vassals, three would almost certainly support him in a call to arms, while the fourth hates him with a passion. We could pick one of the three counties of yours that he currently occupies – though one is already in the hands of High Chief Tutyra of Mari.”​

​

“Very ripe for the picking, I’d say,” says Hrolfr. “We take one of the other two counties, sack as many other holdings as we need to make him cough it up and come back for the others sometime in the future, after any treaty expires. Best to get started on them soon, in that case.”​

The Mordvin army is beset on many fronts at present and are ‘Ill-Ruled”. A good target for expansion, while the circumstances are right?​

“My Liege,” commented Gumarich. “We have no available direct subjugation claims on any of these counties, though we could press more than one on behalf of some of our newly acquired Chiefs’ claims. But I don’t think we want to be boosting any of them.” This last is met with general agreement.

“And of the two, Tutra is by far the better warrior and he does have the piety to bring holy warriors. As mentioned before, he is at war with Varaka. Though he has imprudently withdrawn from that defensive pact against us that he started, so we could take him on. But the potential holy warriors would be a problem.”

“Very well, of the two, Mordva seems to be the pick,” agreed Rurik. “Now, what of Konugarðr. Is it time to start whittling them back yet? One province at a time? They may be 'friends', but give us nothing and could easily become rivals.”

“King Dyre is a formidable ruler and a true Norseman,” offers Sverker. “As we remember from our trip through his lands on our great raid in the Mediterranean. He has a sizable levy, though smaller than yours, My King. And his lands are strung out in a way that makes them difficult to defend. He does not have the prestige to summon a tribal army - his military strength is in his many vassals. He rules directly over four jarls, five chiefs and two Godis. Even if a few may not answer a call to arms, most probably would. That could prove a problem.”​

​

“But he too is at war – with Turov, which he attacked with the aim of seizing Minsk.” Hrolfr makes this observation with some restrained glee. “And I hear Dyre is in trouble too. High Chief Bogdan of Turov looks to have summoned two hordes of religious zealots, outnumbers Dyre’s current forces heavily, and has actually occupied the county of Turov off Dyre. Though Bogdan is short of funds – in debt actually - and this may cause him problems. Perhaps now is the time to act and bring Mohaysk into the fold – a true part of Garðaríki. We will have a reckoning with Konugarðr one day – perhaps we should take the first bite soon, while they are temporarily vulnerable?”​

​

“Interesting developments. And Estonia could be an option again, now that they have dropped out of the pact against me. Though they would probably summon a religious horde in their defence. In summary, my feeling is Mari should wait, Mordva is a good target, while Konugarðr is a possibility. Pohjanmaa in Finland gives us more ships and moves us closer to the Holy Sites, while Mordva is in trouble, holds three of our rightful counties. Those are my two top conquest options, I think. Konugarðr maybe; the rest I doubt but I will listen to what the Þing says about them.”

“The alternative to more conquest is 'peace with raiding', probably for up to five years, allowing prestige, treasure and levy strengths to rebuild. That broad choice will be put to the Þing as the alternative to immediate conquest. We have narrowed the options and I will seek the wisdom of Odin. One ignores the Gods at ones peril.” All four look rather uncomfortable after this last comment – but it had to be said. It is the closest Rurik would come to admitting error or making an apology before his subordinates. That is something he generally reserved for his son and heir.

When the meeting was done, Gumarich stayed behind so that Rurik could dictate instructions.

“Summarise that and send it all to Hrörekr, to then put before the Þing.”

“Of course, My Liege.”​

Spoiler: Chap39 Q2: Conquer or Raid?

Chap39 Q2: Conquer or Raid? This is a question of views on what might be done next. First, I’d be interested in thoughts on the options, within what was considered, but also whether you think I should not have discounted something else. But mainly, whether it should be one more conquest at least for now or change direction for a while and raid again (always a good Viking option too). And if conquest, which might we target.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ambitions

“I also want Hrörekr to canvass views on what my next ambition for the realm should be. I have two in mind [ie available in the game] and I think either could work, whether we look to war or raid next. I think seeing the realm prosper through five years of peace and raiding has more advantages, but also limits the options for war in the interim, should opportunities present. We could still do so, but it would mean surrendering that ambition. Alternatively, I could seek to build wealth for a war chest. And that would require at least two major, successful raids to achieve. I am however a bit dubious about the worth of the ultimate aim: we may be able to raise a greater rate of taxes, but those are very small for us. I’m not sure it would be worth that much in the long run.”​

​

“And, My King, one immediate benefit of pursuing a period of peace would be to reduce the likelihood of uprisings in both our established and newly acquired counties. Here is a report from the Queen’s spies showing the likelihood of such risings in the realm at the moment. Clearly, differing culture and religion are the main underlying causes of grievance. These are not a problem where your ruling vassals have the same background as the people they rule. There are some localised issues in Kostroma, Ingria and Moskva that disturb what should otherwise be stable counties."​

Rurik would prefer not to have this happen while off conquering or raiding!​

Spoiler: Chap39 Q3: Revolt Risk

Chap39 Q3: Revolt Risk. I haven’t focused on this before. Perhaps I should have. The mention of revolt risk reduction in the ‘Realm Prosper’ ambition prompted me to look at it. I’ve been lucky and have had no peasant revolts as yet. How do the figures on the map look? Is that -1 reduction perhaps worth considering? Or don’t these numbers cause you much worry. Of course, the more counties under rule, the more chance one of these might trigger and that could be quite pesky, I imagine. Welcome any general views and comments.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

News of the World

King Rurik was also interested in where the expanded realm of Garðariki now stood in comparison to others in the known world. Scribes had been commissioned to come up with the best knowledge available to them to come up with an honest listing or relative strengths. One was army size [in this case the notional maximum levy strength of the ruler’s personal demesne seemed to be the most prevalent measure to hand - I assume that's what it is, anyway]. The other related to the estimated number of holdings within each realm [presumably these could be multiple holdings per country in rich and well-developed realms].

Spoiler: Chap39 Q4: Ledger Stats

Chap39 Q4: Ledger Stats. Have I got that right for those two items under the ledger? It certainly looks that way for the army comparison, anyway.

In potential military strength, Garðariki now came in at 16th. Though at present, Rurik could muster fewer than 1,900 of the full notional levy strength of 5,258. The mighty Byzantine Empire, with over 21,000, had almost twice as many to notionally draw upon than those in second place – Syria, closely followed by Andalusia and Hungary (all those three with over 10,000), then West Francia and Egypt (with more than 9,000 each). Denmark, the Arabian Empire, Kosala and Sviþjod rounded out those with the ten largest potential militaries.

A 13th century illustration of the Battle of Lalakaon, between the Byzantines and Arabs, in 863 CE.​

In terms of realm size, Kosala was the largest with 247 holdings [?], followed closely by the Byzantines with 236. About 60 further back came Hungary and the Arabians, then Andalusia, Italy, Karnata and West Francia a further 40 or more behind them. Kamarupa and Sviþjod rounded out the ‘top ten’, both with fewer than a hundred holdings. Here, Garðaríki was way down the list, ranked 36th with only 24 holdings.

The world as known to King Rurik in 880 CE. An indication has been made where the realm names in the lists above differ from those illustrated on the map.​

All this made for interesting reading for Rurik, who wished for his realm to climb to eventually climb to the top of both these measures, no matter how long and how many successors it may take. That definitely would not be an easy task. But then, waking dreams are the stuff of legends – and the makings of great dynasties.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

While advice of all types is always welcomed by the open-minded Rurik, this next Þing is principally focused on the issue of future directions. To conquer, or to raid and build? If conquest, where?

Ch39 Q1. Shipyard Capacity. Mainly an observation, but also double-checking something: it seems some counties, even though they are coastal (such as Karjala) don’t even have the option of building a shipyard. I wonder what the basis for determining that is. The other is in Ääninen, where would the built ships appear? Only on the north (White Sea) coast, therefore having to make it the long way around Scandinavia and then the Baltic to get to Garðaríki proper? Or (I’m assuming not, because there is no channel from the north to the lakes) could they appear in one of the lakes (Ladoga or Onega)? I’m assuming not, because Ladoga county (mine) has access to the lake and thence the sea via the channel past Ingria, but has no capacity to build a shipyard, thus my assumption they can only be built on sea coasts, and that is thus where the ships would appear. If so, this makes Ääninen less attractive as a shipyard acquisition.

Chap39 Q2: Conquer or Raid? This is a question of views on what might be done next. First, I’d be interested in thoughts on the options, within what was considered, but also whether you think I should not have discounted something else. But mainly, whether it should be one more conquest at least for now or change direction for a while and raid again (always a good Viking option too). And if conquest, which might we target.

Chap39 Q3: Revolt Risk. I haven’t focused on this before. Perhaps I should have. The mention of revolt risk reduction in the ‘Realm Prosper’ ambition prompted me to look at it. I’ve been lucky and have had no peasant revolts as yet. How do the figures on the map look? Is that -1 reduction perhaps worth considering? Or don’t these numbers cause you much worry. Of course, the more counties under rule, the more chance one of these might trigger and that could be quite pesky, I imagine. Welcome any general views and comments.

Chap39 Q4: Ledger Stats. Have I got that right for those two items under the ledger? It certainly looks that way for the army comparison, anyway.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

There is much thinking to be done by the learned of the realm and some important decisions for King Rurik to make as he seeks to recover from his disastrous seclusion of the month before.​

 

[Bullfilter]

The Fourteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – November 880 (a summary of advice from Chapter 39)

With Garðaríki largely now consolidated, Rurik looks to the future. The wise assemble in the capital to give counsel.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

extra pro for Savo and Karelia: if you take Savo, Karjala or Aaninen, you can create the duchy level title of Karelia.

ah you already considered that I'm writing comments as I read so as to convey the changes of my emotional responses to what happens in the AAR, so there's that.

All good: understood and appreciated. Others do that sometimes too and I enjoy it – a bit more ‘live’ when commenting on events as they happen vs when we’re exploring the Q&As.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch39 Q1. Shipyard Capacity. Mainly an observation, but also double-checking something: it seems some counties, even though they are coastal (such as Karjala) don’t even have the option of building a shipyard. I wonder what the basis for determining that is. The other is in Ääninen, where would the built ships appear? Only on the north (White Sea) coast, therefore having to make it the long way around Scandinavia and then the Baltic to get to Garðaríki proper? Or (I’m assuming not, because there is no channel from the north to the lakes) could they appear in one of the lakes (Ladoga or Onega)? I’m assuming not, because Ladoga county (mine) has access to the lake and thence the sea via the channel past Ingria, but has no capacity to build a shipyard, thus my assumption they can only be built on sea coasts, and that is thus where the ships would appear. If so, this makes Ääninen less attractive as a shipyard acquisition.

I await correction, but I wonder if Q1 is down to different technology levels/religion.

Hmm, beyond my current knowledge.

Q1: Lagoda is considered a lake, not ocean, so the provinces bordering it (and not otherwise bordering oceans) are not considered coastal.

Can confirm that you can only build along the coasts of sea provinces, and that Ladoga and Onega Lakes are, well, classed as lakes.

And as they said, the lakes are lakes. And the sea's the sea.

Got it - that part is clear. I guess my question arose more because I thought Karjala should at least have had an option of building a shipyard, so I wondered (out aloud) whether there were other factors as well (per Diskoerekto's comment below).

I would've thought Karjala should be able to build a shipyard eventually, I don't know of any reason why a coastal province cannot build a shipyard, but as I said before, my men never trusted any water that their horses couldn't drink. On the other hand, the shipyard being on the arctic sea is no issue since you are germanic and can navigate the rivers in war or peace. Here I am assuming Lake Onega flows northwards to Arctic sea just east of Aaninen. If that's not the case the long way might be necessary. Maybe you can try to navigate there with your fleet now to try to see if it works?

I'm still uncertain re Karjala and may one day find out re Aaninen, but must assume for now that it is only accessible to/via the north. Anything more would be a pleasant surprise.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Chap39 Q2: Conquer or Raid? This is a question of views on what might be done next. First, I’d be interested in thoughts on the options, within what was considered, but also whether you think I should not have discounted something else. But mainly, whether it should be one more conquest at least for now or change direction for a while and raid again (always a good Viking option too). And if conquest, which might we target.

As for Q2 - raid. What is the worst that could happen?

Fear of Missing Out!

Hmm raiding + 5 year peace are they compatible?

From my reading of the conditions on the mouse-overs, it talks about war declared, and you don’t declare war for raids (I guess they are more like vigorous commercial ventures ). But I don’t really know so hence the open question on what could be a wrong assumption.

They are compatible so far as I am aware. Ive only ever used the 5 year peace as a roleplaying tool however and a couple times to check what it does. Then again I've found its one of the only ones I have open to me after a few decades with one character.

​

It's somewhat useful I guess for building tall and old rulers. And in your case, people stuck under the badboy system (and not powerful enough to just blast through it for even more prestige farming). War chest however I dont like. Stewing up rebellions and ruining tax bases for a couple quid.​

Yes, I'll test out the 5 year rule & raiding at some point (where immediately or some time later), but am pretty assured raiding would be available during the 5-year peace. As for war chest - from my position of little knowledge, I agree. Especially for an early tribal realm with hardly any trade, like the current Garðariki.​

Q2: Conquering is nice, but gavelkind can make weird things happen (auto forming top-level titles so othe sons get stuff). Make sure you don't conquer to the point you could usurp or create a second kingdom. Beyond that, I tend to have a preference for raiding.

Wise words: if there is any more conquering in the near future, it would be pretty limited and hopefully shouldn't play too much havoc with succession. If it does - well then, it will all be good for the learning theme and a good game challenge.

Can also confirm that the "See the Realm Prosper" ambition only cares about whether you're in a state of declared war -- for pagans and tribals, apparently, raiding is just "business as usual" Honestly, I'd take the ambition and spend that time on another raiding expedition; it'll build up your coffers and your prestige quickly, plus it'll give some time for your Threat level to cool down and reduce the threat of the defensive pacts.

I'm sure Rurik will end up doing something like this - just needs to figure out whether his immediate conquering options should be put away before doing so.

Mm...not sure which target to go for. The best ones would be the scandinavian ones though. Those huge eastern gatherings are just...something to marry into and inherit instead I think. Or wait for realm divide to kick in. Pray Hungary gets problems too because I suspect they are going into Scandinavian lands too through denmark.

Noted: the only interest in the eastern counties are those within the de jure kingdom. Not too many of them left, but ... you gatta catch 'em all!

Ah...ignore most of what i said about counties. It's been over a month since I played CKII and the devs have revamped eastern europe, russia and the western steppes.

Uh...right. I dont know how up to date your map is so can't really give much advice. What I used to be able to suggest was that the scandinavian provinces were a better shot because they are very easy to defend and it's very easy to make a scandiavian empire. However, Russia looks to be a little easier to form in this version and the other empires around it have been downsized.

So long as you are sticking to raiding and paganism, the peninsula is still your best shout. It's only bad aspects are how shockingly poor the land is and how few people there are in it...but raiding offsets the former and as for population...you're Russia...

Still noted re Scandinavia.

<Re Finland> I'm with Hrolfr here, mostly because i'm a title hoarder and cannot wait to create a new jarldom but also agree about the military side of things so all in all it might be better to go for Pohjanmaa. That will also envelop the rest of the Finnish provinces so that Rurik's father in law wouldn't lay his hands on them.

Indeed.

<Re Mordva> Good to start here and start the treaty timer already.

Again, noted.

<Re Konugardr> I'd wait for them to change rulers, they might not optimize the succession as we did and break away to easier to gobble pieces.

Good point - and there are other chunks elsewhere to bite off in the meantime, if that's what Rurik wants to do.

i say conquer until badboy accumulates. in the order of: mordva, pohjanmaa, mari, aaninen, then look at what the situation is.

Good concise summary - we'll see what Rurik decides to do.

a more general comment would be, if you're stuck with this one county at a time CB and nothing else, you do not have the luxury of waiting around prospering if you're not already bound to do so by badboy. what i'm saying is, you can only take 1 county in 1 war and there are only so many countries you can war with until the first one is out of truce so you have to make the best of that limited time and amass some provinces quickly. then prosper while burning that badboy.

And again, good arguments.

There are many ponderous and weighty matters to attend to lord king but my instinct tells me conquest rather than raiding-the time for consolidation and peace can be left to your son.

And one should usually trust one's instincts ... most of the time!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Chap39 Q3: Revolt Risk. I haven’t focused on this before. Perhaps I should have. The mention of revolt risk reduction in the ‘Realm Prosper’ ambition prompted me to look at it. I’ve been lucky and have had no peasant revolts as yet. How do the figures on the map look? Is that -1 reduction perhaps worth considering? Or don’t these numbers cause you much worry. Of course, the more counties under rule, the more chance one of these might trigger and that could be quite pesky, I imagine. Welcome any general views and comments.

Q3: It would be an annoyance if you had a revolt, but I can't speak to the risk reduction.

How large are they normally, I wonder, or does it vary a lot? Population based, or more random factors? (general question to all)

Revolts can happen any time the revolt risk is above zero, so I wouldn't take it for granted, but aside from Kostroma and Ingria I think you're relatively "safe." I don't think -1% is really going to matter in the grand scheme of things by itself, but when stacked with other revolt risk debuffs it can help keep things a little more manageable if you have a few problem spots. The big option for short-term revolt risk suppression (i.e. not stuff like cultural and religious conversion) is using your Marshal to Suppress Rebels in a target province; the revolt risk reduction from that scales to their Martial score. I'm not 100% sure whether that particular job is available to tribals, though.

In its favour, 1% sounds small, but given most are 3% risk, that's a 1/3 reduction (one way of looking at it). You do vaccination programs/health campaigns on those kinds of figures. I'll check re the suppress rebels option (the 10% bolshie county could be worth some attention).

Revolt risk is nothing much to worry about. Religion and culture does it far more often than peasents getting angry with your rule...though it can happen.

Yes, most of the underlying disharmony is culture, then religion, the rest being event-driven, by the looks of it. And given I've taken the long/hard path of trying to change religion and culture to Norse/Germanic (rather than going with the easier Slavic majority option to convert), that will take a long time to abate (if ever).

I didn't like either of the ambitions for now, but i'd like the prosperity one once we hit the badboy limit or truce with everybody. revolts are not that scary, i never had a problem of overwhelming revolts. they only rarely happen and your main army would be more than enough to crush them. although, more experienced players can have more nuanced options here.

Yeah, my only worry/calculation for the revolts is if it happened in the middle of a short war or during a raid where the main army is committed. If for no other reason than to gauge the risk and have some kind of plan for dealing with it if it arose (or just taking the risk).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Chap39 Q4: Ledger Stats. Have I got that right for those two items under the ledger? It certainly looks that way for the army comparison, anyway.

Q4: I think you're right, but I'm not sure

Looks right to me "Realm Size" is indeed total number of holdings under your control, including all baronies and all provinces held by vassals.

And realm size tends to count land and vassals separately. Realms tend to need a good amount of vassals and lands split between them to be both powerful and stable.

that seems right. is swithjod the father-in-law?

Thanks all. And yes, Svithjod/Sweden is Bjorn Ironside, Ruruik's father-in-law.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Thanks so much to you all for very useful strategic and technical advice once again. And to everyone else for reading.

Rurik will decide soon on his immediate course of action soon. There will be blood and battle, of course ... but will it be conquest or raid? Interesting choices – some of which may end up being taken by his successor. And there is no spoiler there: for all I know, Rurik may go on for another 10-15 years! You will find out when his reign ends just after I do.

In the meantime, Rurik will no doubt have trouble sleeping on these weighty matters.

As Henry IV (according to Shakespeare) said:

Go call the Earls of Surrey and of Warwick;
But, ere they come, bid them o'er-read these letters
And well consider of them. Make good speed. Exit page
How many thousands of my poorest subjects
Are at this hour asleep! O sleep, O gentle sleep,
Nature's soft nurse, how have I frightened thee,
That thou no more will weigh my eyelids down,
And steep my senses in forgetfulness?

Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs,
Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee,
And hush'd with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber,
Than in the perfum'd chambers of the great,
Under the canopies of costly state,
And lull'd with sound of sweetest melody?

O thou dull god, why liest thou with the vile
In loathsome beds, and leav'st the kingly couch
A watch-case or a common 'larum-bell?
Wilt thou upon the high and giddy mast
Seal up the ship-boy's eyes, and rock his brains
In cradle of the rude imperious surge,
And in the visitation of the winds,
Who take the ruffian billows by the top,
Curling their monstrous heads, and hanging them
With deafing clamour in the slippery clouds,
That with the hurly death itself awakes?

Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose
To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude;
And in the calmest and most stillest night,
With all appliances and means to boot,
Deny it to a king? Then, happy low, lie down!
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.​

Henry IV. Ah, the burdens of leadership.​

And Rurik’s head is a particularly uneasy one. Especially after the Pisa Incident!

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 40: A Hard Fight (9 November 880 – 9 October 881)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik’s reduction back to basic levies has prompted a hard look at his options; he may try to conquer or to raid, but will surely look to the blade whichever way he turns; the defensive pact against him seems to be withering away, which may increase his options; he has a new Seer after the death of the trusty Þorolfr – will the new man measure up to his predecessor?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The King and the Þing

Rurik had ridden ahead to Ingria, where the next Þing was held in early November, 880 CE. Gumarich der Schreiber had provided the normal summaries of the views put on a range of subjects; especially on the main strategic options open to the king. Rurik had slept uneasily on his decision – but then, he often did, according to his personal journal.

Nuyanza’s hall was still being repaired from the recent siege and sacking. But it was there Rurik summoned his military leaders, major vassals and advisers, to impart his commands. Fortunately for us, Gumarich took notes of this important meeting – which have come to us through the most recently translated instalment of the Rurikid Chronicles.

“As the Great King Rurik looked out over the assembled dignitaries of Garðariki, gathered in Chief Nuyanza’s meeting hall, a solemn silence built,” observed the scribe. “Into this silence, the King’s voice rang out, strong and clear.”

“Lords, comrades and Councillors,” began Rurik. “I must thank you sincerely for the advice you have provided. It has truly helped inform my decision. I will make this simple: we are to war again!” A hearty cheer greeted this pronouncement, after which the room settled again.

“High Chief Varaka of Mordva exerts his Ill-Rule over three chiefdoms that are rightfully part of the realm of Garðaríki: my realm; your realm; our realm!” Growls, boos and curses for Varaka followed. “And he is beset by three neighbours, all of whom want a slice of him, for various reasons. All understandable, no doubt.”​

​

“Of the Garðarikian chiefdoms he unjustly holds, we must choose one to return to its true destiny first. The rest, alas, will need to wait for the future. Perhaps you, Helgi, will see to that in years to come. But now, we march to seize Vladimir! Our eventual aim must be to take all three of those chiefdoms, which together can form a strong bulwark against invaders from the great eastern steppes. The great rivers of the interior can form useful obstacles to such depredations – especially if we can build their fortifications over time.”

“Later, we may next look to Finland to build our realm there and place our influence closer to the Holy Sites of Scandinavia – and to increase our shipbuilding capacity. Pohjanmaa may be a suitable addition, or Uusimaa depending on its continued membership of defensive pacts against us. Or even Estonia. That is a question for the future.”

“And if no suitable targets await us after this impending war with Mordva, then we shall look to a period of peace.” The king paused for effect at this point – knowing there will be disappointment at this prospect among the powerful – and bloodthirsty – leaders of the realm.

“Which for us would mean time for great raids – striking fear into the hearts of the rich peoples of Europe and the Mediterranean and seizing plunder and glory in equal measure.” Grins and cheers replace the trepidation of a few moments before.

“So, to arms! Muster the levies! Varaka’s Ill-Rule will be removed from at least one Garðarikian province temporarily held in his unsteady and unworthy hands!” Orders were sent out over the land for a winter troop gathering – and the declaration of war dispatched by a fast rider to the Mordva.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

November-December 880

All the royal demesne levies were summoned, to muster on the border, just west of Vladimir. The two main vassal allies – Smaleskja and Belo Ozero – were not yet called. Perhaps they would not be needed, beset as Varaka was with a multitude of enemies. The allies constituted Rurik’s main reserve, as he wished to avoid summoning another tribal army and cash reserves were not large enough for mercenaries to be comfortably affordable. Rurik would start with a levy of just over 1,900 men.

​

As all this went on, it seemed Rurik’s other neighbours were happy that he was heading east, outweighing concern that he had again mustered his army for conquest. After all, it was only the Mordvins …

​

… or then again, maybe not. The chill of a bitter winter fostered fear in the hearts of Rurik’s Finnish neighbours. Perhaps word had leaked out about how close some chiefdom in Finland had been to becoming another Rurikid conquest. In this atmosphere of distrust, High Chief Tuure of Karelia decided he would revive the defensive pact against Rurik, not even two weeks after its predecessor had been dissolved!

​

Ah well, nothing to be done about that now, thought Rurik to himself. His journal revealed he took the opportunity of his long ride to the east to review what his Council were doing at present. He remained satisfied with their current tasks, which aimed to reduce threat perceptions through diplomacy (while he exacerbated them with conquests); build the levies to their full potential; spread Norse culture in Holmgarðr and the Germanic faith in Ladoga; while his wife continued to try to pry technological secrets from the Byzantines – who seemed to have improved their security of late.

January-March 881

The new year heralded a January spent with Garðarikian forces marching through bitter weather to the mustering point for the liberation of Vladimir. It took until 11 February for that to be completed. Picking up extra numbers along the way, Rurik’s army now numbered over 2,100 – and no Mordvin forces had been observed along the border. They must be occupied fighting their other enemies for now. All to the good.

​

By 21 February, Rurik was camped outside the stockade of Vladimir. The siege – and the war itself – began in earnest. There was a substantial garrison – they would take time to wear down.

​

That task was soon aided from within the town – it seemed some of the locals would indeed welcome a change of leadership!

​

March passed with the siege continuing and no sign of relieving Mordvin troops. Gumarich was directed to gather information on how fared the other three wars Varaka was fighting. It seemed he was now slightly ahead in his war with Mari, where High Chief Tutya sought to subjugate the Mordvins – this despite having two provinces in Mari hands by now. Khan Sokal ‘the Fat’ of the Cumans was however doing well in the east of Mordva. Another ‘Cleansing Flame’ – Chief Yavdi of Khopyoria (a small realm just south of Vladimir) had not made any significant start on his holy war against the Mordvin.

​

And in King Dyre’s war to seize Minsk from Bogdan of Turov, Dyre was well on top, despite having both the county of Turov and his capital in enemy hands! Clearly, his large kingdom could better sustain such occupation that the Turovians, who in turn had lost Minsk (one of only two provinces they controlled) to Dyre. It now seemed clear Konugarðr would win this war. It was just as well they had been discounted as an invasion target!

​

April 881

The beginning of April, along with hints of the approaching spring, brought word that the people of Garðaríki had begun referring to their king as Rurik ‘the Just’! This was a nickname Rurik was more than happy to be known by. His justice may sometimes be harsh on his enemies – but to his people he was always hard but fair.

​

And a short time later, there was more good news from home: the new Seer, Godi Styrbjörn, had completed the work Þorolfr had started. Ladoga had been brought to the light of Odin’s wisdom!

​

It would take him another week to formally complete his work there – after which he would be assigned to Toropets.

Spoiler: Ch40 Q1: Conversion Priority

Ch40 Q1: Conversion Priority. I’ve assumed here it is best to convert the inner counties first, with my first priority being on the core counties of the Jarldom of Holmgarðr (who also have the largest demesne levy sizes). But do let Rurik know if he should be thinking otherwise. Of course, I’m aware that a reformed faith would make this work faster and easier, but that will have to wait for now.

Mordva was a large realm – while Vladimir was subject to Rurik’s siege, Mari and Cumania had occupied sizable pieces of Varaka’s lands – without yet forcing him even close to the surrender table.

​

As the siege ground on, word came that the regent of the young Chief Hintsa of Häme had signed his country up to the anti-Rurik pact.

​

While Dyre of Konugarðr was estimated to be close to victory in its war against Turov [warscore of 93% - he must have won another field battle in the meantime, as no more counties had changed hands].

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

May-June 881

May brought momentous news in the Norse world: King Björn Ironside, oldest son of Ragnar and King of mighty SviÞjod, had died at the age of 60. Not quietly in bed, but (fittingly) in battle against the Lotharingians! The death of Rurik's father-in-law brought the formal relationship between them to an end. Ironsides' son – Björn II – was definitely not the man his father was (there were rumours of cowardice and gluttony and he lacked respect within his own realm). But he would have to do the best he could in his wars with the Franks and other heathens of Western Europa.

​

In mid-May, the garrison of Vladimir surrendered without a fight: but this victory would not be nearly enough to bring Varaka to the bargaining table: Rurik would need to keep pressing on east to Obran Osh, and keep at it until he had made his opponent take enough notice to sue for peace and give up Vladimir.

​

While, back in Finland, Uusimaa once again sought safety in numbers with their fellow Finns.

​

Towards the end of May, with spring in the air, Rurik reached and invested Obran Osh. And, in doing so, discovered a sizeable Mordvin force lurking next door in Cheremisa. He actually hoped they would be rash enough to attack over the large river that separated them. But, just in case, he decided it would be prudent to summon his two most reliable vassals to join the war. It would take them some time to make it to the front, so they had best get marching now. He hoped they would both once again fulfil their oaths – it was not certain they would.

​

His faith was well rewarded: word came through at the beginning of June that both would send their levies to join the fight. This was just as well, as Rurik’s scouts reported that High Chief Varaka himself led the Mordvin army to the south-east. And he wasn’t foolish enough to make an opposed river crossing. Instead, he was heading to the north of Vladimir, to Gorodez: perhaps he aimed to seize that country back from Mari, which has occupied it at the start of their war? Either way, Rurik intended to see the siege through and not be distracted.

​

But Varaka was craftier than that: he did not tarry in Gorodez, but headed straight for Garðarikian territory – Sursdalar. A counter-siege? Or a flanking march? He had also cleverly (or luckily) put himself in between Rurik and his reinforcing allies. They would have to be careful they were not ambushed as they approached and defeated in detail.

​

The same day, news reached the king that the Estonians had joined the defensive pact against him – it was now gathering steam and becoming a significant deterrent.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

July-August 881

By 11 July, with a warm summer upon the land, Varaka’s intentions became clear: he marched to relieve Vladimir itself – probably the smartest action he could take. Rurik continued to stay the course in Obran Osh – and hope his allies would be able to evade the Mordvins and join him, as the number were a little too even for Rurik’s liking. The company from Belo Ozero had already been forced to take evasive action.

​

One week later and Varaka had begun his ploy to retake the initiative – could he overwhelm the smaller garrison in Vladimir before Rurik could finish in Obran Osh and relieve them?

​

The same day, Kaleva of Pohjanmaa wisely joined the pact – even as the perception of Rurik’s threat continued to recede. It seemed they had finally begun to wise up to his true intentions!

​

It took another month for Obran Osh to be taken – but it was. Again the defenders were starved out and Rurik lost no men in the exercise. With the Belo Ozero company forced to skirt around Vladimir and the Smolenskians inexplicably diverting south to Mordva itself (rather than heading to Obran Osh), Rurik was still days away from receiving his allied reinforcements. With the siege of Vladimir progressing rapidly, he decided to strike with what he had – a small numerical advantage – and ordered the attack to go in. He hoped one or both of his allies would be able to join up in time – and that he could either win, or at least hold out, until they did. Continued control of Vladimir was important for him to maintain the pressure on Varaka to yield, while a victory in the field would be a powerful incentive too. Of course, this also entailed risk – including potentially heavy casualties on his own levies. But battle called – and he must answer!

​

Karhu of Veps was the next Finn to join the pact.

​

Battle was joined on 28 August outside Vladimir – which still held on and should do now that its besiegers were distracted. The three divisions were fairly evenly matched and both leaders faced each other in the centre. Hrolfr had the Garðarikian right and Sverker the left. From the start, Rurik came under pressure, losing casualties and moral faster than his opponent. That wasn’t the plan!

​

Spoiler: Ch40 Q2: Disrupting Sieges

Ch40 Q2: Disrupting Sieges. It certainly appears that any siege is interrupted if the attackers are themselves involved in a field battle. Does it reset the clock on the siege, or if the besiegers win and fight off the attack, does it resume where it left off? I didn’t think to check while the battle was continuing.

More than three weeks of heavy fighting had almost seen Rurik’s centre division forced to flee the field: only the timely arrival of the men from Belo Ozero kept the centre from breaking [the morale shown there includes the boost from the reinforcements – it had been close to route before that]. On the left, Sverker was faring worse than his opponent too: despite the advantage in numbers, the enemy was prevailing in two out of the three divisions! Rurik was becoming very uneasy. The bright spot was Hrolfr – the flanking specialist and master tactician – on the Garðarikian right: his men had joined in melee with the enemy’s left, which looked like it might soon buckle. But would the Garðarikian centre be able to hold long enough for him to finish of the enemy in front of his and come to their rescue? This seemed doubtful.

​

Still the fighting raged, Rurik’s position getting more precarious by the day. Where were the Smolenskians? Would they make it in time? Could Hrolfr defeat the enemy’s left to smash into their centre and save the day? To increase Rurik’s frustration, over the next few days word came through that another two realms had pledged mutual support against him.

​

23 September proved a turning point in the battle: danger still existed, as Varaka continued to have the edge over Rurik in the centre, but Sverker had recovered on the left and had finally broken the enemy's right flank. At the same time, the enemy’s left flank also broke. All focus now fell on the centre. But by 29 September, Varaka still stubbornly resisted. Though now the toll finally started to tell on the Mordvins: with the combined weight of all three Garðarikian divisions on them, things had finally at least evened up in the centre.

​

The final blow came on 2 October – after more than a month of fighting. The Smolenskian company arrived and immediately added their weight to the centre, buoying its morale again and finally seeing off the persistent Varaka, who fled the field. After a week of pursuit, the victory was declared. The enemy had suffered more casualties in the end, but not by that many. Most of the Garðarikian losses came from Rurik’s personal levies. It had been a close-run thing – and Rurik thanked both the Gods and his lucky stars that he had sent the call to his allies when he did, And that they had answered. Had they not, the result may have been quite different.

​

With the enemy in rout and a war still to win, Rurik could not afford to rest his men in place – they would have to try to recover their morale on the march. [NB: have a look at the morale of Rurik’s centre without the addition of the allied morale contribution from the battle – they would surely have broken if not for their arrival - phew!]

​

Elsewhere, by now, Konugarðr had won their war with Turov and seized Minsk. And here is a map of the anti-Rurik defensive pact as it stood on 9 November 881.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

Ch40 Q1: Conversion Priority. I’ve assumed here it is best to convert the inner counties first, with my first priority being on the core counties of the Jarldom of Holmgarðr (who also have the largest demesne levy sizes). But do let Rurik know if he should be thinking otherwise. Of course, I’m aware that a reformed faith would make this work faster and easier, but that will have to wait for now.

Ch40 Q2: Disrupting Sieges. It certainly appears that any siege is interrupted if the attackers are themselves involved in a field battle. Does it reset the clock on the siege, or if the besiegers win and fight off the attack, does it resume where it left off? I didn’t think to check while the battle was continuing.

Ch40 Q3: General Strategy and Tactics. And of course, general comments on any aspect of gameplay or narrative are always most welcome. For example, whether this drawn-out war to gain one de jure Garðaríki county was actually worth it, or (for those who were advocating a break from conquest for more raiding) has Rurik barked up the wrong tree here? Also, any obvious reasons why Rurik in the centre (a far superior war leader) should have consistently suffered from the poorer morale in that battle than his counterpart?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The battlefield at Vladimir, after the hard-fought victory. A grim place – though the losses were made a good deal more acceptable for it being a win. The price was many good men sent to Valhalla. Glorious for them perhaps - they were now carousing with their comrades and ancestors. But Rurik must deal with the aftermath: at least he now had his trusty allies by his side again. ​

 

[Bullfilter]

Military Folkmote – October 881 (a summary of advice from Chapter 40)

The war with Mordva continues, with a costly but important victory just won. With Rurik marching east to take enough of High Chief Varaka’s land to force him to yield up Vladimir to its rightful owner, he takes advice on the march about matters religious, military and diplomatic.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

<Re death of Björn Ironside>: Well this is momentous. First off, it means sweden isnt going to hulk out like it does whenever the PC is outside western europe. Its also good because the more land they take from the franks, the more likely it is they go feudal and Christian (spit spit).

However, without the pressure constant from sweden, the franks tend to conquer most of norway, denmark and sweden in a hundred years. They will obvs convert as much as they can into catholics which makes your job harder. So mixed bag of results possible here.

Interesting: of course, I have no personal game experience of what may often tend to happen in this time period, so these general observations are broadly useful. I can hope that they will balance each other for a while anyway – until I can creep west in Scandinavia and try to reform the Germanic faith. And then the Sunset Invasion may arrive any time and turn everything on its head!

<Re anti-Rurik pact>: Nothing too worrisome yet, just everyone who is justifiably scared you might conquer them within five years. If a big kingdom or rival gets involved, back down and grow tall for a bit.

Wise advice. It seems to ebb and flow a lot. I’ll try to ensure my Badboy doesn’t get to the truly alarming level any time soon!

<On members joining the anti-Rurik pact>: they are all itching for the neckbiter that's what

Indeed they are! As soon as one of those little birds drops out of the nest at the wrong time – chomp! “Hello, breakfast!”

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch40 Q1: Conversion Priority. I’ve assumed here it is best to convert the inner counties first, with my first priority being on the core counties of the Jarldom of Holmgarðr (who also have the largest demesne levy sizes). But do let Rurik know if he should be thinking otherwise. Of course, I’m aware that a reformed faith would make this work faster and easier, but that will have to wait for now.

As for conversion, I don't think it matters all that much. It makes most sense to try and convert the more important places first from an rp perspective to my mind.

OK, seems it works mainly for RP and no harm for gameplay.

This too. I think you just have to try to contain Christianity and all its offshoots in your realm because paganism does not survive it very well. At least...well, the new dlc might change thst somewhat but who knows?

Indeed. Will just plug away for now – I’m doing it mainly for RP reasons, also for the learning experience of going against the grain of the local culture and religion (some inspiration there from @Eurasia and his Road of Queens).​

RP aside, core counties come first because you do not want your own personal lands to rebel. Vassal rebellions are funny, not threatening and can be assigned as punishments. But for cutting down rebel risk, esepcially cos later on Christianity has a habit of infecting your vassal lords, get your own holdings done first. Then whomever your most trusted guy is...or the furthest flung bit of your empire. Cos if only one tile connects you to christians or muslims, convert that and the surrounding duchy first to stop spread.

Sounds like avoiding the intellectual plague!

this is a good approach and one i'd take especially with this mode of succession. better iron out the ones that would go to the heir for sure, the remaining is more fluid. i'm assuming you're going for the province with most holdings.

Will do. And the sooner I can get away from Gavelkind, the better!

That's probably for the best, though getting into the kind of strategic thinking I'm not great at.

I suspect you sell yourself short.

Summary: seems like the core Jarldom first is the best strategy and makes sense for RP. I know I need to reform the religion before I can expect too much progress too quickly - and to be able to fight off Crusaders later.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch40 Q2: Disrupting Sieges. It certainly appears that any siege is interrupted if the attackers are themselves involved in a field battle. Does it reset the clock on the siege, or if the besiegers win and fight off the attack, does it resume where it left off? I didn’t think to check while the battle was continuing.

I think if a siege is interrupted for more than a day for any reason it resets. So someone flinging 100 guys at your 20 stack isnt going to be a problen. But an actual battle is. Its their way of simulating rallies and scouting parties and all the other things a defender can do to a siege camp whilst the army is out fighting.

OK, sounds like a working hypothesis, makes sense.

definitely didn't know this, i'll try to notice the effect next time i play

as far as i know it does not reset the clock but pause it.

Maybe we’ll test it some time.

Unsure, though it seems others have answered.

Yes, though I think it’s not absolutely certain yet.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch40 Q3: General Strategy and Tactics. And of course, general comments on any aspect of gameplay or narrative are always most welcome. For example, whether this drawn-out war to gain one de jure Garðaríki county was actually worth it, or (for those who were advocating a break from conquest for more raiding) has Rurik barked up the wrong tree here? Also, any obvious reasons why Rurik in the centre (a far superior war leader) should have consistently suffered from the poorer morale in that battle than his counterpart?

An important victory, if a closer one that Rurik will have wanted.

No idea why the morale in the centre collapsed - perhaps bad luck with the dice rolls?

As for general strategy, you were going to end up fighting this war (probably), and it might always have gotten drawn out. To that end I think the question doesn't matter so much.

Yes, it saw their main army off and it will take them a long time to get back. Can make plenty of mischief in that time. I’ll remain mystified re the morale stuff, but at least it worked out well in the end.

<Re the morale problem in the battle of Vladimir>: Luck and maybe a really heavy charge from someone on the ither aidw who has stats which cause troops to break...

Yes, could be, very hard to tell the way the battles are represented (for me, anyway ).

Eh, any expansion is usually good so long as it makes the realm stronger or at least not weaker than it was before (thst is to say, going from controlling all of Iberia to controlling it and Menorca are fine. Doing the same but it being London instead is just going to cause a ton of problems). So long as you don't, say, focus on controlling the Med and Iberia and then decide to conquer a tiny part of russia for no reason, you should be fine. Cos really, what noob would do that in their own AAR game?.

Heh. Scandinavia may become my Iberia. Then there are the Mongols to worry about: the game-load hints have been telling me to beware the Mongols the last few times I’ve loaded up. Is it trying to tell me something!?

well, you don't have a better CB to use, so if there isn't anything in the future that might happen (for example with hordes, once you're past a certain population a very nice CB unlocks) then you might have to do these wars for single provinces. maybe you can forge titles? I'm not sure what could've been better. yes, raiding is good but will you raid until the end of the game? of course conquest is necessary. a research on what better cbs we can lay our hands on can be a good thing to invest time in, or maybe somebody here knows

Will have a look at CBs again as things go on, but I looked at a lot last time and there was little else on offer now the Rus subjugation CB is gone and most of the de jure kingdom has been conquered.

about the battle, well the obvious thing would've been unit compositions but they're not really very different (in fact you seem to have better HI ratio). maybe one gets a bonus if he's the defender? i'm not really sure.

Yeah, I looked at unit composition and Rurik had decent comparable numbers (and more, in fact), including in HI. Who knows?

that was one exciting battle

It was actually, it was really in the balance and a couple of classic ‘flank marches to the sound of the fighting’ saved the day – only just. Those ally rules are really pretty useful - and they managed to make it in the end without getting waylaid.

Again, nothing to add to the other discussions.

But thanks for ‘being there’ @Idhrendur!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Well, thanks once again for the comments and pointers. The next session has been played through, but I’m out of town tomorrow and Friday, so I may be able to get the next update out on the weekend!

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 41: Burtasy or Bust (9 October 881 – 19 April 882)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Almost a year of war waged against Mordva to conquer the county of Vladimir had seen two successful sieges and a desperate but eventually victorious field battle outside the gates of the county in question; with his levies hard hit in numbers and morale, Rurik nevertheless pushes east immediately to follow up his hard-fought win and beat Mordva’s Chief Varaka 'the Ill-Ruler' before he can again rally his position, or perhaps make peace with one of the other adversaries who harry him; back home, Rurik's Chancellor does his best to keep the edgy Finns from forming pacts against his liege – but Rurik’s conquering ways make that difficult.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

October 881

“Vassals,” muttered Rurik, just with earshot of his Secretary, Gumarich der Schreiber. “Can’t rule with them, can’t rule without them!”

Gumarich thought the statement rhetorical and perhaps not intended for his ears anyway. He decidesdto maintain a discrete silence and not acknowledge he had heard anything.

Gumarich assumed (and later recorded in his enciphered, private and confidential journal) that Rurik referred on the one hand to his loyal vassal allies – notably Chiefs Grimr of Smaleskja and Vsemil ‘the Cleansing Flame’ or Belo Ozero – who were instrumental in winning the recent Battle of Vladimir. But he also referred to the latest report from Chancellor Hrörekr, which gave details of how the rest of his vassals stood.

​

It was no surprise the three most recent additions to the realm remained fractious and keen to reassert their independence. And their faction was quite strong: another reason Rurik was worried about his levy strength and regretted every combat loss he took. And why he remained so regretful to have lost the buffer of his Great Tribal Army: they were to have soaked up the casualties of conquests, allowing his royal levy to continue to build. But that horse had bolted long ago and was by then well over the horizon.

The better news in Hrörekr’s report was of the other Chiefs. Even old Svetozar Slovensky (now only the third most powerful vassal lord in the realm other than the king himself) had actually gained a mildly positive attitude to his ruler. Mainly, it seemed, because he no longer saw a realistic prospect of gaining a council seat given the relative power of the two most powerful newcomers. This meant, of the original Holmgarðian chiefdoms, all were now loyal (to some degree, at least) to Rurik. But it would take many years (or successions – forced or natural) before the three new vassals would willingly subordinate themselves to the new Garðarikian crown.

After pondering the report for a few minutes, Rurik turned to his faithful scribe.

“Gumarich, please take down this letter to the Chancellor. Use your cypher and get our most reliable courier and give him a small escort. I have a very delicate question to ask Hrörekr …”​

Spoiler: Ch41 Q1: Independence Faction

Ch41 Q1: Independence Faction. So, at 48.2%, how worried (if at all) should I be about these troublemakers. Just a weather eye for now? What would be the tripwire for taking more aggressive preventative action against them? Better to leave them be for now and see if old wounds heal – or they present an opportunity for intervention to take them down (as individuals preferably, rather than as a group). For example, when the time is right (ie not when far away and in the middle of a foreign war) would it be useful to demand one of them cease their plotting and then crush them if they refuse?

“And look at this, will you, Gumarich! What a cheek – ‘for the sake of your health, My Liege’, he says …”

​

It was a reply from the Chancellor to a message from Rurik to investigate the conduct of a Grand Hunt once peace against Mordva could be won. But it seemed the trusty Chancellor – whose long, faithful and authoritative service Rurik did indeed respect – was firmly of the view that despite his turning back to the pursuit of Hunting, Rurik’s health following the horrific events of Pisa (ie his castration and the resulting ‘lunacy’ – what we would now call PTSD) meant he could not conduct a Grand Hunt. Something he had wanted to do for many years, but for different reasons had never got around to.

The king sighed and bowed to the inevitable.

Spoiler: Comment: No Grand Hunt

Comment: No Grand Hunt. It seems that although the resumption of hunting may be of benefit to Rurik’s health and military prowess, those two health penalties (looks like even one would be too much) preclude him being able to call the hunt – a pity. I had just wanted to do it for the interest and learning experience, plus whatever benefits it may have provided. Ah well, a note for others to be aware of if they weren’t already and something a may one day get around to with another character.

Rurik’s war against Varaka of Mordva was, as we have noted before in this chronicle, only one of four that the 'Ill-Ruler' was fighting. Of the others, the Cuman war to conquer Bashkira – at the opposite end of Mordva from Vladimir – was the largest and most well-advanced. Khan Sokhal ‘the Fat’ had by October 881 already over-run a large swathe of Varaka’s territory and was now approaching its western end – and Rurik’s advance. It appeared both would-be conquerors may now be in a race to take Mordvin counties to force Varaka to accede to their respective claims.

​

A few weeks after the recent battle, the various elements that had all been congregated in Vladimir had started to move their separate ways. The Mordvin army had split apart into two groups. Both were headed north-east – and towards Mari – but in a panicked rout likely to last for weeks yet. Rurik’s levies (whose morale was only slowly rebuilding after their mauling in Vladimir) and his two vassal allies continued east and would arrive in Obran Osh on 26 October. From there, they would need to cross the Volga if they wished to continue the war in Mordva and force Varaka to yield. With the Cumans pursuing the same objective from the east.

​

And, arriving in the already-occupied Obran Osh, Rurik’s army immediately began to ferry itself across the Volga and head for Cheremisa – which would take around three weeks.

​

While this operation was in progress, another courier from the Chancellor found Rurik. He bore a report on who had left and joined the pact against the feared King of Garðaríki over the last month. Fortunately, more had left than joined. These Finns are flighty types, it seems, Rurik noted in his personal journal. But a couple of potential targets have naively left the pact – they may come to regret that decision once Varaka’s hash is settled!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

November 881

And then, within a week of his joining, Mielus Savolainen of Savo - the one new pact entrant during October – was abandoned by his remaining Finnish ‘brothers’ in rapid succession! Hah! So much for Finnish solidarity, Rurik gloated in his journal.

​

But all these diplomatic changes were peripheral: the movements that really concerned Rurik were those of the troops nearby – his own, the enemy’s, and others involved in wars against Mordva. Varaka himself had joined the troops now heading north-west: at last report, to Rurik’s own county of Chud, but still in rout. The other force (those of a couple of his vassals who had been with him at Vladimir) headed into the depths of Mari: Rurik hoped they would be waylaid by their other enemies while there. Rurik himself would arrive in Cheremisa on 15 November and hoped to add that county to the ledger to advance his bargaining power [current warscore of 62%, which mounted slowly while he held Vladimir, which I hadn’t realised was a thing before this campaign.]

​

The pace of the river-crossing had picked up a little – Rurik now estimated he would get to Cheremisa on 13 November. But just two days before then, the Cumans – who had a far easier approach across the open steppe – arrived first and began besieging the Mordvin hold in Cheremisa. Damnation!

​

So, on arrival, Rurik had a choice: he could either remain in Cheremisa and add his weight to the Cuman siege, or leave them to it and continue to Varaka’s home county of Mordva.

“Hrolfr, Sverker, what do advise?” asked an irritated Rurik. “Who gathers the spoils if we join the siege? The Cumans, because they were here first? Or will it be a tossed coin between the two of us, based on how many troops each side brings?”

Neither of the men knew the answer to this question for sure.

“Well,” said Hrolfr, “we slightly outnumber the Cumans, but either because they were here first, or through the vagaries of fortune, they may end up gaining the benefit of our efforts.”

“I agree, my King” ventured Sverker. I know it is further and will take longer, but taking Mordva itself should be even more persuasive to Varaka to give up his claim on Vladimir to simply be rid of us. And at least it should be a surer bet than taking our chances here with the Cumans hovering close by.”

“Very well,” announced Rurik. “To Mordva we march straight away. My concern though is that it takes us ever further from our secure base and the prize of Vladimir itself and I have no reserve available to send there: I want to keep all our forces together, to see these sieges over quickly and to ensure we’re not defeated in detail by splitting up. I’m just a little concerned that one of those two Mordvin forces will rally and end up making mischief while we are many days march away.”

After a short pause, Rurik nonetheless orders to move to Mordva. “Damn the Ill-Ruler! He will yield or see his entire kingdom occupied. Forward!”​

​

Spoiler: Ch41 Q2: Parallel Sieges

Ch41 Q2: Parallel Sieges. OK, my first time encountering this situation. Can anyone advise how these situations are resolved, when we share a siege with a co-belligerent who is neutral towards us? How the ownership (in particular) of the hold/county is determined?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

December 881

As bitter winter once again blanketed the land with snow, Rurik’s army laid siege to Varaka’s hold in Mordva. At least by now their morale was fully recovered, despite the cold conditions of the siege. Meanwhile, the King received a report that Varaka was in Chud and heading towards the territory of neutral Veps, where he would likely arrive in mid-December. He did not know whether he would then keep going or begin the long trek back, with vengeance on his mind. Would Varaka try to raid Garðarikian territory on the way through? This was thought unlikely, due to the small size of his remaining company. More likely he would head home. In any case, there was nothing much Rurik could do about it than try to end the war before Varaka could do any real damage.

​

After some days examining the hold in Mordva, Sverker was directed to consult the siege master and try to predict how long the reduction would take.

“He estimates at the current rate, the defenders should be starved out and ready to surrender by maybe the last week of January. Perhaps the 25th; should be no later than the end of that month,” Sverker reported as the army leaders huddled around a small fire in an appropriated villager’s now very smoky hut. Without wishing to waste troops on an assault, and hoping disease or raiders did not start to waste his ranks, Rurik hunkered down and waited for nature to take its course with the defenders.

​

Later that month, the latest despatch rider from Nygarðr bore a report advising Varaka’s company had turned around in Romny and was now en-route back to Chud. Their intentions there were as yet unknown.

​

[Note: by 20 December, the Cuman warscore had reached 99%, while they continued to besiege Cheremisa. I’ll be referring back to this later in a question.]

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January 882

By early January, Varaka's intentions had become clearer: he did not tarry in Chud and seemed to be headed back the way he came. Maybe troops from Mari might intercept them?

It would be a long, cold march for Varaka the Ill-Ruler and his depleted company. And what would be waiting for him: would he even make it back to his own lands?​

While this was happening, Rurik noticed a detachment of Cuman troops had begun heading towards Mordva – did they hope to steal the siege from out of his hands? Curse them if they did!

​

To add to Rurik’s irritation, it seemed High Chief Tuure of Karelia has changed his mind and rejoined the pact. Here we go again!

​

Later that month, the Cumans succeeded in their siege of Cheremisa. But, inexplicably to Rurik and his officers, they still couldn’t seem to force Varaka to surrender. The Mordvin High Chief surely should have given up on that one eastern province a good while back.

Spoiler: Ch41 Q3. Warscore Quandary

Ch41 Q3. Warscore Quandary. OK, does anyone know why the Cuman warscore should still be stuck on 99%, despite them having conquered yet another county and having held the county they are trying to annex for ages? Is there some anomaly or glitch here, or is there some arcane mechanism (AI or otherwise) at play that prevents a peace under certain circumstances?

The upshot of this is that Khan Sokal and the rest of his army is now also headed to Mordva. Those who departed earlier are due on 6 February, the rest on 10 February. Could Rurik finish the siege before they arrived? He hoped so, but it could be a close-run thing.

Fortunately, this time it was the Garðarikians who beat their Cuman competitors to the punch: Mordva fell on 28 January 882 (just three days after the siegemaster had predicted), with their entire garrison of 418 men surrendering, to be sold into slavery. Some small plunder was taken as the town was ransacked and then a small garrison left behind to hold it. This advanced Rurik’s interests, but not as much as he thought it would. And looking north, it was apparent the Cumans had received reinforcements: they now numbered over 3,600. Rurik continued even deeper into Mordva: perhaps taking Burtasy would be enough?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

February-March 882

The turn of Burtasy – which had a sizable garrison - to be invested came on 18 February. By then, Varaka had been sighted again, emerging unscathed from Mari territory with over 500 warriors and heading for Garðaríki-occupied Obran Osh. Would they start besieging that, or keep moving? The Cumans were by then in Mordva, but they were wasting their time there.

​

A courier was brought into Rurik’s tent, exhausted and dishevelled, in mid-March. He had ridden non-stop, changing horses along the way, with news from Vladimir. Varaka had arrived in Obran Osh on 4 March and passed straight through it: eleven days later he appeared outside the gates of Vladimir, to lay it under siege! Should he succeed, it would set back the war effort considerably. A decent garrison had by then been assembled to hold the town against it’s former owner, but it was still outnumbered and could not hold out indefinitely. The siege in Burtasy was progressing more than twice as quickly and had already been going for some time. By then, the bulk of the Cuman troops had also arrived in Burtasy. This seemed to help speed the siege – but who would gain the benefit?

​

Could Rurik complete the siege, secure Burtasy (including from Cuman poachers) and then march back to Vladimir, after crossing the Volga, in time to break Varaka’s siege? Or would taking Burtasy be enough to bring Varaka to his senses and force his surrender? Rurik did not know the answer to any of these questions but decided neither to split his force nor break the siege of Burtasy. He would see it out and let the cards fall where they may.

An artist’s impression of the well-defended hold at Burtasy. Rurik was still loath to lose troops needlessly by storming such fortifications. He would wait them out.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

April 882

By mid-April, the cumulative effect of Garðarikian occupation had pushed Mordva close to the point of surrender. The siege of Burtasy (the last Mordvin province not occupied by a foreign power) was reaching its final stages. But at that point, the other two long-lost Mordvin companies emerged from Mari – and were heading straight to Vladimir, to reinforce Varaka’s siege to try to wrest back much of the initiative in the war. Would the Ill-Ruler escape his fate and force Rurik into a laborious reconquest? Would those Cuman cuckoos rob the nest of Rurik's siege of Burtasy?

​

“Victory, my King, Victory!” The cry rang out the very next day, when the defenders of Burtasy throw the gates open, finally starved into submission. Again, no losses were suffered among Rurik’s levies, about which he is very pleased. And this had been achieved while the gallant Garðarikian garrison of Vladimir still held out. Word came from High Chief Varaka that he was now truly vanquished: the enforcement of Rurik’s demands would be accepted if he proposed such. [The occupation of Vladimir contributed almost half of the total warscore: 12.16% for the town and another 36.66% for the cumulative time of occupying the war’s principal objective. Something I’ll definitely need to remember next time I conduct a similar single-county conquest war against a larger opponent, which I hadn’t done until now.]

The gates of Burtasy were thrown open on 19 July 882. Other than a bit of looting, this time the town was shown mercy, the enemy garrison allowed to disperse to the countryside to begin preparing for the spring sowing. Such was Rurik’s pleasure at this bloodless victory – and its implications for the war – that he chose to live up to his name of ‘the Just’. He hoped the mercy shown to the common people in these parts might demonstrate the benefits of Garðarikian suzerainty over the ill-rule of the Mordvin lordlings.​

And this is exactly what Rurik proposed. The resultant truce with Varaka would last for five years. Vladimir would, for now, be administered directly by Rurik himself as part of his personal demesne. But at some point in the not-too-distant future, he would need to examine his holdings and the succession, to do his best to set Helgi up to take the realm forward in as strong a position as possible. So long as he and his brothers could get along, the power of loyal vassal-allies under a tribal system had been shown in recent wars. It would have to do until a stronger system of rulership could be introduced.

A few days later, High Chief Varaka of Mordva appeared before Rurik in Vladimir’s state room to abase himself and accept the terms offered. This romanticised version, painted centuries later, will have significantly overstated the splendour of the room. But the spirit is captured.​

With peace came suggestions for a possible ambition for the realm: the choice and considerations for making it were the same as before. It would depend on whether there would be another conquest or a period of consolidation and raiding.

​

The Vladimir tribal holding itself was under-developed and would now be burdened from post-war restiveness. Rurik wasn’t expecting much from it any time soon and it would not form part of the eventual hoped-for Volga border defences. It may well be moved to 'other management' in due course.

​

At this time, as seen previously, the anti-Rurik pact contained only Savo and Karelia. Uusimaa and Pohjanmaa were both now vulnerable and therefore likely targets for conquest. Though taking either would no doubt boost threat perception of Rurik again – just when it was starting to come down. The price of conquest.

​

Although a preferred target in earlier times, Uusimaa had been discounted for the last conquest because of its membership of what was then a far larger defensive pact. It had no such protection this time, a rich temple and two shipyards, a small levy and its chief had virtually no piety (for calling religious warriors) to his name. What was not to like about that? Very tempting indeed …

​

Spoiler: Ch41 Q4: Uusimaa

Ch41 Q4: Uusimaa. This just looks too tempting to pass up, while such ripe low-hanging fruit lies for easy picking. A better target than Pohjanmaa and still helping the slow push towards Scandinavia. Is there anything not too like about hitting it next? Maybe (if no similarly juicy targets remain after that) then embarking on that period of peace and consolidation? And possibly granting it and Kexholm to Helgi before succession, to see if he can hang on to them afterwards?

… so tempting, that Rurik could hardly wait to get going. While the Mordva war had been going, another 473 levies had been trained back home and would join the bands when next mustered. Sufficient for taking down a small one-county, two-holding Finnish chiefdom. But, fortunately for Rurik (whose enthusiasm almost outweighed his memory) he paused before issuing the order.

Sverker had pointed out that if, as had been done in the war with Veps some years back, the levies were dismissed away from home Garðarikian territory, at least half would never make it back. This time such a disaster was narrowly averted. The troops would return as quickly as possible to the newly-acquired Vladimir. Rurik had to hope that the Uusimaans would not deduce his covetous aims for them and join the defensive pact before the levies could be dismissed and then re-mustered to attack them.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

And so ended the successful, but time consuming and relatively expensive, war against Mordva for the conquest of Vladimir. How Varaka would fare against his other enemies and whether he would ever make peace with the Cumans (who now had more Mordvin territory they could siege down if they wished to) was Varaka’s problem, though Rurik was interested in seeing how those events transpired. The next Þing would be held in the capital of Nygarðr, where next steps would once again be decided – and Uusimaa stood on very thin ice indeed.

Ch41 Q1: Independence Faction. So, at 48.2%, how worried (if at all) should I be about these troublemakers. Just a weather eye for now? What would be the tripwire for taking more aggressive preventative action against them? Better to leave them be for now and see if old wounds heal – or they present an opportunity for intervention to take them down (as individuals preferably, rather than as a group). For example, when the time is right (ie not when far away and in the middle of a foreign war) would it be useful to demand one of them cease their plotting and then crush them if they refuse?

Ch41 Q2: Parallel Sieges. OK, my first time encountering this situation. Can anyone advise how these situations are resolved, when we share a siege with a co-belligerent who is neutral towards us? How the ownership (in particular) of the hold/county is determined?

Ch41 Q3. Warscore Quandary. OK, does anyone know why the Cuman warscore should still be stuck on 99%, despite them having conquered yet another county and having held the county they are trying to annex for ages? Is there some anomaly or glitch here, or is there some arcane mechanism (AI or otherwise) at play that prevents a win under certain circumstances?

Ch41 Q4: Uusimaa. This just looks too tempting to pass up, while such ripe low-hanging fruit lies for easy picking. A better target than Pohjanmaa and still helping the slow push towards Scandinavia. Is there anything not too like about hitting it next? Maybe (if no similarly juicy targets remain after that) then embarking on that period of peace and consolidation? And possibly granting it and Kexholm to Helgi before succession, to see if he can hang on to them afterwards?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

This period was one of much activity for the King’s Secretary and Court Scribe – activity that proved invaluable to future historians piecing together the detailed history of the rise of the Rurikid dynasty. Gumarich’s official notes, journals and records became a key part of what became known as the Primary Chronicle of the period. What we now have access to as part of the recent discovery of the Rurikid scroll trove is a far more intimate, detailed and (relatively) unvarnished source of contemporary information to balance the later Rurikid propaganda of their official ‘histories’ (which were more akin to glorified genealogical tomes and hagiographies of the Rurikid rulers).

Royal Secretary and Court Scribe Gumarich der Schreiber, hard at work in the spring of 882 CE.​

 

[Bullfilter]

The Fifteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – April 882 (a summary of advice from Chapter 41)

With the Mordvin War successfully concluded, Rurik faces the familiar choice between continued conquest (for de jure claims or shipyards for the future of the realm) and raiding. He is definitely tempted by the now available low-hanging fruit of Uusimaa but wishes to take counsel first before launching on another conquest. There are also some last lessons to absorb from the just-concluded conflict.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

damn the foul rotten guts of this ill ruler and his ancestors desecrated graves

Well said and very in-character! Still, at least he tried. Rurik can respect that much even as he happily sees his enemies’ souls carried off in the claws of the Valkyries! And then their graves desecrated – if they are lucky enough to get one!

I would've thought 62% enough for one county demand, but seems otherwise

I'm surprised it was necessary to have a 100% warscore for our reasonable demands to be accepted. Maybe it's better to prioritize taking counties from smaller realms so that it's easier to hit 100%?

Hmm, maybe it wasn’t - I don’t think it occurred to me to check. Just assumed it needed 100% warscore to succeed! In previous wars, when I tried it I was rejected, but that was for a subjugation. If you sometimes don’t need 100% in such situations, then I might have learned another lesson!

I don't want to sound too confident but my feeling is after vladimir and the battle, or maybe also the other province next to vladimir would've been enough. I always check after every positive development to see if they finally say uncle.

I will definitely be checking this next time I’m in that kind of situation – many thanks once again @diskoerekto for highlighting it.​

@Specialist290 answered the way I would have if I had been here first.

But nevertheless thanks very much for ‘pinging’ (and ‘Þinging’) @Idhrendur – it’s always nice to know people are reading and to have corroboration on advice!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch41 Q1: Independence Faction. So, at 48.2%, how worried (if at all) should I be about these troublemakers. Just a weather eye for now? What would be the tripwire for taking more aggressive preventative action against them? Better to leave them be for now and see if old wounds heal – or they present an opportunity for intervention to take them down (as individuals preferably, rather than as a group). For example, when the time is right (ie not when far away and in the middle of a foreign war) would it be useful to demand one of them cease their plotting and then crush them if they refuse?

I wouldn't be too worried at 48%. When it gets to around 100% things are more likely to result. Meanwhile it is something to bear watching, as a sudden decrease in your levy could change the arithmetic quite rapidly.

Good point – and reinforces my sensitivity about relative levy strength and trying to build it while still ‘doing stuff’. And hence my recurring regret at ‘blowing’ those tribal armies, which make great pre-cannon fodder!

The trigger threshold for firing a faction demand is somewhere in the 70-80% range IIRC, and usually the AI likes to wait until it has somewhere around 90% or more before it ever takes the choice of its own initiative. You should be fine for now.

Very useful specifics indeed. All newbies should take note – this one certainly will (if he remembers to check )!

i would not worry. if they really want to die younger than they would otherwise, they can revolt and you still have enough power to see them off. When you run out of potential counties to conquer (i.e all neighbors either truced or in a coalition against you) you can try asking them to stop it and kill them if they don't comply just to see how it goes.

That’s the general plan – my main concern is they do it when I’m fully committed elsewhere, so will have to always factor that into conquering or raiding expedition proposals.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch41 Q2: Parallel Sieges. OK, my first time encountering this situation. Can anyone advise how these situations are resolved, when we share a siege with a co-belligerent who is neutral towards us? How the ownership (in particular) of the hold/county is determined?

Cannot help here

It seems a problematic point, but fortunately some wise Þing attendees have a few theories and pointers below.

Issues with contested sieges are well-known and long-standing I'm uncertain of the exact logic -- probably based on either which army got there first, or which army's commander is higher in title rank (I think P'dox have gone back and forth on this a few times trying to get things "just right") -- but if in doubt, you can check the shield next to the name in the siege box. That seems to be a fairly reliable indicator in my experience.

OK, sounds like the best I can do.

in the earlier paradox games it was whoever had the bigger siege scoring general or whoever had a higher ranking general (i.e. Rurik as a king would outrank a duke, but for example hordes are empire level titles so a horse lord might have priority over him) and all else being equal whoever got there first, but I am not 100% sure how it is resolved. I always tried to avoid this situation so never experimented much in CK2.

We’ll see how @Specialist290 ’s pointer works out if it arises again (I imagine it will only be an infrequent occurrence).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch41 Q3. Warscore Quandary. OK, does anyone know why the Cuman warscore should still be stuck on 99%, despite them having conquered yet another county and having held the county they are trying to annex for ages? Is there some anomaly or glitch here, or is there some arcane mechanism (AI or otherwise) at play that prevents a win under certain circumstances?

I don't remember which patch introduced this specifically, but this one goes back a ways.

Originally, thanks to "ticking warscore" for holding your war target (another feature you discovered during this chapter), it was possible for a small faction to launch a (relatively) quick "smash and grab" campaign against a much larger enemy who was already distracted in a war on another front, sit on their gains (plus maybe a small buffer of other holdings to inflate the warscore a little), and force a peace treaty (and the resulting truce) once the warscore reached 100% without ever fighting a single battle. Paradox later patched it so that so that it would stop ticking once you reached 99% unless both participants have fought a "major battle" (defined by the relative strength of the armies in the battle proportional to their levies) to get 100% and force a peace, essentially to give the defender a chance to wrap up anything else they may be involved in. It does eventually start ticking again, though (IIRC after about 2 years have passed since the war was declared), so if the defender doesn't do anything in that time then they're effectively conceding the war without a fight.

I suspect that's most likely what happened here -- the Cumans overran most of the Mordvin territory, but since their armies probably never actually engaged the warscore just stayed stuck at 99% during that "grace period."

Thanks for the explanation. Maybe now I’ve done fighting them, the Mordvins will muster again and be dutifully put to the sword attacking the Cumans so they can ‘end the war with honour’!

i'm not sure but they might have not fought a battle against the defenders?

This seems to be the consensus: of course, I can’t tell from the limited info I have available on their warscore progress, but it does sound like the logical explanation.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch41 Q4: Uusimaa. This just looks too tempting to pass up, while such ripe low-hanging fruit lies for easy picking. A better target than Pohjanmaa and still helping the slow push towards Scandinavia. Is there anything not too like about hitting it next? Maybe (if no similarly juicy targets remain after that) then embarking on that period of peace and consolidation? And possibly granting it and Kexholm to Helgi before succession, to see if he can hang on to them afterwards?

I think I would allow myself to be tempted.

Rurik certainly sees a juicy piece of fruit within arm’s reach there …

One thing you didn't mention -- does Uusimaa have any allies they could call up? Otherwise, based on that info alone, my gut says: Go for it!

Really helpful, thanks very much @Specialist290. A short answer on the quick question at the end: No, no other allies (just a one-county realm with a temple vassal). And, unless they join again before I can get my levies back to Vladimir to dismiss them safely, they have left the anti-Rurik pact.

So yes, that would reinforce your encouragement for Rurik to go with his covetous instincts!​

Pohjanmaa is in the same de jure duchy as Kexholm if you want to create it soon, but that seems the only small thing for their case. About succession, it's always complicated but as a rule of thumb if you have at least the same number of duchies as you have sons all the spare counties is supposed to go to the heir even if you didn't grant to him beforehand, but giving him does not carry any consequences that i can think of. One caveat might be those territories being outside of the king level titles you hold, but it should still work the same.

Hopefully these shipbuilding plans would fall foul of succession issues. And if things got difficult enough, a future king may have to contemplate some drastic action to secure the shipyards from an inconvenient vassal – even if it is a half-brother!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

So, a shorter than usual Þing this time, but many thanks to those who responded. I hope it is due to the ‘northern summer slowdown’ and not the story getting boring! Any, my great appreciation for the continuing support of all my readers and commenters: I’ve had some RL things to get done in the last few weeks, plus writing up WW2 Turkey and then a few chapters from Ancient Rome and the Pyrrhic War. But back now to the Norsemen in Russia. I’ll now play the next session and write up over the next few days.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 42: Finish the Finnish (19 April 882 – 3 April 883)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … With victory in the war to annex Vladimir from Mordva done, Rurik takes counsel on next steps; and as the realm grows, the king finds himself forced to take more notice of events further away; he also wishes to start securing Helgi’s future position, but remains unsure of how succession laws will affect his plans beyond the carve-up of major jarldoms; and there is the question of Helgi’s heir, Buðli: because he was born seven years ago, he remains of the Slavic faith (born before his father converted to Germanic) – either the heir or his faith must be changed to secure the Germanic core of the new kingdom of Garðaríki. Rurik hopes another murder plot won’t be necessary, but if it must be …

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

April-May 882

Rurik rode ahead of his more ponderously marching army as it made its way back to Garðaríki territory from Burtasy in Mordva, for safe release. He was met on the road by a courier from the Chancellor, Hrörekr. Fortunately for us, Gumarich der Schreiber preserved the despatch and some comments on it in his official campaign record.

​

It clarified the succession in the leading Norse kingdom after the death of the legendary King Björn Ironside (Ragnarrson), Rurik’s father-in-law. The new king, Björn II ‘the Mutilator’ (perhaps he enjoys giving the Blood Eagle, mused Rurik approvingly), is in fact Ironside’s grandson. The son, Eirikr, had died in battle against the Finns way back in 869. Two deaths in battle: how glorious! No doubt both now caroused in Valhalla. The war with Lotharingia must have ended with Ironside’s death.

Rurik thought the new king was not in his grandfather’s league – but he didn’t need to be loved, just effective. Though judging by his character and the abysmal lack of regard in which he was held, Sviþjod’s star may now be on the wane. No matter, Garðaríki would supplant them as the premier Norse realm. And, in due course, ensure the key Germanic Holy Sites were kept under more secure stewardship … but that was for the more distant future.

A month later, as the Garðarikian levies were still deep in Mordvin territory, Rurik had made it back to his capital of Nygarðr. There, he was given a full report from the Þing held the month before: the consensus strongly endorsed Rurik’s preference of hitting Uusimaa next to gain control of its two shipyards.

Before he could even contemplate this course (nothing could be ordered yet without losing half his levies to Mordvin bandits on the long road to Vladimir), Hrörekr directed the King to another report, freshly compiled.

“My Liege, I think you had better consider the latest report I have prepared for you on the comings and goings of the defensive pact opposing your just claims. Earlier in the month, some had left and some had joined – it remains quite fluid and unpredictable from day to day. But just this morning, I received word from our agents in Uusimaa: it seems the recent conquest Vladimir may have made them nervous again – or perhaps their close family ties with Häme contributed to their joining again.”​

​

“By Freyr’s voluminous teats!” exclaimed Rurik in frustration. “My plans are foiled again – the army is still around three weeks away from the safety of our new territory in Vladimir.”

“That is certainly so, My Liege, and it is unlikely Chief Lalli of Uusimaa will change his mind that quickly,” offered Hrörekr with a respectful nod.

“The Gods will it – and I must defer to them. Perhaps we should look at another raid instead. In any case, none of that needs to be decided until the levies return to Vladimir.” Rurik commanded a thrall to prepare a bath – many days on the road had left his still strong (but now older) body with the aches, pains and grime of the road. ​

If only this could wash away all my worries, he thought, as he slipped into the warm water. And, as he could not help glancing down, he was painfully reminded of what he had left behind in Pisa, the last time he had made a bargain with the Gods. I won’t enter such a bargain again lightly – but will, if I must.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

June 882

Early June brought news of the return of the victorious levies to Vladimir. There had been no more entries to or exits from the defensive pact against Rurik in the preceding weeks.

“Helgi, give orders for the dismissal of the levies. With recent recruiting, how many can we raise anew this summer fighting season?”

“We can muster at least 2,000 warriors this summer, Father, including the 97 hardy veterans who remain from your personal company.”​

​

“That is good, my son. Now, Hrörekr, with Uusimaa seeking to postpone their inevitable fate by joining this Hel-born pact, I am again considering Pohjanmaa as our next target, for all the reasons we discussed last time. Please advise on the situation there at present.”

“My Liege, they remain in a weak state: small levy; no allies; and little coin, prestige or religious standing. There is one complication though that did not apply last time. We have word that Jarl Rikulfr of Austergautland in Sviþjod has begun a war to conquer Pohjanmaa for himself.”​

​

“Now that is interesting,” began Rurik. “Helgi, I see from this report that Kaleva has mustered his puny levy, but there is no sign yet of Rikulfr’s invading army?”

“Correct, Father. While there is a small chance Rikulfr may come overland from the north, it would be far quicker, easier and more sensible for him to arrive by sea. But we have no information whether he is on the way or may even have already landed, or indeed intends a direct assault on Kaleva’s force from the sea. Rikulfr’s Jarldom is dispersed, but we can presume he has access to sufficient ships to transport his force.”​

“Rikulfr is not a bad fellow, but I have no desire to see Sviþjod expanding into our natural area of influence,” said Rurik, matter-of-factly and with no hint of irony. “This confirms my decision and increases its urgency. We must intervene to take Pohjanmaa ourselves. We should avoid direct conflict with Rikulfr if we can but will confront him if we must. Hrörekr, prepare the usual declaration and send it to Chief Kaleva. Helgi, raise the levies! To war!”​

​

Again, the vassals were not called immediately, being left as a reserve and awaiting developments – especially with the yet-unseen force from Austergautland. The army will muster in Kexholm.

Towards the end of the month, Chief Kaleva’s small company decides to take some bold action: scouts report that they have begun marching on Kexholm, hoping to ambush the small levy mustered there. An analysis of the situation indicates any attack between the two counties would entail a minor river-crossing – useful information to have. But, with odds of 10-1 and reinforcements too far off, Svetozar - the (auto-) assigned commander of the levy there - is ordered to start marching back to Ingria: if Kaleva persists in his advance, the levy will be ordered to disband and disperse into the countryside rather than fighting against overwhelming numbers.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

July-September 882

As the main Garðarikian host began to concentrate and approach Kexholm, by mid-July Chief Kaleva seemed to sense the danger: if he did proceed to Kexholm, he would be at the mercy of Rurik’s approaching men: though a great river would need to be crossed, he would be greatly outnumbered. Instead, he took the ‘traditional’ [eg the AI’s go-to ploy in such circumstances, it seems] and headed instead for Karjala. The retreat from Kexholm was halted – they will add their small weight to the main host as it passes through.

​

“My King, news from the Chancellor – he thought you may be interested in this little tid-bit.” Gumarich handed a parchment note to Rurik.​

​

“These medicos – they try to poison the mind with their Christian heresy even as they profess to cure the body. He may hate my guts, but at least Miemo knows the value of a good public infidel-burning! Please pen a short note of congratulation to Chief Miemo – I will sign it personally.”​

The next day, Helgi reported his recruiting efforts in Holmgarðr were proving very successful.

​

Spoiler: Ch42 Q1: Massive Recruiting Drive

Ch42 Q1: Massive Recruiting Drive. Just a simple little question. I may even have asked it way back but forgotten the answer. I know this event will somehow be boosting the accrual rate for recruits in the county, but a quick search couldn’t confirm exactly what the effect is – a % added to the rate, or some such, for a certain period of time? Is there something I can mouse-over to confirm? Again, I tried, but may have been looking in the wrong place.

After a period when few new secrets were being discovered, Queen Ingjerðr reported success in the study of Byzantine military doctrine. It will be applied to light infantry training: they remain the backbone of the levy-based army. [Just a short time before, I’d thought I might bring Ingjerðr back to do something else, but gave her a little while longer in Constantinople: just as well I did – this was just enough to take military research to the level 2 threshold.]

​

Spoiler: Ch42 Q2: Trade Posts

Ch42 Q2: Trade Posts. Again, sorry if I may have asked this way back, but this reminded me of trade posts. It says a should be able to build one, but I can’t find anywhere to do it. I take it there is something like a trade route requirement (I don’t seem to have any in my lands) and/or some other advancement of an economic or cultural nature I need to achieve to unlock it. Is this something I should even be bothering about with this realm at this stage? More dependable income would be nice.

Light Infantry – the largest component to the levy army. “Get ‘em training young!” is Helgi’s maxim.​

It was not until the very end of August that Jarl Rikulfr’s army of conquest was finally discovered: they were making their way north to Pohjanmaa via Häme. It was a sizeable force. By then, Rurik’s main body was in Kexholm, waiting for more contingents to join. Rurik himself was on the way with this group of units in Ingria. When he received the report from his chief of scouts, he quickly wrote out an order which was sent back to Prince-Marshal Helgi in Nygarðr by a very fast messenger relay:

“Summon the vassals – all who might answer the call.”​

This was taken to be all those with an even mildly positive view of the King – including old Svetozar, who hadn’t been called to the banners for years and had refused to come when asked.

​

The responses were received over the next few weeks – the nearest first. All but Nuyanza had responded positively (“Wretched Ingrian ingrate!” was Rurik’s terse comment) – even Svetozar, who commanded a very strong company. By 23 September, these contingents were well into their approach marches, but still a good many days away: Svetozar would arrive first. Another company had by then joined the Austergautland host: if it did come to a battle with them, the support of the vassals would be needed to prevail with any degree of confidence. The Garðarikian army continued to concentrate in Kexholm.

​

A few days later, the Kalevi company arrived in Karjala, intending to keep moving south-east to Ääninen, with the probable intention of making mischief behind the lines in Garðarikian lands. They would have to pay the piper first if they wished to do that! Rurik’s army could intercept him before he made in out, while Karjala would make for an obstacle-free approach to Pohjanmaa should Rikulfr's men need to be fought there later.

Hrolfr, commanding the main body, was ordered to intercept and smash the Kalevi in Karjala: any remnant that finally managed to flee south-east should be too panicked and weak to be worried about – they could be ignored. Meanwhile, the rest of the reinforcements and the vassal levies would begin to arrive in Karjala.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

October 882

“My King,” Gumarich said as he trotted his horse up to Rurik’s one day in early October, as they headed north to Kexholm. “There is significant news from some of the new southern territories. It seems Chief Zhavaronok could not go on with the shame of his defeat and subjugation. His three chiefdoms have been split between three different claimants – all of whom are now your direct vassals.”

“That’s good news, at least Gumarich! One of the most powerful plotters against me is gone, his strength fragmented. Surely the new people won’t hate me as much as their predecessor did!” However, Rurik is given pause by the very dubious look on Gumarich’s face.

“Very well, what is the catch, then?” the king asked warily.

“Sire, Vladislav, who inherited the main county of Tver, does indeed – uh – mislike you less, that is true. But not enough to swear off the independence plot, or so Chancellor Hrörekr has been told by the Queen’s agents. Within four days of Zhavaronok’s passing, word came to us that he had joined the plot. Though with the other two still not committed, it has at least weakened the strength of the plot.”

“Hmph, a small consolation, but I will take it. And maybe in time we can work on this new Chief Vladislav and see if he may be brought around.”

“Yes, sire.”​

​

On 8 October, the Austergautland main army arrived in Pohjanmaa and began its siege: Rurik let that run. Given Rikulfr would by the end of the siege only have one of Kaleva’s two counties and would not have engaged him in a field battle, there should still be time for Rurik to defeat the unfortunate Kalevi army in Karjala and in turn lay siege to Pohjanmaa to complete the conquest. And if Rikulfr was unwise enough to remain in the way by then, he would be removed. But Rurik hoped he would have headed off by then, as a battle could well be expensive to win – and victory could not be guaranteed.

“If only the workings of my growing court were as simple as the purity of the battlefield,” Gumarich heard Rurik murmur as he was handed a summary of the new ‘Rogues Gallery’ of vassals following Zhavaronok’s passing and the breakup of his holdings.​

The two other new Chiefs, Vseslav and Gradimir (the kin-murderer) were hostile, though not as much as the old chief had been. And they commanded little power on the ground. Of Rurik’s adversaries, Miemo remained the most embittered, but Jarl Tyueykezhut of Yaroslavl (formerly High Chief of Merya) himself, plus the his vassals under him, remained the single largest and most powerful bloc in the kingdom – after Rurik himself, of course. But for now, he remained in check.

​

Though, the very next day, Rurik was informed that Chief Gradimir of Uglich had also joined the independence faction. A nasty piece of work, that one, Rurik noted in his private journal that night. I suspect I may one day take pleasure in taking him down and out – may Odin grant me long enough in this world to achieve it! And knowing Helgi’s reputation for cruelty, it may be better for him to be dealt with by Rurik the Just rather than Helgi the not-yet-known-as Cruel/Mutilator etc!

On to a far more pleasant subject: good honest battlefield slaughter! Hrolfr, the former Marshal of Normandie and now Rurik’s leading battlefield lieutenant, commanded the Garðarikian host as it fell upon the luckless Kalevi force. With the experienced light infantry specialist Sverker on one the right and flanking expert Þorsteinn on the left, the badly outnumbered Kalevi – though their commander was a good general in his own right - had little chance. It was basically all over bar the pursuit within a week.

​

As Rurik awaited the final report of the battle, he received more good news: the Seer, Godi Styrbjörn, had achieved another success, with Toropets converted to the true Germanic faith! Of the central Jarldom of Holmgarðr, now only Torzhok county remained outside the faith. So that was where the Seer was sent next: when you’re on a good thing, stick to it! Rurik was already warming to his new Seer, even if he could never replace the old Godi Þorolfr in his heart or as a confidant.

​

The month finished with more good news: the Kalevi had been helped on their way south with a sound thrashing, after barely more than a dozen Garðarikian casualties. With not even 300 men left to their name and far from home, Rurik could safely ignore the remaining Kalevi for the likely duration of the war.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

November-December 882

Yet another winter on the campaign trail began – Rurik was ever restless and determined to provide the strongest legacy possible for his dynasty. Karjala was the new rallying point, but it would take quite some time for all forces to gather there. The next main group was due on 12 December.

​

And, soon after their arrival, a courier from the Chancellor reached Rurik, who was by then wintering in the lands of the unimpressed Tuure of Karelia (though all supplies were being paid for legally, strictly no looting). The report he was handed summarised pact developments over the last six months. One by one, many more bordering nations had again joined the pact. The latest news, brought by a local agent that very day, added the aforementioned Tuure to that grouping. Hardly surprising, given Rurik was traipsing around his lands and fighting a fellow Finn on them without having asked permission to do so!

​

While a bit irritating, all this was to be expected: the price of doing the kind of business Rurik was intent on. But another note a few days later was unexpected – though very welcome indeed! His grandson Buðli, Helgi’s first born and therefore next in line to the Garðarikian throne after him, had been brought into the True Faith! That focus on faith had paid off and a source of great angst was removed from Rurik’s mind. Odin was indeed wise to counsel patience and determination. Helgi himself, as a convert, would also no doubt be greatly pleased by this outcome. As Rurik looked to his legacy, another piece of the puzzle had found its place.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January-February 883

Another new year, another year older and another cold campaign tent, recorded Rurik in his private journal. But things progress as well as can be expected, at home and in the field. I look forward to the spring bringing us victory and hopefully at not too great a price.

On 3 January Jarl Rikulfr’s field commander, Stein, completed the siege of Pohjanmaa. This was enough to give them considerable leverage over Chief Kaleva, but not enough to bring him to the peace table. And it seemed Rikulfr had recalled his army – perhaps to respond to the worsening situation in a wider revolt his liege, King Björn II ‘the Mutilator’ of Sviþjod, had been fighting for some months now. The whole force, instead of staying to defend their gain or moving north to finish off the Kalevi, were all reported as heading due south to Satakunta – presumably to their ships.

​

In anticipation of his likely next question, Hrörekr had also provided information on Björn’s predicament. It appeared than a Lord Eberhard had successfully brought most of Sviþjod’s Frankish territories into his revolt, which he was now winning. Perhaps Rikulfr – a loyal King’s Man – had responded to a call to liberate those lands and defeat the revolt.

​

In any case, this development – plus the arrival the previous month of Svetozar’s sizeable vassal levy company – was all the encouragement Rurik needed to break camp and order the advance. Another bitter winter march through frozen wastes, but his troops didn’t seem to mind. They were due to arrive nine days after Stein had left Pohjanmaa: if he was foolish enough to hang around to meet them, he would feel the Neckbiter!

​

At a cold camp in the flat and snowbound terrain in early February, a messenger found Rurik with news of a domestic nature. His second son (and eldest by Ingjerðr) Eilif was in need of another educational focus. He looked to be a talented lad, the foremost of which was his martial skills: excellent! He would focus on military training and perhaps become a useful general in time. Though hopefully not in a revolt against his older brother Helgi! Speaking of which, it seemed he had formed an intense rivalry with his nephew Hakon Helgisson – who it appeared disliked Eilif even more than Eilif did him! “Obnoxious little oik!” was apparently the nicest thing Eilif could say about young Hakon. This could be a problem in the future, when both were grown men – but it was likely one Helgi would have to deal with. Rurik would concentrate on what lay before him: driving snow on the road to Pohjanmaa!

​

That same day scouts - snow and ice having made a mask over most of their faces - reported that the Austgautland army had fully vacated Pohjanmaa: excellent news! Rurik had no wish to fight his well-equipped Norse brothers if he could help it. When they finally arrived outside the gates of Pohjanmaa on 14 February, they found a small Austgautland garrison in occupation and the rest of their compatriots in Satakunta heading south to Suomi. Due to their numbers, an immediate assault was an option. But why risk casualties when little more than a month should see a peaceful resolution to the siege? Rurik decided to wait them out.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
​

“My King, an important and urgent message from the Chancellor!” A courier, bearing a sealed scroll case marked ‘Urgent and Important, for the King’s Eyes Only’, had ridden into the siege camp, exhausted due to the haste he had made across the wintry landscape.​

Oh no, what is it this time? Rurik had thought to himself. A declaration of war from some opportunistic neighbour while they were committed hundreds of leagues away? A revolt – either by his unruly ‘new’ vassals or some peasant mob? A death in his family? An invasion by steppe nomads from the east? A horrible plague come to ravage the people of the world? A Christian Holy War against the True Germanic Faith? Or even – as one seemingly crazed local shaman had predicted and been laughed at for doing so – a massive invasion of Europa by outlandish and garishly garbed barbarians from over the great sea to the west?

Rurik had come to expect the unexpected and on this occasion his expectations were duly met …

Spoiler: Hrörekr’s Announcement

​

Well, very nice ’n’all, but … really? So eager to please was the Chancellor that he had even named the child after the Queen. Which, given the frostiness and distance of Rurik’s relationship with her ever since that murder plot against Helgi (feelings made worse by the shame he felt in having let it run until his son converted before demanding it cease), may not have been the most politic of choices.

Anyway, it seemed for now that neither the East, the West or the Gods had seen fit to visit disaster upon the realm.

By the end of February, the siege of Pohjanmaa was progressing nicely and the Austgautland army had vanished out of sight into Suomi.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

March-April 883

Late March brought the arrival of the last of the vassal levies and then, soon after, the surrender of the Austgautland garrison in Pohjanmaa. The bloodless siege ended with the Swedes being allowed to march out with their arms to return to their Jarl with Rurik’s best wishes: “Please tell him, it was just business – nothing personal!”

​

Chief Kaleva had no choice but to accede to Rurik’s demands. The county was given a good Norse name and brought into the Garðarikian realm. With that matter resolved, any hostility with Austgautland ended – with not a drop of blood shed on either side.

​

All during March [with Rurik’s threat level having dropped to below 5%], countries had been dropping out of the pact against him. Somewhat strangely, the day of Rurik’s victory brought the formal dissolution of the pact. Perhaps it would swing back the other way in coming days.

​

The latest conquest had brought Rurik’s personal demesne holdings to above the number his vassals would tolerate without a bit of grumbling. Much as his holding of ‘too many’ Jarldoms had for some time (which he had, on advice from the Þing, decided to ignore for the time being). He thought it might perhaps be time to grant Helgi a county of his own – the newly acquired Austerbotn. But, when he attempted to do just that, he was confronted with a legal problem.

Due to the realm’s archaic and unreformed inheritance laws, Austerbotn had been assigned to Eilif as heir and Rurik was unable to allocate the title to Helgi [ie it doesn’t come up as a ‘grant landed title’ option for Helgi: just the core Holmgarðr counties, which aren’t going anywhere for now]. The same applied in Kexholm, except with his third son Dyre.

Spoiler: Ch42 Q3: Granting Landed Titles

Ch42 Q3: Granting Landed Titles. This must be a tribal thing, with the primitive laws currently in force. While it may or may not pan out that way on the actual succession, it seems the other two younger sons have been nominally assigned all the ‘spare counties’ as well as one jarldom each, with Helgi only being designated as heir to Holmgarðr (the Jarldom) and the kingdom title. Am I missing something, or must I either engineer a law change (which I don’t think I can at present) to grant anything to Helgi other than his current inheritance or just wait for the succession to trigger and see where the chips fall from there? I have a follow-up question below, the answer(s) to which will depend on views about this one.

Spoiler: Ch42 Q4: Vassal Fleet Summons

Ch42 Q4: Vassal Fleet Summons. Given, for the foreseeable future, Helgi would only be able to muster non-demesne fleets of vassals as ‘allies’, does that also mean he would not be able to use them for his own purposes (ie, to put his own troops on as raiders)? This calls into question the pursuit of any more coastal provinces – such as the again-available Uusimaa – until after Helgi succeeds. Any general thoughts or guidance about this brace of questions welcomed: either technical or strategic, military or legal.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

Another year gone by; another conquest completed and another legal conundrum on inheritance and succession for King Rurik to throw to the Þing! I know we keep dipping into the well on those aspects, but there always seems to be another angle I come up against I hadn’t quite anticipated – especially given almost all the CK2 AARs I’ve been reading at length tend to be set in established feudal set-ups where the inheritance issues are quite different: more complicated in some ways, but simpler in others. And not having actually been through a tribal gavelkind succession yet (it is surely getting close, but who knows how much longer Rurik may last) it all remains theoretical to me. And probably to many of my readers (current and future).

Ch42 Q1: Massive Recruiting Drive. Just a simple little question. I may even have asked it way back but forgotten the answer. I know this event will somehow be boosting the accrual rate for recruits in the county, but a quick search couldn’t confirm exactly what the effect is – a % added to the rate, or some such, for a certain period of time? Is there something I can mouse-over to confirm? Again, I tried, but may have been looking in the wrong place.

Ch42 Q2: Trade Posts. Again, sorry if I may have asked this way back, but this reminded me of trade posts. It says a should be able to build one, but I can’t find anywhere to do it. I take it there is something like a trade route requirement (I don’t seem to have any in my lands) and/or some other advancement of an economic or cultural nature I need to achieve to unlock it. Is this something I should even be bothering about with this realm at this stage? More dependable income would be nice.

Ch42 Q3: Granting Landed Titles. This must be a tribal thing, with the primitive laws currently in force. While it may or may not pan out that way on the actual succession, it seems the other two younger sons have been nominally assigned the ‘spare counties’ as well as one jarldom each, with Helgi only being designated as heir to Holmgarðr (the Jarldom) and the kingdom itself. Am I missing something, or must I either engineer a law change (which I don’t think I can at present) or just wait for the succession to trigger and see where the chips fall from there? I have a follow-up question below, the answer(s) to which will depend on views about this one.

Ch42 Q4: Vassal Fleet Summons. Given, for the foreseeable future, Helgi would only be able to muster non-demesne fleets of vassals as ‘allies’, does that also mean he would not be able to use them for his own purposes (ie, to put his own troops on as raiders)? This calls into question the pursuit of any more coastal provinces – such as the again-available Uusimaa – until after Helgi succeeds. Any general thoughts or guidance about this brace of questions welcomed: either technical or strategic, military or legal.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

With issues of law and strategy once again at the forefront of Rurik’s thoughts, he found himself again seeking the wisdom of the All-Father to guide him on his way. Had he been a Christian, he might also have sought to embody the patience of Job!

Odin will surely know best. Unless Loki the Trickster brings more of his mischief instead!​

 

[Bullfilter]

The Sixteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – April 883 (a summary of advice from Chapter 42)

Rurik sits at another crossroads. While he contemplates next steps, questions of arcane tribal claim, inheritance and succession law are put to the Þing, among other topics.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

Another grand victory!

Thanks!

it seems like their realm is fractured somewhat or am I mistaken?

Yes, very much. Their European conquests are in peril - now from rebellion, as well as various Franks etc.

Another port for the Norse and their future raiding ventures! Most excellent.

Indeed - hope I can get my heir's greasy mitts on it at some point in the future.

Some grand conquering done there-we’ll done. I was about to answer re the inheritance that it’ll be due to Gavelkind but @StevenJ beat me to it haha.

Thanks.

The King has one last thing he must do before dying, he must to go Italy and burn down a certain castle ...

Oh, I so wish he could! But I don't think he wants to return to that haunting place so late in life.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch42 Q1: Massive Recruiting Drive. Just a simple little question. I may even have asked it way back but forgotten the answer. I know this event will somehow be boosting the accrual rate for recruits in the county, but a quick search couldn’t confirm exactly what the effect is – a % added to the rate, or some such, for a certain period of time? Is there something I can mouse-over to confirm? Again, I tried, but may have been looking in the wrong place.

I don't remember the exact nature of the modifier myself, but it should manifest as a province modifier in the province's infobox, much as character modifiers do for the appropriate character.

I will try to remember to look next time.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch42 Q2: Trade Posts. Again, sorry if I may have asked this way back, but this reminded me of trade posts. It says a should be able to build one, but I can’t find anywhere to do it. I take it there is something like a trade route requirement (I don’t seem to have any in my lands) and/or some other advancement of an economic or cultural nature I need to achieve to unlock it. Is this something I should even be bothering about with this realm at this stage? More dependable income would be nice.

I thought trade posts were static in some provinces and could be upgraded with buildings and stuff. I didn't know they could be built. But, I would say, the Baltic toll can be a trade post realistically.

To the best of my knowledge, if you aren't a patrician in a Merchant Republic, trade posts can only be built along the Silk Road. You should be able to see the path it follows when you open either the Economic or the Trade Zone map modes, IIRC. There may be other requirements and / or limits based on who's already been building trade posts in the area, but P'dox has tinkered around a bit with the way Silk Road trade posts work since the last time I seriously looked into them.

Not sure about the other stuff but you build trade posts in provinces that can have them by clicking on a little arrow button to the right of the county/province tile when you’re on it. If you can build a trade post it won’t be greyed out.

Thanks all: will have another look around next time I fire up the game.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch42 Q3: Granting Landed Titles. This must be a tribal thing, with the primitive laws currently in force. While it may or may not pan out that way on the actual succession, it seems the other two younger sons have been nominally assigned the ‘spare counties’ as well as one jarldom each, with Helgi only being designated as heir to Holmgarðr (the Jarldom) and the kingdom itself. Am I missing something, or must I either engineer a law change (which I don’t think I can at present) or just wait for the succession to trigger and see where the chips fall from there? I have a follow-up question below, the answer(s) to which will depend on views about this one.

Supplementary question to Q3: if I was able to form another Jarldom (say in Finland), would Helgi then be the designated heir to that, do we think? There are the three sons - Helgi, Eilif and Dyre - so the fourth Jarldom goes back around again - to the first son? If so, then whether he inherits or I grant the titles early, I could give him the shipbuilding counties? Note: because it's Ironman, I don't get to experiment and reload if it pans out differently. But if necessary, I'm prepared to experiment for the greater good.

Under elective gavelkind, you can't grant any of your heirs a title they're not set to inherit, and you can't grant them more than one title.
This can be gamed by using the election to change your primary heir away from Helgi, making him a junior heir.
Grant him a title outside the ones going to the primary heir, and then use the election to switch him back to being the primary heir.
Tricky to pull off and a bit risky.
(What if you die before switching the heir back?)
Probably not worth it.

OK, that makes a bit of sense. And I don't believe in gaming the system if it's being reasonable. And you're right, it would be a risk as well.

This is really interesting. The spare counties were supposed to go to Helgi as all sons get at least one duchy. If you can also post which titles Helgi is the heir of, maybe I can try to figure something out. It should've been possible to grant him any title anyway. I'm confused. I'm sorry to have misled you before, but I believe I'm still correct (apparently I'm not) and I cannot see what's wrong. Well, worst case, we can always conquer yet another coastal county, THAT would go to Helgi I guess?

Thanks @diskoerekto. Just a quick response: At the moment, Helgi is stipulated only as the heir to the four Holmgardr Jarldom counties (Holmgardr, Ladoga, Toropets and Torzhok - glad they're the only ones I've been improving). Nothing else. The other two sons are heirs to a Jarldom each and then split the other six demesne counties between them as heirs (three each). So, as you see it on the screenshot: I think if Helgi had been slated as heir to any of the 'loose' counties, they would have appeared on the 'grant landed titles' drop down list, but I checked it anyway and it is as presented.

As i said before (and it seems I’m proved wrong somewhat) the Jarldoms go to each son in turns, and heir is supposed to get the loose chiefdoms. So apparently somehow it works different about the chiefdoms, but I say a 4th jarldom definitely should go to the heir. I hope I’m not proven wrong again

It's actually a gavelkind thing (though, as tribals are de facto locked into gavelkind for the most part, the distinction is moot). Specifically, it's something the game does to keep players from "gaming the system" by giving out all their land beforehand to their heir so that subsequent sons inherit nothing.

Don't really know the ins and outs of gavelkind enough to give a certain answer on this, unfortunately.

Thanks for the additional clarification. It seems a generally fair thing: in retrospect though, I was just surprises that Helgi was down to inherit just the main Jarldom and nothing else that I could have given to him in advance. Will wait to see if that's how the actual succession works out (though hoping Rurik still keeps kicking along for a while yet).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch42 Q4: Vassal Fleet Summons. Given, for the foreseeable future, Helgi would only be able to muster non-demesne fleets of vassals as ‘allies’, does that also mean he would not be able to use them for his own purposes (ie, to put his own troops on as raiders)? This calls into question the pursuit of any more coastal provinces – such as the again-available Uusimaa – until after Helgi succeeds. Any general thoughts or guidance about this brace of questions welcomed: either technical or strategic, military or legal.

On the ships, you are correct that won't be able to use the ships for your own purposes.

I generally try to conquer a new coastal country or two early in the reign of each ruler.

Alternatively, you could try to revoke the titles of your junior heir to get those shipyards back.

Sounds like a wise approach. But fortunately there are plenty of them, so I may as well collect the boy scout badges while I can. Another choice coming up now between conquest and raiding.

I did this a few times. Summoned the fleet of my vassal Georgia, put the troops on the ships, sail across the Black Sea and attack somebody. Raiding I'm not sure if I tried but should be the same.

The difference here could be whether they were vassals summoned whose hosts join yours (ie green) or (as they do in this tribal game) only as allies (ie blue). But I have no easy way of testing it in-game.

All the research I've been able to turn up suggests that, like levies, tribal vassal fleets are locked out from the liege being able to directly call them up. Holmgardr is, unfortunately, not really all that an ideal location for leveraging the unique strengths of Norse Germanic seamanship, landlocked as it is

Your best bet (and it's a bit of a long shot, since you have to raise Tribal Organization to revoke titles, too, though not nearly as high) is to find a reason (or make one...) to revoke Ingria and make that your new capital, since that's your only real guaranteed way to get sea access. From how you describe it, though, it's probably best not to do that in Rurik's lifetime if you're wanting to keep the leverage you have from holding all of Duchy-level Holmgardr for yourself -- maybe something for Helgi to work on in his reign, once things have stabilized?

I guess that's why they start Rurik with such a large event fleet that disappears after his death: pushes you either to revert to a land-based strategy or to seek shipbuilding facilities ... or both, if you can swing it! Re Ingria: interesting idea. Another possibility in generation next.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Thanks once again to all respondents for you thoughts, advice and encouragement! He will soon be pondering which step to take next ...

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 43: A Bloody Homecoming (3 April – 31 December 883)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … After a string of conquests, Rurik has become impatient with the arcane intricacies and inflexibility of tribal gavelkind succession laws. It has been some years since he has had the money for building decent improvements in his core counties and he could always do with more prestige for those martial buildings which require it. But he also has harrowing memories of his last raid attempt. He is now a king and raiding is a younger man’s game – no need to risk himself or his heir when there are many fierce warriors who would jump at the chance for some sea salt, fighting and plunder. Hrolfr’s stories of northern Francia have got Rurik thinking …

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

April 883

“The levies shall disperse for the spring planting but will be mustered again for a summer departure,” Rurik said as he spoke to his key leaders at the feast to celebrate the victory over Pohjanmaa – now given the Norse name of Austerbotn. “We will raid once again – far afield. Have our warriors assemble in Ingria as soon as can be managed – I will send word ahead to Helgi to get to it.”​

This announcement was met with cheers, more heavy drinking and raucous banter.

​

“Which way will we be going this time, my King - by river or sea?” asks Þorsteinn – he is itching to have salt in his beard and blood on his axe again.

“This time we will be heading west, by sea, past Denmark to western Europa. But not to Britannia this time – our Norse brothers in arms seem to have conquered most of it! Denmark now owns the old kingdom of Wessex and Jorvik rules much of the rest. Mercia is the only large English kingdom left.”​

​

“No,” continued Rurik. “We will look to the north of Francia for our first stop. The small kingdom of Breizh is reportedly well stocked with loot and will not be able to muster a large enough force to offer overwhelming resistance. We will sweep the place from east to west, scoop up all the easy money and then head off elsewhere – at the discretion of the raid commander.”

“You will not be leading us, sire?” asks Sverker.

“No, my duties will keep me here in Garðaríki – raiding is a young man’s game and I can’t really afford to spend so long away from this growing realm. What say you, Hrolfr – you are from near those parts. Fancy a return there, with axe in one hand and a sack in the other?”

“By Thor’s Great Manly Spear, yes!” Hrolfr has the fire of Viking adventure in his eyes.

“Good man! You will command this great raid, with Þorsteinn and Sverker, who also has experience of our first raid there. Here are the latest reports we have obtained on the riches and opposition we should encounter there.”​

The lower map is an indication of estimated wealth – all the counties of Breizh have a tax base of almost 50 gold, with about half protected by the usual large fortifications, but the rest available for easy scooping up from the countryside.​

Poor old King Riwallon of Breizh is going to get a nasty surprise later in the year …​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Earlier that day, Rurik’s curiosity about trading posts and the renowned Silk Road had led him to take advice from both the Þing and Gumarich der Schreiber’s wide knowledge of the world.

“Sire, I can confirm that we have no way now, or in the immediate future, of gaining great wealth through the establishment of trading posts.”​

​

“And what of this fabled Silk Road, Gumarich? Where does it run and can we gain access to its riches?”

“One part of the Silk Road terminates in the country of Tana, to our south. It is owned by the Bulgars but is currently occupied by our friend Kortan, High Chief of the Pechenegs. Here is a map of the known branches of the Silk Road and Tana’s position in relation to Garðaríki.”

“I see. One day, perhaps, we can dream of tapping into this supposed river of gold. But for now, it remains out of our immediate grasp.”

“Yes, sire. A river raid one day, perhaps, but beyond our means to take and hold for now, I think.”​

Gumarich is no doubt right but it does not stop Rurik dreaming of the Silk Road and the riches it could bring his realm in some far-off future.​

“Gumarich, looking at this map reminds me of Mordva – what has happened to that kingdom and its ill-ruler since we snatched Vladimir from his incompetent hands?”

“Varaka now fights just Tutyra of Mari, who seeks to subjugate him. Tutyra is somewhat ahead and has also captured Varaka’s wife, but the fight goes on even now. Varaka finally made peace with the Cumans and ceded Bashkiria to them.”​

​

“Thank you, old friend. Always prepared with a map and the pertinent information – I don’t know how you do it!”

“Oh, I have my little secrets, sire. That’s what makes me your Secretary,” the faithful scribe replies, with a wry smile.

“And you know how to keep them, too. Here’s one to keep under your hat for now – but this talk has helped me decide who to allocate my ‘spare’ county to and which one it will be. I need you to prepare the paperwork.”

He leans over and whispers in Gumarich’s ear so none will overhear. A slightly raised eyebrow and a quick nod meet the disclosure. As always, Gumarich gives nothing away.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Later that month, as they pull into a small town along the route back to Ingria, accompanied only by the 98 remaining warriors of Rurik’s personal troop, the party comes to a halt: a pavilion has been set up with a modest feast set out inside it. Rurik calls out to Hrolfr, who quickly comes to king’s side.

“Hrolfr, you have given great service since coming to us from Normandy, giving up the Marshal’s role there to join me. My son is the Marshal here, but I wish to acknowledge your stature and contribution formally. So, Chief Hrolfr of Vladimir, welcome to your investiture feast! You will lead the coming raid as Garðarikian nobility. Let us all eat and drink to that!”​

Hrolfr is overwhelmed for once, but soon recovers his composure and joins heartily in the revelry. For Rurik, it means there is a good Norse Germanic Chieftain to run one of his newest counties – and someone who will be loyal and thankful for his elevation. Perhaps Hrolfr will make something of that backward border post after all.

I hope this isn't a blunder of some kind when it comes to the gavelkind realm succession , but it's hardly the jewel in Rurik's crown.
​

A week later, having considered the matter on the long trip south, Rurik decides he will see if he can bring prosperity to the realm. In reality, he would be happy to still be alive in five years, ambition fulfilled or not! And it may also help lower tensions a little in the meantime.

​

The end of the month brings fresh news on the diplomatic front: the regent for the young Chief of Häme has decided to reintroduce the anti-Rurikid defensive pact! How boring. Rurik could not care less given he is looking to a period of raiding and consolidation. He (or his Chancellor, to be precise) will track it anyway – though not too closely.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

May-June 883

A Chronicle

These months see the slow march of the refreshed levies to Ingria continue, ships and supplies are prepared for a long voyage, farms tended and the doings of the outside world glanced at as spring moves inexorably toward summer.

“My King,” says Gumarich one evening in early May, as they pull into a small village for the evening – a rare roof over their heads.

“I have been working on a chronicle these last years – something simple for those few of the realm who possess the ability to read. The main work is back in Nygarðr, but one of my apprentices has sent on this summary to give an idea of its content. He has illuminated and illustrated it quite nicely. This small manuscript only covers the period from 878 to the present, though the title page from 867 – the year your glorious rule over Holmgardr began – has been included.”

“Why, thank you Gumarich, it is something to brighten up a long ride over this flat and midge-ridden Finnish landscape!”​

Spoiler: Chronicle

Chronicle. Just thought I’d include this in a slow spot in the story. Not quite an AAR , but it serves as a small reminder of events in recent years. This is a learner’s saga, so I’m exploring these little niches as I happen on them or think of them.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Nervous Neighbours

During May and June four more countries join the pact against Rurik. They clearly don’t believe his professions of peace and fraternal well-wishes. Why ever not? Suspicious bastards! Uusamaa joins on 1 May, followed by Veps on 7 May, Estonia on 9 June and Kemi (Chief Kaleva, formerly of Pohjanmaa) on 16 June. Satakunta would join a few months later, on 7 August.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

July 883

Finally, on 5 July, the entire host has assembled in Ingria, ready to board the boats. Chief Hrolfr, while designated the overall commander, will continue to occupy his favoured flanking position, with Þorsteinn commanding the centre and Sverker the other flank. With new recruits who have joined along the way, the host now numbers just over 2,500 warriors – most of them still the light infantry mainstay of the Garðarikian army.

​

“Remember to invoke the Sacred Raiding Toggle and seek the blessings of the Gods before you head off,” Rurik said as they prepared to load up. “After Breizh, it is your decision where to strike next, Chief Hrolfr. Go with the wisdom of Odin and the strength of Thor. And return with the bounteous plenty of Freyr! May your axe be bloody and the treasure chests full!”

“My thanks sire. The Toggle has been – well, toggled. All is ready.” Hrolfr turns to his officers and calls out loudly. “To the boats! Let us not miss the morning tide!” With a great cheer, the raiding host makes for the boats. They have a long voyage in front of them.​

Wind in the hair, salt in the beard! This is living.​

Having seen his men off – and feeling somewhat nostalgic for the former happy days of raiding in Britannia, so many years ago now – Rurik turns to affairs of state. With the main army away, he always wants to ensure he retains enough prestige [eg 500] with his fellow Norsemen to be able to summon a tribal army if he must, in case of emergency. But with his stocks again riding high after recent conquests, he decides he can use some to bring a master weaponsmith to Torzhok, one of the core counties of the Holmgarðian Jarldom. It has been the speed of recruitment rather than the notional ceiling of able-bodied men that has been most keenly on his mind. And anything to improve the morale of the troops is also valuable. He hopes this will be the first of more such investments in the coming few years.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

August-September 883

August saw the fleet making its steady progress to the west – by mid-August they were passing Denmark and heading towards the open sea, where they would hug the coast past Holland and East Francia, thence to Briezh.

On 3 September, the raiding party – known to the populace they ravaged as the ‘Raiders of Þorsteinn’, but in fact commanded by Chief Hrolfr of Vladimir – arrived off Mortain. This time, unlike their first Loki-plagued attempt all those years back, which Sverker still remembered with chagrin, the Raiding Toggle had been invoked and there would be no beach picnics. Hrolfr looked on with great anticipation for his homecoming to the Normandy region: the Breton worshippers of the crucified god would, however, be feeling another emotion before long. Or, indeed, a rich and horrifying mix of them. The Blooding of Brittany had begun. It would take some days for the Norsemen to shake off the effects on their condition from the two month voyage – but they were confident they would have plenty of that.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The Pact. Back in Nygarðr, Rurik started benefiting from the ‘peace dividend’. By 8 September, the short memories of his Finnish neighbours allowed them to no longer see him as the threat he had been [ie threat fell below 5%] and Veps was the first to leave the defensive pact. They were followed quickly by Häme (12 September), Uusamaa (13 September), Satakunta (18 September) and Estonia (21 September). By 28 September, the Pact had once again been dissolved.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The Norsemen were ashore by 11 September and looting parties started fanning out through the countryside looking for plunder. As anticipated (and as Hrolfr well knew) the fortified castles of the region were tall, strong and stoutly held. That would preserve about half the county treasure safely behind their walls, as the Vikings had neither the time nor inclination to besiege them. The rest was fair game. They would loot and scoot.

Hrolfr (at the front), Þorstein and Sverker are the first three ashore. The locals will not know what has hit them until it is too late. They hope.​

It wasn’t until 21 September that the first local levy regiment was spotted, in Roazhon – and by 24 September they were heading west to Domnonia. Hrolfr reinforced to his colleagues that they were almost certainly not running away:

“They will be rallying their army in the capital. The question then will be whether they have the courage to attack us or will sit where they are.”​

​

The Norsemen continued to scour the hinterland of Mortain for valuables.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

October-November 883

October passed without incident at home in Garðaríki or in Briezh, where no further sign of a Breton army could be discerned. But the raiders had no visibility of Domnonia, as the fleet had to remain at anchor off Mortain to receive the loot.

By early November everything of value that could be easily grabbed from Mortain was in the sacks and back on the boats. The army headed to Roazhon and the fleet to the Îles de la Manche.

​

The fleet of course arrived first - and sent word back to Hrolfr that King Riwallon – not a noted warrior – was personally leading his army towards Roazhon. With the raiders due to arrive on 14 November and the King of Breizh on 17 November, there would be a battle. The locals had about half the strength of Hrolfr’s force and still looked under-prepared [ie their morale bar was still not at full strength]. But in the locals’ favour was the fact they had almost 500 heavy infantry and nearly 200 light cavalry. It remained to be seen whether this would be enough to offset the larger numbers, better morale and more seasoned leadership of the raiders. Because Hrolfr wasn’t about to back down from the first encounter: he had a point to prove. To the people of Normandy, to his new brothers-in-arms and most importantly – to his King.

​

The raiders duly arrived on 14 November and began preparing for the imminent arrival of the Bretons – who were showing no signs of backing down either. I’ll give old Riwallon one thing, thought Hrolfr as he looked out to the western horizon, he is no coward. But he will be shown no mercy, either.

​

As the skirmishing in the Battle of Sant-Maloù began, it became clear that the two enemy wings were both understrength and had poor morale, though King Riwallon in the centre had a stronger contingent. This skirmishing stage suited the Norsemen, who had over three times the archers of the Bretons.

​

Little detail of the battle has made it into the historical record – probably because it ended up being so one-sided. After ten days, the Bretons were in headlong retreat and being pursued hard by the Gardarikians, whose casualties had been very light.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

December 883

On 1 December, with the pursuit continuing and only Riwallon’s central division still in the field, there was a commotion as two messengers jogged back to Þorsteinn in the central division. They laughed as the dropped a sack at his feet. It looked a bit - sticky.

“A gift from the advance guard, commander Þorsteinn!”

On opening it, Þorsteinn sees it contains a head, on which sits a crown. He looks up at the two men, a quizzical look on his face.

“King Riwallon, sir. Put up a good fight – wouldn’t be taken alive. So we sent him to Valhalla – or wherever it is these Christians go after a brave death in battle.”

“A bit of a pity,” sighs Þorsteinn. “I would have liked to be able to get a ransom for him – but well done, lads. We'll raise a horn to the old codger tonight!”

There are merry laughs and cheers all round – a good day’s work, all up.​

King Allan III will not have an easy time of his inheritance: the Norsemen still have much business to conduct in his kingdom and now are unlikely to have to worry about the Breton army for many days – if ever.​

The last of the Bretons disappear from the battlefield on 5 December – the risk of engaging in a field battle abroad seems to have paid off handsomely for Hrolfr. Only 49 raiders were killed and the Breton army sent off badly depleted and demoralised – now, back to looting and debauchery!

​

Spoiler: Ch42 Q1: Military Tech Gained in Battle

Ch43 Q1: Military Tech Gained in Battle. Mainly a comment and just passing question. I’d seen this little symbol on many a battle report screen but had never looked at it closely to see what it was. That’s nice, a little mil tech bonus. And it makes sense, too. Does it scale according to the numbers, duration or tech level of the opponent, I wonder out loud?

In Nygarðr, as the seasons have once again turned to bitter winter, there is some news to warm the King’s heart on a cold evening. The Queen has again been successful in her pursuits in Constantinople.

​

The benefits flow this time into economic advances. Town Infrastructure is selected, as it is more advanced (and thus cheaper) than the other options and seems to give some good benefits and improvements. A similar situation is noticed with Legalism, which the King authorises to be pursued.

Spoiler: Ch42 Q2: University

Ch43 Q2: University. I haven’t looked at it in-game yet, but is the University a good improvement? Or a bit too soon for a backwoods tribal kingdom on the steppe?

Spoiler: Ch42 Q3: Legalism Options

Ch43 Q3: Legalism Options. Same with Medium Centralisation and Religious Control Mandate. I will look at them in detail in the next session, but any general thoughts or pointers (also, if they involve legal changes, I’m not sure I’d be able to enforce them yet)?

As the year comes to a close, the environs of Roazhon are being depleted of treasure. Next stop will be the Breton capital of Domnonia. A small enemy contingent raised in Mortain will be ignored – the rest of their army looks to have fled south. [And I’ll have to remember to separate the smallest county levy and put it back on board the fleet soon, in the hope of holding the boats to keep them in play in case Rurik dies while they are on their raid. I don’t want them stranded a long way from home, nor to find out what happens to captured loot when the fleet carrying it disbands!]

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

No great quandaries this time, but a few things of interest for the king to learn about or consider.

Ch43 Q1: Military Tech Gained in Battle. Mainly a comment and just passing question. I’d seen this little symbol on many a battle report screen but had never looked at it closely to see what it was. That’s nice, a little mil tech bonus. And it makes sense, too. Does it scale according to the numbers, duration or tech level of the opponent, I wonder out loud?

Ch43 Q2: University. I haven’t looked at it in-game yet, but is the University a good improvement? Or a bit too soon for a backwoods tribal kingdom on the steppe?

Ch43 Q3: Legalism Options. Same with Medium Centralisation and Religious Control Mandate. I will look at them in detail in the next session, but any general thoughts or pointers (also, if they involve legal changes, I’m not sure I’d be able to enforce them yet)?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Money, Money, Money, must be funny, it’s a Viking’s world!​

 

[Bullfilter]

The Seventeenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – December 883 (a summary of advice from Chapter 43)

A ‘Small Þing’ this time, held back in Nygarðr while Hrolfr enjoys his return to Normandy and Brittany - with sackcloth and axes!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

General Comments

With the Breton army defeated and king slain their entire holding is open to wholesale looting, including the odd siege as well.

Should be simple – and yes, maybe some sieges in their capital if it won’t take too long.

“Earlier that day, Rurik’s curiosity about trading posts and the renowned Silk Road had led him to take advice from both the Þing and Gumarich der Schreiber’s wide knowledge of the world.”

This map from the wiki was why I thought there might be a trade route province around the Baltic to build a trade post on, but it seems that's not the case.

I think that might be a possible trade zone for something like the Hanseatic League (like the ones for Genoa and Venice)? But I’m only guessing, as a rank newbie.

“Hrolfr, you have given great service since coming to us from Normandy, giving up the Marshal’s role there to join me. My son is the Marshal here, but I wish to acknowledge your stature and contribution formally. So, Chief Hrolfr of Vladimir, welcome to your investiture feast! You will lead the coming raid as Garðarikian nobility. Let us all eat and drink to that!”

he really deserved this, and I got the goosebumps. By the way, I don't know exactly why but I got the vibe from back then when Rurik was a young ruler and he came across Odin disguised as this old man. I think it's immersing to see him in a natural surrounding acting and reacting naturally.

In addition, if I remember correctly you found Hroflr using the character finder tool which I advised you to use, so I'm a little bit proud as it's sorta my boy who did well and rose in rank

Nice – and yes, absolutely, you can consider him a protégé! And I do like to sometimes add a bit of flavour to either game events or things like making a trusty officer into a Chief (the first Rurik has ‘raised from the ranks’ since his reign began way back when).

“I hope this isn't a blunder of some kind when it comes to the gavelkind realm succession , but it's hardly the jewel in Rurik's crown.”

I think as long as the jarldoms are in the family and the main chiefdoms are as well, you cannot do wrong. And I think with Hrolfr you cannot go wrong he's like a son

Fingers crossed.

“King Riwallon, sir. Put up a good fight – wouldn’t be taken alive”

I drank one gulp for his brave soul

And Hrolfr and the rest of the raiders drank many that night! It was a battle death they could admire. Won’t stop them raiding his lands until they are bled dry, though.

“By Thor’s Great Manly Spear, yes!”

You didn't think I missed this one, do you

I had hoped you wouldn’t! These are Viking warriors after all – they must be robust and a bit vulgar on such occasions.

Some grand raiding there. Poor old King Riwallon though-you gotta give him top marks for balls.

Indeed. Even if poor old Rurik now scores 0/100 in that department, thanks to his ‘trouble’ in Pisa.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch43 Q1: Military Tech Gained in Battle. Mainly a comment and just passing question. I’d seen this little symbol on many a battle report screen but had never looked at it closely to see what it was. That’s nice, a little mil tech bonus. And it makes sense, too. Does it scale according to the numbers, duration or tech level of the opponent, I wonder out loud?

According to the wiki, it scales by size and duration of the battle.

Thanks – makes sense.

Huh! To be perfectly honest, I've never actually noticed this was a thing. Learn something new every day

Didn’t know about the mil tech thing. Very handy

Glad the learning saga can throw up the odd bit of new info even for veteran CK2 warrior-kings!

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch43 Q2: University. I haven’t looked at it in-game yet, but is the University a good improvement? Or a bit too soon for a backwoods tribal kingdom on the steppe?

Definitely too soon. Universities will go in city holdings, and you need to reform first. Note that under temple holdings you can also get monastic schools. And hospitals can give some crazy tech points too, but I'm pretty sure you have to reform from tribal to build them.

Noted. Yet another driver for the Rurikids to seek reform of the faith.

as a horselord I didn't build any, but it speeds up tech spread considerably. Also gives some tech points I guess? Equivalent to a tech every 10 years or so per building level? But i'm not really sure. If I were you though, I would go for more military buildings.

Certainly will stick to the bread and butter improvements for now. But, one day, a University of Nygarðr would be nice. ‘Rurik the Just College’ would be the first built!

Strictly speaking, the University doesn't benefit you in the short term, since you have to build one in a City holding, and tribals don't (usually) have access to cities without either reforming or conquering them from the "civilized" powers. However, each level of the different Infrastructure tech lines does unlock new improvements (Castle Infrastructure for Hillforts, Town Infrastructure for Markets IIRC), and it's never a bad idea to spend "spare" points on a cheap tech level if you can afford it in general.

Noted.

I forgot about this! You need more castle infrastructure for your tribal holdings (or city, if you want to go merchant republic). So focus on that!

And noted.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Ch43 Q3: Legalism Options. Same with Medium Centralisation and Religious Control Mandate. I will look at them in detail in the next session, but any general thoughts or pointers (also, if they involve legal changes, I’m not sure I’d be able to enforce them yet)?

Legalism is my preferred choice at a given tech level, but the prestige bonuses from other options might be good for tribal rulers.

I’ll gradually get ‘em all at some point, but Legalism did seem the best one to load up on first.

Centralization (as has been discussed before) is mainly a matter of trade-offs -- do you want a larger demesne, or do you want to make it easier to control a large number of vassals directly?

As for Religious Control Mandate: Well, remember how Rurik (i.e. you) keeps wishing that he could find a good reason for revoking land from fractious Slavs and giving it to loyal Norsemen instead? I believe that this might solve a few problems in that department

Hmmm, good thinking there! I’ll explore a bit in game (not sure if I’ll be eligible to make another law change yet – there’s probably some arcane factor preventing it for now.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all readers in general and commenters in particular. After a bit of a break while other AARs have been updated in their turn, back now to Brittany, where Blood, Battle and Plunder are definitely on the menu.

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 44: Home and Away (31 December 883 – 31 December 884)

Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … The raid in Brittany (Breizh) continues; with the Breton King killed on the battlefield and their army shattered and scattered, what could possibly go wrong!? Back at home in Garðaríki, Rurik involves himself in the day to day governance of his fractious kingdom and his now quite large family; he is seeing more of his children than ever before, as both he and they grow older. Will his ‘insanity’ continue to be held at bay? And what of his difficult chiefs (new and old) and rowdy peoples in the heathen Slavic and Finnish counties? Rurik will always have something to occupy him, whether on the battlefield of combat or of domestic politics.

Note: the intended chapter ended up being longer than I thought should be included in one update, so I have split it in two. The second instalment will pose some meatier questions, mainly arising from an ‘interesting’ development that will be revealed in that following chapter. It should go up reasonably soon (in the next day or so).

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

31 December 883

As another year ends, stock is taken and the advice of the latest Þing absorbed. While Rurik dreams of a great University of Nygarðr being built one day, he accepts it will not be in his lifetime - or perhaps even Helgi’s either. But he ensures it is a dream that will live on for future generations of the Rurikid dynasty, instructing Gumarich der Schreiber to compose a Royal Writ of Intent for the establishment of a seat of learning in the capital for a future time. He also seeks advice from Chancellor and Lawspeaker Hrörekr on any legal initiatives that might be taken following their recent advances in the area of legalism.

“My Liege,” begins the venerable Chancellor, who has now occupied that post for seventeen years under Rurik’s reign, from petty king of Holmgarðr to King of Garðaríki. “The recent research pertains to the matter of title revocation under our realm laws. You may recall our last change in this area was to introduce title revocation for traitorous or otherwise outlawed title holders with the realm.”

“Yes, Hrörekr, it was much sought: we have not yet had the opportunity to use it, though that has become more likely after we gathered all these fractious new chiefs into the realm.”

“Indeed, My Liege. But as that was enforced in June 879, we cannot change laws again until June 889. It is the iron law of legal time delay under tribal governance, I’m afraid. But I wouldn’t necessarily advocate changing it yet to the newly available ‘Religious Control Mandate’ code in any case.”​

​

“And why not – we could use it to extend the true Germanic faith among those heathen Slav and Finn chiefs and, through that, hope to enforce the spread of Germanic religion and Norse culture in the realm.”

“True, My Liege, but that could lead to significant internal strife – targeted chiefs are unlikely to take such revocations without resistance - and increased agitation among the people of those counties after a new ruler not of their faith or culture was installed. Something that may become a necessary inconvenience in the future and surely a choice to keep in mind, but not yet, I suggest. Prince Helgi would argue that our recruiting of demesne levies should be significantly advanced before we contemplate that – lest resisting chiefs or indeed kingdom-wide independence plots in the ‘new territories’ be motivated to mischief. Not to mention some external adversary taking the opportunity to strike at us.”

“Wise words, Hrörekr. And while it is not a choice I can make at the moment anyway, it may become useful for me or Helgi afterwards, at the right time and if peaceful conversion is simply taking too long.”

“Thank you, My Liege. And, because it is an ‘either/or’ choice between religious revocation or that applied to traitors and outlaws, adopting religious control would remove the other form from our legal armoury. It is more a matter of which is the most serious and pressing problem for the foreseeable future as to which legal approach we should take.”

“Again, that makes great good sense. I think it may get to the point of treason first, as this generation of subjugated chiefs and their immediate successors hold sway. And who knows what Prince Helgi may have to contend with after he takes up the reins.”​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Before turning to a recently received dispatch sent back from far Breizh, Rurik calls for a report from Steward Alfgeir, another councillor who has been with him since the founding of Holmgarðr in January 867, on the kingdom's finances. It is a poor region, with very low incomes compared to the rich lands of the West and the Mediterranean they periodically raid.

“King Rurik, with costs lowered due to the absence of the levy on raiding duties, we still turn a small surplus in net revenue each month,” said the diminutive [ie dwarf] Steward. “You currently retain 114 gold and 129 silver in your treasury. With monthly income of just under 2 gold and expenses of 36 silver, we are left with a monthly balance of 1 gold and 63 silver marks net income.”

“Until we can either build our domestic tax revenues or tap into a trade route somehow, we are condemned to raiding for any serious money, aren’t we?”

“Very true, Sire. We barely break even from domestic sources. The average single county in the West generates far more income that our whole kingdom.”​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Finally, Rurik turns to a report from Hrolfr in Breizh that has been sent back by courier. It pertains to nearby Frankia and the current state of the Duchy and County of Anjou, which seems to be in the middle of some conflict and occupation. It seems there is strife in the land. [Included as a footnote for the benefit of those of us who follow @JabberJock14 and his epic Before Plantagenet saga. This is the Before the Before Plantagenet House d’Anjou! ]

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January-May 884

By 10 January, Hrolfr’s raiders have scooped up all easily available loot in Roazhon and have no intention of siege out the powerfully built and well-garrisoned castle there. They move off to greener pastures.

​

A little over a week later, they are in Domnonia and laying siege to the castle of Monkontour, the Breton King’s seat. This looks a more promising siege target and, once reduced, will give access to more easily taken holdings – a bishopric and a city. Should be rich pickings.

​

All loot from the countryside had been scraped up and sent to the ships by mid-March. Hrolfr decided to continue the siege to get their hands on the other holdings of the province.

​

The siege of Monkontour ended and the castle sacked on 31 May. The haul is excellent and no casualties were sustained. On next to the siege of the Bishopric of Paimpol. It was well-garrisoned but lightly fortified and this siege should not take as long.

The sacking of Monkontour, 31 May 884 AD, as later depicted by the Bretons. No valuable was spared. Nor, alas, were the populace.​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

June-August 884

While the raiders continued their run of sieges in Breizh, Rurik found himself occupied with domestic concerns during the warm days of June.

“My King, a message from your Royal Falconer,” said one of his attendants as he handed over a note. [Noting Rurik changed back to a hunting focus some time back, I assumed this is an event from that stream.]

“Ah, my new bird!” Rurik hurried off to go hunting immediately. ​

NB: I thought I could do with a small opinion boost with the troublesome Miemo, have plenty of prestige to hand already and why would Rurik make a silly comment and thereby offend Nuyanza, Chief of Ingria and one of his few lords with a positive opinion of him?​

While he was out hawking, Rurik happened to come across Chief Miemo, who was also out hunting.

“Hmmph, nice bird,” muttered Miemo with as much grace as he could muster. “Good to see a king who at least likes a vigorous hunt.”

“Yes, Miemo, there may be a few things we find in common. I would wish relations between us could be improved over time,” Rurik answered, more in hope than expectation.

“Maybe,” was the simple non-committal reply from Miemo, as he nodded briefly and moved off after his own quarry.​

​

After that refreshing session of hawking, it was brought to Rurik’s attention that Helgi’s daughter Yngvild had just turned six and should be given something to focus on during the formative years of her childhood. He decided that learning the ways of thrift would be a useful pursuit for her.

​

In mid-June, the Queen’s spy network reported yet another Slovensky internecine murder plot.

​

The note is handed over to Gumarich for safe keeping. As he did so, Rurik remarked: “You know, so long as they’re not trying to kill me or mine, I care not if these fractious Slavs see fit to murder each other off! Spare me the details.”

The summer passed quietly enough and in late-August, Chancellor Hrörekr reported another successful outcome of his statecraft – with none other than independence-leader Miemo!

NB: This was not targeted to Miemo, but perhaps the statecraft algorithm targeted him as a good target. Or it is just random (see more below).​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

September-December 884

In early September, Rurik’s eldest daughter Iliania turned 12. How time flies! thought Rurik to himself. Iliana, readers may recall [or will now anyway ] was betrothed to the young Chief Bayça of Saray, of the Pecheneg realm. It was time to choose an educational focus for the young woman.

“My dear Ana, my very best love and wishes on your birthday.”

“Thank you, Papa,” replied Iliana, who had always been a most affectionate child.

After the exchange of small talk and a gift from Rurik, he got down to business.

“As you have known for some time now, you are betrothed to a grandson of the High Chief of the Pechenegs. I have great hopes for your happiness with him and also for building a close relationship between our two realms one day, based on this marriage. Therefore, I have decided you should pursue a diplomatic education. It should help you in your great adventure – to start in four short years’ time!”

“Oh, that sounds very good, papa. I’m sure I will enjoy it.” Iliana then blushes and adds “The education, that is!”​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Back in Brittany, things had begun to hot up. The siege of Paimpol concluded with a very rich sacking – over 40 gold marks. The city of Sant-Brieg would be next, but agents report most of the loot had already been stripped and it would not be worth the wait. However, a high price had been paid for this loot, with almost 600 troops being lost – though their actual fate was mysterious.

​

“Near 600 men lost, you say!” exclaimed a disbelieving Hrolfr. “By what cause?”

“We cannot say for sure, Hrolfr. Whether from desertion, sickness, ambush or muggings, we cannot identify a single cause!” said Sverker, who is also mystified, as is Þorsteinn.

“Let us see if we can eventually discover the cause – this is a grievous loss and will take months of recruiting back home to remedy. We lose only 40 in a pitched battle with the Breton army and then 600 during the siege of a lowly bishopric. A dire mystery indeed.” ​

Spoiler: Ch44 Q1: Mysterious Siege Casualties

Ch44 Q1: Mysterious Siege Casualties. OK, there were no pop-up message to explain what had happened to these troops and I haven’t changed my message settings (not deliberately, anyway). Every time in the past I’ve suffered such casualties, I got a pop-up explaining the event, if not the exact casualties at the time. Is there any ready explanation of this loss, or something I should be checking in my message settings etc? Or does this just happen sometimes?

The next day, with the mystery of the missing soldiers unsolved, Hrolfr decided to march his now somewhat depleted force to Kernev instead, for some hopefully easier pickings. The fleet will shadow them, sitting off on the Bretagne Coast.

​

After arriving in Kernev on 26 September, they scoured the countryside for loot, a process that finished as the autumn headed towards winter. And there was another mysterious loss of troops during that time, with 174 more raiders disappearing without explanation. [Same as before in Roazhon, though this time there was no end-of-siege screen, as they moved off before concluding it].

​

Hrolfr wondered whether the treasure and prestige they would gain will have been worth the loss of valuable soldiers. But the show must go on.

“We will head to the boats now and have done with Breizh – we may have secured much treasure, but Marshal Helgi will not be pleased it has cost well over 800 troops in total! Especially if we are unable to provide an explanation as to what happened to most of them!” ​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

As they boarded the ships, Hrolfr, Þorsteinn and Sverker pondered their next target: despite the losses suffered, they felt returning with the fleet less than half full of booty would be undesirable.

“We should go for something nearby, reasonably lucrative – and not owned by one of our Norse brothers,” ventured Sverker – a veteran of raids in this region.

“I agree,” said Hrolfr, formerly of Normandie. “And the Franks are too strong, especially with our depleted force. We would risk a battle at poor odds before we could gather the loot we seek.”

“So we need somewhere close, fairly rich and preferably part of a small realm. Any suggestions, you two?" asked Þorsteinn, for whom this was his first visit to Western Europa.


“I think Cornwall would be a good target," said Sverker, with confidence. "We’ve been there before, but they will have largely refilled their coffers - in time for us to empty them again! It is but a single county realm now. I say we give them another reminder of Norse adventure tourism!” The other two agree with Sverker’s [deliberately anachronistic] holiday suggestion.

“And if we are still able, I note the small realms of western Wales remain independent. I further suggest a visit to Dyfed, which looks relatively unplundered, if Cornwall works out all right. Then home,” added Hrolfr. It was agreed – the fleet set sail for Land’s End.​

​

By the end of November, the Garðarikian raiding force – now numbering about 1,600 - was poised to once again fall upon the unfortunate Cornishmen.

​

While this was happening, back in Garðaríki the new weaponsmith was finally completed in Torzhok. This would hopefully do something to more quickly replenish the demesne troop stocks which it seemed were so regularly depleted – even in times of ‘peace’.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Question

So, apart from any general comments, questions or advice you may have, the main question Hrolfr has posed to his officers and advisers is:

Ch44 Q1: Mysterious Siege Casualties. OK, there were no pop-up message to explain what had happened to these troops and I haven’t changed my message settings (not deliberately, anyway). Every time in the past I’ve suffered such casualties, I got a pop-up explaining the event, if not the exact casualties at the time. Is there any ready explanation of this loss, or something I should be checking in my message settings etc? Or does this just happen sometimes?

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The raiders were soon busy loading the loot aboard the boats as it flowed in from the Cornish countryside. Though, this time, it would be just a 'smash and grab' rather than the long stay and sieges of the previous raid. Sverker felt a fond nostalgia as he plied his axe once again on shores familiar from the beginning of his service with Rurik.​

 

[Bullfilter]

Chapter 45: Tragical Mystery Tour Ends (1 January – 2 May 885)

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

January-March 885

By the end of January, Cornwall’s countryside was stripped of valuables. The raiders boarded the ships again (having suffered no more mysterious casualties) and set off on the short trip to Dyfed.

​

Meanwhile, Hrörekr had again been applying his statecraft to Chief Miemo, improving relations even further.

​

The raiding fleet arrived off Dyfed on 10 February and was busy looting the countryside by 19 February. There was still a reasonable amount of loot to be had – it would go into the ships and then they would return home.

​

A month later, King Arthfael II of Deheubath finally raised a small levy in the adjoining county, but there were not enough troops to pose a threat. Hrolfr ignored them, scooping up as much treasure as possible as quickly as possible.

​

By 1 April, the great raid was almost finished – while back home, a peasant uprising occurred in Chud. The raiders (oblivious to these events so far away, of course) would gather the last of the available loot and return soon, which was just as well, as their services would likely be required back home.

​

Tommo of Chud is disgruntled. Poor petal! They will be granted independence from the lands of the living – may Hel take them! Blasted traitors indeed. Their skulls will be used as drinking vessels.

​

Still, with the raiders still in Britannia, the rebels – despite only having light infantry and archers among their numbers – could prove hard to dislodge in the interim, depending on how many vassals respond. Helgi is summoned for a planning session with his father, the king.

“Son, what are our options here? I’m assuming that any levy dismissal with our troops in far lands would be disastrous.”

“Yes father and we must assume they will have taken casualties during their raid as well. I think our main option for now is to call any likely vassals to arms and see what we can come up with, then see what else, if anything, needs to be done after that.”

“So be it. Who might answer the call?”

“Grimr the Ever-Faithful, of course. Smaleskja has never let us down. Vsemil might send troops, but unfortunately his regard for us has waned in recent months, so we can’t count on him. Svetozar provides some luke-warm support for now and answered recently, so he’s a possibility.”

“Send out the call to them and let’s see what we get. If one other in addition to Grimr answers, it might be enough to take the fight to these traitors early.”​

​

While regarding the maps, Rurik sees that Mari has won its war of subjugation against the Mordvins and is now, on paper at least, a significant power to be reckoned with on the eastern border.

“Why was I not alerted to this earlier, Hrörekr? I shouldn’t be finding these things out by accident. Can they be reported as a matter of course? I get alerts for insignificant murder plots between Slovenskys – surely we can do the same for foreign wars?”

“My Liege, I will see what can be put in place.”​

​

Spoiler: Ch45 Q1: Foreign War Reporting

Ch45 Q1: Foreign War Reporting. I have made ‘A war you were not part of ends’ a Priority 1 alert – meaning I should get a pop-up. But it was already Priority 2 and nothing appeared re the Mari victory in the message alerts either. How widely (if at all) is the declaration and conclusion of a foreign war you are not part of reported? Do you have to flag the ruler of the country(ies) involved as characters of interest to get them? I don’t think I’ve been getting any at all so far. Basically, I’d like a pop-up that says “Mari won its war of subjugation against Mordvin”. I’m used to seeing them in other AARs (and realise that by getting them I might be wading through a lot of unwanted war start/end messages but can see what is bearable). Have I ticked the right topic and button (Pri 1)? Do I need to pick the countries I’m interested in and flag their rulers as well? I cycled through all the alerts on the menu and ticked a few others too that I want for AAR (mainly) purposes too.

7 April saw the end of the great raid, with no more casualties and a reasonable haul of gold. The ships begin to be boarded.

​

And over the next week or so, the first round of answers from the vassals trickle through. Unfortunately, only Grimr has responded positively this time.

​

On 12 April, the fleet embarked on its long voyage from Britannia to Ingria.

(5:01 min)
Going Home, by Mark Knopfler. Hrolfr will hope he is considered not just a Local, but a National Hero on his return!​

The rebels have a lot of people hostile to them, as seems to be the norm! But most are not prepared to answer the call to fight them in Chud, as the fort in that county is fairly rapidly sieged down.

​

After the final refusal by Vsemil of the call to arms was received on 16 April, Rurik, Helgi and Hrörekr met to consider next steps.

“So, we only have Grimr’s 561 troops so far committed to the cause. I’m loath to send them to hunt the rebels given their numerical disadvantage. No point in seeing our largest vassal ally’s men butchered needlessly. Hrörekr, Helgi, run me through the other possibilities.”​

Another annotated map is laid before the King, to help guide the discussion.

​

“Father, I will start. As we discussed a few weeks ago, dismissing and recalling the levies would lead to unacceptable losses. Regaining Chud early would be little recompense for such a disaster. We’re still recovering from the last time that happened. And couriers returned from the raiding party report quite heavy casualties were suffered in Briezh, though were unclear about the cause.”

“Agreed, Helgi. Hrörekr, are there any other vassals we haven’t already asked who might respond to a call favourably?”

“My Liege, Hrolfr’s people, in his absence, would likely come if asked. It is unclear how many would be available: one estimate says up to 707 would be sent, but another says he only has 268 troops to hand.”

“Good. Then let’s ask him Helgi and we’ll soon find out!”

“Of course, Father, though I doubt he has 700 men yet. On another aspect, this is a war, so there is the option of using your prestige to summon another tribal army. But that would seem like overkill, especially as we’d be unlikely to be able to use them gainfully afterwards and they would no doubt wander off, as they have done previously.”

“Again, agreed. Finishing the rebels early is not worth the prestige it would cost me.”

“And we have not the money to hire and sustain mercenaries and again. Even if we did, I don’t believe it would be worth squandering our precious gold for getting a backwoods county such as Chud back early. A stain on our honour though the revolt may be.”

“Then we are left with seeing if the Vladimir levy, if it comes, together with Grimr’s troops, might be enough to send against the rebels. Otherwise, we must wait for the raiding force to return before we can refresh the levy.”

The other two nodded. ​

Spoiler: Ch45 Q2: Allied Objectives When Not Attached to an Army

Ch45 Q2: Allied Objectives When Not Attached to an Army. The two options presented for allied contigents when they are not ordered to join your army are to either siege enemy counties (the rebels don’t hold one yet, so I presume that would be pointless in current circumstances) or to ‘hunt enemies’. I take it the latter leaves it up to the AI’s discretion as to what they seek to attack. Anyone have experience of how that tends to go? Is the AI smart enough not to attack with clearly inferior numbers? Would they work in tandem with another allied contingent (eg Hrolfr’s if it responds) or just blunder around by itself? I always assume the worst case with the AI unless demonstrated experience indicates otherwise! The answer to the next question may, however, give me a bit of a work-around in this case.

Spoiler: Ch45 Q3: Calling up Unsummoned Demesne Levy Contingents While Some are Already Deployed

Ch45 Q3: Calling up Unsummoned Demesne Levy Contingents While Some are Already Deployed. OK, I’ve noticed there were a couple of small demesne levies (the two Godis, mainly) who I didn’t summon for the raid. The relevant button says I could summon about 60 or so troops without the need to dismiss and resummon the main contingents, with the prohibitive losses that would incur. So, am I right in assuming I could do that, then call allied contingents to join that army, so I could centralise and control them more reliably? Without jeopardising things? I’d do a little experiment, but because I’m in Ironman mode I can’t afford to stuff it up, so am asking the Þing instead.

“Ah, My Liege, while I am here, I have other news for you,” says Hrörekr a little tentatively.

“It’s all right – the red rage is not on me today, my old friend. You may speak plainly, as I can tell from your demeanour the news is not good.”

“Just so, My Liege. While my efforts to bring Chief Miemo closer to your cause have born much fruit in recent times, other things count against good relations. While he has lost his rancour at having been defeated by you in battle, so too has his gratitude for being subjugated rather than disowned also worn off in recent weeks. Alas, the net effect is that his regard is not much better than it was before my recent initiatives.”

“Ah, but without them his anger would still be red hot – and he might be provoked into even more reckless action. As long as his levy is small compared to his grievances, we can wait him out.”​

Swings and roundabouts!​

“Yes, My Liege. Though I am more concerned about his influence on others, especially Jarl Tyueykezhut of Yaroslavl. His levy alone is 1,700 men. If the three Tverian chiefs were to join him, they would bring around another 1,000. With the bulk of our own troops still abroad and this revolt in Chud unchecked, my fear is they could strike while your back is turned.”

“I don’t think they will, Hrörekr, but by all means look into it after this coming Þing, as there is nothing much we can do about it if it does come to pass before then. If they were to revolt, I could at least summon a tribal army in extremis, as the Romans would say, and await the return of the raiding party. Then settle their hash for good!”​

They left the matter to rest. [I may look into the current independence plot in more detail in the next episode, but suffice it to say the Independence faction is currently still around only 54%, with four members who could muster 2,370 troops between them, so I’m not too worried about it. But don’t want it getting bigger.]

“Perhaps now is the time to start influencing the ones that might be amenable to it. I know Alfgeir will tell me money is always a problem, but I can try handing out a few ceremonial posts I’ve been holding back. Hrörekr,” said Rurik, turning back to his Chancellor. Let’s get out the list of vacant appointments and possible candidates again. We will augment your statecraft with some patronage.”

“My Liege, we can appoint a court dwarf. There are only two candidates – Alfgeir – who hardly needs the boosting – and his daughter, Ingrid. Dwarfism seems to run in the family.”​

​

“I know we don’t really need to curry favour with her, but I like the idea of making this appointment anyway. Ingrid is the new Court Dwarf. I notice too she is of marriageable age. At some point in the near future, we should look to the various young men and women who might be available as matches to help spread Norse culture and religion.”

“Yes, My Liege. Next we have the post of Dróttseti – a far more substantive position. A number of the ‘troublesome new chiefs’ could be appointed. I have ranked them here in order of their assessed, ah, disposition toward you, Sire.”​

​

“I’m thinking Jarl Tyueykezhut for that one. He is by far the most powerful of my vassals and, if I have no room as yet for him on the High Council, perhaps this post will do a little to blunt his antipathy.”

“A good choice, My Liege. We have three Hirdman positions still unallocated. Perhaps a couple of the other chiefs for those, at least? May I suggest Chief Gradimir – a slippery and dangerous kinslayer, if I may say so, but we need to keep him ‘in the tent’”.

“Very well, Hrörekr – though I must admit I dislike him intensely. Vladislav of Tver for the other, do you think?”

“We may as well, Sire. It would make little difference to Miemo and Vladislav can muster more troops.”

“Then it is done. Please arrange the appointments.”​

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

That evening, as Rurik contemplated his family relationships in the privacy of his personal chamber, he thought of his wife, so many years away in far Constantinople, having only made a few quick visits in that time. He found he no longer held the previous plot on Helgi’s life against her as he had done: it had been motivated out of a desire to promote her children and secure the succession for one of the true Germanic faith. That had all been resolved years ago now and she had never renewed the plot, doing good work to help develop learning in the realm, at risk to her own life and causing her considerable stress. Time heals many wounds, he noted in his private journal. It might be nice to see her again and for the children to see more of their mother.

​

Rurik also considered his eldest child by Ingjerðr, Asa, who had recently come of age. He loved her well enough but, if being honest with himself, realised she was a bit – well, underwhelming. At least she was dutiful and diligent and perhaps could help forge a bond by a marriage, either within the realm to shore up the dynasty’s long-term position, or with a foreign scion that might lead to cooperation or even alliance. He would give thought to that later – for now, there were other things to attend to.

​

And finally, before he turned in for the night, Rurik noted his thoughts on one of the most important relationships for the future of the realm after he left it: that between Helgi, the overwhelmingly supported heir to the kingdom, and his eldest son by Ingjerðr – Eilif, now 14 years old and nearing his majority. Eilif would become a powerful Jarl in Garðaríki then – as would Helgi’s other half-brother, Dyre – and it was important they all got on well with each other. The relationship between Helgi and Eilif was now better than it had once been: most importantly, Eilif now had a mildly positive relationship with his half-brother. And already showed great martial potential: he would speak to Helgi about considering Eilif for the position of Marshal once Helgi ruled and Eilif was of age. It should keep him close and happy. And Eilif would soon need a good match found for him, as well. Maybe someone from one of the Norse countries, if the future expansion of the realm lay in that direction.

​

Spoiler: Characters of Interest

Characters of Interest. Following on from discussion after last episode, at this point (being where I had paused the last session, the reporting of which was held over for length reasons) I also flagged the remaining commanders - Sverker, Hrolfr, Snorri, Þorsteinn – as tracked characters, largely to test the proposition that the siege events from Brittany weren’t reported because they were commanding and hadn’t been so flagged. It may get tested at some point in the future.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

“My Liege, important news has just arrived from Belo Ozero.” Hrörekr has entered, somewhat breathless, accompanied by a messenger who had clearly just arrived and not even had the opportunity to wash the grime of the road from his person. “Tell our king the news, Dobrovar.”

“My King, the Cleansing Flame has been snuffed out. He passed away on 26 April, never having recovered fully from the injuries he suffered in his many battles,” said the tired courier, as he handed a sealed message cylinder to King Rurik.​

​

“I will miss him, even if we were never boon companions. In recent years he has fought by our side and lost his second son in battle for the kingdom. So, his eldest son has taken over as Chief, I see.”

“Yes, My King. Chief Ladimir sends his respects.”

“I’m sure he does. Go and get cleaned up Dobrovar. I will drink a toast to both the old and new chiefs tonight and urge you to as well.”

After the man leaves, Rurik turned to Hrörekr. “I would have the measure of this new Chief of Belo Ozero – I know him not, nor his reputation. Bring me what you have on him in a couple of days and I will decide what to do with the court appointments his father held and which now lie vacant.”

“Of course, My Liege”​

A couple of days later, as spring brought with it the smell of fresh grass – and of unwashed bodies and the fruitier odour of livestock in the warming weather – Hrörekr arrived with a sheaf of papers concerning the new Chief of Belo Ozero, who would remain an important player in the realm, for as long as he maintained his rule, anyway.

“Let me have the short summary first, Hrörekr.”

“On the positive side, Chief Ladimir is 25, a fair tactician and an effective schemer.” Rurik nodded tentatively at this.

“Alas,” continued the Chancellor “he is also a shy, gluttonous, deceitful, paranoid, heathen Finnish craven, who likes you not.”

Hrörekr had tactfully failed to mention Ladimir was also considered stark raving mad – which actually gave him something in common with his king. “Our Seer is also a little worried that his gluttony may lead him into the worship of Hel. Or perhaps already has, evidenced by his somewhat, ah, erratic personal behaviour. But there is no way to know.”​

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“Right, yet another rabid Slovensky and not half the man his father – love him or loathe him – turned out to be. But we must work with him.”

“Yes, My Liege. I suggest we confer his father’s titles on him in turn, otherwise he may feel slighted, while confirming those appointments will make the relationship a little better. With some more work, he might even be persuaded to once again furnish his levy if called upon to do so.”

“Do it then, Hrörekr, and we’ll see if he can be won around. There are enough turbulent chiefs around as it is – we can’t afford another, especially from one of our original counties.”​

​

A couple of other men may have been a little better qualified in a military sense, but – like Svetozar – Ladimir will be made a commander for largely political purposes. And with the likes of Þorsteinn, Hrolfr, Sverker and Snorri to choose from – not to mention Rurik himself and Helgi if necessary – there is no lack of military talent in Garðaríki for commanding troops.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

On the first day of May, word came back from distant Vladimir: as hoped for, Hrolfr’s levy had indeed answered the call to arms to fight the rebels – even while their new chief was still sailing back from his great raid in the West. And it was the lower (but still reasonable) number of troops that were available. [The higher amount, as suspected, must be the notional upper levy limit for Vladimir.]

​

Meanwhile, reports showed the peasant’s siege of the small tribal holding in Chud was making fairly quick progress. It was unlikely to last more than another month and a half.

Rurik, Helgi and Hrörekr summoned all the relevant experts for a major Þing in Nygarðr, to gather advice to inform their next steps. Their first thoughts are to call up the small unraised Temple levy in the capital county of Holmgarðr, then instruct the two allied levies of Smaleskja and Vladimir to join them. Perhaps even take the fight to the rebels before the raiders can return and a new levy summoned. Or at least be ready as an advanced guard.

Spoiler: Ch45 Q4: Peasant Revolt Warscore and Strategy

Ch45 Q4: Peasant Revolt Warscore and Strategy. Under usual circumstances for peasant revolts, what kind of warscore would taking Chud give the rebels? Would taking it send it to 100% and mean I lose the county, or would they also (like in other circumstances) need to win a field battle as well to win and force me to yield? This being my first such, I’m not sure how much time I have to gather a riposte. And any views on the initial holding approach (concentrating vassal ally levies around a small demesne levy) would also be welcome. Together, they might even be strong enough to send against a lightly armed peasant levy.

At this point, the raiding fleet was only just then passing the cliffs of Dover and still weeks away from landfall in Ingria.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

Questions

Here are the main questions Rurik has posed to the Þing. Although, as always other general advice or comments are always welcomed warmly.

Ch45 Q1: Foreign War Reporting. I have made ‘A war you were not part of ends’ a Priority 1 alert – meaning I should get a pop-up. But it was already Priority 2 and nothing appeared re the Mari victory in the message alerts either. How widely (if at all) is the declaration and conclusion of a foreign war you are not part of reported? Do you have to flag the ruler of the country(ies) involved as characters of interest to get them? I don’t think I’ve been getting any at all so far. Basically, I’d like a pop-up that says “Mari won its war of subjugation against Mordvin”. I’m used to seeing them in other AARs (and realise that by getting them I might be wading through a lot of unwanted war start/end messages but can see what is bearable). Have I ticked the right topic and button (Pri 1)? Do I need to pick the countries I’m interested in and flag their rulers as well? I cycled through all the alerts on the menu and ticked a few others too that I want for AAR (mainly) purposes too.

Ch45 Q2: Allied Objectives When Not Attached to an Army. The two options presented for allied contigents when they are not ordered to join your army are to either siege enemy counties (the rebels don’t hold one yet, so I presume that would be pointless in current circumstances) or to ‘hunt enemies’. I take it the latter leaves it up to the AI’s discretion as to what they seek to attack. Anyone have experience of how that tends to go? Is the AI smart enough not to attack with clearly inferior numbers? Would they work in tandem with another allied contingent (eg Hrolfr’s if it responds) or just blunder around by itself? I always assume the worst case with the AI unless demonstrated experience indicates otherwise! The answer to the next question may, however, give me a bit of a work-around in this case.

Ch45 Q3: Calling up Unsummoned Demesne Levy Contingents While Some are Already Deployed. OK, I’ve noticed there were a couple of small demesne levies (the two Godis, mainly) who I didn’t summon for the raid. The relevant button says I could summon about 60 or so troops without the need to dismiss and resummon the main contingents, with the prohibitive losses that would incur. So, am I right in assuming I could do that, then call allied contingents to join that army, so I could centralise and control them more reliably? Without jeopardising things? I’d do a little experiment, but because I’m in Ironman mode I can’t afford to stuff it up, so am asking the Þing instead.

Ch45 Q4: Peasant Revolt Warscore and Strategy. Under usual circumstances for peasant revolts, what kind of warscore would taking Chud give the rebels? Would taking it send it to 100% and mean I lose the county, or would they also (like in other circumstances) need to win a field battle as well to win and force me to yield? This being my first such, I’m not sure how much time I have to gather a riposte. And any views on the initial holding approach (concentrating vassal ally levies around a small demesne levy) would also be welcome. Together, they might even be strong enough to send against a lightly armed peasant levy.

ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ​

The peasant uprising, while no disaster, is an inconvenience and adds an additional vulnerability. This is exactly the kind of scenario I had earlier posited: a revolt while the main body of troops is off raiding. A war or independence rebellion at this point would be even nastier, though not, I think, catastrophic, even in combination.

Bloody peasants! The quicker we turn them all into good Germanic Norsemen the better. Though Rurik is afraid that might take hundreds of years!​