King's, Emperor's and Statesmen AAR's

[Sid Meier]

The Rise (Maybe fall) of the Russian Bear
Blayne Bradley

1066 AD: Somewhere in Kyiv

Prince Izyaslav Rurikovich was walking through the streets of Kyiv with his entourage, heading to a place of his choosing, for today with be the day, the day of his ascension to be the leader of Kievien Rus, the Principality of Kiev would be his! Izaslav walked up to a manor house overlooking the bustling marketplace, this was the house of Anna Rurikovich, his beloved sister. He walked past the main gate with the guards to the reception lounge. He hadn’t have to wait long before his sister appeared with her servant.

“Dobriy vecher! Anna Rurikovich! It is a great evening today that I get to meet you in circumstances so dire and bleak…” Anna smirked and replied. “Oh shut up dear brat, I know why you are here, our sick father hasn’t chosen his heir yet, and you want me to suggest to him to make you Prince of Kyiv.”

Izyaslav pretended to be shocked and dismayed but gave up since he was speaking with someone who knew him better then he knew himself. “How perceptive Anna, you were always the clever one, so shall we discuss this then? Would you do such a favor for me my dearest Anna?” Anna smiled and said. “I know how much you want this, and I know you’ll do anything to get it, so here are my terms, you can have the Principality of Kyiv but! I want MY SON, my dearest Sergei to be your heir, maybe not first in line but I want him to inherit! Do you accept these terms my dearest brother?”

Izyaslav looked at her with narrowed eyes and such eyes were filled with… something cruel… but he nodded and spoke. “Da, Anna Rurikovich, Sergei shall be my heir, for it is mentioned in the great book that it is the meek that inherit the world is it not so? However my dear Anna, I shall have a suggestion to give and this is the only way I will in my life time and on my fathers future grave accept it! If and ONLY if I have no heirs Anna will Sergei become Prince on my death.” Anna hated her brother more deeply then ever before in that one moment for she realized just then that her brother was playing the fool his entire life, pretending to be harmless and stupid now here he is, he manipulated her, manipulated her like a puppet! Yob Tvoyu Mat! A Puppet! Her brother was indeed no fool and no she revealed her deepest desire to him, she made a mistake and she knew that he knew that she could not refuse.

She calmed herself and spoke. “Da, brat… I accept those terms, should you be childless Sergei will be your heir. If it is any consolation I hope you rot in hell but nevertheless, Uspekhov Brat! Now please leave I am tired.” Izyaslav’s demeanor didn’t change he was perfectly composed almost as if nothing of any important has happened yet he nodded his head and left.

Soon Izyaslav’s father Yaroslav Rurikovich named Izyaslav his Eldest child the next Prince of Kyiv and promptly died of old age. Izyaslav was named Prince of the Principality of Kiev leader of the Kievien Rus. In his reign he would be known as Izyaslav the Just, Lazy, Forgiving, Honest, and Misguided Warrior. He would reform the system and bring the budget into balanced but unfortunately his reign were haunted by rumors of his father’s death and many accused him of being a kinslayer but were never proven but did not prevent many revolting against his rule.

But to hand it to him he was an effective monarch who expanded Kyiv’s domains against the pagans surrounding Kyiv and brought the unity of Rus that much closer to realization. The rebellions woul finally cease with his own death and Mstislav Rurikovich succeeding the throne.

At first Izyaslav when he had became ruler of Kyiv looked like he would keep his promises but could not risk his clever sister being in the background and exiled her to France. Sergei he planned to kill and to all appearances did so.

And that ends the reign of Izyaslav and the end of the first Chapter of Russia’s Rise and the Beginning of the next one.

**Translations: Da = Yes, Brat ironically enough means brother, Dobriy Vecher means “good evening”, and Uspekhov means “I wish you success” and yob tvuyo mat I WILL NOT translate .

 

[stnylan]

A interesting first scene, it's a pity that it appears nothing will develop there since we're already moving on (presumably) to the next chapter.

 

[Lurken]

A interesting first scene, it's a pity that it appears nothing will develop there since we're already moving on (presumably) to the next chapter.

Many things will happen in the next installment, I guess...we had a wild session tonight...

 

[Spinalcurve]

The Country of St. George, the Dragsonslayer

The Country of St. George, the Dragsonslayer​

(It is a MP AAR, forgot to add that in the title....)
A chronology about the Bagratuni family

Chapter 1

St. George fights small dragons​

At 1066 was a small Kingdom, some nice provinces but many big neighbours, in north lied the pagan Cuman leviathan and the Orthodox Alania, in southwest there was the Greek Empire Byzantium and in southeast different small Moslem states.

Now, Georgia was not very strong in military and in research of technologies but its southern provinces were quite advanced which gave us some nice boosts.
Anyway war was in the King's head, he wanted to backstab his ally, the Alan.
Men were organized, money was not collected.

The war started and soon Georgia was in war with a moslem bey too!
Those slimey infidels. Peace was made with Alania because Georgia was not strong enough to fight both of them and was restricted fighting infidels. Alania could be dealt with in the future without restrictions.
After hard battles the bey was annexed, I think it was Khartli.

Bagrat Bagratuni, the king of Georgia passed away peacefully during this time, 55 years old.
His son, Giorgi succeeded him. He was more economist than his father but lacked in warrior skill.

Many years later, after Jerusalem had already been annexed by the Catholic French king, the Pope called for a Crusade against Alexandria, as you know, the Pope don't have any authority towards us Orthodox. But Georgia still joined the war agaisnt the infidels to spread the faith. The Emirate of Derbent was the victim.

The war was a little harder this time, Derbent was allied to Azerbaizan which Giorgi avoided to dow as their army size was superior to ours. The problem was that some of our marshals made there own counties under Giorgies rule but Azerbaijan always dowed them and for some buggy reason I was not asked to join. Anyway, when this happened I revoked each of the counties before any harm was done. Harm would come during a siege instead.
Because of some miscommunication and recklessity, Giorgi assaulted one of Derbent's cities and was killed in action. Big grief in the kingdom and the infant son had to take the cape from his father. Eles Bagratuni had left a counsel of aristocrats to take the power during his young years.

During these years, the Crusade continued and Derbent was annexed and Alania annexed Duchy of Azerbaizan at the same time...

Now the counsel saw their oppurtunity to smash into Cuman lands as they were in war with th Polish and Pronski troops...

Update will follow.

 

[Sid Meier]

well considering I only had 30 minutes to write it to get my AAR bonus but i read some of war and peace and im trying to recreate some of the style.

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

Already 3 rulers. I played Georgia once to and those early Bagratuni have a tendency to die quick I noticed.

 

[Lurken]

A history of the von Franken dynasty
The early years of Heinrich von Franken

These was times of great turbulance, the young Heinrich von Franken took over after his father, following the internal crisis that left the Holy Roman Empire fragmented into three seperate kingdoms. While Heinrich managed to hold on to the most powerful crown, that of Germany, his power was still diminished.

His early years was quiet and calm, nothing great happened, until the first crusade. Where he lead the armies of Germany to a resounding victory over the baltic pagans in the north. In the progress claiming all that land for himself and his family.

While in the south, there is clear evidence that he plotted to proclaim himself the Duke of Schweiz, and took the lands of Bern, but still at the end of his early year, he still isn't strong enough in that area to proclaim himself Duke of Schwiez.

Meanwhile, his eldest son, was granted a countship of Ansbach, and given three dukedoms, most likely to give his heir the best possible standing against the dukes of Germany.

Sadly enough for Heinrich, all was not well, the duke of Kärnten rebelled against Heinrich, and managed to stay free from vassalage, the history of the duchy of Kärnten was succesfull, managed to claim some land in Veglia against the collapsing Kingdom of Croatia, following the second crusade to Alexandria, which Croatia took, and later on lost. But the muslims following back to Croatia, managed to more or less crush the duchy of Kärnten-Istria.

The early years of Heinrich von Franken ends with him taking back some lands that had fallen to the muslims in southern Germany, and pitted him against the strong muslim emirs of Iberia.

Hektor von Bultrowicz, Ph.D pre-Renesans Germanic history

 

[unmerged(55974)]

The Beginnings of the Yngling Dynasty: The Lion of the North

The night grew very late as the King of Norway Olaf Haraldsson Yngling sat quietly upon his court room seat. He sat slunched somewhat and in very deep thought as only a few torches lay lit casting a dim flickering light over the room. Nordic artwork could be seen encarved upon the walls and from the ceilings banners though faintly visible under the flickering light hung proudly, each one with its own heraldry according to each count and duke which resided in the lands of Norway.

Only one of the King's advisors named Skuli Godwineson remained in the court room as he happened to be one of the Kings most trusted and favorite advisors even though he was a saxon and not a native of the land. After many moments of silence Olaf raised his head and spoke softly to his most trusted advisor.

"I must tell you this Skuli as you are the only advisor I can trust with this matter. Its just.... I have been having dreams lately, not so good of dreams. I cannot tell you all the details as much of it I do not even understand but I believe it is a possible warning."

"A warning Sire?...what matter of a warning?? Skuli repied curiously.

Continuing on Olaf responded. "In my dream we dwell here in the land of Norway peacefully and happily with many spoils and riches much as we do now."

After a brief pause Olaf continues once more. "Though in this dream a bear from the east which devours all in his path sets his sights on the land of Scandinavia. It has much power at its disposal though I do not know the ending as I always wake up, though the bear brings much destruction and death with it."

Skuli Godwineson only stands in place not sure of what to speak. He finally responds. "To the east lies the lands of Russia, do you fear something from them perhaps?"

Olaf responds. "I am not sure Skuli, though I do know whether Swedish, Norweigan, or Danish we must not let any foreign invader to occupy any lands in Scandinavia. Tommorrow I will make a proclomation to all kings near and far on this matter. I feel this is what I must do, and you will help me write it Skuli."

Skuli simply nods. "As the king desires"

The king raised out of his seat and began walking with Skuli talking of matters until they eventually stood under the heavenly stars outside the kings Throne room.

"Tell me Skuli, how are matters in Varmland where my eldest son Hakon is reigning?"

Skuli replied. "well King,.. he tries. His realm is in constant duress and the pagans are always stirring up trouble. His wife who he appointed as steward only knows how to exhaust the counts funds on lavish dresses and on the latest trends. His skills of governing are in question though he has showed some improvement as of late." (( Hakon's skills are misguided warrior and a host of 4's and 5's for skills. ))

The king sighs and shakes his head. "I fear for this country Skuli when I pass away, there are troubling times ahead and I am not the youthful king I once was.

Olaf just sighs and makes his last comment. "I pray for my son Skuli, that he may be wise and just ruler as Norway deserves."

"I am sure he will my King.".............

Both sons of Olaf, something to cry over.​

(( third person version AAR section )) It is the year 1100 January 24th.

Norway was abiding in peace for a short time after routing the Pagans on the island of Aland. This was a minor teritory gain in the Baltic sea as to gain a foothold to the east.

Though that peace was to be short lived as Denmark foolishly declared war upon the Seljun Turks. Norway being in an alliance with the young king of Denmark felt he had to accept as not to try and conquer any lands from the Turks but to defend Denmark from the Turks themselves.

Olaf Haraldsson Yngling was right in the judgement as the turks indeed came and captured quickly Denmark's capitol. The king organized his armies from Viken and Akershus which consisted of near 3,000 troops and attacked the occupiers with success and drove the infidel armies out recapturing the province though under the Norweigan banner.

On other matters Olaf witnessed Russia coming together quickly forming even if temporary, a superpower for the moment at least. Though time will tell if it will hold, but The king had many dreams of potential conquerers coming from those lands in the form of a bear looking to expand into Scandinavia, something the King fiercely contends with. He intends to write a proclamation to all kings in all lands soon.

To the west Olaf greatly respected William The Conquerer and was grieved with his passing. The King of Norway will soon send 100 gold and his blessing upon Richard De Normandie his son who now reigns and possibly a pact of peace for a time to come at least.

(( Enjoyed this last session though really worry about my sons. The eldest is not so good of a ruler and the second in line is crazed with delusions he is the messiah,......**puts his head into his hands and sobs uncontrollably** ))

 

[stnylan]

Mmm, so is it just the three of you or are there others?

Richard II, I particularly liked the scene between Skuli and Olaf.

 

[stnylan]

Hopefully you won't get hit by a nasty regency event.

 

[unmerged(55974)]

Mmm, so is it just the three of you or are there others?

Richard II, I particularly liked the scene between Skuli and Olaf.

There are others in our game. We have a total of around 10 - 12 players I believe. Varyar in his AAr the Bold and the Bald is in our game as well just he made his before this thread started.

And thank you for your comment. It is muchly appreciated to know I didnt bomb my first AAR : ).

 

[unmerged(56211)]

Hmm, stnylan, what exactly does that regency event do? I've read about it being added in the patch and... well, what does it do??

 

[Spinalcurve]

Hmm, stnylan, what exactly does that regency event do? I've read about it being added in the patch and... well, what does it do??

Yeah what is it doing that is so terrible?

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

Regency events can f.e. mean that you get an event where your steward steal money from the royal treasury resulting for you in maybe a debt of 2,000 gold

 

[stnylan]

Hmm, stnylan, what exactly does that regency event do? I've read about it being added in the patch and... well, what does it do??

It's not a single event, but rather there are a number of events that can fire when you have a child king. Generally there are quite bad, like the example Veldmaarschalk mentions.

 

[Lurken]

And Joohoo in his AAR about Georgia.

 

[unmerged(21937)]

It would be more convenient for the readers if you'd combine all AARs into one thread. A local mod could merge the threads for you...

 

[Spinalcurve]

Oh but my king has become adult in the game, it is just that I am after in my AAR.

 

[Lurken]

It would be more convenient for the readers if you'd combine all AARs into one thread. A local mod could merge the threads for you...

Good idea.

 

[unmerged(31960)]

A fight for the Tri-Crown: The bear from Pronsk​

- What are you doing kid?
- Hmmm…. I’m… go to your room slave, and don’t ask silly questions!
- What makes you think I’m your slave?
- Because… you are! Everyone is my servant!
- Who dare to tell you such thing?
- My mother
- That greedy witch….. Look, the crown you like to play with has coasted your ancestor’s blood and many sacrifices; at least you could treat your people with their well disserved respect and not treat them like slaves…let me tell you a little story about it….

After hours of conversation, the King finally accepted to hear the story that the old “slave” had to tell… that story begins at the year of 1066

Svyatoslav was ruler of the wealthy and powerful duchy of Pronsk, he was a Rurikovich and like most of the members of the family of that time, he ruled over a Russian duchy while waiting for his brothers and cousins to weaken for any reason even to the point of creating that reason so more power could be gained through warfare.
His first years at the throne where an image of this many wars were fought, the Russian rivers turned red, luckily for you, this blood that tinted the rivers was not from Pronks’s soldiers, instead, it was every enemy that faced the expansion of Svyatoslav.

Pronsk Duchy in 1079, after a succesful war against Pereyaslav and Kiev.

If you think of this ancestor as a great warrior and a tough person, well, you are mistaken; his letters to his wife showed a whole different side of him, it was her who kept him strong. He always told about his fears of a cuman attack or any other of his family dukes backstab. Although not everything was weak on him, he was a strong believer of God’s words, and he was always considered as one of the biggest contributors to the orthodox faith spread, prove of this, the conquering of Moldau and the lower Volga. (Piety of 700 around his final days, one of the highest amongst all the leaders of all Europe)

The area of the next expansion

After the war against pagans

When the cumans were conquered
His weak point, the last mentioned, being a coward, made him sell his freedom for a false security at his last days, when news of a possible joint attack from Georgia and Kiev came. His reaction was to submit to a polish King, Only God knows why he did that having enough forces to crush most of his enemies all by himself, maybe he knew he didn’t have diplomacy on his side, never used it actually, he though he could gather the Tri-Crown with no help, he was mistaken. This happened in 1095.
Two years later, he died, passing the torch to his oldest son, count of Korchev, Gleb Rurikovich.

The country relations during Gleb's expasion further north
You may know a little bit of him, his portrait is hanged in front of the royal dinning table. The reason why he is there is another story to tell, all that I will tell you for tonight is that he was a wise man, since day one he started to prepare his country for his great mission, improving economy, size of army and the size of his own lands. He’s defect, greedy as hell.

- But I want to hear more! I want to! I demand you!
- You can’t, you have to sleep. Tomorrow you will go hunting quite early, besides this “slave” needs some rest. By the way, after you hear tomorrow’s story, didn’t Kiev’s situation give you a lesson?
- What Kiev situation?
- Oh, I didn’t mention it, well…

Around 1094, the Duchy of Kiev found itself in a war impossible to win, Hungary and Poland where it’s enemies, and the ones that would cause its doom. It didn’t take much to take Kiev to a situation where the King of Poland could demand everything, on a last hope of a great Kingdom, the Kievan Duke offered a lot of land and to submit as a vassal in exchange for help to crush the flourishing Duchy of Pronks. The polish King agreed, but, what the kievan duke didn’t know is that the polish king would use this situation to make Svyatoslav join his cause. This made him angry and started making demands to the king. Of course this made him go down to a worse situation, he created himself a lot of enemies and gained nothing.

- Anyway, you have to go now
- Ahhh, hmmm…. Ok, I’ll go, but you have to tell me more, I want detail of that Gled guy
- Gleb, his name is Gleb.
- Ok, ok, bye!