Long Live Bohemia - AAR

[unmerged(26451)]

Playing as the Duke of Bohemia and won't care much about history. So if I would see it fit to attack Byzantium and become Byzantine emperor, I can (or at least try to ).

Info:
- Crusader Kings v. 1.04b
- 1066 scenario

Goals:
- Become King of Bohemia
- Grab some lands
- Having fun with my game (most important goal )

Edit: Since this will be my first real AAR, I will first post a part and since I learn new things through the game, I will "expand" the posts, adding more plots and more lines so be sure to check it once in a while

 

[unmerged(26451)]

Part 1, Chapters 1 and 2

Vratislav “The first Bohemian” Premyslid​

Duke of Bohemia, Count of Che, Usti nad Labem, Liberec, Praha and Plezn.​

Bohemia​

Vratislav was a religious man as many were in those days. In the beginning of his life, he was moderately religious but would later turn more and more to God. He had inherited the land froms hif ather together with some ideals. He would sometimes tell to his most trusted advisors what his father had told him:

“The Bohemians have no place in Germania. Bohemians and Germans are a different people, their King doesn’t care about our needs. He only cares that we deliver troops to gain more territory and that we deliver money for his feasts. In my life, I will not succeed. But the Bohamians deserve their own King, their own nation."

Vratislav was now 35 years old and had 6 children. He had been in power for 11 years and the first years of his rule was marked by improving economy and infrastructure in his nation. He bought himself the title of Duke of Moravia and installed his crown council. A few positions were left open since none at his court had any military skill (except Vratislav himself) or experience and there was also a lack of a person who was scholared in theology.

1 Vratislav: family and state man​

Vratislav wanted to be loved by his people. He lowered the census tax, lowered the tolls and raised church donations to the maximum. Crown duty was lowered and the same was done with the scutage. The ordinary people became more and more loyal to him and the nobles came to see Vratislav as a ruler who ruled wisely and strengthened his reign through happiness and not through cruelty.

The Crown Council​

Vratislav already had 6 children but he announced that his wife was pregnant again in April 1067. She was expecting a son, which was always good news. He was born in January 1068 and Vratislav named him Borivoj. His daughter Judith was impressed by birth and found it so beautiful that she took interest in religion.

A priest approached Vratislav while he was praying in a chapel.
Priest: My Liege.
Vratislav: We are all equal in the house of our Lord.The priest nodded.
Priest: Your daughter, Judith, seems to have taken quite the interest in religion. She has been seen studying religious books and religious texts.
Vratislav shrugged.
Vratislav: How nice...Now, if you don't have anything else to say, I shall continue my prayers.
The priest nodded and quietly left the chapel, his footsteps echoing through it.

July 1068, Vratislav announces that his wife is pregnant again. Some say it comes becomes the Count had a lot of free time lately since nothing much happened in his Duchy. She was born in March 1069 and would be named Dobrava. 2 months later, in May, Vratislav’s wife was pregnant again.

Borivoy, son of Vratislav started his formal education at the court in June 1069. He followed his father to several meetings. One meeting was especially interesting. On the 29th July 1069 a public gathering took place where all dukes and counts and even the king were present. The King publicly made fun of Vratislav who pretend as if he found it funny but this only strengthened him in believing in a Bohemian independent Kingdom.

Vratislav intensified his policy of improving the state of his Duchy. He built roads in Praha, forestries in Usti nad Labem and in Plezn. He oversaw all the work himself and took more and more work upon his shoulders. In January 1070, when he gave a newyear’s speech for his Crown Council, he seemed very tired. He got mad over nothing and seemed very nervous. He started showing stress symptoms but refused to stop working.

It was February 1070 when another girl was born in his family, she would be named Bohuslava. The personnel who looked after the children, reported to Vratislav that Borivoy seemed to be a cruel boy. They just couldn’t get him to refrain from killing pets. It was a bad habit and his sister Ludmila picked it up from him.

2 Married...with (many) Children​

June 1070, many children didn’t live long enough to reach adulthood. The noble families were no exception and neither was the highest family in the region. Dobrava Premyslid died of poor health. Vratislav seemed to take this as a punishment of God and declared he would bow down and do God’s bidding. He prayed for hours in the chapel of his castle and asked for a sign of God to show that he would do His bidding.

And that sign came. On 13 September 1070, the Pope called to arms. Although the Pope called to liberate Toledo, Vratislav only heard what he wanted to hear. He interpreted this as a sign to attack all heathens and to further strife for a Bohemian state.

He gave his son Vladislav a formal court education and continued to build up the economy by constructing roads and forestries. Judith fell ill in June 1071 as did many children at that time. But this didn’t have a big effect on Vladislav and he made his wife pregnant again in the same month.

On the 29th July, a messenger came at the court. A noble of the province Che would like to speak with Vladislav who accepted.
Noble: My Liege, I must report something if I may.
Vratislav: You may.
Noble: I am a noble of only small land and I do not wish to anger you and I only act in the good of your family and...
Vratislav: Please get to the point, I have other affairs to attend to.
Noble: Very well, my Liege, lately I have seen your daughter Ludmilla riding horses hard through the woods. Surely, this cannot be healthy for a girl of her age or for a girl of any age.
Vladislav nodded and dismissed the man. He then motioned the captain of the guard over.
Vratislav: Make sure she is protected from hazards. I have already lost Dobrava and Judith is ill. I do not wish to lose another of my children.
Captain: As you wish, my Liege.
Ludmilla, having no more physical endeavours, became a lazy girl from this. But Vratislav preferred this to having another child lost or sick.

In August 1070, Vratislav’s son Svatobor, who was sent to a monastery to have a clerical education, arrived back in the castle. He was welcomed by his father and was taken for a walk in the gardens of the castle.

Vratislav: So, my son, you have grown into a fine young adult. How was your education?
Svatobor: Father, it opened my eyes.
Vratislav: Really...
Vratislav arched his brows.
Svatobor: I now know that wealth is not important in life or prestige. Piety is the only thing that makes the world go around. We must do God’s bidding. We must smash all who do not follow the word of God. Deus vult!
Svatobor yelled these last two words so loud, pidgeons flew up from a nearby tree.
Vratislav: Really...and what did the monks at the monastery think of that?
Svatobor: Ha, those fools. I detached myself from priesthood so I could one day be fit to rule and spread the word of God to the heathens. They even dared to call me a fanatic priest.
Vratislav: Really...
Vratisliv rolled his eyes and took the conversation to the things of every day.
They had a good conversation and a nice walk but Vratislav didn’t sound very enthusiastic about his son when talking to his wife that evening.
Vratislav: “He doesn’t know anything about warfare, is naive and doesn’t know anything about money. He’s rude and too straightforward and doesn’t know anything about diplomacy. I can’t believe he’s my son. I’ll make sure he never wears my titles.”

A miracle occurred in Bohemia! A man dressed in rags managed to get an audience with the King and said he could cure Judith’s illness. Vratislav saw this as a sign of God and paid the man to do his work. Although many in his court frowned upon this, they could not deny that Judith did get better and even got entirely healed. All church clocks were ordered to ring 14 times every day for 3 weeks.

Vratislav was gathering with his generals when all of a sudden one of his courtiers, Gerhard, rushed in. He pushed aside several generals and ran to Vratislav. Fearing the worst, the royal guard blocked the path.
Gerhard: My Liege, I must speak to you now.
Vratislav: Did your parents raise you to be impolite and rude? Can you not see that I am gathering with my betrusted generals?
Gerhard: But it is urgent.
Vratislav: Very well, we shall go to...
Gerhard: No no, I will say it here. I think I could be a better marshal and I believe you should therefore pay me gold. This way, I can study the martial arts and that will only be good for us.
The generals would later describe Vratislav’s head first becoming white, then a bit purple then completely red. They would not however, repeat the same words that Vratislav had yelled to his courtier, although half the castle had heard them. But people could guess that it weren’t friendly words as Gerhard departed to join the court in Jülich.

Tragedy once again fell upon the family. In April 1072, the wife of Vratislav gave birth to a stillborn child. Vratislav saw this once again as a sign of God and started thinking of a war against the heathens in north Germania. In July 1072, Vratislav’s wife was pregnant again.

That same month, Borivoj fell ill. “A sign from God!”, Vratislav yelled through the castle, “a sign of God!”. He thought that God wanted to take better care of his children and he appointed Svatobor to Diocese Bishop. He also found the time ready to crown himself but first he rearranged the Crown Council.

Ludmila turned out to be a forgiving person, which warmed Vratislav’s heart but he told her that being too forgiving is never good. Now that his all was over, destiny awaited. And destiny was holding the crown of Bohemia.

 

[unmerged(26451)]

Chapters 3 and 4

3 King of Bohemia – Deus Vult​

In Nomine Patri
Et Fillii
Et Spiritus Sancti
I crown three King of Bohemia​

Vratislav slowly walked in the filled church in Praha. At the altar stood Svatobor, diocese bishop of Bohemia, Silvio, a cardinal who had arrived from Rome, and all bishops of Bohemia. On the altar stood the crown of Bohemia.
After a few moments of prayer, Svatobor picked up the crown and held it above the head of Vratislav, who had kneeled.
Silvio: In the name of our Holy Father, represented on Earth by our shepherd the Pope, which I represent, you are crowned King of Bohemia.
Svatobor: In the name of the Bohemian clergy, who shall never stray from the righteous path of Catholicism, and in the name of God, I crown you King of Bohemia.
Svatobor put the crown on the head of Vratislav while the bishops yelled:
Deus Vult, Deus Vult, Deus Vult!
The gathered crowds in and outside the church started cheering. Bohemia had become an independent nation and was finally to any foreign obligations and no longer ruled by a non-Bohemian. And on the same day, Vratislav’s daughter Guta was born.

Celebrations went through the newly formed Kingdom. Nobles came to swear allegiance to the Bohemian King and no longer to the German one. Crowds gathered at the royal palace to see the many nobles and knights arrive. They all gathered in the central square of the castle, drew their swords and pointed it towards the center of the square, which had the Bohemian shield in it. The King arrived on a balcony, his crown held above his head by Svatobor. He raised his staff, made of gold and said out loud:
Vratislav: I proclaim that the Bohemians finally have a home, a nation where they can live safe and will be warmly welcome. I proclaim the nation of Bohemia to be free. I call upon you nobles, do you put your trust in me?!

Four nobles entered the circle. Each of them spoke and then kneeled on the center of the square.
Noble 1: From the north of Bohemia, I pledge my allegiance to Vratislav Premylisd, rightful King of Bohemia.
Noble 2: From the west of Bohemia, I pledge my allegiance to Vratislav Premylisd, rightful King of Bohemia.
Noble 3: From the south of Bohemia, I pledge my allegiance to Vratislav Premylisd, rightful King of Bohemia.
Noble 4: From the east of Bohemia, I pledge my allegiance to Vratislav Premylisd, rightful King of Bohemia.
Svatobor lowered the crown and put it on Vratislav’s head. He then stood before his father and raised a big cross on a staff and yelled towards the nobles:

“DEUS VULT”

Vratislav was now officially the first King of Bohemia and he sought to celebrate this by spilling heathen’s blood.

4 The Pagan Wars​

Vratislav wanted to attack the pagans to the north of Germania. But first there was a caravan of diplomats waiting for him.

“I have come in the name of Pommerania.”
“I represent the Emperor of Byzantium.”
“I stand here, representing Kiev”
“My master would like....”
“....to ally himself....”
“....with your great nation. We seek to....”
“....only protect our borders and....”
“....safeguard both our peoples....”
“...to the further glory of both nations.”

Vratislav didn’t ally with Pommerania, “I shall not ally myself with heathens”, not with Byzantium, “And then get mixed up with wars thousands of miles from here?”, and neither with Kiev, “I don’t know why, but I have the feeling that some day, the Rus will send his troops over here and not to play cards.”

In April 1072, Vratislav ordered a Grand Mobilization and 20 days later, all troops had been mobilized. He was going to do God's bidding and attack the heathens inthe north. The plan was as follows:

Vratislav: First we go for Mecklemburg, then we just attack everyone on the way to Prussia, which we will take too of course.

Many men proved themselves during that war.

In November 1072, the battle of Rostock waged. The battle lasted from the 10th until the 15th with much skirmishing. Eventually, Bohemia won the battle and took the province. This would have been a battle like any other were it not far an evil omen in the sky. Thirtheen ravens had been seen flying over the Bohemian army.
Panic started to spread but Vratislav rose to the head of his army and proclaimed:
Vratislav: This is a good sign, for the ravens themselves have joined us to feast upon the enemy’s bodies later!

In Mecklemburg, Chancellor Benes was riding with his guards towards the Bohemian army, Benes had been exploring the countryside. When almost back at camp, he was ambushed by a pagan patrol. He fought himself through the ambush and managed to sound his horn. When the other soldiers arrived, they found Benes laying on the ground with an arrow in his shoulder and many of his guards killed. Benes would recover but he suffered from the wound.

The Battle of Wolgast was a walk over for the Bohemians, they destroyed the armies of Pommerania and a few Prussian divisions too. Few Bohemians had been lost (70) and more than 800 Pagans lay dead in the field.

The Battle of Stettia was the last great battle in the war. Steward Mulàs wa surrounded with his cavalry division.

Steward Mulàs was sitting on his horse, which was moving impatiently. Another knight came riding towards Mulàs.
Mulàs: And? What is the situation?
Scout: Completely surrounded, sir. We got pagans coming straight for us with cavalary, to our left and our right, there are spearmen waiting.
Mulàs: And behind us?
Scout: A combination of both...
Mulàs thought for a few seconds. He nodded to himself and closed the vizer of his helmet. He rode to the front of his troops so all could see and hear him.
Mulàs: Men, we are completely surrounded. We will all die if we stay here alone. The rest of the army are waiting a few miles from here. We will need to break through their lines and fight ourselves a way back to the army.
Some men started whispering to each other.
Mulàs: Come men! We are not only doing the will of God, we shall be the fist of God. Deus Vult!
The men cheered and followed Mulàs towards battle. When only a small distance away, Mulàs saw the enemy general. The Pagans started a charge and soon the two divisions met.
The Pagan general raised his sword at Mulàs, who raised his small axe at the same time. The clash was terrible. The Pagan's formation was smashed open by the Bohemian cavalry, just like the head of the Pagan general.
Mulàs would arrive at the bulk of the army with only three casualties, the rest covered in the blood of their enemies. Today, Mulàs had shown that so called "court clercks" knew how to handle their weapons.

After the last battle, Vratislav was walking the field of combat with his generals. Death men were laying everywhere, some of them still dieing. Vratislav arched a brow at one of the death and motioned one of the generals over.
Vratislav: What sort of shield is that?
The general crouched next to the corpse.
Anonymous General: Hmmmm, it seems to be a mythical creature of some sorts...I can't read the runes on them but I....
Man's voice: Sire, sire!
Vratislav turned around, seeing a messenger riding towards them.
Vratislav: Yes?
The messenger stopped next to the King.
Messenger: There is famine in Bohemia. Many men are fighting here so there are lots of farms without farmers. Hunderds of families will run out of food in a week.
Vratislav thought for a moment. He then motioned a general over.
Vratislav: General, write this down.
Anonymous General: Yes, my Liege.
Vratislav: I, King of Bohemia, proclaim that all debt made by families to buy food, will be paid by the royal treasury.....that should alleviate it.
Anonymous General: ....by...the....royal....treasury....got it.
Vratislav: Very well, now go give it my seal and then send it back with this messenger.
Anonymous General: Yes sir.

In February 1704, the clergy started spreading the word of God in Stettin. The heathen beliefs were driven out and replaced by Catholicism.

Vrativlav’s son Borivoj was send to the army for an army education. Vratislav thought that his children should be ready to defend Bohemia and Catholicism. Judith was, just like her sister in the past, seen riding horses hard through the woods. Vratislav send letters home, encouraging his daughter to pursue mental endeavours.

June 1074, the last battle had been waged and the last province had been conquered. Vrativlav had just arrived back in Bohemia with hundreds of prisoners. He was cheered by the peasants and admired by the nobles. The clergy saw him as a crusader, someone who had spread the word of God. After days of feasting, everything went back to the normal order of the day.

 

[MichOrion]

Pretty good stuff, I like how you fleshed out the in game events within the AAR. Keep going I'll be reading.

 

[unmerged(8345)]

Very nicely written. I won the game for the first time with them. I just went all the way into lithaunia and claimed it for myself. After that it turned into which kingdom do I wanna blow up next? Germany or the Byz? You'll have fun with this, I guarntee it hehe

 

[unmerged(12435)]

Looks promising

By the way..what version are you playing??? In the screenshot of Svatobor, there is written "Bohemian KATHOLIEK". What language is that??

 

[unmerged(20462)]

Hmmm, finally Bohemian AAR... I think this is the very first one. Bohemia is a very good place for playing and expansion, so I was always surprised why nobody had written some AAR on it...

Good luck.

 

[unmerged(26451)]

Looks promising

By the way..what version are you playing??? In the screenshot of Svatobor, there is written "Bohemian KATHOLIEK". What language is that??

Flemish, kinda translated it myself when I was bored

 

[unmerged(35381)]

Obviously your first goal wasn't very difficult
But ahh, I guess the "having fun" part will be the hardest to acheive. Try and resist the urge to smash the baltic pagans for a while, that'd be fun to watch

 

[unmerged(26451)]

(Only one chapter now, but a big one )

5 Dividing the land​

Vratislav send messenger through the land to get high-ranking nobles to come to his court so the gained territories could be divided among vassals. But before this could be done, a man arrived at the palace with his entourage. It was Bretislav, son of Vratislav, who had been send to another court for his education.

He was informed that his father waited for him in the gardens. Bretislav went there and found his father sitting on a bench. When he saw his son, Vratislav jumped up and embraced him.
Vratislav: My son, welcome home.
Bretislav: Thank you, father.
Vratislav: I have heard that your teachers were very pleased of you. Not like your brother Svatobor, who is nothing more than a fanatical priest. Your teachers told me you were their best student in years.
Vratislav: I trust in their wisdom, they are very intelligent. If I have learned everything, they are to thank for it.
Vratislav smiled.
Vratislav: Well well well, I see you have gained some diplomatic skill. Come, let’s walk, I want to hear what you learned.
After a three-hour walk, both men retired to their quarters. To his wife, Vratislav said:
Vratislav: He knows the basics of war and knows nothing of intrigue. But he can handle money and is an excellent diplomat. He would be much more worthy to carry the crown of Bohemia after me. I will appoint him chancellor as soon as I can and make him my heir.

The same day at breakfast, Vratislav was informed that Chancellor Benes had fallen ill. It seemed that the arrow that had hit him in the Pagan Wars, had been poisoned. He had to stay in bed and could hardly speak. Vratislav visted him a few hours later.

Vratislav entered the bedroom where Benes was resting.
Vratislav: Benes, old friend. What is wrong?
Benes: The....doctors....poison in...arrow.
Vratislav turned to the present doctors.
Vratislav: What poisoned arrow does he mean?
Doctor: In the Pagan War, he was hit by an arrow. We treated the wound well and it healed but it seems the arrow was poisoned. He will recover though, but that may take a very long time.
Vratislav turned back to Benes.
Vratislav: Will you be able to execute your function as chancellor?
Benes: I....sorry....can..hardly....speak....or walk *cough cough*
Vratislav: I see, I will make sure I will replace you with a capable someone. In the meantime, you shall still receive your wage.
Benes smiled and nodded.

Vratislav relieved him of his functions and appointed Bretislav in the Crown Council. This way he could get ruling experience at the court.

In Plezen, villians terrorized the population. A thieves guild, a smugglers ring and a highway robber band were formed. This had happened because the demesne was too large for one person alone to rule and thus vassals had to be made.

Some nobles got the permission of Vratislav to convert the heathens in Rostock and succeeded. All for the growing glory of catholicism.

One of the pagan provinces send an ambassador to Vratislav in December 1074. The ambassador turned out to be a druid, asking that the pagans could celebrate the sun festival in their homeland. Vratislav, his stress symptoms worsening, told the druid where they could stick their festival and send the druid away. Time had come now to divide the gained provinces and reward those that had fought bravely.

A noble that had fought bravely in the Pagan War was allowed to enter the court of the King and was promoted to Marshall. His name was Kunik von Neuhaus.

Nobles were made counts. They had gathered early in the morning in the palace as they were summoned by the King. Some of the nobles, were even women who’s parents never had had sons. They were talking for a while when a royal guard came in.
Royal Guard: Svatobor Premyslid, would your Excellency please follow me.
Svatobor followed the guard, leaving the others, to the throne room. The guard let Svatobor in and then left the room, closing the doors behind him.
Svatobor: You have summoned me, fath....my Liege?
Vratislav: Yes, I have. I know you are eager to rule and to convert heathens to the true path of Catholicism.
Svatobor: You know me too well.
Vratislav: Your prayers are heard. I have created a bishopric in Rostock. You shall be made bishop of it and rule over that area. Make the heathens see the righteous path, rule them as a father but also as a shepherd.
Svatobor blinked for a while, then smiled.
Svatobor: I shall not disappoint you, my Liege.
Vratislav: I’m sure you won’t.
Vratislav rose and gave Svatobor his letter of nobility. Svatobor kneeled and kissed the ring of Vratislav, then left to pack his things.

Next came in Matous von Urslingen . He was a man in his forties and had a good theological education. Matous had the position of priest an to the royal family and was allowed to take the confession of the royals. He kneeled before Vratislav.
Matous: You had need of me, my Liege?
Vratislav: You have served my family well for a long time, Matous.
Matous: It was my pleasure and the will of the Almighty.
Vratislav: I know you are a good organiser and a believing man. I need men like that in the newly conquered territories.
Matous looked up, smiling.
Matous: You want me to lead one of the monasteries there? I would be more than pleased to...
Vratislav: No, I need you for another task. I am making you the head of the bishopric Stettin together with the countship of Slupsk. Rule those two provinces as a wise man. I am sure you will.
Matous didn’t know what to say. He slowly rose, blinking.
Matous: But Sire, I am only a mere servant of God.
Vratislav: And now you can spread the word of God further.
Matous recovered a bit, then kneeled and kissed the ring of Vratislav. He then rose again and bowed to Vratislav, who gave him his letters of nobility. Matous bowed again and quickly left the room to start preparing his journey.

After this, Vratislav retired to his room, feeling stressed again. He let his chancellor-son, Bretislav, give the last letters of nobility to Beatrix. She would get Werle and Wolgast.

Other good news also came to the court as the Count of Powys married the eldest daughter of Vratislav. Since the Pagan Wars cost a lot of money, Vratislav was more than happy to take the duty. He also arranged the marriage of his spymaster, which also happened to be his son, with a girl from the court.

In May 1075, a servant entered the room of Vratislav, who was working at his desk.
Servant: Sire?
Vratislav didn’t look up and mumbled. His mood wasn’t very good because of constant stress.
Vratislav: What?
Servant: There is a delegation of knights here to see you.
Vratislav: Tell them to wait.
Servant: Sire.
Vratislav: What?
Servant: I am sure you will want to see them right now. They are knights of a religious order called the Teutonic Order.
Vratislav jumped up.
Vratislav: Holy knights? Of course I will see them right now. Send them to the throne room, I shall meet them there in a few minutes.
Servant: Should I get your chancellor to advise you on eventual actions?
Vratislav: No, no, these are matters of God. He’s a good politician but not a man who cares about religion.

15 minutes later, in the throne room. Vratislav walked in and saw two people standing. One of them wearing the outfit of a Teutonic knight, another one dressed as a Teutonic priest.
Vratislav: Greetings, warriors of God.
The knight stepped forward and bowed while the priest kept a distance.
Knight: Greetings, noble king. I am here to ask a favour of you. Word has reached us that you have conquered lands from the heathens. We have prayed for you in our order.
Vratislav: Thank you, it gives me great honour to know that.
Knight: Yes, but your conquest could prove a great chance. If you would allow us to have the county of Marienburg, we could establish our order there. That way, we can spread the word of God. We can build a base there and convert those heathens by the sword.
Vratislav frowned and had some doubts about this. The priest saw this and came closer. He bowed and then spoke to Vratislav.
Priest: Greetings, noble king. I am priest of the Teutonic order, former bishop of Rome. If you would do this, you would be fulfilling the will of God.
This took away all of Vratislav’s doubts and he agreed immediately. The Teutonic Knights left the palace with the permission to claim the land of Marienburg.

A few hours later, Bretislav heard this. He was furious, how could his father be so stupid? Giving up territory for which men had died, just because some so called “holy order” had asked it.

Full of anger, he rushed to his father, who was having dinner.
Bretislav: Father, I MUST speak with you.
Vratislav: My son, I am dining now. We shall speak late...
Bretislav: NO...
Bretislav slammed his fist on the table.
Bretislav: Father, you have made a grieve mistake. You have given up land for what? For some crazed order who will never achieve anything. The Prussians, the Teutonic Order wants to civilize them and make them Christians. Listen to me father, the Prussians aren’t good for anything. They will never build a kingdom like ours, let alone stand building an empire.
Vratislav: Indeed my son, indeed. I have....made a mistake.
Bretislav: You never even asked me, your chancellor, for advice. Father, this was...
Vratislav jumped up, his face red from anger.
Vratislav: Shut up! No more words from you, you ignorant son. Have you no respect for your father, who has made sure you got a good education. You dare to question my decisions? I made a mistake appointing you chancellor. I thought you would know right from wrong, you spoiled brat!
Bretislav: But father,...
Vratislav: Not one more word. I shall spare you because you are the only heir that is able to rule but you shall no more enter this palace or my demesne until my death. Now BEGONE from my eyes.
Bretislav was stunned as Vratislav turned his back on him. Bratislav started waking towards the doors when Vratislav said:
Vratislav: You shall leave the palace tomorrow. Your letters of nobility will be given to you at the gates of the palace. You shall ride to Danzing where you will be Duke of Pommerania, Count of Danzig and Count of Chelminskie. The bishopric of Stettin and Slupsk will be your vassal. I hope you will gain a bit of ruling experience. Now, begone from my eyes and know I could have killed you if I had wanted. No one, not even his own sons, disrespects the King like this.
Bretislav nodded and left the palace the next morning as Duke of Pommerania.

Vratislav announced another pregnancy of his wife in September 1075. Jitka von Rosenberg was appointed chancellor in the place of Bretislav. Kunik von Neuhaus was appointed marshall instead of Benes. A few counts came to the court, asking if Ludmilla Premyslid would marry a courtier of theirs. But Vratislav refused time after time.
Vratislav: My daughter will marry a more high ranking noble or no one.
She would eventually marry the count of Rosello in May 1076.

Vrastilav also signed an alliance with Hungary, securing his southern border.

 

[unmerged(26451)]

6 Politics make the world turn​

On the 21st May 1076, the County of Temes thought they could stand up to Hungary. The county belonged to Hungary and the count seemed to think that they could easily make themselves independent after defeating Hungary? Vratislav laughed and send only one army to fight. 800 men from Praha marched out of Bohemia, cheered by many. A few months later, they arrived in the neighbouring province of Temes.

The general of the army descended his horse as he saw his scouts returning.
General: And have you found out where the Hungarians have set up camp?
Scout: Well, we haven’t found any Hungarian soldier. We asked around and it seemed that the count revolted now because the Hungarians are fighting Russians tribes in the east.
General: So, we are the only army in this area?
Scout: Even better sir, it seems we’re the only army in Hungary at the moment.
The general scratched his head and thought it over. He grinned a few minutes later. He dismissed the messengers and went to the marshall who would oversee the strategy used.

The general walked in the tent of the marshall. Kunik was studying maps of the area and only vaguely noticed the general coming in. The general put his legs together and saluted.
General: Sir
Kunik: At ease. What do the scouts have to report?
General: Well, it seems we are the only army in this part of Hungary. Probably even the only army in the whole Hungary. It seems Hungary is fighting Russian tribes in the east.
Kunik looked up from the maps.
Kunik: So, no Hungarian to reclaim this land for their country?
General: It would seem so, sir.
Kunik smiled brightly.
Kunik: We have no time to lose then. Saddle the horses, gather the men. We attack in a few hours. My cavalry will form the spearhead.
General: Yes, sir!
The general saluted and ran out of the tent, quickly preparing everything.

A week later, the count’s army was defeated. The count was forced to give up his title and all his gold with it. Bohemia had conquered a province in the south of Hungary since the Hungarians had been occupied elsewhere.. Vrastilav didn’t believe it at first and it took 3 generals to convince him that they managed to beat the Hungarians to it.
Vratislav: When Kunik returns, I shall make him.....I don’t know what yet, but it will be a fine reward.

His enthusiasm was lessened when Marshall Kunik returned to the castle. He was carried on a stretcher, being severely wounded.
Vrastilav quickly walked over to Kunik, who had been put on the ground on his stretcher. He crouched and talked to Kunik.
Vratislav: Marshall, what happened?
Kunik: My Liege, it is nothing.
Vratislav: What happened to you?
Kunik: When the battle was over, I was counting the dead with the division commanders. But one of the rebelling Hungarians wasn’t as dead as we thought. Before my guards could intervene, he had driven his sword through my stomach. It is a miracle I am still alive.
Vratislav: Yes indeed, it is a miracle. When you have fully recovered, you shall certainly receive a big award.
Kunik: Thank you, my Liege.
Vrastilav turned towards the servants and the doctors standing a few steps away.
Vratislav: Make sure he lives...or you won't.

Jaromic Premyslid, spy master, walked in the throne room. He was summoned for very important business but didn’t know what for. Jaromic kneeled before Vrastilav.
Jaromic: My Liege, you have summoned me.
Vratisav: Indeed I have. You have served me well for 10 years now.
Jaromic: It was my pleasure, my Liege.
Vratislav notioned a servant over, holding a plate with upon it a piece of parchment.
Vratislav: I know you are a religious man, my son.
Jarmoc: Yes, fath..., my Liege.
Vratislav: I hereby appoint you to bishop of a new bishopric in Temes. You shall govern the province as a count when it comes to politics and as a shepherd when it comes to religion.
Jaromic looked up and Vrastilav offered the parchment to him. While shaking, Jaromic took the parchment and bowed.
Jaromic: Th...th..thank you, my Liege.
Vratislav: Go now and look after those people as if it were your own children.
Jaromic: Yes, yes, my Liege.

In February 1077, Boleslav finished his court education. He had become an amateurish pettifogger with a feeling for diplomacy but no expert in it. He would however prove his worth later. All seemed good in the Kingdom of Bohemia but bad times were coming.

In April 1077, farming in Praha had taken a hit by poor seed selection. A local noble wrote in a letter to Vratislav:

“My Liege.
I have visited the lands of the farmers who were struck by a very poor harvest. Our prosperity has suffered and can only be described as poor. I hope the peasants will be able to recover from this heavy blow as many have debts now. Of course, I am sure your Majesty will do everything in his power to help us.
Your loyal servant”

On the 24th June 1077, grave news spread through the land. Swietoslawa, the wife of Vratislav had died in labour. She had not been able to give birth to her child and both had died. Vratislav declared a week of mourning. She was buried on the 29th of June 1077. Vratislav suffered greatly from this, it had been the second wife he had lost. His stress symptoms were getting worse and it seemed only praying kept him from a depression.

But he recovered quickly,very quickly ,only a month later, he married for the third time. He took Dorota von Rosenberg as his wife and took the duty too. Good news also arrived. Benes von Rosenberg, former chancellor of Bohemia and wounded during the Pagan Wars, had recovered from his wound.

Guta, daughter of Vratislav, became more and more a trouble child. She seemed to be vengeful and cruel. But Vratislav had other concerns. He sought to arrange a marriage for his son Boleslav. He eventually found a suitable bride for his 19-year old son in the court of the Duke of Meissen, Otto von Weimar. A messenger arrived at his court to ask if he would be interested in marrying his daughter to the son of a King. Vratislav thought this as a perfect diplomatic manoeuvre. He would marry his son to the daugher of a Duke of a Kingdom he had once belonged to.
Messenger: I have come from the court of Bohemia.
Otto: A message from a king! What is it he seeks of me?
Messenger: His 19-year old son Boleslav is eligible for marriage. My king has heard that your 16-year old daughter is still available and he asks you if you would agree to marry her to his son. My king would like an answer in a week tim...
Otto jumped up from his chair.
Otto: A week? I will answer now. Of course I agree. Then I will have royal relatives. Go and tell your king that the Duke of Meissen agrees.

The servant waited returned to Bohemia to tell Vratislav that Otto had agreed.

Vratislav was thinking of another war. He wanted to reward some of his courtiers for given services and wanted to please God by conquering more heathen territory. He met with his Crown Council to discuss the upcoming war. Kunik had recovered partly from his wounds and was able to take up the post of marshall again. Benes von Rosenberg, former chancellor, had also been improving, he would command one of the armies.

 

[unmerged(26451)]

7 Pagan Wars...again​

Vratislav discussed the plans of the upcoming war with his advisors. Kunik was able to command one of the armies who would lead the first attacks. There would be three campaigns against the northern Pagans. Vratislav called them the second, third and fourth Pagan War. He wanted to conquer the Baltic people and divide the land among men who had earned their share.

He had many meetings with his crown council and this would be the plan.

Yellow dots are gathering points for armies, blue dots provinces that need to be attacked.​

And so the wars began. On the 17th of January 1079, Bohemian troops marched into Pagan territory. The battle for Sambia looked like it would become a disaster at first. Kunik eventually faced 400 pagans with only 90 men but managed to hold them off for 3 days until the reinforcements arrived. After this, Sambia quickly fell and Vratislav was standing inside the small hillfort of Sambia on 15 February. He was dressed in heavy fur and Kunik showed him around.

Vratislav: Very good work, Kunik. I knew that I made a good choice appointing you. The battle was great. How did you manage to hold them off with only 90 men?
Kunik answered slowly and clearly with much trouble.
Kunik: Tactics...my Liege. My longbow archers had the...highground and my...knights managed to keep them at...bay.*cough cough cough*
Vratislav: Kunik, are you allright? Kunik? Kunik?
The words of the King echoed in Kunik’s head as he fell down on the ground. Guards rushed to help him up. He was put into bed by the guards and doctors arrived. They studied him for a few days and reported to the King.

Doctor 1: My Liege, we have studied the Marshall’s illness.
Vratislav: And? What does he have?
Doctor 1: He is seriously ill. It seems the wound he suffered in Temes has worsened. He is seriously ill but will probably be able to further oversee his position as marshall of the Bohemian army.
Vratislav: Will he get better soon?
The doctors fell silent for a while. After a few seconds, an older one spoke up.
Doctor 2: We think he will see another Christmas but not one after the next one...
Vratislav nodded and send the doctors away. He walked to a window and thought for a while.
Vratislav: Captain.
Captain: Yes, my Liege?
Vratislav: Bring me Benes von Rosenberg. I think he’s leading the Che division.
Captain: Yes, my Liege.

A few hours later, Benes walked in. He kneeled before the King.
Benes: My Liege, you have need of me?
Vratislav: Indeed I do. As you know, Kunik has fallen seriously ill.
Benes: I have heard so indeed. I feel sorry for him, we used to empty several cups of beer.
Vratislav: Yes, I know. Until he has recovered, his martial skill suffers from his disease, you are to oversee the function of marshall until the end of the second pagan war.
Benes nodded to himself.
Benes: I thank your majesty for his trust in his simple servant. I shall oversee my task with honour.
Vratislav: That I know. Now go and conquer some pagan land.
Benes: Yes, my Liege.

The armies rode into Memel. A noble who went by the name of Boleslav von Urslingen led the attack of the sword fighters. Von Urslingen fought on foot and slew many a pagan. He fought in the frontlines and distinguished himself in battle. Vratislav was impressed and the man was welcome to join the court of the King.
Vratislav oversaw the conquest of the provinces and improved his strategy and tactics during the war, adding to his martial skill. While he was planning the final assault on the hill fort of Memel, a group of pagan druids arrived.

Druid: Lord, we must tell you something very important.
Vratislav was bent over his maps, with his backs towards the druids he spoke.
Vratislav: Yes? But make it quick. I have important things to do.
Druid: We have seen evil omen in the skies. The ravens are flying in a circle and the sky is clouded. This means very bad luck for your....
The druids were pushed back by a group of priests who had seen the druids approach the King.
Priest: How dare you defile the ears of our blessed King with your filthy pagan beliefs. Get out of here.
Druid: But the King needs to listen to our advice, it could prove very important.
Vratislav turned around and faced the druids.
Vratislav: Listen to me. All what you say is just stupid superstition. Get lost and don’t return.

The final assault was led by Boleslav Premyslid, who was the first on the walls of the fort. He threw several enemies off the walls and fought himself a way to the gate. His prestige rose through this and many men admired his bravery. The second pagan war had been won and Memel and Sambia were added to Bohemia.

Benes von Rosenberg walked in the hill fort of Sambia where the King was temporarily residing. The pagan divine idols were removed and replaced by crosses. Flags of Bohemia were hung on the towers and serfs were cleaning up the death. Benes entered the temporary throne room. He kneeled before the King and looked up.
Benes: My Liege.
Vratislav: Benes, you have served me well for years. You were the chancellor when Bohemia became an independent Kingdom and arranged meetings with several kings to accept us as a nation.
Benes: I only did my duty, sire.
Vratislav: Yes. And for that, you will be rewarded.
Vratislav pointed towards a table in the room, upon which two scrolls were rolled out.
Vratislav: Go and claim your reward.
Benes rose quickly and marched towards the table. He read the scrolls quickly and a smile appeared on his face. The two scrolls installed him as count of Memel and count of Sambia.
Benes: My Liege is too generous.
Vratislav nodded and started leaving the room. In the doorway he stopped and turned around.
Vratislav: Of course, you are now relieved from your function as marshall. But I take it those two titles are enough compensation.
Benes: Certainly, milord.
Vratislav: Perfect...
Vratislav left the room and returned a few days later to his palace.

Vratislav sat at his desk in the palace, his steward Dorota von Rosenberg, sitting at a desk a bit further. After studying some texts, he looked up and asked Dorota:
Vratislav: Now, my loyal Steward, what is the state of the state’s finances?
Dorota: Well, to be honest, my Liege, very bad. We stand 227 in debt and it will take a while to recover from it. Even longer if you wish to go ahead with the third pagan war.
Vratislav: Of course I will go through with it. Isn’t there any way to gain money quickly?
Dorota: Well. Maybe there is. If my Liege will allow me to check some documents.
Vratislav: Of course.

A few minutes later.
Dorota: Well, you could call the Estates General. If you ask for a large contribution, we would net some 362 gold. This would give us a surplus of 149 gold.
Vratislav: Very well, I shall do as you advise me.

The Estates General were called in August 1079 and a large contribution was given. Dorota had been right and there was again a surplus.
Kunik was reinstated as marshall in September 1079 but doctors found out he suffered from an intestinal worm. He would certainly not live for another year.

 

[unmerged(26451)]

8 Running a Kingdom​

Vratislav through the eyes of the court painter​

Nothing much happened for a while. In Usti nad Labem, burgers demanded that peasants would be forbidden to sell goods within the city walls. Vratislav accept the demand since he could always use rich burgers on his side in the future.

And so came 1080. On the 10th March 1080, Kunik was talking the with the king about the army. The two of them were walking the gardens of the palace.
Kunik: Our losses from the previous war have been completely recovered. If we would go to war now, we would even be able to have more soldiers in the field than the previous wars.
Vratislav: Excellent. But are there enough provisions for the soldiers?
Kunik: We had some problems but I arranged it so the problems will be solved in a few months. My Liege, if you don’t mind, I have to sit for a while, I’m feeling a bit dizzy.
Vratislav: Of course, let us sit down.
Kunik sat down but kept feeling dizzy. After a few minutes, he started becoming very pale and Vratislav told a nearby guard to go fetch a doctor and some servants. When the doctor arrived, Kunik had been put on a stretcher and the doctor followed them to Kunik’s bedroom. When Kunik had been put on his bed, everyone left except for the doctor. After a while, the doctor came out and closed the door slowly.
Doctor: He is sleeping now.
Vrattislav stood up and asked slowly:
Vratislav: What is his condition?
The doctor sighed.
Doctor: He is resting now. He will probably die this month. His powers have flown from his body, nothing can be done to save him anymore. I suggest to bring a cleric over to give him the last sacraments. I am sorry,my Liege, but our knowledge is too limited to cure him.
Vratislav nodded

10 days later, Kunik died. He had received the last sacraments from the bishop of Temes. Two days later, he was canonized and became “The Holy Kunicus”, Saint of the wounded and ill soldiers.

A state burial was arranged and Kunik was buried in a large grave, which was visted by hundreds of pilgrims through the years, bringing in money for the church and local taverns. Vratislav would later say of Kunik: “He continued to serve his nation, even after his death.”

Boleslav von Urslingen, who had shown great courage in the second pagan war, was summoned to the court. Von Urslingen, still not sure how to behave, bowed so deeply that Vratislav had to laugh.
Vratislav: No, my best man. I am not the Almighty Himself.
Von Urslingen smiled nervously.
Vratislav: I have heard that you have a good knowledge of military tactics and strategy.
Von Urslingen: I cannot deny this.
Vratislav: Well then, let’s get down to business, I hereby promote you to marshall of Bohemia.
Von Urslingen forget all about protocol and said out loud:
Von Urslingen: What?....I, I mean....Excuse this outburst, my Liege.
Vratislav laughed.
Vratislav: I know you are fit for your task but go and visit the von Rosenbergs when you have some spare time. And ask them how to follow protocol because it seems you’re not really good at that yet...
Vratislav smiled and dismissed Boleslav.

Vratislav rose from his throne and went to the rooms of his son, Vladislav, who was 15 years old. Vladislav had been brought home by the city guards after attending several wild parties. He had escaped his personal bodyguards and had drunk so much that he was found throwing up in the streets. Luckily, the city guards recognised him and brought him to the palace.
Vratislav spoke an hour with his son, reminding him of his royal duties and that he had a reputation to keep high. He eventually managed to moderate his son and talking him out of any wild parties.

He then went to his daughter’s quarters, Bohuslava, who had been seen riding horses hard through the woods. Vratislav told her that such things were for men and not for women. He then encouraged to seek mental endeavours. Bohuslava obeyed her father and was seen studying law and economical books. She became a wise and just woman later.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

good luck. bohemia is a fun place to start.

that being said, in terms of historical accuracy (and i know you dont care for that much ) you should release the baltics as vassals or even independant dukes/kings.

just a thought. cant wait to see you expand. king of germany next?

 

[stnylan]

I like your little snippets of conversations. Very good fun.