Regnum Bohemicum – AAR

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Regnum Bohemicum
duchy of Bohemia AAR

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Hello everyone! I'm new to AARs, but I can't say the same about paradox games. I decided after long time to start with my first AAR. I will be playing Bohemia obviously, trying to roleplay characters, develop lands of Bohemian crown and Czech culture. As you probably know, Bohemia was hearth of Europe despite considered as Eastern nation. I will try to keep game interesting focusing on storytelling and enjoying challenge of turning common event to great stories. The beginning might be a little boring, as it takes time to put a heart to characters and world. First game years will be a little challenging as it is easy to get exterminated by aggressive AI, but after some time I can more focus on story, rather than beating AI algorithm...

I'm non-native English speaker and I like to write shorter posts. I like to put a story to my gameplay, but don’t expect roman book. My priority is building alternative history and describe it to reader. My goal is not to play game to beat a challenge, but challenge myself to really play the game and put my hearth into it.

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Chapter 0: Once upon time…​

In this AAR I will tell you the story of small duchy of Bohemia. Its destiny is not yet decided. Long way lies ahead, yet many dangerous along. Everything starts in the middle of Europe 1st January 867 Anno Domini. Christians in the west celebrates a new year, those in the East are preparing for celebration. Slavs in Bohemia celebrated new year 5 weeks ago…

Anyway, old Duke Neklan Přemyslovec was not warrior at all. He spent his life learning a craft of illusion. Actually, he was able to unite duchy of Bohemia by scheming and assassination of rival clan leaders. He rules over regions of Praha, Čáslav and Boleslav. While Praha, the capital of realm, which name comes from “land dried by sun”, is small castle, Boleslav and Čáslav, named after rulers, are just small, fortified holdings. Rest of Bohemia is ruled by his son and heir Hostivít, Vitislav Slavíkovec count of Hradec and Slavibor Pšova who rules over western holdings.

It is not easy situation. In the West dwells divided Frankish Empire, in the East lies Great Moravia, sibling nation, who wish to unite Central Slavs. In the North many Polish clans wish to pillage Bohemian lands. Neklan is old and seeks peaceful end of his life in this world of chaos.
Duke Neklan has been thinking about his legacy lately. He managed to unite the Czech tribes, but what about his dynasty? What will help them on their life's journey? Should his legacy be a house of warriors? Or perhaps his dynasty should be mostly righteous in the matter of law that restores order? No... He will die as he lived, with a sinister reputation that will be remembered for centuries. That's the price he pays when he fought with cloak and dagger.

Thinking about his legacy, Neklan does not know that a messenger from neighboring Silesia is on his way to deliver a marriage proposal. Chief Gardomir wants to marry his sister to Neklan's grandson Strojmír, whose father died 2 years ago for unknown reasons.

Now it is time to marry his older brother Spytimír as well. Daughter of Polanian chieftain seams like a best choice. Securing north and getting Slavic allies will surely secure safe future of Bohemian duchy.

It is also responsibility of duke to secure hir realm, so Neklan decide to extend his retinue by another 100 men of elite pikemen.

In June came a stab in the back with almost 3 thousand Silesian vandals looting Boleslav. Who is Gardomir? What does he think of himself? He betrayed dynastic ties for gold and attacked us! It is the time to plan revenge and bring back hid head. An so Neklan started to gather an army.

 

[HistoryDude]

Bohemia is in an unenviable position. This AAR sounds interesting. Subbed.

Also, welcome to AARland, @Sir Warriog The Bloody!

 

[Midnite Duke]

Welcome, @Sir Warriog The Bloody! Subbed. To increase readership, you can add a link in your signature and comment on other AARs. Thank you @HistoryDude, for allowing me to follow you here. @Sir Warriog The Bloody, thank you for sharing your talent with us.

 

[Lord Durham]

Nice start, @Sir Warriog The Bloody. Neklan sounds like a real piece of work. Good luck against Silesia.

To increase readership, you can add a link in your signature and comment on other AARs.

Listen to @Midnite Duke. He speaks with much wisdom. Eventually you may want to grab a spot in the Inkwell, too.

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Historical Note​

Duke Neklan was legendary Bohemian duke, who is sometimes marked as first duke of Bohemia. Neklan was described as peaceful and just. Name Neklan, in old Czech, means peaceful beehive despite a fact that he waged wars to unite Bohemia. His greatest battle was war with another Czech tribe Lučané in western part of Bohemia. He was not a warrior, so he sent his friend Tyr-Čestmír who defeated much greater force. Čestmír died in combat, but as Frankish chronicle says, he slew many enemies in heat of fight. His courage spread across all Bohemia. Neklan was said from loss of great commander and soulmate, but he decided to spare Lučan’s life.

Duke Neklan of Bohemia
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Hostivít was the son of Neklan. Apart from one source, the Frankish Chronicle, there is no information about his life. He is considered the father of the first documented duke – Bořivoj I. Přemyslovec, duke of Bohemia. Historians believe that during the time of the Hostivites, Bohemia was a unified duchy, but the various vassals remained mostly free. More like forced allies or tributary. Duke couldn’t take their land or force them to support him during war. There was only thing that could make them cooperate – fear.

Duke Hostivít of Bohemia
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Přemyslovci was first known Bohemian dynasty to rule over united Czech lands and later Moravia as well. Their rule lasted for 400 years through catholicization, formation of Bohemian kingdom and expansion to Poland, Hungary and east Holy Roman Empire. Until formation of kingdom, approved by Holy Roman Emperor for good services, Přemyslovci used their family coat of arms until 13th century. It was black eagle in fire on silver shield. It was probably inspired by Germanic coats of arm. Later they adopted new coat of arms for kingdom of Bohemia as eagle was also symbol of Holy Roman Empire. And emperor was always right…

Přemyslovci Coat of arms
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This is all for the moment. Soon I will post fullscale chapter 1. Now when you know a little background behind mentined legendy characters, you can see them roleplayed. Sooner or later I will move away from history and write alternative fictional history notes. it seams to me it is a good way how to summarize game progress and put a good feel into the story.

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Chapter 1: Who wants peace, prepares for war​

While the Silesian army is marching towards Hradec and looting villages, the mayor Jiřík from Vyšehrad approaches the duke: "My lord, Perun, grant you long life! I promise to avenge the Silesian betrayal and bring you the head of Chieftain Gardomir!"
Neklan raises his hand to stop him: “Take your time, young man. You know as well as I do that my army is neither large nor strong. Take my men and call all levies. March to help Hradec, but don't be stupid. You don't know what war means. Don't go to slaughter. But don't let them rest!"

With that Jiřík hastily left to organize the soldiers. He placed his forces in Jaroměř, west of Hradec, across the river. It is a land of forests and fields. He was thus tempted to attack the Silesians, but failure was unacceptable. He watched and vowed that one day he will avenge everyone who had been sacrificed. When Silesian left Hradec with all that loot, Jiřík followed them keeping safe distance. When they crossed the border, he turned made it back to Prague.

Neklan appreciated Jiřík’s service. He told him to keep calm. The preparation for the future has just begun. The duke ordered a letter to be sent throughout Bohemia. We invite every brave man to serve as a Zbrojnoš. Not a knight, not a noble, but still good warrior. As reward for such service, each member of duke’s personal army will receive silver and land.

As another step of the plan, Duke told mayor Jiřík to send some reliable men to Silesia. Neklan is peaceful, but not weak. He decided to send assassin. Not to kill chieftain, but to scary him. Show him, that he is not safe anywhere. Make him regret that day, he crossed the border as enemy. Neklan never wanted full scale war. But Czechs have a saying: As it is called to the forest, so it is heard from the forest.

Meanwhile, duke’s grandson Bořivoj reached age of 16 and it was time to secure dynasty future. Unfortunately, his father Hostivít decide, he will search for bride himself. There was nothing Neklan could possibly do. Hostivít was ruler of Plzeň and Doudleby and it means he was nearly independent ruler.

Hostivít didn’t wanted to angry his father, so he offered loan to support defense of duchy. It was obvious that Neklan is old and probably won’t repay it. But Hostivít didn’t care. He helped his father securing his heritage. He also mustered 500 skirmishers, 200 bowmen and 200 cavalries. Hostivít was very good with money. He was skilled architect and understood economic. One day he will become duke himself. And his plans could be realized.

Neklan also decided to send his most loyal man to court of King Ludwig II. Ludwig was not strong, but still stronger than small duchy of Bohemia. It is good practice to keep your enemies closer than friends. It might come handy one day. But it was importnat to keep this secret. Bohemians and Germans were not natural friends. It could be disastrous to angry subjects.

Two years have passed since Silesian invasion. It was time to serve revenge right on the plate. Will it succeeds? Will Silesians pay for their crimes? We will see soon!

 

[Midnite Duke]

The legends soon men with legendary status. Thank you for the update

 

[HistoryDude]

Hopefully Silesia can be brought to heel.

I appreciated the historical background post. Does the bit about the Kingdom of Bohemia forming under the HRE still apply to the game's history?

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Hopefully Silesia can be brought to heel.

I appreciated the historical background post. Does the bit about the Kingdom of Bohemia forming under the HRE still apply to the game's history?

Neklan doesn't aim for conquest, he just doesn't like being betrayed. He will probably try to punish the Chieftain somehow.

Yes, I would say, Paradox pictured Bohemia pretty historically. Still it's a game and Bohemia have no special content, but history is pretty correct.

 

[HistoryDude]

Yes, I would say, Paradox pictured Bohemia pretty historically. Still it's a game and Bohemia have no special content, but history is pretty correct.

Fair enough. I meant in your game, though, not the history files. Are you planning on submitting to the HRE? Or have you played a decent bit ahead and already done so?

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Fair enough. I meant in your game, though, not the history files. Are you planning on submitting to the HRE? Or have you played a decent bit ahead and already done so?

I'm like 10 years ahead with playing before I write the post. I need to start filtering interesting event istead of writing about everything. I plan to keep close to historical line if possible with some alternative goals. HRE is actually interesting place to be, so I will probably be part of it. Even if I convert to EU4 it will be fun to be there.

 

[Chac1]

Interesting start to these tales. Sorry I am a bit late to welcome you to the Forum @Sir Warriog The Bloody . I think you will find this to be a welcoming spot. You already have some good reader/mentors in @HistoryDude , @Midnite Duke & @Lord Durham . Feel free to ask any of us questions if you have them.

You may wish to advertise your AAR in the Inkwell.

If you'd rather research the answers to questions yourself there's the SolAARium and the fAARq, which are excellent resources.

Also, feel free to interact with other writers in the main part of the AARland forum.

It will be interesting to see where this AAR takes you and the rest of us.

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Chapter 2: German invasion​

Chief Gardomir was enjoying his daily feast brought to him by his servants. As usual, at lunch time the whole family gathered in the grand house to feast, talk politics and enjoy a musical performance. Nothing could be more mundane except for one moment. The Chief was about to put a bite in his mouth, but a guard burst into the hall and shouted, "Chief! NO! It's poisoned!" Everyone panicked. In no time all the food was on the floor and the wine was spilling. No one found out who actually poisoned the food, but the message was clear. Watch out!

Current situation in 869 around duchy of Bohemia​

After the invasion of the brigand from Silesia, there was relative calm. Although their rampage still resonated with the residents in the east and the nobility in Prague, life went on. Until it seemed that the dark period would give way to a sunny day. But the opposite was true. Dark clouds from the west were retreating to the borders of Bohemia. It did not take long for the Christian world to turn its gaze to the westernmost stronghold of the Slavic pagans.

In one year, the troops of the Duke of Bavaria came from the south and the Duke of Norgau from the north. The Czechs were not ready. All seemed lost already. Christian knights came to spread their faith, but mainly to conquer new territories. Neklan's relatively weak army, despite the numerical disadvantage, was preparing to defend the homeland. Just when it seemed that things couldn't get any worse, news began to spread from the north. The warriors of the Polish tribes began to cross the border. It was an absolute disaster...

But the Gods showed us their kindness. Polish warriors did not come to loot. Rather, help their distant brothers in defense. It was unbelievable how many came. Almost four thousand fighters. The armies of the Slavs united and set out to meet the enemy. They first faced the Bavarians in the south and then rushed to the northwest. The Germans did not give up. They crossed the border almost six times, but were always driven back. It was already looking very bad in some battles, but the gods stood by Neklan. They didn't let him taste defeat.

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After almost a year, the fighting ended. It was clear that the Germans had run out of strength. Neklan consolidated its power, gained fame and improved its position in the center of Europe. With the money from the ransomed prisoners and reparations, he immediately had a new barracks built in Prague and gave some gold to his son. The danger has passed. The Bavarian duke tried to compensate for his disgrace by a war against his king. He attempted to gain independence and declare himself King of Bavaria.

Five long years of peace and prosperity have passed. Neklan could finally return to internal affairs. But he was already very old. Likewise his wife Ponislava. She did not wake up one frosty February morning. It was a very sad day. Duke has declared a week of mourning to honor the memory of such an impresive woman, mother of two sons.
Neklan was very much against the remarriage, but politics is a high game. He still hasn't forgotten the Silesian Treason. So he married the daughter of the chief of northern Lusitania. The new alliance was a threat to everyone else. This is exactly what Chief Gardomir realized when the Czech and Lusitanian troops invaded Przemków, the area to which the Silesian troops had retreated after looting eastern Bohemia. The territory was insignificant, but the revenge was delicious.

However, the war was very long. It took almost 4 years to occupy the entire area. The Slezans even drove Neklan's troops back to Bohemia twice. It was a bloody war. Almost half of the warriors did not return home. But in the end, Neklan won and could return back to peaceful live. Not much time left for him, but he will remian in legends. His legacy will be remembered.

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Meanwhile, far to the west, a new empire was created. Christians called it the Holy Roman Empire. In Bohemia, this empire was rather perceived as the Frankish Empire. The Pope declared Charles II as its emperor. They called him great just like Charles I. And he was really great. He posses the strongest army in christian world. Let see if he continue his ambition to unite Europe under his rule.

In the east, the Bulgarian Empire split. It is not clear if anyone will be able to reunite it. Moreover, when a Pannonian king of Bulgarian origin rules the Avars and the other one rules the Wallachians. The Eastern Roman Empire follows the fate of its Western ancestor. Drowning in civil wars and claims to the throne while the Abbasids pushed from Arabia and the Kazakhs from the Crimea.

Far to the north, on the islands of the Picts and Saxons, a massive war was taking place that was to decide the fate of the region. Armies of invaders from Scandinavia flooded English fields, Irish forests and Scottish highlands. Christians repel Odin's berserkers. Viking pirates hunted traders from Europe. The northerners conquered one settlement after another and settled down. The last resistance of the Anglo-Saxon kings was held on the south coast.

Vikings also invaded Brittany causing troubles to Franks.

World of March 879​

 

[HistoryDude]

Neklan managed to expand Bohemia. The Polish aid is likely appreciated.

How long will Bohemia remain pagan and subject to holy wars from the many Christian territories? Conversion will be a pragmatic move - soon, if it isn't already.

A French HRE? I'm interested in seeing how that plays out.

Congrats on achieving your vengeance!

 

[Midnite Duke]

Good job, Duke Neklan. You may rest from your labors, knowing that you did a good job for the people of Bohemia.

 

[Sir Warriog The Bloody]

Neklan managed to expand Bohemia. The Polish aid is likely appreciated.

How long will Bohemia remain pagan and subject to holy wars from the many Christian territories? Conversion will be a pragmatic move - soon, if it isn't already.

A French HRE? I'm interested in seeing how that plays out.

Congrats on achieving your vengeance!

In Bohemia, Christianity was minimal from 845. This is written in the Frankish chronicles. In 863, Cyril and Methodius were invited from Constantinople to spread the faith in Bohemia and create a unified alphabet for the Czechs. In 895, Prague fell under the Bavarian Archbishopric.

All this means that Christianization is already taking place in Bohemia, but it is not yet official.

Spoiler

Bořivoj will have more than one reason to be baptized as he was in history...