Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Eleven : Freeloader From The West

This chapter opens in early January, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress back in charge of her Empire.

She was now Zealous and a Pilgrim. Which shoulde make the Religious Vassals happy and isn’t that a good thing?

As the Empress tried to settle back into what was daily life, eating amazing meals, complaining about her idiotic Vassals, and sleeping in beds with silk sheets, a Noble from the House Krasas presented himself at her Imperial Count.

After she welcomed the man who had come all the way from the Byzantine Empire she turned to her Courtiers and asked, in a whisper, “Who is he?”

“A Freeloader,” replied one of the Courtiers. “He is Anthimos Krasas, Greek, a member of the Orthodox Church. Though he seems to be a Wicked Priest.”

“So he was chased out because he did naughty things!” remarked the Empress.

“No, we think he is fleeing his Rival,” replied one of the Courters. “Loukas Krasas.”

“So the head of his House is chasing him?”

“No,” responded the Courtiers. “He IS the head of his household. But neither of then have titles, money, or soldiers.”

“Then why would he come to India?!?” demanded the Empress in a confused voice. “Why would he run away at all? His Rival had no men, money, or lands! How is he a threat?!?!”

“Because he hopes to make his fortune here and return back to Greece with a army to destroy his rival, capture the titles he wants, and in general fulfill his hopes and dreams,” pointed out one of the Courtiers.

The Empress just sighed. “Freeloaders. Oh well, let’s get him married and settled in.”

So the Empress arranged for the Greek Freeloader to marry Evanthia, who was a Noblewoman, and who wanted to get married. The man agreed to the marriage.

Then the Empress gave him a purse of money and asked him to turn to the True Faith.

Anthimos agreed to convert, likely due to the gift, and settled to become the newest Imperial Courtier. His job to help spread Greek culture and produce, with his wife, babies.

---------------------------------​

Author’s Notes:

OOC: Accidentally pushed the F12 button and saved a world map. So I may as well show it -

 

[roverS3]

Interesting how Eulalia is now both a zealot and unfaithful. How does she square the circle?

At least the freeloader isn't complaining. He accepted the wife that was chosen for him, and he converted to the local religion when asked nicely. He's doing his best to integrate into his hew surroundings.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Twelve : Planning For The Future

This chapter opened in mid January, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress trying to find ways to disband or destroy the many Factions in her Empire.

There were just too many. And many of these trouble makers were related to her by blood or marriage. It was embarrassing!

And one of her Council Members was in the Army of Doux Lomapada instead of doing his job!

So she sent the Basileus Narubho Kalodaye, her husband, to replace her Protostrator.

So Doux Dionysios could organize the army at home. She also was notified that her Mystikos, her Spy Master, was so busy with crushing his Revolt that he also was slacking off.

So he was ordered to scheme and counter-scheme. To search for plots to expose.

At that time she noticed that her husband’s daughter, from his dead wife, was Queen Mother Suwarte of the Pala Kingdom. But, for such a long title, she was only 38 years old and single! She did have two sons, one of which was a trouble maker, but getting her married might prove useful. She was a Noblewoman and was still able to make babies. Surely somebody powerful would want to marry her?

Then the Empress realized the perfect husband for a Queen Mother. Another member of a Royal Family. Prince Soorjat Badwaik. So she sent the paperwork for the arranged marriage to the Queen Mother’s son, who was also her Liege, and he said yes!

The Empress tried her best to bring Prince into her small cluster of friends. Or at least loyal Vassals.

She sent him a small gift of coins. That helped improve his opinion of his Liege.

But he still refused to become a Buddhists. Not a good sign.

The reason she wanted him to be a close Vassal was that one of his claims lay outside the Empire and was a very important one.

One of his claims was the Mana Kingdom. Which made sense as he was a member of the Dynasty. But would he ever get it? Not as the poor, landless, Noble he was at the moment. But maybe the Empress could give him a chance? And tie him to her Empire.

She decided that the County of Kunggar was harmless enough to give him. But would also give him land, coinage, and soldiers.

Funny enough his Heir was also the official Heir of the Mana Kingdom. The Empress pondered what would happen if the boy became a Great King and one of her Counts at the same time?

But the NEW Count of Kunggar still refused to become a Buddhist and she refused to give him any more lands or titles.

Still, it was a good start. She could watch over him and slowly shape him into a good little Vassal. And if he, somehow, ended up a Great King. Well, she was an Empress and he would have to obey his Liege.

And so we close this chapter with the Empress planning very long term plans. At least one of her plans.

 

[Eurasia]

Interesting how Eulalia is now both a zealot and unfaithful. How does she square the circle?

She is a zealous Buddhist but a unfaithful wife.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Thirteen : Stupid Factions!

This chapter opens in late January, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress getting some news from the other branch of her Dynasty.

Seems the Great King Theophylaktos “The Chaste” of Lanka wanted to see his Realm Prosper. No doubt so he could become rich and powerful and invade somebody else.

Not that she cared about Theophylaktos and his plans for the future.

She wasn’t so sure he was right in the head anyway. First, he didn’t like her, which showed his bad taste. And, second, why have so many concubines if you were going to be chaste? What a waste!

At this point she also decided that while waiting for Prince Soorjat Badwaik of the Mana Kingdom to become more….malleable…it didn’t mean she had to be the one to babysit him.

So she handed him over to the Duchess Viviana “The Tenacious” of Lhasa. The Duchess didn’t like the Empress BUT she did want the County of Kunggar and was somewhat a good Buddhist. So she might convert the Prince. Or replace him. It was really up in the air to be honest.

But as long as she didn’t have to deal with the Prince the Empress decided it was a good decision.

It also meant that the Empress could focus on the Factions within her Empire.

The first was a movement to Increase the Imperial Council’s Power led by Exarch Danujmadhava of the Pala Kingdom.

The Express tried to offer the Exarch a Non-Aggression Pact but it was turned down.

The man liked the Empress. But had his schemes and plans for the future. He wanted power and he wasn’t going to let anything get in his way.

Then there was Doux Rajyapala of Nadia. He was the leader of the movement to make Baron Ganeshwar Singh the Ruler of the Kingdom of Bengal.

The Empress assumed he was idiot. Trying to put another Noble, a lesser Noble, on the Throne of Bengal. He was an idiot and a weaken!

Then there was the Doux Vasudeva of the Ghosha Raj who was the leader of the movement to make Prince Niphon, one of her kin, to be Emperor of Maurya.

Another idiot trying to put somebody ELSE in power. Or was it a trick to grab the power at the last moment?

Then there was Doux Lomapada of Tirabhukti who had started a movement to bring gavelkind successtion to the Kingdom of Nepal.

Another idiot.

Then there was Doux Bhogishwar “The Wise” who had founded a movement to put Rajkumar Jhotisena onto the Throne of Nepal.

Idiot.

And last was Count Hektorios of Kotivarsa wanted to bring gavelkind succession to the Empire of Maurya.

“They are all idiots,” murmured the Empress to herself after reviewing the report on the Factions.

But she realized they would be hard to deal with. Most of them hated her and gifts would not work. No, small purses of coins would not sway these Vassals.

She would have to think about it. And move carefully….

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Fourteen : Why Can’t The Vassals Behave!

This chapter opens in the end of January, in the year 936 AD, with the Empress trying to deal with the most dangerous Plot being hatched by her Vassals

Doux Lomapada was plotting to CLAIM the Kingdom of Bihar. If he got enough backers he would demand the Title of the Kingdom with the threat that he would start a war. And there would be war because everybody with half a brain knew that the Basilissa would fight. She would be more than happy to go to war.

She was from a long line of warriors. And of course she was bored.

But she tried the peaceful method of canceling out the plot by telling the backers to…well…back off. And failed. One of the byproducts of being so disliked was even simple requests such as these could be turned down.

The Empress just shrugged. If another Revolt started she would crush it.

Then there was another problem. Doux Rajyapala of Nadia hated her for a LOT of reasons. He was the husband of Countess Simonis, the failed Rebel, but it turned out he might be a better rebel than his wife was. At least he had people skills.

Which made him MORE dangerous than his wife. While she was the better warrior he was the better diplomat.

So, the Countess was released. Better to have a rude smelly Warrior than smooth talking Ruler as your enemy. Also the Peace Treaty was with HER and not her husband.

In February the Empress received some news from outside of the Empire. Some of which did impact her Dynasty. In a way.

The first piece of news was that the Satyavarman was in a fresh war.

Because one of her VASSALS had declared war on it to subjugate it!

And this impacted her because her NEPHEW was the Heir to the Kingdom.

“He could have been married to another branch of the Dynasty,” grumbled the Empress. “If this idiot Doux screws up my long term plans to take over the world I will gut him!”

There was also a murder plot uncovered. Seems Devabhuti of the House Pala wanted to kill Doux Gerasimos of Yarlung of the House Dysnomia.

“Tell the idiot to stop!” responded the Empress on hearing the news. “Nobody murdered Imperial family members without my permission!”

A few days later she learned that Chief Theophilos of Artux, the member of the family who was causing so much trouble in the Mongol Empire, was being raided by a Host.

She found this amusing.

Near the end of February she found Evanthia Exotrochos and Prokopios of Amdo of the House Dysnomia making out.

She decided to keep it to herself. One was a member of her Dynasty and the woman liked her. Why cause waves?

So the Empress tried her best to select the best choices for her and her Dynasty. Would it help keep the peace or was she just giving her enemies more time to scheme against her?

 

[Bullfilter]

A few days later she learned that Chief Theophilos of Artux, the member of the family who was causing so much trouble in the Mongol Empire, was being raided by a Host.

That’s what he gets.

She found this amusing.

And for the name of the host leader too? Very appropriate Theophilos should have a load of bilge dumped on him!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Fifteen : Mistakes Were Made

This chapter opens in late February, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress realizing that the Capital was now Fever free.

So she ordered the Army of Doux Lomapada to come back to the Capital.

As she waited for her Imperial troops to return to the Capital she went to the Wall Map to examine the current conflicts rocking her Realm.

In March Exarch Mew was still fighting the Revolt in the north.

To the west Punjab was laying siege to one of Nadia’s provinces while one of their own provinces was being laid siege to.

The Empress wanted to join Mew in his war as she wished to help crush the Revolt but she was told by the lawyers that this was a no-no. She pouted for a tad but moved on to try to stop another plot.

Seems one of her Religious Vassals, Narses, was scheming to kill Romanos of the House Katakylas. She didn’t really care either way but one of the backers of the plot was the formal Rebel, Countess Simonis of Lhoyu. So not only was she causing trouble again but she had joined a plot to kill one of her own Courtiers! And a member of the Empress’s own Dynasty.

The Countess refused to stop backing the plot. The Empress was pissed. And on top of that when she asked the Doux of Magadha to stop getting involved he also refused.

So she decided to punish him by forcing him to adopt Gavelkind Succession. His titles would be split among his many kids. Or siblings.

He agreed but only if she owed him a favor. She agreed to this only because she was too pissed off to think clearly.

In mid March the Temple in Puri was finished. Of course the Empress could not hold such a Title and handed it over to one of her Son-In-Laws. He had no titles or lands and she figured he would be grateful.

But the Courtiers pointed out a problem after the ink had dried on the paperwork. He was a Pagan and by handing him a Temple he was now a Shaman. And was refusing to convert because he was now a Ruler.

She first facepalmed herself and then sent the Shaman a small purse of money. Which seemed to help. A little. But he still refused to convert.

So this chapter ends with the Empress grinding her teeth and pondering maybe getting drunk would help her relax.

“It’s one of those months,” murmured the Empress as she rubbed her nose.

 

[roverS3]

These vassals are once again causing much more trouble than they are worth. If only the Basilissa was more likeable... Of course, the vassals are insane if they believe any of their revolts could work out, because it has already been clearly established that the Empress has a loyal and strong professional army along with deep coffers to hire mercenaries, there is no way they win against the might of the Empire. Letting yourself be bribed by the empress to stop plotting against her just seems like the pragmatic thing to do, whether you like her or not.

The Empress wanted to join Mew in his war as she wished to help crush the Revolyt but she was told by the lawyers that this was a no-no.

Why was it a no-no? Do we know, or are the lawyers are holding their cards close to their chest.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Sixteen : Conflicts. All The Conflicts!

This chapter opens in early April, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress looking over her Wall Map and noticing all the symbols of military units.

As she stood there and examined the pieces that showed all the Vassals at war she received news that the Lords of Lhoyu had approved of the institution of Late Feudal Administration Law. Which made the Countess even more powerful.

"Crap," said the Empress.

And by the middle of the month she was notified that Boethios of Nalrajar Garh was plotting to kill Akakios of Nalrajar Garh. The only reason her staff could find for this plot was because they were Rivals.

"Damn it," replied the Empress. "Tell him to stop!"

Then Countess Jira of Radha used a Favor the Empress owed her to be pardoned of all her crimes. The Empress agreed. Mostly because she had no idea who the Countess Jira of Radha was.

“Did I know her? Oh, she became a Vassal of mine when I became the Empress? Oh, okay, whatever,” said the Empress after the Countess happily marched out of the Throne Room.

Near the end of April the Imperial forces finally arrived at the Capital. The troops were greeted by cheering family, friends, and bar owners.

As they marched into the Capital the Empress decided the walls of the City of Pragyotisapira needed to be upgraded.

The Empress, in May, went back to the Wall Map, to examine the many conflicts that were, once again, rocking her Realm.

The symbols on the wall told her that Exarch Mew “The Whisper” was winning his war against Tishifan of the Kjam Revolt.

It also showed that Doux Rajyapala of Nadia was winning his war with Punjab.

On the other hand it looked like Doux Lomapada of Tirabhukti was losing his war with the Kingdom of Ayudha.

The war between the Doux of Bhar Raj and the Great King of the Satyavarman Kingdom was too fresh for anybody to decide who was winning.

“My Vassals are in so many wars,” whined the Empress. “Think about the Trade people! Think about the TRADE!”

And so this chapter ends with the Empress worried about her Trade and, therefore, her Import Taxes.

 

[Bullfilter]

Then Countess Jira of Radha used a Favor the Empress owed her to be pardoned of all her crimes. The Empress agreed. Mostly because she had no idea who the Countess Jira of Radha was.

“Did I know her? Oh, she became a Vassal of mine when I became the Empress? Oh, okay, whatever,” said the Empress after the Countess happily marched out of the Throne Room.

Well that’s not so bad then.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Seventeen : So Bored!

This chapter opens in May, in the year 936 AD, with the Empress looking over the list of Factions again.

“Damn them,” she murmured.

She then moved on to the list of her Councilors. At least they were loyal to her. Kind of. Well, at least the Spy Master was totally loyal and he was really the only one who counted in the end.

She noticed that her Retinue could be made to reinforce at a higher speed. At a higher cost. But she was willing to pay it.

And the Known Plots were only down by one.

She also noticed one more person backing the plot against her! The Doux of Nadia had joined. Who also was locked in combat with Punjab.

Seems the Spy Master had already asked him to stop backing the plot. Or had he been asked to stop another plot? If he refused she COULD arrest him. But then who would run his war?

So in the end she decided to go on a Tiger Hunt. In public she stated she was bored.

But in reality she was getting worried about all the plots and schemes. She started to feel invisible daggers being aimed at her. So going into the jungle with a bunch of Imperial Guards for a few weeks seemed somewhat safer than hanging about the Throne Room waiting to be stabbed, overthrown, or blackmailed.

And so the Castle/Palace, and its staff, started to prepare for a Tiger Hunt.

 

[Bullfilter]

So going into the jungle with a bunch of Imperial Guards for a few weeks seemed somewhat safer than hanging about the Throne Room waiting to be stabbed, overthrown, or blackmailed.

And so the Castle/Palace, and its staff, started to prepare for a Tiger Hunt.

Er, hope there’s no hunting accident. Or just an angry tiger.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Eighteen : Chilling

This chapter opens in mid May, of the year 936 AD, with the staff being VERY busy.

It took some time to prepare for the hunt. Elephants had to be selected. Bags had to be packed. Outfits had to be planned. Menus made and approced. And the Hunting Guides had to decide on the best site to camp at.

Soon the Hunting Party was on its way to the region picked for the hunt. Soon the camp site was reached, the cooking fires were lit, the tents put up, and the Guards stationed to protect the Party.

As she enjoyed her first meal of the hunt, enjoying the star filled sky and the wind softly moving through the branches of the trees, the Empress was brought news of a death.

Seems Pulcheria of the House Kauleas, a Vassal of a Vassal of a Vassal, had died of cancer.

“Do I know her? Whatever. Pass the cake!”

And so the Empress enjoyed riding around on her Imperial Elephant. Mostly drinking wine, eating pastries, and enjoying the dagger free life.

One day she DID wake up somewhat depressed. Maybe she should go someplace to be alone and think about her life? NAAAA!

After all the Duchess Eupraxia II of Varendra, her daughter who would become the next Empress, liked her. And isn’t that all that mattered.

And so this chapter ends with a happy Empress enjoying not being assassinated or threatened or in the middle of a civil war.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Has cartographer Ferris given any thought to making a giant outdoor map mural? He could attach seats to an axle for easy viewing. Thank you for the updates

All Caught Up. A full tiger is a happy tiger. Will the ghost of Lord Meow-Meow ride and the Basilissa make some tigers happy?

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Nineteen : When Big Cats Attack!

This chapter opens in late May, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress enjoying her time at the Hunt.

Most of her days she rode around the jungle in her Elephant platform. It was fan cooled and supplied with chilled drinks and yummy snacks.

At night she sleep in her Imperial tent after having a three course meal prepared for her by her cooks.

And she was always protected by Hunters and Imperial Guards. Nothing could happen to her.

So she was pretty shocked when the tiger leapt out of the bushes and attacked the Hunting Party.

Luckily for her the Empress was on top of her Elephant and completely safe. And luckily for the rest of the Party the soldiers easily took out the tiger with their oberwhelming numbers and long pointy spears.

It was really a one-sided fight but that didn’t keep the Empress from bragging about it over dinner.

She was also given some news while enjoying the main course of roast peacock.

Seems Rani of House Ghosha had given birth to a bastard.

The father was Prokopios of Amdo of the House Dysnomia. As he had three lovers, and one of them was NOT Rani, it was assumed he had dumped her.

Funny enough he was also a rival of Shaman Torolchi of Aska of the House Uriankhai. Whose wife had rejected a Seduction Attempt. Many suspected that Prokopios might have something to do with that but there was no direct evidence.

Still, the Empress pondered over some wine, if they killed each other all the better.

The Empress sent a letter to the Council suggesting the boy learn to live life on the wild side. Let him learn to deal with daily life on his own. To compete for food and struggle to survive. After all, as a bastard, it was unlikely anybody would help him.

But a part of her felt somewhat sorry for him. Almost as if he was kin. Which he was…so….yeah.

She looked at a few of her counties and decided on Monyul. It was developed but not too developed. And didn’t contain any of her Trading Posts.

So even as the Hunting Party packed up and prepared to return to the Capital she sent off a scroll to the Council which gave the boy the County.

And so a newborn became Count Keshabsen of Monyul.

The chapter ends with a dead tiger, a roasted peacock, and a baby Count!

 

[Midnite Duke]

AI Seduction focus is pure evil. Baby count to what number? Poor tiger. Thank you

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Twenty : Politics, Politics, Politics

This chapter opens in late May, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress deciding she didn’t wish to deal with the Shaman.

So she filled out the forms to hand him over to Princess Eupraxia, her daughter and future Empress, so tje girl would have to deal with the trouble maker herself. Maybe the girl would learn some skills in learning how to deal with idiots like him. Or maybe she would just kill him. Either way was good.

Funny enough the Princess seemed to be happy to have another Vassal to boss around and it improved her opinion of her mother.

In June, as the Empress was enjoying the ride in her Elephant platform with her monkey powered fan and her chills wines, a rider brought her news from the County of Kathmandu.

Seems Doux Dionysios III had taken the County from Chrysogone. The Empress WOULD have been upset about this if it wasn’t for the fact that the Doux had such a high opinion of her while the woman didn’t. So decided to let things be.

So the County of Kathmandu now belonged to the Doux. Likely because it was on the Trade Route.

The man who seemed to be having some health issues. He was a Duelist which might explain why he was scarred.

One of the first things the Doux was banish one of the Courtiers from Kathmandu. A lowborn Muslim of the Sunni branch who was kind of slow. That seemed to be the only reason he was banished.

He ended up under the Rule of Caliph Qawurd of the House Abbasid. Well, under one of the Caliph’s many vassals, anyway.

Moving to one of the most powerful Empires outside of India wasn’t a bad move. At least the Doux couldn’t get him there.

Then the Empress heard news from the Council. They told her that Bhikshuni Dionysia of Baghabarihat wanted a position on the Council.

The Empress pondered and filed the piece of news away in her memory. The Noblewoman had some good skills but she was also….well….old. Giving her a position on the Council just to have her die would be…well…..embarrassing.

Still, on the other hand she had a cool scar. Decisions were hard!

By mid June the Hunting Party had returned to the Capital to the cheering crowds of people who felt tiger rugs were the bee’s knees.

Nobody knew what that meant but nobody wanted to be the first to admit they didn’t know what that meant. So everybody used the ‘bee’s knees’ even when it made no sense.

So this chapter closes with a Successful Hunt.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Poor Tiger. Give problems to daughter; it will build character. Thank you for updating

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Nine Hundred-Twenty-One : Interesting Times

This chapter opens in mid June, of the year 936 AD, with the Empress's husband whining too much about the military.

Seems her husband wasn't fit to be a real soldier. He didn't mind commanding troops on the battlefield. But he wasn’t happy about spending so much time marching about the dirty roads, drilling in the hot sun in full gear, sleeping in small tents with other smelly soldiers, and eating cold rations in the rain. He was a good warrior, skilled with the sword, but he just didn't the rough life that came with warfare.

She decided he complained too much. Maybe when he died she could ask the Empress of China for a new husband?

As the Empress walked about the Throne Room she noticed that the artists were working on the Wall Map.

“What you up to?” she said as she appeared behind them. Scaring them and causing many of them to drop their tiny tools and gems.

“We’re trying to figure out the cultures of Europe and Africa,” pointed out one of the artists. “It seems that Africa is more Arabs, Greeks, and even Aztecs then Africans. Africans are a minority in Africa.”

“How interesting….” said the Empress. “And Europe?”

“Parts if Europe have the same issue,” replied the same artist. “Lots of Aztec and not a lot of Europeans. Cultures are being pushed around or even crushed.”

“The world is a interesting place,” commented the Empress. Trying to sound smart and failing.

The artists bowed as she left the Throne Room and went back to work. They kind of liked it when she slowed them down. They could charge her for overtime.