Russian Path (Suomenko Mega Campaign)

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

This ARR is devoted to the history of Meryavid dynasty (Meri). From pitty count Opolye nearby Moscow to huge and strong Kingdome (I hope, game in process). I plan to play up to the end and futher convert my save to EU IV. Who knows? May I be successful! It is my first ARR and it is my first game in CK III. So... Let's start!

Chapter I. Dark ages

.... It was a cold autumn 929 AD in the Meryavid lands. High Chieftain of small suomenko tribe resides in his fort Timerovo. Kezhevat is a leader of Meri House, power vassal in Gardariki kingdome. The Meri House was fonded in 733 by legendary chieftain Surt. His grandfather Kezhevat and father Surt conquered many lands. During a set of fierce wars with Khazar Kaganate they defended independance. Surt decided voluntary to become a vassal of the Gardariki Kingdome in order to protect against Khazar Kaganate. Kezhevat himself has subjugated Moskva, Tver, Orsh, Vologda. In January 959 Chieftain Kezhevar was dead. His 40-years old son Orm inherited the throne. After brief war with his brother he reunited the tribe. It is worth to emphasize that situation of brief "kinsman war" was regulary repeated from inheritance to inheritance. Unfortunately Orm ruled only 7 years... Due to the wounds, received in his father's battles, he was suddenly dead.

23 June 966. Single son of Orm named Tyuekezhut ascended to the throne. It was a clever young man with a quite pretty face and gentle manners. He was an outstanding scheme plotter. He organized a plot against his liege, seduced his wife and aster the liege's assassination he married her. Foreign policy of the Opolye duchy was also agressive. Tyuekezhut invaded Bjarmaland Kingdome (far north-east), conquered neighboring steppe lands (Vladimir, Murom, Nishny Novgorod). The goal was obvious - reinforce the duchy to protect against Khazar Kaganate.

Being vassal of Gardagiki was becoming wearisome for Tyuekezhut. There were no any assistance in wars and defence. Vassalage seriously bounded developmnet and cultural promotion. Tyuekezhut didn't want to burden a risk of title deprivation. So in 1004 he pretended the title of King of Vladimir kingdome. Resistance was very low and Tyuekezhu has become the King of Vladimir, one of the biggest north-east suomenko kingdome. He had an ambition to reform Suomenko faith and embrace feodal system. But just 3 years later he was died of natural causes. His son King Kvedor ascended to the throne. Kvedor was a well-known knight who fighted all his life. But after 6 years he was murdered by his rival Relif (it was an old private conflict between them). Inside his own courtyard the King was pierced with Relif's sword. Dark ages,...wild manners...

1020 - King Tikshayka was surrounded by enemies. Power vassals wanted to pretend the throne, decrease absolute power and steal the treasury. However, the King has destroyed all enemies by a set of plot schemes. After all he managed to prison the strongest vassal dukes. He was very successful on the international scene.

In the course of baltic wars our armies showed strength and manevor skills. The wars didn't bring holdings or lands but it allowed to gain huge battlefield experience. Besides the baltic direction King Tikshayka conquered lands of the so-called "white russia". Pitty slovenian countIes and duchies were easly incorporated into the Vladimir Kingdome. Holy suomenko holdings were conqered on the Karelian isthmus. It brought us closer to the refornmation of Suomenlo faith. After that Tikshayka has done Ukonusko Pilgrimage to our holy place Kakisalmi. It was important because our strong neighbour - Lithuania attempted to embrace the Catholic faith. Besides the fact, that huge civil war didn't give a chance for convertion to Christianity, it was a very dangerous precedent.

Terrible retribution

King Tikshayka has crossed the door to the world of spirits at 60 years of age. He was toughly ruling more than 40 years. He was a perpertrator of many bloody crimes including kinslayer. Absolute power of the King angried many vassals and court members. After his death "the dam has burst".

1063 - The Great King died and his son Vladimir inherited the throne. He promtly decided to arrest High Chieftain Suni who was a leader of strong rival faction. Civil war has started... Despite a set of victoriuos battles Vladimir was assasinated. The throne passed to his daughter Ashava. Merely 0 years old, she had to rely on the Council, his mother and grandfather's heads of armies. From battle to battle the force of rebels evolved slowly. But! A new dangerous and merciless enemy has appeared.... Bubon plague. Huge turmoil has comed. The Kingdome descended into chaos. Dozens of court members, vassals, knights and even mother of pitty Ashava were died. There was no any remedy for "Black Death"

Finally Ashava was infected by Bubonic Plague.... Father was murdered, mother was died of plague, despicable traitors fighting with roal forces. If Ashava is died, leader of the rebels High Chieftain Suni will come to power. His forces are almost defeated but death of the little girl can open the way to the desired throne.

.To be continued

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Chapter II. World in 1066

1066 AD is an important date for every Crusader Kings III players. One of two start points is a critical period in the history of Europe. So I have decided to make a brief overview of the World (in my game session). The following regions are mentioned: Iberia and Italian peninsula, England&France, Byzantium, Scandinavia and Easten Europe. I briefly describe political and religious situation and mention some history details.

"Iderian peninsula"

Iberian peninsula belongs to muslim clans and feodals. There are some viking's duchies on the noth side of Iberia, however they are small and weak. Castilian, andalusian and basque population are divided between numerous duchies and islamic emirates. These states are too disunited so Spain is waiting for his Hero. [If it is possible, I will continue playing as Barcelona for a time].

There is no any trace of "reconquista", but it's worth to note an absence of strong united muslim power. So hypothetical Holy war for Iberia initiated by the Pope may be successful. However, Catholicism has to crush firstly heresy and pagan faiths in the southern part of France.

Italy

Italy is not so fragmented as Iberian region. Papacy is an dominant power headed by the Pope himself. Meanwhile, southern Italy and Sicily still belongs to Bizantium. Except Papacy there are three forces: Republic of Venece, Tuscany and Lombardy. They regularly fight each other but unite against muslim northern african clans. Consolidation of the Christian Europe may indeed came from Italy.

Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire is still super power of the Middle Ages. Despite internal uprisings, civil wars and political cryses the Empire dominates Asia Minor. Successfully opposing muslim emirates, slovenian pagans and catholic feodals Byzantine Emperors are influential leaders. Earlier conflict between the Empire and Khazar Kaganate seriously helped chieftains of Meri in his raids and wars with steppe lords. 1066 is not really a good time for the Empire (loss of posessions in Caucasus, Balkan region, Bulgaria) - "Empire Stricks Back" is still possible.

Western Europe: "political/religious turmoil"

Europe is expectedly passing through a stage of political and religious chaos. There are no any united strong Kingdome: countless duchies, counts, baronies. Half of France is Asatru (heritage of earlier viking's conquest); another part is heretic (Waldensian and Insular). I think that Iberia is a key to the future of Europe. If muslim emirates can consolidate islamic iberian duchies, they can easly invade Europe. But Muslim Worid is also in decay....

No one can not predict how it turns out. European states are disunited and can't declare a crusade in the foreseeable future. As on the east, as on the south. It is a good new for Vladimir Kingdome.

Scandinavia

Sweden and Lithuania are dominated on the Baltic region. Two leading pagan kingdomes still successfully resist catholic religion, but their polical instability is very dangerous. These countries block Vladimir's access to the sea, but in the middle ages it is not so actual. Sampi is the second srtong suomenko Kingdome after Vladimir. Occupying north of Scandinavia, Sampi is a strong player in the region. Finland, Estonia and Bjarmaland are ruled by the members of Meri House. I suppose that we should orginize a partition of Sampi or put Meri on the throne of the "Northern Lights kingdome". Another strategic goal may be subjugation of the Baltic territory. We may supplant Lithuania from the region in order to establish our presence on the Baltic Sea.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Achava: prophecy

Clouds are floating across the sky over the temple in the Holy Suomenko Place. Weather is pleasant and calmn. Death has taken all her rivals, grandfather's champions, deceiful vassals and faithful court members. Someone died in prison, someone fell in battles, someone died of the plague. Achava survived and grew in safe over the following decades. Treatment was successful (medical miracle, indeed!), but Ahchava's face was disfigured. She payed high price to Ukko!

Fortunately, the Kingdome was not disintegrated. There were few of military conflicts with Volsckay Bulgaria, Lithuania and some steppe states, when Achava was a child. Raid of huge lithuanian band leaded by the Lithuania's King himself is especially remembered. In 1071 more than 7500 raiders pillaged and looted our lands and hoildings. Roal army was soon mobilized and went to meet the enemy. The battle of Gnezdovo was bloody and victorous, raiders have losed more than 3000 troops.Our knight Syrka wounded the rival King Vladislav.

Another huge battle took place five years later in 1078. Ordinary border conflict turned into real war between the Kingdome and Volshkay Bolgaria. Thanks to military assistance provided King of Estonia, the battle was victorious. He was a former our vasal of Karelia who successfully invaded Estonia and became an independant ruler. He was a member of Meri House. True to the house loyalty, the Estonia king provided substantial military assistance in the following war. It is for that reason that the Council didn't recapture Estonia. However Karelis was recaptured later because of danger of its conquest by new rival... new formed Kingdome of Finland.

Technological and cultural underdevelopment forced the Council to accelerate the process of religious reformation in order to obtain feudal order. Firstly, Achava decided to establish the Holy Suomenko Order in 1089. Next year Achava became a Defender of Ukko, strengthening the defence of our baltic Holy places.

However, it's needed to conquer three Holy places. Two of them were occupaied without problem (Karelia and part of Estonia). However, Bjarmaland kingdome has swallowed Finno-Ugric territories and consequently the Kingdome of Findland has been formed. Unification all holy places into one dominiom may lead to a huge war on the North.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Chapter IV. End of Dark Ages

Kingdome of Vladimir experienced dramatic changes at the turn of the XII century. Great territorial expansion in the second half of XI century came to mean savage 5-years civil war. The House was going to die, only miraculous healing of Achava saved the Kingdome. There were a set of military conflicts after the civil war that have shaped the future of Vladimir Kingdome. First of all, campaign of Holy place conquest was started in 1080 in order to create conditions for the faith reformation. Another huge conflict is interference in the Lithuanian civil war.

Lithunia tried embrace the Christianity that leaded to massive uprisings and disorder in the 1020-s. The King has been forced to abdicate the throne and Lithuania has come back to pagan faith. High Chieftain of Prussia decided to push his claim on the Kingdom of Lithuania in 1092 that inevitably leaded to the civil war. His claim to the throne were supported by power vassals of Kingdom of Lithuania.

Queen of Vladimir Kingdom took decision to provide military assistance to the Kingdom of Lithuania in 1096. One part of our forces marched from Timerovo to Lithuania; another part arrived by ships from Finland after successful campaign for Holy Suomenko place. We have lost the first battle that took place in Lechbar in 10 May 1099. But the second battle was successive. The battle of Panemune was fought in 12 September 1100 and marked a turning point in the course of civil war. Rebels leaded by Hihg Chieftain of Prussia was crushed.

Next battle occured on 03 January 1101 north of Yatvyagi. Almost 14000 ally soldiers fought against the enemy army 11000 strong. The battled lasted for 5 days ended with the victory of Ally armies and te loss of many rebelion troops. One of rival high chieftains was slain during the Battle of Yatvyg.

In the folowing years our armies sieged many castles and pillaged a lot of cities and countrysides. There were a great amount of minor battles and skirmishes that have completed the victory. The contested Title remained with King Pukuveras and all rebelling vasssals were imprisoned.

The war lasted from 24 Jun 1092 to 26 Jun 1102 claimed many lives and decimated the kingdom's populance. Kingdom of Lithuania remained our main ally, strongest pagan political entity in the Baltic region.

Ukonusko Reformation

The aim of another war was conquest of the last holy place needed for the faith's reformation. The war with Saami lasted 5 years and happened in the far north. On the first stage of the war our armies suffered defeat. However later owing to skilled manevras we were able to occupy a number of important Saami holdings without meeting any real resistance. Collecting three holy suomenko places in the framework of Vladimir Kingdom, Achava decided to reform the faith on 6th of July 1102. She established Spirital Head of Faith. A spiritual head of faith is a title given to a prominent clergy member (High Ukonusko Shaman). A spiritual head of faith can declared Undirected great holy wars. These will be led by the head of faith.

Reforming soumenko will make it an organaized faith. For Vladimir to keep expanding and developing it is highly needed to leave old pagan ways and adopt contemporary method of governance. So Achava issued a decree of the Adoption of Feudal ways on 5th august of 1102. Feodalism amd his principels have to lead the Kingdom to prosperity and strong.Almost entire Europe has adopted feodalism expect for Lithuania and Findland. Even khazar tribes embraced new type of governance.

Turn of the century, the Kingdom of Vladimir is an backward realm. As CK3 writed on Twitter: "Suomenusko is a tough religion to play. Isolated in the barren and undeveloped North they face threats from the Orthodox to the south and the Norse to the west" (c). Being locked into forest north-east corner of Europe, Vladimir Kingdome has lack of technology and culture. But now.... A New Era has come.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Ashava’s Death

Death took all….. mother, father, beloved sons and husband. With the death of Eskild, life finally has lost its meaning. Lifetime of misery and murders must come to an end. Horribly disfigured because of the severe treatment of Bourbon plague, she spent her last years unable to show her face in public. Death of her beloved husband, who was murdered saving her from assasination, has done an irreparable harm to her mental health. Her life is devoid of meaning or purpose or hope. Ukko took many who were dear to her.











Ashava decides to leave life. One dark night she climb the high watch tower in order to fall into the Void.
“Queen! Don’t do it, mother!” Liva is standing screaming and near the window.
“Please, no, please!” Her voice is sounding loud in the ringing void of the Dark night.
Choice has been made and there is no way back. Ashava take a step forward ….. and his body flews to the ground.

Her funeral was held three days later in Norse way. Burning drakar near Kemerovo symbolises the Queen’s strength, power and greatness. Reformation of faith, embarrassment of feudalism, great conquest and prosperity of Vladimir Kingdom. Her 16-years old third son Tikshayka ascends to the throne. Devoid of any abilities and talents Tikshayka is watching the fire….

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

Tikshayka is going through the castle gate of Timerovo. The extremely strong smell of death is everywhere. Tikshayka is seeing ruins of his castle, houses of his courtiers, completely looted domain. But the worst will ahead….. Inside the castle hall, he will see dead bodies of his beloved children that were mutilated.
“Oh Ukko!”
“Why am I seeing dead bodies of my beloved girls lying on the floor”
“And to what do I owe this sorrow ?!”

Chain of events

Tikshayka inherited the throne of Vladimir Kingdom after the Ashava’s death occurred in 1110 AD. He was a calm and balanced man who knows how to have a rest at the dinner table. The first fifteen years of his reign (from 1110 up to 1125) Tikshayka was not involved in government affairs. He was too young and lazy. The Council was improving relations with vassals, courtiers and neighbouring powers. Dynastic marriages have been gotten with Lithuania and Finland, the strongest pagan powers on a par with Vladimir Kingdom. After the great challenging reforms of his mother and massive expansion of grandfather Tikshayka had no any ambitious plans. While the King was hunting and indulging in gluttony, Royal Council have been concentrating on economic and cultural development: construction of Farms&Fields, upgrading of Walls&Towers and improvement of the realm roads system. The results of these initiatives have clearly borne fruit.

However the physics of feudal system leads to the necessity of territorial expansion. In other words, to survive in medieval ages, conquest is crucial. Despite its strong and power, Vladimir Kingdom remains relative weak and underdeveloped, and the military power continues be heavily dependant upon the number of holdings directly controlled by the King. After the transition to Feudalism issue of generating revenue have become extremely important. Being locked into the forest north-east corner of Europe, Vladimir Kingdom has no access to modern technology and institutions. Our neighbours are also pagan, albeit reformed. They also are highly ungoverned space getting in a state of disorder from time to time. While Baltic sea is “settled” by Suomenko, Asatru and Slavic pagan kingdoms, Black sea could be considered as an interior sea of Byzantine Empire, high powered and the most advanced culture in the Medieval Wold. Conquest of Kiev may lead to fruitful relations with Byzantine Empire, but first it’s needed to subjugate separate Slavic tribes. In the past eastern Slavic tribes settled even near Constantinople, while in 1120s their glory has passed.

From the victory at the battle of Konotop on 14 January 1123 the subjugation of Slavic tribes was started. One Slavic possession after another were conquered in the following years. Most campaigns were light but the last one was not. Dulo tribe raised huge army of more than 6000 that was only slightly less than the Royal army of Vladimir Kingdom. Chieftain of Dulo tribe turned out to be a skillful commander on his own. He could twice trap the Vladimir forces and defeated Tikshayka’s troops. The war gradually is turning in favour of the Slavic tribes. The troops suffered and the Vladimir coffers are getting empty. At last Tikshayka could encircle Dulo forces at the wetlands of Dnieper. The battle practically decided the outcome of the war in favour of Vladimir Kingdom. The war was win but nothing is worth the sacrifices that were made at the very end of the war...

As a consequences of the increase in war taxes, entire villages have been abandoned and cities have been highly deserted. The King aggressively rejected the ultimatum of rural communities and the Peasant Rebellion broke out in 1135. First Tikshayka didn’t give the rebellion much thought. How many were there?! Stupid peasants have to pay taxes and pray for the King’s mercy. But this time it started going the other way. The royal army suffered defeat by the Slavic tribes and Tikshayka couldn’t send troops to subdue the crowd. Tier castle has fallen to the forces of Peasants after one year siege. Many of ruined peasants and impoverished knights subsequently joined rebels. Member of the Peasant rebellion increased dramatically up to 7000. After meeting up, they marched south moved to the capital in Timerovo. One by one the messages from Timerovo arrived at the royal camp. Deposits are declining, rebels are too much but defenders are too few. Unfortunately the King is completing enemy’s forces encirclement and could not come to the aid. The squad, sent to distract the besiegers from Timerovo, was dissipated in the countryside of Tver.

On 21May 1137 the rebels reached the castle, they looted the place and kill many of my courtiers. Liyava and Ashava, beloved youngest daughters of Tikshayka, were brutally killed. The wife of king’s oldest son Beate was raped and ripped. She was a daughter of the Finland King, her father was inconsolable. So he has willingly accepted an ally call for the war. United forces of Finland and Vladimir Kingdoms were ready for revenge!

Right after the peace conclusion Tikshayka marched to the Timerovo in order to crush the peasant rebellion. The main battle took place in October 1137 and marked decisive turning point in the course of the rebellion. Peasants were crushed and its head was captured by finish forces. Despite leader of the rebellion Viryas was in prison of Finland Tikshayka decided to kill him. After almost three years plot scheme was succeeded and his rival was assassinated. Tikshayka avenged the murder of his beloved youngest daughters.

Short but important afterword

“Yes, my Lord” the Chancellor is standing in the door way of the king’s bedroom.
“I can’t return to the Timerovo, live there” The King said.
“You are right to choose any holdings in yo yr realm”
“Yes, I know it, let it be Moscow”
“A wise choice, my Lord”
"But... what is about Ukko? Why did not he protect my girls?"
"Maybe he is not as strong as we thought"

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Mikael I. Early years

24th of October 1149 AD: Election of King

Chancellor - Jarl Bertil Ingjaldsson of Ryzan

“I am authorized to report you that our beloved King is dead”
“As powerful vassals of Vladimir Kingdomб you have to elect King according to Succession Law”

Steward - Duke Varmanpaz of Obran Osh

“Tikshayka II drew up a will of which we have to execute. The King should be his oldest son - Vladimir. He is a wise talented young man who married the daughter of Lithuania’s King. It gets us a strong powerful alliance with Lithuania Kingdom”

Marshal - Duke Surt II of Luki

“I talk you, It ‘s nothing. Tikshayka the Fat was a fool. He could scarcely conquerer only three Slavic holdings for almost 40 years in power.”
“His son Vladimir is the same weakling that can’t hold a sword!”
“Please, take a look at the realm map in order to understand what kind of King do we need”

Chancellor - Jarl Bertil Ingjaldsson of Ryzan

“I guess, uh… we should listen to the Marshal. As a duke of Ryzan I am afraid of steppe expanses. The only way is to capture them!”
“Well, if… Vladimir didn’t, then who…”

Spymaster - Pakstyan of Chernigov

“Mikael is the best choice… He is brave, strong and fair. Ideal warrior and maybe King”.

This rainy night, the King has been elected. 17 year’s old young man ascends to the throne of vast Suomenko Kingdom of Vladimir. Countries welcomed their young King hoping for his courage and bravery. Vladimir (failed heir) is going to Novgorod, his own small realm formed after the partition of Vladimir Kingdom.

Alexandra, Queen of Novgorod Kingdom, wife of Vladimir

“Don’t worry my beloved husband. Your brother protect us from the steppe hordes. He can repeal possible invasion by Khazar tribes.
“Novgorod is a well-maintained town, its defence is strong. My father also promised protection.”
Vladimir keeps silence.

7th of October 1154 - 2nd March of 1157: steppe military campaign

After inauguration King Mikael the First goes to the troops gathered near the border with Khopyor, a khazar tribe state. Marshal is waiting for him in the easily improvised military camp. More then 8000 solders (royal guard, cavalry and ordinary troops) have been called from all parts of the Realm. The military plan developed by the Council implied decisive battle and siege of vital holdings of Khopyor tribe. Enemy armies should be defeated separately, we have to prevent them connecting together.

Royal army leaded by the King himself could defeat Khazar forces at the battle of Lejlotka near Voronezh holding. The battle was preceded by skillful manoeuvres - Mikael could catch exhausted enemy army in trap. There are more than 3500 casualties from 11000 soldiers on the side of enemy. King’s army lost only 1100 soldiers. Despite the victory was decisive, it was start of the war not the end. In the coming months khazar forces can regroup and supplied from the steppe. Further they set up an ambush royal army at Petrovsk forests and battle ended in defeat. Mikael’s army was forced to lift the siege of war goal province.

Only after three years of intense skirmishes, tough sieges and maneuvers another decisive battle occurred. The main battle took place near Pavlovsk at the end of winter 1157 AD and marked turning point in the course of war. It was an important event in the conquest of khazar steppe, as it marked the capture of one of the biggest holdings - Tambow. Khopyor was completely broken…. to be danger for the Kingdom again. So the first phase of khazar steppe conquest has been done. However, royal coffers are empty and there is no money to initiate further wars. So the Steward offers to concentrate on the domestic affairs in order to collect at least 300-500 ducats.

Terrible assassination

“My pity wife was murdered indeed! She was so young and beautiful… Alexandra was pregnant when hand of murder killed her. Who can do it?”
“I know, my lord, your brother Mikael has killed her”
“Why has he done so awful thing? I was completely loyal to the kingdom of Vladimir”
“You was loyal as independent king of Novgorod when your father, Tikshayka the Fat was dead.”
“Yes, …. Indeed, after assassination of my wife Mikael has invaded my realm and L have lost the throne”

Medieval politics is quite ugly. After the death of old King, Vladimir Kingdom was partitioned by two parts. One part is Vladimir Kingdom inherited by Mikael. Another part is Kingdom of Novgorod inherited by the oldest son of Tikshayka. After the election Vladimir and Hus wife Alexandra travelled to Novgorod, their new home and capital. Due to the fact that Vladimir was marriages with daughter of Lithuanian King, he was sure that Mikael could not easily declare war against him to restore the realm. The Chancellor offers Mikael to behave in other way. Alliance between Novgorod and Lithuania is cemented by the dynastic marriage. If Alexandra is dead, the alliance will be broken and we could easily take Novgorod back. Mikael was an aspiring military leader but not murder. After long exhortations Mikael has agreed with the Chancellor and Alexandra was doomed. This terrible murder of pregnant young women is able to ruin the reputation of Mikael....

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

After the last military campaign against khazar tribe, realm coffers were empty and the Steward could persuade young King to delay wars in order to concentrate on the domestic affairs. So there is some time to describe the nature of Vladimir Kingdom: its structure and interior policy. Since the embarrassment of feudal way Vladimir Kingdom has been grounded on power vassals, massive royal guard and alliances inspired by the dynastic marriages. There are five power vassals in the realm: Obran Osh, Ryzan, Chernigov, Luki and Karachev. Keeping the balance between the most powerful among them (Obran Osh and Ryzan) is the core of royal interior policy.

I. Obran Osh

The first power vassal is Obran Osh located on the far north-east of the Kingdom. Duchy of Obran Osh borders tengri faith lands that were owned by Volga Bulgaria in the past. After the collapse of Volga Bulgaria these lands are highly fragmented and pose no danger. Obran Osh is one of the oldest duchies created by High Chieftain of Kezhevat in 921 AD. High Chieftain of Kezhevat granted the title to his youngest son Surt. After unsuccessful attempt of High Chieftain of Orban Orsh (Suni) to claim the throne in the Great civil war, dukes of Orban Orsh are faithful vassals of the King and don’t want to pretend the kingdom anymore.

Duke Pinyas decided to form his own Noble House in order to strengthen his position in 1120 AD. New-formed house of Kichma becomes a Cadet Branch of Meryavid Dynasty. The King generously app robed the foundation of cadet branch. Obran Osh is highly feuding with Duchy of Ryzan for Murom count. This count was at first conquered by Suni but after his execution as a rebel the Queen Ashava granted the count back to Ryzan. House of Yperen is an enemy of House of Kichma, so from time to time devastating vassal wars occur.

II. Ryazan

Duchy of Ryazan is the outpost on the South located on the border of northern forests and steppe space. Dukes of Ryazan Harv been stubbornly hold the battlements of steppe hordes. Duchy of Ryazan is granted to the scandinavian House of Yperen. So dukes of Ryazan named "Jarls". The title was created by Tikshayka the Great in 1023 after the subjugation of neighbouring khazar tribes.

He generously granted the title to one of the prominent and brave champion in the Realm - Otwin Hranesson van Yperen. The house was a scandinavian one whose members had adopted Suomenko faith. It is quite interesting that its founder was a count of Overstrict (Frisian) who conquered that during the vikings invasion in Europe in the 900-s. Nowadays one of the members of Yperen Noble House is chancellor in Thiers count (France). Main goal of Jarls of Yperen is to conquest khazar lands like Voronezh, Khopyor and Don valley. They also desire lands earlier belongs to Volga Bulgaria. Title of Ryzan was partitioned after the death of Jarl Ingjald. His oldest son Bertil inherited the title of Ryzan; the youngest son Ottar takes a new-formed duchy of Mordovia.

III. Rivalry between Kichma and Yperen Houses.

Dukes of Obran Osh rival with Jarls of Ryzan for the count of Murom, Chiefdom of Murom was granted to Jarl Magnus Otwinsson of Ryzan in 1030 AD. Ambitious High Chieftain Suni of Obran Osh cold conquer the Chiefdom in the first vassal war 35 years later. However, after the civil war Suni was executed as a rebel and Chiefdom of Murom was revoked by Ashava and granted back to Jarl Magnus of Ryzan. Apart from Murom Obran Osh and Ryzan have competing interests in Volga region. Following the collapse of Khazar kaganate, dozens of fragmented tribes and clans fill in steppe. Both competing duchies want to subjugate weak and disorganised states in order to strengthen its position. Coalitions of vassals are formed around Obran Osh and Ryzan and it’s very important to keep the balance. King can directly rule up to 6 holdings. So almost the new conquered lands are granted to the vassals in equal manner.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Mikael I. His life, reign and the end
(1149 - 1183 AD)

Mikael became a King in 1149 AD when he was only 17 years old. His father Tikshayka II died after almost 40 years of reign. Mikael was a young and brave man focused on chivalry and war. In the following military campaigns he always leaded himself the royal army and fought among soldiers and khights. All his life was full of battles, sieges and conquests. The main goals of the expansion were Kiev, fortified castle and rich holding in the land of east slaves, and the Khopyr, the bastion of rival khazar tribes in the steppe region.

Gates of Kiev

Kiev was conquered by Vladimir Kingdom in the winter of 1167 AD. The Count of Kiev was a large and rich holding ruled by east slavic tribes. The strategic value of Kiev was its location atthe intersection of trade routes between the Steppe, Byzantium Empire and East Europe. Initially Kiev belonged to a pagan slovenian tribesnamed Mogyrev Confederation, that was so strong as it settled nearby Constantinople. As Byzantium Empire was becoming stronger, slovenian tribes had lost their strength and been completely subjugated by khazar tribes. Further khazar tribes forced east slavic to convert into Kabarite Faith. Conquest of Kiev has leaded to fruitful relation between Byzantine Empire and Vladimir Kingdom. A lot of noble families apprenticed their child to Byzantium clerics, traders and warriors. And some of them decided to convert into Orthodox Christianity.

Finland campaign

Mikael took part in the war between Bjarmaland and Finland kingdoms in 1173 AD. His father-in-law called Vladimir Kingdom in the war for Finland subjugation. Throughout set of battlefields the royal troops demonstrated their power and high qualified tactics. The war was successive and Finland was reunited under the single crown. That didn’t bring any lands to the Kingdom but our army has got some useful practice. Mikael established himself also as a reliable ally in addition to strengthen his position in the Baltic region.

Domestic affairs

Mikael implemented a set of very important reforms in a way to ensure prosperity for the Kingdom. First of all, the Scandinavian Succession Law (1167 AD) was eliminated and since that the Throne will have been inheriting only by Meri House. There will be no more any election in the Kingdom! Mikael then granted Grand City of Novgorod (1163 AD) huge privileges that made the city a republic. He thought that republics are more faithful to the Crown then ordinary vassals. In the following years Mikael founded Holy Suomenko Order (1176 AD) for military assistance in holy wars. The Holy order has strengthened Suomenko Faith and recruited many high-skilled and religiously-motivated warriors.

Love affairs

Mikael was truly beautiful and charming man who always attracted women. When he was a heir, Mikael arrived at the court of Finland's King. He got acquired with Tuulikki, pretty girl who was betrothed with the King. They fell in love despite an obvious danger to be executed for betrayal. After the death of the King, Mikael invited Tuulikki to his own court and made her a concubine. Their romance lasted for almost 15 years.

However, not long before his death Mikael fall in love with Duchess of Rycheza who governed Mazovia, a small and last independent slovenian state. Mazovia located between Catholic Poland and Kabarite Lithuania. The Duchess was desperately seeking for any ally who can protect the Duchy from rival neighbours. Mikael was eager to restrain as Catholic as Kabarite. In this way he married his sons to daughters of the Duchess. They liked each other, but their plans were not destined to come up…

Death from Typhus

The road from Mazovia to Moscow takes a lot of times. So Mikael decides to inspect military camps around Kiev along the way. The King was satisfied with quality of troops and fortifications. After the inspection he went further to Moscow. However near Smolensk Mikael became seriously ill and had two operations. Unfortunately, treatment was not successful and on 27 th of September 1183 AD the King died. Following new Succession Law the Kingdom was equally partitioned between sons of Mikael. Petri inherited the main title (Vladimir Kingdom), Izaslav got the Kingdom of Novgorod and White Rus was inherited by Mark.

P.S. Heir

He was not charming, brave and honest as his father. From the childhood Perri interested in scholarship, so his father invited high qualified mentors from the Byzantium Empire to educate his oldest child. Mentors have taught the Heir Byzantium how to intrigue. One old clirics sayed: “You do not have to fight your enemy on the battlefield, you can kill him smoothly and calmly without huge causalities and risk”

​

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

At that time in the Middle East...

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Causes of the Lithuanian war

Lithuania was one of the powerful pagan kingdoms like Sweden, Finland, Bjarmaland and Vladimir. Based on the slovenian pagan cults and faiths, Lithuanian kings consolidated separate slavic, baltic and pommeranian tribes into a single state. In the middle of XI century Lithuania conquered lands of Estonia, Pomerania, invade Denmark and south Sweden. Lithuania-Vladimir relationship was friendly and extremely fruitful. In 1096 AD Ashava provided military assistance to Lithuanian king during his civil war (War of High Chieftain Yemelyan’s Claim on the Kingdom of Lithuania, 1092-1102).​

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However, everything as changed in the 1160-s, when Lithuania converted in Kabarite faith, that has been extremely rival to Vladimir kingdom. Foreign policy of Lithuania turned out as an enemy for Vladimir kingdom because of negative influence of Kabarite religious elites. Owing to diplomatic skills of Vladimir’s kings and fierce of devastating war, conflict had been frozen up to the end of XI century. Both kingdoms conquered small and separate neighbouring holdings, expanding their territory. Lithuania was expanding in the north-west direction, while Vladimir kingdom focused on East and South, conquering steppe tribes of khazar. One of the conquering khazar tribes was the Duchy of Khopyr. Khopyr could successfully sign a military alliance pact with Lithuania, that was an interference in the sphere of Vladimir’s influence. Throughout the aggressive war of Vladimir kingdom against Khopyr there was the first battle between Lithuania and Vladimir troops. Lithuanian king led his army of 12000 men in order to unite with Khopyr troops. Vladimir’s general could followed the Lithuanian army and defeated them in the battle of Pokrovsk (1188 AD). Despite the victorious battle, the Council forced Petri to sign peace agreement with Lithuania, containing obligation to transfer Novgorod. Abundance of money in the Raoul coffers prevented continuing the war further. Petri decided to reconquest Novgorod by any means!​

Petri was a completely different king from the past rulers of Vladimir kingdom. There were kings-householders, kings-knights, even kings-prophets but not king-intriguers. He was educated by Byzantium mentors who hatched him intrigue skills and secret scheme plotting. Lithuanian kingdom had strong massive army, house of Yurevich was stable: Lithuanian King Feodor had three sons and two daughters. Direct military conflict would lead to devastating war, consequently both fighting countries (as winner as loser) would became the victims of their neighbours. So Petri elaborated a secret plan how to undermine strength of Lithuania. Fist of all, it is necessary to provoke a huge dynastic crisis that will lead to the disorder or even civil war. Then, Vladimir’s troops could invade weakened Lithuania. Dynastic crisis -> Intervention.​

Youngest son of Feodor, Prince Parush was assassinated in1184 AD, little boy was killed by the deadly spider into a cradle. Prince Rodislav of Lithuania was assassinated in 1195 AD. And last son of Feodor, Yuri disappeared in the Lithuanian forests in 1197 AD. All of these deaths are Petr’s terrible work. Feodor died of natural causes on 20 January 1211 AD. His last daughter of Sviatoslva ascended the throne. She was unpopular among the courtiers and vassals and Petri could easy recruit agents in his new terrible scheme plot. The Queen was beat and trampled by her own subjects in 1211 AD. Bandits were financed from Vladimir kingdom’s coffers….

House of Yurevich was dead… The crown of Lithuania was transfered to a member of Panemune House. Young King Feodor was extremely unpopular among powerful vassals of the Kingdom. Less than one year later Grand Prince Alvydas of Masuria raised an upraising against the King. Petri was ready to invade...​

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

On the 23th of April 1228 AD Petri declared himself as an emperor of Vladimir Empire. Almost 500 years Vladimir kingdom had incorporated more than 80 holdings and four kingdoms (Vladimir, Estonia, Novgorod and White Rus). Vladimir became the strongest pagan state in the Eastern Europe and Baltic sea. That was a real truiumph for the Petri the First, he has become the Emperor.​

Reformed finno-ugric pagan religion became a dominant faith across Scandinavia and much of the Eastern Europe. After centuries of war between Suomenko and Kabarite, followers of Ukko could decisively defeat rival kingdom of Lithuania and a number of small fragmented khazar tribes. Petri wisely kept the peace and security with christians (as Ortodox, as Catholic). One of his son decided to become Christians. Religious tolerance was a distinctive feature of Vladimir kingdom (except for kabarite).​

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Many important laws and institutions were enacted during the reign of Petri. Manoralism, centralised coinage system, developmant of road system in the realm. The King also led a major renovation of military fortifications and founded the city of Naro-Fominsk in the Moscow region. Petri granted huge autonomy to Grand cities of Osel and St. Russa. Osel and St.Russa were some of the largest and wealthiest merchant republics in Europe (along with Venice).​

Petri died in 1234 AD and his son Drigo ascends to the throne. A modest and temparate man, Drigo's passive nature may also be his undoing. Earlier Drigo was a promising commander, he particpated in the military campaign in White Rus (1199 AD) and even was wounded in the battle of Kletsk. Drigo also led relief army in the war of Lithuania and forced some enemy troops to withdraw. However he stood in the shadow of hisprominent uncle Izaslav and brother Tikshayka whose military and combat skills were much higher. Nevertheless, Drigo as the oldest son has become an Emperor.​

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

The Empire was founded in 1227 AD in the reign of King Petri. The Suomenko Empire has incorporated lots of differents tribes, nationalities, faiths and religions. A small count of Opolye from an unknown meryvid house could conquer lands of Great Khazar Kaganate, Viking's Kingdom of Novgorod, fragmented slovenian and khazar slavic tribes. Also once-powerful Lithuania was defeated by strong and disciplined armies of Vladimir Kingdom. Three from four holy cities of Suomenko faith were unitied within the bordrs of a single State, thereby reforming Suomenko to a new Ukonunsko pagan religion and turning to a feudal system.

However, there were some power that could have completely destroyed Vladimir Kingdom. Around 1204 AD the Mongol Empire began to emerge. Khagan Temujin has risen among the scattered tengri tribes of the steppes and declared himself the Genghis Khan. Petri was involved in the Great Lithuanian War 1211-1227 AD at that time. But he wisely understand that Mongols are powerful and extermely dangerouse, so Petri build friendly relations with Khagan Temujin. After successful Persian march of 1223 AD Petri could make some fruitful dynastic marriages with the Mongol Empire. Petri was trying to secure the Kingdom's future from possible deadliest and most terrifying invasion.

Genghis Khan died shortly after the declaration of the Holy Suomenko Empire in 1232 AD. Khagan Jochi was a good friend to Vladimir Kingdom thankfully. He led numerical mongol troops south toward Persia and India, they were conquered by Mongol Empire in short five years. Fragmented muslim states of Persia were annihilated by the Mongol armies. Khagan Jochi, leading a force of around 50,000 men, exploited existing weaknesses and conflicts in the Muslim world to isolate and massacre his enemies. All castels and cities were successfully besieged and plundered. Unsurprisingly, by 1245 AD the Mongol Empire has become the most powerful state in the whole world.

Petri, the first Emperor of Vladimir, died in 1234 AD and his oldest son Drigo inheritaed the throne. Drigo continued subjugation of slavic tribes in the Kiev region. In the battle of Kiev, occured in 1245 AD, his beloved son Matyo was slained at age 31. Death of the son struck him very hard... Drigo died only a few months later. In the following years his son and heir Petri the Second conquered all rival khazar tribes in the Kiev region. On 27th of March 1246 AD Khagan Jochi gladly accept bethoral proposition of Petri II ... so alliance with Mongol Empire was formed.

As a result of the alliance concluded, the threat of terrible mongol invansion has been hopefully lifted. During the following 30 years, the Empire had a time of fruition, properity and growth. Minting new coinage has boosted ecomomic growth; royal prerogative invention allowed to enact the High Crown Authority Law that that strengthened the Kingdom in its opposition to powerful vassals.

Mongol empire unexpectedly collapsed in 1261 AD with the death of Khagan Jochi. The Empire disintegrated into separate tribal nations like Setsen, Suartid, Back Horde and Borjigin. Four years later these states started also dissolving into separate nationalist kingdoms like Persia and numerous tribes. Collapse of the Mongol Empire has plunged entire (sub-) regions or even Asis into unprecedented chaos. Vladimir and Byzantine the only remaining empires. I feel like, both competiting powers might engage in direct war conflict for remnants of the Mongol Empire.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

The Holy Suomenko Empire was founded in 1227 AD in the aftermath of the Great Lithuanian wars. The first Emperor of Petri (reigned 1185-1234 AD) could effectively subjugate khazar tribes in the Volga region, defeated Lithuania in a series of wars and enacted important institutional reforms such as centralized coinage, manoralism and urban development. Two subsequent Vladimir rulers, Drigo (reigned 1234-1246 AD) and Petri II (reigned 1246-1268 AD) continued the first Emperor's works to defeat enemies and develop its own domain. By 1245 AD Kiev region was completely conquest and trade routes between Vladimir Empire and Byzantine Empire were well protected. With the conquest of Kazan by the Vladimir troops Volga-Bulgaria was influenced by the Empire. Some of early lost provinces like Vologda was returned to Vladimir control.

However, there were two major problems, including of a dynastic and economic nature. A son of Petri II, Mikael II (reign 1268-1290 AD), characterized by deviant behavior. He was inbred because his parents were close siblings. The royal house of Meri was seriously undermined and compromised. His descendants were ill and have not been respected by the court and powerful vassals. The second problem was powerful vassals whose military and economic power was far beyond royal coffers and guard. Kingdoms of Novgorod, White Rus and Mordvinia easily formed alliances against the Emperor. Their military power reached almost 45 000 soldiers that was three times higher than royal forces. The Empire expands, power vassals become more powerful, but the royal holdings plummeted because of the partition law (between the descendants of a died King).​

Mikael II "Deviant Prince" had decided on a reformation of Ukonunsko faith near the end of his reign. Ukonunsko faith has become closer to Orthodoxy. Monogamous marriage, divorce needed to be approved, spiritual head of faith and so on. The reformation decision was motivated primarily by foreign policy reasons in some cases involving military strength of the Byzantine Empire. "Pagan" Vladimir Empire remains isolated from Christian countries of Europe because Ukonunsko faith perceived as a hostile religion for catholic and orthodox churches. So, there were no possibility for dynastic marriage and subsequent military alliance. In 1285 AD Ukonunsko faith became a new Suomenko faith similar to Orthodoxy.​

The reformation had terrible consequences for internal policy f the Empire. The first Imperial occurred in 1290-1293 AD. After the death of Mikael II his beloved son Otton I ascended the throne. Unfortunately, he inherited inbred traits ... powerful vassals of Osel (trade republic) and Guodalant (far north feudal duchy) formed dangerous Independence faction. The royal coffers were empty and military capabilities were extremely weak after recent Vladimir-Poland war for Mazovia succession. Otton was forced to accept demands of the rebel vassals and grant them desirable independence. He also agreed to low crown authority. The miracle saved the Empire!​

Grand Civil War

Otton died of the plague in 1329 AD. He could enact High Partition Law shortly before his death. This law was intended to consolidate the Empire and strength inheritance of royal land. And instead, the law made the court, royal house of Meri and powerful vassals angry. Otton was then succeeded by his own son, Arthur. Emperor of Arthur was a competent, brave and smart man. But he was also deviant... sterile, this character's loins are utterly unable to give life. Arthur could not have children and his legitimacy was extremely weak. Two elite dangerous factions (independence and liberty) were formed and became stronger. Arthur recently became an Emperor was determined to fight rebels but they did him first. He was murdered by assassination. Arthur was only 36 years old. Poor Arthur followed the fate of another king, Vladimir, assassinated in 1064 AD. As then, a civil war began.​

The Empire was becoming too large, too complex to govern in a feudal way. Kezhevat ascended the throne after assassination of his half-brother Arthur. Latgalian Ukonunsko Uprising occurred in 1330 AD, a year of Arthur's death. They followed old Ukonunsko faith and fiercely opposed reformation. Kezhevat decided to lead a royal army himself against Old Believers. But in the battle of Myrhorod Kezhevat was captured. It was a real disaster. Imprisoned Emperor granted independence to ukonunsko grand duchies of Nyland and Vologda. It was obvious that the Emperor is extremely weak. So powerful vassals wanted young Mikael on the throne in order to manipulate him. Their plans included further low of crown authority. After leaving the prison Kezhevat began to prepare for a possible internal military conflict. He signed military alliances with Poland and Byzantine Empire. He even raised loyalist troops well in advance of Grand rebellion.​

A leader of rebellion, Queen of Mordovia (Shonzava from old Norse House of Yrepen), offered an ultimatum to Kezhevat. The power will pass to young Mikael, 10-years old boy, Crown authority will be lowered, royal holdings will be reduced. Kezhevat refused the ultimatum order and Grand Civil War began. Almost two-thirds of the Empire upraised against the Throne. The following vassal-states joined insurgents: Kingdom of Mordvinia (9 000), Kingdom of Novgorod (5 000), Kingdom of White Rus (4 000), Grand Duchy of Obran Osh (7 000) and some smaller-scale counties. The second civil war, Grand civil war broke out and nobody is able to predict who will win.​

To be continued...

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

Emperor of Kezhevat had fiercely rejected an ultimatum offer from the rebelling vassals. Royal troops had been providently raised and located in the military camps near Moscow. In the night of 30/29 th of November 1131 AD, Emperor galloped from his castle to loyal armies. He was not sure…. He could come back. Strength of royal army was about 12 000 soldiers, but rebels were amounted of 45 000 soldiers. He relied solely on the military assistance of Byzantine Empire. Basileus Eudoxios promised that he would join an Emperor in his war. Byzantine Empire had the greatest army in the world amounted more than 50 000 soldiers. Firstly, Kezhevat decided to move south in order to join the Byzantines and his own troops.​

Military campaign 1331-1333 AD

Queen of Mordvinia was a leader of the insurgents. That was her second attempt to claim the throne. She early successfully upraised and could force “Deviant Prince” to lower crown authority and more over futher married her. Kezhevat is stronger than his grandfather so a war has come. Royal army was marching toward the Byzantines and the Queen’s commanders proposed to intercept a royal army on the way to Kiev. The battle occurred in the countryside of Yelets city on 4th of June, 1332 AD. Local peasants witnessed the first of that long and drastic civil war. Kezhevat could fight a brilliant battle and completely defeat rebels. Insurgents had lost more than 3500 soldiers; royal causalities were near 2000 soldiers. The Vladimirs were killing the Vladimirs…. That had not been seen from 1034 AD. A last civil war broke out more than 300 years ago. The Emperor had won but the war continued outliving lives.​

In the province of Novosil the Byzantine’s army had joined royal forces and two armies marched toward White Rus. Troops of traitorous Novgorod and White Rus Kingdoms sieged castles and looted cities the province of Smolensk. In the January of 1333 AD the battle of four armies took place near the city of Velizh. Rebel troops were strong and consolidated, but royal forces were stronger. Four months later another battle occurred on the farmlands of Belev. Army of Poland, that also faithfully joined our civil war, had crashed Mordvinia’s forces. Kezhevat led his royal army himself and defeated the retreated Mordvinia’s army in the battle of Kozelsk. Enemy’s commander was trapped and imprisoned.
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After three victorious battles enemy had a clear goal to unite and fight a battle near Moscow. Kezhevat had to prevent them from uniting. The battle of Pereyaslavl Zalessky occurred on 4th of December, 1333 AD. That was only 10 km from the capital of the Vladimir Empire. Enemy got a beneficial position on hills and rival archers were shooting royal cavalry. Nevertheless, they were defeated. In the spring of 1334 AD royal forces invaded Obran Osh. In a bloody battle Grand Duke of Obran Osh was crashed and trapped. Five months later his capital was plundered and fell into decline.
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Military campaign 1333-1336 AD

Royal army was defeated in the Battle of Mozhaysk, occurred on 14th of April, 1335 AD. Byzantines standing nearby had not supported because their commander was bribed by the rebel commander. However, royal armies were much stronger than rebellious troops, so the capital of two major uprising kingdoms were sieged by the winter of 1336AD. Following a fall of Cheboksary, major castle of Mordvinia Kingdom, the grand civil war was over and Kezhevat could put his rivals in prison. Queen of Mordvinia was imprisoned and died in dungeon of the bubonic plague. On 23th of August 1336 AD the peace was signed.​

Following Uprisings 1340-1346 AD

The peace agreement was signed, but civil peace was not restored. King of White Rus resumed his rival activities after being released from custody, despite the death threat from Kezhevat. A new round of civil fighting and violence inside the Vladimir Empire took six years. After two years of maneuvers and local skirmishes, a grand battle took place near the town of Luki in 22th of April 1342 AD. Royal army was led by Crown Prince Tikshayka. Insurgents were largely routed by the loyalists, and rival commander captured. Main powers of the rebels were defeated to May 1343 AD July, and Kezhevat started to withdraw troops because of financial crisis. Empire’s coffers had been emptied owing to ten-year civil war and disorder. In the Battle of Gnezdovo King of White Rus was captured and later executed treason. But he could also spark Kabarite uprising shortly before his death. Kabarite Uprising occurred in Kiev and lasted almost three years. Only because of Polish military assistance Kezhevat could suppress the uprising​

Tsar Kezhevat I “Murder”

Kezhevat was overwhelmed by stress and died in the end of 1346 AD. Naturally, he was a real murderer of Tsar Arthur of Vladimir. The first evidence of his involvement in the surfaced immediately after his death. Kezhevat could take the throne, following the death of Arthur under mysterious circumstances on 23 September, 1330 AD.

But supreme power hasn’t been much luck for him. The result of his dishonorable deal was, six years later, the outbreak of the Grand Civil War. Fifteen years of the continued clashes and wars, plots and murders, extrajudicial executions and assassinations were spent of Kezhevat. Bubonic Plague ravaged royal court, causing a great amount of life and material damage. He drank himself to death, he is surely paying for his horrific crimes.​

The thirst for power brought out the worst in Kezhevat and clouded his judgment. A wish to rule for which he would trample over anyone. All of these caused countless disasters for Vladimir Empire and its habitants. Lots of people had lost their loved ones and their homes and property to the ambitions of Kezhevat.

Such huge towns as Novgorod, Cheboksary, Smolensk and Obran Osh were looted burned. Numerous villages and small cities were pillaged by rebels and foreign troops of Byzantine Empire and Poland. Owing to the weakness of Vladimir Empire, some states declared themselves an independent duchess and counts. Vladimir came to the control of the Byzantine Empire at last. For a military assistance against powerful vassals in the civil war of 1330-1136 AD, Kezhevat promised Byzantine Emperor to convert his son to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Vladimir Empire ceased to be Suomenko state….​

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Tikshayka II
Russian Orthodox Tsardom

Tikshayka ascended to the throne of his father. He was a beautiful, brave and smart 28 years old young man. He, although wounded, remained fighting rebels of Kabarite Upsizing in the battle of Lviv (March, 1344 AD). His father often appointed him to lead military units during quelling the civil unrest. He earned a great respect and admiration of courtiers and vassals for fairness and abilities as a warrior and commander. And more importantly, Tikshayka was the first non-suomenko ruler of Vladimir. He was the first Russian Orthodox Tsar… Why?
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Strong Military Alliances

For a military assistance against powerful vassals in the civil war of 1330-1136 AD, Kezhevat promised Byzantine Emperor to convert his son to the Eastern Orthodox Church. So Tikshayka embraced Orthodox religion during his education at the court of Byzantine Emperor with the consent of his father. Actually, the power of Vladimir’s Tsars based on the foreign military troops of Byzantine Empire. Both Empires concluded an alliance, which was cemented by a set of dynastic marriages between the siblings of Tsar and Kesar.
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Embracement of Christianity

Last reformation of Suomenko faith in 1285 AD, thus, had become a nonobvious prelude to the conversion into Christianity. A reformed Ukomenko was so similar to Orthodox in their beliefs and faiths, what vassals and royal court readily agreed to follow a new religion. There were no any reported cases of huge Suomenko uprising. Elite had willingly accepted true faiths, by renouncing paganism. Peoples of Vladimir Empire, on the contrary, had persisted in believing Paganism.​

Decade of Recovery

In the following decade (1350-s) Tsar Tikshayka embarked on an aggressive foreign policy, returning lost possessions and conquering surrounding states. Kingdom of Lithuania was finally collapsed in 1353 AD and its fragmented states were conquered by both Poland and Vladimir Empire. Tikshayka also successfully consolidated the holding, which were lost in the times of turmoil. His half-brother Alexandr was slain in one of the battles during the conquest of Volhynia. The title of Suzdal was revoked by Tsar from his 7 years old boy Vasilko. Title of Yaroslavl (Timerovo, the first capital of Vladimir) was revoked from a member of Meri line. Royal coffers were filled with money, gold and jewels. In 1359 Tsar Tikshayka issued an order to construct the stone fortress, built in 1364 AD.
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Private life

In two years following his succession, Tsar Tikshayka had decided to divorced his first wife of Jadwiga. She was infected with love pox, what was unacceptable to Tsaritsa. Jadwiga was also a daughter of the Poland’s King. With the conquest of Lithuania, Poland had been becoming a rival to Vladimir Empire as s major competing power in the Baltic region. After ten years Tsar Tikshayka married the daughter of King of Moravia. The dynastic union was the starting point of political and military cooperation between Great Moravia Kingdom and Vladimir Empire. It was another strong military alliance, concluded by Tsar. It seemed like hard times were passed away.
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[Gamov_Andrew]

Fresh start

In the beginning of his reign Tikshayka II was full of hope and optimism. He was as both the first Christian and Russian ruler of Vladimir. The brutal and ferocious civil fifteen-year war (1331-1346 AD) had passed, peace and prosperity came to the land of Vladimir Tsardom. Impressive economic growth, development of crafts and rapid urban expansion fill the coffers and heal wounds of the past civil disorder.​

The Foundation of the Russian Medieval Empire had become a logical outcome of the efforts over the past 20-year-development. Following the collapse of Lithuanian Kabarite Kingdome in 1353 AD, Tikshayka II hold a set of successful military campaigns. The region of Volhynia was conquest in 1358 AD, the Barony of Riga was captured in 1373 AD. Military and diplomatic support of Byzantium Empire provided effective protection against rival kingdoms of Poland and Moravia.​

Guoladat's Gamble

Kingdom of Finland had been also collapsed in the last quarter of the XIV century. Dynastic crisis, inspired by earlier death of childness King Pentii IV, had led to huge internal disorder and intervention from Guoladat. Duke Asko could successfully press his own claim on the finish throne during short war. House of Guoladat had been earlier a vassal house in the kingdom of Vladimir. But Guoladat achieved independence at the conclusion of the First Imperial Crisis in 1293 AD. A series of dynastic marriages gave the House of Guoladat strong claim to the title of King of Finland. Asko jumped at that opportunity in 1375 AD. He won the throne with his strong and disciplined army of the northerners.

Well, it certainly didn’t bring Asko much luck. He drunk himself to death on the joys one year later. His 16-year-old daughter of Mahla ascended the throne. Powerful vassals raised rebellion against the Queen from the foreign House of Guoladat. At that time Tikshayka II decided to invade Finland in order to conquer de jure lands of Bjarmaland. Military campaign was short and successful. Weakened Finland could not resist. Kingdom of "Northern lights" was conquered.​

After brutal civil war Ensio from the House of Lepo had managed to take the throne of Finland from Mahla in 1381 AD. Five years later Mahla, in turn, upraised in the war against the tyranny of King Ensio. Ensio was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother Seppo. Guoladat had lost its independence and become a part of Finland. However, Guodolalt became independant again in 1396 AD. That again invade Finland three years later in 1399 AD. The devastating war lasted for 10 years but House of Lepo hold onto power. Askos’s gamble cost thousands of lives and caused great suffering.
Anyway, we are getting off the track. Let's get back to Tikshayka II.​

In gratitude to God for peace and prosperity, Tsar went on a pilgrimage to Holy city of Jerusalem in 1369 AD. But for next year his beloved son of Alexandr died of typhus. The death of son hurt the father deeply… In the following years Tikshayka II had becoming increasingly violent and evil. He killed his brother King Kezhay (vassal kingdom of Novgorod) in a bar fight. Tikshayka II subjected his relatives to repression, burn and loot their houses and properties. Tsar regularly ordered "leaders" of factions murdered. They were mostly innocent victims of the Tyranny.​

Tikshayka II died, ten years after the death of his son…
The throne was ascended by his infant son...
Powerful kings of Mordvinia, Volga Bulgaria and Bjarmaland had been waiting a long time for this...

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Independance war

Terrible Tsar Tikshayka II died on 28th of January 1379 AD. His infant grandson of Alexandr ascended to the throne of Russian Medieval Empire. Highly dangerous Independence faction, composed of Volga Bulgaria, Mordvinia, Bjarmaland and Republic of Vespia, was ready to oppose the Empire. They desired independence. King Viryas of Volga Bulgaria had become a leader of the rebellion. He defiantly sent an ultimatum to the Regency Council to grant independence to all members of the Faction. The Council had rejected an ultimatum and the war began.​

Basileus Eudoxis II of Byzantine Empire readily provided military assistance because Alexander was betrothed to his daughter. More than 80 000 Byzantines crossed the borders of Russian Empire in October 1380 AD. Two years later a set of major battles in the region of Manturovo took place. Rebel forces were heavily defeated. So dozens of rival dukes and counts were trapped by ally armies during the battles. Dukes of Obran Orsh, Ryzan, Polotsk and King of White Ruse were imprisoned.​

However, Queen of Bjarmaland could gather the troops over 22 000 strong and surprise attack the Byzantines under Suday. Army of Byzantine were not capable of battle in dense forest and most of them were killed. The battle of Suday was the largest defeat t that date in Byzantine’s history (August 1383 AD).​

After six months loyalist troops again suffered defeat in the two battles at Vorona near the capital of Mordvinia. Byzantines lost more than 15 000 troops and their armies retreated toward the Black Sea coast. The Council had no option but to sign peace agreement.​

Disintegration of the Empire

Volga Bulgaria and Mordvinia gained independence. It is interesting, that a leader of the Rebellion King Viryas died from his wounds inflicted in the battle of Suday. His son Paksya had become an independent ruler of Volga Bulgaria – Khan. Volga Bulgaria was restored after its elimination by Mongols in 1197 AD (after almost 200 years). Kingdom of Mordvinia continued to be ruled by old norse House of Yperen. Lastly, they had been out of the control of the House of Meri. Huge swathes of it start to fall out of the Tsar’s control. XIV century had become the century of collapse and decentralization. Alexandr come of age in 1385 AD… What is waiting in the future?​