Scotland sounds really good, but I am now supporting mod coz we need a balanced game and scotland is a bit behind France, Italy, Germany and England
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Well, now that is settled (modded Kingdoms it is!), we have two things left to do:
1) create your character's backgrounds and do their stats so we can get them coded in correctly, and
2) work out our alternate history.
I'll post a link that y'all can DL the latest version of the scenario in a few hours (I'm at work right now, and the computer here is too crappy to do anything useful), and I'll also let you know when the versions change. I'd advise y'all to test the scenario out, and to mess around with all the countries. It's going to be pretty easy to assume that your nation is under-powered, but until you try out each of the countries it's hard to get a good feel for it.
Also, ideally we'd have one more player (for the Gaellic Kingdom of Ireland and Wales), so if you all know someone interrested in CK MP, recruit them!
1) create your character's backgrounds and do their stats so we can get them coded in correctly, and
2) work out our alternate history.
I'll post a link that y'all can DL the latest version of the scenario in a few hours (I'm at work right now, and the computer here is too crappy to do anything useful), and I'll also let you know when the versions change. I'd advise y'all to test the scenario out, and to mess around with all the countries. It's going to be pretty easy to assume that your nation is under-powered, but until you try out each of the countries it's hard to get a good feel for it.
Also, ideally we'd have one more player (for the Gaellic Kingdom of Ireland and Wales), so if you all know someone interrested in CK MP, recruit them!
Alternate history for Germany
NOTES: As this history will affect other player's domains, this should be something that we all generally agree to. Feel free to comment. I'll edit it for more specific information later!
The rule of X (my character's father) over the Kingdom of Germany, Italy, and Burgundy was largely a history of failure and decline. After a generally successful war with France, which ammounted to the trading of the Duchy of Upper Lorraine for the Duchies of Burgogne and Languendoc, the King fell ill. For all intents and purposes, rule of the Kingdom fell to his greedy and unscrupulous courtiers, most of whom hailed from the Germanic counties and duchies. The unchecked corruption and ineffective leadership of the Throne inspired resentment in the non-Germans of the Empire, who felt they were being exploited for the benefit of their Teutonic overseers. As the strength of the German throne crumbled, popular insurgencies sprang forth among southern nobles, as well as the czech nobles in Bohemia. The German King made an effort to quash the rebellions, but was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Lake Constance in 1061 by a coalition of the rebelling nobles.
The German King was forced to form and recognize the independence of the Kingdoms of Burgundy, Italy, and Bohemia in the peace accords, and to relinquish any claims that he might have to their thrones. After his humiliating defeat, the German King retreated into his abode and slunk into a deep depression. He wasted away, finally dying in the late fall of 1065 after being ravaged by both mental and physical ailments.
NOTES: As this history will affect other player's domains, this should be something that we all generally agree to. Feel free to comment. I'll edit it for more specific information later!
The rule of X (my character's father) over the Kingdom of Germany, Italy, and Burgundy was largely a history of failure and decline. After a generally successful war with France, which ammounted to the trading of the Duchy of Upper Lorraine for the Duchies of Burgogne and Languendoc, the King fell ill. For all intents and purposes, rule of the Kingdom fell to his greedy and unscrupulous courtiers, most of whom hailed from the Germanic counties and duchies. The unchecked corruption and ineffective leadership of the Throne inspired resentment in the non-Germans of the Empire, who felt they were being exploited for the benefit of their Teutonic overseers. As the strength of the German throne crumbled, popular insurgencies sprang forth among southern nobles, as well as the czech nobles in Bohemia. The German King made an effort to quash the rebellions, but was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Lake Constance in 1061 by a coalition of the rebelling nobles.
The German King was forced to form and recognize the independence of the Kingdoms of Burgundy, Italy, and Bohemia in the peace accords, and to relinquish any claims that he might have to their thrones. After his humiliating defeat, the German King retreated into his abode and slunk into a deep depression. He wasted away, finally dying in the late fall of 1065 after being ravaged by both mental and physical ailments.
I'd suggest we make chars first and you post the scenario after that. Unless somebody wants to see what the map looks like.
At current I elevated duke of Provence as king of Burgundy, duke of Milan as king of Italy, duke of Meath as king of both Ireland and Wales and finally duke of Apulia as king of Naples. If players would prefer some other duke in the kingdom to be king, that's fine, but please note beforehand, as it needs some modding.
At current I elevated duke of Provence as king of Burgundy, duke of Milan as king of Italy, duke of Meath as king of both Ireland and Wales and finally duke of Apulia as king of Naples. If players would prefer some other duke in the kingdom to be king, that's fine, but please note beforehand, as it needs some modding.
So do I have to play as a Frankish character (no, I'm not thinking of Polish, thinking of Norman and being a De Hauteville, possibly linked to the Kingdom of Naples by blood, but not to inherit)? I think that being bonded by blood with another PC would be good for RPing. If so, I'd like to be brother of the ruler of Naples, but we could both swear not to assassinate any heirs (unless they are behind us in the order of inheritance) until the third generation. I know this seems like I'm trying to be gamey and be in line to inherit Naples, but I have no such intention, I only want to increase RPing. By the way, will Burgundy be bigger than those screenshots you showed?
Byakhim has already claimed Naples/de Hauteville. If he's fine with sharing a dynasty with you, that's fine by me, too.
Yes. Considerably so.
I plan to have a frankish lad, with no relation to de Hautevilles, so you may be a relative of them, if you like.
Ok then.
William de Hauteville, son of Robert, brother of Bohemond
St. Stephen's Day, December 26th, 1066.
Great rejoicing has come about, William de Normandie, our Norman brother, has taken the throne of England as his own (may conflict with England's tale, so it can be changed)! Alas, while we rejoice at our brethren finding a new home, we remember when we lost our home, in Apulia, to Franks from the north. They invaded Sicily first, overrunning the Muslim hordes. However, when they had vanquished the Muslims, they turned on their Catholic brethren, invading through the Straits of Sicily, sweeping through many towns before they halted, near Bruggia. This was the time to strike for Robert and his sons.
Robert himself commanded the largest army, with Bohemond commanding a small army of his lands. William rode at the head of an army of Norman knights, prepared for a long battle. This was one of the few victories of de Hauteville. As Robert engaged the infantry head-on, William came on the flank, cutting the army in two, and Bohemond came from the rear to deal with the second half, as William harassed and slaughtered infantry everywhere. The Franks could not retreat due to their heavy armor, and they fell back slowly, fighting all the way, but eventually their army caved, and de Hauteville was victorious, though they had lost men as well.
Another Frankish army came, however, and they never stopped, they kept going to Apulia. This was under a much more capable commander, from the liege's army, and even as William's cavalry smashed down upon his men, he kept them going straight, and did not turn them off their course. It was a war of attrition, as thousands of Frankish casualties were simply left by the side of the army's path, not even buried or tended to by their own comrades in arms. Finally, the Franks reached Apulia. Here was the final battle of the war.
Robert was at the head of the charge, as William and Bohemond followed, trying their best to catch up with their father. But none could, as he was now in the fury of battle. The Normans threw themselves at their enemy, and smashed the siege line, pushing it back up against the city walls. The Franks were decimated, but this was just part of their army. The reinforcements came from the other side of the city. Falling back, Robert readied his troops for another charge. A great melee insued, claiming the lives of many men. In the end, Robert was surrounded by Franks, and he died, on the fields of Apulia. William quickly took control, and after a final push that killed the Frankish leader (will be changed if Byak doesn't like), he decided to fall back. The Normans surrendered later that day, exiled from the land, but allowed to gather up their families and leave in due time.
William's uncles were also killed in the war, and many pyres were let loose from the Apulian docks, but Robert's burned the strongest. A new home must be found for the Normans... and it was, in Burgundy. With only his brothers and his closest knights, William set off for Burgundy. The German King was doling out land to nobles, but William decided the Burgundians were too weak to defend their territory, and he promptly went a on a "diplomatic" mission to Burgundy, bringing his regiment of knights with him. They promptly stormed the castle keep, killed the King, and declared themselves rightful rulers.
Traits: Indulgent, Brilliant Strategist, Reckless
Age: 18
Martial: 11 (16)
Diplomacy: 5 (7)
Intrigue: 3 (4)
Stewardship: 10 (10)
Health: 4
Fertility: 7
William de Hauteville, son of Robert, brother of Bohemond
St. Stephen's Day, December 26th, 1066.
Great rejoicing has come about, William de Normandie, our Norman brother, has taken the throne of England as his own (may conflict with England's tale, so it can be changed)! Alas, while we rejoice at our brethren finding a new home, we remember when we lost our home, in Apulia, to Franks from the north. They invaded Sicily first, overrunning the Muslim hordes. However, when they had vanquished the Muslims, they turned on their Catholic brethren, invading through the Straits of Sicily, sweeping through many towns before they halted, near Bruggia. This was the time to strike for Robert and his sons.
Robert himself commanded the largest army, with Bohemond commanding a small army of his lands. William rode at the head of an army of Norman knights, prepared for a long battle. This was one of the few victories of de Hauteville. As Robert engaged the infantry head-on, William came on the flank, cutting the army in two, and Bohemond came from the rear to deal with the second half, as William harassed and slaughtered infantry everywhere. The Franks could not retreat due to their heavy armor, and they fell back slowly, fighting all the way, but eventually their army caved, and de Hauteville was victorious, though they had lost men as well.
Another Frankish army came, however, and they never stopped, they kept going to Apulia. This was under a much more capable commander, from the liege's army, and even as William's cavalry smashed down upon his men, he kept them going straight, and did not turn them off their course. It was a war of attrition, as thousands of Frankish casualties were simply left by the side of the army's path, not even buried or tended to by their own comrades in arms. Finally, the Franks reached Apulia. Here was the final battle of the war.
Robert was at the head of the charge, as William and Bohemond followed, trying their best to catch up with their father. But none could, as he was now in the fury of battle. The Normans threw themselves at their enemy, and smashed the siege line, pushing it back up against the city walls. The Franks were decimated, but this was just part of their army. The reinforcements came from the other side of the city. Falling back, Robert readied his troops for another charge. A great melee insued, claiming the lives of many men. In the end, Robert was surrounded by Franks, and he died, on the fields of Apulia. William quickly took control, and after a final push that killed the Frankish leader (will be changed if Byak doesn't like), he decided to fall back. The Normans surrendered later that day, exiled from the land, but allowed to gather up their families and leave in due time.
William's uncles were also killed in the war, and many pyres were let loose from the Apulian docks, but Robert's burned the strongest. A new home must be found for the Normans... and it was, in Burgundy. With only his brothers and his closest knights, William set off for Burgundy. The German King was doling out land to nobles, but William decided the Burgundians were too weak to defend their territory, and he promptly went a on a "diplomatic" mission to Burgundy, bringing his regiment of knights with him. They promptly stormed the castle keep, killed the King, and declared themselves rightful rulers.
Traits: Indulgent, Brilliant Strategist, Reckless
Age: 18
Martial: 11 (16)
Diplomacy: 5 (7)
Intrigue: 3 (4)
Stewardship: 10 (10)
Health: 4
Fertility: 7
Last edited:
Character-making rules updated based on the feedback. I suppose we are going to use the updated rules?
The Germany background sounds nice to me.
I´ll work on a background for Italy and it´s king.
Should post it after I get home.
I´ll work on a background for Italy and it´s king.
Should post it after I get home.
I'll give a try on alternate history now.
Heinrich of Frankonia (the original king of Germany in 1066) was crowned as king of Germany, Italy and Burgundy and also the Holy Roman Emperor in 1056. He soon came into conflict with the pope and pope excommunicated him in 1060 (16 years before he was excommunicated in real life, so I am hurrying things up here to fit the story). The already gruntling nobles in Burgundy and Italy took up the pope allowance for rebellion against Heinrich, with the duke of Provence claiming to be the king of Burgundy, while duke of Milano claimed to be king of Italy. The lords of Burgundy and Italy got support from the Capets of France while the Hautevilles of Naples sent aid to Heinrich. The war raged on for many years and without the military genius of the Hautevilles, Heinrich would have been easily defeated. The burgundian lords realized this and hired a landless frankish noble, who was leading a stout band of mercenaries to attack Hautevilles from their rear. The frankish mercenary leader landed in Sicily and was able to raise the recently conquered moslems living there into his aid against Hautevilles. As the Hautevilles were forced to retreat back to Naples, where they were defeated, the advantage fell to the burgundians and their allies. When the Presmylids joined the rebellion, Heinrich had to agree to peace. Duke of Provence was crowned king of Burgundy, duke of Milan as king of Italy and duke of Bohemia as king of Bohemia. This all pushed Heinrich into deep depression and he died later that year, to be succeeded by his brother as king of Germany.
The Norman Hautevilles in Naples were defeated and only handful of their relatives escaped into the north. Their crown was taken by the landless frankish noble, who bravely led his band of mercenaries into victory. In the christmas eve of 1066, he was crowned as king of Naples, Louis I de Turenne.
My character:
Name: Louis de Turenne
Age: 23
Martial 9
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 4
Stewardship 6
Health 8
Fertility 6
Brilliant Strategist, Sceptical, Indulgent
He is a third son of a frankish minor noble, who desired something else than a life as a younger brother of a petty lord. With his charisma and military skills he managed to make a ragtag band of brigands into an effective mercenary troop at very young age. Now he's managed to win himself a crown of a king, but his habit of treating all people equal no matter their religion and rather unchristian habits of enjoyment have made him disliked by the clergy. He doesn't really care, for he bows to no one, not even to the Pope.
Heinrich of Frankonia (the original king of Germany in 1066) was crowned as king of Germany, Italy and Burgundy and also the Holy Roman Emperor in 1056. He soon came into conflict with the pope and pope excommunicated him in 1060 (16 years before he was excommunicated in real life, so I am hurrying things up here to fit the story). The already gruntling nobles in Burgundy and Italy took up the pope allowance for rebellion against Heinrich, with the duke of Provence claiming to be the king of Burgundy, while duke of Milano claimed to be king of Italy. The lords of Burgundy and Italy got support from the Capets of France while the Hautevilles of Naples sent aid to Heinrich. The war raged on for many years and without the military genius of the Hautevilles, Heinrich would have been easily defeated. The burgundian lords realized this and hired a landless frankish noble, who was leading a stout band of mercenaries to attack Hautevilles from their rear. The frankish mercenary leader landed in Sicily and was able to raise the recently conquered moslems living there into his aid against Hautevilles. As the Hautevilles were forced to retreat back to Naples, where they were defeated, the advantage fell to the burgundians and their allies. When the Presmylids joined the rebellion, Heinrich had to agree to peace. Duke of Provence was crowned king of Burgundy, duke of Milan as king of Italy and duke of Bohemia as king of Bohemia. This all pushed Heinrich into deep depression and he died later that year, to be succeeded by his brother as king of Germany.
The Norman Hautevilles in Naples were defeated and only handful of their relatives escaped into the north. Their crown was taken by the landless frankish noble, who bravely led his band of mercenaries into victory. In the christmas eve of 1066, he was crowned as king of Naples, Louis I de Turenne.
My character:
Name: Louis de Turenne
Age: 23
Martial 9
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 4
Stewardship 6
Health 8
Fertility 6
Brilliant Strategist, Sceptical, Indulgent
He is a third son of a frankish minor noble, who desired something else than a life as a younger brother of a petty lord. With his charisma and military skills he managed to make a ragtag band of brigands into an effective mercenary troop at very young age. Now he's managed to win himself a crown of a king, but his habit of treating all people equal no matter their religion and rather unchristian habits of enjoyment have made him disliked by the clergy. He doesn't really care, for he bows to no one, not even to the Pope.
Sterk, some suggestions to your char:
1) You have 1 point in traits too many, we changed to only 4 trait points recently.
2) You are damn easy to assasinate, as prolly will be your kids.
3) Your diplomacy sucks and when we combine that with Kinslayer, your vassals WILL hate you.
1) You have 1 point in traits too many, we changed to only 4 trait points recently.
2) You are damn easy to assasinate, as prolly will be your kids.
3) Your diplomacy sucks and when we combine that with Kinslayer, your vassals WILL hate you.
Scenario balance issues
Scenario balance issues:
This is mainly directed at Byak, as he and I are working on balancing the scenario, but I'm posting it here so that others can comment as well.
We still need to tinker with the balance of the game a bit. After fiddling with the scenario for a couple hours, these are the suggestions/improvements I am suggesting:
1) We compensate those on the continent with smaller realms with larger personal demenses. I suggest the following provinces be added to each of the following Kingdom's personal holdings:
Burgundy: Forcalquier, Dauphienne Viennois, Nice and Venaissin
Italy: Brescia and Monferrato
2) Scotland and Ireland are pitifully behind everyone else. I suggest we throw Ireland/Wales out the window (since nobody's taken it yet) and give Scotland "the Gaelic Crown" of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. We would just merge Ireland/wales as is with Scotland. That will give them a prestige bonus over everyone else, but they deserve it. I would also increase Scotland's personal demense, giving them Nantes (in Brittany), Gwynned (in Wales), and Dublin (in Ireland). This will give them the 2nd largest personal demense in the game (Naples has the largest.)
3) England needs to be toned down economically. I suggest we do this by giving away most of england's personal demense to existing or newly-created vassals. I suggest that Cornwall be elevated to a duchy and be given Devon and Exter. I suggest that Sussex be given to the Archbishopric of Sussex. I suggest that the Duke of Oxford be created and given Oxford and Bristol. Finally, I also suggest that the Duke of Hampshire be created and given Hampshire and Dorsett. England will still remain two to three times more wealthy than most of the other Kingdoms, but that is going to be unavoidable no matter what we do.
Doing as I suggest will still leave disparities, but it will make things more even. England will remain the economic powerhouse at the beginning of the game, but Naples, Italy, and Burgundy will have the potential to rival them. Scotland will actually rise out of the cellar in most measures, and will also have an odd sort of advantage in being so spread out. Germany and France will still have the largest armies, but since they also have the largest borders to defend that is OK.
Scenario balance issues:
This is mainly directed at Byak, as he and I are working on balancing the scenario, but I'm posting it here so that others can comment as well.
We still need to tinker with the balance of the game a bit. After fiddling with the scenario for a couple hours, these are the suggestions/improvements I am suggesting:
1) We compensate those on the continent with smaller realms with larger personal demenses. I suggest the following provinces be added to each of the following Kingdom's personal holdings:
Burgundy: Forcalquier, Dauphienne Viennois, Nice and Venaissin
Italy: Brescia and Monferrato
2) Scotland and Ireland are pitifully behind everyone else. I suggest we throw Ireland/Wales out the window (since nobody's taken it yet) and give Scotland "the Gaelic Crown" of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. We would just merge Ireland/wales as is with Scotland. That will give them a prestige bonus over everyone else, but they deserve it. I would also increase Scotland's personal demense, giving them Nantes (in Brittany), Gwynned (in Wales), and Dublin (in Ireland). This will give them the 2nd largest personal demense in the game (Naples has the largest.)
3) England needs to be toned down economically. I suggest we do this by giving away most of england's personal demense to existing or newly-created vassals. I suggest that Cornwall be elevated to a duchy and be given Devon and Exter. I suggest that Sussex be given to the Archbishopric of Sussex. I suggest that the Duke of Oxford be created and given Oxford and Bristol. Finally, I also suggest that the Duke of Hampshire be created and given Hampshire and Dorsett. England will still remain two to three times more wealthy than most of the other Kingdoms, but that is going to be unavoidable no matter what we do.
Doing as I suggest will still leave disparities, but it will make things more even. England will remain the economic powerhouse at the beginning of the game, but Naples, Italy, and Burgundy will have the potential to rival them. Scotland will actually rise out of the cellar in most measures, and will also have an odd sort of advantage in being so spread out. Germany and France will still have the largest armies, but since they also have the largest borders to defend that is OK.
ARGH! I had my history all typed out, but then my computer locked up.
Stats now, history tomorrow.
Wülfgang of Frankonia
Age 16
Military 7
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 7
Stewardship 7
Health 6
Fertility 6
Traits: Fortune Builder, Proud, Vengeful
Stats now, history tomorrow.
Wülfgang of Frankonia
Age 16
Military 7
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 7
Stewardship 7
Health 6
Fertility 6
Traits: Fortune Builder, Proud, Vengeful
here is the background for Italy and my character, Fulco d`Este, sorry for any english error:
Lombardia, december 26, 1061.
"Yesterday was a very special day, not only I had completed sixteen years, but I was also crowned King of Italy. Finaly I am sitting on the throne that my father conquered with his life.
After years of oppresion and isolated rebellions my father Azo d`Este, Duke of Milano, brought all Italian Dukes together to fight against their lord. After some initial success from the rebels, the German King called his vassals regiments and sent them all to put out the rebellion.
Everything seemed to be lost as the greatest army of Europe marched toward our lands, but the Frankish and Bohemian subjects finally answered to my father call to freedom and also rebelled, forcing the germans to fight in 3 fronts, what eventually, 1061, caused their defeat.
The German King was forced to reconize the independance of Italy, Burgundy and Bohemia.
The nobles of Italy were unanimous about who should be their new king: my father, Azo d`Este.
Unfortunately, my father died about a year later, and the nobles not wanting to start a war, over who should be the next king, wisely decided that the title should be hereditary.
I was still an infant, and so the nobles also decided that I should wait until my 16th anniversary to assume the throne.
But that was yesterday, today I got a kingdom to rule."
Lombardia, december 26, 1061.
"Yesterday was a very special day, not only I had completed sixteen years, but I was also crowned King of Italy. Finaly I am sitting on the throne that my father conquered with his life.
After years of oppresion and isolated rebellions my father Azo d`Este, Duke of Milano, brought all Italian Dukes together to fight against their lord. After some initial success from the rebels, the German King called his vassals regiments and sent them all to put out the rebellion.
Everything seemed to be lost as the greatest army of Europe marched toward our lands, but the Frankish and Bohemian subjects finally answered to my father call to freedom and also rebelled, forcing the germans to fight in 3 fronts, what eventually, 1061, caused their defeat.
The German King was forced to reconize the independance of Italy, Burgundy and Bohemia.
The nobles of Italy were unanimous about who should be their new king: my father, Azo d`Este.
Unfortunately, my father died about a year later, and the nobles not wanting to start a war, over who should be the next king, wisely decided that the title should be hereditary.
I was still an infant, and so the nobles also decided that I should wait until my 16th anniversary to assume the throne.
But that was yesterday, today I got a kingdom to rule."
For my character, Fulco just mod the age and stats, he´s the Duke of Milano:
name: Fulco d`Este
age: 16
M: 7
D: 6
I: 6
S: 8
H: 7
F: 6
Traits: Fortune Builder, Merciful, Suspicious
In the Balance issue:
I think that adding the 2 extra demenses will be good, but if 2 more duchies, Veneto and Romagna, could be added (with bologna, ferrara and ravena as vassals of the duke of romagna) Italy will be more interesting to play.
It will still be underpowered, but I´m in for the roleplay so I don´t really care.
name: Fulco d`Este
age: 16
M: 7
D: 6
I: 6
S: 8
H: 7
F: 6
Traits: Fortune Builder, Merciful, Suspicious
In the Balance issue:
I think that adding the 2 extra demenses will be good, but if 2 more duchies, Veneto and Romagna, could be added (with bologna, ferrara and ravena as vassals of the duke of romagna) Italy will be more interesting to play.
It will still be underpowered, but I´m in for the roleplay so I don´t really care.
Bertrand Capet
Age 21
DNA: 01070912030007
Honest, Wise, Proven Accountant
Martial 7
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 6
Stewardship 8
Health 6
Fertility 6
Bertrand was the son of Henri Capet and older brother of Philippe Capet. He took the French crown at age fifteen when his father died. Regarded by his mentors as a well-rounded, skillful student, Bertrand had no specific amazing talent, but instead was skilled in most anything he took up. He spent most of his childhood being tutored by his father’s steward, whose task was the one Bertrand was most interested in. However, Bertrand’s education was not particularly better than those other nobles received – he was only known as a proven accountant. However, he was still quite able in stewardship, his honest business sense allowing him to do well.
Henri Capet died in 1060, when Bertrand was fifteen. After inheriting the throne of France, he quickly showed an aptitude in ruling. Though he surprised many of his older court members, vassals and foreign acquaintances, it could not be denied that Bertrand was a wise young man. He seems to have a great future ahead…will he live up to it?
Age 21
DNA: 01070912030007
Honest, Wise, Proven Accountant
Martial 7
Diplomacy 7
Intrigue 6
Stewardship 8
Health 6
Fertility 6
Bertrand was the son of Henri Capet and older brother of Philippe Capet. He took the French crown at age fifteen when his father died. Regarded by his mentors as a well-rounded, skillful student, Bertrand had no specific amazing talent, but instead was skilled in most anything he took up. He spent most of his childhood being tutored by his father’s steward, whose task was the one Bertrand was most interested in. However, Bertrand’s education was not particularly better than those other nobles received – he was only known as a proven accountant. However, he was still quite able in stewardship, his honest business sense allowing him to do well.
Henri Capet died in 1060, when Bertrand was fifteen. After inheriting the throne of France, he quickly showed an aptitude in ruling. Though he surprised many of his older court members, vassals and foreign acquaintances, it could not be denied that Bertrand was a wise young man. He seems to have a great future ahead…will he live up to it?
character = {
id = { type = 10 id = 140 }
name = "William"
gender = male
dynasty = { type = 12 id =752 }
father = { type = 10 id = 252 }
country = ENGL
religion = catholic
culture = English
score = { gold = 250 prestige = 100 piety = 100 }
birthdate = { year = 1047 month = october day = 14 }
dna = "70250401143908"
martial = 6
diplomacy = 7
intrigue = 7
stewardship = 7
health = 7
fertility = 6
Martial Cleric
Suspicious
Temperate
In 1016, Knut, King of Denmark, had seized the kingdom of England by exploiting the bitter rivalries between king Aethelred Unraed (without counsel), his son Edmund Ironside and his closest advisors. Knut's takeover had not been unexpected: many English magnates had been aligning themselves for just such an eventuality - most important among them being Eadric, ealdorman of Mercia, whose treachery at the Battle of Ashingdon handed Knut the throne.
Eadric did not get quite the reward he expected. At the Christmas court of 1017, Knut stunned the English with the murder of ealdorman Eadric, his supporters and every member of Aethelred's royal family he could get his hands on. Only Edward and his brothers, the younger sons of Aethelred, survived. They fled to Normandy, where they took refuge with Duke Richard, father of their mother Emma.
In place of the murdered magnates, Knut installed his own men, both Danish and English, loyal to himself. The most prominent of these were Earls Leofric and Godwine, who prospered under the new Danish régime. They and their families had learned two valuable lessons from the Danish conquest: traitors were never trusted, but collaboration paid. Knut also secured his external position by marrying Emma, maintaining a link to the old régime and ensuring that the Duke of Normandy would not come out in favour of the dispossessed Edward.
Edward spent the next 30 years in exile under the protection of his grandfather, Duke Richard I of Normandy and his successors. Whilst there, he made several friends, among them Eustace of Boulogne and the Breton Ralph the Staller. On his return to England in 1042, as Edward the Confessor, he promoted many of these Frenchmen into positions of influence, as a counterbalance to the overweening power of the Godwine family.
The Godwines had prospered greatly while Edward was away. Under Knut and his successors, they had amassed so much land that they were second only in power and wealth to that of the King. So when Edward returned after the death of Knut's son, Harthaknut, he found his position hamstrung by Knut's old Earls. He tried to offset this by allying himself with Earls Leofric and Siward, the enemies of Godwine, and by promoting his own friends, a notorious group called the 'Frenchmen' who were made up of the Norman and French nobles with whom Edward had shared his young adulthood.
Meanwhile, Normandy was embroiled in its own succession crisis. Duke Richard's grandson, Robert, emerged in 1047 at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes as the dominant power in Normandy, with his capital at Rouen, a prosperous trading settlement much like Viking Jorvik (York). Robert died in 1052, leaving a 5-year-old son, William as his heir. Roberts will was theat William would be sent to the monastery of Rouen, where Robert believed William would be safe from assasinations. However, William's early years were immersed in assassination and revolting vassals. Already at the age of 13 he directed the defence of the monastery of Rouen against the rebelling count Bernards assault. William learned to be suspicious. He very soon understood that reckless men died where temperate men emerged.
William was a large man, of exceptional strength and appearance. He was remarkably tall for a medieval man, standing at 5'10". He had inordinate strength, he could draw a bow that no other man could draw, whilst spurring on a horse.
He was also ruthlessly efficient, and thanks to his childhood valued personal loyalty and the unbreakable ties of the family above all else. To this end, he promoted his two half-brothers into key positions. Robert became Count of Mortain and Odo became Bishop of Bayeux.
In January 1066, King Edward "the Confessor" died. He was succeeded by the Earl of Wessex, Harold. Duke William of Normandy usurped the title, as he did have a legitimate claim on the title. Despite having seen a lot of action William of Normandy was only 19 years old when he set sail across the English Channel on 28th September 1066, with a fleet of knights, archers and horses.
King Harold of England had been waiting with an army in Sussex but was forced to march his army north to defeat an invasion by Harald Hardrada of Norway at Stamford Bridge. The invading Normans landed in Sussex, King Harold rushed his army south to meet William at Hastings. The armies were quite well matched numerically but William had the advantage in terms of cavalry. William's army were also fresh. The English lost the battle and King Harold died when a Norman arrow pierced his eye.
Various revolts against William (both English and Norman) were calmed by giving out land to dukes and counts. William thus cemented his rulership. Two months later William of Normandy was crowned King of England.
William did see to a few complete changes. The new counts and dukes are devotedly loyal to William, their rule depended on Williams good will. Also, French replaced English as the official language. C'est la vie.
NOTES:
Mathilda should be edited to NOT be the wife of William. Likewise, the children of William and Mathilda have to be edited out.
Robert, father of William, should have his deathdate pushed to at least 1047. I'd prefer it pushed to somewher 1052 when Robert would have died at the age of 42, while William would have been at that time 5 years old.
id = { type = 10 id = 140 }
name = "William"
gender = male
dynasty = { type = 12 id =752 }
father = { type = 10 id = 252 }
country = ENGL
religion = catholic
culture = English
score = { gold = 250 prestige = 100 piety = 100 }
birthdate = { year = 1047 month = october day = 14 }
dna = "70250401143908"
martial = 6
diplomacy = 7
intrigue = 7
stewardship = 7
health = 7
fertility = 6
Martial Cleric
Suspicious
Temperate
In 1016, Knut, King of Denmark, had seized the kingdom of England by exploiting the bitter rivalries between king Aethelred Unraed (without counsel), his son Edmund Ironside and his closest advisors. Knut's takeover had not been unexpected: many English magnates had been aligning themselves for just such an eventuality - most important among them being Eadric, ealdorman of Mercia, whose treachery at the Battle of Ashingdon handed Knut the throne.
Eadric did not get quite the reward he expected. At the Christmas court of 1017, Knut stunned the English with the murder of ealdorman Eadric, his supporters and every member of Aethelred's royal family he could get his hands on. Only Edward and his brothers, the younger sons of Aethelred, survived. They fled to Normandy, where they took refuge with Duke Richard, father of their mother Emma.
In place of the murdered magnates, Knut installed his own men, both Danish and English, loyal to himself. The most prominent of these were Earls Leofric and Godwine, who prospered under the new Danish régime. They and their families had learned two valuable lessons from the Danish conquest: traitors were never trusted, but collaboration paid. Knut also secured his external position by marrying Emma, maintaining a link to the old régime and ensuring that the Duke of Normandy would not come out in favour of the dispossessed Edward.
Edward spent the next 30 years in exile under the protection of his grandfather, Duke Richard I of Normandy and his successors. Whilst there, he made several friends, among them Eustace of Boulogne and the Breton Ralph the Staller. On his return to England in 1042, as Edward the Confessor, he promoted many of these Frenchmen into positions of influence, as a counterbalance to the overweening power of the Godwine family.
The Godwines had prospered greatly while Edward was away. Under Knut and his successors, they had amassed so much land that they were second only in power and wealth to that of the King. So when Edward returned after the death of Knut's son, Harthaknut, he found his position hamstrung by Knut's old Earls. He tried to offset this by allying himself with Earls Leofric and Siward, the enemies of Godwine, and by promoting his own friends, a notorious group called the 'Frenchmen' who were made up of the Norman and French nobles with whom Edward had shared his young adulthood.
Meanwhile, Normandy was embroiled in its own succession crisis. Duke Richard's grandson, Robert, emerged in 1047 at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes as the dominant power in Normandy, with his capital at Rouen, a prosperous trading settlement much like Viking Jorvik (York). Robert died in 1052, leaving a 5-year-old son, William as his heir. Roberts will was theat William would be sent to the monastery of Rouen, where Robert believed William would be safe from assasinations. However, William's early years were immersed in assassination and revolting vassals. Already at the age of 13 he directed the defence of the monastery of Rouen against the rebelling count Bernards assault. William learned to be suspicious. He very soon understood that reckless men died where temperate men emerged.
William was a large man, of exceptional strength and appearance. He was remarkably tall for a medieval man, standing at 5'10". He had inordinate strength, he could draw a bow that no other man could draw, whilst spurring on a horse.
He was also ruthlessly efficient, and thanks to his childhood valued personal loyalty and the unbreakable ties of the family above all else. To this end, he promoted his two half-brothers into key positions. Robert became Count of Mortain and Odo became Bishop of Bayeux.
In January 1066, King Edward "the Confessor" died. He was succeeded by the Earl of Wessex, Harold. Duke William of Normandy usurped the title, as he did have a legitimate claim on the title. Despite having seen a lot of action William of Normandy was only 19 years old when he set sail across the English Channel on 28th September 1066, with a fleet of knights, archers and horses.
King Harold of England had been waiting with an army in Sussex but was forced to march his army north to defeat an invasion by Harald Hardrada of Norway at Stamford Bridge. The invading Normans landed in Sussex, King Harold rushed his army south to meet William at Hastings. The armies were quite well matched numerically but William had the advantage in terms of cavalry. William's army were also fresh. The English lost the battle and King Harold died when a Norman arrow pierced his eye.
Various revolts against William (both English and Norman) were calmed by giving out land to dukes and counts. William thus cemented his rulership. Two months later William of Normandy was crowned King of England.
William did see to a few complete changes. The new counts and dukes are devotedly loyal to William, their rule depended on Williams good will. Also, French replaced English as the official language. C'est la vie.
NOTES:
Mathilda should be edited to NOT be the wife of William. Likewise, the children of William and Mathilda have to be edited out.
Robert, father of William, should have his deathdate pushed to at least 1047. I'd prefer it pushed to somewher 1052 when Robert would have died at the age of 42, while William would have been at that time 5 years old.
Patrucio said:
Both Burgundy and Italy benefit from the ability to create new duchy titles at start, which allows them to change money to prestige. Besides, personal demesne isn't that important, because you can mobilize vassal's troops and take scutage.
Patrucio said:
I'd rather give Burgundy just Forcalquier and Dauphine Viennois, with Dauphine being the important one, as it allows Burgundy to create titles.
On similiar issue, I'd give Italy Treviso instead, to give Italy this ability too. Brescia and Montferrato are not part of any uncreated title.
Patrucio said:
Scotland and Ireland benefit from being on the side, where they can't be attacked from all directions like France and Germany. But it may be good for balance to make it unified Gaelic crown. But I don't think they need additional demesne after that, because they have actually have huge prestige accumulating from triple-king and very many small duchies as vassals.
And Naples has the largest demesne, because it got Sicily directly added to it when moslems were removed. Which is actually a bad thing as my Efficiency is hurt and I need to appoint new counts and dukes straight at game start. Too big demesne = bad thing.
Patrucio said:
England doesn't need to be toned down, because England seems rich only because of original William the Superman de Normandie, who could make desert spawn gold. England is province-wise poorer than France, Germany, Italy or Burgundy, which isn't just realized as AI never takes scutage and thus Personal Demesne's value is significantly overrated. If Germany or France put's scutage to 50% or higher, they definetly will have most money.
Lincoln said:
There are four uncreated duchies in Italy at game start: Romagna, Krain, Steiermark and Veneto. If we give you Treviso as part of personal demesne you can create all of them and give them to your desired vassals, just remember to create Veneto last. You'll get a nice boost of 400 prestige by creating them and the ability to choose who you give the ducal titles is always neat.