The Siward's Story
A Tale Of Northumberland
A Crusader King's AAR
Version - 1.01
Difficulty - Normal/Normal
Campaign - Hastings, 1066-
Coming Soon: Waltheof's Chapter
Last Updated: 20/4/04 17:47:30 BST
Last edited:
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Waltheof's Chapter
Count Of Northumberland
Waltheof was a young lad, only having just come of age, but he had a spark of fire in him. He had met enough Counts and Dukes who did nothing but spend the family fortune on nothingness. Clothes, food, rubbish. He wanted to do something with his life, with his title. Something worth while. He wanted children, he wanted riches, he wanted prestige, he wanted respect, he wanted to be a King...
Waltheof in the year 1066
He sat in the court of Malcom Dunkeld, King of Scotland, not really paying much attention. His thoughts were elsewhere, on his demesne, what he was going to do, how he was going to make a difference. The gruff voice brought him back to his senses,'Waltheof, any more wine for ye lad?' asked the stout King. Looking into his goblet and finding it empty he nodded slowly but as soon as it was poured he stood up and announced,
'Thank yer very much for your hospitality but I'm afraid I have a lot of important matters to attend to. Sorry fer the short notice but they are very important,' he finished with a firm nod as if the matter was settled.
'Are you sure yer cannae stay any longer lad?' The King had taken quite fondly to Waltheof. After all they were family... supposedly.
'I am afraid not, I really must go,' and before the resplendant King could utter a goodbye Waltheof had crossed the hard stone floor, opened the heavy oak door and was off and away.
1066 - 1076
Years of Foundation
The first ten years of Waltheof's reign were eventful, for both the good and the bad. However not much rocked the stability or the prosperity of his county Northumberland. He arranged a marriage with the daughter of the Duke of Berwick and being of the age that he was, soon had many children on the way. At first he was given a daughter, which he wasn't too worried about, however after the second daughter and then a still birth, he became impatient for a son. He did not have to wait too long after that though for soon he had one, and he was named Harold. He would be the future of the Siward family. Waltheof also managed to have a little run in with one of the maids around his estate which involved the birth of a bastard.His regiment grew in strength and numbers and much was done for the infrastructure of Northumberland. Many things were built, most notably a library, fishing wharf, forestry and sawmill. His lands were rich and prospering and money was pouring in. He was getting there, but he was not ready... yet...
1076 - 1087
Waltheof Takes the First Step
The following years brought a greater change in Waltheof. His enthusiasm for his kingdom and family did not falter, nay it only increased. His people loved him and his subjects were loyal. Harold was doing well in his education in the army, and soon he grew to be a skilled tactician of great virtue. Waltheof was very pleased with his son, and on the day he came of age he arranged a marriage with a fine lass from the court of the Duke of the Western Isles. His second eldest daughter also had her hand taken in marriage by a Count in the north of Scotland. However his eldest daughter was left in charge as Chancellor of the Court and thus had she little time for marriage.Again Waltheof continued to pour money into the construction of Northumberland. This time, fine structures were created, beautiful libraries and monasteries, as well as schools and Templar Houses for the nobles of his lands. His wealth was amassing but alas, a dastardly fire destroyed some of the fishing wharfs at the coastal communities, but he, being the beneign ruler that he was, payed for them to rebuilt and the fishing community to be re-established.
However not all was peaceful and welcoming. Indeed he remembered the butterflies in his stomach as his armour was put on, and his sword handed to him. The time had come. He had already traced his lineage with some 'historians' to ancient member of his family who had been a relative of the Count of Cumberland. The lands were currently under the control of Malcom Dunkeld, the King of Scotland. With his son's superb knowledge of military tactics, and admittedly some help from the Duke of Norfolk and the King of England himself, he defeated Malcom on the battlefield. No longer would he have to attend his court or deal with the niceties. Now he had the chance, and he took at it, with the tip of a sword. His job, nay his family's, nay his dynasty's job was not done yet, but he had faith in his eldest son to complete the task one day or pass it on to one worthy of him. That night, Waltheof slept with a smile on his face...
Waltheof and his vassals in the year 1087
Under Construction
Last edited:
Well i find to trun Norhtumberland into a Kingdom is fairly easy. Play as Scotland, assanaite Waltheof, and viola the count of Northumberland is also King 
Does Waltheof start with claims on the lands he ruled before the Norman conquest? He had been Earl of Huntingdon and of Northampton, but I don't have the game so I can't tell you which provinces they would be.
Very nice beginning. Do you perchance have a map of his holdings and those he hopes to gain claims on? I am salivating for the game myself and any new shot is appreciated.
