Weird that you didn't receive that piety. Well, at least Rome is free once more. News from the east are interesting. Russians will have much work to defeat both Khanates.
Gesta Hungarorum (Deeds of the Hungarians)
- Thread starter Victor1234
- Start date
-
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.
Just start conquering Christian states and the game will give you all sorts of troubles.
But yeah, it gets easy after a while.
But yeah, it gets easy after a while.
Olaus Petrus: Yep, what was stranger was, if you notice in the Rome battle screenshot, the leader of the enemy army is the former Pope, Lázár 
I figure the historical book writing Hungarians wouldn't want to say they were fighting the ex-Pope, so I didn't mention it.
Yes, the Russians are in a fix. The capable guys are dead, all the new under-age rulers seem to be inbred or crazy, the Seljuks are moving up and both of the Mongol tribes are fighting them at the same time. Although one tribe has already splintered and is almost gone, and the Mongols still need to get through my old vassal, the Duchy of Moskva, to reach me....will be interesting to see how it goes.
Belgian Fuhrer: Thanks, I appreciate the compliment and hope you'll continue to enjoy the AAR.
RGB: Well, in my experience, the conquering is not so hard, it's the keeping that's the problem. This game tends to be very fickle, and everything can go wrong very easily if you're not careful.
I figure the historical book writing Hungarians wouldn't want to say they were fighting the ex-Pope, so I didn't mention it.
Yes, the Russians are in a fix. The capable guys are dead, all the new under-age rulers seem to be inbred or crazy, the Seljuks are moving up and both of the Mongol tribes are fighting them at the same time. Although one tribe has already splintered and is almost gone, and the Mongols still need to get through my old vassal, the Duchy of Moskva, to reach me....will be interesting to see how it goes.
Belgian Fuhrer: Thanks, I appreciate the compliment and hope you'll continue to enjoy the AAR.
RGB: Well, in my experience, the conquering is not so hard, it's the keeping that's the problem. This game tends to be very fickle, and everything can go wrong very easily if you're not careful.
Chapter XXXV: The Island Expansion
Thus with the permission of the King, the vassals of the Kingdom located around the sea, now sought to expand their holdings onto the islands which the King had deemed most crucial for the survival of Hungary. The first to fall was the former English enclave on the southern coast of Spain, guarding the narrow passage of water between Europe and northern Africa. Though not an island in itself, in the message sent by the King to the Duke of Armagnac, the King spoke of requiring the enclave to protect the Mediterranean Sea. The Duke of Armagnac, though Hungarian in origin, had built his castle on the island of Malta, and had later acquired his title as Duke of Armagnac through inheritance. Thus the task of securing the enclave, recently revolted from the English throne, fell to him. Having called upon his vassals in France to provide him with troops, the Duke embarked these men on ship and set out to land on the southern coast of Spain. The armies of the newly independent County of Algeciras, unable to stem the invasion by the superior forces of the Duke, surrender and ceded the islands to the Hungarian throne. It had been arranged previously that these islands which were to be taken, would be ruled by the Hungarian throne until such time as their native residents were turned to the path of God and introduced to the culture of the Hungarians. The Duke of Sardinia, having felt his services should have been used for the invasion, was thus placated by being given the honour of landing in Mallorca and seizing the island. Shortly after war was declared on the Emirate of Toledo, holder of the smaller island Menorca, the war was ended as the infidel had no taste for battle against the knights of Hungary. With these islands being placed under the authority of the Crown, the local clergy were given far-reaching powers to enable them to convert the populace to the one, true faith. From the east, came more news of the expanding power of the Golden Horde, now intent on moving their reign of destruction and chaos further west.
Former English enclave taken
Mallorca taken
Golden Horde expands
Having thus expanded in the western parts of the Mediterranean Sea, the King now turned his attention towards the east. Embarking a small army twenty thousand, he liberated the island of Corfu from the Greek Prince who was granted the island by the Byzantine Emperor. Though defeated, the King allowed the Prince to retain his holdings on the mainland of Greece itself, taking only the island of Corfu and placing it under the administration of the Crown. Upon his return, joyous news awaited him, as the Kingdom of Sweden, having elected onto the throne for the first time, a Dane, had now elected in his place a Swede of great nobility and character. To this new King, Álmos sent a great fortune, so as to sustain his ally and allow the Kingdom of Sweden to retake the rebel Duchies which had unlawfully broken away from it in the past.
Corfu taken
New Swedish King
From the east, meanwhile, further news continued to reach the King. The Kingdom of Egypt, having been founded by King Álmos, had reached an end after only two Kings had sat upon it's throne. The civil war, which the rebellious Hédervári clan had won, had drained their armies of strength with which to defend the Kingdom, and so they fell prey to the renewed attacks of the Kingdom of Fatamids. The Fatamids, then fresh from their victory, attacked the Principality of Krete, seizing their islands and restricting them to the island of Rhodes, a short distance from the shores of Anatolia. Farther north, the Russian princes were dealing with the renewed attacks of both the Il-Khanate and Golden Horde, each opponent equally hostile and filled with resolve. Whereas the Russians would overcome one tribe, the other would naturally take it's place. Yet where the Russians beat back both tribes, the Seljuks would forward. Thus both tribes of the Mongols waned in power and influence, only to rise again shortly after, seemingly bent on reaching the thus far untouched lands of Hungary.
Large Golden Horde
Il-Khanate expanded
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1264 AD, the King having bid his vassals to seize several islands and enclaves important for the Kingdom of Hungary, thus found himself yearning to assist his brethren in the Kingdom of Egypt, yet unable to offer support. From the lands of the Kingdom, in Europe, there was much rejoicing. A full fifteen years had gone by with no wars, no endless taxes to be paid, or children to lose. The great wealth of Europe, constantly at war and feuding, flowed into Hungary, and with it, the people grew ever prosperous. Yet, beneath it all, there remained a sinister feeling. The nobles of the land, aggrevated at the power wielded by the nobles directly outside the Kingdom, and forbidden to war, grew jealous of the others. Amongst them were the children of those whom the great King, Szent Antal had once pardoned for conspiring with Poland against Hungary, who, though unable to challenge the power of King Álmos, began to plot and conspire. The King's first-born son, a promising young boy of eleven, had all the makings of a great King and one who would outshine his father. The King claimed to know this boy would be the greatest Hungarian King yet, for in his youth, he showed the seeds of greatness. Yet of his second-born son, Álmos was not as proud. Though no great hopes were placed on him, this boy began to have troubles speaking correctly, making him an object of ridicule within the court. The tutor of the young boy, had meanwhile claimed this boy would be useless at any intellectual pursuits, and so the King, in breaking the tradition of allowing the children of the Royal Family to remain at court, insisted his second-born son take up the sword and perhaps prove himself in battle. The King had hoped that while his first-born son would rule the land as an able King, the second would make a fine warrior and a strong right arm to the first. Thus in unison, the two would have no peers and the Kingdom would remain strong. To this end he decided that further instruction for his second-born son be carried out only by the Marshal of the Kingdom, a dependable old man and relative to the King, István Árpád.
Thus with the permission of the King, the vassals of the Kingdom located around the sea, now sought to expand their holdings onto the islands which the King had deemed most crucial for the survival of Hungary. The first to fall was the former English enclave on the southern coast of Spain, guarding the narrow passage of water between Europe and northern Africa. Though not an island in itself, in the message sent by the King to the Duke of Armagnac, the King spoke of requiring the enclave to protect the Mediterranean Sea. The Duke of Armagnac, though Hungarian in origin, had built his castle on the island of Malta, and had later acquired his title as Duke of Armagnac through inheritance. Thus the task of securing the enclave, recently revolted from the English throne, fell to him. Having called upon his vassals in France to provide him with troops, the Duke embarked these men on ship and set out to land on the southern coast of Spain. The armies of the newly independent County of Algeciras, unable to stem the invasion by the superior forces of the Duke, surrender and ceded the islands to the Hungarian throne. It had been arranged previously that these islands which were to be taken, would be ruled by the Hungarian throne until such time as their native residents were turned to the path of God and introduced to the culture of the Hungarians. The Duke of Sardinia, having felt his services should have been used for the invasion, was thus placated by being given the honour of landing in Mallorca and seizing the island. Shortly after war was declared on the Emirate of Toledo, holder of the smaller island Menorca, the war was ended as the infidel had no taste for battle against the knights of Hungary. With these islands being placed under the authority of the Crown, the local clergy were given far-reaching powers to enable them to convert the populace to the one, true faith. From the east, came more news of the expanding power of the Golden Horde, now intent on moving their reign of destruction and chaos further west.
Former English enclave taken
Mallorca taken
Golden Horde expands
Having thus expanded in the western parts of the Mediterranean Sea, the King now turned his attention towards the east. Embarking a small army twenty thousand, he liberated the island of Corfu from the Greek Prince who was granted the island by the Byzantine Emperor. Though defeated, the King allowed the Prince to retain his holdings on the mainland of Greece itself, taking only the island of Corfu and placing it under the administration of the Crown. Upon his return, joyous news awaited him, as the Kingdom of Sweden, having elected onto the throne for the first time, a Dane, had now elected in his place a Swede of great nobility and character. To this new King, Álmos sent a great fortune, so as to sustain his ally and allow the Kingdom of Sweden to retake the rebel Duchies which had unlawfully broken away from it in the past.
Corfu taken
New Swedish King
From the east, meanwhile, further news continued to reach the King. The Kingdom of Egypt, having been founded by King Álmos, had reached an end after only two Kings had sat upon it's throne. The civil war, which the rebellious Hédervári clan had won, had drained their armies of strength with which to defend the Kingdom, and so they fell prey to the renewed attacks of the Kingdom of Fatamids. The Fatamids, then fresh from their victory, attacked the Principality of Krete, seizing their islands and restricting them to the island of Rhodes, a short distance from the shores of Anatolia. Farther north, the Russian princes were dealing with the renewed attacks of both the Il-Khanate and Golden Horde, each opponent equally hostile and filled with resolve. Whereas the Russians would overcome one tribe, the other would naturally take it's place. Yet where the Russians beat back both tribes, the Seljuks would forward. Thus both tribes of the Mongols waned in power and influence, only to rise again shortly after, seemingly bent on reaching the thus far untouched lands of Hungary.
Large Golden Horde
Il-Khanate expanded
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1264 AD, the King having bid his vassals to seize several islands and enclaves important for the Kingdom of Hungary, thus found himself yearning to assist his brethren in the Kingdom of Egypt, yet unable to offer support. From the lands of the Kingdom, in Europe, there was much rejoicing. A full fifteen years had gone by with no wars, no endless taxes to be paid, or children to lose. The great wealth of Europe, constantly at war and feuding, flowed into Hungary, and with it, the people grew ever prosperous. Yet, beneath it all, there remained a sinister feeling. The nobles of the land, aggrevated at the power wielded by the nobles directly outside the Kingdom, and forbidden to war, grew jealous of the others. Amongst them were the children of those whom the great King, Szent Antal had once pardoned for conspiring with Poland against Hungary, who, though unable to challenge the power of King Álmos, began to plot and conspire. The King's first-born son, a promising young boy of eleven, had all the makings of a great King and one who would outshine his father. The King claimed to know this boy would be the greatest Hungarian King yet, for in his youth, he showed the seeds of greatness. Yet of his second-born son, Álmos was not as proud. Though no great hopes were placed on him, this boy began to have troubles speaking correctly, making him an object of ridicule within the court. The tutor of the young boy, had meanwhile claimed this boy would be useless at any intellectual pursuits, and so the King, in breaking the tradition of allowing the children of the Royal Family to remain at court, insisted his second-born son take up the sword and perhaps prove himself in battle. The King had hoped that while his first-born son would rule the land as an able King, the second would make a fine warrior and a strong right arm to the first. Thus in unison, the two would have no peers and the Kingdom would remain strong. To this end he decided that further instruction for his second-born son be carried out only by the Marshal of the Kingdom, a dependable old man and relative to the King, István Árpád.
Is your purpose in island conquest the fact that once you convert to EU2 it will be easier to sent fleets to explore the world and move your troops around if you have proper harbours in Mediterranean?
The Ilkhans and the Golden Horde nest to each other always ends up with one coming off much worse for the wear
And yes, I thought something like that would happen to Egypt.
And yes, I thought something like that would happen to Egypt.
Olaus Petrus: That's right. Although I find the idea of naval bases appealing too. Plus, by not taking the mainland provinces they are connected to by trade links, I avoid having Hungarian culture spread to southern Spain
RGB: Indeed, they seem to alternate every year, with one becoming the dominant menace, and then eventually being weakened to the point where the other will move in and become dominant. At least they are keeping the Russians busy. Might have to intervene though, if those Seljuks keep moving north. They're already in the Ukraine....o
Yep, the King wasn't the sort of guy who could hold all that together, but it might be fun to go back in the region when I have time. The annoying part is, the Kingdom of Jerusalem still maintains a three province hold, complete with annoying count-shield bug. If they ever get taken, it will be by the Fatamids, and then it might be interesting to kick the Fatamids out of Egypt and Palestine, and have a mega-Crusader Kingdom of both Egypt and Jerusalem. Do it right and all that, pick a good candidate, load him up with more than the 2000 gold I sent to this guy, make an alliance, etc. Would be an interesting political entity to carry on into EU2. But it's just speculation at the moment, as we're still committed to isolation.
RGB: Indeed, they seem to alternate every year, with one becoming the dominant menace, and then eventually being weakened to the point where the other will move in and become dominant. At least they are keeping the Russians busy. Might have to intervene though, if those Seljuks keep moving north. They're already in the Ukraine....
o Yep, the King wasn't the sort of guy who could hold all that together, but it might be fun to go back in the region when I have time. The annoying part is, the Kingdom of Jerusalem still maintains a three province hold, complete with annoying count-shield bug. If they ever get taken, it will be by the Fatamids, and then it might be interesting to kick the Fatamids out of Egypt and Palestine, and have a mega-Crusader Kingdom of both Egypt and Jerusalem. Do it right and all that, pick a good candidate, load him up with more than the 2000 gold I sent to this guy, make an alliance, etc. Would be an interesting political entity to carry on into EU2. But it's just speculation at the moment, as we're still committed to isolation.
Chapter XXXVI: The End of the Pax Hungarorum
Having thus conquered the island of Corfu, the attention of King Álmos and the Royal Army now turned to the island of Sicily. Long since ruled by the infidel, the King realized that to thwart their power in the lands of Italy, it would be wise to expand northwards from the present Hungarian vassal of Malta. Yet as he embarked the larger part of the Royal Army, numbering some twenty thousand men, his fears of the Kingdom being attacked by the Mongols in his absence faded, as news arrived of the Il-Khanate. Having been driven from their homelands by the Seljuk Turks, whom they could not match in battle, the Khanate now held lands only in the realm of Russia from whence soon they would be expelled by the Russian principalities. With the safety of the Kingdom assured, the King thus embarked for the island of Sicily. His plan of strategy, called for the Hungarian troops to land in Syracuse, and from there move across the island till all the infidel were expelled. Though losing but few men and ships on the voyage to the island, the King landed as planned on Sicily, facing the inferior army of Syracuse. In battle against the infidel, the King at the head of his army slew a great multitude of the enemy, until their leader scorned his virtue and fled the field as a coward. Pursuing him with the army, King Álmos arrived at the castle of Syracuse, laying seige to it for a year. Yet the wily infidel, aware of the lack of supplies afforded to the King on this hostile island, had poisoned the wells with disease and soon this spread amongst the Royal Army. Though none dared to go near the sick and dying, King Álmos scorned the advice of those about to him, to avoid greeting his soldiers. The King, in disregard for his own safety, comforted his soldiers in their sickly state, bestowing on them all manner of honours. Though the men of his army loved him for it, the act greatly affected his well-being, for soon the King himself was inflicted with the terrible disease.
The expansion of the Seljuks
The battle for Syracuse
The King has been afflicted with illness
Having thus been reduced in health, the King could not in full spirit continue his campaign to free the island from the grasp of the infidels, and thus returned by ship to his beloved Hungary, leaving his capable Marshal and cousin, István Árpád in command. The King arrived to his castle at Pest safely, only to pass away from the terrible illness but a few days after. All the Kingdom mourned his loss, yet there was nothing to be done. As the laws of the Kingdom decreed, his son András took the throne of Hungary and the Bishop of Beresty, seeing his opportunity, declared war on the Hungarian Kingdom. Yet András remained on the throne for less than three days, being fouly slain by the spymaster of his father, King Álmos. With this, the throne passed to the inept and ridiculed István, who with stuttering tongue bid the men of Hungary to hunt down and kill the escaped, traitorous spymaster. Yet, the other rebellious nobles, seeing in this a golden opportunity, raised arms against the Kingdom, so that now too, the Duchies of Belgrade and Krain joined the rebellion, with each Duke seeking to depose the Árpád family from their ancient and sacred throne.
Sickly King dies
Dead King
Disloyal traitor scum
Dead King
Having thus conquered the island of Corfu, the attention of King Álmos and the Royal Army now turned to the island of Sicily. Long since ruled by the infidel, the King realized that to thwart their power in the lands of Italy, it would be wise to expand northwards from the present Hungarian vassal of Malta. Yet as he embarked the larger part of the Royal Army, numbering some twenty thousand men, his fears of the Kingdom being attacked by the Mongols in his absence faded, as news arrived of the Il-Khanate. Having been driven from their homelands by the Seljuk Turks, whom they could not match in battle, the Khanate now held lands only in the realm of Russia from whence soon they would be expelled by the Russian principalities. With the safety of the Kingdom assured, the King thus embarked for the island of Sicily. His plan of strategy, called for the Hungarian troops to land in Syracuse, and from there move across the island till all the infidel were expelled. Though losing but few men and ships on the voyage to the island, the King landed as planned on Sicily, facing the inferior army of Syracuse. In battle against the infidel, the King at the head of his army slew a great multitude of the enemy, until their leader scorned his virtue and fled the field as a coward. Pursuing him with the army, King Álmos arrived at the castle of Syracuse, laying seige to it for a year. Yet the wily infidel, aware of the lack of supplies afforded to the King on this hostile island, had poisoned the wells with disease and soon this spread amongst the Royal Army. Though none dared to go near the sick and dying, King Álmos scorned the advice of those about to him, to avoid greeting his soldiers. The King, in disregard for his own safety, comforted his soldiers in their sickly state, bestowing on them all manner of honours. Though the men of his army loved him for it, the act greatly affected his well-being, for soon the King himself was inflicted with the terrible disease.
The expansion of the Seljuks
The battle for Syracuse
The King has been afflicted with illness
Having thus been reduced in health, the King could not in full spirit continue his campaign to free the island from the grasp of the infidels, and thus returned by ship to his beloved Hungary, leaving his capable Marshal and cousin, István Árpád in command. The King arrived to his castle at Pest safely, only to pass away from the terrible illness but a few days after. All the Kingdom mourned his loss, yet there was nothing to be done. As the laws of the Kingdom decreed, his son András took the throne of Hungary and the Bishop of Beresty, seeing his opportunity, declared war on the Hungarian Kingdom. Yet András remained on the throne for less than three days, being fouly slain by the spymaster of his father, King Álmos. With this, the throne passed to the inept and ridiculed István, who with stuttering tongue bid the men of Hungary to hunt down and kill the escaped, traitorous spymaster. Yet, the other rebellious nobles, seeing in this a golden opportunity, raised arms against the Kingdom, so that now too, the Duchies of Belgrade and Krain joined the rebellion, with each Duke seeking to depose the Árpád family from their ancient and sacred throne.
Sickly King dies
Dead King
Disloyal traitor scum
Dead King
With the death of so two Kings in such a short while, the nobles of the Kingdom watched with anticipation as to the outcome of the civil war. Fearing that further levies of soldiers from the vassals would lead to the widening of the war, Marshal István, guardian of the child King, conducted the war against the rebels. Further expeditions to Sicily were forced to be ended before they began, as pressing matters in Hungary required the attention of all the Royal Army. First the rebellion in the north was crushed as the troops of the Kingdom routed the small army of the bishopric, forcing the Bishop of Beresty to sign a peace. Meanwhile, a revolt had broken out in the island of Corfu, led by the Greek Orthodox natives of that island, causing the local garrison to be called to arms to defeat them. This they did, ending the revolt on the island. The Duchies meanwhile, had been overwhelmed by the remaining half of the Royal Army not used in the Sicily expedition and not used in crushing the northern rebellion. Soon with their troops gone and their castles occupied, each Duke was in turn forced to surrender and leave the Kingdom of Hungary as exiled traitors. During these periods, huge sums of gold and treasure were paid out to each vassal of the Kingdom, so as to secure their loyalty. The sum of forty thousands of golden florins was paid to all the vassals, to be used for the purposes of great construction works and the building of churches. Yet though the rebellion had been crushed by the Royal Army and the loyal Marshal of the Kingdom, the twenty years of golden peace, the great Pax Hungarorum (1250-1270) was over.
The new King István, 17th King of Hungary
The rebellion on Corfu
Rebel Bishopric
Rebel Duchy
Nearing end of campaign
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1266 AD, the King set out for the island of Sicily, intent on gaining new lands and wealth for Hungary. Yet for his efforts, his only reward remained the horrible disease which ended his life. Thus the throne passed to his son, a boy of great skill and fine character. By all rights, the Marshal of the Kingdom, István Árpád was to have been guarding his person, yet the death of the King was so sudden, the Marshal could not leave the Sicilian campaign before the evil spymaster, Jákob, had poisoned the young King. Thus it was that the traitor fled, and the second-born son of Álmos, István, rose to the throne. Of the Hungarian nobility, most discounted this simple youth, always judged to be half-witted due to his irregular speech. Thus it fell to the Marshal, the task of finding the traitor Jákob and delivering the justice of the Kingdom onto him. For several months did the traitor seek to hide and escape his fate, until the rightous sword of Marshal István seperated Jákob from his head. Yet there was more work to be done, as the rebellion spread until it consumed the land. Each vassal was disloyal, a solution had to be found. Thus Marshal István turned to the Royal Treasury, the largest in all Europe, and doled out to each vassal untold sums of gold to buy their loyalty. Thus after the loss of forty-thousand golden florins was disaster and full-scale civil war avoided. These wars, above all else, convinced Marshal István that the isolation and golden peace of the Kingdom had led only to ruin. Outside the borders of Hungary, the infidel roamed freely, the German unified and prepared arms to one day test the Kingdom in battle and the Mongol strove to drive towards Hungary. Thus he swore that he would instruct the young King and tell him of the follies of this golden peace, so that the life of the Kingdom would never again be threatened as it had been in the civil war.
Disloyal spymaster, slain by the Marshal
The just Marshal, strong right arm of the King
Nasty difficulties. Death of the two kings during campaign against infidels could have turned out to be more fatal for Hungary. Luckily you had gold to pay them of without ending into huge debt.
Good thing you had all that gold.
And disloyal spymasters - don't you hate htem so?
And disloyal spymasters - don't you hate htem so?
Olaus Petrus: Indeed, surprised the Kingdom of Germany didn't declare war. They would gain the most at a time of weakness like this.
RGB: Yep, althought it will take me a while to build up such a big stock again. Now I actually have stuff to spend it on
And yes, those disloyal spymasters suck. Although I've never had such a thing happen yet this game, despite several deceitful spymasters. Happened in a Kingdom of Navarre game I played once, though.
RGB: Yep, althought it will take me a while to build up such a big stock again. Now I actually have stuff to spend it on
And yes, those disloyal spymasters suck. Although I've never had such a thing happen yet this game, despite several deceitful spymasters. Happened in a Kingdom of Navarre game I played once, though.
Chapter XXXVII: The Third Roman Crusade
Having thus crushed the spawns of rebellion, Marshal István, guardian of the young King, elected to make provisions for the reforming of the Kingdom in the wake of the civil war. As the Pax Hungarorum had shown that keeping the peace benefited only those wishing to harm the Kingdom, the Marshal planned a series of campaigns which would weaken the German Kingdom to the west of Hungary, which had been nearly destroyed at the start of the Pax Hungarorum and now lay united once more. Yet in order to the weaken this new enemy, the Kingdom would need to call upon it's allies in Sweden and England, both of whom held territories on the continent of Europe. The emissaries sent forth to these realms returned in much the same manner, bearing no news or replies of good hope, instead expressing dismay at their own turmoil.
Swedish Kingdom
English Kingdom
Thereupon in the year of our Lord one-thousand two-hundred and seventy-one, a message arrived from the Holy Father requesting urgent aid as the infidel once more arrived at the gates of Rome. Marshal István realized that no matter if transport through the Royal Navy could be arranged, or if the Royal Army was to march through the lands of Italy, the city of Rome would still fall to the infidel regardless. Thus prepared fully with the intention of liberating the city, the brave Marshal set out for the city at the head eighteen thousand men of the Royal Army, intent on rescuing the Pope once more. Shortly therafter, news arrived that the Pope had fled the city of Rome, which had fallen as the Marshal had thought, and a new crusade had been declared to free the city. Thereby spending both great funds and promising soldiers to liberate Rome, the Marshal, in the name of the Crown, thus established once more the throne of Hungary as the most pious of all Christiandom.
The Fall of Rome
Call to Arms
Yet before leaving for Rome, the Marshal also received a plea for aid from the Duchy of Alexandria, which having crushed the Kingdom of Egypt, found itself beset by the Muslim hordes of the Fatamids and was now crumbling before their fury. Marshal István, affording nothing for traitors, rebels and cowards, thus denied assistance to the men who had only shortly before, toppled the Árpád King of Egypt.
Duchy of Alexandria
Whereupon, with all present affairs of the Kingdom settled, the Marshal embarked the host of the Kingdom upon the Royal Navy, and voyaged onwards to the eastern coast of Italy. Landing in Spoleto, as the armies of Hungary had always done when recovering the sacred estates of the Pope. From then onwards by forced march, the armies once more came upon the garrison left in Rome, and once more crushed them until the Papacy was free to resume it's seat and order was restored to Christiandom once more. Yet the Kingdom was not yet able to support a larger war, and thus the armies did not pursue the defeated remains of the infidels and drive them from Italy. The Marshal, however, biding his time, had established himself as the Count of Rome, and thus none remained to guard the young King against the fate which his father and older brother had met. Still seven years remained until the young King could exercise power without a regent, and whatever evil would befall him would do so in that, his time of weakness.
The campaign to liberate Rome
The young King no longer protected by the Marshal
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1270 AD, the Marshal of the Kingdom departed on campaigns to other lands, leaving the young King to his own devices, in the care of the bravest knight in all of Hungary, János Csák, who was charged with continuing the education of the young King in the ways of war and the warrior arts. During the absence of the Marshal, the young King learned all manner of war-like skills, and upon the crusade to free Rome being funded in his name, attained the privledge and reputation of crusader. Yet the Marshal deemed fit to install himself as the Count of Rome instead of returning, and the young King was left solely at the hands of the elderly Csák. Though no attempts of intrigue or foul misdeed harmed him for the time being, there was still sufficient time for any evil men to greatly harm the Kingdom before the King properly assumed his throne. The Royal Treasury having been expended in ensuring the loyalty of the vassals and the Royal Army being firmly behind the Marshal István, the young King had no support to draw on, save those still wishing to guard the strength of the Hungarians.
Having thus crushed the spawns of rebellion, Marshal István, guardian of the young King, elected to make provisions for the reforming of the Kingdom in the wake of the civil war. As the Pax Hungarorum had shown that keeping the peace benefited only those wishing to harm the Kingdom, the Marshal planned a series of campaigns which would weaken the German Kingdom to the west of Hungary, which had been nearly destroyed at the start of the Pax Hungarorum and now lay united once more. Yet in order to the weaken this new enemy, the Kingdom would need to call upon it's allies in Sweden and England, both of whom held territories on the continent of Europe. The emissaries sent forth to these realms returned in much the same manner, bearing no news or replies of good hope, instead expressing dismay at their own turmoil.
Swedish Kingdom
English Kingdom
Thereupon in the year of our Lord one-thousand two-hundred and seventy-one, a message arrived from the Holy Father requesting urgent aid as the infidel once more arrived at the gates of Rome. Marshal István realized that no matter if transport through the Royal Navy could be arranged, or if the Royal Army was to march through the lands of Italy, the city of Rome would still fall to the infidel regardless. Thus prepared fully with the intention of liberating the city, the brave Marshal set out for the city at the head eighteen thousand men of the Royal Army, intent on rescuing the Pope once more. Shortly therafter, news arrived that the Pope had fled the city of Rome, which had fallen as the Marshal had thought, and a new crusade had been declared to free the city. Thereby spending both great funds and promising soldiers to liberate Rome, the Marshal, in the name of the Crown, thus established once more the throne of Hungary as the most pious of all Christiandom.
The Fall of Rome
Call to Arms
Yet before leaving for Rome, the Marshal also received a plea for aid from the Duchy of Alexandria, which having crushed the Kingdom of Egypt, found itself beset by the Muslim hordes of the Fatamids and was now crumbling before their fury. Marshal István, affording nothing for traitors, rebels and cowards, thus denied assistance to the men who had only shortly before, toppled the Árpád King of Egypt.
Duchy of Alexandria
Whereupon, with all present affairs of the Kingdom settled, the Marshal embarked the host of the Kingdom upon the Royal Navy, and voyaged onwards to the eastern coast of Italy. Landing in Spoleto, as the armies of Hungary had always done when recovering the sacred estates of the Pope. From then onwards by forced march, the armies once more came upon the garrison left in Rome, and once more crushed them until the Papacy was free to resume it's seat and order was restored to Christiandom once more. Yet the Kingdom was not yet able to support a larger war, and thus the armies did not pursue the defeated remains of the infidels and drive them from Italy. The Marshal, however, biding his time, had established himself as the Count of Rome, and thus none remained to guard the young King against the fate which his father and older brother had met. Still seven years remained until the young King could exercise power without a regent, and whatever evil would befall him would do so in that, his time of weakness.
The campaign to liberate Rome
The young King no longer protected by the Marshal
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1270 AD, the Marshal of the Kingdom departed on campaigns to other lands, leaving the young King to his own devices, in the care of the bravest knight in all of Hungary, János Csák, who was charged with continuing the education of the young King in the ways of war and the warrior arts. During the absence of the Marshal, the young King learned all manner of war-like skills, and upon the crusade to free Rome being funded in his name, attained the privledge and reputation of crusader. Yet the Marshal deemed fit to install himself as the Count of Rome instead of returning, and the young King was left solely at the hands of the elderly Csák. Though no attempts of intrigue or foul misdeed harmed him for the time being, there was still sufficient time for any evil men to greatly harm the Kingdom before the King properly assumed his throne. The Royal Treasury having been expended in ensuring the loyalty of the vassals and the Royal Army being firmly behind the Marshal István, the young King had no support to draw on, save those still wishing to guard the strength of the Hungarians.
Last edited:
Great update. Hopefully count of Rome is reasonable enough to give the city back to holy father. Or you might just ask him to give it to you, so that you can give it to the holy father.
If this kingdom collapses , I can only shake my head in disbelief , yet also in calm expectation . After all , humans are often rather shortsighted are'nt they?
If your empire collapses ,Christiandem will be anihilated , and christanity will be , once again , driven underground , or else surpassed.
That might make an intresting EU III game though - where the reformation occurs as scheduled - where , in place of Protestanism spreading at the expense of catholicsm , Christanity instead resurge, reclaiming lands taken by Sunnis.
I wonder if it is possible to mod that in EU III.
( And the European caliphates , in such an environment , would likely be as autonomus as the consituents of the Holy Roman empire in the 16th century.
If your empire collapses ,Christiandem will be anihilated , and christanity will be , once again , driven underground , or else surpassed.
That might make an intresting EU III game though - where the reformation occurs as scheduled - where , in place of Protestanism spreading at the expense of catholicsm , Christanity instead resurge, reclaiming lands taken by Sunnis.
I wonder if it is possible to mod that in EU III.
( And the European caliphates , in such an environment , would likely be as autonomus as the consituents of the Holy Roman empire in the 16th century.
Olaus Petrus: Thanks. Well, after the last time I gave back Rome and didn't get any piety, I'll just leave it to the ex-Marshal to give it back to the Pope.
RGB: Well, the young King is now unprotected, and there's a while yet before he grows up. I'm still a bit bitter over how my young, promising and very good-statted King died about a week after his father did. Stupid disloyal spymaster
Novea: Well, there's still England and Sweden to carry on the faith, from their hidden bases in the Western Isles and Iceland
Although ideally, I'd like to push the Muslims out of Ireland, Italy and northern France before the game ends, while somehow keeping them in southern France and Spain. I might also need to make some adjustments in the Ukraine region, as this Seljuk occupation can't be good.
RGB: Well, the young King is now unprotected, and there's a while yet before he grows up. I'm still a bit bitter over how my young, promising and very good-statted King died about a week after his father did. Stupid disloyal spymaster
Novea: Well, there's still England and Sweden to carry on the faith, from their hidden bases in the Western Isles and Iceland
Although ideally, I'd like to push the Muslims out of Ireland, Italy and northern France before the game ends, while somehow keeping them in southern France and Spain. I might also need to make some adjustments in the Ukraine region, as this Seljuk occupation can't be good.
Chapter XXXVIII: The Dangerous Years
With the city of Rome was thus freed from the grasp of the infidel once more, the Kingdom waited, until such time as young King István could lead the armies against the enemies of Hungary, as a true Hungarian King should. Yet alarming reports arrived from the neighbouring King of Germany. The infidels of Toledo, already having expanded their influence over Spain, France and Holland, now turned their armies against the Kingdom of Germany, whereby their power would rival that of the Hungarian Kingdom. The armies of the Emirate of Toledo hence advanced from their holdings in Holland and continued in a direction whereby they would pass through the centre of Germany and from there arrive at the borders of Hungary. Yet the German King, having been rightly weakened by his lack of faith in God, could not now call for support from any vassal nor from any Christian Kingdom. For having burned the churches built by his vassal, the Duke of Saxony, during his latest war, the Pope thus excommunicated King Philipp of Germany. It was thus, facing inferior numbers of German knights and a realm divided, that the infidel was able to advance deeper and deeper into the heart of Germany itself.
The start of the war in Germany
Marshal István of Hungary, having led the effort to liberate Rome from the Kingdom of Zirid, had thus been made Count of Rome, until such time as the Papacy could safely reclaim it's seat of power. This was to be accomplished shortly, as the Holy Father had indeed been awaiting the Hungarian relief force, which had been dispatched without fail whenever the Papacy found itself barred from the city of Rome. With the power restored to the Pope, the Marshal now returned to the Kingdom of Hungary, found it a land pacified. The threat of treason and rebellion still lingered in the win, yet the young King grew in power and confidence. Soon the Holy Father, in entreating the young King to undertake the financing of a crusade to liberate Burgos from the infidel, received an answer that the Kingdom of Hungary lay ready to once more do her duty to her honour, and to God. Thus the young King, in his first proclaimation for the Crown, bid the pious warriors of the Kingdom to take up sword and lance once more and to embark for Spain. A great many of the Kingdom did so answer the call, amongst them a great many Polish knights. The remarkable change in the Polish, subjects of the Hungarian Kingdom, surprised many in the Royal Court as this same breed of men had plotted against the Kingdom for many years and had tested the host of Hungary in battle many times. Yet to the Polish, the reason was clear. Neglected by their old Kings, ruled over by Croatians and other foreigner rulers who stripped them of all dignity and wealth, the Poles had prospered greatly under the rule of Hungary. By replacing the corrupt clergymen and ill-bred peasants with a class of merchants and another of the nobility, the Polish had grown rich and content with wealth from all parts of the Kingdom. The impovrished forest regions of Lithuania also benefited, giving way to large farming estates, so that this region and the Hungarian plains provided most of the foodstuffs of Europe. Yet the real show of strength for the Hungarian King came when the Duchy of Alexandria, having lost further lands to the invading hordes of Fatamids, was reduced to a mere foothold in Egypt. From here, the crumbling remains of Hungarian power in Egypt sent forth a final cry for help to the Royal Court at Pozsony. Yet the King, reaffirming his power, refused outright to furnish aid and doomed the Duchy to a gruesome end. The final collapse came when the last stronghold, at Gizeh, fell to the Fatamids. Those who could escape, readily arranged to flee by ship to Venice, or across the desert to Jerusalem, yet most would meet their end at Gizeh. The King, ever gracious, accepted back to Hungary all those who arrived from Egypt as Hungarians instead of traitors, forgiving their misdeeds of the past.
Papal envoys bring messages
Spanish crusade initiated
Egyptian Kingdom gone
Thus the years passed and all was calm until in the year of our Lord one-thousand two-hundred and seventy-four, the Count of Birlad was no longer content to remain a vassal of the Kingdom, and sought to break away from his rightful liege. This act of rebellion could not go unpunished, and a thirteen year-old King István thus elected to dispatch a part of the Royal Army to crush the rebellion. Vanquishing the smaller army of the Count without difficulty, the rebellion ended as suddenly as it had begun. With the Marshal of the Kingdom once more the person of István Árpád, the remaining three years until the formal coronation of King István passed without difficulty, ending a great period of danger in the life of the Kingdom. Though the loss of two Kings in such a short time had damaged the Kingdom, the loss of a third would have driven the realm to civil war, a situation which could not be resolved with such ease as secretive plotting and intrigue. Yet the King had now attained maturity, and the Kingdom was safe once more.
Birlad rebellion
Formal coronation of King István
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1272 AD, the King of Hungary was an eleven-year old boy still in danger of the fate which befell his older brother. Yet in defiance of all who thought him weak or strove to rid him of his throne, he prevailed. The boyhood of István saw him grow wise and powerful in the face of opposition, as nobles conspired to seize his throne and at last depose the Árpád line. Such plots, as other before them, were doomed to failure from the start, for the loyal Marshal, István Árpád, had recently returned from Rome and once more protected his King. Thus the real test of King István's survival arrived in 1273 AD, whereupon a powerful and influential nobleman, Lukács Csák stood accused of murdering his elder brother in order to further his own gains through inheritance. This noble, however, had many friends, amongst whom there were great men of influence. Each in turn beseeched the King to grant pardon for this man, warning the King of their displeasure, should he be found guilty and executed, as the law required. Yet no matter what the young King thought in his heart, he was just and wise in mind, thus electing to carry out the sentence the law required. The death of Lukács affixed horrible fears on each nobleman, for now none could count on special privledges in the face of the law. Thus it was that having passed this great test, the young King attained manhood, and having settled upon avoiding the isolation which so strengthened the enemies of Hungary, elected to embark on a campaign to expand the Hungarian borders to the west, there being several duchies and counties in the lands of Germany without liege.
The judgement of King István, the Wise
With the city of Rome was thus freed from the grasp of the infidel once more, the Kingdom waited, until such time as young King István could lead the armies against the enemies of Hungary, as a true Hungarian King should. Yet alarming reports arrived from the neighbouring King of Germany. The infidels of Toledo, already having expanded their influence over Spain, France and Holland, now turned their armies against the Kingdom of Germany, whereby their power would rival that of the Hungarian Kingdom. The armies of the Emirate of Toledo hence advanced from their holdings in Holland and continued in a direction whereby they would pass through the centre of Germany and from there arrive at the borders of Hungary. Yet the German King, having been rightly weakened by his lack of faith in God, could not now call for support from any vassal nor from any Christian Kingdom. For having burned the churches built by his vassal, the Duke of Saxony, during his latest war, the Pope thus excommunicated King Philipp of Germany. It was thus, facing inferior numbers of German knights and a realm divided, that the infidel was able to advance deeper and deeper into the heart of Germany itself.
The start of the war in Germany
Marshal István of Hungary, having led the effort to liberate Rome from the Kingdom of Zirid, had thus been made Count of Rome, until such time as the Papacy could safely reclaim it's seat of power. This was to be accomplished shortly, as the Holy Father had indeed been awaiting the Hungarian relief force, which had been dispatched without fail whenever the Papacy found itself barred from the city of Rome. With the power restored to the Pope, the Marshal now returned to the Kingdom of Hungary, found it a land pacified. The threat of treason and rebellion still lingered in the win, yet the young King grew in power and confidence. Soon the Holy Father, in entreating the young King to undertake the financing of a crusade to liberate Burgos from the infidel, received an answer that the Kingdom of Hungary lay ready to once more do her duty to her honour, and to God. Thus the young King, in his first proclaimation for the Crown, bid the pious warriors of the Kingdom to take up sword and lance once more and to embark for Spain. A great many of the Kingdom did so answer the call, amongst them a great many Polish knights. The remarkable change in the Polish, subjects of the Hungarian Kingdom, surprised many in the Royal Court as this same breed of men had plotted against the Kingdom for many years and had tested the host of Hungary in battle many times. Yet to the Polish, the reason was clear. Neglected by their old Kings, ruled over by Croatians and other foreigner rulers who stripped them of all dignity and wealth, the Poles had prospered greatly under the rule of Hungary. By replacing the corrupt clergymen and ill-bred peasants with a class of merchants and another of the nobility, the Polish had grown rich and content with wealth from all parts of the Kingdom. The impovrished forest regions of Lithuania also benefited, giving way to large farming estates, so that this region and the Hungarian plains provided most of the foodstuffs of Europe. Yet the real show of strength for the Hungarian King came when the Duchy of Alexandria, having lost further lands to the invading hordes of Fatamids, was reduced to a mere foothold in Egypt. From here, the crumbling remains of Hungarian power in Egypt sent forth a final cry for help to the Royal Court at Pozsony. Yet the King, reaffirming his power, refused outright to furnish aid and doomed the Duchy to a gruesome end. The final collapse came when the last stronghold, at Gizeh, fell to the Fatamids. Those who could escape, readily arranged to flee by ship to Venice, or across the desert to Jerusalem, yet most would meet their end at Gizeh. The King, ever gracious, accepted back to Hungary all those who arrived from Egypt as Hungarians instead of traitors, forgiving their misdeeds of the past.
Papal envoys bring messages
Spanish crusade initiated
Egyptian Kingdom gone
Thus the years passed and all was calm until in the year of our Lord one-thousand two-hundred and seventy-four, the Count of Birlad was no longer content to remain a vassal of the Kingdom, and sought to break away from his rightful liege. This act of rebellion could not go unpunished, and a thirteen year-old King István thus elected to dispatch a part of the Royal Army to crush the rebellion. Vanquishing the smaller army of the Count without difficulty, the rebellion ended as suddenly as it had begun. With the Marshal of the Kingdom once more the person of István Árpád, the remaining three years until the formal coronation of King István passed without difficulty, ending a great period of danger in the life of the Kingdom. Though the loss of two Kings in such a short time had damaged the Kingdom, the loss of a third would have driven the realm to civil war, a situation which could not be resolved with such ease as secretive plotting and intrigue. Yet the King had now attained maturity, and the Kingdom was safe once more.
Birlad rebellion
Formal coronation of King István
Excerpt from "The History of the House of Árpád"
In 1272 AD, the King of Hungary was an eleven-year old boy still in danger of the fate which befell his older brother. Yet in defiance of all who thought him weak or strove to rid him of his throne, he prevailed. The boyhood of István saw him grow wise and powerful in the face of opposition, as nobles conspired to seize his throne and at last depose the Árpád line. Such plots, as other before them, were doomed to failure from the start, for the loyal Marshal, István Árpád, had recently returned from Rome and once more protected his King. Thus the real test of King István's survival arrived in 1273 AD, whereupon a powerful and influential nobleman, Lukács Csák stood accused of murdering his elder brother in order to further his own gains through inheritance. This noble, however, had many friends, amongst whom there were great men of influence. Each in turn beseeched the King to grant pardon for this man, warning the King of their displeasure, should he be found guilty and executed, as the law required. Yet no matter what the young King thought in his heart, he was just and wise in mind, thus electing to carry out the sentence the law required. The death of Lukács affixed horrible fears on each nobleman, for now none could count on special privledges in the face of the law. Thus it was that having passed this great test, the young King attained manhood, and having settled upon avoiding the isolation which so strengthened the enemies of Hungary, elected to embark on a campaign to expand the Hungarian borders to the west, there being several duchies and counties in the lands of Germany without liege.
The judgement of King István, the Wise
My God. Hungary, the sole superpower in Europe.
Congrats on avoiding splintering events.
Congrats on avoiding splintering events.