Ladislaus I the Saint, and his dynasty

[siekel]

Ok, guys. After having read many AARs on this forum, I decided to contribute with my piece. It's my first AAR, so my writing style will be probably a little bit raw, especially when English isn't my native language. But I will work on it...

Scenario: Hastings 1066
Version: 1.04a
Difficulty: Normal/Normal

I chose one of the most interesting persons of Hungarian history: Ladislaus I the Saint (László). In CK, he begins as the Count of Bihar, and due to CK succession law, he has only minimal chances to become the King of Hungary once. But maybe with my help, he will... It is a typical story of second-born son waiting for his chance...
So, my only and primary goal for now is to become the King of Hungary, but I will not try to do it through assassinations, but rather through an honest fight since László was really a saint man...

Here you can read more about him: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclop...s-I-of-Hungary
"He died suddenly in 1095 when about to take part in the First Crusade. No other Hungarian king was so generally beloved. The whole nation mourned for him for three years, and regarded him as a saint long before his canonization. A whole cycle of legends is associated with his name."

And here is the genealogy of Hungarian kings including him:


So, that's all for now, the first update will come by the end of this week. I have already played about 100 years of the game, so don't be afraid, this is a serious AAR...

[Solmyr]

Good luck.

[siekel]

Solmyr, thanks. I will need it, especially 200 years later... The Mongols usually don't miss Hungary on their way to Paris...

I would like to play this game within the borders of Hungary until I become the King of Hungary. Any other possibility is not interesting for me. Taking first any other title (e.g. Lithuania), and coming back to homeland will not be my style. So, I see that it will be a long fight.

First update tomorrow...

[Semi-Lobster]

Good luck, and what an interesting idea! This plan seems to rely a lot more on intrigue then the sword

[siekel]

Originally Posted by Semi-Lobster

Good luck, and what an interesting idea! This plan seems to rely a lot more on intrigue then the sword

We will see... Starting as a count is always difficult. Ladislaus (László) was canonized in the real history, so if I want to play a little bit historically, no assassinations will be used during his reign. But maybe his sons will not be so honest... I think I have a lot of means how to succeed: marriages, taking lands of revolting hungarian counts, fighting Pechenegs who are settled on territories belonging to Hungary, etc. Maybe the Hungary will collapse, and I will be there to restore it.
It will be interesting.

[Paranoid Tsar]

Ladislaus sounds like he was too good for his time. Can an honest man win a crooked game? I guess we'll find out.

[Henry v. Keiper]

The detailed family tree alone has me interested.

BTW, your English is just fine.

[siekel]

Prologue (December 1066): Count of Bihar


Saint Ladislaus I (László)


László – Count of Bihar was the second son of Béla I, the last King of Hunagry (1061 – 1063). He had two brothers, older Géza and younger Lampert. His older brother Géza, Duke of Slovakia was also the head of his family and his liege. These young guys were members of strong dynasty of Arpads, which had been ruling over Hungary for more than 150 years. Their father Béla I had been succeeded by their cousin Salamon, a 13-year-old boy, who was the current King of Hungary. But the whole family knew that he was an incapable man, not able to rule such a big country as Hungary was. Salamon could become the king only because the German emperor Heinrich, brother of Salamon’s wife Jutta, supported him. It was clear that someone having a bigger power to bring Hungary to greatness of European politics must succeed Salamon, and many people thought it would be László’s brother Géza, Duke of Slovakia, and the most influential nobleman in country.


Salamon, the incapable King of Hungary and his successors: Géza - Duke of Slovakia, his son Kelemen, and László
On the right side, you can see the László's demense - Bihar


László didn’t have so much influence in Hungarian politics as his brother did, but was probably the most capable man in the large Arpad family. [Statistics: 12-9-4-9]. He was a very energetic person, and great military strategist. He knew that he was the best person for being the King of Hungary, and showed those feelings without any hesitation. But for now, he was only a little count in southeastern Hungary, and his brother was his lord… Some people around him were persuading him that he should kill, or hire someone to kill Salamon and Géza, but young László was too moral for doing such nasty things. If he should become the King of Hungary, he must do it only through the honest fight.


László - Count of Bihar, the most skillful member of Arpad family


His demesne consisted of province called Bihar, lying in the southeastern part of the country, not very far from barbarian Pechenegs. It wasn’t probably the poorest land in the country but nor even the richest. He recently did some reorganization in the province, giving more power into the hands of nobility, and limiting the power of remaining classes in the county. [The social power was set up as follows: 20-20-20-40]. Historians would describe his reign in Bihar as Royal Prerogative. He also funded research in different fields, mainly Education, Mining, and Siege equipment. His court was very small, so he was hardly able to appoint a Steward and Chancellor of the county, but finally he found two skilled persons for those important positions.


New Steward


New Chancellor


First task for László was to find a way to get a ducal title for him. That would make him more powerful, and enable him to compete against Salamon and Géza. There were a plenty of uncreated duchies in Hungary, which such an intelligent guy as he was could establish. One of them was Duchy of Pest, but to get that title he had to gain control over two other provinces – Pest, Heves, or Csanad. Other possibility was creating of Duchy in Temes, but again he must take control in two provinces, Temes and Feher. How to achieve that? The best way coming into mind of young László was a good marriage. Yes, that was clear, he must get married!!!

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[A trooper]

Nicely done!

[King Of Nines]

I've always been fascinated by the history of Hungary and the Magyar culture in general, so I'll be following this one with interest. I've yet to attempt a Hungary game in CK, but I tried one in EU2.

[Henry v. Keiper]

Mh...so marry into two other royal families and reap the benefits of the monarchal deaths? Brilliant.

You know I wouldn't trust a 13 year old to run my country either.

[siekel]

Thank you guys for comments. I will post the Chapter I covering period 1066-1086 after the weekend...

[Maccavelli]

This is sounds good i cant imagine attempting a game myself without some assasination. but maybe ill try it sometime for the sake of role play


Siekel i would like to know if that family tree at the beginning of the thread is historical or from the game?

[siekel]

Originally Posted by Maccavelli

Siekel i would like to know if that family tree at the beginning of the thread is historical or from the game?

It is a historical genealogy of Arpad family. I might prepare also the family tree from game, but I cannot promise.

I have almost finished Chapter I, and I will post it later today, or at latest tomorrow...

[siekel]

Chapter I (1066 – 1086): Fighting the Barbarians

With coming of the first snow, László started searching for a suitable bride. First visiting his neighboring counts, and then all other noble courts in Hungary. After a while, he found one good-looking girl in Feher, the oldest daughter of Count of Feher, who fitted all László’s requirements. Her name was Sugarka. Count of Feher had only one son, who was furthermore a very dumb person, so chances to get the Feher’s title through marriage looked pretty high. László was very surprised when his valuable offer was curtly refused. As he learned, it happened because Sugarka’s father decided to keep her at his court as a steward. László was greatly upset and disappointed, and his disappointment was raising even more when he realized that all other suitable girls in kingdom had been already married, or taken different positions in their liege’s courts. He almost lost the hope, but then during the visit of his older brother Géza in Duchy of Slovakia, he found another nice-looking girl. Her name was Mária Palffy. She doesn’t belong to any important Hungarian dynasty, but at least she was very skilled, and intelligent.

Thus, László had to refuse his own plan to become more powerful through marriage, and started thinking about other possibilities. At least, he hoped to have clever and strong children, and many, many sons. The wedding was held in Bihar in autumn 1067, and shortly thereafter, László got happy news that Mária was pregnant. In Dec. 1068 she gave a birth to the beautiful daughter, who was named Tündér. Since László wanted to use the skills of his wife also at the court, he appointed her as a new Spy Master.
László continued in his effort to make Bihar the most developed province in Hungary, and it was bringing the first fruits. [New tech: Seven Liberal Arts]. In March 1069, the Court of Justice was constructed on his order, which should help to maintain the law in the province.


Mária Pallfy - László's wife


In July 1069 messages arrived to the country saying that Tribe of Pechenegs joined the war against Kingdom of Georgia, and all their troops left the country. The Pechenegs were pagans settled in provinces southeast from Hungary, and many people thought that Hungary should knock them down. Not only they were unbelievers and barbarians, but also they held provinces which should rightfully belong to Kingdom of Hungary.
When later that year László learned that also Principality of Kiev declared the war on Tribe of Pechenegs and his vassals, he was being tempted to wage the war as well. But after the recent reorganization his troops were very small having only about 350 soldiers. László was afraid he wouldn’t be able even finish the siege.
László thoughts about war were interrupted in Feb. 1070, when a great joy came to his family. Mária gave a birth to son – Fülöp. It appeared that everything is on the right path: succession was secured, the province was developing in the right way [New techs: Stonepit, Offensive Terrain], and also the marriage with Mária was very happy. When Mária gave a birth to another child – daughter Kamilla in March 1071, László was the happiest man in the world.

In June 1071, the unexpected news came to Bihar. Salamon, the King of Hungary declared war on Pechenegs, and now was heading to Belgorod. That was the moment when László decided to join the fight against Tribe of Pechenegs and his vassals. If incapable Salamon was able to attack them, he must show even more spirit and courage. Géza, his liege, immediately followed the declaration of war, so László had to carefully think which province to conquer as the first. Géza was marching with his army to Birlad, so László chose the neighboring Tirgoviste. Tribe of Pechenegs being fighted from all sides asked Salamon to sign a white peace and the king agreed. Also László got a similar offer, and taking into account the strength of own forces, he accepted it and decided to continue only the war against Tribe’s vassals. [Event: White peace with heathens]. When Count of Gemer with 400 men joined his siege in Tirgoviste, László was almost sure that he would be successful. But then the bad new came from Birlad: due to new tech his army used, Géza had almost finished the siege there, and was ready to help László in Tirgoviste. Having seen his liege’s army coming, László left Tirgoviste and headed to the north to province of Peresechen. That was the last province in war against László, and his last chance for any territorial gains. After Géza had taken Tirgoviste, it seemed he had no interest to continue the war. The only person who continued was László and his vastly reduced troops laying siege in Peresechen…


The unsuccessful siege of Tirgoviste. Géza - László's liege is laying siege in Birlad, and later will come to "help" László.
The King of Hungary signed a white peace, and his troops are waiting in Szekelyfold.


In Feb. 1072 László was tired and deciding how to continue when messenger from Bihar arrived with the recent news from homeland. His only son Fülöp suddenly became ill, and shortly thereafter died… László fell in deep mourning, and didn’t listen to the messenger any more when he was saying that Mária was again pregnant, province was prospering, and becoming one of most educated places in Hungary. [New tech: Monastic Schools]. His son died and nobody could help him... He finally found pleasure in arms of one young Pecheneg lady, who was being held as hostage in their camp. Later after many years, he hated the day when it happened, but he was very happy when she gave a birth to a son. He named him Árpád. Maybe it was a punishment of God, but another bad news came from Bihar: his wife gave a birth to daughter – Viola, but the child fell sick and died within one year.
László decided to return home because the losses in his army were so big that he couldn’t finish the siege of province. László intended to come back to Peresechen with fresh forces after 1-2 years, so he was refusing to sign white peace with Chief of Peresechen, even he bombarded László with such offers every month. He knew that military specialists in Bihar came with new siege techniques that would help him to conquer Peresechen finally. [New techs: Battering Ram, Siege Ladders]. So when the László’s troops came back to Peresechen in spring 1078, it didn’t take a long time and province was captured. It was also the end of war against Pechenegs for that moment.


László's demense after the war against the Pechenegs


After his return to Bihar, László learned that another his daughter was born during his last campaign in Persechen named Margit, but again she suddenly died. He was very sad, and again linked that bad event with the adultery he committed in Peresechen. He was praying to God every day to forgive his sin.
He continued in governing the province undertaking some necessary measurements. He appointed a new Chancellor, since the old one recently died. He also ordered to build a Library, and continued in supporting the research in province [New techs: Cathedral Schools, Business Contract, Ascetism, Annual Sailing, Defensive Terrain].
Mária was getting old, and it seemed that he couldn’t expect any other sons. So, László decided to change the succession law in Bihar to Elective law to enable his bastard son Árpád to inherit. After all, it was his son, even illegitimate. László was very proud also of his two daughters: Tündér was being educated in monastic school, and took interest in religion, while Kamilla gained her education at court and appeared to be a very energetic and wise girl.


László changes the succession law to Elective to enable his bastard son Árpád to inherit. He doesn't know that Mária will give a birth to another son


Due to the last advances and mainly due to its famous library, province of Bihar was considered as an educational center of the kingdom. Continuous support of science by László led to another series of important discoveries, bringing the Bihar among the most developed provinces in the kingdom. [New tech: Brickwork Structures, Shortsword, Road Building, Charcoal, Salt Rafinery). In June 1082, it came to another important step in development of Bihar. A Tile-factory was constructed in the province, followed by construction of Mine, which was greatly celebrated, since it was the first construction of that type in Hungary.
The year 1083 was very happy for László’s family; something happened that nobody would expect. 34-year old Mária gave a birth to son – Péter. László thought that his life could turn again in the right direction. Now he had 2 sons, and 2 daughters.
In Jan. 1086 his older daughter Tündér matured, and messages from young noblemen from Hungary and also the rest of Europe started arriving to Bihar with proposals for marriage. László finally decided to marry her into Swedish royal court for brother of Swedish king – Marshall Halsten Stenkilsson. The wedding was held in Bihar in the spring, and for this event, a new Road net was constructed in the province.

It was 8 years since Hungary ended the war against Pechenegs, and rumors came to Bihar that another war would be waged, but this time against Muslims. People expected for a long time that the Pope would call the crusade against heathens, but surprisingly that wasn’t the reason for the new war. The reason was different.
The King’s new vassal – Pedro Ramon de Barcelona, the former Archbishop of Pressburg inherited Duchy of Catalonia, and brought Catalonia under the lordship of the Kingdom of Hungary. After a very short time Muslims attacked Pedro in Iberia, and Salamon decided quickly to help him. Kingdom of Hungary declared war on Kingdom of Tunisia, and then on Emirate of Alger, and Sheikdom of Annaba. Salamon mobilized troops of all his vassals except for Duke of Slovakia, who refused to do so. The refusal of his liege meant that also László could stay home, which caused the anger of Hungarian nobles who were preparing own forces for crusade. That was also the reason for fight between László and Count of Heves, which led to an insult and hate between these two men. [Event: An insult at a tourney -> Claim his title].


Mobilization in Hungary: King's vassal - Duke of Catalonia draws Hungary in the war against Muslims


So, in June 1086 Hungarian troops were marching to Iberia, and many people asked what the war would bring to the country…

[Murmurandus]

Interesting start, keep it up...

[Solmyr]

Looking good.

[King Of Nines]

I'm interested to see the results of the decision to switch to elective law once the current king kicks it...

[Paranoid Tsar]

It's true about women: all the good ones are either taken or Stewards.

Good war with the pagans, but Iberia? Should be fun, can't wait to see how the bastard turns out!

[Henry v. Keiper]

I'm sure you'll do better in Iberia than the Spaniard princes ever do. It seems like I turn my head away for a moment, then when I look back the peninsula's fallen to Islam.