Tale of Serbian Kings

[enkhuush]

Originally Posted by L Lawliet

I thought Serbia starts as a vassal of the Ottomans

If he's playing 3.2 beta. Then Serbia begins as Vassal of Ottomans. I think he is playing 3.1, so Serbia is free.

Originally Posted by L Lawliet

Also how did you get them to give you Nis when you occupied only 2 provinces? I once occupied their entire European territory with Serbia and they wouldn't even go for a white peace
Anyways, nice progress you made. Good luck and greetings from the other side of Danube

I got 2 provinces from Ottomans in the first war, when I played as Serbia. I think if they're losing to Timurids they will willingly accept any peace offer.

[Serbian Knight]

Originally Posted by quantum

GOOD luck to the Kings...
and great job on these battles, however I would advise how to kill super Bohemia in a war... Scorch the land in a province and let their main stack seige... once it is weak attack with an all cavalry army that HAS A GENERAL with LOTS OF SHOCK...

What I do not understand is how the hell did Bohemia Become this large and Austria ?

In my games Hungary owns them all while I blob with France and than Steam Roll the Continent in 15 Years...

Lucky nations are random, so by look of things, Bohemia and Lithuania are lucky for sure, and Austria maybe, but they generaly got lot things in their favor, like inerthing Athens and they took Greek lands from weak Byzantine.

Originally Posted by Bob Ilyani

Great job. It's hard to get that far with Serbia. Feels good reversing history and beating the Ottomans.

There were few ups and downs, but really wasn't very hard so war........however, I were extremely lucky on couple of occasions

Originally Posted by enkhuush

If he's playing 3.2 beta. Then Serbia begins as Vassal of Ottomans. I think he is playing 3.1, so Serbia is free.


I got 2 provinces from Ottomans in the first war, when I played as Serbia. I think if they're losing to Timurids they will willingly accept any peace offer.

They were at 3/4 wars at that time and probably wanted to close one front.

[Serbian Knight]

Episode 6 – Byzantine Falls, Serbia Arises

Stefan VI was King of everyone’s desire. With blood of his grand-grandfather Djordje I firmly running trough his veins, he was one that legends are made about.



While Serbs still celebrated coronation of their new God-like King, great news come from the north. King Mindaugas II of Lithuania realizes Serbia’s potential and offers alliance to us. With Lithuania becoming major force in Europe, Stefan VI didn’t had to think twice. Nation of their power and size is always welcome by our side.



Byzantines had rebels on their side once again, with isle of Corfu deflecting to them after Austrians decided its not worth saving. With that interrupting Stefan VI’s plan of annexing them moment when truce expires, we war them to think twice before they start any war.

Lithuania soon starts one of their many wars, but them fighting Teutonic Order and Baltic countries is much better for us than when some decades ago Novgorod involved us in pointless wars. Lithuania alone is much stronger that any of their foes, and nobody even think about sending fleets to our shores this time.

But then, even tough he was warned, Manuel III ‘The Stupid’ do everything in his power to be remembered as last Emperor of Eastern Roman Empire. Byzantines ambition to attack Bulgaria with 3000 soldiers in dubious, especially with Stefan VI waiting in Edirne with 18000 cavalry and watching closely their moves. Moment they arrive in Burgas, Serbian King put Constantinople under siege once again, with one minor army invading Corfu.

With no army left, Byzantines are soon defeated, and we take all gold they have and isle of Corfu, reducing them to only Thrace once again. Idea of vassalising them was tempting, but Stefan VI decided it is better to wait 5 years for truce to expire or wait Manuel III start another suicidal war and then annex them and get ourselves center of trade at last.

However, situation has to be closely monitored. There are many interested nations that are amused by idea to have Constantinople under their rule, so if anyone attacks Byzantine, Serbia will probably have to intervene quickly, and that could be costly.

War with Manuel III had another bonus. Without even facing their armies on field of battle, we forced their allies Naples to release Tuscany and Urbino, thus effectively ending Napolitan domination of Italy, and adding two new allies to our side.

Austrians, obviously noticing what we want, and probably concerned by Serbia’s sudden raise to power, warn us not to start any wars.

Then in 1485, inevitable happen. Syria first tries to claim Constantinople, helped by Golden Horde. Stefan VI had to intervene, even though we were warned. But that’s not all of our problems.




With severe consequences, probable revolts in entire country and even more probable war with mighty Austria, Stefan VI decides that Constantinople, its geographical location, center of trade, population and final revenge to Byzantine Empire and Manuel III are worth in. In war we go.
Stefan VI threw all he got at Byzantines, but level 2 forts take some time to be conquered. Our small regiments attacked Austria’s Greek possession in fools hope of gaining some positive war score.

20000 Austrian troops entered Serbia and started rampaging. War exhaustion hit dangerous heights, rebels rampaging and Constantinople still holding ground, this war could soon prove to be fatal for Serbia as much as Manuel III’s betrayal was fatal for Byzantines.



But Gods had other plans. Blood-thirsty Aquileia overestimate themselves and fooled by alliance with France declares war on Austria. All of a sudden, Austria lifts sieges from Serbia and their forces march west, scared of French intervention. Stefan VI offers white peace and they accept. With enormous amount of luck, Serbia managed to get out of this conquest with Constantinople and internal problems with rebels. Huge problems with rebels and war exhaustion spiraling out of control.

With fall of Byzantine in 1487, Eastern Roman Empire fell 1011 years after it Western part, definitely signaling new times that are coming.

With Byzantine gone, their former allies Georgia seek refuge and help from major Orthodox power after being surrounded by Muslims. We accept alliance offer and vassalise them soon after that.

On other fronts, Naples tried to reclaim their lands but after Lithuanian intervention, we forced them to surrender all occupied territories and even release Mantua.

Battles on Austro- Aquileian front were joy to watch. France get out of war very quickly, leaving heavily outnumbered Aquileians on their own. Result was expected. They were overrun, forced to surrender Croatia and Bosnia and even release Croat nation in Dalmatia and return independence to Ragusa. Joy to watch it surely was, with their ambition helped us greatly but turned them from regional power to unimportant country.

Austrians were, much like us, troubled to rebels, with nationalist in Venize declaring independence under name of Savoy, and for us more importantly, Greece declaring independence and claiming Athens and Morea, leaving Austrian province of Achaea isolated with them having no military access trough our land and no sea province with core. Its nice feeling again to have Austrians on just one of our borders.

Sadly, Stefan VI died soon, leaving throne to his son Djuradj I. Before his death, Stefan VI joined Lithuania in their conquest against Golden Horde. At time of his death, situation in region was following:



Djuradj I took helm of the country at time of great war exhaustion and rebellions expected in all corners of the kingdom. Luckly, he was worthy successor of his fathers, at least military-wise.



He quickly ended war with Golden Horde and managed to expand Serbia even further, gaining province of Budjak.

After that war he put all efforts in stabilizing growing Kingdom. His reign didn’t last long, and he will be remembered as last of great Serbian Kings of XV century. His heirs mostly were not worth mentioning in same sentence with likes of Djordje I, Milan II, Stefan VI, etc.

His son Grgur I diplomatically annexed Georgia, but released them as vassal shortly after because of rebel issues. He was also engaged in another Lithuanian assault on Golden Horde, helped in releasing nations of Yaroslavl and Jalayirids and adding them to our allies list.

But, he will mostly be remembered by turning back to Wallachian desperate call to arms after Bohemian invasion. However, with Serbia tired of wars and rebellions, was against Holy Roman Emperor Vladislav III would be suicide, and Grugr I decided it is in Serbia’s best interest to let them annex our brethren in Wallachia.

Short reigns of Grugr II, Alexa I and Milosh I between 1503. and 1511. were only remembered by losing allies in Italy and, at last, end of domestic revolts.

At 1511. on throne of Serbia rose Mihailo I, and, after deciding that national goals have been fulfilled, he called The Council again in 1513, and reported them situation in Balkans, Europe and known World. Full report to follow.

[sprites]

nice progress
in the south greece has formed

[Serbian Knight]

Episode 7 – Turn Of The Century

The Council demanded full report of situation in the world, and King MIhailo I provided it.

There are words coming to our ears about distant lands far on the west. Castille and Portugal are tought to be engaged in wars against nations called Creek and Maya Empire. We don’t know anything else about that conflicts. Similarly, we heard about existence of nations like Ethiopia and Mali below deserts in Africa, but we have no concrete knowledge about them.

There are rumors of ancient nation of Persia returning to former glory at east, and we have some knowledge about Delhi, Chagatai Khanate, Baluchistan, Khorasan and Kazakh far on the east, but no further informations are available.

In western Europe alliance of France and Castille and Portugal dominates area, with England almost in full control of their isles, except some French possessions.

German nations are under firm rule of Holy Roman Emperor of Bohemia for quite some time, and there is nothing new here. On north, Denmark dominates Baltics. After Naples decline from power, situation in Italy is pretty messed up.



At the east, Bohemia is major player. Our faithful allies Lithuania also, and they managed to almost completely defeat Golden Horde. Orthodox brethren of Muscowy are under protection of Bohemia and Denmark, so their worries of Lithuanian invasion can be delayed for now.




In our region, we are mostly surrounded by minors and vassals.
One exceptions are Austria, and they already shown that they don’t like us much, but with their King Alexander I excommunicated we manage to maintain decent relations with them.
On other hand, Bohemia could pose us a major troubles in future.



African coast is chaotic, and Mamluks are falling from grace with Syria rising.

Serbia’s internal situation is not great. Our nation looks great and powerful when looked on world map, but overview of economics shows that not everything is that nice.



We are far behind in all techs except Land, and to some extent Government. Our inflation is unacceptable, but wars and expansion had its cost. Our income is low, but it is improving.

Rebel problems are solved, and country is in peace for quite some time now, but recovery from war and getting economical power will take some time.
On cultural level, Serbia is divided, but all cultures are accepted as part of our history, even Turkish.



After long discussions The Council made their decision.

They agreed that all previous goals are accomplished
Serbia is still independent, heavily allied, respected by neighbors, not dependant of west and regional power once again. Thus, new goals must be written in stone.

The Council think that Serbia’s economy and tech progress is embarrassing. They understand importance and reasons behind destruction of Byzantine Empire, but they don’t want for Serbia to be remembered in history as country that put end to great tradition of Roman Empire that lasts trough millennias. On west, rise to power of Holy Roman Empire is threatening, and with them already tried to engage us in war, this must be addressed. Therefore, new national goals are following:

- Wars must stop until Serbia deal with inflation and start catching up other nations in tech development
- All cultures in Serbia must be accepted, all provinces must be core before Kings take country in another wars
- Capital must be moved to Constantinople and Serbia must be recognized as Empire in order of fulfilling next goal
- Power of Holy Roman Empire and Catholic Church must be countered on the east. Therefore, Eastern Roman Empire must be rebuilt from ashes. But not under name of Byzantine Empire. Tsar Dusan’s Empire of Serbs and Greeks must be formed again with capital in Constantinople and it must continue legacy of Eastern Roman Empire, Orthodox church and ancient world. Holy Roman Empire must get worthy counterpart

When new national goals are fulfilled, The Council shall be called again.

-------

This concludes Chapter 1. AAR is now up-to-date with actual game, and with no need to reconstruct save games anymore, I will write with much more details. That will of course have cost of not being very fast(in game clock, I will try to update daily if I can )

All this was extended prologue, I hope I got your interest, and now true AAR can begin....with new goals

[quantum]

Wow, situation looks grim...

[Pirate Z]

Great stuff, subscribed. Just as an aside, when did you end your vassalization to the Ottomans in the game?

[Enewald]

Move capital to the city of Constantinus?

I love this AAR!

[Serbian Knight]

Originally Posted by quantum

Wow, situation looks grim...

Just on economical plan.....'just'

Originally Posted by Pirate Z

Great stuff, subscribed. Just as an aside, when did you end your vassalization to the Ottomans in the game?

I never were thei vassal, I'm not playing with 3.2 patch.

Originally Posted by Enewald

Move capital to the city of Constantinus?

I love this AAR!

After kicking Turk's and Byzantine's asses my abitions grew up slightly

[Serbian Knight]

Chapter 2 – Eastern Roman Empire Shall Rise Again

Episode 1 – Recovering ‘Peace’

With new orders from The Council clear, Mihailo I have clear task. Serbia shall not start wars for quite some time. Of course, we will not let any of our allies down unless we absolutely must. And Serbia must function under limited budget in order to lower our massive inflation.

But Serbia must remain power in region. Therefore, we commit to guarantee independence of all Orthodox nations except Muscowy. Because of their alliance with Bohemia, they don’t deserve it.

Before our guarantees Greece managed to involve themselves in war against Golden Horde. Without continental help from Lithuania, few nations stand chance against angry Mongols. Result is expected.



Than means more of Orthodox nations to be allied with, if they are willing to, but one province minors might become Austrian target, and we don’t want that.

With our economics weak, new center of trade would be more than welcome. Thus, we warn one province minor of Savoy, which is located in Venice.



We are soon involved in war not of our choice, but Lithuania is to good ally to be lost. And Greek minors could soon be persuaded to hail Serbian King. And our mission of conquering Angora might be accomplished. Only issue is that we are not senior partner in this war.



Sadly, Naxos and Morea refused to help their liberators Golden Horde, leaving us with only Muslim opponents. Lithuania quickly accepts Candar’s plea for peace for mere 17 ducats even tough we almost occupied their entire nation. Another war with no gain for Serbia.
Then, with siege of Damascus day from success, Syria pays Lithuania 5 ducats for peace. Serbia is again empty-handed.

In mean time, new ally is on our side.



And to our disbelief, Austria diplo-annexed The Knights. However, their other actions are more than welcome.



This might halt Bohemia’s rise to power.
And Golden Horde accepts our humble peace offer. With Lithuania occupying most of their provinces visible to us, and Mihailo I’s cavalry destroying their main army, they are ready to accept anything.



Another Orthodox nation is liberated and allied.

Serbia maybe don’t want wars anymore, but wars surely wants Serbia.



We didn’t really need this, but with Lithuania on our side, we might get Palatine crown. But it will take time. Palatinate choose to side with England, and they are joined by weak Aragorn and Morocco. And we have our entire Orthodox alliance and Lithuania by our side. Numbers are on our side, but nothing can match English navy. However, neither Austria nor Bohemia don’t want to give us military access trough their territories, so it will be hard to even reach Palatinate. Strategy is to sit back, defend against potential invaders and let Lithuania do the ‘talking’, if they are interested.

Good news are that Lithuania have ended war with Golden Horde, taking more territory and ducats from them. Looks like Mongol’s days are numbered.

Soon, Palatine forces are incoming. They are nothing to be afraid to of, but we don’t like fact that we can’t reach them. But at last, after many of our diplomats spammed them enough:



Now we are good to go. Mihailo I will remain in Serbia to defend it from potential invader, while General Filip Obilic will lead our cavalry to German lands.

With most of Palatinate under siege, we start to lose our allies. Minors are not to be concerned, but this is:



Why Lithuania accepted to boost English budget without any single battle fought is beyond us. By the end of 1519 England fleet finally arrives at our shores. Their troops are weak, but warscore bugs from blockades worries us.

Soon enough, entire Palatinate is occupied, but Englishman are not interested in peace.



This promises to be a long and tiring war.

And so it proved. Left on our own, with English and Aragonese navies blockading all our ports, war exhaustion hitting the roof again and Lithuania exchanging insults with entire north Europe, Mihailo I concedes defeat, with promises to revenge this sooner or later.



England have sent just 1000 men to Balkans, but we have no match for their fleet. Therefore, we offer to end vassalisation of Muslim nations and pay them minor sum of ducats, which they accept together with their beloved Palatine crown.

We must fight war exhaustion and rebels again.

During our war with England, Ragusa annexed Croatia, and The Knights declared independence once again, but this time on isle of Malta, and rebels on Rhodes soon deflected to them. Naples returned to power and even annexed Rome.

But soon, once again we are involved in a war. Golden Horde it is again, Lithuania wants even more of their lands. We end this war quickly and get 100 ducats from Golden Horde, but our was exhaustion is over 9 and it is not nice.

Rebels are not showing up for now, but Austria is overwhelmed with them, and their collapse can happen any day now, with possible independence of several nations. Mihailo I must monitor situation closely.
First to go is Achaea.



Lithuania pacified Golden Horde in mean time and took center of trade in Astrakhan.

As expected, in 1524 Austria collapses with Bosnia, Croatia and Bavaria declaring independence, leaving Serbia with no real threat on their borders, because science excommunication, Bohemia is acting like a little puppy. But bunch of Catholic nations in Balkans is not what we want, so we will warn all of them just in case they think of doing something funny.

It didn’t take long for Austria to recover and reduced Aquielia to just one province, but their influence on Balkans is over.

Soon, Lithuania involves us in yet another war, this time against Zaporozihe. We accept call to arms, but we shall not send troops there.

In 1531 at last, Bohemia’s dominance over Holy Roman Emperor post is over. Andreas I of Bruniswick is new Emperor.

Mihailo I did brought stability to country, and he personally seem to be very long living man. Serbia have not started any wars during last 20 years, but our power is greater than ever. With economical situation slowly improving and no real threat in region, Serbian people may sleep in peace for now.

In 1531. situation in region is following:



Lots of minor nations, Austria pushed back to where it belong, Bohemia’s power slowly fading and Serbia only true power supported by mighty Lithuania.

----


Hope you like how this new update looks like, becouse I will follow similar pattern in future

[Chief Ragusa]

Good to see Ragusa growing.

Memo to Serbian Council: Build fleet.

Have you moved the capital ,yet?
Are all your provinces Orthodox?
Any chance of diplo-annexing those 6 balkan one province minors?

Naples has grown again. About time Serbia put it in its place.

[enkhuush]

You must be had very hard game. (England blockades) Anyway you have done good job! Also readers want to see your slider page.

[Enewald]

Bohemia might soon become a problem for you!

[Serbian Knight]

Originally Posted by Chief Ragusa

Good to see Ragusa growing.

Memo to Serbian Council: Build fleet.

Fleet would be more than welcome, but at that point I hardly had any money left for it

Have you moved the capital ,yet?

Nope, I would not miss such thing in aar

Are all your provinces Orthodox?

Nope, but misionaries are working really hard

Any chance of diplo-annexing those 6 balkan one province minors?
Naples has grown again. About time Serbia put it in its place.

Hardly, they are either catholic or simply don't like me, but I have some plans for diplo-annexation

And Naples will be left alone for now....they have some nasty allies...

Originally Posted by enkhuush

You must be had very hard game. (England blockades) Anyway you have done good job! Also readers want to see your slider page.

I learned my lession about importance of blockades, but same would happen with any nation against English and Aragonese fleet combined.......and sliders are included in lates update

Originally Posted by Enewald

Bohemia might soon become a problem for you!

They are mentioned in update below

[Serbian Knight]

Episode 2 – Dealing With Middle East

Even tough he promised peace, Mihailo I decided to take advantage of weak Muslim nations in region and finally complete our mission of conquering Angora. We declare war on Candar.



Golden Horde is about to be destroyed by Lithuania, Syria is no match to us and we don’t even know where Najd is. In the end, Golden Horde even refused to assist them in the war.
We immediately got donation to our budget from Najd. 50 ducats in exchange for white peace.
Our mission is quickly accomplished. After that, only Syria is remained to be occupied, robed, and hopefully vassalised.



With mission completed we gain core in Angora and new mission is to improve relations with Bohemia. This one could be very useful, so Mihailo I will start it immediately.

With them uninterested in vassalistion, we decide take Syria’s right to have ports on Mediterranean Sea.



In the end, Mihailo I will eventually be remember as conqueror, and we now even share land border with holy land of Judea.

Not long after end of war, at very old age Mihailo I dies. His son, Stefan VII can proudly carry name of Stefan VI, who conquered Constantinople 45 years ago.



He used his high administrative skills to promote land enclosure in dozen of provinces, dramatically increasing our income. Few months later, Lithuania decides that enough is enough and finally end their war with Golden Horde, reducing them to just few provinces in known world. What lies in terra incognita we cannot know. Also, Candar accepted what is best for them. Alliance with Serbia. Unlike Karaman, who broke alliance with us.

On 1535. Armenia accepts to become our vassal. Might of Serbia is greater with every passing day, and we are mere months before we gain core on Thrace.

And at last:



And indeed we will. All we need now is 1000 gold and stepping stone for Second Eastern Roman Empire will be put. Although that might be a issue. We must find some rich but weak nation to exploit, preferably Muslim.

On Balkans, Crete takes first steps to unifying weak Green nations by declaring war on Morea. At this point, Serbia will only be spectator. At least until we get clearer picture of how will things develop.

Our nobility shares Kings desire to move capital.




Stefan VII humbly accept offer. At this rate, we will have new capital in 10-15 years, depends of our spending.

Our King’s happiness in watching his country’s development is ruined by new Austrian conquests. In quick succession they vassalised Aquileia and Croatia, reducing former to just one province. Not good news for Serbia. Good news are that our relations with Bohemia are improving slowly.
In Greece, Crete haven’t got courage to leave their island, but Achaea declared war on Morea, and so did Greece. But when they saw rush for Morea, Crete finally invades and annex. One Greek nation down, and we ally ourselves with Naxos in mean time.


At one point Hungary declared independence, but they were brought back under Austrian crown very quickly.

On north, our allies Lithuania is having huge problems with rebels. We hope they can overcome this, because some provinces are already deflecting back to Golden Horde.

For the first time, Lithuania bring us bad news. They had gone into war of Saxone succession with Denmark and they are calling for our assistance. Problem is that is Denmark allied with Bohemia. Stefan VII planed to invade Mamluks and take ducats and holy land from them, but his must turn our attention back to Europe. Lithuania is too powerful ally to be lost, so we will test our armies against Bohemia at last. If they don’t return to Serbia from Middle East to late. Good thing is that Bohemia is heavily exhausted already.

But, moment our forces withdrew from Middle East, Syria declares war upon us. With them weak and their alliy Aydin one province minor, we will deal with them before going to Bohemia.

Days later:



Happy news indeed. This will buy us enough time do deal with Syrians.

Like world is gone mad, France declares war on Cyprus.



We bounded to protect Orthodox brothers, but this is too much for Stefan VII to take. War against France and Castille would be suicide, especially in our current situation with two fronts.
Our forces start victorious on both fronts. Aydin is occupied but with them in personal union with Syria delays annexation. On north, Oltenia is under Serbian control, with our forces marching firmly into Bohemian lands.

Like this wasn’t enough.



Mongols want their lands back, and with us already in war with Qara Koyunlu, we can manage this.


With Syria under siege, we gain charity donations from their allies, Oman and Iraq, 50 ducats each. From Qara Koyunlu we can get more, so war will continue.

But, despite our efforts:



We had chance to once and for all end their position of power in central Europe, but that will have to wait.

Lithuania managed to get white peace with all of their enemies in war with Denmark, leaving Danes with not much chances. That also end our interest in that war, turning Stefan VII’s attention to east. Like ordered, Denmark offers us white peace. We happily accept, leaving them one on one with Lithuania.

We overestimated their treasury, but Qara Koyunlu is defeated solely by our vassals Georgia and Armenia, and we now add them to vassals list.



Syria followed soon, but Stefan VII had no desire for their desert provinces filled with rebels. But we have yet another vassal.



Unfortunately, Serbia was unable to annex Aydian and that will have to wait. Our forces now match to Golden Horde. We have little ambition there, but centre of trade in Astrakhan might be tempting. And we will significantly release pressure on our allies Lithuania. Horde’s forts are no match to our cannons, and only thing that can stop Serbia now is Lithuania agreeing peace, but with Golden Horde controlling couple of their provinces, that looks unlikely for now.

As expected:



In just three years great Serbo-Lithuanian alliance won two important wars, confirmed themselves as major power in Europe and beyond and now march at Golden Horde together.
Golden Horde is then attacked by Kazakh, and soon after by Yaroslavl. Their end is near by look of things.

With them under attack from all direction, we take their most valuable province and add second center of trade to our growing Kingdom.



Astrakhan is separated from our mainland, but with our planed diplo-annexation of Georgia, Trebizond and Armenia when we recover from this war, it will be at perfect location.

After the war, Orthodox rebels on Rhodes recognizes raising power of Serbia and chooses wisely.



Both isle and regiments are more than welcome, and Knights are reduced to just one island again. Stefan VII tighten our relations with Qara Koyunlu and there are now our allies. And Naxos is new vassal.
Muscowy also recognizes who is best keeper of Orthodox interests and offer us alliance. We accept, and hope that they won’t go to war with Lithuania.

Mamluks embargo us, and that might be sign of things to come. We wanted war with them anyway, but we are not in situation for one now. In same time Austria annexed Ragusa. We don’t like this. They are returning to Balkans, and we might get in nasty situations.

At 1549, situation in Serbia and surroundings looks following:



With most of neighbors allied/vassalised or both, Serbia have become major player in both Europe and Asia. Economical situation is rapidly improving, and Serbia is very close to regaining status of Empire. First restoring Serbian Empire, and then for the other one, with capital in Constantinople.
Also worth mentioning is that all of our provinces except those four separated at the east are now Orthodox, including previous Ottoman possessions. And we have missionaries sent or planed for them also.

And political situation is following:




We would like to be as centralized as possible, but that is hardly going to happen. Aristocracy is proving useful for now. We are working hard to reach Free Subjects in order to minimize effects of inflation. Until all Muslim provinces are converted, Narrowminded is way to go. In order to have spies at all and with two domestic center of trade, Mercantilism Is better option. We haven’t got chance nor time to adjust Offensive/Defensive slider. Same could go for Land/Naval, although it would be grate to have it as much to left as possible. Finally, we had to go to Quality at beginning, and we had few good decisions for that. But as we grow larger, this might become an issue.

[Bazti]

Intressting AAR!

I hope you will expand the glorius Serbia of yours!

[Enewald]

We must find some rich but weak nation to exploit, preferably Muslim.

That's the true spirit of European politics...

[Serbian Knight]

Originally Posted by Bazti

Intressting AAR!

I hope you will expand the glorius Serbia of yours!

Me too

Originally Posted by Enewald

That's the true spirit of European politics...

If you can't win war against strong Catholic and Protestant nations of Europe, there is always someone weaker than you

[Bazti]

Gerogia and Duldakir is splitting your Empire up into 3 parts. Destroy them

[Serbian Knight]

Originally Posted by Bazti

Gerogia and Duldakir is splitting your Empire up into 3 parts. Destroy them

As you wish

Episode 3 – Second Serbian Empire

As response to Mamluk embargo, we do same to them. Moments after they taste their own medicine , they allow our merchants to trade again. Beautiful.

On August 1549, Georgians decided to accept Stefan VII as their King.



Revolts are possible and expected, but Stefan VII is in region and ready to intervene.
After annexation of Georgia Mamluks embargo us again. They certainly want war, and when we get our manpower back at acceptable level they will surely get one.

Our new allies Muscowy declared war on Golden Horde. We accept it, but with rebels to deal with we are unlikely to take some serious action, especially with them short of ducats and interesting provinces.

We just occupied their capital, and after that took 50 ducats and they had to renounce claims on Astrakhan.

One of Lithuania’s previous wars, one of Saxone succession proved worthwhile, with them inheriting throne of Saxony.

With some of minor missions completed, our new one is to conquer Karaman. They are allied with Dulkadir and guaranteed by some unimportant Muslim nations, including Ottomans. Stefan VII decides to accomplish this mission, and it should be a quick one.



Ottomans obviously remembered what happened last time they were in war with Serbia, and decided not to take their chances again. Fez take leadership in war.

Dulkadir is down after mere few days of war.

With Aydin sharing same allies like Karaman, Stefan VII decides to take care of them also, and declares war.

This time Ottomans steps in, but other Muslim nations refuses to be involved in two wars with Serbia.

Few months later, we accomplish our mission. Karaman is annexed. Fez, Oman and Najd donates 170 ducats combined to our budget and that war is over.

During our wars, Mamluks managed to reduce Ottomans to just one province and vassalise them.

Day later Aydin is annex, and Asia Minor almost entirely under Serbian control. Ottomans gave us 50 ducats, and with only couple of Bad Boy points, we now control most of Asia minor. Rest are our vassals.



With latest expansions of our Kingdom, we now can regain status of Empire. But Stefan VII decided it is better to wait for rebellions to stop and then take stability hit.

Serbia is still among inflation leaders, but we are only nation that have trend of decreasing inflation, and we are also amongst high earners:



On year of 1557. Stefan VII died on field of battle fighting rebels in Astrakhan. His son Milan III is not so competent ruler, but he have ambition of becoming Emperor of Serbia at any cost.



Not so great ruler, but decent general, Milan III decides to delay adopting Imperial administration until all our provinces are Orthodox. Three Muslim are remaining, Astrakhan, Beirut and Karaman.

France again attack Cyprus and we again decide to stay out of that war. Our guarantee of their independence is proving very costly.
At third attempt they succeed at last.



We don’t know what is behind French conquest, and we don’t like them controlling Orthodox provinces for sure, but at least we won get prestige hits anymore.

With us converting heretics, Mamluks started annexing and vassalising neighbors. Heavyweight clash is preparing, but we need to do some things first.

As we forge plans for the future, Bohemia vassalise Greece. Like it wasn’t enough, Austria adds to our woes



With current situation, we will have to go to war with Austria and Bohemia sooner or later, because they are unlikely to stop there. Hopefully later.
Bohemia then diplo-annexed Milan. They don’t have monopoly on Holy Roman Emperor post anymore, but they do have on Curia for quite some time, with Austria and Prussia got excommunicated. Good for Serbia is that they have no intention of war with most of Middle East and Lithuania. We strengthen our position even more with allying Syria.

All we have to do now is wait for provinces to convert, form an Empire, regain stability and then crush Mamluks.

With National Idea of Press Gangs adopted, we finally start building considerable fleet…at half price. Since our navy cannot compete technologically with world, we will have to make up in numbers.

And Austrians are not stopping.



There are now just two non-Greek minors left on Balkans. Bulgaria, who is protected by Lithuania, and Albania, but they are not attracting much interest.

Best thing that can happen now is some huge Austro-Bohemian war that will prevent them from even thinking about attacking us for few decades. But that’s only Milan III’s wishes.

We hit our naval support limit at last.



Those ships are certainly not high tech, but only Ming, Denmark and Japan have more numerous navy than Serbia.

Lithuania then declared yet another war on Golden Horde. With Horde having barely any territory remaining, this could be their very last war. And some war tax money will become handy indeed.

With war taxes collected and us uninterested in their desert provinces, we take all we can get:



But, with missionary in Beirut being slow and his incompetence in helping him, Milan III decided to re-establish Empire even with not all provinces Orthodox.

Thus, on January 1st, 1569., 198 years after fall of previous Serbian Empire, Second Serbian Empire is formed.



That made Milan III third Czar of Serbia and first Czar of Second Serbian Empire.



Not many great things he did so far, but he fulfilled what was maybe our most important goal in regaining status of Empire once again.
Now, Serbia need to regain stability. And while we do that, new Imperial army is being trained.



A war against Great Muslim Caliphate of Mamluks is upon Serbia.