Hello, everyone. So, this is my first foray into AARland. I've been meaning to write an AAR for ages, but my attempts for EUIII, VickyII, CK never got past the idea and first draft stages. This might be the reason why I'm going to go ahead with this now, even though somebody (*cough*Kazmir*cough*) beat me to the punch with making a story about the Count of Korchev starting in 1066. All I humbly ask of you is to keep my inexperience in mind when comparing the two.
As for what to expect, this will be a gameplay AAR with a generally comedic tone. Yeah, we'll see how that works out.
But that's enough introductory notes. What follows is a short overview of the starting situation, and the first story update should go up tomorrow. Enjoy!
Will an opportunity present itself? Or will Rostislav's two cities be conquered within the year? Why are his relatives so mean to him at family reunions? Did medieval rulers have "family reunions"? What, are we supposed to believe the Rurikovich rulers travelled thousands of miles to share a thanksgiving dinner? And what's with the "funny questions at the end" bit? All that, or some of it, or none of it, will be answered over the course of Out Of Taurica.
As for what to expect, this will be a gameplay AAR with a generally comedic tone. Yeah, we'll see how that works out.
But that's enough introductory notes. What follows is a short overview of the starting situation, and the first story update should go up tomorrow. Enjoy!
Korchev in 1066 - an Overview
as told by Rostislav Vladimirovich Rurikovich
On the northern shores of the Black Sea, or the "Pontos Euxeinos", as the Greeks call it, lies a peninsula called (again, in Greek) the "Chersonesus Taurica", the Peninsula of the Tauris (this refers to modern-day Crimea, ed.). The Tauris were known in ancient times for sacrificing any foreigners (mostly Greeks) that happened to land on their shores, as Herodotus tells us. They were also expert wine-makers, a tradition that continues to this day, other than the Greek-killing. Or, well, there is still Greek-killing, but not much sacrificing, really.
At the eastern end of Taurica lies a strait that connects the Sea of Azov (and the River Don that flows into it) with the Black Sea. This strait is called the Strait of Korchev, after the city that lies there. And it is this city of Korchev which controls the trade between the steppes and the Greek world. Trade that must flow through the strait. Trade that goes through my hands, for I am the lord of the city of Korchev, as well as the land on the opposite side of the strait.
I am Rostislav Rurikovich.
No, I didn't draw this myself.
Yes, I am one of the children of Rurik who rule the lands of the Rus.
I also got a bit shafted on my inheritance, it seems.
I basically control two cities on both sides of a tiny strait. It may be a crossroads of trade, but compared to the vast lands my relatives control, it looks rather insignificant. I have three uncles and two cousins who are dukes reigning over large swathes of land. And two other cousins are kings and they are not even sixteen yet.
Additionally, the international situation doesn't look too good either. The steppes to the north are controlled by the mighty Cuman confederation. To the south lies the Empire. And even the relatively small Kingdom of Georgia to the east could probably crush my armies without much hassle.
So, what's a man to do when he gets patronizing looks at family reunions and is surrounded by powerful enemies?
He looks for opportunities, of course!
There he is, my archnemesis!
Well, not really. Only by virtue of controlling the southern coast of Taurica.
Naturally, I covet his lands, as, I'm sure, he covets mine. He is currently a vassal of the Emperor and, as such, well protected. But the Empire is under attack from the Turk and prone to internal strife. One day, an opportunity will present itself.
And then I will strike.
as told by Rostislav Vladimirovich Rurikovich
On the northern shores of the Black Sea, or the "Pontos Euxeinos", as the Greeks call it, lies a peninsula called (again, in Greek) the "Chersonesus Taurica", the Peninsula of the Tauris (this refers to modern-day Crimea, ed.). The Tauris were known in ancient times for sacrificing any foreigners (mostly Greeks) that happened to land on their shores, as Herodotus tells us. They were also expert wine-makers, a tradition that continues to this day, other than the Greek-killing. Or, well, there is still Greek-killing, but not much sacrificing, really.
At the eastern end of Taurica lies a strait that connects the Sea of Azov (and the River Don that flows into it) with the Black Sea. This strait is called the Strait of Korchev, after the city that lies there. And it is this city of Korchev which controls the trade between the steppes and the Greek world. Trade that must flow through the strait. Trade that goes through my hands, for I am the lord of the city of Korchev, as well as the land on the opposite side of the strait.
I am Rostislav Rurikovich.
No, I didn't draw this myself.
Yes, I am one of the children of Rurik who rule the lands of the Rus.
I also got a bit shafted on my inheritance, it seems.
I basically control two cities on both sides of a tiny strait. It may be a crossroads of trade, but compared to the vast lands my relatives control, it looks rather insignificant. I have three uncles and two cousins who are dukes reigning over large swathes of land. And two other cousins are kings and they are not even sixteen yet.
Additionally, the international situation doesn't look too good either. The steppes to the north are controlled by the mighty Cuman confederation. To the south lies the Empire. And even the relatively small Kingdom of Georgia to the east could probably crush my armies without much hassle.
So, what's a man to do when he gets patronizing looks at family reunions and is surrounded by powerful enemies?
He looks for opportunities, of course!
There he is, my archnemesis!
Well, not really. Only by virtue of controlling the southern coast of Taurica.
Naturally, I covet his lands, as, I'm sure, he covets mine. He is currently a vassal of the Emperor and, as such, well protected. But the Empire is under attack from the Turk and prone to internal strife. One day, an opportunity will present itself.
And then I will strike.
Will an opportunity present itself? Or will Rostislav's two cities be conquered within the year? Why are his relatives so mean to him at family reunions? Did medieval rulers have "family reunions"? What, are we supposed to believe the Rurikovich rulers travelled thousands of miles to share a thanksgiving dinner? And what's with the "funny questions at the end" bit? All that, or some of it, or none of it, will be answered over the course of Out Of Taurica.