And you shall soon discover whether he has, or if some strange quirk of CK2 fate intervenes: the next episode should be up fairly shortly.
Blut und Schlacht (Blood and Battle): A Learner’s Saga
- Thread starter Bullfilter
- 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 to touch upon something people said earlier...nicknames can be somewhat indicative of reputation, and they can change in a lifetime from positive to negative and back again if circumstances allow. Generally speaking, your character has a nickname if
A) they did something really important like found a kingdom or empire.
B) they are an exceptional character in one or more areas (warrior/religion/etc)
C) you had them do something absolutely disgusting and heinous in public and now every knows about it. There is also C.b. Which is you got their parents to do something disgusting and heinous in public.
A) they did something really important like found a kingdom or empire.
B) they are an exceptional character in one or more areas (warrior/religion/etc)
C) you had them do something absolutely disgusting and heinous in public and now every knows about it. There is also C.b. Which is you got their parents to do something disgusting and heinous in public.
Thanks. Didn’t know they could change: the AARs I’ve read so far haven’t provided an example (that I can recall, anyway).
Chapter 36: Blood, Threat and Fears (11 October 879 – 12 January 880)
Chapter 36: Blood, Threat and Fears (11 October 879 – 12 January 880)
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik presses his war of subjugation on Merya; he has swept the field of the enemy and now besieges two of their holds; speculation swirls around what terms may be offered to High Chief Tyueykezut of Merya and where that worthy would stand under the tribal laws of the new Kingdom of Garðaríki; Rurik wonders whether he can ever summon another ambition to fulfil in the latter part of his reign – however long he may have left – and what focus he might apply himself to next.
October 879
Rurik’s journal from this time reveals that he still harboured thoughts about the focus of his life and ambitions for the future. He thought he would be ready to select a new focus for his life in the spring [27 March 880, to be precise], after he had turned 50 and by which time he hoped the war to bring Merya in the new realm would be over. He also yearned to find another ambition for his reign but for now, a suitable one eluded his thoughts.
As Rurik waited out the siege of Suzdal in the cooling autumn weather, Gumarich der Schreiber brought him a map of the known world of 879 CE. A modern version of what historians understand that geography to have been is reproduced below. Hungary remained dominant in central Europe; different Norse holdings covered a good half of Britannia; Italy remained a strong European power; the Byzantines were dominant in the East; a variety of Islamic countries vied for leadership in Africa, Mesopotamia and Persia; great kingdoms dominated India; and a variety of horse lords ruled in the great eastern steppes.
A closer look at Europe highlighted the continued dominance of Hungary and the many gains Rurik’s Norse brethren had made in Britannia and on the continent.
In the region immediately around Garðaríki, Konugarðr was a major (and fellow Norse) power to the south, now bordering Rurik along an extensive frontier, but it remained spread out, with Chernigov and Pereyaslavl sitting like large lumps of undigested meat in its stomach. Would they be consumed, or give King Dyre a bad case of indigestion? Small states surrounded Rurik on the Baltic coast and to his north and the horse lords of the steppe ruled to the east. Rurik hoped the betrothal of his daughter Iliana to one of the young horse lords of the Pecheneg royal family might one day bring an alliance with them.
A close-up look at the state of the war shows the forested terrain [favourable to Rurik as a Rough Terrain Expert], the sieges in progress, the lack of enemy armies and the Smolenskian allied levy now about to join Rurik in Suzdal.
And Chief Svetozar, still one of Rurik’s commanders, brings another sizable levy detachment to join Þorsteinn’s army in Pereslavl Zalessky.
November 879
Just over a month later, High Chief Tyueykezut’s main host arrived back in Mochkava, having rallied somewhere off to the south. They are headed towards Tver and will get there before one of Ruirik’s small levy detachments (from far Chud)will either be able to escape or have Þorsteinn (who in any case has almost finished his siege and is loath to abandon it) arrive to rescue them. By this time, Svetozar’s detachment had joined Þorsteinn. Another pointless massacre was feared.
It was done: and because they were still safely in Garðaríki territory, they should all be able to make it home safely. The men from Chud appreciated this, as it was a detachment from their county that was massacred in a similar way during the war against Tver!
The small Chud detachment simply faded into the forests of Tver before Tyueykezut could fall upon and butcher them.
A week later, Tver was under siege. Gumarich recorded (in his private and confidential journal, not the public chronicles) that he heard Rurik mutter “And welcome they are to it! I hope they eat that wretch Zhavoronok for breakfast! Before I do the same to them.” Followed by a wicked – almost unhinged – cackle.
The sieges of both Meryan strongholds ended in victory on the same day, with a couple of young prisoners taken. Rurik started heading west, to take his larger host to relieve Tver, while Þorsteinn was ordered to Mochkava to besiege its holding and cut off Tyueykezut’s retreat.
The Bear in Winter: never bait the Great Bear of Garðaríki!
December 879
As December wore on, Rurik’s army was closing in on Tver, which still held comfortably. Mochkava was now also under siege.
In the depths of winter, the Queen’s spy network reported a new Solvensky murder plot: this time Vsemil’s heir wanted to kill some other Slavic countryman. Rurik couldn’t care less: “Let them all murder each other off, it that is their will!”
On 19 December, the two small levy groups previously routed return from winter rallying quarters. Þorsteinn – whose siege of Mochkava was only in its early days, was despatched to intercept these potential flies in the ointment. If either of them should succeed in defeating one of the small occupying garrisons, it could set back the war effort. He will head to Suzdal, from where he should be able to discourage any enemy incursions. Rurik kept his eyes on the main game, in Tver.
On 28 December, Rurik fell upon the Meryan siege camp in Tver with grim ferocity. The Smolenskians were with him in the single central division, with the Cleansing Flame again personally commanding the Tribal Army's large regiment.
A later painting of King Rurik at the Battle of Tver, in late December 879 AD, Hálsbitr in hand. Its edge was as cold and sharp as the weather as it slaked its bloodthirst on the necks of his enemies.
January 880
Rurik turned 50 during the Battle of Tver, on 1 January 880. A portrait from the time shows his years finally beginning to catch up with him. But he still seemed largely hale of body and mind, despite the toll the ordeal of Pisa had taken on both.
Happy birthday to you, King Rurik!
6 January saw all the Meryan divisions in full retreat at Tver, with a pursuit in progress through the terrible snows of a Russian winter.
Þorsteinn reached Suzdal in time to ward off any enemy encroachment there (both enemy armies had been heading towards it until they realised he was also approaching). One held where it was in the east, the other turned west, back to Pereslavl Zalessky. Þorsteinn then split his force (easily done, as it was made of numerous large and small levy regiments), taking one to head off the enemy’s western thrust, the other under Snorri’s command to confront the army holding in the east. The battle in Tver was very nearly over by then.
And the next day, it was all over! Rurik had been thinking that this latest victory, thumping though it was, would not be enough to force Tyueykezut’s surrender. But it seems the capture of his brother (and heir), was enough to tip the scale over the edge.
On 12 January 880, King Rurik met with High Chief Tyueykezut in Tver to negotiate the terms of his subjugation. As some advisers had surmised, with Rurik now a true king, Tyueykezut joined the realm as a subject High Chief, retaining all his current titles and vassals. And because he retained his titles, it meant Tyueykezut only detested Rurik, rather than loathing him with an unquenchable passion. Naturally, like other powerful lords of the realm, he demanded a seat on the Council: and also like them, would be denied it! The High Chief’s brother was also automatically released (along with Rurik’s other prisoners) on signature of the settlement. At which point Rurik cursed himself for not having attempted to ransom them beforehand. Although on reflection, the early release of Kezhevat might have emboldened Tyueykezut to keep fighting.
Blood, Threat and Fears
Rurik surveyed a newly drawn map showing the boundaries of the kingdom: he liked it – a lot. Compact, giving good protection to the capital and core counties and with good interior lines of communication to the borders. His prestige was again sky high – and he would look to use some of it on some military infrastructure. Perhaps leaving some up his sleeve in case another tribal army ever has to be raised. And he can still add to his personal demesne: maybe one or two coastal provinces now, to establish a proper royal shipbuilding capacity?
That evening, Gumarich handed his King a note from Chancellor Hrörekr: it notified him that enough time had passed since the last Great Blot to hold another. With the release of all the Meryan prisoners after the peace agreement, that left poor young Feverdyn, the witless child captured nine long years ago in Cornwall when they were on Viking, as the only remaining prisoner. Rurik had never been able to ransom him back – and it was little wonder why: he had never seen such an abjectly talentless and frankly useless child in all his years. Nothing had improved with age – and old Dumnarth of Cornwall still refused to take him back. Alas, perhaps serving the Gods by becoming the sacrifice for the Blot might be the merciful thing.
And word also came to Rurik that with the subjugation of Merya, the perception of his threat to his neighbours had leapt: as well it should!
As he basked in the latest glory and achievement, Gumarich handed him a note from the Steward, Alfgeir. In it, he suggested that if the King had for now finished with his plans for expansion, he could aim for a period of prolonged peace, with great benefits for the prosperity of the realm. And it shouldn’t prevent a bit of lucrative raiding, as that would not qualify as a war. It would also help to keep all the newly acquired counties in check and make them less likely to rebel against their new ruler.
A copy of Rurik’s response was found in the scroll trove:
The Smell of the Sea
Rurik spent some time that evening looking at a map of the two maritime provinces on the Baltic that bordered Garðaríki, in the north-west of the realm. He assesses them as targets. The figure below illustrates the considerations Rurik was looking at. He may want both but would select one first – in case the next opportunity may have to wait, for diplomatic or practical reasons.
A Rogues' Gallery
Late that evening, exhausted but very happy with developments, Rurik surveyed a report on his new "Rogues' Gallery" of vassals – considerably expanded in recent months. And he received another pleasant surprise. Understandably, his new vassal, as a High Chief, wanted a position on the Council. And Zhavaronok of Tver, his other most recently added vassal (who lost his High Chiefdom in the process) has similar ambitions. But the rest of his previously restive vassals have surrendered that ambition: perhaps because they see their relative power within the realm eclipsed by that of the more powerful new additions, both of whom still control multiple counties (Zhavoronok may no longer be High Chief, but gained/retained direct control of the other two counties that had made up his former High Chiefdom of Tver). Indeed, Nuyanza of Ingria, with that particular bee out of his bonnet, was now well disposed to the King. Vsemil remained as before (mildly positive). But the other (peskier) Slovensky, Svetozar, had mellowed and now only disliked his King somewhat! Even Miemo had slowly begun to mitigate the white hatred of his new overlord. [And this is still with the -10 malus from holding too many duchies.]
Matters of Faith
Rurik had considered the state of the Germanic Faith before, but with the passage of time and one major ambition now fulfilled, he again turned his attention to this long-held dream. Of the three criteria for reforming the faith (assuming it was very unlikely he or his successors would be able to take and hold all five Holy Sites at the same time), two were currently satisfied: the moral authority of the faith was just above the requirement, while the recent victory over Merya had seen Rurik’s piety up to just over 750. But the key criterion remained personal possession of the minimum three holy sites: two of these at least would need to come from Germanic brethren, probably by sea raid. Hliedra and Uppsala being the easiest to access. Discounting Paderborn (inland and owned by the powerful Hungarian empire), that would leave either the distant Maere, or maybe a quick raid and occupation of Tholen.
Rurik assumed that he would only need to control the three sites briefly – long enough to enact the reform – and would not need to hold them indefinitely, which could be difficult. That way, a Holy Site in Scandinavia could be relinquished to a fellow Germanic kingdom if not sustainable to hold without losing current moral authority, while a temporarily held Tholen, for instance, could be ceded back to Lotharingia if necessary, without trying to support a distant permanent garrison against waves of powerful attackers. But, being unaware of some of the religious and political subtleties in this matter, Rurik undertook to take the advice of his Godi and the Þing, which would be summoned forthwith to consider a range of important matters.
Questions
A Great Þing will be held in Nygarðr to help Rurik confirm his plans for the immediate and longer-term future. In addition to the three questions posed above, a fourth, more general one, has been added below. And as always, all are welcome to attend the Þing and to comment on any matter they wish to, and as many or as few as they wish.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.
Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.
Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?
Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.
Rurik’s thoughts turn again to the sea and raiding. This is not an issue for him – his fleet of 40 ships is more than enough for his current needs – but for the future. Those ships will disperse on his passing: access to new ships will be a must for his successors – especially if his work of reforming the Germanic Faith is not completed before his death. The Gods would not be pleased if he neglected this important provision for the future survival of the Old Gods against the new.
Previously, on Blut und Schlacht … Rurik presses his war of subjugation on Merya; he has swept the field of the enemy and now besieges two of their holds; speculation swirls around what terms may be offered to High Chief Tyueykezut of Merya and where that worthy would stand under the tribal laws of the new Kingdom of Garðaríki; Rurik wonders whether he can ever summon another ambition to fulfil in the latter part of his reign – however long he may have left – and what focus he might apply himself to next.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
October 879
Rurik’s journal from this time reveals that he still harboured thoughts about the focus of his life and ambitions for the future. He thought he would be ready to select a new focus for his life in the spring [27 March 880, to be precise
], after he had turned 50 and by which time he hoped the war to bring Merya in the new realm would be over. He also yearned to find another ambition for his reign but for now, a suitable one eluded his thoughts.Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.
As Rurik waited out the siege of Suzdal in the cooling autumn weather, Gumarich der Schreiber brought him a map of the known world of 879 CE. A modern version of what historians understand that geography to have been is reproduced below. Hungary remained dominant in central Europe; different Norse holdings covered a good half of Britannia; Italy remained a strong European power; the Byzantines were dominant in the East; a variety of Islamic countries vied for leadership in Africa, Mesopotamia and Persia; great kingdoms dominated India; and a variety of horse lords ruled in the great eastern steppes.
A closer look at Europe highlighted the continued dominance of Hungary and the many gains Rurik’s Norse brethren had made in Britannia and on the continent.
In the region immediately around Garðaríki, Konugarðr was a major (and fellow Norse) power to the south, now bordering Rurik along an extensive frontier, but it remained spread out, with Chernigov and Pereyaslavl sitting like large lumps of undigested meat in its stomach. Would they be consumed, or give King Dyre a bad case of indigestion? Small states surrounded Rurik on the Baltic coast and to his north and the horse lords of the steppe ruled to the east. Rurik hoped the betrothal of his daughter Iliana to one of the young horse lords of the Pecheneg royal family might one day bring an alliance with them.
A close-up look at the state of the war shows the forested terrain [favourable to Rurik as a Rough Terrain Expert], the sieges in progress, the lack of enemy armies and the Smolenskian allied levy now about to join Rurik in Suzdal.
And Chief Svetozar, still one of Rurik’s commanders, brings another sizable levy detachment to join Þorsteinn’s army in Pereslavl Zalessky.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
November 879
Just over a month later, High Chief Tyueykezut’s main host arrived back in Mochkava, having rallied somewhere off to the south. They are headed towards Tver and will get there before one of Ruirik’s small levy detachments (from far Chud)will either be able to escape or have Þorsteinn (who in any case has almost finished his siege and is loath to abandon it) arrive to rescue them. By this time, Svetozar’s detachment had joined Þorsteinn. Another pointless massacre was feared.
“We don’t need them to finish this war,” declared Rurik when informed of the situation. “Let the enemy do their worst at Tver – I care not, and we will be finished here long before he makes any progress there. Tell the men to disband and melt into the forests. We cannot afford pointless losses of our precious warriors. There is no shame in dispersing before a massive enemy force.”
It was done: and because they were still safely in Garðaríki territory, they should all be able to make it home safely. The men from Chud appreciated this, as it was a detachment from their county that was massacred in a similar way during the war against Tver!
The small Chud detachment simply faded into the forests of Tver before Tyueykezut could fall upon and butcher them.
A week later, Tver was under siege. Gumarich recorded (in his private and confidential journal, not the public chronicles) that he heard Rurik mutter “And welcome they are to it! I hope they eat that wretch Zhavoronok for breakfast! Before I do the same to them.” Followed by a wicked – almost unhinged – cackle.
The sieges of both Meryan strongholds ended in victory on the same day, with a couple of young prisoners taken. Rurik started heading west, to take his larger host to relieve Tver, while Þorsteinn was ordered to Mochkava to besiege its holding and cut off Tyueykezut’s retreat.
The Bear in Winter: never bait the Great Bear of Garðaríki!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
December 879
As December wore on, Rurik’s army was closing in on Tver, which still held comfortably. Mochkava was now also under siege.
In the depths of winter, the Queen’s spy network reported a new Solvensky murder plot: this time Vsemil’s heir wanted to kill some other Slavic countryman. Rurik couldn’t care less: “Let them all murder each other off, it that is their will!”
On 19 December, the two small levy groups previously routed return from winter rallying quarters. Þorsteinn – whose siege of Mochkava was only in its early days, was despatched to intercept these potential flies in the ointment. If either of them should succeed in defeating one of the small occupying garrisons, it could set back the war effort. He will head to Suzdal, from where he should be able to discourage any enemy incursions. Rurik kept his eyes on the main game, in Tver.
On 28 December, Rurik fell upon the Meryan siege camp in Tver with grim ferocity. The Smolenskians were with him in the single central division, with the Cleansing Flame again personally commanding the Tribal Army's large regiment.
A later painting of King Rurik at the Battle of Tver, in late December 879 AD, Hálsbitr in hand. Its edge was as cold and sharp as the weather as it slaked its bloodthirst on the necks of his enemies.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
January 880
Rurik turned 50 during the Battle of Tver, on 1 January 880. A portrait from the time shows his years finally beginning to catch up with him. But he still seemed largely hale of body and mind, despite the toll the ordeal of Pisa had taken on both.
Happy birthday to you, King Rurik!
6 January saw all the Meryan divisions in full retreat at Tver, with a pursuit in progress through the terrible snows of a Russian winter.
Þorsteinn reached Suzdal in time to ward off any enemy encroachment there (both enemy armies had been heading towards it until they realised he was also approaching). One held where it was in the east, the other turned west, back to Pereslavl Zalessky. Þorsteinn then split his force (easily done, as it was made of numerous large and small levy regiments), taking one to head off the enemy’s western thrust, the other under Snorri’s command to confront the army holding in the east. The battle in Tver was very nearly over by then.
And the next day, it was all over! Rurik had been thinking that this latest victory, thumping though it was, would not be enough to force Tyueykezut’s surrender. But it seems the capture of his brother (and heir), was enough to tip the scale over the edge.
Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.
On 12 January 880, King Rurik met with High Chief Tyueykezut in Tver to negotiate the terms of his subjugation. As some advisers had surmised, with Rurik now a true king, Tyueykezut joined the realm as a subject High Chief, retaining all his current titles and vassals. And because he retained his titles, it meant Tyueykezut only detested Rurik, rather than loathing him with an unquenchable passion. Naturally, like other powerful lords of the realm, he demanded a seat on the Council: and also like them, would be denied it! The High Chief’s brother was also automatically released (along with Rurik’s other prisoners) on signature of the settlement. At which point Rurik cursed himself for not having attempted to ransom them beforehand. Although on reflection, the early release of Kezhevat might have emboldened Tyueykezut to keep fighting.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Blood, Threat and Fears
Rurik surveyed a newly drawn map showing the boundaries of the kingdom: he liked it – a lot. Compact, giving good protection to the capital and core counties and with good interior lines of communication to the borders. His prestige was again sky high – and he would look to use some of it on some military infrastructure. Perhaps leaving some up his sleeve in case another tribal army ever has to be raised. And he can still add to his personal demesne: maybe one or two coastal provinces now, to establish a proper royal shipbuilding capacity?
That evening, Gumarich handed his King a note from Chancellor Hrörekr: it notified him that enough time had passed since the last Great Blot to hold another. With the release of all the Meryan prisoners after the peace agreement, that left poor young Feverdyn, the witless child captured nine long years ago in Cornwall when they were on Viking, as the only remaining prisoner. Rurik had never been able to ransom him back – and it was little wonder why: he had never seen such an abjectly talentless and frankly useless child in all his years. Nothing had improved with age – and old Dumnarth of Cornwall still refused to take him back. Alas, perhaps serving the Gods by becoming the sacrifice for the Blot might be the merciful thing.
And word also came to Rurik that with the subjugation of Merya, the perception of his threat to his neighbours had leapt: as well it should!
Gumarich recorded his King’s reaction to the news for posterity: “A fine measure of success, by Thor’s Mighty Weapon! I think we can afford to inspire a little more fear and respect among them before we are quite done expanding the realm.”
“Of course, My Liege,” Gumarich replied. “Though it would pay to check any new prospective target to ensure they have not made alliance arrangements with their brethren.”
“Gumarich, you offer good counsel, as always. We will ensure we can crush both the target and any allies foolish enough to support them, if necessary!”
“Of course, My Liege,” Gumarich replied. “Though it would pay to check any new prospective target to ensure they have not made alliance arrangements with their brethren.”
“Gumarich, you offer good counsel, as always. We will ensure we can crush both the target and any allies foolish enough to support them, if necessary!”
As he basked in the latest glory and achievement, Gumarich handed him a note from the Steward, Alfgeir. In it, he suggested that if the King had for now finished with his plans for expansion, he could aim for a period of prolonged peace, with great benefits for the prosperity of the realm. And it shouldn’t prevent a bit of lucrative raiding, as that would not qualify as a war. It would also help to keep all the newly acquired counties in check and make them less likely to rebel against their new ruler.
A copy of Rurik’s response was found in the scroll trove:
“Your idea has some merit, Alfgeir. I am not sure whether my current expansion plans are quite finished with – but they should be soon. Perhaps then this may be a worthy ambition for me as the King of a newly forged realm. It would still allow us to raid again – and for our neighbours to be lulled into a sense of false security regarding our threat to them! Which we may need if a couple more acquisitions are made. Though too long a period of peace will begin to erode my prestige in the eyes of our tribal lords. Let me think on it.”
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
The Smell of the Sea
Rurik spent some time that evening looking at a map of the two maritime provinces on the Baltic that bordered Garðaríki, in the north-west of the realm. He assesses them as targets. The figure below illustrates the considerations Rurik was looking at. He may want both but would select one first – in case the next opportunity may have to wait, for diplomatic or practical reasons.
- On the one hand was the county of Narva, owned by the Estonian Suomenusko High Chief Illimar ‘the Just’. With two counties (Narva was not his capital), he could muster a levy of 1,160 men. With his piety, he could also likely muster a religious horde. He had no external allies and had yet to form or join a pact against Rurik. Narva itself had a basic shipyard already, so satisfied that requirement. Its single tribal holding had a market village and a hillfort, but otherwise had low monthly revenue of 3.45 gold. A minor river crossing would be required to take it.
- The other option was the single-county Finnish Chiefdom of Käkisalmi, ruled by Chief Ahma. His levy was very small but he also had the piety to summon holy warriors to him. Like Illimar, as yet he only had a pact with his wife. The tribal holding was poor but importantly, did boast a shipyard. The richness of the county was enhanced through the presence of a well-developed temple (Raivola), provided rich revenue and with its own temple shipyard!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
A Rogues' Gallery
Late that evening, exhausted but very happy with developments, Rurik surveyed a report on his new "Rogues' Gallery" of vassals – considerably expanded in recent months. And he received another pleasant surprise. Understandably, his new vassal, as a High Chief, wanted a position on the Council. And Zhavaronok of Tver, his other most recently added vassal (who lost his High Chiefdom in the process) has similar ambitions. But the rest of his previously restive vassals have surrendered that ambition: perhaps because they see their relative power within the realm eclipsed by that of the more powerful new additions, both of whom still control multiple counties (Zhavoronok may no longer be High Chief, but gained/retained direct control of the other two counties that had made up his former High Chiefdom of Tver). Indeed, Nuyanza of Ingria, with that particular bee out of his bonnet, was now well disposed to the King. Vsemil remained as before (mildly positive). But the other (peskier) Slovensky, Svetozar, had mellowed and now only disliked his King somewhat! Even Miemo had slowly begun to mitigate the white hatred of his new overlord. [And this is still with the -10 malus from holding too many duchies.]
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Matters of Faith
Rurik had considered the state of the Germanic Faith before, but with the passage of time and one major ambition now fulfilled, he again turned his attention to this long-held dream. Of the three criteria for reforming the faith (assuming it was very unlikely he or his successors would be able to take and hold all five Holy Sites at the same time), two were currently satisfied: the moral authority of the faith was just above the requirement, while the recent victory over Merya had seen Rurik’s piety up to just over 750. But the key criterion remained personal possession of the minimum three holy sites: two of these at least would need to come from Germanic brethren, probably by sea raid. Hliedra and Uppsala being the easiest to access. Discounting Paderborn (inland and owned by the powerful Hungarian empire), that would leave either the distant Maere, or maybe a quick raid and occupation of Tholen.
Rurik assumed that he would only need to control the three sites briefly – long enough to enact the reform – and would not need to hold them indefinitely, which could be difficult. That way, a Holy Site in Scandinavia could be relinquished to a fellow Germanic kingdom if not sustainable to hold without losing current moral authority, while a temporarily held Tholen, for instance, could be ceded back to Lotharingia if necessary, without trying to support a distant permanent garrison against waves of powerful attackers. But, being unaware of some of the religious and political subtleties in this matter, Rurik undertook to take the advice of his Godi and the Þing, which would be summoned forthwith to consider a range of important matters.
Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Questions
A Great Þing will be held in Nygarðr to help Rurik confirm his plans for the immediate and longer-term future. In addition to the three questions posed above, a fourth, more general one, has been added below. And as always, all are welcome to attend the Þing and to comment on any matter they wish to, and as many or as few as they wish.
Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.
Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.
Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?
Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Rurik's covetous eyes were cast upon the shipyards of the nearby Baltic coast.
Rurik's covetous eyes were cast upon the shipyards of the nearby Baltic coast.
Rurik’s thoughts turn again to the sea and raiding. This is not an issue for him – his fleet of 40 ships is more than enough for his current needs – but for the future. Those ships will disperse on his passing: access to new ships will be a must for his successors – especially if his work of reforming the Germanic Faith is not completed before his death. The Gods would not be pleased if he neglected this important provision for the future survival of the Old Gods against the new.
Last edited:
Q1 - I would go Stewardship, and then Hunting. Considering a second round of hunting as what he does as he winds down (presuming he lives that long).
Q2 - I have always presumed captives can feature, but do not know for sure
Q3 - I may be wrong, but I think it is just required when you do the reformation.
Q4 - I would grab those desired provinces, and then settle down to try and turn your new Kingdom into a stable state for whenver Rurik dies
Q2 - I have always presumed captives can feature, but do not know for sure
Q3 - I may be wrong, but I think it is just required when you do the reformation.
Q4 - I would grab those desired provinces, and then settle down to try and turn your new Kingdom into a stable state for whenver Rurik dies
1 - I tend to like stewardship, as money is always nice. Of course, as a tribal kingdom, prestige is still your main currency for upgrades. Looking at the list though, you might want to go with business. For reasons.
2 - On the warscore screen, you can hover over the total in the middle and it'll tell you how much each captive contributes to the total score. Capturing your main foe should give you an automatic 100%, but heirs and family members are smaller numbers. The number only persists while you still hold them captive, so if you'd have ransomed him you'd have lost the bonus.
3 - You can leave once the job is done.
4 - I think raiding and building your holdings (or at least the ones going to your main heir) might be a good focus for now. But I do tend to be a builder. If you get good opportunities to grab holy sites, though, don't miss them.
2 - On the warscore screen, you can hover over the total in the middle and it'll tell you how much each captive contributes to the total score. Capturing your main foe should give you an automatic 100%, but heirs and family members are smaller numbers. The number only persists while you still hold them captive, so if you'd have ransomed him you'd have lost the bonus.
3 - You can leave once the job is done.
4 - I think raiding and building your holdings (or at least the ones going to your main heir) might be a good focus for now. But I do tend to be a builder. If you get good opportunities to grab holy sites, though, don't miss them.
Lancelot changed from the great to the wise in his lifetime.
I think stewarding should be fine, if a bit dull. The warscore can be hovered over to give more details, as said above. Family members do count, though you'll only really notice if you capture the ruler himself cos then you win. Religious sights...depends on what blend of dlc you have I think? Not sure and this new one might mess it all up again even in the base game. But I think...it should be fine to raid them.
And for future plans? Change your inheritance laws. Change your realm laws to keep such a large personal group of lands. Build tall (cos building is broken and will net you oodles of cash and troops more than owning an empire will) and wait for a while to pick your targets. Then start moving out again. Perhaps since Europe is so messed up, heading north and clearing it up till you have the northern counties boarding Siberian wastelands and Scandinavia securely under you. With your back against impassable territory and the top of the map, you can turn around and smash back against the Christians. I do think you prob all do need to unite the Lagan world first though to stand a chance, especially as the husngrains, Bulgarians and Byzantines have all been lucky in this game.
Nice. Moving right along towards being more than just a regional power.
Q1 - I like to pick up hunting for health once advanced age hits, if I've got a decent character I'd like to stretch out some.
Q2 - Hovering over the giant green 100% will give you an exact breakdown. The ruler is 100%, the heir is 50%, and other close relatives are I believe 5% each.
Q3 - I think it's a moot point since I believe you need to be at peace to reform the religion.
Q4 - I was tempted to tell you to leave them alone because of inheritance shenanigans. Your primary heir *probably* won't inherit them since they are outside the de jure Kingdom. This is where Gavelkind gets annoying. Ships won't be important until your heir inherits as you've got the event fleet to tide you over. However; long run they are important enough, so if you are going to invade, send your troops through Tartu and hit him from the south instead of across the river. Leave a force in place to block him from crossing the river, and send it through to hit your target at least one day after the flanking force arrives, to negate the river crossing penalty. The owner of Tartu won't fuss about it.
But yeah, Rurik unless he gets lucky won't be starring in this little endeavor too much longer. I generally give my rulers an even 50/50 shot of hitting 50 and a less than 25% chance of hitting 60. So many things can go wrong. So getting coastal provinces now won't help Rurik much, but it will make the life of the primary heir much easier, especially once he starts eliminating rival Rurikids for their juicy shipyards.
Q1 - I like to pick up hunting for health once advanced age hits, if I've got a decent character I'd like to stretch out some.
Q2 - Hovering over the giant green 100% will give you an exact breakdown. The ruler is 100%, the heir is 50%, and other close relatives are I believe 5% each.
Q3 - I think it's a moot point since I believe you need to be at peace to reform the religion.
Q4 - I was tempted to tell you to leave them alone because of inheritance shenanigans. Your primary heir *probably* won't inherit them since they are outside the de jure Kingdom. This is where Gavelkind gets annoying. Ships won't be important until your heir inherits as you've got the event fleet to tide you over. However; long run they are important enough, so if you are going to invade, send your troops through Tartu and hit him from the south instead of across the river. Leave a force in place to block him from crossing the river, and send it through to hit your target at least one day after the flanking force arrives, to negate the river crossing penalty. The owner of Tartu won't fuss about it.
But yeah, Rurik unless he gets lucky won't be starring in this little endeavor too much longer. I generally give my rulers an even 50/50 shot of hitting 50 and a less than 25% chance of hitting 60. So many things can go wrong. So getting coastal provinces now won't help Rurik much, but it will make the life of the primary heir much easier, especially once he starts eliminating rival Rurikids for their juicy shipyards.
Ah, I kept misreading the question. Yes, you have to actually own the provinces, because you need to be at peace. Once you've done the reformation, though, you can release them again (though maybe you'd not want to do that at that point).
I'll just re-emphasize the "I believe" that you need to be at peace - it's been awhile since I reformed a pagan religion
It doesn't say so in the tooltip, but if my memory serves me correctly, I've never reformed Germanic while at war, and I have to believe it's either because you can't while at war, or you have to be the top liege, which you can't be until you've peaced out the war by annexing the holy site. One of the two!
for some reason I did not receive the email notification for the new posts in this thread, I just stumbled upon all the new posts and a whole new episode! Hurra!
After that, conquer more neighboring realms after the shipyards until the badboy is high enough for alliances against you to form, and then take the 5 year prosperity and raiding break to build and strengthen, and then you can return with the wars for the 3 holy sites. I think after getting your hands on the holy sites, you can even build them up with beefed up church holdings so they give good levies, make them into one religious title and give to a religious loyal norse guy as a kind of a norse vatican that would also provide a loyal and tough fighting force. I'll call that: a norse religious authority / warrior order a good project.
this made me miss my yabguid game which was ruined by a bug :/
the most prestigious member of the royal family inherits, so if your son in law is not the first in line of inheritence maybe you can give him a prestige creating position in your court to bump his chances up. Beware of giving a landed title, that was what broke my save (your save will not be ruined but for the pechenegs life will be hell).
the Chud levy caught again! they should make an offering to gods or something, they have some kind of curse upon them.
that's a genius move by the cunning king Rurik.
I guess for the first time I have no idea about the answers to the technical questions. On the other hand about Q4, I say secure a shipyard (and if there is a good CB, why not conquer a bigger duchy? Aren't there other neighboring realms that has shipyards which are bigger? For instance, who rules the Arctic Sea provinces of Pomorye, Dvina, Bjarmia and Saamod? (In fact, I wonder how is the political situation up north, when you have the chance can you post a screenshot?) Wouldn't it be great if they are in one realm and you eat them all in one go? And they are in the de jure empire of Rus, so a step in a nice direction for the generations to come. I wonder when it will be possible to create the EMPIRE
After that, conquer more neighboring realms after the shipyards until the badboy is high enough for alliances against you to form, and then take the 5 year prosperity and raiding break to build and strengthen, and then you can return with the wars for the 3 holy sites. I think after getting your hands on the holy sites, you can even build them up with beefed up church holdings so they give good levies, make them into one religious title and give to a religious loyal norse guy as a kind of a norse vatican that would also provide a loyal and tough fighting force. I'll call that: a norse religious authority / warrior order a good project.
Last edited:
The Thirteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – January 880 (a summary of advice from Chapter 36)
The Thirteenth Thing of Rurik’s Reign – January 880 (a summary of advice from Chapter 36)
With Garðaríki largely now consolidated, Rurik looks to the future. The wise assemble in the capital to give counsel.
General Comments
I was pretty pleased with that little ploy: though no doubt many others must have used the same ploy when small levies are caught out like that, I’d never actually seen it documented (that I can recall) in a CK2 AAR I’ve read, so it was re(?)-invented this time!
Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.
Summary: A 50-50 call: Rurik’s decision will be made known in the next instalment (which still needs to be played).
Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.
Summary: So the ones to ransom in war (as opposed to a raid) are the lesser lights that may be captured. No point keeping them for a Blot if it’s a war of conquest, because it seems the conquered prisoners become vassals and are automatically released on peace. I wonder if it is different if they come from somewhere that is not conquered as a result of the war?
Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?
Summary: OK, I think the upshot is I need to assume I hold them as titles, not just occupied in combat. If it ends up being easier than that after all, I can be pleasantly surprised! Can it (as I’d assume unless advised differently) be control via a vassal who I in turn command? Just so long as it is my realm?
Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.
Summary: Some interesting choices here. I’ll take immediate steps and have the rest in mind and refine plans as things develop. When in doubt, just wing it!
Thank you all once again for your support and sharing your knowledge and views. I will probably play the next session tomorrow some time, so if there’s any ‘late mail’ or follow-up advice arising from the above, please let me know.
“The Dread Viking Ragnar is here – for your soul!”
(8 sec)
With Garðaríki largely now consolidated, Rurik looks to the future. The wise assemble in the capital to give counsel.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
General Comments
Thank you. Quite happy I didn’t crash and burn in my first game: helped by a strong starting position and lots of help! Pretty pleased with the first 12 years of the Rurikid Dynasty.
Those notifications are notorious.
Damned insects – particularly bothersome on the steppe in spring, so I understand!
I was pretty pleased with that little ploy: though no doubt many others must have used the same ploy when small levies are caught out like that, I’d never actually seen it documented (that I can recall) in a CK2 AAR I’ve read, so it was re(?)-invented this time!I think he is the first son of the heir to the High Chief, but we’ll see how it turns out.
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q1: Focus. So, any suggestions for Rurik’s next lifestyle focus are welcome. Both from advice and a quick scan of the options, I’m thinking perhaps Stewardship (he needs the money) or Hunting again (a small health bonus and I could hold a Great Hunt, which I’d kind of like to). Scholarship has been done – he now has a good stat there and I’d like to explore another event chain with what time he has left. And Seduction would be pretty pointless and now (alas) out of character. But any other musings or suggestions are welcome.
Stewardship seems the smart play. Though hunting has its benefits … and I never finished off the event chain before the – ah – unfortunate events of Pisa.
Yes, though given how little income there is, I wonder (out loud, to myself) how much benefit Stewardship will provide at this point?
Yes, it’s a bit too un-Rurik like, perhaps? Though he did go for learning in recognition of the prior deficiency there.
Good point and one of Rurik’s key considerations. Hmmm.
Summary: A 50-50 call: Rurik’s decision will be made known in the next instalment (which still needs to be played).
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q2: Prisoners and Warscore. So, looking at the numbers on the warscore calculation, it shows battles contributed 46% and occupation 38%. As that only adds up to 84%, can I assume the remaining 16% must be for Chief Kezhevat (or perhaps some of the other prisoners as well – not sure if it is restricted to heirs or whatever)? The other calculation is 63% warscore before the battle, and 21.5% for it: again giving a total of 84% (with a bit of rounding). So that leads me to think it must have been the capture of Kezhevat and not any earlier prisoners, therefore because he is the heir? This seems like an arcane point but could actually be very significant knowledge under some circumstances (especially when it comes to risking heirs or indeed rulers in combat). And if this is right, if I had ransomed Kezhevat before concluding the peace, would I have then lost that 16%, I wonder? Or is it what’s done is done. And there should be a ‘prisoners’ line on the warscore screen if they do contribute to the total.
Others have assisted us below.
Ah, I will do that next time I have the chance, thanks. And also for confirming re ransom and the warscore (will just do it on raids or when the warscore effect is negligible/absent.
Again thanks. Though it looks like the heir has a sizeable effect (in this case enough to tip me over the 100% mark).
Excellent, nice to have the precise figures.
Summary: So the ones to ransom in war (as opposed to a raid) are the lesser lights that may be captured. No point keeping them for a Blot if it’s a war of conquest, because it seems the conquered prisoners become vassals and are automatically released on peace. I wonder if it is different if they come from somewhere that is not conquered as a result of the war?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q3: Religious Reform (again). The question is simple: is the ‘control three Holy Sites’ a simple snapshot in time requirement to get the reform done? And can ‘control’ simply be occupation after siege, as opposed to owning as a formally ceded demesne or vassal holding after a peace settlement? Can you just declare and then leave once the job is done, if pressed?
I have everything up to but not including Jade Dragon. No mods.
I'll just re-emphasize the "I believe" that you need to be at peace - it's been awhile since I reformed a pagan religion
Summary: OK, I think the upshot is I need to assume I hold them as titles, not just occupied in combat. If it ends up being easier than that after all, I can be pleasantly surprised! Can it (as I’d assume unless advised differently) be control via a vassal who I in turn command? Just so long as it is my realm?
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Ch36 Q4: Ambitions and Plans. So, we come to something of a watershed. After 12 years of expansion and raiding, a large part of the Rus de jure kingdom – known by its Norse name of Garðaríki – has been brought under the Rurikid banner. Apart from the stated desire to establish some royal shipyards, raiding and nation-building may now be called for. Certainly, some prestige will be spent on military facilities in core counties of the demesne – and of the primary Jarldom of Holmgarðr, to ensure they remain in a successor’s hands. But more money is needed too. Then there are dreams – now shared by the converted Helgi – for reforming the Norse faith. And then inevitably progressing beyond the tribal laws of the steppe to become a truly modern Kingdom that can hold its own among its neighbours and likely future invaders: Europe is ravenous and the steppe endless. Much for Rurik to decide – I know he would appreciate any advice from the Þing as to immediate next steps. His current view is to strike for those coastal provinces while the iron is hot – thus keeping the Great Tribal Army – which remains strong – in employment. But he is willing to listen to a range of views.
Yes, though I’ll need to be clear about some of the what ifs below.
Roger that. I built a lot at first till I ran out of money. Hence more raiding for those that need either money or prestige (given raiding provides both in equal measure)! Yes, those sites are going to be a challenge, so I’ll have to get smart about finding out when those opportunities arise (could come in a variety of ways, I imagine) and a means for making such opportunistic grabs. Which probably involves ships most of the time.
Indeed - I’ll see if I can manage it.
Oh, I’d love to get those inheritance laws changed. Still seems a way off though. Won’t be possible before Rurik shuffles off, I’m thinking, even if he does last a while yet. Or am I being too pessimistic?
So, if I conquer these counties now but grant them direct to Helgi off the bat, does he keep them on succession? Or is there some Gavelkind pecking order that would take them away again? If I could, and be confident he would keep them, I could perhaps do that and even build more ship facilities before succession, if necessary, for him?
OK, I’ll have a look around, including up north. But I was assuming I’d now only be able to conquer one county at a time (if I’m not subjugating via the Rus ambition). And they’d all be outside de jure Rus/Garðaríki now.I guess for the first time I have no idea about the answers to the technical questions. On the other hand about Q4, I say secure a shipyard (and if there is a good CB, why not conquer a bigger duchy? Aren't there other neighboring realms that has shipyards which are bigger? For instance, who rules the Arctic Sea provinces of Pomorye, Dvina, Bjarmia and Saamod? (In fact, I wonder how is the political situation up north, when you have the chance can you post a screenshot?) Wouldn't it be great if they are in one realm and you eat them all in one go? And they are in the de jure empire of Rus, so a step in a nice direction for the generations to come. I wonder when it will be possible to create the EMPIRE
OK, will monitor how that goes re the Badboy. Maybe one of those extra conquests should be a Holy Site? Though not one that brings me into war with Hungary or one of the Christian realms?
Summary: Some interesting choices here. I’ll take immediate steps and have the rest in mind and refine plans as things develop. When in doubt, just wing it!
ᚔ ᚱᚢᚱᛁ ᚲᛁᛞ ᚔ
Thank you all once again for your support and sharing your knowledge and views. I will probably play the next session tomorrow some time, so if there’s any ‘late mail’ or follow-up advice arising from the above, please let me know.
“The Dread Viking Ragnar is here – for your soul!”
- 1
You probably won't get them changed for a while if not with your first ruler, since replacements and heirs tend to be too old to rule for ten years and see a period of peace to enact the new laws. Then again, right now you can just focus on conquest and only really need to absolutely get new centralisation laws and inheritance changes when you happen upon two connected duchies that are large, coastal and have many building slots between them. Then you apwant to double downmarket on them, keep them in the family and build them up (because I'm really not joking, before the tribute system the Crownwall made more money than the rest of Albion put together. Building is brokenly wonderful and I fully recommend it for new players, especially ones who've picked a comparatively difficult region and culture to fight in).
Generally I agree with those who suggest cleaning up the North of the Baltic coast first and putting your back to the impassable artic sea and Siberian wastes. Then, with your back secure, you can turn around and head for Scandinavia, Central Europe or even the nomads out east if you are feeling confident (mind you, downing in how long you want to play this for, you are gonna want fortress Scandinavia to run away to when the mingles spawn in, especially if you have a large chunk of the eastern map underneath your belt).
There might still be the Pagan Subjugation once-in-a-lifetime CB, but I don't know if we already used it or if we'd like to spend it on this. We can always try to create a claim via the chancellor (for a ducal level title I think we need a chancellor of 15 diplo or something like that). There might be other ways that I cannot think of at the moment though. Else, we can hope they are independent counties and eat them piecemeal.
Thought a few would, and the spoiler was the little reward for those who did.
Those arctic provinces are pretty devoid of anything useful - most of them had no shipyard at all. There will be a northern general pic in the next update, but it's the Baltic shore for now, I suspect.
Thank you sir! He comes to a tumultuous time, but I won’t spoil. The next period (now played) became too much for one chapter, so it will be a couple of shorter ones, I think. And in due course, the Thing’s wisdom will be sorely needed! Always expect the unexpected - and then still be unprepared for what that known unknown will serve up to you!Nothing to really add here except ‘we’ll done my king’