A Tale of Knights and Merchants

[Ober]

"Introduction"​

Following their terrible loss at hands of Baltic Pagans in battle of Saule (1236), Livonian Brothers of the Sword - military order formed to cleanse (or cleave, most of the time both) last Pagan bastions in Livonia - had to turn to their Teuton allies down south. Brothers formed the Order, Livonian Order, and with Teutonic aid embarked on crusade in what is known now as Latvia once again. Until 1290 all Baltic Pagans found themselves under Livonian rule. Their new overlords attempted moving even futher east - towards Novgorod, but got denied twice at Lake Peipus (1242) and Rakvere (1268). Next Hochmeisters never abandoned their ambitions to bring Russia back to Pope, even though they simply had no resources to achieve this. The Crusading Spirit was weakening in Europe, when it became clear that Jerusalem will not fall to Christians - especially with sudden emergence of Ottoman threat in Asia Minor and Balkans, who now became main enemy of Christian world. Numerous crusades have been called against them, none of them successful. Nobody would bother with crusades in Russia, when dangerous Ottoman army goes from victory to victory and soon might destroy Konstantinopoli, or even reach Rome.

In 14th Century restoration of Polish Kingdom and, a few decades later, Polish-Lithuanian union of Krewa (1385) meant troubles for unruly Teutonic Knights. Livonians, officialy subordinates of Teutons were dragged into a fatal wars between Order and Poland-Lithuania. Some of Livonian Knights witnessed with their eyes annihilation of Teutonic might at Tannenberg (Grunwald) in 1410. Crusaders had to attempt most risky endeavors to halt their rivals advance. Livonians themselves got involved into Lithuanian succession war between friendly contestant, Svitrigaila, and pro-Polish Sigismund. Livonians paid for their involvement dearly - together with Svitrigaila they were destroyed at Pabaiskas, in Lithuania. It was a little, personal Tannenberg for Livonian Order. Hochmeister Franco Kerskoff was killed, same as many high-ranked Order's officers. Nearly whole elite of Order perished in one battle.

Catastrophe after catastrophe, Livonian Order was not benefitting from its allegiance to Teutons at all. Few months after Pabaiskas, Livonian Knights had to concede most of their internal influence. Order was a major power in Livonia, but the region itself was most interesting mix of bishoprics, towns and many different entities, all under Order's protection. Formation of Livonian Confederation (1435) brought all the region under one authority. Knights decision was a true glove slap for Teutons, who themselves fought any non-monastic groups in Prussia and Pomerelia - Prussian Confederation's officials were begging Polish King to destroy Teutons once and for all whenever they had a chance to. Another Confederation up north finally brought all local entities together, ensuring at least slightly more bright future for Livonia.

Nine years later Poles and Hungarians led crusade against Ottomans once again. On 10th November of 1444, at Varna, King of Poland and Hungary Władysław III, Vlachs and remnants of Bulgarian Tsardom faced Turks again. A few days later Poland and Hungary lost a king, Vlachs were brought back under Turkish boot, and hope to restore any Bulgarian state was lost, maybe forever.

Now there was no doubt where the main enemy lies. That loss was the last thing needed to free Knights from their bond with Teutons. Entering Russia is impossible - it is hard to match army of Moskva's Knyaz in numbers, and nobody in Europe cares abut Russia in slightest. Teutons, forever drunk with their lost might cannot see anywhere past Poland or Lithuania. Doomed to fall, they still oppose the people who defended real Christianity in Varna, and they cannot be taken seriously.

"There is no need to stick with a crusading past in Livonia, when real crusades are taking part in Balkans. Far enough from us. No more being bound by tradition that will lead us to our downfall. We need to protect our people, and our homeland. It is time to start acting. It is time to become free, for once."

Attributed to Heinrich Vincke von Overburg, Hochmeister of Livonian Order after Battle of Varna.

Words of Wisdom​

Hi guys wassup hayaduin zazazaz.

I started playing EU4 for real relatively recently (full collection was 75% off when Art of War was released), but there was a bug with save compression in 1.8 patch. I lost few cool saves, got heartbroken, and stopped playing for a while. But recently I felt like playing again, giving Milan -> Italia another go (and I had fabulous fun), and now that I more or less understand EU IV mechanics, I am hoping to play some more. Then, few days ago, I randomly went to check some of my older AARs I was writing (some died because lazy, others because of PC crashes ), and got kinda nostalgic and stuff (since it was a winter evening), and made a decision - let's find myself a cool country! Initially it was meant to be Poland, my dear homeland, played in most ridiculous fashion in history (Republic, reformaton, no Union, colonies), but then I found out that stupid elective monarchy crap PARADOX DAMN FOOL THATS NOT HOW IT WORKS YOU NOOBS SOMEBODY GAVE YUO WRONG WIKIPEDIA railroads you into one playstyle. Well, you can avoid it, if you spend early game wrecking your nation - and it's not fun.

So I looked a bit north, and stumbled upon my old friend, from first serious AAR I was writing on Paradox, from For the Glory (glorious remake of EU2). Livonian Order. Oh the good times. Since it was technically EU2, I had to write and mod a lot to make it more interesting (but I like modding no probs, I am the king). What I always loved about EU series (well, EU2) is imagining how the people and regions I am taking care of are developing. Being the man of liberal values, basically FREEDOM, with the help of some good and bad events and (good or bad) storytelling I wanted to make a story about evolution of extremely decentralized mess of bishoprics, cities and military order into modern, liberal, Western republic, something like what if Swiss and Dutch melted into one, etc. etc. I really loved the concept, even though not many people were visiting FtG AAR corner, I had my fun!

Then my HDD died and I lost everything, including backup saves. Oh the life ( Few months later I picked Poland in 1792 scenario and there, honestly, I got lazy. EU2/FtG is fantastic and will forever remain one of my top, life-changing experiences, but to represent stuff I was interested in the most I had to spend more time researching, modding and making graphics (I'm crap at graphics) than playing. And the game part was great, as I defended myself from Austria, Prussia and Russia TWICE.

TAKE THAT RUSKI WHITE EAGLE BEST EAGLE.

And I come to EU4. No, it still doesn't have enough stuff I would love to see. Ideas are great...idea, huh, but sliders had some more, ehm, story value to me. You see a country with max Aristocracy, Quantity, and Serfdom - Russia, no doubt. Quality, Land, Offensive - Prussia. Naval, Free Trade, Innovative - Great Britain, etc. It wasn't much, but it was something - still, ideas are vastly superior concept naturally and I like'em a lot. Now that we are technically in 2015, I think it's way easier to do something like this in a video game. If Paradox would make a DLC that simulates development of society, allows you to see, affect and be affected by it, no jokes I would legit pay 50€ for it (as long as it's not horribly bugged, hah). That's the last main thing remaining - monarchies and government systems overall, yeah, could use some more fleshing out and stuff but society is way more important to me personally.

Still, my goals remain more of less the same - preserve the existence (although not neccesarily independece) of Livonia, make it happy and succesful, lead it towards the freedom, liberalism and enlightment, also unholy wealth, prestige, and banter at the cost of other nations. EU always favoured giants, yes, but I feel like I can stay small and still have some impact on the history. I have some ideas. If we go down - huh, at least we tried our best!

Speaking of ideas, Livonian Order can reform into Courland at ADM 10, and Courland's ideas are so funny, each one of them is really cool. I wish I could become Republic at some point, at least for a while, but sadly this usually requires you to basically get self-wrecked, and seeing as we will be encroached by Russia, Sweden and Commonwealth, hehe...we cannot allow that.

On a purely technical note, I am somewhere between a history book and gameplay, trying to connect both. I like a bit of background story, but want to play the damned game after all. I try to avoid any fabular parts like dialogues etc, mostly because I suck at doing them Unless it's something really short, like a random quote or stuff. English naturally not mein native language, expect mistakes. Screenshots-wise, I had a great scheme for FtG and Darkest Hour to combine more screens into a bigger one, but EU4 looks entirely different and I am yet to come up with a system of some sorts. Hopefully tis aint no problem yo coz imma dying legend well, I just need to try a few times and then decide.

As for episodes, it depends. Sometimes I can make four episodes in three days, and then get lost for a month...this time I have nothing to mod really (I was always doing modding in any AAR ever as far as I remember), so it potentially might be easier.

Ye, about it. If you see intro but no episode, no worry, I am posting number 1 right after that.


Bonuses: None
Difficulty: Normal
Lucky Nations: On
Copperhead Mode: Off
Game version: 1.9.2
DLCs: Conquest of Paradise, Weatlh of Nations, Res Publica. If I will get a chance to buy Art of War and it applies to already started games then maybe Art of War later on.
Mods: Better UI and T.B.A.R.W, just for the looks and convienence

Contents of Table:


Episode One: "The Last Crusaders"
Episode Two: "Teutonic Rhapsody"
Episode Three: "Knights of Commerce"
Episode Four: "Money and Power"
Episode Five: "Towards Unity"​

 

[Ober]

"The Last Crusaders"​

Events of Varna and yet another success of Ottomans finally made Pope, Kaiser and everyone involved realize that Ottomans are not like these Nomad tribes from the past, who would be satisfied enough with some raiding or abandon succesful military campaign at the very end of it. Turks were pressing at many fronts at once ever since their victory at Nikopolis. The only reason why they weren't masters of Anatolia at this point was another fearsome force - Mamelukes - who ruled in Egypt and had considerable influence in the Middle East and Asia Minor. That was making Christians situation even worse, since Sultans used most of their might in Europe now, especially after Varna. News from Poland-Lithuania were most terrifying: Balkan Christians are doomed, once mighty Hungarians are in danger and ancient city of Konstantinopoli is literally waiting to be destroyed by Turks. Ottoman menace was scary for all Christians, but Livonia was one who could actually benefit from it. New major power in the region, Poland-Lithuania was majorly preoccupied with recovering from lost crusade, friendly Hungarian kingdom under Prince Regent Janos Hunyadi was not so friendly at all, and Teutons - although broken, were hoping to put Polish loss to their advantage. In Russia Muscovites were slowly taking out other principalities, but even then remnants of Mongol Empire or even Lithuania were containing Knyaz's forces and stopping him from moving outside of Russia itself. At the other side of Baltic Sea, Denmark had serious troubles keeping Sweden in check, making the whole Kalmar Union more of a headache rather than asset.

In other words, Livonia was free. Teutonic Order abandoned any hopes and although officially their officials remained up north, they were powerless. Heinrich Vincke could freely pursue his own policy as the Hochmeister of Livonian Order. With the formation of Livonian Confederation it became apparent that there will be no more crusades in the Baltic. Vincke, a reasonable man disilussioned with military orders propaganda after Tannenberg and Pabaiskas dedicated his time as Hochmeister to strenghten the local bonds even more. Livonian Order was to change for once and all. Hochmeister restricted Knights from taking part in any conflicts against schismatics or getting involved in conflicts abroad. All the forces of Order have been reformed once again into one, standing army (which retained a name of Saint Mary's Army). Vincke nominated another well-known supporter of reforms, Sigmund Mirbach, as new Grandmarschall of Order. Mirbach was one of survivors from massacre in Pabaiskas. Back in time important figures prevented from ranking up higher in Order's ranks, supposedly for lack of zeal and even sceptism. Now that Order was abandoning its old course, Mirbach, once poor knight from Pomerania (and one of best commanders in history of Livonian Order) was able to reach top military rank thanks to his great military experience. Initially meant to just inspect the forces and maintain the defensiveness of a country, soon was assigned a special mission by Hochmeister.

Even though Livonian Confederation brought all local entities into one, there was always a city that, although was a part of the new alliance, retained more independence and could avoid some unwanted restrictions. Riga, main trading port of Livonia, where Daugava enters Baltic Sea. In 1201 Livonian bishop Albert along with 500 crusaders repealed local Pagans and moved his seat to a new settlement - Riga itself. Thanks to its important trading role and later on contacts with Hansa, city was evolving rapidly and became one of main Baltic ports. It was a true pearl of Livonia, itself rich probably as half of Order's lands. It didn't need any allies, just protection. City would rather aid other Hansetic city than its local neighbours - Riga often tried to avoid putting money in Confederation's coffers, be it construction of a new fort on Russian border, a new road from Reval to Dorpat, anything that would bring more benefit to Confederates than to the city. Order remained a main part of Confederation and tried its best to finance as many projects as it could. Vincke was ready to go as far as handing over some meaningless Order's titles to people who had nothing to do with their fortunes. Remaining conservative Knights were angry, but what could they do now?

"Grandmarschall, I require you to enter the city of Riga and bring it back where it belongs, to Livonia. I have approval of Confederates." - Vincke told to his Grandmarschall once he made up his mind what to do in the new age.

Riga itself provided Hochmeister with a plan for a bright future - entering the world of commerce and trading via Riga itself. Since military expenses dropped down drastically once Order focused on self-defence, the coffers were slowly filling. But it was nowhere near enough. This land needed more. Needed more gold, and more influence around the Baltic. Time itself was about right. Local monopolist, Republic of Novgorod, was crumbling under Moskva's pressure and there were no money for trade expansion. Danes were content with collecting their Sund Due, but also were preoccupied with rivalry against other Hansetic cities and constant unrest in Sweden. Teutonic Order was a strong contestant for the prime position, but it was about to fade away. Likedeelers were beaten relatively recently, but that does not mean Baltic trade is safe and all...Riga was earning a lot, only Danzig could match it in eastern part of Baltic, but it kept all the coin and power for itself and its Hansetic friends. Time to make a move was nearly right.

While Vincke and Mirbach were working hard back in home, plotting against unruly city, Order's diplomacy made - for a first time - attempts to run independent foreign policy. The main "target" was obviously Poland-Lithuania, the new dominator in Central Europe. Not only Livonian diplomacy learned first that king Kazimierz IV is planning to bring both kingdoms even closer and nobles from both domains are pressing him to insititue new elective laws that will effectively turn Poland-Lithuania into a elective monarchy. Either way, King felt Poland needs to lift off some pressure after horrors of Bulgarian crusade and was pleased to hear that Livonians want to break their ties with Marienburg; thus, a military alliance, or rather a defensive pact has been signed. Far away from Kraków, other part of diplomats was working hard in Moskva, trying to learn more about Knyaz Vasily and his Principality. Muscovites were growing stronger but Novgorod, although weak, was holding a vast amount of territories north from Moskva, in eternal winterland. Knyaz was happy to hear Livonians are stepping down from crusading path and seek someone who will break commercial might of Novgorod. Nothing official was achieved initially, but Livonians were slowly working their way towards another potentially friendly giant in their immediate area.

Back in homeland Order's leadership was taking more and more decisive stance towards Riga. Atmosphere in Confederation was crumbling, as Riga refused to take part in financing defensive efforts and Order refused to let this go. Finally, on 5th February City of Riga was suspended from being Confederation's member - military confrontation was inevitable. Thankfully for Order, its Grandmarschall was Sigmund Mirbach and not some incopmetent burgher who had no idea how to ride a horse or even use a pike. Saint Mary's Army accompanied by small mercenary groups financed by bishoprics and reinforced with regiment of infantry and cavalry back in 1445 was stronger than ever. Finally, Mirbach commenced attack on 5th July of 1447. Six days later Saint Mary's Army encountered City of Riga forces on their road to Riga. Defenders felt pretty confident, but Mirbach's masterful use of mounted Livonian Knights wrecked bunch of militias to pieces. Although main Hansetic fleet quickly arrived to block Livonian coast and supply the city, there were no mercenaries available to them in Holy Roman Empire - only Burgundy was estimated to hire about thirty thousands of them in order to defend their possessions in Lowlands at that time.

It was quite a festive period back then in the Empire.

Grandmarschall himself besieged Riga and waiting game started - can Riga get any help from Empire in time? Remnants of Riga's army started running away down south through Daugava, hoping that they can get through the coast and then back to Riga on Hansa's ships, or at least wreck some havoc and divert Mirbach's attention. Neither of which happened, as elite of Livonian cavalry catched up with survivors a week later and destroyed for good. Those who were alive were sent to Teutonic city of Memel and from there taken by Hansa. It's not them who started this war, but greedy merchants of Riga who sign treaties and don't honour them.

Eventually, according to Mirbach's report, the city has submitted to Order after 299 days. There was no pillaging, destruction or any other usual bizarre forms of vengeance. City surrendered with honour and so it was treated by the victors. But although city was in Order's control, Hansa was refusing to give up and kept the blockade of Livonia in place. It was angering Hochmeister greatly. Hansa had little chance to afford any meaningful military aid for Riga, and at the same time Order had no chance of breaking Hansa's naval blockade. Officially the city has rejoined Livonian Confederation on 24th May of 1448, but the war continued. Blockade was preventing Vincke from initiating his plans of entering Baltic Sea trade. It was also definitely harmful for Livonians themselves, but then again keeping your main fleet in area that is already lost when cunning Danes have their main navy right under your nose might not be the best idea.

Who knows? Hansa people are weird people. Money, money, money is all they need, but sometimes in life you simply gotta use your brain you see.

Hansa was not the greatest problem though. A joyous news arrived to us from south...

Poles and Teutons are at it again.

Fin.

_________
I used wrong picture to last screen really, the map I mean. Naturally since it's Order vs Riga Hansa I cannot annex Riga until warscore does the ticky-ticky, 5 years, hence the story with blockade. Also, instead of posting pic of every single random event I just try to present it in next (for example I've got church titles selling event early in the game hence title-selling part). Just wanna clarify, cause imma clarify man type deal.

Other than that, feels so weird to write again...I played quite ahead of course, and I'm doing good, for someone who plays first real serious game that *might* be difficult


Well, let's see what Paradox type people think. I am yet to work on exact formulae of episodes, but that's more or less how will it be. Something, anything?

Until next time guys (probably relatively soon, if I could get two episodes a week I would be real happy knowing myself ).

 

[Ober]

"Teutonic Rhapsody"​

When back in 1226 Konrad, Duke of Masovia, one of semi-indepedent Polish realms invited Teutonic Knights to neutralize and convert warlike Prussian tribes, he could not have possibly knew he swapped one enemy with another. Teutons, who were already expelled from Hungary by King Andrew II for their attempts to create fully independent state, could not ask for a better place to settle. Initially Germans were cooperating with Duke - until the time was right. Imperial Bull from 1235 illegally confirmed Order's ownership of lands bestowed upon them by Duke. Konrad was powerless and powerhungry Knights had a time of their life, conquering most of Prussia in two decades. Native Prussians were not intending to give up and attempted two uprisings. While first was nothing to talk about, second (1260-1283) failed only because of Kaiser and Pope's intensive aid. Teutons victory meant that Prussia is at their mercy. Experiences from Holy Land provided them with ways to quickly raise impressive fortresses across their domain. Nearly overnight Poles found out, that wild Prussian forests and forts were replaced with modern, German castles and defensive system that is virtually unbreakable. Finally, in 1308 treacherous Order seized Danzig and rose to the role of Baltic giant, remarkable military power, now also involved in trade across the Baltic Sea.

For next century Teutonic Order remained central problem for all Polish kings. Their constant aggression against Poland and Lithuania brought both domains together, led to christianization of the latter and formed Union that finally was ready to match Germans. All of that led to Tannenberg (Grunwald) in 1410, where tide has finally turned against unruly Knights. Borders have not changed much since that battle, but Poland-Lithuania had unquestionable advantage and was ready to make use of it.

On 11th June of 1448 final campaign against Order has begun. Livonians, now sworn ally of Polish kings, joined war on their side. Teutonic leadership knew about internal reforms inside Livonia, but its alliance with Teutons archenemy was a shock. Ties between both Orders were broken, and Hochmeister Henrich annouced his will "to protect people and interests of Livonia and Livonia only, to abandon the crusading past once and for all." Powerless Teutons were not in position to defend Prussia at all, and so their main force...marched towards Riga. Many centuries after the war we know Knights were desperate to liberate the city as Hansa offered to aid Order financially in return for liberating Riga. At the time it was a shocking decision though, for all sides. Major Teutonic force has been engaged near Bauske, in northern Courland on 10th August of 1448. Grandmarschall Mirbach was at a disadvantage initially - he locked himself in a Bauske Castle, that was standing on a way to Riga. Teutons tried to get through, but Lithuanians already knew about German menace roaming north from their capital. Grand Duke Sigismund Keistutis dispatched local army of ten thousands of Lithuanians under one of Lithuanian nobles, Albertas Kulvietis. His force entered the battlefield on 14th August. Teutons found themselves in desperate situation. Their main commander, Karl Alexander von Lilienfeld, seeing as blockade is unbreakable, had to retreat back to Prussia. Without Riga in their hands, Teutons could not secure Hansa's aid.

After two centuries the Order finally embarked on its route to destruction.

Rest of war was nothing to talk about. In return for Lithuanian aid, Hochmeister allowed Saint Mary's Army to participate in Prussian campaign. While Poles and Lithuanians were busy in main Prussia, Livonians besieged Memel, located at the north of Teutonic realm. Mirbach's force arrived there in first days of 1449 and spent whole year besieging city and castles in its immediate area. After fulfilling its duty, Saint Mary's Army was allowed to return to home - Teutons were destroyed for good. Sieges across all Prussia lasted well until 1452. Right after Battle of Bauske Duke of Pomerania launched his own campaign against Teutons. When Poles were crushing any remnants of Order's army, Pomeranians came to agreements with Prussian Confederation, or at least with its westernmost group, including Danzig. Precious city has been snatched from Polish kings again. Kazimierz could not really act against it - Order was done and dusted, but war with Pomeranians would bring entirety of Holy Roman Empire, including Kaiser himself against him, and Poland was not ready for that kind of challenge.

On 1st February of 1452 all important keeps were in hands of enemies. Teutonic Order had to submit once and for all. All Prussian territories (except of Marienburg), Polish lands grabbed by Teutons back in 13th Century and Neumark - territory lost by Poland back in 12th Century - were given to Poland. King Kazimierz was content with Livonians taking Memel for themselves, but Hochmeister refused to accept any territorial gains - the time was not right yet, and integrating another big city into shaky Livonian structures would be a problem now. Teutons retained Memel, but this could not help them in any way. Few weeks later Duke of Pomerania was more than happy to accept Danzig as part of his domain and new province of Holy Roman Empire.

Collapse of Teutonic Order meant there is not a chance Riga will regain its independence. Hansetic League was offering monetary payments, special privileges in Hansetic trade, help in breaking Novgorod...nothing worked. How is it possible? Are there really people who cannot be bribed at all?! Money wasn't doing the trick and League gave up on Riga. On 10th July of 1452 a peace treaty has been finally signed. Hansa's influence in city was limited, greedy merchants and officials who led to strife between Riga and Confederation expelled from city - Hochmeister allowed them to take their money and sell possessions before leaving, being a man of Christian virtues and all. For next two years Riga remained under Order's control. Hochmeister Henrich was often visiting remaining merchants and traders, trying to learn more about Baltic trade. City returned to its normal life. On 14th December of 1453 Order allowed people to elect new mayor and officials. Now there was not a chance Riga will escape Livonia.

With limitations in place that kept Hansetic League from having an influential role in the city, Livonian Confederation started making gains from profitable Baltic trade. For now its role was relatively meager, most of its power and money-making ability was there thanks to control of Riga. Livonia needed something more...

And Hochmeister came up with something that will work perfectly...

Fin.

____
Short und sweet, I like how it goes so far.

I thought Poland would give me Memel...ah, not that I need it much.

Well, we will see. Next episode will finally reveal Hochmeister's great plans.

 

[eliaspays]

Really liking this AAR so far.
So are you planning to form Courland? Doesn't that require Protestant/Reformed religion?

 

[Ober]

"Knights of Commerce"​

Three years after victories over Hansetic League and Teutonic Order, Livonian Confederation was in prime position to make an impact on Baltic trade. On 21st September of 1454 Landtag (assembly of Confederation) commisioned construction of three barques, the core of emerging Livonian Merchant Navy. On 12th January of 1455 Hochemeister Vincke and Confederates announced formation of Livonian Trade Office. New organization was located, naturally, in Riga. It had only one, but difficult job - provide meaningful aid, protection and trade opportunities to merchants based in Confederation's territories. First Hochemeister hoped to revive trade contacts inside Livonia, then support merchants exporting their goods: grain, fur and timber were main trade goods in the area. Trade Office had power to execute trade taxes and tolls issued by Landtag - which instantly voted to drop taxes down in favour of benefits that free trade can bring to relatively poor country. Merchant Navy funded by Landstag soon entered Baltic - it protected all merchants leaving and entering Livonian ports, thus reducing the rate of piracy and extending Livonian influence across the sea.

With creation of Trade Office and establishment of Merchant Navy, Vincke - main architect of this project - tried to emulate some of Hansetic systems. The main difference was amount of taxing and control. It was obvious Livonia is nowhere near rich as Lubeck, let alone northern German cities. Significant taxes would not bring much coin into treasury, and only hurt the traders. Hochmeister assumed that more gold for traders means more export from the east - for example highly profitable furs from Russia. With Novgorod falling to pieces and Muscovites not really interested in trade, there was a chance for Confederation to make a profit.

Hochmeister and Livonians had some great ambitions, but the beginnings were humble. Three barques named after famous Livonian knights from the past - von Bockenvorde, von der Recke and von Mandern - sailed into Baltic, beginning a history of new Livonia...

Initial investments - while huge for Livonia - could not have any noticeable impact on Baltic trade. First, historical chairman of Trade Office, Michael Stromberg, focused on establishing Trade Office's position in Baltic trade and improving Vincke's system. Years of 1455 and 1456 were not much different from earlier years, then first effects of reforms appeared in 1457. According to Vincke's assumptions and Trade Office's advice, many Livonian traders invested in river trade in Daugava and fur trade in shaky Novgorod. During first months of 1457 half of Confederation's income came from trade. Nothing speaks to a man like coffer filled with money - Landtag commisioned construction of another two barques on April of 1457. Livonian Merchant Navy, now expanded to five barques, started making a name for itself. Diligent and brave sailors were protecting merchants from many dangers the sea offers, mostly pirates. And especially in first years of Merchant Navy's existence it proved its value. Swedish nobility attempted to break away from Kalmar Union again, which means vast decrease of Danish and Swedish patrols and increase in piracy.

Trade contacts with the cities of Danzig or Stockholm contributed towards opening of closed Livonian border and social structures, which involves a transfer of knowledge across the seas by traders. For example, Livonian Order learned about new infantry tactics called pike square practiced by Swiss and Italian armies. Grandmarschall Mirbach instantly accepted it as new main tactics for Order's infantry.

Trade appeared to be an answer to so many Livonian problems. Merchants started heading towards Moskva, where furs were said to be cheaper, since Knyaz doesn't care about trade at all. He was more than happy to open trade contacts with new rival of his main rival. These developments heralded a tragic future of Novgorod, now squished between mortal enemies. To follow trade relationship with Moskva, defensive pact was signed on 1st May of 1458. In next years all these actions put Novgorod into grave danger - its grip on fur trade started to weaken. Livonian merchants were expelled from the city, which only worsened Republic's position. Trade Office was keen on helping expelled traders and Landtag, convinced by Stromberg and angered by Novgorod's move, financed them one trade expedition to Moskva. The group returned in 1460 with many various goods from Mother Russia, furs, timber, vodka...in fact embargo from Novgorod only strengthened trade ties with Moskva and Livonian position in Baltic trade. Goods started flowing through Confederation on daily basis, and Landtag started establishing regional infrastructure to ensure flow of goods (roads) and expanded Trade Office by forming two smaller offices in Reval and Dorpat.

Over the course of five years Livonians established themselves as new, ambitious trading power in Baltic Sea.

And thus Knights of Commerce were born.

Fin.

_______________
Hmmm. It's way shorter than it usually is, but maybe that's good - only stuff I want.

Special note, I will be moving soon so there might be no updates for a few days.



@eliaspays

Well, technically Courland yeah, but I will probably be changing name and flag - only cosmetics. Courland per se makes little sense when I hold all Livonian territories

At least I hope I will

 

[eliaspays]

So you won't take the 'Reform into Kurland' decision?
It would give you unique NIs.

 

[Ober]

I will, it's just I will most likely be changing Kurland's name and flag only NIs and rest remains unchanged.

 

[eliaspays]

So you'll keep German Ideas?
I mean, the vanilla decision vhanges your NIs to Kurlandian NIs and Feudal Monarchy.

 

[Ober]

Uh, I'm terrible at explaning.
NIs are Courlandian. I will be only changhing Courland's name and flag. It's a bit dumb to reform into Courland when Courland like two out of nine provinces.
It's only a cosmetic change.

 

[eliaspays]

Uh, I'm terrible at explaning.
NIs are Courlandian. I will be only changhing Courland's name and flag. It's a bit dumb to reform into Courland when Courland like two out of nine provinces.
It's only a cosmetic change.

So your NIs are already Courlandian? Don't the Livonians have German NIs, or did you mod that?

 

[Ober]

Aaaaaaaaargh.

Livonian Order has Divine ideas. I only changed name of Courland to Livonia when I will be changing in a future, that's all.

 

[eliaspays]

Aaaaaaaaargh.

Livonian Order has Divine ideas. I only changed name of Courland to Livonia when I will be changing in a future, that's all.

Right. I grt it now.

 

[Ober]

"Money and Power"​

After a sudden downfall in relations between Livonian and Novgorod, Vincke - for a first and only time - urged Landtag to send Saint Mary's Army to Russia. The time was perfect. Republic has been ravaged and ripped apart by Moskva again. Defenseless. It could probably be the last chance to remove Novgorod from position of regional trade power, seize it, and prevent potential Muscovian takeover. The embargo was a casus belli, and since Novgorod's treasury was empty, Order demanded compensation in land - part of Baltic coast controlled by Republic. Few Lithuanian and Polish nobles agreed to take part in what was effectively a raid, slaughter of innocents. Grandmarschall Mirbach entered Ingria on November of 1461 and it was the only action Livonians undertook during that campaign - Lithuanians were content to sack Novgorod and any other Novgorodian city on their own.

But five months after Mirbach's attack, Confederation and Order suffered a shock, although it was to be expected. Hochmeister Heinrich Vincke von Overburg passed away on 21st February of 1462. Initiator of many reforms, founding father of Livonian Trade Office and most of all man resposible for saving Livonia from certain doom was certainly an accomplished man. In a future, Hochmeister Vincke will be often regarded as a father of Livonian national identity, who abandoned the burden of monastic state and crusaders and embraced course towards secularization. Vincke's death led to a short crisis in Livonian Order's structures. Conservatives were hoping to strike back and regain majority lost after 1435, but largely successful actions of Vincke convinced many Knights his reforms are way to go. In the end, reformists elected former Hochmeister's administrative advisor, Robin Osthoff von Mengede. Conservatives tried to scheme against Robin and reformists, but their plot has been revelead and plotters imprisoned. On 9th March of 1462 Robin dealt with all dissenters and expelled them from Order and whole Livonia. While some of them tried to protest in Rome, Pope was planning another crusade against Ottomans and had no time to bother with some irrelevant monastic rump state far away from Rome.

New Hochmeister's first decision was to finance construction of three new barques for Mechant Navy, exclusively from Livonian Order funds. Landtag members were more than content to find that Order will continue to support Trade Office.

(forgot to change the date argh dammit)​

Ingria fell to Mirbach just before winter of 1463, but Lithuanian warlords were enjoying the festive time of pillaging de facto dead Republic. They refused to leave until every single village was burned down or stripped from everything of any value. Novgorod was barely standing. While Mirbach initially planned on seizing Neva and cutting Novgorod from Baltic entirely, Hochmeister Robin did not allow that. It would mean short, but still, border with Kalmar Union, and both Denmark and Sweden were growing jealous of Livonian successes. While Sweden tried to break away twice already (and got denied both times), some Swedish nobles would gladly invade Livonia given a chance, and Robin prefered no to risk it.

Besides Novgorod was destroyed, whether they keep Neva or not, it makes no diference.

Lithuanian raiders left Novgorod during Spring of 1464 and Order could finally peace out like civilized states do. Lands of Ingria were taken by Livonians for twenty years as form of repayment for embargo from 1458. Novgorodian ports in estuary of Neva were forced to sent half of their income to Livonia every month, until 1479. Several other trade concessions were demanded, effectively freezing most of Novgorod's trade influence. Instead of ripping Republic from territories which had little value, it was turned into de facto tributary state. At least temporarily, but Novgorod's existence was merely a matter of time.

Republic was broken, and Livonia had time of its life. Merchant Navy was growing and soon Confederation voted for addition of another three barques, financed from Novgorodian tribute. Ten years after its formation, Livonian Trade Office had eleven barques to protect its interests. Hochmeister Robin announced his ambition to fund another eleven ships until 1475.

And so he focused on achieving his goals. Hochmeister Robin was more of an administrator than knight. Originally, Robin Osthoff von Mengede joined Livonian Order at the age of 17 years, in 1435. He served in military section of Order for a few weeks and took part in few minor skirmishes with Lithuanians during civil war between Svitrigaila and Kazimieras. During one of these battles he was badly wounded and unable to return to battefield for another few months. Week or two after his injury, Livonians and Svitrigaila were annihilated during infamous battle of Pabaiskas that costed Order most of its elite officers, including Hochmeister Franco Kerkshoff. Since Order moved towards peace and integration with its neighbours, Robin was moved to administrative section of Order and progressed rank by rank until Heinrich Vincke appointed him as his advisor.

In other words, a man who Order needed now that swords are sheated and money being made - efficient administrator, who could continue his precedessor's course.

His first reforms have seen light of the day in 1464 already, when together with Landtag he attempted to institute one taxation system for all Confederation. Such move would vastly contribute towards centralization and, well, efficiency in collecting money from common folks. Trade Office's report from 1464 indicated that after destruction of Novgorod, nearly sixty percent of Confederation income comes from commerce. Confederation's budget was stable now and coffers, while still slowly, were filling with money. Landtag voted for another expansion of Merchant Navy in following three years. In 1465 Order financed Landmarschall's Pike Reform, which led to standarization of pike's length and blade in all Order's infantry regiments.

Robin was eager to finance both Pike Reform and expansion of Saint Mary's Army when he learned of unrest in Memel. In 1452 King Kazimierz offered it to Livonians but Hochmeister Vincke refused, not being sure whether city can be integrated into Livonian structures. Current Hochmeister would probably do the same, if it was not for a critical situation Memel found itself in. Abandoned by Teutons and useless for Poles, lone city fallen into anarchy. Local war has erupted between remnants of Teutonic Knights and local oligarchy. Teutons were at immediate disadvantage and got crushed instantly. New clique, led by influential merchant Walter von Tieffen seized the city for themselves. Clique was keen on abusing its power and started taxing the citizens and eliminating unwanted individuals.

Envoy from Memel arrived to Lithuania first, but got denied - Poland-Lithuania is preparing for another crusade to stop Ottomans. Swedes were preparing to third uprising against Danes, and Danes were preparing to crush it. Hansa was involved in war inside Germany and had no resources to spare...

Refugees arrived to Riga, and after dramatic speech in Landtag Hochmeister agreed to enter Memel and destroy the oligarchs. Saint Mary's Army marched to Courland and was ready to enter the city whenever Hochmeister will ask them to.

Speaking of Hansa and war, burghers wanted to expand in northern Germany but combined forces of Mecklemburg, Magdeburg and Holstein intervened against Hansa. Kaiser had to beg them to deal with it, since he himself was preoccupied with unexpected Burgundian crisis. Burgundy, a French duchy that became independent during Hundred Years War and then went on to conquer Lowlands was the biggest threat for both Kaiser and France. Incredible income from Dutch trade and production allowed Burgundians to raise permament mercenary army and continue to expand at cost of German princes and France itself. Eventually Burgundians faced coallition of Westphalian states and this rag-tag coallition, along with big chunk of Swiss mercenaries, ended fearsome era of Burgundian madness. Charles I, Duke of Burgundy led his knights into Battle of Breda (15th November of 1464) and faced the Swiss pikemen hired by Coallition.

Needless to say all that was left from Duke were some parts of body, one hand there, another a few meters away, head rolled away somewhere...

His retainers have met similar fate.

Might of Burgundy was destroyed for good, and so its ruling dynasty. To preserve their posessions in Lowlands and most of all stop French, Kaiser approached Duke's only daughter, Mary. Negotiations did not take long - Mary married Kaiser's oldest son, Maximillian and together they went on to rule Burgundy, now closely tied to Austria, and Empire.

Fin.

______
I have quite a lot done, so guess I can paste it now, since I'm not sure if I will be able to in first week of January.

Ah, btw, happy new year, and stuff,

 

[eliaspays]

So the revolters in Memel defected to you, I suppose?
Crusade against the Ottomans? Sounds interesting.

 

[Ober]

"Towards Unity"​

Few days after Landtag's meeting with envoy of Memel Sigmund Mirbach was ready to strike von Tieffen's clique. Saint Mary's Army was awaiting signal from Hochemeister in Mittau, major city and fortress in the south. At last, Mirbach was allowed to intervene on 1st August and after nine days Livonians arrived at the gates of city. Its walls were badly damaged and morale of defenders all-time low. Unexpected arrival of seemingly peaceful Knights thrown clique into panic. Most oligarchs abandoned von Tieffen and started escaping via Baltic one after another. Usurper had no choice but to fight Mirbach's hardened soldiers. In the end, Livonians faced force of about five thousand people, ranging from local thugs and forced peasants to former mercenaries and Teutonic knights.

Bloodbath that took place at the gates of Memel on 9th August of 1465 became a special event in city's history. At the cost of six hundred people, Mirbach crushed his opponents, imprisoned and executed von Tieffen and his cronies, and liberated troubled city. Teutonic Order seemed to have abandoned all and any hope to save Order. Karl Alexander von Lillenfeld - beaten by Livonians at Bauske - was now trying to save crumbling crusader state. Every coin in Order's treasury was spent on reinforcing Marienburg's walls, purchasing cannons and gathering supplies for the inevitable day of doom.

Livonian Trade Office was developing at steady pace. It already had eleven barques to protect its interests against the pirates. But they are not only danger to commerce - many dangers lie in papers, lack of regulations or unclear contracts. During December Landtag Session of 1466 Confederation expanded Trade Office's responsibilites and freedom in legal areas. For example Office was to implement universal letters of credits, similar to ones used in Hansetic cities, that will spare merchants for travelling across the Baltic with all their gold. Hochmeister hoped to create efficient bureaucratic and legal system that will allow Office to focus solely on helping traders out, not consulting with Landtag about every single legal or administrative problem.

In meantime Sigmund Mirbach liberated Memel from oligarchs for good. Restored city council, after weeks of debates, decided to inquire about membership in Confederation. While Teutonic Order was in agony, Memel was legally under its control and seizing it would harm Livonian reputation immensely.

Von Lillenfeld, who was bothered with installation of artillery systems in Marienburg and hiring mercenaries answered with two words.

"Take it."

Memel was introduced to Confederation on 13th May of 1467. Everything seemed to be fine. The reforms were being introduced on regular basis and Livonia started turning into a commercial powerhouse. Merchants from all Baltic lands enjoyed trading with Riga and Reval, where tolls and taxes were lower compared to Danzig, Stockholm of Novgorod. The same year Trade Office opened new post in Dünaburg, where Daugava was entering Order's lands from Lithuania. Livonian merchants with sizable capital who could not acquire furs in Moskva (as Knyaz, while friendly, was naturally limiting foreign merchants influence) engaged in trade with Lithuanian cities. Except of usual timber, grain or tar pitch, Livonians were intersted in amber, that was plentiful in Samigotia. Memel was a great place to start, due to being de facto in Samigotia.

New generation of ambitious Livonian merchants would never ommit any good that can be bought low and sold high.

This peaceful expansion of Livonian trade lasted until 1471, when several incidents on border with Pskov occured. While Confederation was shifting its focus towards Baltic and Lithuania, coallition of Novgorod and Pskov - two cities in grave danger of being destroyed by Moskva - started plotting behind their western rival's back. Soon Novgorodians refused to pay some of their tribute and patrols from Pskov were entering Order's lands more frequently, scouting for any miltiary force nearby. Hochmeister and Confederates had enough and declared war against its Russian neighbours. Poles and Lithunians were - as always - in for a ride, or maybe rather raid, and moved north to aid Saint Mary's Army. Grandmarschall arrived to the east following summer and crushed Pskovian boyars on 20th June of 1471. Lithuanians kindly asked him about letting them siege down (and rob) Pskov. Grandmarschal was not opposing them and moved south to seize Ostrov, which over the course of last twenty years became biggest stronghold in western Russia.

There was only one problem - there were not enough soldiers and supplies to defend it. Stronghold became worthless, as even thickest walls cannot get rid of hunger. Ostrov submitted after a year, on 9th September of 1472. Livonian allies, again, had a time of their life, ruining and pillaging anything that was left to ruin and pillage.

Then it came to peace talks again, year after fall of Ostrov. This time Poland-Lithuanian nobles wanted one thing, one little thing to make them happy and piss of their biggest rival, Moskva.

"Force Pskov to embrace Catholicism!" - Lithuanian diplomat said to Landtag during August Session of 1473. "Anything that enrages Moskva works in favour of Union, and Catholics."

Little they knew about secret relations of Riga and Moskva. Since Livonia's independence depended on local giants, Landtag had to submit. Knyaz of Moskva was not happy about the news of Pskov's forced conversion, but diplomats did their best to calm him and ensure it was not a Landtag's fault.

War had little impact on Confederation or its commerce's growth. Hochmeister's efforts to expand free trade and minimize taxation led to increase in amount of merchants trading in Livonia, be it in ports of Riga or Reval, or across the Daugava. During Autumn of 1472 several traders trading with Hansetic cities brought to Livonia first firearms. Arquebus was, in Grandmarschall Mirbach's opinion, way of the future. He could already see infantry armies consisting of gunners and pikemen covering them while reloading, which was a lengthy process. On 1472 Bishopric of Kurland managed to fund another barque from its separate budget.

Increasing activity and influence of Livonian Merchant Navy was major obstacle for Danes. Sund Due was filling royal treasury in no time, but Hansa was far from being broken. Danish traders turned their heads towards east, and faced fierce competition from Livonians. Danish King, who hoped to regain old Duchy of Estonia sold to Livonians in 1340s. Both parties agreed that little Confederation does not deserve its role in trade. First, Livonians were banned from taking part in trade with Gotland. Then Danes forces Swedes, just beaten in independence war for a third time, to do the same. With addition of Danish ambitions to establish presence in eastern Baltic, situation became very ugly very quickly.

And that was not the end of troubles. First Livonians said goodbye to trading with Scandinavia, then to their beloved Grandmarschall. Joachim Sigmund von Mirbach, Knight who was in charge of Saint Mary's Army for nearly three decades, eventually reached his end. While inspecting new, experiment regiment equipped with firearms, Grandmarschall fell unconscious. Forever.

His strategic skills, innovations and dedication to Livonia's cause were never forgotten. Grandmarschall Mirbach was yet another unforgettable character in Livonian history all the way until present day.

Mourning lasted for a few weeks, then Hochmeister had to appoint Mirbach's sucessor. It was the perfect time to unify military of Confederation into one force. Wennemar Grotthuss, captain of Order's cavalry force was appointed as new Grandmarschall of Order. Bishoprics and cities nominated former mercenary and veteran of Burgundian Wars, Bernhard Ambundi, as General Captain of Confederation's forces. Process of merging two forces into one was initiated. Deepening the bonds between Livonians meant that Order will become defunct one day, when self-defence and military will become a common issue.

For a first time in history of Livonian Order Hochmeister had to inform his brethren openly that "One day Livonian Knights will be no more."

Fin.
_________________

That's the last one for now, tommorow I will be moving to another place, just a few streets away, but still, lottsa work to do. Besides, I might not have Internet in new place until Monday.

Thanks God only until Monday! I like the pace I am going at. I played until 1483 I believe, have material for one more episode. Then I gotta play again!

***

@eliaspays

Well, the stories like that are mostly to explain AI's wankery and some random situations that happen. In game I just fabricated claim and attacked Teutons. Poland refused to take Marienburg (!!) and that's how the story of oligarchs and crusade came to live

 

[eliaspays]

I see- what was that green in Memel?