• 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.
Well, as crusades go, this was quite easy. As is every crusade, to be fair. Swarming the poor Muslims with the entire might of Catholics is always fun.
But hey, half a century ago, Hautevilles were counts of Apulia. Now, they have 2 Kingdoms! Quite a rise in status!

The Popes shall yet rue the Normans all the more. Now they are taking over Crusades, what happens next? :D

Well, whatever this is, i'm pretty certain that the Pope will not be happy :D

Well to be fair it is a tactically sound decision. The Muslims up in Iberia are much closer to Rome after all.

Yes, this is totally the motivation of Bohemond :D

A Crusade for Valencia, and your sister may well receive a crown for it... It would be nice to have a second kingdom spreading the Hautevilles.

Well, Kingdom nr 2 gained! :)

"Yes, yes, we all bleed for the suffering that the pilgrims endure in the Holy Land. But have you been to Barcelona in the springtime? It's gorgeous!"

You know, this sums it up perfectly!

Another kingdom for the Normans would be a welcome sight. Perhaps it will be inherited at some future time too, hmmmm?

At the moment, i'm happy with the renown gains. Especially since breeding like rabbits was nerfed now :D
 
A successful Crusade, and an embarrsing priest - situation normal for House Hauteville :)

And not just a successful crusade, but the looks of it a profitable one. Perhaps one should go crusading again one day :D

Well, Hamelin caught with his pants down actually helps. Pants go down, fervor goes down, some lollards pop up, fervor goes sky-high and it is time for another Crusade.
Basically, the next Crusade happens because Hamelin's dick :D
Makes total sense, right! :D
 
As long as the Hautevilles keep their family relations as well tempered as the relationship beween Bo and Gri, I foresee a great feature!
 
  • 1
Reactions:
I have rarely seen crusades done that well, so the Lord truly must have been with you. Good job!
 
What an easy Crusade! Goodness, that was hardly a fight. Queen Griselda will hopefully make the Hautevilles proud, though considering their friendship I imagine Bohemond will make anyone who took her crown away suffer.
 
Free-for-all!
Free-for-all!

Zab, a small semi-tribal Emirate near the coast of Africa. Alone, without allies. And one of their counties, Satif, looks really nice. Bohemond, wanting to increase not the Norman influence, but the influence of the Kingdom of Sicily, deemed it to be a proper target.

1601716536808.png

This will be easy

In February 1102, war was declared. In April, Bohemond defeated the enemy army in Qalaa Bahmud, a province in Satif. Then, he put the castle under siege.

1601716823842.png

Yes, easy

This was supposed to be it. Perhaps a small battle more. Perhaps taking the enemy capital. And then, sign a peace, get a new province and be home by Christmas. This was not to be.

Abu-’Amr of the Iznaten Emirate, a nearby country with about the same size as Zab, smelled blood. And he was allied to Tadlid Grand Empirate, the Muslim nation of the area. Nothing is quite as strong as Tadlids. So, when Abu-’Amr declared war, Zab was doomed.

1601716845882.png

Things got a little more complicated

Unfortunately for Emir Abu-’Amr and Amir-al-Umara Yusuf of Tadlids, eyes of Bohemond lit up as he declared: “It is free-for-all Muslim hunting time!”

Satif fell in August 1102. At the same time, Tadlids had landed in Annaba and started their march towards Hodna, where the capital of Zab was. This was not to be, for Bohemond started their march towards them, showing hostile intent.
1601716877410.png

Instead of continuing siege, let us go hunting!

Trying to escape, they marched deep into Africa, until Bohemond caught up with them in January 1103 in Tuggurt. At least, caught up with half of them. And killed them all.

1601716910310.png

This is truly deep into Africa

After that, in June 1103, Bohemond caught up with yet another army of Tadlids in Ikjan, in Satif. Another battle won.

In August, he attacked the Iznaten army in Waghlanat, killing them all.

In December, he found another Tadlid army, deep in the Sicilian territory in Qalama and also slaughtered them all.

In January 1104, it was again time for Tadlids in Tubna. Bohemond won, though the enemy army just pulled back.

In March, it was another Tadlid army, in Bilizima. Again, slaughter.

1601716937068.png

All the battles, in no particular order

This was enough for Bohemond. Having weakened the major power in the area and killing a disproportionate amount of religious enemies for a single county, he was finally satisfied. Signing peace in few days after the final battle, Normans had yet another county in Africa.

This one went to Rainer, an intelligent man, well-versed in financial matters. And also, husband of Rosalind, Bohemond’s sister.

1601717000600.png

Count and Countess of Satif

Royal Matters

Another child was born to Bohemond and Mernissa in April 1103. A daughter, called Adelin. It was their fifth.

1601716961015.png

Fifth child

After the war, Bohemond held a grant feast in Palermo, celebrating his success in Africa- and also, celebrating his sister Griselda’s ascension to the throne. Almost everyone who is anyone in the Kingdom of Sicily was there. Only Count William and Prince Roger abstained.

1601717022561.png

Time for a party!

At the same time, Bohemond left his martial endeavours and concentrated on Theology for a bit.

1601717042076.png

Little foray to theology

Final Solution

In May 1103, despite being tucked away in prison, Duke Gaufrid started yet another conquest for Apulia. The Duke, having learned exactly nothing, was put to place by Bohemond, who forced him to end his war.

1601716977670.png

Oh, come on, Gaufrid...

This was not tolerated. In September 1104, Bohemond got himself a claim on Bari. He could not enforce it, for Gaufrid was still a Duke of Apulia and that would leave him landless and without vassals and all that. So, Bohemond first relieved him of the Dukedom of Apulia. A bit tyrannical, yes, but it is ok to be a bit of a tyrant. Especially when you’re the all-powerful King of Sicily. Then, he took the County of Bari. Leaving Gaufrid homeless. Not to worry though, Bohemond was kind enough to offer him food and shelter for the rest of his sorry life- like hell he was going to let Gaufid loose. So, the former Duke of Salerno and Apulia, now, just a commoner, would spend the rest of his miserable life in the dungeons, serving as an example for the rest of the vassals, showing what happens if you make Bohemond really angry.

1601717115900.png

First, we take Apulia. Then, we take Bari

Uncle Roger got his title as a Duke back. In addition, Bohemond also granted him the county of Bari. Meanwhile, Geoffrey of Bari had died in 1098. Of old age. His son and heir, Robert de Conversano, had died just a year before his father in battle. Current Count, Robert de Conversano of Lecce, grandson of Geoffrey, was perfectly content with just the county of Lecce, so no worries there- and Roger at least is now stronger then his vassal.

1601717178707.png

Roger, once again the Duke

There was one issue though. Roger has only one child. Valdrade. A girl. Who is married to Payer de Namur. Not matrilineally. To make matters worse, they also have a son, Henri de Namur. The future heir of the Duchy of Apulia.

1601717144862.png

Sole daughter of Roger and Henri, future Duke of Apulia

Bohemond was not thrilled. To make matters worse, there was no chance that Roger would get any more children, for his wife, Melisende, was already 55 years old. No chance there would be any children from her.

When Bohemond was pondering about the situation, Pulcheria whispered softly to King’s ear: “Till death does them apart, right?”

Bohemond nodded. “Robert is fond of Melisende. Any hints I've made about divorce fell into deaf ears.”

“I can see to it that they will be apart a bit sooner than expected,” Pulcheria continued in a soft voice.

Bohemond was taken aback. “Are you suggesting that we kill the poor woman?”

“I’m just saying that the world can be a dangerous place. Especially if you happen to be a barren duchess, unable to produce a male heir,” said Pulcheria softly.

Bohemond fell into silence. For long, he pondered. Then, finally, he looked up and said to Pulcheria: “Do it!”

“Dynastic concerns are more important than that women,” he mumbled to himself.

She just nodded and left in silence. Bohemond sat there, alone, staring at the fireplace and sighed. Sometimes, it sucks to be a King.
 

Attachments

  • 1601716514639.png
    1601716514639.png
    3,9 MB · Views: 0
Well, since there was an opportunity, I thought why not farm a bit of piety and fame and have some general fun beating the Muslims back. Nothing special though- but for the next time, I promise something very special! Unimaginable treachery and lack of gratitude!

As long as the Hautevilles keep their family relations as well tempered as the relationship beween Bo and Gri, I foresee a great feature!

If they'd only allow an alliance between us, but no, cannot, she's a claimant. I fear for her.

I have rarely seen crusades done that well, so the Lord truly must have been with you. Good job!
What an easy Crusade! Goodness, that was hardly a fight. Queen Griselda will hopefully make the Hautevilles proud, though considering their friendship I imagine Bohemond will make anyone who took her crown away suffer.

You know, it is not me. It is a target. Handpicked for easiness. You usually get at least half of Muslim world to come to the rescue, but since Iberia is special sect, not present anywhere else., at most you shall get all Iberian rulers against whole Christianity. Since there are also Christians up north and Talidids, who have some lands, but are proper Muslims, not some Iberian sects and therefore will not help, then the number of enemy troops is just limited. Therefore, any Crusade to Iberia is bound to be a success.
But yes, I helped a bit as well.

And I would make anyone going after Gri suffer, yes. If the game would allow an alliance :D
 
One almost has to admire Gaufrid's panache there - almost. What a way to lose two duchies.

I am getting shades of Henry I with Behemond's succession issues. Albeit without a shipwreck
 
Something tells me Uncle Roger will not appreciate his nephew's actions if the plot comes to light.
 
It seems the king is not without a conscience. Still, it lost.
 
The Treachery of Greeks
The Treachery of Greeks

The Betrayal

Things were not going well for the Fatimids. Quite the opposite, actually. Byzantine Empire had taken Delta and parts of Sinai. Also, one province of Alexandria. Jukondarids, a Coptic realm from Upper Egypt, had taken most of Upper Egypt. They still controlled Palestine, Pyramids and Alexandria and that was about it.

In March 1105, Bohemond decided to make the burden of ruling even more lighter to Caliph Badr. He declared war, claiming the two remaining provinces of Alexandria. Norman forces gathered in Cyrenaica, marched through the Byzantine territories and then, put the city of Alexander the Great under siege.

1601823851788.png

Fatimids, down on their luck

It was all going so well. Not an enemy army in sight. Alexandria’s walls crumbling until in February 1106, the city fell and Bohemond bagging the big prize- Emir Sharif of Alexandria himself after the siege. It was all pure bliss.

Then, on 11th February 1106, Doux Romanos II of Epirus happened. He had been married to late Princess Matilda of Sicily, daughter of Robert Guiscard and aunt of Bohemond, in order to cement an alliance between Robert and Doux Nikephoros, father of Romanos. Nikephoros was moderately useful to Robert during his war with Matilda of Tuscany, but after that... After the death of Nikephoros, Romanos was given two counties, while his elder brother held the Duchy. Two times, Robert Guiscard sailed over Adriatic to defend Romanos, back then just a count, from his brother, then Doux of Epirus, from taking his lands. Third time, Robert sailed to make Romanos II the new Doux. In short, Romanos stayed in power because of the Normans. And Romanos became the Doux because of the Normans. The debt of gratitude he owned to Robert Guiscard and his descendents was enormous.

How did the fine Doux repay his debt, you ask? Well, he managed to make an alliance with four other Douxes of the Byzantine Empire- Ioannes II of Kiburrhaiotai (around 1500 soldiers), Kosmin Miroslavitč of Syrmia (1200 soldiers), Doux Konstantinos of Dyrrachion (whopping 4200 soldiers and finally Doux Michal of Krete (1300 soldiers).

With the alliances, Romanos II was confident enough to repay his debt of gratitude by trying to enforce the claim of Dorotheos, third son of Romanos and Matilda, on the Sicilan throne. The timing was right as well. Bohemond, just taken Alexandria, had just decided his army was too big and sent about 1500 soldiers marching back to Cyrenaica, where they were to be disbanded and sent home. Confident that his current troops would be enough to win the war- and for a reason too, for Fatimids were low on both money and soldiers. He was just about to give the order to march to Giza and from there, to Cairo.

1601823924774.png

Treachery of the greatest magnitude

1601824003966.png

The treacherous Doux and his offspring

1601823836553.png

The four allies

Now, he was in a bind. He called his war council and that also gave conflicting advice- should the Normans keep on going after Fatimids? Should they march to holdings of Krete, Tobruk and Sullum? Or should the Normans take the fight to the enemy? Or should the Normans try to make peace with Caliph and deal with the other threat?

Bohemond slept uneasily that night, weighing his options as he tried to sleep. He finally came to two conclusions- first, the timing of Romanos was a mistake. On part of Romanos, that is. While on paper, the best time to backstab Bohemond was when he was at war with the Great Caliph of the Fatimids, Romanos apparently did not get the memo that Fatimid military might was not what it once was, he also ignored the fact that Caliph Bard was involved in two other wars, neither going in his favor. If Romanos counted that the Fatimids would keep the Normans busy, he was sadly mistaken. Second conclusion was that Fatimids would wait. The priority is to crash the Five Doux

The early rays of sun were already peaking through the curtains of palace of Alexandria as Bohemond, not gotten a wink of sleep that night, rose from the comfortable bed of Emir Sharif (who had exchanged his bed into not so comfortable bed in the dungeons below), ordered his commanders to him and right there, in his nightgown, proclaimed:

“I have decided. We shall be visiting our friend, Doux Romanos. Gather the soldiers, get the boats, make it happen.”

1601823952690.png

Off we go

War of Five Doux

At the end of April, Normans landed in Nicpolis and Arta, the capital of Romanos, under siege. Secondary army started the siege of Epirus, but since they lacked any siege equipment, it was not even expected to make any progress. Rather, the armies just plundered the countryside.

1601824080963.png

Hello Epirus. Once again, Normans are coming!

The enemy armies steered clear of the Normans. Instead, they seemed to be taking interest in Pomorje, the sole province Normans had in the Balkans.

Nicopolis fell in August. As a bonus, Bohemond captured quite a loot. Tryphon, firstborn of Nikephoros, firstborn of Romanos. Kanyava, wife of Nikephoros. Demetrios and Pavlina, children of Romanos. Anthousa, new wife of Romanos. Apparently, the Norman attack came as a surprise. Not a soul expected Bohemond to react so quickly and therefore, they found half of the family of Romanos trapped well inside. A lucky break for Bohemond.

1601824331783.png

The biggest catch

Then, it was time to decide the further course of action. Continue sieges and destroying the personal demesne of Romanos? While there was some pleasure to see his lands burn, Bohemond decided instead to focus on relieving Pomorje and fighting an open battle. So, he combined his armies and marched northwards, towards the enemy.

1601824144998.png

Normans marching north. Not the most pleasant journey

It was not easy. His march went through the hostile lands of Greeks. First, the lands of Epirus. Then, the lands of Doux Konstantinos of Dyrrachion. The enemy was indeed there, around Pomorje. About a 1000 more soldiers then Bohemond had. The thing is though- each of the enemy armies was separate. Each controlled by their proper owner. Each not acting in coordination. Quite the opposite- news of the Normans arriving started maneuverings, with each Doux trying to make sure the other Doux would face the Normans first. Allowing Bohemond a choice of his targets.

Bohemond picked the army of Dyrrachion. Mostly because the spies told that their supplies were getting low and therefore, the morale of the enemy was not so great. And Bohemond could use any advantage he would get.

Now, the other Douxes had two options. Come and march to the rescue or wait until Bohemond finishes with Dyrracion and then picks them off one by one. Wisely, they chose the former. As the Normans and Greeks clashed, reinforcements started pouring in.

1601824173198.png

Normans descending upon army of Dyrrachion

In this battle, the Normans really showed what they were made of. The leadership of Bohemond, the bravery of the Normans. The Greeks were crushed, without mercy. The core of the Norman army was not big. 13 knights and their retinues. But their impact was great, as the cream of the Kingdom of Sicily crushed into Greek ranks. In the end, it was they who decided the fate of the battle. Günther alone raked over 168 kills, with William of Lanciano getting 125 and Arnald of Calabria 101. The Greeks scattered and ran. The Battle of Drivast showed a clear Norman superiority.

1601824211911.png

Günther. The most amazing knight.

Bohemond marched south again. In Dyrrachion, he found an army of Doux Michal of Krete, all alone and without any friends nearby. Without hesitation, the Normans attacked. After that, there was no army of Krete no more.

1601824282214.png

Slaughter of Kretan forces

Normans started the siege of Avlonas, the northernmost county of Romanos. Meanwhile, the Douxes started creeping back towards Pomorje- but this was of no consequence no more. By the end of May 1107, the Avlonas well. This was enough. Romanos was forced to beg for peace, emptying his treasury as reparations and giving up all the claims on Sicily.

1601824307430.png

I hope you learned your lesson, Romanos

Learning an important lesson in the progress: you do not mess with the Normans.

Finalizing the war

The war with Fatimids was still ongoing. Nothing had happened in Egypt during the 17 month Bohemond was absent. Well, nothing much on the Norman front. Fatimids had managed to lose Cairo to Jukondarids. Their capital, now under Coptic rule.

1601824364983.png

Change of ownership of Cairo

To Normans, that meant less trouble. The Normans besieged Giza, the new capital of the Caliphate. It was over by February 1109.

Bohemond created the Duchy of Alexandria and gave the title to Alfons de Hauteville, son of Count Tomasz and aunt Mabel.

1601824441644.png

New Duke of Alexandria

Royal Matters

Melisende, a wife of Uncle Robert, was killed by an unfortunate accident with a poisonous spider entering her bedchamber. Although everyone agreed that this was unnatural, not a single finger pointed at Bohemond and Uncle Robert was forced to marry again. Hopefully proving to be more successful in producing a proper male heir this time.

1601823878031.png

Sorry, Melisende, for hurrying up the "until death does you apart" part

Queen Griselda created her very own branch of the Hauteville dynasty, called Hauteville-Montanejos, in March 1106. Bohemond was not sure how she would uphold her family motto- “No Cruelty”, but otherwise, felt happy for her sister.

1601824117646.png

New House

Next was Prince Guy, who created House of Hauteville-Tunis in December 1106. “Labor, Courage, Friendship!” was his motto. Only to die a month later due to wounds received in the battlefield- at age of 45. His son Roger took over as the Duke, and his other two sons received a county each.

1601824245185.png

Guy, dying about a month after creating the House of Hauteville-Tunis

Then, it was time for Giselle of Pomorje to get her own House. She decided to be more creative and called it House Bourcq. With being sole Norman enclave in the Byzantine lands, some protection from God would be due indeed.

1601826727162.png

When it rains, it pours

Princess Muriella of Sicily and Prince Mikulaš Premyslid were betrothed in June 1107. Bohemond gained an alliance with King Ota the Handsome of Bohemia, though the intention of Bohemond was not to get Mikulaš not because his father was the King, but because his father was Handsome and that stuck to Mikulaš as well. Oh well, this was the first proper alliance since the times of Robert Guiscard and Solomon of Hungary.

1601824390144.png

I like you because you're beautiful, not because you're a king!

Bohemond celebrated his victories by ordering construction of a church in Calatafimi, Palermo. Massive undertaking, but it would be well worth the money spent. Also, seeing as the local peasantry had been really exhausted by the recent wars, Bohemond decided it is time for a break.

1601824465852.png

New church. And no offensive wars in the near future
 

Attachments

  • 1601823813131.png
    1601823813131.png
    3,1 MB · Views: 0
  • 1601824424118.png
    1601824424118.png
    3 MB · Views: 0
Honestly, Romanos still had some lands left because Robert Guiscard fought to protect him. He was the Doux because Robert Guiscard fought to help him. And now, this is how he repays the Normans? Despicable!
Also, a fun war.

One almost has to admire Gaufrid's panache there - almost. What a way to lose two duchies.

I am getting shades of Henry I with Behemond's succession issues. Albeit without a shipwreck

Almost. It is not the smartest move to attack Bohemond's uncle while staying in the jail of Bohemond.
And I truly hope this will not end up in The Anarchy at least :D

Something tells me Uncle Roger will not appreciate his nephew's actions if the plot comes to light.

Well, i'm not telling him if you're not! :p

It seems the king is not without a conscience. Still, it lost.

Realities of being the head of dynasty sometimes have to outweigh a conscience, i'm afraid.
 
To be fair that was one of the most politely worded declarations of war I have ever seen in a Paradox game. :)

But he got his just desserts.

Nice detail on the cadet branches.
 
Romanos' sheer gall at trying to take your crown is just insane.
 
Wow I get busy for a week or two and my prediction of crusade sort of happened! What a game! Such betrayal and such cowardice. Also noticing that the curse of later generations is beginning to appear in some of the other branches that isn't the best sign but still useful to be able to keep a hold of the kingdom. Seeing as there won't be war for a bit you should try to get some building chains running to get your troops to be more powerful. Also see if you could stir up trouble for Byzantines they're getting to be a bit too big for comfort.
 
Big Brother to the Rescue!
Big Brother to the Rescue!

The Second Crusade

It was in July 1109 when Clemens III called the rulers of Europe to Rome, to address the issue of Lollard heretics lolling about in Lesser Poland. Another outbreak of people getting funny ideas like pacifism and running naked in the woods. Well, the latter were adamites, but minor differences, minor differences. Prince Kazimierz Piast of Poland, Duke of the Lesser Poland, was the first major noble to openly decree his dislike for the Pope and the core tenets of Catholic faith. The other locals followed suit, thus creating a small but very lollard community of Poles.

1602341860867.png

Someone is lolling about!

Apparently, Clemens III had a solution to heretics in Poland. What else- to liberate the Holy Land from the heathens! Nothing like a Holy War in Palestine to make Kazimierz see the light. Other rulers nodded in agreement, saying how good of an idea it was.

1602341896895.png

The Papal solution to Lollards- Take Jerusalem!

Then, Bohemond stood up. “You know,” he said, addressing the rulers of Europe. “While Clemens does have a right idea, I’m not sure he has the right target...”

He waited a bit, allowing the translators to get the message across.

“Yes, the liberation of the Holiest of the Cities is a noble cause and while I’m more than happy to see the Cross decorate the Dome of Rock once again, we should not forget that this is not a perfect world we live in. Heathens are heretics are everywhere, and while taking the distant land of Jerusalem is a noble cause indeed, I think there are more pressing concerns nearby.”

He took a pause and gauged the audience. He noticed that he had some agreement. After all, Jerusalem was far off and travelling was expensive...

“Our brothers and sisters in Iberia are threatened by the Muslims there!” Bohemond continued. “For centuries, the brave Christians in the North have fought against the Muslim onslaught and they are slowly, but surely, losing against the Muslim tide! And that is much more concerning then the Holy Land, for loss of Iberia would hurt us all, it would weaken Christianity. It would make the battles of Karl the Great for naught!”

He then decided to add something new to the script: “And with Hudids recently taking Barcelona and eradicating the lands of Aragon, the situation is more dire then ever! Now, the Muslims are bordering France, after all!”

“I say that instead of Jerusalem, we should retake Barcelona! Oust the Hudids and liberate Aragon from few years of Muslim yoke!”

Most rulers did some quick calculations and came to following conclusions:
Iberia is indeed much closer then Jerusalem.
Muwalladism is a sect of Islam, not present in anywhere else but in Iberia, so the opposition would be less fierce.
Barcelona is really lovely in springtime.

1602341944075.png

Barcelona is lovely in springtime

So, much to dismay of Clemens III, the rulers decided that a Crusade is a fine idea indeed, but hey, Holy Land is not going anywhere, so let us all have an Iberian vacation.

Bohemond then chose Gerald de Hauteville, son of Count Tomasz and his aunt Mabel, as the future King of Aragon.

1602341970039.png

Two Dukes and one future King. Mabel would be proud!

Cousins!

Meanwhile, Bohemond and Griselda arranged a marriage. Princess Adelin of Sicily and Prince Humphrey of Valencia, cousins, were to be married when they grow up. This would be a blessed union, for the children, if they do not get inbred, will be truly glorious. This also meant that a formal alliance was formed between Bohemond and Griselda.

1602342011131.png

Cousins, united in marriage

It had some consequences. Like, the Crusader Kingdom of Valencia being under assault from both Muslim rulers of Iberia and internal conflicts, like the peasants who really did not like their new, Christian rulers.

Bohemond, as a good brother he is, decided to help her sister out with all the might of Sicily. He got dragged into the following conflicts:

Dhunnunid Emirate, the powerhouse of central Iberia, trying to take the county of Alcaraz. Led by Emir Isma’il ibn Isma’il. Allied with Huddid Emirate, who had just managed to take the lands of Aragon and Barcelona, up north. Total manpower over 5000 soldiers.

Ghomara Empirate, led by Emir Tifal ibn Aderbal. Vassal of Tadlid Grand Emirate. They own the provinces of Ceuta, Melila and Tangiers and also, Algeciras in Iberia, just across Gibraltar. Allied with two Walis, also from within Tadlid Grand Emirate, from Fez and Tangiers area. Just a little over 1000 combined.

1602342086365.png

A timely marriage, when considering Griselda's position

Plus, some peasant revolts Griselda did not bother Bohemond with.

It seemed like the Queen was really in some trouble.

By the end of November, the Norman forces, numbering over 7000, landed in Denia. The situation was dire. Ghomara and allies had just managed to take Murcia and now, upon hearing news of arrival of Normans, were pulling back southwards. Alcaraz, the target of the other war, was under Muslim control, but Griselda and her forces (numbering around 2000) were pretty close to actually re-taking it.

1602342126393.png

Yes, the Queen was in trouble indeed

Dhunnunids and their army of 2000 soldiers were besieging Teruel. As for Huddids, they just received a declaration of war from Adalaida of Toulouse, one of the most powerful French vassals, who also happened to be allied to Duke Guilhelm of Aquitaine, the most powerful French vassal (currently residing in dungeons of Queen Ermengarde of France), so they were marching North to deal with the new threat.

Since Teruel was holding out just fine, Bohemond decided to march south first. Ghomara and their allies did a smart thing and ran. But the Normans were faster. And Ghomara itself were slower- meaning their allies already managed to get to the next province, leaving the enemy face Normans alone. This ended up with a slaughter.

1602342184641.png

First battle

Then, Normans marched to Baza, where the ally of Ghomara was sitting around, doing pretty much nothing and won a victory. Not a major one, but still enough to force the enemy to flee.

1602342209311.png

Marching northwards

Meanwhile, Griselda had at least managed to take Alcaraz back and had moved to take Murcia back. Bohemond then marched his army northwards, to relieve Teruel from the Dhunnunid siege, sending about 2000 soldiers to help with the siege of Murcia. In May 1110, the Normans attacked the enemy and were once again victorious, though not too much. Enemy lost about fourth of their soldiers and was forced to pull back. Bohemond took offensive and went to siege Ucles.

1602342231586.png

Pushing the Dhunnunid back

Then, in August 1110, the Muwalladi in Valencia decided that it was prime time to rebel. Rightfully so, for it was a prime time to rebel- unless you happen to forget the Sicilian forces just happening to be in the neighbourhood. Without Bohemond, this revolt would have been a final nail in the coffin. Now though, it was an inconvenience at the most.

1602342257180.png

Here we go again!

Royal Matters

In August 1109, Bohemond finished his foray into theology. Discovering that the military is more of his way, though he appreciated the fine arts of science and pedagogy a bit more than he used to. Still, dusty old tomes were not of his liking, he much preferred the glorious victories over his opponents. The Norman way.

1602342048136.png

Nah, it is martial all the way to Bohemond

In November 1109, Mernissa bore yet another son to Bohemond. Called Bohemond, the young lad was as brilliant as he could be. This was a second son of the royal couple, and sixth child overall. Looks like the marriage between them is truly blessed.

1602342152341.png

Bohemond the Youngest (at the Moment)

In September 1110, Bohemond instituted high crown authority laws. Meaning, no longer will there be infighting between vassals. Or well, that infighting will be much more rarer than it used to be. Poor Gaufrid, still in dungeons, will be the last of the vassals who waged war against the uncle. Hopefully.

1602342306247.png

Much less internal wars

The Second Crusade

In September 1110, Ucles fell. Shortly after, when Bohemond’s troops were preparing to march on the rebels, Clemens III finally called for a Crusade. It was once again time for the Christians to stand united against Muslims. Or was there? On latter days, it was called Weird Crusade, and was called that for a reason.

1602342288179.png

It is time!
 
At least Griselda was sitting conveniently next to the next crusade target and since Bohemond needed to get some troops across anyway, it was time to show some brotherly love. Thus far, thus good.

And all the resemblances between the Bohemond's speech on the First Crusade and the Second Crusade are purely coincidental :D

To be fair that was one of the most politely worded declarations of war I have ever seen in a Paradox game. :)

But he got his just desserts.

Nice detail on the cadet branches.

Oh yes. Dear Sir, I hope you have a lovely day while i stab you in the back! Wishing all the best to you! :D


Romanos' sheer gall at trying to take your crown is just insane.

Hey, it is totally ok to be delusional sometimes. At least, it was a fun war!

Wow I get busy for a week or two and my prediction of crusade sort of happened! What a game! Such betrayal and such cowardice. Also noticing that the curse of later generations is beginning to appear in some of the other branches that isn't the best sign but still useful to be able to keep a hold of the kingdom. Seeing as there won't be war for a bit you should try to get some building chains running to get your troops to be more powerful. Also see if you could stir up trouble for Byzantines they're getting to be a bit too big for comfort.

Sort of. Now twice already! :D
And well, I don't mind weaker vassals. I just hope there will be enough bright ones to give council positions to. And of course, I shall be filling the vassal pool with fresh blood, with some better inheritable traits, so things are not too bad.
And I wish i could wait, but hey, gotta help my sister. I'm improving stuff constantly though.

As for the Byzantines- nothing yet. But eventually, I have to deal with them. They are getting stronger, but at least, i'm getting stronger at a faster pace. I think Byzantium will be the end-boss for Bohemond.
 
I'm sure once there's no other closer target, the Hautevilles will be happy to go Crusading for Jerusalem.
 
Most rulers did some quick calculations and came to following conclusions:
Iberia is indeed much closer then Jerusalem.
Muwalladism is a sect of Islam, not present in anywhere else but in Iberia, so the opposition would be less fierce.
Barcelona is really lovely in springtime.

The crusaders all got a taste for paella, and you just can't find it in 12th century Lotharingia.
 
  • 1Haha
Reactions:
Oh my, the Normans but be the crusaders the Popes love to hate.

I mean whacking Muslims is a good thing for a Crusade, so objecting is hard... but

:D