Consecrated blood waters my fields: a Hvitserk megacampaign
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Muzzaffaraddin as Seer? Are things really that bad in Jorvik? 
A really enjoyable update, Av – though I must say, I felt as if I had read that dream scene before somewhere... Not that I'll hold it against you. Hearing the latest adventures from the north is always fun.
A really enjoyable update, Av – though I must say, I felt as if I had read that dream scene before somewhere... Not that I'll hold it against you. Hearing the latest adventures from the north is always fun.
Well you've carved yourself out a nice little jarldom there. You've certainly done better than I probably would have done. Then again, I'm not very good so it's easy to do better than me.
Maybe while you carve out pieces of Ireland, you should turn your eyes to the north - to Scotland? If you have few enough holdings, you could prepare an invasion and grab Ivar's prize(in most of my TOG starts I see Ivar and his line conquer Scotland little by little).
Muzzaffaraddin as Seer? Are things really that bad in Jorvik?
He's just trolling Davout...
The King of Skotland does indeed own some bits of Ireland! Not important bits (given the grand scheme of things), but barring an extremely advantageous marriage or ten, war may be inevitable.
Muzzaffaraddin as Seer? Are things really that bad in Jorvik?
A really enjoyable update, Av – though I must say, I felt as if I had read that dream scene before somewhere... Not that I'll hold it against you. Hearing the latest adventures from the north is always fun.
Did I steal from somebody without realizing it again? Like when everybody insists that Death is clearly Terry Pratchett's creation, when I've never read him?
That's the kind of ringing endorsement that spurs one on to greater heights! A footstool, perhaps.
Well you've carved yourself out a nice little jarldom there. You've certainly done better than I probably would have done. Then again, I'm not very good so it's easy to do better than me.
When it comes to CKII, I'm not a complete newbie, but it's been a long time since I've done any kind of extended campaign, so don't judge me as some sort of brilliant player.
I don't actually know how to prepare an invasion. :blush: (See what I mean, Michaelangelo?)
He's just trolling Davout...
Er... maybe? Does Davout have AARs now?
Speaking of people who have AARs, I did the screenshots for the next update, but I'm struggling a bit trying to find a narrative. I do my best thinking on the metro to the archive, so perhaps inspiration will strike again tomorrow. I apologize in advance: there are some really interesting characters I've completely neglected to take screenshots of. I also need to get a lot better at advantageous marriages, or maybe just "helping along" the succession process, perhaps.
Goodness, first I find you don't know how to play EU4, and now CK2? Tsk, tsk. You really should have stayed in Russia.
Prepare invasion is a special diplomatic action that Pagan countries can take against the rulers of larger, Christian (possibly just non-pagan?) nations, which does two things. First, it gives them a "Prepared Invasion" casus belli on all territory held by the target in a given de jure kingdom, which can be used after one full year passes. Second, during the course of that year, adventurers and glory seekers of all kinds will flock to the invader's banner, providing them with a large number of free event troops on top of their own levies, allowing them to actually compete with said larger kingdom. It's a great little thing; that war you started with in Northumberland, with the 6K extra troops? Prepared Invasion. Just note that the event troops will begin to desert if you take too long to declare war, and possibly if you surrender (but if you win the war, any survivors are yours forever!), and that they can't be replenished, and finally that each character can only prepare one invasion in their lifetime. It's a really neat little thing I have yet to ever make any use of.
But now that I'm done teaching you how to play, let me say I'm pretty excited for this AAR! CK2 is great for interesting narrative, which I see you have down already. And if Japan or Bust is any indicator, there's a lot more to come. And after that, we get to see how a (probably) reformed Norse power will fare with the advent of gunpowder. Maybe we'll even see some Jomsvikings! Briefly, at least. And might I also say that converted EU4 Norse is a beautiful thing? +5% land and sea force limit. I'll take that over some dumb Tolerance any day.
I wrote a chapter that hinged around a similar premise (i.e. – character meets ancestor in a dream. Ancestor passes sympathetic judgement...) in my first AAR, though I'd be thoroughly amazed if you've read that before.
It's a common trope, I wrote it into one of my Harry Potter fanfics back in 2006...
Note that Prepared Invasion may only be taken when a Pagan lord is below a certain size (40 holdings, I think?) and the kingdom the invasion is for can't be too large either- or at least, the lord you declare on can't have too many holdings in that de jure kingdom.
On the other hand, you can declare for, say, Africa and then take advantage of the mechanics for invasions to take a lot of land in Egypt.
On the other hand, you can declare for, say, Africa and then take advantage of the mechanics for invasions to take a lot of land in Egypt.
Well, I'm not leaving Russia until Tuesday, so...
Thank you, in all seriousness, for the information, and I'm glad you've joined us, if for no other reason than to keep my doing stupid things within reasonable tolerances.
There's a 90% chance I read it -- I think I've read most of your stuff -- but a 0% chance I remembered it.
I read (or used to read, in any event) a lot of AARs. Ah, 2006. The second year of my master's degree (or the end of the first, depending on when you wrote it).
It may well be. I'm not claiming to have invented it or anything.
Unless you're a time traveler, who wrote your first story at the dawn of writing, it seems unlikely.
Thanks for the advice!
We'll let it go. This time.
Welcome aboard!
It'll take a lot more than me to keep you within acceptable margins, but I'm glad to hear you appreciate my advice.
Also, here's a little trick I learned a little too late in my main Norse game. Unreformed Pagans have no "levies raised too long" relations penalty. I'm not sure if it will apply for your unconverted Christian vassals, but you can otherwise deploy the full might of the Nordic gentry for your raids at any time, for any amount of time. You still can't declare war with them raised, but at least you don't have to fund your demense troops to raid.
Also, here's a little trick I learned a little too late in my main Norse game. Unreformed Pagans have no "levies raised too long" relations penalty. I'm not sure if it will apply for your unconverted Christian vassals, but you can otherwise deploy the full might of the Nordic gentry for your raids at any time, for any amount of time. You still can't declare war with them raised, but at least you don't have to fund your demense troops to raid.
Any other-religion vassals will be upset by this, as I've experienced in quite a few attempts to form Russia in the Old Gods start.
Chapter 3: The risks of warfare
22 April 878, Jorvik
Today, I send my daughter Ulfhildr to study with the Chancellor, Kjartan. I do this for his sake as well as hers; he is wise and speaks many tongues, but he has been depressed lately. Perhaps a child’s laughter will gladden his heart!
16 May 878, Jorvik
Gods be praised! Another son! Frodi will be a mighty warrior, this even a fool could see! [1]
30 June 878, Jorvik
The life of a king is not all battles and glory. Sometimes it is settling disputes, not with the sword, but with justice. Tyke af Ovruch, at 48, is already a wise elder, but has never held any sort of important position in my court.
He has petitioned me to become Steward. It is true, he is more skilled with numbers than Ingemar of Lancaster, of the house of Richmond, but I cannot dispose with a trusted friend for little reason. I have asked Tyke to wait patiently, and if an opportunity presents itself where he might earn recognition or glory, I would give it to him.
6 January 879, Jorvik
Our campaign across the Irish Sea goes well, but damn me if that upstart Tyke was not in here again today, demanding the position of Steward! I do not like his manner, and I ordered him to cease his prattling and return home. He is very fortunate I did not throw him in the dungeon for his insolence!
6 February 879, Jorvik
Ulster has surrender, and I have named myself Thane. I have given the Temple of Connor to Muzaffaraddin and given the City of Carrickfergus to Thorbrandr, my spymaster. Our next target shall be Oriel; we will drive the followers of the White Christ from this fertile land!
24 September 879, Jorvik
My son Halfdan is proving to be a wise lad, even at his young age. He thirsts, not merely for conquest or glory, but justice. He served as judge in a contest of strength today, and while he ensured that the mightiest warrior received the greatest prize of sweets, all who competed and did so honorably received a token of his esteem. I am proud of him; he will be a fine King!
26 December 879, Jorvik
A daughter this time, whom we have named Linda. This girl belongs to my concubine, Leofwaru. May she bring us claims and riches, as best a woman can!
18 March 880, Jorvik
Oriel falls, as Ulster did. Armagh, a prominent Temple, goes to my Seer.
2 April 880, Jorvik
These conquests are taking a toll on the numbers of our warriors. I called a Moot a few days ago, and all of my Thanes agreed to provide more. Some of them appeared to be somewhat dissatisfied with my request, but it is nothing plunder and blood will not cure.
12 October 880, Newcastle
An unpleasant mission today, but there is no Viking so powerful he can slay the ravages of age or wrestle disease. I have come to claim the position of Marshal from Ubbe of Newcastle; at the age of 53, he is too elderly and frail to swing a battleaxe.
I was very pleased to see Halfdan’s charity, giving one of his finest toys to a small child along the way. When Ubbe goes to Valhalla, I do not know what will become of the City of Newcastle, as he has no heir. I have named Suni, of house Storr, his replacement for the present.
3 May 881, Jorvik
Holmfrid goes to Skardaborg today, to learn the ways of intrigue and cunning from Thorbrandr the Spymaster. These are useful skills for a woman, and a way for her to bring honor to her father and her kingdom without risking her ability to raise children.
19 May 881, Jorvik
I… I have seen Odin!
The All-Father seemed displeased with me and my conquests in Irland. I asked why, and he only shook his head. I asked Muzaffaraddin and he consulted the runes. I am to go campaigning in person on his advice; while I am no masterful warrior, the Seer thinks that Odin’s disfavor might be because I am trying to lead from my castle and not from in front. He is very wise, my Seer, and I shall do as he thinks best.
27 February 882, Oriel
I think the All-Father was right; I have never felt so alive as I have the past few months, leading warriors into battle!
My mere presence seemed to inspire the warriors. Oriel has already fallen, and Tyrone will fall next. Some raids on Breifne have refilled our coffers, and now nothing remains but to move one step closer to bringing these lands under my benevolent rule.
12 March 882, Tyrone
A courier reached me just an hour or so ago. Ingemar has died, and I have named Tyke the new Steward. I hope he understands the value of patience, and will manage our castles well until my return.
25 March 882, Tyrone
Success! Another Thanedom has fallen to me! I have given the City of Coleraine to my Steward, Tyke, as a gift for his loyalty. The Temple of Derry goes to the Seer, as usual. I’ve also taken a moment to consider my present Court: they are all loyal, but perhaps a stronger Steward might serve our kingdom well.
28 April 882, Jorvik
I have returned home for a few days. Guthröthr is going to join his sister with Thorbrandr. I have grown to rely on my Spymaster absolutely, perhaps more than any other Councilor. After my visit with my son and a few errands, I will join my warriors on a raid to Tyrconnell.
29 August 882, Tyrconnell
Another daughter was born, Yrsa. I am getting quite a large clan, you might say. It is good to have many children, for nobody knows when Loki might decide to steal one.
29 September 882, Jorvik
I do not know what to think. I am called from campaigning in Irland to deal with a most terrifying situation – Thorbrandr has informed me that my wife seeks to kill Halfdan! I know she is not the lad’s mother, but he is my son and heir. To arrest her might be costly; to kill her would brand me a tyrant. I had a talk with her, and I think she sees the error of her ways. I do not want to go through the pain and agony of finding a new wife.
16 January 883, Tyrconnell
By the gods! Our camp doctor has been working on me for three days; that barbarian’s arrow nearly pierced my eye! He insists that the wound will not be mortal, and that I should have nothing but a scar. I am going back to Jorvik for a few days after the wound heals a bit.
22 January 883, Jorvik
I have not been home for even a week, and already I can see this castle would fall to dust without me. Why did I ever name the incompetent Tyke a Steward?
9 September 883, Newcastle
Mayor Ubbe of Newcastle has gone to Valhalla. I know it was simply old age that slew him, but seeing his body, before it was set on the longboat and sent out to sea, really emphasized how dangerous life can be.
9 February 884, Tyrone
I had no need to fear for the City of Newcastle. The people have chosen well, naming the very capable Ale to lead their city. There’s something about the name I’m very fond of, although I cannot place the specific reason.
He is a brilliant warrior and a very capable manager of funds. He would be a wonderful Marshal or Steward; it is a shame he cannot be both. I have placed in command of our next expedition, to annex Breifne to our kingdom. To show my trust, I will return to Jorvik on the next longboat, leaving him to slay our enemies.
18 May 884, Jorvik
So many good men dying. The pox took Kjartan of Westmorland, and I have named Eirikr of Lancaster the new Chancellor.
28 August 884, Jorvik
Ale of Newcastle is a very kind-hearted soul. He has offered to look after Ulfhildr, with Kjartan dead. While he continues to fight bravely in Irland, I have sent my daughter to Newcastle. May he slay a thousand Irishmen this day!
26 June 885, Newcastle
With his glorious victory over Breifne, I have come to Newcastle to visit Mayor Ale and present him with a few tokens of my esteem. Frodi arrived in April to begin his swordsmanship lessons. I granted Ale a new city, called Cavan, and formally named him Marshall. To appease Suni, I named him Thane of Breifne.
I also gave the Temple of Kells to Ragnarr, my uncle.
Now, my warriors go after Tyrconnell.
8 July 885, Jorvik
My son turns 16 today; he has mastered the runes very well!
He, perhaps, can be excessively angry, and is overly fond of meat and drink, but he is my heir, and I think he will make a good king. I have arranged his marriage with Princess Gunnhildr of Skotland.
5 August 885, Jorvik
My son’s marriage to Gunnhildr has created an alliance with the King of Skotland, and he has asked us to join in his warring. What true Viking turns down an opportunity to spill blood?
I do not know if there will be land for it, or gold, or plunder – but there will be glory, and that is enough for me.
3 March 886, Tyrone
I have returned to the field. We are attacking an army who dares invade our new possessions in Irland.
I admit that the thought of going into battle does not fill me with the same thrill as it once did. Perhaps it is the vagaries of age? In any case, I hope our certain victory will serve to end this particular war, allowing us to continue subduing Irland.
18 June 886, Jorvik
Another Chancellor has died. I can only hope Bersi of Cumberland proves to be more resilient. I have also named my son Halfdan Seer. He approached me during a family meal, and the idea makes good sense. Muzaffaraddin has been a good and trustworthy friend, but if Halfdan is to be king someday, he must learn how to lead. He has not the swordarm to earn his glory in battle, but as my Seer, he will be invaluable.
3 July 886, Jorvik
With our victory at Tyrconnell, I have granted Halfdan a title – he is to be Mayor of Donegal, and also hold a Temple there. I have named Uncle Ragnarr Thane of Tyrconnell; he will look over my son, I am sure, and ensure he rules wisely and well. However, this did leave me without a seer. I fear my new choice will be a controversial one: I have chosen Leofwaru, my Concubine.
A female Seer has unnerved some of my Thanes, and a converted Seer (she is an ex-follower of the White Christ) is also displeasing to some. My wife Grima is extraordinarily furious that I “would ever consider giving a common whore power.” I understand all of that. Yet I chose her anyway.
I cannot explain precisely why. Muzaffaraddin was eagerly hoping to be reappointed to the position, and indeed, he is two years younger than Leofwaru. Perhaps, as a convert, Leofwaru’s zeal strikes me more readily. Perhaps it is the natural attachment of a man to the woman who bears him young. I cannot say, but having her read the runes is oddly comforting.
She has promised us a glorious victory over Connacht, but she seemed slightly uneasy when I told her I intended to fight the battle myself. Perhaps I shall wait. I do trust Marshal Ale.
7 January 887, Jorvik
I rode out to explore some of our lands here in the north a few days ago – and I spotted a most terrifying sight.
I am embarrassed to admit that I soiled myself. I rode as hard and as fast as I could to reach the castle of Jorvik. Leofwaru was right; the business of a warrior is no longer mine.
11 April 888, Jorvik
Ever since I came to accept my limitations, I have paid less and less attention to military matters. Marshal Ale is a perfectly competent warrior. And now, I have many more lands to rule.
I am a true King. I am not a “Petty King”, a Jarl, or a Thane. Simply a King. My father, may he feast evermore in Valhalla, could not claim that. Only a few men can. Did I slay my enemies myself? No. But does that make me weak? Does it make me a coward? No. I am a man who recognizes my strengths and my weaknesses. I have no need to wield a battleaxe: I can hire a thousand warriors to do so. I have no need to sail a longboat: I can order peasants to chop down trees. I will trust in the runes, the runes which alone have brought glory to myself and my son.
Halfdan II will not be a King, or even an Emperor. He will be a god.
[1] I know, technically, it should be Frothi, but that just looks weird to me.
I'm going to go ahead and put the AAR on hiatus for now, as I'm flying back to the States on Tuesday. I should have a new update next week, perhaps.
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