PROLOGUE
Members of the Polish Piast dynasty always were characterised by one feature: they had ambitions. Usually, these ambitions couldn't be fulfilled because of lack of money, power, influence, or just luck. Pomerania (or Pomorze in Polish) has since the 10th century been considered part of the Polish native lands. It was inhabited by Slavic peoples, including Pommeranians (Pomorzanie) in the lands east of the Oder river, and the Polabians: the Wieletes, the Rans, Obodrites, and some other, smaller tribes. Being one of the first areas of Polish expansion by Mieszko I, the prince of Poland who converted to christianity, Pommern has since then gone in and out of the hands of the Polish lords numerous times. Whenever it was conquered - or at least made to recognize Polish sovereignity - its dukes and counts (Piasts, Gryfites and others) always accentuated their land's separate character, and always maintained a vassal status - if needed, as vassals of Poland or the German Holy Roman Empire.
One could ask a question, what is Pomerania? Well, as shown on the map above, the lands, considered as Pomeranian, were concentrated around the Oder river. Ranging almost from the Hel peninsula to the east, to the
west the border was the lands of Mecklemburg, south of the Rugia island. The northern border was, of course, the Baltic Sea, and the southern - the lands between Neumark and Mittelmark, belonging usually to Brandenburg.
In 1419, Pomerania was pretty much the same as it used to be, and as - in our real life history - will be. My goal is, though, to expand as much as possible around the Baltic Sea region, which would mean:
-getting hold of the long lost (1309, to the Teutonic Order - before
that date the Pomorze Gdanskie, represented in-game by the province Pomerellen - was the vassal of Poland) city of Danzig;
-trying to expand westwards, to (if possible) seize the rich Hanseatic cities, especially Mecklemburg;
-taking a few provinces from Poland, with the help of Brandenburg, and then
-reclaiming Ukermark from those pesky Germans!
-AFAIK, there are some events connected with Denmark - will see if we
are able to use them to our advantage;
-achieving as much of the mentioned above before the year 1637, when
Brandenburg and Sweden partitioned Pomerania between themselves; I hope
I can make it till then: my anti-talent for writing and lack of patience
may destroy this AAR even before it will have realy begun.
Dreams of a Baltic state
Bogusław IX, the Prince of Pomerania, was bored. His rule has lasted a year already and as of yet absolutlely nothing has happened that would make his life interesting in any way. No wars in his region (well, yes, the Poles have the irritating habit of going to war against the Teutons almost every year, but that doesn't matter - everyone got used to that, and their petty conflicts never end despite Poland being quite a few times bigger and stronger than their German nemezis. If only WE were tu rule Poland instead of that filthy Lithuanian, Jogaila... Who invited him there, anyway? The throne in Kraków needs a Pole, not a convert pagan from the north... Even that lackwit, the Duke of Mazovia would be more suitable for that.) meant that his 8000 troops were standing in Stargard only or the sake of looking good. Even watching them manoeuver on the fields around the city bored Bogusław after a few months.
Wouldn't it be great to become King someday? Just imagine... His Majesty Bogusław IX, the King of Pomerania and... And...Damn. We don't own Anything else. Just this cold, forgotten and scarcely populated patch of terrain in central northern Europe. Piteous.
Bogusław wasn't stupid, although he wasn't a talented ruler. He knew that becoming a regional power will not come easily, and that he needs to wait for the situation to be more suitable for conquests...
***
Played just until 1421, as of yet - will play more tomorrow, and possibly - write. As you can see, I added a core on Danzig province - the reasons for it I have already explained: I just felt this little white shield with a red griffon on it would look very nice over there .
Hope anyone reads this, and - if possible - likes this .
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