Frozen Shores (MegaCampaign)

[Me0334]

Frozen Shores
An Old Gods - HoI Modded AAR

Hello Everyone, hope your all having a great day/night. After being inspired by Groogy's AAR I've finally decided to make my own. I am however rather new to posting in forums in general, let alone doing AARs so please if there are any suggestions/hints on what to do with the AAR or how to do stuff with post, please let me know. All constructive criticism is welcomed, but please excuse any spelling and grammar mistakes.


Anyway, I'll be playing a custom made Duke of Västergötland starting in the Old God's start date, just trying to survive. If all goes well I will hopefully be able to carry the game over to EU4, from there to possibly March of the Eagles (I'll need to get the game first), and so on until Hearts of Iron 4.

I am not to sure what type of and AAR this will turn out to be, Currently it is very story heavy, but I don't know how it will go once I start actually playing for a while. Hopefully I will be able to continue the story but still mix it in with gameplay element.

Update: If Pictures aren't displaced its due to them being hosted by my photobucket account. Since the 3rd, Eric I update all pictures are uploaded by Imgur and so should show up fine

Mods and DLC:

Spoiler

I will be using HIP with all modules but SWMH, and NBRT+ in the CK2 portion of this AAR
I am currently using all available DLC except Sunset Invasion

House Rules:

Spoiler

1. The console can be used to keep the game going. (This is to prevent massive blobs from keeping the game stale, I will not instantly destroy the title but I will use the console in these cases if the blob has been stable for a certain length of time.)
2. I will not go on "conquest sprees"
3. I will try to role play the character based on traits and previous decisions
4. Console can be used to simulate historical events that would of happened but aren't modelled in game
5. Rules are subject to change
6. Words in Italics are me speaking outside of the story

Voteing
Please note Voting may contain "spoilers" for later chapters if you aren't caught up
- Vote: To Reform or Not to Reform (closed) (Should have read up to the end of Otso I)

Chapters
Arvo - Duke of Västergötland
1. The Duke of Västergötland
2. Conquests and Drunken Adventures
3. Family Issues
4. World Update 1
Tapani - The High Chieftain
1. Tapani Vs Eirikr
2.Raiders!
3. Plotting, Seduction
4. Life Under a King
5. The First Crusade
6. World Update 2
Otso I - The Convert
1. Meaningless Wars
2. Norse Traders
Otso II - The Lunatic
1. The Summoning
Ofeig - The Great
1. War for Smaland
2. A New King
3. Darkness of War
4. Year 1000 Map Update
5. To Kill a Monster
6. Ofeig Summary/World Update
Olaf I - The Ill Minded
1. The Tragedy of Olaf I
Olaf II - The Victorious
1. The Attack on Sweden
2. Opportunists
3. Laws, Revenge, and Invasions
4. The Great Invasion
Bagge - The Dreamer
1. The Trials of Bagge
2. Castles and Raiding
3. Feared Viking
4. A Change in Faith
5. World Update & Question
6. Wrath of the Old Gods
Inge - The Sword Of Odin
1. German Empire Round 2
2. The Northern Crusade
3. Inge's Epilogue
Ragnarr - Sword of Frey
1. A Forgotten Promise
2. Birth of an Empire
3. The Fall of Rus
4. The Great Mistake
5. The Second Northern Crusade
6. Downfall
7. Ragnarr I World Update
Tyke - The Maimed
1. The Norse King
Karl - The Trusting
1. The Story of Karl
Ragnarr II - The Redeemer
1. Exiled
2. Return of the Swede
3. The Pomeranian Binding
4. The Maid of Tröndelag
5. Empire Reborn
6. Ragnarr II World Update
Ragnarr III - The Fat
1. A Mäkelä Pope
2. The Mäkelä Crusade
Eric - The Hammer
1. The Hungarian Collapse
2. Vengeance for a Pope
3. The Byzantium Binding
4. The Golden Horde
5. The Royal Gardens
6. Eric World Update
Linda - The Fair
1. Varangian Slesvig
2. A Hordes Collapse
Olaf III - The Young
1. One for Three
2. The Price of Mercy
Henrik - The Lion
1. To Break the Binds
​

 

[Me0334]

The Duke of Västergötland​

As Arvo of the newly formed house Mäkelä looked out over the Northern plains of Västergötland he wondered to himself how someone like him a strong, but drunk Finnish servant could ever manage to overthrow the previous jarl, perhaps his faith wasn't so wrong after all, perhaps the Norse were just trying to lead him astray he still did not understand many things being taken away from his home at such a young age. Perhaps it was the fact that the jarl trusted him so much, that he was able to get away with what he did, or perhaps people followed him out of fear that he would crush there skulls with his fists.

​

The only thing Arvo was sure in was that he needed to protect his family, Tapani his oldest son was both strong, and quite agile, this lead Arvo to try and train him how to fight like any proper man should, thankfully Tapani enjoyed the training so much that he now practices on his own, even though he is not to good at it yet.

​

Aino Arvo's only daughter, was already attracting attention of the nearby jarls for her beauty and voice, Arvo was worried that they would ratter make her a concubine then marry her though.

​

And then there was Susi, Arvo wasn't sure what to do with him he was rather dimwitted and quite small for his age, but his mother loved him, anyway.

​

With the thought of what to do with Susi being interrupted with his wife informing him that she was pregnant, Arvo went to rally the men. For to protect his family and perhaps one day returning to Finland he would need more assistance, and the only way Arvo knew how to get people to follow him was by spilling blood in the snow.

 

[Me0334]

Sorry about it being so short, but even though I wasn't able to do much in game yet I thought I should at least post something introducing the Dynasty

 

[Me0334]

Conquests and Drunken Adventures

By the 6th of May Arvo had already managed to capture Värmland. To Arvo's disappointment the previous ruler had opted to take his forces and run towards the Western Mountains.

Although largely against traditions Arvo decided to raise the organization levels of the tribe, in order to better keep track of his people, for he had to make sure that they were not plotting against him. Being both a foreigner and a follower of Ukko. During the celebrations of the conquest Arvo is informed by a courtier that his wife Mielikki is pregnant. Before Arvo can go home to settle down however, he declares war on Ake of Alfheimr who had been raiding his lands since he usurped them.

This time there was blood spilt, as the Västergotland force marched into Alfheimr, Ake stood with his army dispite being outnumbered by at least 300. Quickly Ake's forces took out Arvo who was leading from the Center. However this brave move cost Ake his life and let Arvo's flanks clean up the rest of his army ending the war quickly.


With Ake dead no one stood in the way of Arvo who quite happily returned to his village in Västergotland, were he continued training Tapani, unfortunately Arvo may of celebrated his recent victories a little too much, for if he was at home in Finland he would of been severely punished by the Tribes for his actions.


On the 1st of December Arvo's newest son came into the world, he would be named Hintsa.
Just a few months later Arvo hear rumors that the Magyars had settled down in the Caspian basin. Hearing that a Nomad tribe such as the Magyars could settle down in a foreign land brought ideas to Arvo's mind that perhaps he could make a home for him here, to do this however he would need to build a Hillfort made out of the Earth around them. Even though it had been months since Arvo's victories it was evident he was still getting quite drunk for one morning he went to breakfast without wearing any pants.



With his Hillfort completed he set to work building a war camp for his warriors to sleep and train in. Once again Arvo hears of his wife pregnancy, he couldn't remember when it could of happened, and so just simply thought he must of been drunk as usual.

 

[Me0334]

Hope that wasn't too many pictures, I would of loved to continue writing what I have but sadly I have other things I must do IRL.

 

[blklizard]

This look interesting! I'll follow on to see how it goes. As for embedding links, there should be a icon to the left of the "Image" icon called "Link." Once you put the address in it, it will become like: {URL="A"}B{/URL} (Replace {} with []). A is your address while B is what is shown in the sentence.

As for frequency of your updates, just update however you want since it's your AAR. I usually don't recommend a schedule since RL can get in your way. If you feel it's not long enough, I recommend copy and pasting your work in notepad (it saves your format) so you could continue next time. As for amount of pictures, I've done worse . Good luck and keep up the good work. This reminds me of my first AAR .

 

[Me0334]

This look interesting! I'll follow on to see how it goes. As for embedding links, there should be a icon to the left of the "Image" icon called "Link." Once you put the address in it, it will become like: {URL="A"}B{/URL} (Replace {} with []). A is your address while B is what is shown in the sentence.

As for frequency of your updates, just update however you want since it's your AAR. I usually don't recommend a schedule since RL can get in your way. If you feel it's not long enough, I recommend copy and pasting your work in notepad (it saves your format) so you could continue next time. As for amount of pictures, I've done worse . Good luck and keep up the good work. This reminds me of my first AAR .

Thanks for the info on how to do links, it really helped. Also good idea with notepad, will definitely be using that.

 

[Me0334]

Family Issues

September, 10 872, was a day Arvo would never forget.
Allthough no major event happened at the moment, Arvo received worrying news that his Norse Vassals were planning on installing Susi his dimwitted son on the throne after Arvo passed on. He largely expected it was because of Susi's guardian who had managed to use Susi's slowness to turn him into what they claim to be a proper Norse in both faith and culture. With this news Arvo began plotting a way to guarantee his favourite son, Tapani the throne of Västergotland, without resorting to killing Susi.

Just a few weeks later during a rather bad storm, a strange man leading a merchant caravan showed up outside Arvo's hillfort. At first he thought they were here to preach the word of Christendom, luckily for the merchants that wasn't the case and all they wanted was a place to shelter for the night. After talking and drinking, until at least half the merchants and a quarter of the court were passed out. Arvo had learnt quite a lot about these supposed fur traders, and thought that perhaps he himself could take up hunting. As the traders left a few days later the one that first asked for shelter presented a man to be a servant, named Staurakios. Arvo graciously accepted despite the traders warning that Staurakios was arrested in Constantinople for plotting against powerful nobles.

As Staurakios and Arvo continued to discuss the best course of action for the Susi issue another son named Valto was born.
Less then four days later Arvo marched to Alfheimr for the second time in his life demanding that the new chief Sveinn back Tapani's claim to the throne. When Sveinn refused to either accept Arvo's demand or give up his land, Arvo with the help of Staurakios prepared to siege the newly build hillfort.

Thanks to Staurakios brilliant idea on how to attack the hillfort the siege was over almost instantly.


With the war over Sveinn was stripped of his land, giving Arvo the dominate voting power, to secure Tapani's claim. Once again Arvo began doing what he did best, which of course was drinking, and having a good time with his wife. As was seen when just a few months later she told him about the new child growing inside of her.

Some time later a emissary from the court of Björn "Ironside" arrived treating to bring war, luckily however Aino's lesson in diplomacy paid off, for she was able to impress the emissary enough that he promised that no war would come between the two tribes in Arvo's lifetime, for if he could raise kids that good surely they would be more useful alive than dead. A few days after the emissary left Lalli yet another son of Arvo's was born.

With the sudden realization that Arvo could no longer hit as hard as he used too, and that age and wounds were slowly catching up to him he quickly betrothed off his oldest kids, and decided it would be a good idea to hold a more extravagant Ukon Juhla festival to please the gods.




Just a few months after the festival Venla, Arvo's second daughter is born. Before the excitement of the new daughter can die down Arvo's chamberlain mentions that a maid has given birth to Susi's son, which the maid is calling Oddr. When confronted about this Susi argues why should Arvo be the only one allowed to have a good time during the recent Ukon Juhla festival. Taken aback by Susi's statement Arvo Forces Susi to adopt the kid.



Feeling weaker than ever Arvo decides to take up training with his marshal Erikr, which does manage to breath some life into the ageing man however it is not enough for on May,31 883 Arvo Passed away at the ripe age of 65, never having made it back to Finland.


Seeing his chance to escape his family Susi declares independence from Tapani, which causes much strife between the two independent brothers.

 

[Me0334]

World Update 1

Hello everyone, hope your all enjoying this so far I know I am.
Anyways although I won't be doing world updates for every characters death. I thought I might as well do one now since there are a lot of issues going on at the start of the old gods, which have now had some time to settle down.

This time I will only be posting the Political Map as not much has happened for cultural or religious change other than some Norse in England and they are quite large pictures .
Points of Interest (In no particular order)

• The Catholics have made gains in Hispania, with France conquering the duchy of Aragon, Barcelona being the brown mark, and Asturias taking the duchy of Seville.
• The Magyars have captured the whole of the Caspian basin and are now taking land around it.
• Byzantine has managed to take parts of Northern Africa
• Jorvik, Norfolk, and parts of Scotland/Ireland have become somewhat stable grounds for the Norse.

Spoiler

*Due to the colours being so similar Susi's independence is hard to see however he only controls Vermaland

 

[Me0334]

Tapani Vs Eirikr

Althouh Tapani was sadden over Arvo's death he was happy that it was now his turn to lead over the tribe, however there was the issue that Susi, had declared independence from the High chief unlike the rest of his family who were content being his chiefs. Tapani always knew that Susi would cause trouble especially after he started speaking about Odin instead of Ukko, Tapani thought it was likely because both Susi's Guardian and there mother were Norse, and were able to easily influence what Arvo always called Susi's slowness, but Tapani thought that perhaps Susi was smarter than he appeared.



But before the issue with Susi could be resolved Tapani thought he should increase the Centralization effort that Arvo started by building a market village outside the hillfort. Well walking in the woods, one day Tapani seeing a herd of dear in the distance suddenly felt the urge to be a hunter grow in him.




however eventually the problem with Susi could not be ignored any longer, Tapani had offered him Vassalization after all and Susi just replied with him publicly killing a bear. This could go on no longer Susi although not following Ukko himself came from a family that did, and killing the bear brought shame onto the Mäkelä family. Tapani had to regretfully declare war.



Susi having been greatly outnumbered took his warriors and ran to the Mountains, however while sieging down Susi's land a frantic messenger brought word to Tapani that King Eirikr had declared war, saying that now that both there fathers were dead the previous arrangement of peace no longer held.



With this news Tapani quickly takes the majority of his forces back to Västergötland and rallies the local populace, and his brothers to rise up and defend there home. Thankfully due to the recent wars the Norse Army is half of what it could of been which allows for Tapani's warriors to not be overwhelmed however they are still outnumbered. During the Battle Tapani, leading the middle meets Eirikr on the battle who charges at Tapani but upon noticing Tapani preparing to fight him backs off.




The battle is hard fought with many dyeing on both sides, unfortunately as soon as Valto who is leading the left flank makes gains Hintsa on the Right flank is forced to retreat. Meanwhile in the center Tapani charges forward on his horse which soon gets shot by a arrow, causing panic in the ranks, thankfully the horse didn't crush the High Chief who manages to get back up and continue the fight. Moments later Tapani is almost cut down by a man who pretended to yield. However despite almost all of Tapani's Warriors perishing, the Norse break rank and retreat.




Finally on the 19 of October news arrive that the army left in Värmland has captured the land however Susi escaped them and managed to flee to the West.



The besieging army quickly joins up with the main force still recovering from the battle just in time, for the Norse army although much smaller than before arrives for round two. Once again the two sides clash with brutal ferocity, and Tapani is again stuck fighting for his life, and land. Soon after the battle starts a Norse berserker approaches Tapani, who lucky finds a opening and quickly takes it.



As the battle comes to a close Tapani strikes down a Norse Warrior who manages to strike doubt into Tapani's mind despite laying on the ground almost dead.



As the battle ends with this time the Västergötland forces retreating, Tapani and Eirikr meet to discuss peace. Eventually after much argument the treaty is signed, stating that although technically it will be a white peace with no land or gold lost on either side, Tapani must give Eirikr his first son once he is born until the age of 16.



When Tapani returns home he quickly marries his betrothed wife Mesi a daughter of a Finnish chief who is widely considered a genius. During the ceremony Tapani's mother presents him with a hunting dog that he names Faithful, in hopes that perhaps it will help keep his mind off of what that one Warrior said.

 

[Me0334]

Raiders!

A few years have passed now since the war against King Eirikr, and Tapani has spent the majority of this time hunting with Faithful, who has grown up healthy and strong. However so far he has not been able to have a child and is starting to worry, his wife insists it simply is because he spends all his time recently hunting.

One particular trip Tapani and his hunters spot a magnificent white reindeer, before any of the hunters can take a shot Tapani orders them to stand down for the deer is likely sacred. It would appear as though Tapani was right as just 3 months later his wife gives birth to a young girl named in honor of his wife Mesi.



After a few years of continued peace Tapani calls for a celebration, inviting his family and a few Norse jarls from around the land to come and eat Mustamakkara which the Norse quite quickly turn down. During this meeting they discuss increasing centralization in hopes to better collect tribute.



A little while after the meeting Tapani thanks Ukko for delivering him yet another child this one being named Tuuli. During this great time of peace Tapani decides that he should expand on the hill fort that has been his home almost his whole life by building a Practice range so that he, his hunters, and his archers could all have some friendly target practice.

Unfortunately the peace was shattered on the 9th of December 894. Not by war though but by raiders, they had come from Ostland to the west, 2000 of them so quickly that Tapani could not even raise his forces, and was therefore forced to holdout in his fort, sending his family into hiding just in case. However there was nothing Tapani could of done to prevent the 2000 plus raiders from breaking into the Earthen Hillfort, and takeing him and Tuuli prisoner.



As they were being marched back to Ostland to await there faith Tapani came across Faithful who a guard said was killed trying to protect Tulli, a sudden anger filled Tapani but he luckily was able to control it or else he would of likely been struck down on the spot. When they finally got to were they were going to store Tapani he received news that his wife escaped and had given birth to another daughter she named Aamu, however he also was told that the whole country side was being ravaged for loot everything from the hillfort to the temple. Quite depressed and bored Tapani took up reading anything he could find, which although not much gave him quite a bit of knowledge on the Norse Runic Alphabet. Eventually a guard came to get him and gave him and Tulli a horse saying that after the raiders moved on his family paid for there return.





When he finally got back his wife was standing there with a young boy in her hands telling him to meet Henri his firstborn son. With a sudden realization that his wife likely was unfaithful for how else could it of happened with him in prison, he surprisingly felt relieved. For the son that was sent to Eirikr wouldn't truly be of his blood.

 

[Me0334]

Plotting, Seduction

Not even a year later however, Henri died.

But Strangely enough another son named Taisto was born a few months later, perhaps this was a blessing that the Gods gave him a son of his own blood to be his heir. However there still was the issue with Eirikr who would likely not care that Tapani's first born died so young. Later that day Valto approached Tapani asking to be allowed to duel a courtier that he rather despised, permission was granted and luckily neither was seriously injured.

When Hintsa approached Tapani to ask him more gold, Tapani quickly refused which Hintsa quickly threatened to kill Taisto in his sleep. Worried for his son's safety Tapani quickly started forming a plan. Luckily it would appear that Hintsa made some enemies among them his wife who was also his spymaster, and Valto.




Although Tapani would go to his grave not knowing, if Hintsa had poisoned Taisto or not. He would not back down from the plot once Taisto died after being ill for a few days.

Once Tapani told his follower conspirators that he was sure about the plan Taimi made a suggestion about her planting a poisonous snake when she went to her bedchamber but sneaking out before anyone saw her.




The Plan went perfectly with the snake causing so much panic no one had time to look for who was responsible.



One late evening Tapani suddenly felt fear, perhaps he made a mistake perhaps it wasn't Hintsa that killed Taisto, perhaps that one Norse warrior was right. What if it was his ancestors doing, had he really been forsaken by them? His line would die out after him, if he didn't have a son. Quickly Tapani found three young Finnish lady's from around the lands to be his concubines in a desperate attempt to have a son.



As time went on and he continued to have no luck with his concubines and his wife was quite upset over the fact that she had to share him now, he became even more desperate, for he would soon be 50 years of age. One day when he was out ordering people to upgrade the Training Ground, he meet a rather young lass and managed to seduce her on the spot. This gave him an idea perhaps he could improve his chances even more if he started going behind his family's back to have children.

Although quite controversial, Tapani thought he should go after his own sister Venla who was quite lustful as the two of them had shared a special bond when they lived in the same court, and now she was quite nearby serving as the priestess of the temple of Läckö just a few days journey out of the HillFort. When Tapani arrived he quickly meet Venla during a event and tried to seduce her, she quickly fell for him likely due there past and they snuck off.



Unfortunately however Tapani's own Daughter Mesi found out about the affair and demanded gold to keep quite.



Not being discouraged Tapani tried to seduce Björg next a daughter of king Eirikr. If this went badly Tapani was sure that Eirikr wouldn't waste time in declaring war. On his way to Eirikr's court he received the startling news that his wife was once again pregnant, although momentarily shaken he continued on his path. Once he arrived to Eirikr's court he was let in saying that he came to discuss the Guardianship arraignment, however once night fell he went to the kitchen and waited there for Björg to come down. Once he did was no more work then with Venla the too quickly went to Björg chambers were they made love.



When Tapani returned he was quickly reassured that he was doing the right thing for his wife had given birth to another daughter called Irene, he called upon his chiefs to gather and they decided that the tribe needed to have a medium amount of Organization.

Once again Tapani felt the need to seduce someone this time he decided to go after Martyna who lived in the Slavic lands to the south. On his way down he received word that Venla had given birth to a daughter named Kukka but her husband thought it was his. Once Tapani arrived he quickly seduced Martyna like the others.



When he got back to Västergötland, the problems began. First of there was the fact that Björg gave birth to a daughter named Gyla who looked quite similar to Tapani, who acknowledge that he was the father in hopes that perhaps honesty would hold back Eirikr's anger. Then Martyna husband sent word that he knew the child in his wife's stomach wasn't his.




After hearing of these incidents Tapani's wife Mesi got quite upset and demanded separate bedchambers. Tapani although knowing it hurt his reputation of being kind, wasn't bothered for shortly after Björg sent a letter asking to spend some time with him in the countryside. Once he arrived back he meet a rather attractive, and smart maid named Auni, who he secretly bedded and used her to spy on his wife. Finally On January 19, 905 a son named Otso was born, to him and Martyna, he quickly legitimized him and was quite happy that his plan had worked.




Although he had what he wanted, he could not easily break up with those he fell in love with. Which resulted in him having two more bastard children, a daughter named Pyra with Björg and a son named Onni with the maid Auni. There was another child with Venla as well but fortunately her idiot of a husband though it was his once again.



Finally after months of hatred between him and Mesi he decided to dispose of her. The plan to do this was simple and only required one attempt.



Now without having to worry about his wife Tapani went after his other sister Aino who had recently lost her husband. To the shock of Tapani she had actually refused him when he asked her when they were walking alone. Never the less Tapani didn't give up and the two of them entered into a state of sending back and forth: Gifts, letters, and rumors. Finally Tapani gave up on the chase.




However he didn't give up the chase because he was beaten but because he meet Beata a Norse War maiden, the two feel in love quite quickly and decided to marry. As Tapani's life began to calm down his Seer reported that the people of Viken, had finally started worshiping the great bear.




A sad day on November 27 908, when Staurakios passed away at the age of 58, although since Arvo's passing he had largely served as just a advisor he had been there for Tapani for almost his whole life.



With Tapani having now seen 49 summers, and having such a large family he decided it would be best if he tried to make sure they got along after he passed on, this included mending his relationship with Susi, who had become a count in the mountains to the East. Also with a saddened heart Tapani swore fealty to Eirikr. For the small tribal lands that his family owned would almost certainly be swallowed by one of the great Norse Kingdoms, if he were to go before his son was of age.

 

[blklizard]

Wow, you update rather quickly as I struggle to keep up. Tapani's rule has been very interesting. War in his early reign while he enjoyed plotting and seduction in the next part. Bowing down to Eirikr will be tough for the proud Tapani but his descendants will rise one day to crush all those that belittled them.

 

[Me0334]

Life Under a King

Before Eirikr even lets Tapani leave for home he asks for help in passing his idea for absolute organization amongst the Tribal Kingdom, and although Tapani has bowed down to Eirikr, he won't let himself be shoved around just so easily and quickly leaves for home, unfortunately being forced to leave Otso behind as part of the previous peace agreement. Once Tapani arrived home he received word that Eirikr had indeed managed to find enough support to pass the law, which was even extended to Tapani who had just joined the kingdom under completely different rules.

Now with most of his privileges of being a High Chief being monitored by the Norse, Tapani was finally able to turn his complete focus to making sure his family got along. Before he dealt with his children however he left to go see Susi who had made himself a home in Naumadal. Although they had a rough past and Tapani still thought that Susi was quite an idiot, they managed to get along promising to help each other's branches of the family out if possible. Well in Naumadel word came that Tapani, and Susis mother had passed away at the age of 65. The two soon travelled to Västergötland to prepare the ceremony that she deserved.




Some time after Susi left, Tapani started receiving Norse refugees from Jorvik. These refugees claimed that the king of Wessex had managed to push out the majority of the Norse with the help of the Scottish and the Irish. Reluctantly Tapani accepted for fear that if he turned away the Norse his King would show up with a rather large army.



As his age advanced Tapani found it harder and harder to hold his weapon for long periods of time. One day he suddenly remembered all the lovers he had in his past, for after meeting Beata he had largely been faithful. To try and put things right Tapani started breaking up with his lovers, and releasing his concubines, for Beata was truly the only one he needed.

Next up was helping his children get along, for there was often arguments amongst them, for some followed Odin, while the majority still followed Ukko. Although hard and almost impossible in some cases, Tapani was able to help them work together at least for now, by pointing out the treat that the ones called Catholics had on there way of life. Already many Catholics were taking up homes just South of Tapni's land but fortunately none that he knew off had entered Eirikr's kingdom.

Having been able to acquire a fair bit of prestige in his time, Tapani was able to convince some people to help him improve the Training grounds in Västergötland. Although peace was nice and all Tapani missed the smell of fresh blood, and was urging to get into a fight, finally he had a chance against the Jarl of Austergautland. Although unsure how his Norse king would react Tapani declared war for the lands held by the Jarl.



The war was quite disappointing, for the Jarl could only muster half of the forces that Tapani had and was over relatively quickly. Although it did double the original amount of land held by Tapani.




A few years later urgent panic erupted throughout the land, when word came that the so called pope, had declared a new era of religious wars called the crusades. Along with this news word arrived that four separate orders had formed: The Teutonic Order, The Knights of Saint John, as well as the Knights if Santiago and Calatrava. Each one proclaiming to protect the Christian world, the Pagan world feared they were actually meant to aggressively expand the dead gods influence.




Eirikr had finally passed away, and his place was Porgil. Tapani thinking that perhaps this new king would be more reasonable demanded that he give up his absolute powers over the tribe, Porgil quickly refused, brining the two of them to war.




Although slightly outnumbering Porgil, Tapani had to be careful for any Jarls that rose to support him could tip the balance against him. During one of the more early battles Tapani suddenly realized what that Warrior so long ago meant, and he realised that in order for his ancestors not to forsake him he could never surrender, not his faith, not his culture, and not in battle.



While the rebellion against Porgil raged on Tapani found time to spend with his wife Beata, who would later give birth to a daughter name Kielo. While Tapani was in Västergötland he was able to strengthen there old Earthen Hillfort, up to a Reinforced Hillfort. During his brief visit his sister Venla was also able to raise 500 religious warriors that were eager to help in the rebellion.



During one particular siege Tapani's men were able to find Gurli, Porgil's wife who was quickly taken prisoner despite some of the men wanting there way with her. Apparently she wasn't the first prisoner that had to deal with Tapani's warriors. For one such prisoner bravely complained to Tapani that some of his men were parading around her Husband's head who had died just trying to defend his home. After verifying these claims Tapani disgusted with the way his men behaved, punished them by sending them first into the Inner Walls of Upplands Hillfort.



After a few more years, of fighting and sieges Tapani heard the horrible news that Mesi his first born had died in child birth. Although he had lost two of his sons long ago they were barely able to walk. Mesi however was someone that he had grown attached to, lately with the war he had hardly been able to see his family, since the later the war went on the farther the fighting was from his home, this meant that Kielo would likely not even recognize him as her father. With this in mind Tapani wondered if the war was truly worth it, after all it had been raging for four years now.



Fortunately Porgil surrendered soon after.

 

[blklizard]

Good job exploiting the weakness of the new ruler. Tapani is definitely acting like an old man. Seems like there isn't many years left for him. The future is still unclear for his descendents though.

 

[Nikolai]

Nice AAR you´ve got going here.

 

[Me0334]

The First Crusade

The year was 921, and with little left for Tapani to do, and much more freedom to do as he wanted, Tapani started trying ways to improve his Hillfort once again. After seeing how easily it was to burn down his enemies Hillforts during the rebellion, Tapani though of replacing as much wood as possible with stone. Months later the Hillfort was almost completed, when one of the workers pointed out a comet in the sky, causing panic and fear to settle in, for there country as a whole was weakened after the rebellion, and rumors were that the Catholic world was in chaos.



A year later the Stone Fort is completed, and Tapani begins the next step of his renovations in upgrading his War camp. When finally some raiders sent off to the Northern shores of France, return with news about the chaos happening in the Catholic realms. Apparently the Pope had called for a crusade for a land called Aquitaine.



Although relief washed over the realm Tapani was quite curious, for he had heard that this Aquitaine was a Catholic land. After asking around he found out that King Robert, the King of France and Aquitaine, had converted to Sunni, after showing a deep sympathy for them, and that many of his vassals followed suit.



Although promising himself to keep up to date on these matters, Tapani went back to concentrating on his personal issues. This included mending relations with Venla. For although the two were siblings and had once been lovers, Tapani largely abandoned her once he meet Beata, however it would appear as though she had forgiven him. As she played a rather large part in the Rebellion being able to raise 500 warriors to aid Tapani, and therefore Tapani had to make things right with her.



Venla's husband, however thought that she was going to spend some special time with Tapani, and had laid a trap for her when she got home, ending up in her death. When Venla's body was brought before Tapani, he immediately rounded up a small group of warriors and demanded that Hoimulembsurrender, although he tried to escape he was quickly caught, and thrown in the dungeon to rot for the rest of his life.



With the saddening thought that Tappani was the only one of Arvo's children left, he continued to upgrade his land, this time building up the forts, training grounds. During this task another group of Raiders, had returned from France, with word that the crusade for Aquitaine had been stopped short, as King Robert had been assassinated by one of his remaining catholic dukes. With this Assassination the throne passed to a Catholic King causing the pope to call of the crusade. With this news, they warned that a large force of Warriors from the Holy Roman Empire originally meant for France were heading North to help the Duke of Sjaelland, in his conversion of the Jarl of Jylland.




By now Tapani had great trouble hearing and seeing, however he proclaimed that the weapon smith and the Market Village, were both to be upgraded as soon as possible. On July 17, 935 Onni died to Pneumonia, now with his only non-Norse son passing away, Tapani entered a deep state of depression, and stress wondering if he had failed after all, for now his lands would be taken wholly by Otso, he could only hope that Otso hadn't been completely converted.

Almost a year later however Tapani died at the ancient age of 76. May Jarl Otso be kind to the Finnish clansmen left behind.

 

[Me0334]

World Update 2

So I know I said I wouldn't be doing world updates for each character, enough changed in Tapani's rule for me to think it needed one. (He Lived A lot longer then I thought he would) So Hope you all have enjoyed it so far, really glad to see any and all replies to the AAR, even if I don't personally respond back.

I would like to say that there won't be any more posts (most likely) until Wednesday next Week (Jan, 28th) for I will be quite busy IRL.

Anyway on to the World update.

Political Map:

• The HRE has formed and is taking parts of Southern Italy
• Since the last time, we've seen this map, the Karlings have been overthrown or elected off the thrown of France, and the HRE
• The Kingdom of Burgundy is shattered, not being in France, the HRE or there own Kingdom, however there is a Habsburg living there so who knows what might happen.
• The Petty king of Wessex has managed to along with the help of the Scottish throw the Norse back into the sea and form the Kingdom of England.
• The Remaining Norse in England are just that brown spot on the East coast of the Island.
• Rus, the Byzantine, and the Abbasids have all continued to expand.
• Asturias has given birth to Castile, and Portugal, which have continued the Reconquista.
• Barcelona has become the Kingdom of Aragon being able to take back the Duchy of Aragon from the French.

Spoiler

Culture Map:

• The Visigoths are begging to break down into there respective cultures.
• The British Isles although being able to throw the Norse off still have a strong Norse cultural presence.

Spoiler

Religion Map:

• Norse now is only on the Norse held counties in the British Isles.
• Denmark has begun the Conversion in the North.
• Rus is begging to spread Orthodox in the Slavic, and Finnish lands.
• The Byzantines are converting more and more of North Africa to Orthodox.

Spoiler

Also if any one has any idea how the whole Sunni France happened please let me know. As I was quite surprised to see that. Only thing I noticed before the Crusade was called was that Robert had sympathy for Muslims.

 

[Me0334]

Meaningless Wars

Finally Otso was able to come home, although the realm he ruled was still whole sadly due to Onni passing away. It was divided culturally and religiously. Many of the tribes Chiefs followed the Great Bear, and spoke Finnish while a large amount of clansmen followed Odin and wrote with runes, and now they all had to follow a ethnic Finn that acted like a Norse.


Unfortunately due to a bug with conversion the dynasty's shield will continue to automatically change

Realizing how things could go wrong so quickly Otso quickly promised that there would be no prosecution of the Finnish portion of the tribe. First thing Otso realized would be the need to secure allies, to do this he quickly married Ingibjörg Yngling, daughter of the King of Norge, and quite attractive. Next Otso proceeded to marry of his sisters to other lords from around the lands. With Otso feeling relatively secure he took up a life of business. During which he bought new heavy weapons for his warriors.



On the 6th of November 916, news arrived from Iceland that a new landmass had been spotted by Gunnbjorn Ulfsson.



To celebrate this discovery Otso declared a Great Blot, the Blot went without issue however sadly there wasn't many prisoners in the dungeons except for one forgotten woman from Tapani's time.



Unfortunately soon after the celebration Otso was called overseas, to help lead a war for Pruthenia. By the time Otso arrived they were already badly loosening having not won one significant battle, and only having 750 Warriors left. Being stuck there Otso tried to make the best of it by using it to help him train his swordsmanship which had been lacking while he was in the King's court.



During the final battle before the Norse were forced out of Pruthenia, Otso showed his true potential as a great military leader, leading a small group of Västergötlands Warriors straight into the overwhelming enemy's ranks. Seeing Otso's apparent suicidal charge, inspired the rest of the Norse warriors enough to be able to hold out long enough for peace to settle between the two tribes.



However Otso was not the same man he once was. For his anger continued to grow against the King who so willing sent hundreds of lives to Valhalla much earlier then they were meant too. Finally when his spymaster informed him that King Porgil was planning on revoking the Jarldom of Gotland, Otso snapped. He quickly demanded that the Organization of the tribe be lowered, remembering his Fathers successful rebellion Otso figured it should be easy enough, especially with the losses Porgil recently suffered in Pruthenia. However Porgil just laughed in Otso's face saying that he is nothing like his father.



The early battles of the war went rather smoothly, with his force of 1800 being able to easily defeat Porgil's main force of 700, while Otso's chiefs took care of any possible reinforcements.




Although the Porgil's main force had been defeated Otso still had a few battles to fight were he was able to show off his knowledge of Winter Warfare, and Flat Terrain tactics. Desperate Porgil managed to raise a small group of Warriors to help him defend Uppland. The resulting battle was a slaughter with many of the old, and untested perishing at Otso' blade alone.



While sieging down Uppland Otso learnt of his wife giving birth to there son Ofeig and daughter Pordis.

After months of sieging across Porgil's land the war seemed over. However before Otso could demand Porgil's surrender a large host of 2400 arrived from the North catching Otso's force of 1200 in the mountains. It would seem that only 500 of these Warriors were Porgil's own however, and that he was able to raise the Tribes, after a Russian incursion into the Northern part of the realm, causing many of the other Jarls to join Porgil in hopes of restoring the realm and putting a stop to the Russians.



Now on the defensive Otso began to retreat to Västergötland in hopes of replenishing his ranks. However it was too late for before his reinforcements could regroup with the remaining 338, Porgil's army came down slaughtering the remaining forces, Otso not willing to give up charged in and killed as many as he could but in the end he was knocked unconscious and forgotten in the mud. Once he woke up he asked for a white peace which was granted but only because the Russians were continuing to push South.

 

[Me0334]

Norse Traders

Almost as soon as the peace is signed Otso is forced to go up North and fight the Russians. Otso himself not wanting the realm to fall to the Russians reluctantly agrees. However soon Otso hears disturbing news that there are plotters trying to have him killed, thinking it likely to be Porgil, Otso dismisses these rumours on the basis that Porgil needs him to help lead the war effort. Months past but finally it seems as if the Russians are about to retreat, to be sure of this Otso and his fellow commanders engage the Russians one last time, ending the war.



With the war done Otso returns home, however his personal levis are still deeply diminished, causing Otso to turn to trying to improve the Economy of the Tribe. Well doing this Otso's Steward Onni approaches with an idea.



Otso quickly agrees and the two begin to make plans, starting with the purchasing of a Long ship large enough to be able to carry all merchandise. As word spreads more and more people show interest in joining the expedition, including a group of Godi's who Otso allows to come along



Finally the preparations are ready and Otso, the crew, and the passengers leave for a place the Catholics call the Mediterranean. Every one appeared quite excited about the trip for they although most having Finnish backgrounds could now call themselves proper Vikings. Finally they arrive somewhere in what the locals call the Levant, and come in contact with Theodosios, who calls himself the Patriarch of the East. In order to show there good intentions Otso offers a dozen of his Warriors to serve Theodosios for he had heard of many going to serve in the Varangian Guard. Theodosios happily accepted the gift and agreed to start talks of trade. Luckily Otso caught the Godis in time before they started preaching the word of Odin, realizing that this Theodosios was some respected religious figure.



Finally they agree on the terms of the Trade route, and Otso and his crew return home. Once they arrive back however Onni asks to be rewarded for his contribution. Feeling quite happy with the way things turned out Otso granted Onni 7 gold pieces, which he seemed quite grateful for. With the large increase of funds Otso finished upgrading the Town Market which now resembled a small market city.



Another son is born to Otso which he names Skuli.

After hearing strange noises in the night Otso begins to worry that perhaps the threats of people plotting for his death were true after all, causing great stress to himself. On the 27th of May 945, news arrives from one of the trade vessels, that a new religious movement is surfacing in the Muslim world.



On October 16, 945, Otso holds a great feast to celebrate the harvest inviting all that will come. Sitting beside his friends, and family at the High table Otso ask for more wine, which the page happily agrees to bring. After making a toast about how different faiths and cultures can work together, Otso suddenly freezes standing up and then drops dead.



With Otso dyeing way before expected only at the age of 40, and both of his sons still children. Chaos ensures, letting the poisoner get away scot free. Eventually the succession is handled, and Otso the Second ascends to the throne, with Otso I children get a county each. Otso II although not even a sibling of Otso I is the grandson of Venla, Tapani's sister.