Kings of the North - an AH Finnish Mega Campaign

[swippy]

Excellent now take Finland!

That was my plan

Actually, you get no tech penalties for being Orthodox, you can still be latin tech with Orthodoxy as religion. But yes, Catholicism (and reformed/protestants) tend to have better bonuses in EU3.

Yes...I will pick the religion that seems the most logical. I was thinking to make some Mordvin King orthodox at some point and then see how fast it will spread; if it spreads to border my provinces I will probably convert to Orthodoxy

If I somehow manage to meddle with affairs in Scandinavia/Eastern Europe I might convert to catholicism

If you have the energy so far are you going to take this as far as hearts of iron II?

Yes that's what mega campaigns are all about! (Even though I dont know a single one that has managed to get to HoI2 era...anyone can name some?)

That's is an really interesting point of view... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

It's the truth!

You should bring all the pagans under your rule.

King of all the Pagans sounds like a nice title!

Update coming tomorrow, I was rather busy today

Also please comment the style of the AAR, I havent still yet fully decided what style I should use

Historybook style are best for Mega Campaigns but with CK it's just so great to make stories and such with the character system

 

[swippy]

The Reign of Väinö I (1066-)
Part Three (1068-1070) - Foreign invaders

Väinö began his attack of the Tribe of Finland and was expecting a quick victory; after this conquest the Tavastians would be the most powerful Finnish tribe. Voitto called on his allies the Pommeranians who lived in a far away place to the south, behind the Sea.

However, the warriors led by Voitto were also not to be taken lightly; the ensuing battle was a loss to the Tavastian warriors.

The battle and following rout of Tavastians who started to pillage the countryside caused severe damage to the realm.

The Chief of Finland and selfproclaimed King of Finland, Voitto, of course after his victory continued to taunt the Tavastians and arranged a new tournament in where to hold his cocky speeches.

Voitto didn't pursue the Tavastian troops and instead his overconfidence allowed the Tavastians to recover and Väinö arranged a new bigger force to attack the Finns.

Over one thousand fierce Tavastians attacked less than 500 Finns and Voitto was to experience a major defeat.

This time it was Väinö's turn to taunt his opponent when Voitto begged for peace offering all of his tribe's gold for peace. Väinö wasn't interested and exiled the man out of his lands.

More good news arrived after the victory when Väinö learnt that he had a second son; Ihanti.

Väinö also decided of the future of his first son, Olavi. He was to be raised by Väinö himself.

The best warriors of the Tavastians were also given more power as thanks for their efforts in the war.

Some strange news arrived to Väinö when he heard that a group of Vikings was sailing towards Finland. They were expected to be hostile.

The control over the Tribe of Finland was now completely in Tavastian hands and Väinö became the Chief of Finland.

The Pommeranians, allied to the Finns, however continued the war. News arrived that a group of them arrived in the shores of Finland.

Väinö was about to go engage them, when he heard that a portion of his warriors had deserted. It was suspected to be of enemy's doing.

Back in home Rauha, wife of Väinö, was raising their son Olavi. He had developed quite energetic personality, fighting with other children.

Unknowst to Rauha, Väinö had an encounter with another woman, who lurked around the war camp. A bastard son named Valta was the result of this affair.

The Pommeranians were sighted and Väinö began marching towards them.

They were found out to be a fairly large group but Väinö easily crushed them.

However, more invaders were sighted when the Vikings arrived.

Vikings landing ashore.

As Väinö was preparing to meet the Vikings in battle, he received news from his wife; she had a daughter named Veera. The news worried Väinö as he hadnt seen his wife for ages...was it really his daughter?

The Pommeranians announced their intentions for a white peace. Väinö accepted the offer.

The Vikings had made their way far inland. That was a bad mistake; the Vikings were mighty warriors but no match for the Tavastians in forest warfare.

The Viking chief accepted peace after their disastrous invasion.

More news arrived to Väinö; Rauha was pregnant again. This was beginning to be very suspicious. Therefore Väinö embarked back home to talk with his wife.

He also gave more lands to his trusted warriors.

Väinö talked with his wife and somehow Rauha managed to explain things to Väinö. But Väinö was now more concetrated on news from the Pommeranians: they dared to ask for alliance even though they invaded Finland just months ago!

Even though it was obvious Rauha had been involved in adultery, Väinö forgived her. The reason for this was that Väinö himself also hadnt been completely loyal to his wife; he was now deciding of the future of his bastard son. It was decided that he also was to be raised by Väinö himself.

Väinö and Rauha also had a new daughter; Metta. It was not known if she was Väinö's real daughter. Väinö however treated her as one.

 

[comagoosie]

whoa, you are getting quite the big family going, full of illegitimates

I like it!

It seems that people like to invade finland, good job at holding them off.

 

[swippy]

The Reign of Väinö I (1066-)
Part Four (1070-1071) - Trouble in the Realm

Väinö continued his wars against other Finnish tribes; he had rather free hands as other tribes were too weak to resist. They just hoped that they wouldnt be the next target. However Votes were to be the unlucky ones.

In the ensuing battle, Väinö's trusted tribal chancellor Uoti was injured. He couldnt continue his duties due to the injuries and he was replaced by a promising young Tavastian woman Sati.

One Finnish tribe decided to act against the Tavastian aggression; the Estonians. They invaded the province of Finland.

The Estonians were causing several damage to the countryside and Väinö decided to quickly finish off the Votes and then go after the Estonians. He prepared to assault the village fortress of the Votes.

The assault was a success and the chief of the Votes agreed to give up his title of Chief of the Votes to Väinö. Then it was time to attack the Estonians.

Back in home Rauha was raising her daughter Veera; she had problems in learning to talk.

The Estonians managed to capture the best warrior of Väinö and second in command Jalo. Väinö decided to pay the ransom in order to save the life of his friend.

It was to have huge impact on the Väinö's lands; almost all gold had been wasted on the wars of Väinö.

The common folk was starving and the Estonians continued to raid the countryside.

It sure was dark times for the Tavastians.

 

[swippy]

whoa, you are getting quite the big family going, full of illegitimates

I like it!

It seems that people like to invade finland, good job at holding them off.

Yeah, its funny how rulers keep getting children even if theyre leading an army

Yes, I was quite surprised when suddenly the republic of Iceland declared war on me! And I had only taken one province so far so it couldnt be the BB yet...

I better be careful in future...(or not )

An update of the situation in Europe coming in the year 1075!

The game is progressing very slowly because I'm reporting every single event, maybe I should just skip some of them?

 

[Enewald]

The wenchies are what make this game playable...

Really.

Uraliiiiiin! Ja taakse sen.

And Väinö needs a new wife. The old is sleeping around with too many males. :rofl:

 

[CountArach]

Hmmm, things don't look too good in the near future. Oh well, I'm sure Finland will push through!

 

[unmerged(83622)]

And the invading forces are crushed like waves against the rocks... Yes, if it continues like this, there will indeed be a Finnish powerhouse in the North.

But really, the CoA of Finland in DV looks horrible -- why's the lion olive-brown?

 

[Enewald]

But really, the CoA of Finland in DV looks horrible -- why's the lion olive-brown?

Because it is a jalopeura.

 

[unmerged(83622)]

Because it is a jalopeura.

Which is what?

 

[unmerged(104889)]

Because it is a jalopeura.

Hahahha

 

[swippy]

perhaps I should change the CoA of Finland to the modern blue-white cross? even though it was invented in the 19th century

besides most of the Finnish CoAs in the game are actually Swedish era CoA's of the provinces in question

 

[comagoosie]

ugh, it seems that war has its toll, I am glad that there aren't those events in EU3.

 

[Capibara]

And so the Finnish expansion continues. As for the style, I like the history book format

 

[swippy]

The Reign of Väinö I (1066-)
Part Five (1071-1075) - Estonian Wars

Väinö headed to meet the Estonians, and battle was joined.

And the Estonians were defeated.

Väinö decided to invade the Estonian lands, so he prepared a small fleet to travel to the Estonian heartland.

He laid siege, but soon realized that Estonians were closing in from everywhere.

Because the Estonians had destroyed the Finnish countryside, Väinö decided to do the same to them. Väinö started to develop fascination for cruelty and utter destruction.

He decided that swift action had to be taken, so he prepared to assault the Estonian fortress before their main army would arrive. However, the assault was utter disaster and Väinö was severely wounded and unable to lead his warriors. Soon the Estonian army arrived and the Tavastian troops were completely destroyed. Luckily Väinö managed to escape with a small ferry, by which he sailed across the Gulf of Finland.

When Väinö arrived back home, he decided to start gathering a new army to invade the Estonians. He also made some important decisions concerning his family. His children were all to be raised by their parents, because Väinö didnt trust anyone else to raise his children.

Väinö's second son Ihanti was developing quite mischievous personality; he kept stealing the toys of other children and started to lie to his parents.

Väinö's second daughter Metta was wondering one of the big questions of life.

Väinö's bastard son Valta had difficulties to learn to talk, like his sister Veera. Väinö decided to teach him to talk with physical force. Valta ever since felt strong grudge towards his father.

Väinö's oldest son Olavi was his pride; he was old enough to receive training in arms. He was to become a great warrior just like his father.

During practise, Olavi continued to have small fights with other children.

Väinö also decided of the new advisors to him; notably the old tribal steward was replaced by more competent one. Rauha also lost her place as the tribal spymaster, some say because of her involvement in adultery.

Väinö's return to home had also improved the state of his lands.

His recovering of the wounds gained at Estland was very quick; he was already ready to continue the war.

First he however had to say farewell to his wife.

So he gathered one thousand warriors and sailed towards Estland once again. This time he wouldnt be defeated so easily, he thought.

And he was right; he won an astounding victory. Over three hundred Estonian warriors were lying dead on the battlefield.

The chief of the Estonians, Allikas, immediately after the battle agreed to peace and offered the two Estonian chiefdoms to Väinö.

The fourth son of Väinö, Saku was born.

Väinö returned home to govern the Tavastian lands. He met with the pagan shamans of the village, and they demanded tributes to the gods. Väinö agreed, since the gods had been so favourable to Tavastians during the war.

However this was to have some impact on the financial state of the realm.

Väinö solved the financial problem by encouraging trade and collecting more taxes from the peasants.

It seemed all problems had been solved, but then frightening rumours arrived; the Vikings were returning.

Hearing that Vikings were heading for Finland, Mielus the Chief of Ingrians decided it was good time to taunt the Tavastians. He declared his direct opposition to Väinö.

 

[Enewald]

Those attackers must be punished.

Remember that the attack is the best defence or something.

And where do the finnish shamans need gold, haha? :rofl:

To buy their own hiidenkirnus?

 

[unmerged(83622)]

First he however had to say farewell to his wife.

Regarding the Finnish CoA, I've got one in my game where the lion is more yellowish, and the colours clearer. I can upload it if you feel like you could use it.

 

[swippy]

Regarding the Finnish CoA, I've got one in my game where the lion is more yellowish, and the colours clearer. I can upload it if you feel like you could use it.

sure I could use it, you can upload it here

 

[Capibara]

You should conquer Iceland, that way you can colonize easier in the EU3 period

 

[swippy]

Europe in 1075

British Isles

teal: independent Scottish duchies
pink: rebellious and independent English vassals
dark green: Welsh counties and duchies

Kingdom of England
After the Norman Invasion, the Kingdom of England became a major power in Western Europe. The reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1073) saw English domination of the region, with small scale expansion to Wales and Scotland. However when William died in 1073, he was succeeded by his eldest son Robert Curthose, who was known to be a vile and ruthless ruler. Robert's reign was to be short, lasting only an year when he died of an unknown sickness in the Christmas eve of 1073. He was succeeded by his son Wymund who was only two years old, and thus a regency was established to govern the Kingdom. However many vassals including the Dukes of York, Oxford, Normandy, March and Lancaster who were not content to the rule of Robert Curthose and the Regency rebelled in 1074 thus starting the Dukes' Revolt (1074-1076). The rebellion saw foreign interference from the Kingdoms of France and Germany, and France managed to annex parts of the Duchy of Normandy.

Kingdom of Scotland
In 1066 Scotland was fragmented; the King ruled only a third of the Kingdom and powerful duchies of Lothian and Western Isles the rest. King Malcolm III ( (105 struggled to unify the Kingdom but was unable to and lost several wars to England and the Dukes of Scotland. The Norwegian Duke of Western Isles, Godfried Crovan, was aiming to conquer parts of Ireland and in 1072 managed to annex the county of Tir Eoghain in the northern part of Ireland.

France

darker blue: the King's demesne

Kingdom of France
Philip I (1060-), of the House of Capet, struggled to keep his powerful vassals in control. Guillaume d'Aquitane, Duke of Aquitane managed to increase his power by obtaining the duchies of Gasque and Poitou into his control and was more powerful than the King himself. Other notable vassals included Robert de Bourgogne, Duke of Burgundy, Guillaume de Toulouse, Duke of Toulouise and Baudoin van Vlaanderen, Duke of Flanders. In 1074 when the Dukes' Revolt broke out in England, Philip was fearing that his own vassals would revolt aswell so he decided to increase his power by annexing part of the Duchy of Normandy, which rebelled from England.

Holy Roman Empire

darker olive yellow: the Emperor's demesne

Kingdom of Germany
Henry IV (1056-), Holy Roman Emperor, was the most powerful man of Christendom. His personal demesne consisted most of Franconia, parts of Swabia and large areas in Italy. His realm included several powerful vassals, including Ordulf Bildung, Duke of Saxony and Brunswick, Udo Staden, Margrave of Brandenburg, Ernest von Babenberg, Margrave of Austria, Heinrich Nordheim, Duke of Bavaria and Vratislav Premyslid, Duke of Bohemia. In 1070 Henry IV conquered the Wends of Northern Germany and established the new Margraviate of Brandenburg. Other notable events in Henry IV's reign were the Swabian Revolt of 1071, in which Rudolf I, Duke of Swabia was defeated and replaced by Frederick I, of the insignificant noble family of Hohenzollern. In 1074 Henry IV intervened in the Dukes' Revolt of England, planning to obtain more of the Netherlands to his Kingdom but was unsuccessfull.

Italy

Duchy of Apulia
The Norman Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia and Calabria, continued to increase the Norman influence in Southern Italy and Mediterranean. He managed to conquer Napoli from the Greek family of Spaterno and was planning to conquer Sicily from Muslim hands. He allied with the Republic of Genoa and attacked the Muslims, but wasnt able to conquer the island completely.

Spain

Kingdom of Castille-Léon
Sancho II of Castille (1065-), managed to obtain the Kingdom of Léon from his brother Alfonso when he defeated him in 1069. Sancho II was planning to have all the Christians of Spain under his control, and attacked the Duchy of Galicia in 1070, but the rocky terrain of Galicia prooved to be too difficult defense to penetrate and failed to conquer the duchy. Then he turned his attention to the Moors, and large scale wars started between the Christians and Moors in 1072 lasting many years.

The Moors
The Moors of Spain consisted of several small beydoms and sheikdoms but by co-operating they managed to conquer and destroy the Kingdom of Aragon in 1068, and Sancho I of Aragon was forced to go into exile. The Duchy of Barcelona managed to keep their independence however when suddenly the Moors were dragged into a large war with the Kingdom of Castille-Léon.

Eastern Europe

Kingdom of Poland
Boleslaw II (105, King of Poland, was struggling when the pagan Prussians, Pomeranians and Lithuanians allied and attacked the Kingdom in 1067. He led a successful defense and with Swedish help he managed to drive the pagans back. After the war, Boleslaw II focused on stabilizing the Kingdom which suffered greatly when the pagans raided the countryside.

Kingdom of Hungary
Solomon I of Hungary (1063-) reign was continuous warfare with the pagan Pechenegs to east. After initial success by the Pechenegs, the Hungarians managed to turn the tide and conquered part of the Pecheneg land in 1069, splitting the Pecheneg tribe into two. War started again in 1074, when the Pechenegs aimed to reconquer their land back.

Principality of Kiev
Izyaslav I, Prince of Kiev (1054-) was struggling with hostile neightbours; to north he faced with the Mordvins, to west with the pagan Baltic tribes and to east with the horrid Cumans. In 1071 the northern neightbour of Polotsk was overtaken by the Mordvins and the next year the Mordvins attacked Kiev.

Kingdom of Croatia
Petar Kresimir IV of Croatia (105 was facing with a problem; Croatia was entrenched between more powerful neightbours and had little chance to increase his power. Only possibility was attacking the Serbs to south-east.

Scandinavia

Kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark and Norway
The three Kingdoms of Scandinavia, Sweden, Denmark and Norway continued their peaceful coexistence between in the region. Olaf III of Norway (1066-), son of Harald Hardrada, continued his father's efforts in obtaining foothold in the British Isles. This was partly successfull when he managed to set up a Norwegian as the Duke of Western Islands. Meanwhile the Danish King Sweyn II (1047-) was planning to attack the pagan Pomeranians to his south, while his neightbour, Eric VII of Sweden (1066-) was entangled in wars with the pagans to his north, and was getting worried of the situation in Finland.

Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire
The old Byzantine Emperor, Contantine X (1059-1070) died in the summer of 1070 and was replaced by his son, Michael VII (1070-). The Byzantine Empire faced several wars against the Seljuk Turks beginning in 1071 and the eastern parts of the Empire were lost, when some of them were taken over by the Turks and some of them declared independence. However the Empire was still intact and strong, and the decay of the Fatimids to south eased the situation a bit.