Intro and short history overview
I would like to argue for the addition of new tag in the game – Mansura, based on the existing Tatar vassals of Lithuania – Mansura principality, Jagoldai and lesser ones (Kursk tumen, etc).
Mansura was a defacto vassal/autonomous principality within Lithuania, founded by the son of Mamai after Mamai’s defeat at battle of Kulikovo. The principality, founded in 1392, joined Lithuania as a vassal and was instrumental in its expansion to the South, with Tatars helping to take over the Steppe and helping to subjugate local nomads. They also were owners for jarligs for these lands, enabling Lithuania rights to the owning of Left Bank.
Jagoldai was a lesser Tatar principality, which was controlled by Tatars who defected from the Golden Horde. They were given land mainly around Belgorod, and settled there. The Tatars there, mixing with locals, contributed foundation for the local Cossack class, called Sevryuki.
The lesser subjects include some lesser local principalities of Ruthenians (Rylsk, etc) and smaller vassals like Jagoldai (in particular Kursk tumen).
They, however, ended up mixing with local cultures (Ryazanian in game) and adopted Orthodoxy, with principals adopted it after becoming vassals to Lithuania. Later, due to more extensive ties with Ruthenian and Muscovy Orthodox nobility and political class and seeing pro-polish Lithuanian orientation as a mistake, they revolted and joined Muscovy/Russia, sparkling another war between Great Duchy of Lithuania and Russia.
Glinskie family, however, kept mattering. They married to the Moscow royal family (Yelena Glinskaya married Vasily III) and gave birth to the Ivan the Terrible. They, however, fell out of grace and due to political fights, resulting in 1547 rebellion, they lost political power and soon the family withered without leaving heirs. Nonetheless, their influence in the political life of Eastern Europe was significant.
As for Jagoldai, rulers of it ended up with female heir marrying to the Russian nobles. They joined Russia and themselves didn’t matter so much as Glinskie. However, the Tatars of Jagoldai did matter, significantly contributing to the origin of Cossacks in Severia area, becoming later known as Sevryuki.
The lesser vassals either managed to become a part of Russia and were integrated there or were stripped of power and property and integrated in GDL.
Relevancy for the game, why they could be added
For Mansura flag I would argue for using Glinskie family CoA – or rather the central element of it, tamga, which was their seal during the Horde times and which migrated to the CoA later.
And the flag should be:
Government
The country was, overall, closer to other local principalities (like Odoyev) in forms of government.
Rulers
Ruling Dynasty was Glinskie. The legends say that the founder of it was Mamai, the prominent and legendary warlord of the Golden Horde, however there is a lack of evidence whether it was true or a just claim/legend of Glinskie. Nonetheless, since it was claimed by them, I shall consider it as a true version.
After Mamai's defeats, including the history-defining defeat at Kulikovo, his grandson Aleksa escaped to Kursk steppe region where he had jarlig and went to Vytautas, where he and his son were baptisized as Orthodox and became vassals to Vytautas.
Timeline of rulers (dates of their lives omitted):
Aleksa Glinsky (ruled 1392-roughly up to 1432)
Boris Glinsky (1432-1452)
Lev Glinsky (1452-1495)
Michail Glinsky (1495-1508)
The reign ended after the principality stopped existing. Glinsky family, however, continued to matter in Russia and was around the Tsar family. One of the popular reasons why they were able to marry Ivan III was precisely because of Mamai's descent (and Mamai was tied by blood to Genghis Khan himself).
Provinces
Kursk and Rylsk.
Here is its real-life territory:
Notably, they were also responsible for controlling the Steppes nearby, including the Kharkov province Steppe.
Illustrated here in-game (please ignore the flag being fit badly in example):
Kursk town was (re)founded in XVI century, after it was fully wiped out by Mongols, and was absent from the map at all around the starting date. For Mansura and Lithuania, it should be correct to call that province “Jagoldai” as there were Jagoldai tumen and it was known under that name. “Jagoldai” should be the local name.
Notably, current map division doesn’t allow them to hold all territory they had (north of Poltava), so in case it’ll be changed their territory could be later increased.
Another note that, in theory, the province of Kharkov could be strategically given to them to make a buffer state between Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Golden Horde as both weren't really conflicting at that time. Thus, such a buffer state would be a huge diplomatic asset should Kharkov steppe get assigned to it. It did happen historically as they were indeed responsible for the Left Bank Steppes, which the province of Kharkov would depict well, however, it would change strategic balance quite a bit so devs should make a final consideration.
Religion
Orthodox. They accepted Orthodox faith. No Tengri or Islam.
Country name
Actually, it is mentioned as Mansura initially and for a while. However, with time it was named after the ruling family and its main holding – Glinsk. I personally use Mansura, however devs could also easily use Glinsk as it was also a used name and it could fit better.
Possible unique events
1. Rise of Sevriuki.
In my opinion, due to the appearance of many Sevriuki in that land and small territory of principality, an event could be made that allows player to become a Cossack Republic in this land. That could be a rather interesting interaction and an option to play with.
2. Return to the Horde routes.
A less interesting route… of becoming a Horde again and trying to create an Orthodox Horde. Well, why not? It could be fun and rather plausible for the time period and nature of this state (which is made by former nomads settling around).
Mansura ideas
I am not good at suggesting them, but here is an example of what they could be:
Extra
Main history attached is in the source, sadly there are few materials about them.
Source: Shennikov A.A. Principality of the Descendants of Mamai / / Deposited in Social Sciences. -7380. Leningrad, 1981. pp.20-22 (translation from Russian: http://www.podgorski.com/main/principality-descendants-mamai.html)
I hope that this information is helpful and it could be considered as a new tag.
I would like to argue for the addition of new tag in the game – Mansura, based on the existing Tatar vassals of Lithuania – Mansura principality, Jagoldai and lesser ones (Kursk tumen, etc).
Mansura was a defacto vassal/autonomous principality within Lithuania, founded by the son of Mamai after Mamai’s defeat at battle of Kulikovo. The principality, founded in 1392, joined Lithuania as a vassal and was instrumental in its expansion to the South, with Tatars helping to take over the Steppe and helping to subjugate local nomads. They also were owners for jarligs for these lands, enabling Lithuania rights to the owning of Left Bank.
Jagoldai was a lesser Tatar principality, which was controlled by Tatars who defected from the Golden Horde. They were given land mainly around Belgorod, and settled there. The Tatars there, mixing with locals, contributed foundation for the local Cossack class, called Sevryuki.
The lesser subjects include some lesser local principalities of Ruthenians (Rylsk, etc) and smaller vassals like Jagoldai (in particular Kursk tumen).
They, however, ended up mixing with local cultures (Ryazanian in game) and adopted Orthodoxy, with principals adopted it after becoming vassals to Lithuania. Later, due to more extensive ties with Ruthenian and Muscovy Orthodox nobility and political class and seeing pro-polish Lithuanian orientation as a mistake, they revolted and joined Muscovy/Russia, sparkling another war between Great Duchy of Lithuania and Russia.
Glinskie family, however, kept mattering. They married to the Moscow royal family (Yelena Glinskaya married Vasily III) and gave birth to the Ivan the Terrible. They, however, fell out of grace and due to political fights, resulting in 1547 rebellion, they lost political power and soon the family withered without leaving heirs. Nonetheless, their influence in the political life of Eastern Europe was significant.
As for Jagoldai, rulers of it ended up with female heir marrying to the Russian nobles. They joined Russia and themselves didn’t matter so much as Glinskie. However, the Tatars of Jagoldai did matter, significantly contributing to the origin of Cossacks in Severia area, becoming later known as Sevryuki.
The lesser vassals either managed to become a part of Russia and were integrated there or were stripped of power and property and integrated in GDL.
Relevancy for the game, why they could be added
- Lithuania should have vassals gameplay-wise – it could significantly strengthen it, especially in case of expansion into Golden Horde and further into Steppe.
- The appearance of these vassal generally strengthens Lithuania – because they allow to have some diplomatic openings with them, use them for expansion, avoids overextension and lack of unity and so on.
- Mansura is as relevant as Qasimov (which got added) and actually does help to portray way better the history of their area.
- However, it is a reason why I put a few entities under one tag – because the information on them is rather poor and separating them would result in creating 2 OPMs (Mansura and Jagoldai), which may be not so desireable from gameplay POV. Even if amount of provinces is increased, it would be most likely 3 provinces for 2 tags. Together with lack of info on Jagoldai, it’s preferable to keep it as one tag.
- Mansura also allows non-trivial Cossack start without releasing nations – and it is historically justified and will be described below.
- Adding Mansura principality right now requires no province additions – it would use only two provinces, Rylsk and Kursk; I do think that map would need some polishing, but the base problem of having provinces for them is absent.
- Depending on how Kharkov province is changed, you could politically reconfigure the region and make these vassals be buffer states between Lithuania and Golden Horde.
- Since it’s Orthodox, it excludes the option of Lithuania’s too huge leak into Golden Horde (like with feeding Qasim tactically – or rather, it’s less effective with Mansura), but still allows to use them for the annexation and integration of these lands.
- More actually unique tags in a region where there are so few of them.
For Mansura flag I would argue for using Glinskie family CoA – or rather the central element of it, tamga, which was their seal during the Horde times and which migrated to the CoA later.
And the flag should be:
Government
The country was, overall, closer to other local principalities (like Odoyev) in forms of government.
Rulers
Ruling Dynasty was Glinskie. The legends say that the founder of it was Mamai, the prominent and legendary warlord of the Golden Horde, however there is a lack of evidence whether it was true or a just claim/legend of Glinskie. Nonetheless, since it was claimed by them, I shall consider it as a true version.
After Mamai's defeats, including the history-defining defeat at Kulikovo, his grandson Aleksa escaped to Kursk steppe region where he had jarlig and went to Vytautas, where he and his son were baptisized as Orthodox and became vassals to Vytautas.
Timeline of rulers (dates of their lives omitted):
Aleksa Glinsky (ruled 1392-roughly up to 1432)
Boris Glinsky (1432-1452)
Lev Glinsky (1452-1495)
Michail Glinsky (1495-1508)
The reign ended after the principality stopped existing. Glinsky family, however, continued to matter in Russia and was around the Tsar family. One of the popular reasons why they were able to marry Ivan III was precisely because of Mamai's descent (and Mamai was tied by blood to Genghis Khan himself).
Provinces
Kursk and Rylsk.
Here is its real-life territory:
Notably, they were also responsible for controlling the Steppes nearby, including the Kharkov province Steppe.
Illustrated here in-game (please ignore the flag being fit badly in example):
Kursk town was (re)founded in XVI century, after it was fully wiped out by Mongols, and was absent from the map at all around the starting date. For Mansura and Lithuania, it should be correct to call that province “Jagoldai” as there were Jagoldai tumen and it was known under that name. “Jagoldai” should be the local name.
Notably, current map division doesn’t allow them to hold all territory they had (north of Poltava), so in case it’ll be changed their territory could be later increased.
Another note that, in theory, the province of Kharkov could be strategically given to them to make a buffer state between Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Golden Horde as both weren't really conflicting at that time. Thus, such a buffer state would be a huge diplomatic asset should Kharkov steppe get assigned to it. It did happen historically as they were indeed responsible for the Left Bank Steppes, which the province of Kharkov would depict well, however, it would change strategic balance quite a bit so devs should make a final consideration.
Religion
Orthodox. They accepted Orthodox faith. No Tengri or Islam.
Country name
Actually, it is mentioned as Mansura initially and for a while. However, with time it was named after the ruling family and its main holding – Glinsk. I personally use Mansura, however devs could also easily use Glinsk as it was also a used name and it could fit better.
Possible unique events
1. Rise of Sevriuki.
In my opinion, due to the appearance of many Sevriuki in that land and small territory of principality, an event could be made that allows player to become a Cossack Republic in this land. That could be a rather interesting interaction and an option to play with.
2. Return to the Horde routes.
A less interesting route… of becoming a Horde again and trying to create an Orthodox Horde. Well, why not? It could be fun and rather plausible for the time period and nature of this state (which is made by former nomads settling around).
Mansura ideas
I am not good at suggesting them, but here is an example of what they could be:
Tradition: +25% religious unity
Mamai legacy: +1 yearly prestige
The founder of our state is said to be Mamai himself. His legend and great deeds veil around our state, bringing us respect and glory.
Steppe dominance: +1 land maneuver
We helped to subdue the Pontic Steppe and our skills there were proven to be great. Now we should claim the Steppe for ourselves!
Sevriuki: +25% cavalry combat ability.
Due to the mix of indigenous and horde population, their traditions also mixed. This laid foundation to Sevriuki, organized like Cossacks, who would serve our state well and increase its fighting capability.
Steppe origins: +20% manpower
Our horde origins resulted in a grassroot administration of our lands. Our administrations serve not only as administrative, but also as military unit organizations, allowing us to involve more men into war.
Repopulating the land: -10% dev cost
We need to repopulate the land and reestablish our cities to seek more wealth and prosperity. We should bring them from ruins!
Glinskie connections: +1 dip reputation
Our ruling dynasty has a lot of connections and influence in Lithuania and Muscovy, thus our influence and reputation are truly recognizable.
-
Ambition: ???
Last two not filled as I couldn't come up with what could suit them as nation.
Mamai legacy: +1 yearly prestige
The founder of our state is said to be Mamai himself. His legend and great deeds veil around our state, bringing us respect and glory.
Steppe dominance: +1 land maneuver
We helped to subdue the Pontic Steppe and our skills there were proven to be great. Now we should claim the Steppe for ourselves!
Sevriuki: +25% cavalry combat ability.
Due to the mix of indigenous and horde population, their traditions also mixed. This laid foundation to Sevriuki, organized like Cossacks, who would serve our state well and increase its fighting capability.
Steppe origins: +20% manpower
Our horde origins resulted in a grassroot administration of our lands. Our administrations serve not only as administrative, but also as military unit organizations, allowing us to involve more men into war.
Repopulating the land: -10% dev cost
We need to repopulate the land and reestablish our cities to seek more wealth and prosperity. We should bring them from ruins!
Glinskie connections: +1 dip reputation
Our ruling dynasty has a lot of connections and influence in Lithuania and Muscovy, thus our influence and reputation are truly recognizable.
-
Ambition: ???
Last two not filled as I couldn't come up with what could suit them as nation.
Extra
Main history attached is in the source, sadly there are few materials about them.
Source: Shennikov A.A. Principality of the Descendants of Mamai / / Deposited in Social Sciences. -7380. Leningrad, 1981. pp.20-22 (translation from Russian: http://www.podgorski.com/main/principality-descendants-mamai.html)
I hope that this information is helpful and it could be considered as a new tag.
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