Rise of AARussian Prince
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@RGB: I had a bit of fun writing this one, I think prince of Pronsk is to blame for that. It was a toss up between Vader and Ivan the terrible. I think I'll save that for an actual kin-slayer event.
@Enewald & demokratickid: Why do you hate Vsevolod?
Vsevolod stands at the brink of crowning himself Prince of Princes. Only Novgorod stands in his way. It seems, however, that someone else has designs on the jewel of the north. Stay tuned for the dramatic conclusion to chapter 1 of Rise of AARussian Prince.
@Enewald & demokratickid: Why do you hate Vsevolod?
Vsevolod stands at the brink of crowning himself Prince of Princes. Only Novgorod stands in his way. It seems, however, that someone else has designs on the jewel of the north. Stay tuned for the dramatic conclusion to chapter 1 of Rise of AARussian Prince.
@Enewald & demokratickid: Why do you hate Vsevolod?
We, or at least I, don't hate him, it's just fun to read about stuff like that...
The Novgorod campaign
Investigations into the cause of death were inconclusive. There were no injuries apart from where his head had hit the stone floor. For all appearances it seemed that the spymaster had simply dropped dead.
With nowhere to vent his anger, Vsevolod withdrew from public life. Only his wife and remaining advisers saw him for over a year. Even his youngest daughter, Dobronega, was sent away to Poland and the court of Salmon Arpad.
Eventually Vsevolod recovered from his depressed state and began attending to the business of the realm. In the north, Prince Mstislav had expanded aggressively against the Tribe of Bjarmia. Now refugees had begun flooding south into Beloozero. Worried about a possible uprising Domazhir had traveled to Kiev to appeal to Vsevolod to send troops in his aid.
Vsevolod cared little about the troubles of some lord so far from home. He did however see a golden opportunity. With Mstislav stretched thin trying to control his new conquests, Novgorod would lie defenseless. With false promises of aid Vsevolod sent Domazhir back to Beloozero to prepare the way.
Summoning Marshal Gleb he told him to assemble the regiments of East Kiev and Chernigov and to march them north to Smolensk, the rivers still being frozen at that time. With the warmer weather of spring Vsevolod would follow with his Druzhina and further orders. When he arrived his orders were not to continue on to Beloozero as expected. Instead Vsevolod ordered the army west, to a tiny trading post on The Lovat River, Velikiye Luki.
Early Evening, April 17th ,1078 - Velikiye Luki
Vsevolod looked at the map spread across the table. Near the center of the map a large, roughly triangular lake was labeled Ilmen. Just to the north the City of Novgorod was marked. Gleb was explaining how best to take the city but Vsevolod was thinking of other things.
Earlier in the day a message had arrived from his son Vladimir. It had informed him that Vladimir had overcome his own depression and had decided that for the greater good he would attempt to sire an heir. Already Elena was showing the early signs of pregnancy. Hopefully this would produce a son as his earlier marriage had failed to.
Vsevolod's mind drifted to other things. His greatest concern was the state of Velikiye Luki when they had arrived. Instead of the small village he had expected, he had found a ghost-town surrounded by a hastily constructed palisade. Suspicious Vsevolod had sent scouts to survey the area. So far not a soul had been sighted. He didn't know what it meant but it was most likely bad news. At least no one was around to alert Mstislav of the invading army.
Turning his attention back to the map he saw Gleb pointing to an area just south of the lake.
“Russa is the only settlement of any importance between here and Novgorod.” The Marshal was explaining.
“Fortunately the river passes far enough to the east that we are unlikely to be spotted. If we are however, we should be able to cross the lake quickly and be at Novgorod before any news can reach them.”
“A good plan.” said Vsevolod.
If only things were that simple.
The following weeks were busy as plans were made to capture Novgorod. Spring melt-water meant the rivers and lakes would be up and more easily navigated. Soon the army had managed to construct a fleet and they began sailing down the river. The voyage was without incident and soon they reached the southern edge of Lake Ilmen.
The next morning they set out to cross the lake. Long before they reached the far side it was becoming clear that not all was well. Columns of smoke were seen rising from the north and as the army reached the far shore they saw the remnants of burnt out villages. As the city came into view they saw not the flag of Novgorod but instead a different flag flying atop the walls.
Vsevolod was furious as all his carefully made plans came undone. Instead of fighting the weakened army of Mstislav he was faced with an unknown opponent of unknown strength. Vsevolod gave the order to disembark, he would soon find out who had ruined his plans and then he would make them pay.
Morning June 16th, 1078 – Just outside Novgorod
The invaders occupying Novgorod soon noticed the Russian army gathering to the south. They soon began pouring out of the city to face the new threat.
Judging by their attire and weapons it was obvious that the invaders were one of the pagan tribe that occupied the lands bordering the Rus principalities. A vicious battle soon commenced. Although the Russians were tired from their long voyage their superior training and equipment saw them through. Soon the enemy had fled back behind the protective walls of the great city.
A number of the enemy had not managed to escape and were soon taken prisoner. It was soon discovered that one of them knew some Russian. Under heavy guard he was bought before Vsevolod.
Vsevolod examined the silent man before him.
"I hear you speak our language." Vsevolod questioned the man.
He remained silent.
“What tribe do you belong to.” Vsevolod demanded.
Still he did not speak.
“I said what tr...”
“I heard you, treacherous Slav.”
The man spat.
“We are the mighty Livonians, true owners of these lands. Soon we shall cleanse the world of your inferior culture and claim our rightful place in the world."
"Ha!" exclaimed Vsevolod.
"As if a pagan nation stands a chance."
Vsevolod continued his interrogation. Eventually the story of the Livonians campaign became clear. Like Vsevolod they had seen that Mstislav had left his lands open to invasion. They had begun raiding and with every success had grown bolder. Seeking safety the inhabitants of outlying villages had fled seeking the safety of cities such as Pskov and Novgorod.
With no more plunder to be had the Livonians had attacked Pskov and captured it. Mstislav hearing of the loss of one of his cities had returned from his campaign and met the Livonians in battle. The Livonians were victorious and Mstislav had fled north to Ladoga leaving Novgorod a soft target.
Vsevolod needed to get to Mstislav to force him to hand over the titles of Novgorod. With the Livonians in control of Novgorodand Pskov, the path was blocked. Vsevolod had little choice but to lay siege to Novgorod and expel the pagan tribe.
Fortunately the Livonians were poorly prepared to defend a city. Disease and hunger soon overcame them. On July 26th Vsevolod's army was able to easily defeat the few survivors. Novgorod was once again under a new flag.
Leaving a detachment under the command of Captain Yan Vyshatich to restore the city and find any survivors, Vsevolod and Gleb led the rest of the army west towards Pskov. Seeing no sign of the Livonian army they decided it would be safe to go after Mstislav. Finally on October 8th Vsevolod arrived outside the ancient city of Ladoga.
Despite his dire situation, cut off from his lands and surrounded by enemies, Mstislav was reluctant to give up his title. His men, hungry and dispirited, decided for him by throwing him out of the city. Left without choice Mstislav knelt before Vsevolod and acknowledged him as Prince of Novgorod.
Once again Kiev and Novgorod were united under one ruler.
Investigations into the cause of death were inconclusive. There were no injuries apart from where his head had hit the stone floor. For all appearances it seemed that the spymaster had simply dropped dead.
With nowhere to vent his anger, Vsevolod withdrew from public life. Only his wife and remaining advisers saw him for over a year. Even his youngest daughter, Dobronega, was sent away to Poland and the court of Salmon Arpad.
Eventually Vsevolod recovered from his depressed state and began attending to the business of the realm. In the north, Prince Mstislav had expanded aggressively against the Tribe of Bjarmia. Now refugees had begun flooding south into Beloozero. Worried about a possible uprising Domazhir had traveled to Kiev to appeal to Vsevolod to send troops in his aid.
Vsevolod cared little about the troubles of some lord so far from home. He did however see a golden opportunity. With Mstislav stretched thin trying to control his new conquests, Novgorod would lie defenseless. With false promises of aid Vsevolod sent Domazhir back to Beloozero to prepare the way.
Summoning Marshal Gleb he told him to assemble the regiments of East Kiev and Chernigov and to march them north to Smolensk, the rivers still being frozen at that time. With the warmer weather of spring Vsevolod would follow with his Druzhina and further orders. When he arrived his orders were not to continue on to Beloozero as expected. Instead Vsevolod ordered the army west, to a tiny trading post on The Lovat River, Velikiye Luki.
Early Evening, April 17th ,1078 - Velikiye Luki
Vsevolod looked at the map spread across the table. Near the center of the map a large, roughly triangular lake was labeled Ilmen. Just to the north the City of Novgorod was marked. Gleb was explaining how best to take the city but Vsevolod was thinking of other things.
Earlier in the day a message had arrived from his son Vladimir. It had informed him that Vladimir had overcome his own depression and had decided that for the greater good he would attempt to sire an heir. Already Elena was showing the early signs of pregnancy. Hopefully this would produce a son as his earlier marriage had failed to.
Vsevolod's mind drifted to other things. His greatest concern was the state of Velikiye Luki when they had arrived. Instead of the small village he had expected, he had found a ghost-town surrounded by a hastily constructed palisade. Suspicious Vsevolod had sent scouts to survey the area. So far not a soul had been sighted. He didn't know what it meant but it was most likely bad news. At least no one was around to alert Mstislav of the invading army.
Turning his attention back to the map he saw Gleb pointing to an area just south of the lake.
“Russa is the only settlement of any importance between here and Novgorod.” The Marshal was explaining.
“Fortunately the river passes far enough to the east that we are unlikely to be spotted. If we are however, we should be able to cross the lake quickly and be at Novgorod before any news can reach them.”
“A good plan.” said Vsevolod.
If only things were that simple.
The following weeks were busy as plans were made to capture Novgorod. Spring melt-water meant the rivers and lakes would be up and more easily navigated. Soon the army had managed to construct a fleet and they began sailing down the river. The voyage was without incident and soon they reached the southern edge of Lake Ilmen.
The next morning they set out to cross the lake. Long before they reached the far side it was becoming clear that not all was well. Columns of smoke were seen rising from the north and as the army reached the far shore they saw the remnants of burnt out villages. As the city came into view they saw not the flag of Novgorod but instead a different flag flying atop the walls.
Vsevolod was furious as all his carefully made plans came undone. Instead of fighting the weakened army of Mstislav he was faced with an unknown opponent of unknown strength. Vsevolod gave the order to disembark, he would soon find out who had ruined his plans and then he would make them pay.
Morning June 16th, 1078 – Just outside Novgorod
The invaders occupying Novgorod soon noticed the Russian army gathering to the south. They soon began pouring out of the city to face the new threat.
Judging by their attire and weapons it was obvious that the invaders were one of the pagan tribe that occupied the lands bordering the Rus principalities. A vicious battle soon commenced. Although the Russians were tired from their long voyage their superior training and equipment saw them through. Soon the enemy had fled back behind the protective walls of the great city.
A number of the enemy had not managed to escape and were soon taken prisoner. It was soon discovered that one of them knew some Russian. Under heavy guard he was bought before Vsevolod.
Vsevolod examined the silent man before him.
"I hear you speak our language." Vsevolod questioned the man.
He remained silent.
“What tribe do you belong to.” Vsevolod demanded.
Still he did not speak.
“I said what tr...”
“I heard you, treacherous Slav.”
The man spat.
“We are the mighty Livonians, true owners of these lands. Soon we shall cleanse the world of your inferior culture and claim our rightful place in the world."
"Ha!" exclaimed Vsevolod.
"As if a pagan nation stands a chance."
Vsevolod continued his interrogation. Eventually the story of the Livonians campaign became clear. Like Vsevolod they had seen that Mstislav had left his lands open to invasion. They had begun raiding and with every success had grown bolder. Seeking safety the inhabitants of outlying villages had fled seeking the safety of cities such as Pskov and Novgorod.
With no more plunder to be had the Livonians had attacked Pskov and captured it. Mstislav hearing of the loss of one of his cities had returned from his campaign and met the Livonians in battle. The Livonians were victorious and Mstislav had fled north to Ladoga leaving Novgorod a soft target.
Vsevolod needed to get to Mstislav to force him to hand over the titles of Novgorod. With the Livonians in control of Novgorodand Pskov, the path was blocked. Vsevolod had little choice but to lay siege to Novgorod and expel the pagan tribe.
Fortunately the Livonians were poorly prepared to defend a city. Disease and hunger soon overcame them. On July 26th Vsevolod's army was able to easily defeat the few survivors. Novgorod was once again under a new flag.
Leaving a detachment under the command of Captain Yan Vyshatich to restore the city and find any survivors, Vsevolod and Gleb led the rest of the army west towards Pskov. Seeing no sign of the Livonian army they decided it would be safe to go after Mstislav. Finally on October 8th Vsevolod arrived outside the ancient city of Ladoga.
Despite his dire situation, cut off from his lands and surrounded by enemies, Mstislav was reluctant to give up his title. His men, hungry and dispirited, decided for him by throwing him out of the city. Left without choice Mstislav knelt before Vsevolod and acknowledged him as Prince of Novgorod.
Once again Kiev and Novgorod were united under one ruler.
@ stnylan: welcome to the AAR. Even with a diplomacy of 29 nobody wanted to be my friend.
@ Enewald: In game Vsevolod is now King of Rus. Unfortunately there are still 5 other independent princes so he is merely first among equals for now.
@It's Amazing: The Livonians still have plenty of tricks up their sleeve.
@RGB: Thank you, but there is still a lot of work to be done before Vsevolod can rest.
I'm sad no body found my Easter egg
Next up should be a summary maybe Thursday or Friday.
@ Enewald: In game Vsevolod is now King of Rus. Unfortunately there are still 5 other independent princes so he is merely first among equals for now.
@It's Amazing: The Livonians still have plenty of tricks up their sleeve.
@RGB: Thank you, but there is still a lot of work to be done before Vsevolod can rest.
I'm sad no body found my Easter egg
Next up should be a summary maybe Thursday or Friday.
The World in 1078
Fullsize image
Key:
1. Republic of Iceland
2. Shetland
3. Scotland
4. Irish Kings
5. Welsh Princes
6. Navarra and Aragon
7. Jaca
8. Barcelona
9. Zaragoza
10. Independant Muslim Sheikdoms
11. Granada
12. Emirate of Mallorca
13. Tangiers
14. al-Murabitids
15. Beni Halal
16. Papal States
17. Independent Italian Lords
18. Republic of Genoa
19. Republic of Venice
20. Luxembourg
21. Flanders
22. Denmark
23. Swedish Pagan Tribes
24. Finish Pagan Tribes
25. Livonia
26. Other Baltic Pagan Tribes
27. Archbishopric of Kuyavia
28. Austria
29. Pechengs
30. Independent South Slavic Lands
31a. Independent Greek lands
31b. Anatolia
32. Fatimid Caliphate
33. Jerusalem
34. Emirate of Arabs
35. Qarakhnid
36. Independent Persian Muslims
37. Independent Arab Muslims
38. Independent Armenian lands
39. Derbent
40. Georgia
41. Chuvash
42. Principality of Polotsk (Vseslav)
43. Principality of Galich (Izyaslav)
44. Principality of Novgorod-Seversk (Svyatoslav)
45. Principality of Beloozero (Mstislav)
46. Principality of Sames (Viacheslav)
Grand Prince Vsevolod
Key:
1. Republic of Iceland
2. Shetland
3. Scotland
4. Irish Kings
5. Welsh Princes
6. Navarra and Aragon
7. Jaca
8. Barcelona
9. Zaragoza
10. Independant Muslim Sheikdoms
11. Granada
12. Emirate of Mallorca
13. Tangiers
14. al-Murabitids
15. Beni Halal
16. Papal States
17. Independent Italian Lords
18. Republic of Genoa
19. Republic of Venice
20. Luxembourg
21. Flanders
22. Denmark
23. Swedish Pagan Tribes
24. Finish Pagan Tribes
25. Livonia
26. Other Baltic Pagan Tribes
27. Archbishopric of Kuyavia
28. Austria
29. Pechengs
30. Independent South Slavic Lands
31a. Independent Greek lands
31b. Anatolia
32. Fatimid Caliphate
33. Jerusalem
34. Emirate of Arabs
35. Qarakhnid
36. Independent Persian Muslims
37. Independent Arab Muslims
38. Independent Armenian lands
39. Derbent
40. Georgia
41. Chuvash
42. Principality of Polotsk (Vseslav)
43. Principality of Galich (Izyaslav)
44. Principality of Novgorod-Seversk (Svyatoslav)
45. Principality of Beloozero (Mstislav)
46. Principality of Sames (Viacheslav)
Grand Prince Vsevolod
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Well on your way to owning a third of the map, I see.
And I like the cleaned-up CK map.
And I like the cleaned-up CK map.
I love it: if you have time, could explain how you made it here or in a thread over on the CK graphics forum?
edit: fixed url link
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Wow, it's good to see you like my map so much.
Snugglie's map making tutorial has a link to the blank I used. It's missing a few borders which I had to add but basically I just stopped at step 2.
I've added a table of contents too.
Snugglie's map making tutorial has a link to the blank I used. It's missing a few borders which I had to add but basically I just stopped at step 2.
I've added a table of contents too.
The Miracle at Novgorod
Upon returning to Novgorod, Vsevolod found that only a third of the population had returned. Even so he felt that he would be able to put toghether a sufficient force to repel the Livonians should they attempt another attack. He sent Yan and the army east to Beloozero to aid Domazhir. While Gleb was sent south back to Kiev.
To ensure all his efforts had not been in vain, he enacted Salic Consanguinity. Instead of passing all his titles on to Mstislav when he died, all his titles would go to Vladimir or Vahktang, whichever should prove to be more suitable as future Grand Prince.
To help administer his greatly expanded realm, Vsevolod gave to the governors of the cities of Tver, Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Muscovy the rank of Prince and gave them power over the lesser lords in their area. He did the same for Mariam and Vladimir, making them Princess of Smolensk and Prince of Pereyaslavl and Rostov respectively. In doing this Vsevolod hoped to reduce the burden on himself and instead rely on the lesser Princes to deal with local issues.
Vsevolod retained the titles to Kiev, Novgorod and Chernigov. These he would give later to his chosen successor. Although Vsevolod controlled the city of Galich, Izyaslav continued to call himself Prince of Galich. This would have to change. Vsevolod's primary concern, however, was to deal with the threat from the Livonians and take back Pskov.
With the thousand or so men that he was able to muster in Novgorod, Vsevolod attempted to liberate Pskov from the occupation. All was going well until a much larger Livonian army appeared on November 21st. Vsevolod was forced to abandon the siege and flee to the safety of Novgorod.
The approaching winter prevented the Livonians from pressing their advantage. A smaller division attempted a late attack on Russa but were driven off. Vsevolod sent a message to Gleb ordering him to raise the Kiev regiment and lead it to Novgorod as soon as soon as it was warm enough.
While waiting out the winter Vsevolod received some great news. Elena had sucesfully given birth to a male child ensuring the Dynasty would continue to the next generation. The child was named Yaroslav in honour of his great-grandfather.
By March Gleb was on his way but time was not on his side. The Livonians had already massed their troops and had trapped Vsevolod and his men in Novgorod. Supplies were scarce due to the devestation wrought by the Livonians in the previous season and would be exhausted long before Gleb could arrive with releif. Left with no choice Vsevolod was forced led his meagre force against 3 to 1 odds.
The battle of Novgorod was fought on May 10, 1079. As he had done 8 years earlier at Pereyaslavl, Vsevolod led his Druzhinia in a charge against the enemy lines. The Livonians lacked cavalry so Vsevolod and his mounted followers had a great advantage over the Livonians they faced. The Russian infantry were not so fortunate and were rapidly fading against the numerically superior Livonians
As the day wore on dark storm clouds began to gather. Soon rain was falling in torrents. The thick mud put the cavalry at a disagvantage and so vsevolod dismounted. Returning to battle Vsevolod came face to face with the leader of the Livonians. Dressed in bear skins he was a fearsome sight. Even more so due to his great stature.
The great man swung his axe at Vsevolod who was just able to catch the blow on his shield. The force of the blow caused Vsesolod to stumble. The pagan chief closed the distance and knocked Vsevolod to the ground. Vsevolod could only watch as the pagan chief lifted his axe for a killing blow.
A bolt of lighting struck the huge man blasting him backwards. Seeing the wrath of God unleashed against their leader the nearby Livonians turned and fled. Soon a general rout developed. Once again Vsevolod had triumphed against the odds and Novgorod was saved.
Upon returning to Novgorod, Vsevolod found that only a third of the population had returned. Even so he felt that he would be able to put toghether a sufficient force to repel the Livonians should they attempt another attack. He sent Yan and the army east to Beloozero to aid Domazhir. While Gleb was sent south back to Kiev.
To ensure all his efforts had not been in vain, he enacted Salic Consanguinity. Instead of passing all his titles on to Mstislav when he died, all his titles would go to Vladimir or Vahktang, whichever should prove to be more suitable as future Grand Prince.
To help administer his greatly expanded realm, Vsevolod gave to the governors of the cities of Tver, Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Muscovy the rank of Prince and gave them power over the lesser lords in their area. He did the same for Mariam and Vladimir, making them Princess of Smolensk and Prince of Pereyaslavl and Rostov respectively. In doing this Vsevolod hoped to reduce the burden on himself and instead rely on the lesser Princes to deal with local issues.
Vsevolod retained the titles to Kiev, Novgorod and Chernigov. These he would give later to his chosen successor. Although Vsevolod controlled the city of Galich, Izyaslav continued to call himself Prince of Galich. This would have to change. Vsevolod's primary concern, however, was to deal with the threat from the Livonians and take back Pskov.
With the thousand or so men that he was able to muster in Novgorod, Vsevolod attempted to liberate Pskov from the occupation. All was going well until a much larger Livonian army appeared on November 21st. Vsevolod was forced to abandon the siege and flee to the safety of Novgorod.
The approaching winter prevented the Livonians from pressing their advantage. A smaller division attempted a late attack on Russa but were driven off. Vsevolod sent a message to Gleb ordering him to raise the Kiev regiment and lead it to Novgorod as soon as soon as it was warm enough.
While waiting out the winter Vsevolod received some great news. Elena had sucesfully given birth to a male child ensuring the Dynasty would continue to the next generation. The child was named Yaroslav in honour of his great-grandfather.
By March Gleb was on his way but time was not on his side. The Livonians had already massed their troops and had trapped Vsevolod and his men in Novgorod. Supplies were scarce due to the devestation wrought by the Livonians in the previous season and would be exhausted long before Gleb could arrive with releif. Left with no choice Vsevolod was forced led his meagre force against 3 to 1 odds.
The battle of Novgorod was fought on May 10, 1079. As he had done 8 years earlier at Pereyaslavl, Vsevolod led his Druzhinia in a charge against the enemy lines. The Livonians lacked cavalry so Vsevolod and his mounted followers had a great advantage over the Livonians they faced. The Russian infantry were not so fortunate and were rapidly fading against the numerically superior Livonians
As the day wore on dark storm clouds began to gather. Soon rain was falling in torrents. The thick mud put the cavalry at a disagvantage and so vsevolod dismounted. Returning to battle Vsevolod came face to face with the leader of the Livonians. Dressed in bear skins he was a fearsome sight. Even more so due to his great stature.
The great man swung his axe at Vsevolod who was just able to catch the blow on his shield. The force of the blow caused Vsesolod to stumble. The pagan chief closed the distance and knocked Vsevolod to the ground. Vsevolod could only watch as the pagan chief lifted his axe for a killing blow.
CRACK!
A bolt of lighting struck the huge man blasting him backwards. Seeing the wrath of God unleashed against their leader the nearby Livonians turned and fled. Soon a general rout developed. Once again Vsevolod had triumphed against the odds and Novgorod was saved.