Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[Bullfilter]

A nice solution to the revolt problem. One may have been murdered to end it, but many other lives on both sides were saved as a result.

 

[Surt]

So who's the new servant? Jarvis?

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Five Hundred-Eight : Bringing Peace To The Realm

Internal Politics​

We open this chapter in late June, in the year of 894 AD, with the blind Duchess Anakhit of Nyingchi, the Magistros of the Realm, entering the throne room. She tapped her cane along the floor as she moved up to the throne and bowed to the Despot.

“My Liege,” said the Duchess. “I have amusing news for you before we start our little meeting.”

“Oh?” replied the Despot. “What is it?”

“We have calculated how long it will take before you are no longer seen as a threat by the other Realms,” she said with a slight smile on her face. “It will take 69 months.”

“I’m not sure why that‘s funny....oh...Ha...Ha...Ha...how childish.”

The Duchess snickered. “Now, on to the serious issues. You wished me to find ways to end the internal conflicts without killing all your Vassals.”

“I’m not talking about killing them all,” pointed out the Despot. “Only the stupid ones. But if I kill that many Nobles who will run the holdings? Lord Meow-Meow can only do so much.”

“Yes...” responded the blind Duchess with a tilt of her head. “Well, outside of replacing all those Vassals with one cat may I suggest using your position of great power and wealth to ask the ones fighting just to...stop?”

“We could try,” murmured the Despot.

“First there is the Avyaman of the Shigatse Revolt,” stated the Duchess. “He might be willing to listen to you because...to be honest...he is already starting to lose. And he is depressed. Likely because if he does lose he ends up in the dungeons.”

“Right,” said the Despot. “Give me the letter and I will sign it.” And so the Despot signed a letter that was sent to Avyaman that requested him to accept a White Peace.

“Then there is Germanos of the Nadia Revolt,” continued the blind Duchess. “He may listen to you because he is a Just man. Also, as kin, you might be able to get him to listen to you.”

So the Despot also signed a letter that was sent to Germmanos to ask that he, too, accept a White Peace.

“And now for Doux Hisen,” said the Duchess with a smile. This smile, under the empty eyes, made even some of the Royal Guard nervous.

“We could suggest he adopt the Gavelkind Succession Law,” she said.

“Would he be stupid enough to do that?” asked the Despot. “I mean...his titles would be split among his two sons. That would be foolish to try so hard to collect so many lands and then divide it like that.”

“Sure he would,” replied the Duchess. “Remember, he has no idea what that word means. He likely just likes how it sounds or something like that.”

“If you think it will work,” said a doubtful Despot.

And so a demand was sent to Hisen “The Wise” to switch to a form of Gavelkind Succession.

After the letters were sent the Duchess handed the Despot the latest list of plots. There was a total of seven and none of them were against him so he wasn’t really concerned.

The Faction list only had one movement on it. Seemed that Doux Hypatios “The Lecher” of Lhasa wanted Gavelkind Succession in the Kingdom of U-Tsang.

“Can we do anything about him?” asked the Despot with a frown.

“He has a few Rivals due to his...wandering eyes,” pointed out the Duchess. “Maybe somebody will kill him in a jealous rage? All his lovers ARE married. Even his wife is not too happy with him.”

“Sounds like wishful thinking to me,” murmured the Despot. “Let’s not worry about him for now.”

The Despot tried to recall his Spymaster from the Province of Chunar, now that the Revolt had ended, but the man needed time to break down the spy network and hide the evidence of the assassination.

On the 2nd of July the Despot received a reply from Avyaman. The man was willing to end the war BUT he wanted some coin to cover his costs. The Despot gave him the sum he had asked for. 167 gold coins!

​

Still it brought the Shigatse Civil War for Gavelkind to an end and nobody ended up in the dungeons.

The day afterwards the Despot got a letter from Doux Hisen. He had agreed to switch to Gavelkind.

“Really?” stated the Despot after reading the small message. “I guess he really has NO idea what that word means.”

And that same day the Despot also received a letter from Germanos of the Nadia Revolt. He had agreed, without the need of a “gift”, to accept the request for a White Peace.

So this brought the Nadia Civil War to Increase the Council’s Power to an end.

So we close this chapter with two Civil Wars coming to and end and Hisen “The Wise” switching to Gavelkind Succession. And a VERY happy Despot.

 

[Bullfilter]

Blessed is the peacemaker.

 

[Surt]

So ... we will be back to warring in 69 months

 

[stnylan]

How very nice to see Harmony break out.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Five Hundred-Nine : Pacts And A Hunchback

Aztec Bride?​

We open this chapter in the month of July, of the year 894 AD, with some good news for the Despot. Seems the Great King Mandandeva had left the Pact opposing the Despot Niphon of the House of Dysnomia.

As the Despot was already in a happy mood this just added to his happiness. And made him want to do something his Dynasty was known for. Building stuff! He looked over the Capital's Hospital and pondered what it needed next.

"I think we need a Inn!" he stated with a smile. "We need a Pilgrim's Inn. For the Faithful!" And so the order was sent for the structure to be made.

And the Sakellarios, Mayor Komitas, was told to oversee the building of the Inn and, maybe, find ways to speed up construction.

Then the Despot pondered what to do next and looked at the Hospital at the County of Laksmanavati (the former Capital of the Kingdom of Pala) and noticed that it was nothing but a shell. An empty building.

So he ordered they build, at least, a Sick House on the grounds.

"If people come to a hospital." he pointed out, "they kind of want to be healed. One of those things."

Then he received the news that Great King Mandandeva II of Nepal had also left the Pact that had been set up against the Despot.

A few days after that the Despot was notified that Duke Saua Wenshunu II of the Saua Duchy had also left the Pact opposing the Despot.

"Good, good," said the Despot with a smile. "Things are looking up." Lord Meow-Meow mewled a warning about being too happy.

"You're right Lord Meow-Meow," replied the Despot. "We must be ready for when the other boot drops and crushes our hopes and dreams."

Then the news that Great King Tejapala II of Orissa had joined a Pact against the Despot did bring his spirits down a tad.

"You were right as always Lord Meow-Meow," remarked the Despot. "But I know something that will help cheer us up! MATCHMAKING!"

And so the Despot pondered on which of his unmarried Vassals or Nobles needed to get hitched. But first he wanted to do something about the new Count of Chunar. The young Noble did seemed to dislike ...everybody.

So the Despot sent him a "gift" to help cheer him up. It seemed to work.

He then glanced at the folder on Count of Varanasi, who was a neighbor of the Count of Chunar, and noticed the man was unmarried.

"He needs a wife!" declared the Despot. "Check the list of available women within the Court!"

"Oh..." he said to himself as he looked at the list. "Hmmm. Looks like we will have to invite somebody to join the Court from outside the Realm." So a list of women available outside the Realm was brought to the Despot.

"Okay...let's see. Aab roo?" murmured the Despot.

Lord Meow-Meow pointed out the woman had Lover's Pox.

"Agnes?"

Lord Meow-Meow pointed out the woman had a lisp and wasn't Buddhist.

In fact the list of women were all unacceptable. They had rashes, or too old, or were of the wrong Religion.

"Okay...maybe a list of females available outside the Realm with the Buddhists on top?" So another list was brought to the Despot and he looked it over.

"Oh look," stated the Despot showing the cat the list. "Third one down. She wants to get married!"

Lord Meow-Meow pointed out that Ayauhcihuatl was a hunchback, was too old, and was a AZTEC.

"Oh...a exotic woman! Who would not want that for a wife?"

Lord Meow-Meow said that Count Dugarendra of Varanasi would not want that for a wife.

"No, no, no," dismissed the Despot. "You're just too picky! Let's invite her to the Court and get them married." So the Aztec woman was invited to join the Royal Court.

As the Despot waited for her arrival he was visited by a naked Jain ascetic who tried to explain the Despot about the ways of Jain and how sinful the Despot was. The Despot would have none of this.

"Go put on something to wear!" he demanded as the Jain was escorted away. "Really...I didn't need to see that!"

In August the lowborn Aztec hunchback Buddhist female, Ayauhcihuatl, arrived at Court and presented herself to the Despot.

But when his people talked to the Count's people there seemed to be some problems with the marriage. The Count did not like the loss of Prestige marrying a lowborn would bring. True, he felt she would bring skills to the marriage, and had nothing against her age, but that wasn't enough for the Count to agree to the marriage.

Funny enough evidence from records suggest that Ayauhcihuatl felt somewhat different about Count Dugarendra. It seems she felt the Count LACKED skills and was TOO young for her! In other words it looks like both agreed that a marriage was not for them.

The Despot just glared at Lord Meow-Meow's smug face and stated, "I will get her married to somebody!"

In the end the Despot sent off a marriage proposal to Gerasimos of the House of Pavakid to marry the Aztec hunchback. This time everybody seemed okay with the idea.

So we close this chapter with a grumpy Despot and a smug Lord Meow-Meow.

 

[stnylan]

Aztecs Buddhists now - that is quite interesting.

 

[Eurasia]

Aztecs Buddhists now - that is quite interesting.

Funny thing she wasn't from outside the Realm but from the Count's own County! I am not sure how but Aztec individuals must be moving beyond the Aztec Empire's regions.

 

[stnylan]

Funny thing she wasn't from outside the Realm but from the Count's own County! I am not sure how but Aztec individuals must be moving beyond the Aztec Empire's regions.

Now if only the Americans in your other AAR could be so adventuresome

 

[Bullfilter]

If it was the Roman Empire you could make Lord Meow-Meow a Senator! The Aztecs certainly are getting about. Will be interested to see how they are doing when we have the next top seven roundup.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Five Hundred-Ten : A Acceptable Bride

And War Over Nepal!​

We open this chapter in August, of the year 894 AD, with the Despot going back to the list of brides to pick from. He really wanted to find a wife for Count Dugerendra of Varanasi.

​

After some scanning of the list he finally sent a invite to the woman he had picked. But he refused to tell anybody who he had selected. "You'll see," was all he would say with a mysterious smile.

Then he was brought some semi-bad news. Seems the most loyal Doux Pelagios "The Gentle" of Nagchu had passed the Ruler War Declaration Sovereignty Law. Which was bad. Maybe not as bad as if could be in a less loyal or stupider man. But it was still slightly bad.

"I don't want him starting wars," complained the Despot with a frown.

Then in the middle of August, the woman the Despot had invited to join his Royal Court, Simonis of the House of Bharuka presented herself. She was a mixed bag of skills and talents but at least she was Greek, young, and a Buddhist.

Even Lord Meow-Meow had to admit she would likely be good enough for the Count.

So the proposal was sent to the Count. It was felt by all that he would accept.

Then the Magistros, the blind Duchess of Nyingchi, walked into his throne room one day with a serious expression.

"Oh no," said the Despot. "Did the Count refuse my marriage proposal?"

"He has not replied yet," responded the Duchess. "No, I have other news. Not bad but not good. The Great King Tejapala II "The Spider" has declared Ayudha War on the Great King Mandandeva "The Drunkard" for the Raja of Kanyakubja, the Thikana of Prayaga, the Thikana of Lakhnau, and the Thikana of Asni."

"In other words he wants Nepal," stated the Despot.

"Yes my Liege," remarked the Duchess.

"So the once great and mighty Ayudha Dynasty which fell apart is not trying to fuse itself back together," stated the Despot. "I hate that family."

A few days later he was brought much better news. The Count had said yes to the marriage proposal.

"See!" exclaimed the Despot with a smile. "I knew he would pick her! A Noble woman!"

So the chapter ends with the happy, somewhat smug, Despot and another war for Nepal.

 

[stnylan]

Nepal does seem to have been fought over a good fair bit.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Five Hundred-Eleven : ANOTHER Civil War?!?!?!

The Return Of The Spymaster​

We open this chapter in August, of the year 894 AD, with the Despot receiving news about the Bhikkhu Romanos of Para-Lauhitya. It sees the Lords had passed the Late Feudal Administration Law which gave the Vassal more power and control over his holdings.

Then on the 29th of August the Protostrator, Paschalis of Nyingchi, entered the throne room and bowed before the Despot.

"My Liege," he stated after standing up. "I am here with bad news. Normally this is the job of the Magistros but she is busy."

"Busy?" replied the Despot. "Why is she busy?"

"Well, my Liege," the Protostrator said, "it is related to the news I bring. You see...well, there is no good way to deliver this news. Your kin, Doux Kyris of Kasi, has declared Kasi claim on Medog against the Duchess of Nyingchi."

The Despot blinked. "The man who I got married to help expand the family bloodline. The man who I gave the title of Doux. The man who I protected from murder plots and TWO revolts because his own people hate him. This man has repaid me by attacking one of my loyal Council members? A member of one of the most powerful Houses within the Realm?"

"Yes my Liege," responded the Protostrator. After a few moments of silence the man added, "You seem to be taking this very calmly my Liege."

"I assure you," remarked the Despot with a sigh, "I am screaming inside. Does she have a chance of winning?"

"Sadly the Doux has more money and soldiers," answered the Protostrator.

Lord Meow-Meow said something to the Despot who shook his head. "No Lord Meow-Meow. I fear snipping off his balls won't help now. Maybe later."

The Despot thought for a few moments. "Right," he finally said aloud, "I will request he accepts a White Peace. Then I will count down from a hundred thousand and try to calm down."

And so the next day a message owl was sent to the Doux to ask him to end the conflict.

In September, as the Despot waited for a reply from the Doux, the Royal Army finally arrived back at the Capital. The soldiers were happy to be back. They were now free to visit their families, their girlfriends, and their favorite taverns. Much local beer and spicy grilled snacks were consumed. And there was much rejoicing.

A few days later a postal pigeon brought the Despot a letter from the Doux of Kasi. The Doux, as a loyal Vassal, could not refuse the Despot's request and agreed to a White Peace.

And so the War for the man's claim on Medog ended.

On the 20th of September the Spymaster finally arrived in the Capital. He had finished covering up all evidence of the "removal" of the Revolt Leader. He would now to get back to work to sniffing out enemies of the Dynasty and chasing down rumors. This meant all the members of the Council were now in Kamarupanagara but for the Despot's wife, the Queen, who was still in Laksmanavati.

So we close this chapter with the Despot feeling a tad safer with his Spymaster back in the Palace and with the Realm at peace. Again.

 

[stnylan]

Somehow I doubt the realm will remain at peace all that much longer

 

[Bullfilter]

Somehow I doubt the realm will remain at peace all that much longer

Yes, too big, too many restless and ambitious vassals and some touchy neighbours. Just as long as the peace isn’t broken by a Mongol horde, the Despot seems to have it all under control.

If Lord Meow-Meow was in charge, it would probably resemble Stalin’s Great Terror!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Five Hundred-Twelve : A Diwali Feast

A Medieval Meal​

We open this chapter in late September, of the year 894 AD, with the Doux Hisen "The Wise" of Qamdo still fighting his Holy War against the Christians.

The enemy had been diminished slightly as a half of them had been reabsorbed by the Duchy of Saua.

​

In October the Despot decided he wanted to hold a Diwali Feast. “We need a feast! With lots of roasted meats and music and dancing girls and wine!”

Lord Meow-Meow meowed up at the Despot with additional suggestions.

“Dancing elephants? Wow, that’s a good idea!” replied the Despot. “I’ll look into that!”

And so the riders went out with the scrolls that were sealed with the Royal Elephant Head. There is no historical evidence of any refusals among the invitees.

As the Despot went over the many suggestions from the cooks, approving certain dishes and turning down others, the staff pointed out he needed to select a gift for his wife. He decided on a necklace. Which was the boring tradition of all Despots before him.

The jeweled necklace was gift wrapped and sent to the Queen. She was still hard at work and could not attend the party. The staff had sent the gift by third class pigeon so it would arrive right when the feast was going on.

The Palace/Castle was full of scented flowers and the stone walls covered in tapestries. The kitchens and the dining areas were full of hot soups, cold salads, roasted birds, and carefully selected Greek wines. Of course, when the guests started to arrive they were greeted by dancers, singers, Pug clowns, and waiters carrying trays of tasty pastries. The feast had begun!

Sadly, to Lord Meow-Meow’s disappointment, the dancing elephants were already fully booked till the end of the year and were not available for the feast.

Near the end of October Doux Parikshitnayaran “The Lecher” of the Shantideva died a natural death at the age of 62. At first the people are his table had assumed his had just had a little too much to drink. It was embarrassing to have a corpse removed from one’s feast.

His eldest son, Nar Singh, at the age of 42 had became the new Doux right on the spot. In the middle of his soup.

Unfortunately the House of Shantideva had a long and bitter history with the House of Dysnomia before being conquered by the Kingdom of Pala. So the new Doux didn’t really have a high opinion of the Despot. They barely exchanged a kind word during the rest of the celebration. Even when the yummy cakes were served.

In November the Despot received a small note from his wife, via owl, that stated she had loved the gift he had sent her. He was very pleased for he truly loved his Queen and she loved him.

The darkest night of the Diwali Feast arrived soon and everything, from candles to bonfires, was lit. The guests welcomed the most important night with drinking, laughter, and honey flavored ice. The celebration of victory of good over evil was wonderful and brought all great joy.

As the Despot was drinking and eating and enjoying one of the many shows staged by the Pug clowns he was brought another tiny note. This one was not from his wife but from his staff and had some semi-bad news. Seems that Duke Saua had joined a Pact opposing Niphon of the House of Dysnomia. But the Despot was too full of cheer, and milled wine, to care.

But, like all the feasts before it, it soon came to an end. The Despot allowed the staff to do the honors of saying farewell to the guests as they left in their carriages. He, himself, sat down to enjoy some of the leftover beer and the warmth of having carried out a successive party.

So we end this chapter with a happy, if somewhat buzzed, Despot and a Lord Meow-Meow who gained a few pounds from overindulging in roast chicken.

 

[Eurasia]

If Lord Meow-Meow was in charge, it would probably resemble Stalin’s Great Terror!

 

[stnylan]

Perhaps to improve the future harmonius balance between his mind and body the Despot should consider more frequently adding some mulled wine to his blood stream.

 

[Bullfilter]

Haha told you so! Nice pic.

I hope the pugs didn’t get too antsy with Lord M-M during the feast.