Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[roverS3]

mmm mos soup, and just when the Basileus came out of his isolation. A true feast. It is really a bad look for Niphon to be cowering in a cave to run his massive empire, I'm somewhat surprised there aren't any of his vassal's trying to take advantage of the situation.

 

[Midnite Duke]

How many roasted grubs does it take for a meal for the Basileus and his entourage? Bat-Basileus, I would recommend bat skewers. Where does a nomadic horse lord build dungeons to house hundreds? Will the Basileus lead an epic bat hunt? How many bats are required to make a bat rug? Please stay warm and dry Bat-Basileus!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Two : Three Battles

CHARGE!​

This chapter opened in early November, of the year 924 AD, with bad news from the Siege of Nyingchi.

Seems there was a traitor within the Fort who has eroded the morale of the Defenders. Not that it mattered. A few days later the hired scum attacked Blush’s Host and broke the Siege of Bome. The Cavalry had hundreds of mounted Missile Troops among them and they were soon exchanging fire with the enemy Archers.

As soon as the bandits started to crumble under the missile fire the Cavalry was let loose. The plains were perfect for the use of cavalry tactics. By mid November the enemy was in full flight.

It looked like the Battle of Nyingchi would be ending soon. But this wasn’t the only battle. For the Battle of Pragyotisapura had started in the Capital County.

The three mercenary groups were exchanging missile fire with Kuntuvdi’s Host. The Archers on both sides were equal in numbers but the hired swords heavily outnumbered the raiders. It would likely go badly for the bandits sooner or later.

Back up in the north the right flank of the raiders were fighting a rearguard action. And failing against the hundreds of mounted troops.

Within a few days the Battle of Nyingchi came to a close with victory. The Host lost 466 raiders while the Imperial forces lost 186 sell swords.

Of course the Army of Despot Sonpal gave chase. Back in the Capital County the enemy’s left flank had collapsed.

The Archers on both sides were of equal numbers but the hired swords now had the advantage. Also the Imperial forces had over a thousand cavalry waiting in reserve. On a battlefield perfect for their use.

To the south the battle with the forces of Orissa had finally started with the Battle of Viraja. The Archers on both sides were exchanging arrows and darts.

While the enemy had a almost equal amount of Archers they were still outnumbered. Sooner or later the Imperial Cavalry would be released and the enemy would be wiped off the plains. In early December, even as the missiles passed each other in the sky, the enemy’s left flank fell apart.

Outside the caves the Battle of Pragyotisapura continued. Even though some of the staff called it the Battle of “Viraja”. The enemy was collapsing as the Cavalry ran them down.

Within a few days the enemy’s right flank was acting as a rearguard trying to defend themselves against over a thousand Cavalry and fifty Elephants. The rest of the bandits had fled.

Then the Basileus received some bad news. Luckily it had nothing to do with the two remaining battles. It seems the Doux of the Pala Raj was seeking to kill Vijaysen Pala.

“Tell them to stop,” remarked the Basileus with a frown. “I have enough problems as it is. I miss my cushion. This rock makes for a horrible throne. And this moss soup needs more salt.”

Good news followed. The Battle of Pragyotispaura was a victory. The sell swords lost 241 soldiers while the Host lost 1,380 raiders. And the Army of Ram Rai gave chase.

Down to the south the REAL Battle of Viraja continued with the Imperial forces launching a Cavalry charge against the center of the Orissa line.

By the middle of December the Orissa right flank was acting as a rearguard against the thousands of Imperial Cavalry and Elephants. And failing.

The Imperial forces pushed the enemy off the field and declared a major victory. The Commanders lost 411 soldiers while the Orissa lost 3,015 soldiers.

At this point the Great King Netta of Orissa was willing to give up. He had less than six hundred warriors and was in TWO wars. One of them with the Mongols. He was more than willing to drop out of one of the wars by accepting an Peace Offer.

So the War came to an end and Princess Eulalia was given the County of Viraja.

“Now we just have to deal with the Hosts,” said the Basileus as he poked his moss flavored slice of cake. “I am getting sick of moss."

And so the chapter ends with a Final Victory in the War and two Hosts being chased.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The Basileus would not hire 'scum'; he would only hire traveling 'protectors' of the highest quality. Anyone who would dare to steal from the Basileus is scum and a gutter snipe. In a cave, the soup is probably over salted. Would someone please sew for the Basileus a bat fur pillow to soften his rocky throne! Another county for slutty granddaughters to be slutty in. Sweet dreams, my Basileus.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Three : Post War

Damn Looters!​

The War for the County of Viraja had included six sieges and three battles. The Imperial Forces had lost 732 men while the Great King of Orissa lost 6,991 men. A great victory for the Imperial Commanders and a huge blow to the Realm of Orissa who was still fighting the Mongol Empire.

By late December, of the year 924 AD, with the southern conflict at an end the Imperial Army under Doux Dionysios III was ordered north to try to catch or cut off the fleeing bandits of the Kuntuvdi’s Host.

Then, at the started of the new year, there was interesting news out of the Middle Kingdom. China had a NEW Ruler. An Empress.

There wasn’t much known about her besides her name, Gaozu of the House Borjigin, the fact she had a Treaty with the Mongols, and that she was 44 years old.

There were some rumors about her. It SEEMED she liked the Byzantine Culture while she disliked the Muslim Culture.

“Well, as long as she keeps her Empire stable and her markets open to our traders I don’t care what she likes or dislikes,” remarked the Basileus from his rock.

With the Raiders now gone the Basileus decided it was time to go back to his Castle. He REALLY wanted a soft bed, hot food, and baths again.

He, and his staff, found it in a somewhat messy state. The wine had been all consumed and the pastries eaten. The rooms had been abused and even the Map Wall had been damaged. And somebody had taken his throne cushion!

As the Castle was being cleaned and repaired the Emperor ordered the Army of Doux Dionysios III to adjust it’s course. The raiders were moving fast. Faster then it was thought possible and it looked like they may escape all together.

In February news came from the north. Seems the Khagan had imprisoned another lowborn. Another Christian.

“How many people are in their dungeons now?” asked the Emperor as he broke in a new cushion. “Their cells must be overflowing with Pagan rebels and enemy children.”

The Army of Depot Sonpal was about to catch up with the Blush’s Host. The raiders had crossed the western border and had decided they were now safe. Or they had stopped to pillage the County of Coqen and forgot the Imperial forces in their greed.

So we end this chapter with one Host likely to escape and another about to be attacked. A Chinese Empress and the Basileus happily directing his kitchen staff on making dishes WITHOUT any moss in it.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Four : The Hosts

Escaping Raiders​

This chapter opens mid February, of the year 925 AD, with the Basileus receiving news from the Duchess Eulalia. Seems she had already started revoking Titles in her newly claimed County.

“Good,” replied the Basileus on hearing this news. “At least she is a fast worker.”

Of course, at this point, his granddaughter had a very high opinion of her grandfather. After all, he had supplied her with all these titles and holdings.

He still hated her guts.

News came that the Army of Despot Sonpal was about to hit Blush’s Host. It looked like the raiders were trying to flee but it was too little, too late, and it was likely they would be forced to engage the Imperial forces.

Then news came from the Mongol Empire. A young Khan, name of Bedugun of the House Bujakhin, had joined the Movement to Overthrow the Khan. Evidence suggested that the young Noble wasn’t the brightest star in the night sky.

“The Great Khan has still not dealt with that Faction?” mumbled the Basileus to himself while reading the scroll. “What kind of idiot jails so many of his own people without realizing it will cause some of them to want to replace him?”

A few days later news came from the Army of Ram Rai. The three hired Captains reported that the Host of Kuntuvdi had crossed the border BUT had then turned north. The fools were coming back INTO Imperial territory. The Army had changed course to meet them when they reentered the Empire.

Then the Basileus had a young Noble brought before him during one of his weekly court sessions. The Basileus was use to weighing the evidence and then passing judgement. Sometimes the people were let go. Other times they were judged to be criminals and punished according to their crimes.

The evidence all suggested the Noble was guilty. While the man was of Noble birth his guilt upset the Emperor. The Vassals were meant to help KEEP the peace. For a Noble to break the laws were twice as sinful than just a commoner breaking the laws. Commoners needed the Nobles to keep them under control and lead by example. The Vassals were the sheep dogs of the herd. They protected the people and the Empire.

For one of them to become a wolf was so shameful. To turn on the very people they were meant to protect and to break the very codes of behavior they were sworn to uphold. SHAME!

“No man is above the law!” proclaimed the Emperor. “Besides me of course. Take him to the dungeons!”

Then a rider came from the Army of the Despot. The Army had caught up with Blush’s Host and the Battle of Coqen. The exchange of missiles had been one-sided as the sell swords had over six hundred Mounted Missile Cavalry and the raiders only had just over a hundred Archers.

By March the right flank of the Host collapsed and the Heavy Cavalry and Special Cavalry were released to charge it down.

Then there was annoying news from the Captains of the Army of Ram Rai. The Host of Kuntuvdi had disappeared. It was believed that it had turned back to either the west or the south and had escaped.

The Basileus was upset by this but was not willing to waste the time or money by sending the hired swords on a wild pug chase to try to find the Host again. So he disbanded the three mercenary groups and ordered the Army of Doux Dionysios III back to the Capital.

Back at the Battle of Coqen the enemy’s left flank had collapsed. Now the bandits in the center were the last enemy remaining on the battlefield. And they were being rained on by arrows, darts, and missiles.

Then the center fell and the hired Cavalry were let loose. Not the best tactic for a region of mountains but the raiders had nothing left to defend themselves.

As the Basileus waited for victory he received some news from his own Imperial Court. Two of his Courtiers had given birth to a baby boy named Diogenes. Of course the parents asked the Basileus to honor their family by picking the first stage of the boy’s education.

The Basileus decided the boy should learn to deal with life on his own. To grow up strong and maybe, one day, become a soldier in the Imperial forces. As the boy was left handed it was likely he would either grow up fighting off bullies or he would learn to be small and unnoticed.

Then he was given news that had come from within the Mongol Empire. Seems “The Wolf” had imprisoned even MORE people. All Christians, mostly Nobles, and a lot of them were children.

“I see his war on the border of Europe continues,” stated the Basileus with a snort. “Well, as long as he focuses on them he won’t focus on us.”

Back at the Battle of Coqen the raiders finally fled from the Cavalry. Not TOO hard to do among the rocks and valleys of the mountains.

A rider brought the news of victory shortly afterwards. The sell swords lost 47 soldiers while the bandits lost 226 men.

The raiders fled and the Basileus decided to let them go. It would be a waste of money and time to chase down the Blush’s Host. So the last hired band was dismissed.

So the Hosts had been chased out, the war had been won, the throne had a new cushion, and the Treasury still had coins in the coffers. Peace now graced the the Second Empire of Maurya. Now if the Emperor would only eat more food.

In our next chapter we will list the Top Seven Military Powers of the KNOWN WORLD!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Author’s Notes:

OOC : The title is not to be confused with ‘The Host’ which is that great South Korean movie from 2006 with Bae Doona. Who was also great in ‘Linda Linda Linda’ and ‘Take Care Of My Cat’.

 

[Midnite Duke]

It has been a long time since a Super Seven Appearance. I wish that you had captured Kuntuvdi because I met him last night as a Jewish Rebel. My Basileus, please enjoy your castle and stay out of damp caves.

 

[Bullfilter]

The Imperial forces pushed the enemy off the field and declared a major victory. The Commanders lost 411 soldiers while the Orissa lost 3,015 soldiers.

That is indeed a decisive victory, if ever there was one.

With the Raiders now gone the Basileus decided it was time to go back to his Castle. He REALLY wanted a soft bed, hot food, and baths again.

As he should. The effrontery of the rebel scum!

He, and his staff, found it in a somewhat messy state. The wine had been all consumed and the pastries eaten. The rooms had been abused and even the Map Wall had been damaged. And somebody had taken his throne cushion!

Arrgghh! No - the Horror. The Horror! The cushion.

“No man is above the law!” proclaimed the Emperor. “Besides me of course. Take him to the dungeons!”

Very well said. Noblesse oblige and all that. With the appropriate caveat that the Emperor is the law!

The raiders fled and the Basileus decided to let them go. It would be a waste of money and time to chase down the Blush’s Host. So the last hired band was dismissed.

Quite right.

In our next chapter we will list the Top Seven Military Powers of the KNOWN WORLD!

Hoorah!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Five : Top Seven Military Powers

Old Empires And New Blood​

This chapter is on the 17th of March, of the year 925 AD, in which we will list the Top Seven Military Powers of the KNOWN WORLD! And who is on top of the list?

The Realm on the top of the list was, of course, the Mongol Empire ruled by Khagan Usun, known as “The Wolf”, who was a Master of Battlefield Terrain, a Trickster, Scholarly Theologian, a Adventurer, Ambitious, Brave, Kind, and Shrewd. He was a skilled warrior and had over ninety thousand soldiers. Which was good as he was in a conflict with the Realm of Khazaria, a rebellion of some kind, and raiders.

On the other hand he preferred the “Company of Men”, was the offspring of a Concubine, somewhat Wrathful, and Chaste. He was also the victim of horrible rumors. None of which was likely helping him among his vassals.

He had replaced his older brother and had gone back to the Old Religion. Which likely just made the Religious conflicts within the Empire worse.

There was also the issue with his war with Khagan Cat who had a LOT of allies. A LOT. Christians, Muslims, and even Pagans. Even some Great Kings of India were involved. It was unknown who was winning the conflict. But it suggested that the Mongol Empire MIGHT have gone as far as it could go.

The Second Realm on the list was far to the west. In fact parts of it existed in the New World. That’s right! We’re talking about the Aztec Empire!

Huetlatoani Ueman “Bloodaxe” was older but not much wiser. He was at peace, outside of dealing with raiders, but he was also in debt. In addition he has a new wife, some cool scars, and a victory against the Duke of Brittany. But had failed in an invasion of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, somehow, was under the control of the Christians. The Pictish King Ardle “The Angel Of Jerusalem” of the House Caliu held it. A dull bastard who was fighting off a Muslim Noble at the time. Luckily the one thing he was good at was cracking heads. I wonder how long he would last?

The Third Realm on the list was right next to the Aztec and Jerusalem. The Arabian Empire was still ruled by the House Abbasid. The Ruler was still Caliph Zeyd “The Terrible” who was still insane and without any people skills. And the Jews still hated him. But at least he was now married and his Realm was kind of at peace.

He had not just married one wife but he had married four wives. He also had a lot of claims he wished he could grab. But at his age that was unlikely. And hopefully he had kids on the way otherwise the next Ruler would be from another branch of the family.

The Fourth Realm on the list was the Byzantine Empire ruled by Basileus Bosporios “The Missionary” of the House Souanites. Who is dealing with THREE Revolts, raiders, and helping in the war with the Mongol Empire.

Wait…what the heck is happening? Why all the rebellions?

Back in 913 AD we had seen the Civil Wars end with the Basilissa Kyra “The Usurper” of the House Phokas coming out on top. When she stepped down, since it seems she is still alive, her second son took the Titles and the Imperial Throne. Which, being that the oldest son was a bastard, made sense.

But the oldest son wasn’t happy with this. And started a war for the throne and titles he saw as his. But we’ll get to him later in the chapter.

Either way, no matter how you slice it, the Byzantine Empire wasn’t doing so well.

The next Realm on the list is in India. The (Second) Empire of Maurya ruled by the Basileus Niphon “The Lionheart” of the House Dysnomia.

Seemed he had a few wars since we last saw him. Even broke a treaty to do so! My, my. Lots of children, a new wife, and starving. Won’t last long at this rate. But, to be honest, he has lasted longer than the past Rulers of the Realm.

The next Realm on the list is Al-Jazira. And the Ruler was Caliph Mirza II “The Evil” of House Mirzid. That nickname is somewhat earned as the man was having an affair with a maidservant, was a cynical unbeliever (which was weird when you take into account HE was the Religious Leader of his Religion), and VERY Decadent.

He wasn’t that bad from a warrior’s point of view. He had crushed a Revolt and was fighting off raiders. BUT he had also involved his people in the war with the Mongol Empire.

The last Realm on the list was a Revolt. Back to the Byzantine Empire again to meet the older brother, the bastard son of the old Empress, and the Leader of ONE of the rebellions.

Nikodemos of the Revolt enjoyed a life of sinful pleasure and yet, somehow, was winning his war. Maybe because he was better skilled at dealing with people than his brother? Maybe because his ally was Ecumenical Patriarch Polycuktos “The Cruel” who was the Religious Head of the Empire?

Or maybe because of the two other revolts, plus the massive war with the Mongols, were sapping his brother’s military strength?

And so we are finished with our list. But not with Europe. Next chapter will be bonus material that you may, or may not, find interesting!

 

[Bullfilter]

How many of the massive Mongol Army are event troops that we can assume should gradually fade away over time, do we know?

 

[Eurasia]

How many of the massive Mongol Army are event troops that we can assume should gradually fade away over time, do we know?

The break down is 71,525 Event Troops, 15,378 Horde, 3,600 Hired, 2,391 (out of 2,796 vassal levies), and 13,868 Potential Vassal Ally Troops. So most of his troops are Event Troops that can't be replaced. But it seems he still has a lot of them.

 

[Midnite Duke]

How did a dull Pictish bastard journey to Jerusalem and start a PBS children's show (Caillou)? Thank you for another edition of the Strong Seven!

 

[Midnite Duke]

With boys like this, the Byz nobles probably regret forcing momma off the throne! Bonuses are the best, besides the Basileus will make us like them whatever we may desire.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Six : Bonus Material

Welcome To Europe!​

It is the 17th of March, the year 925 AD, and Europe was a weird place. Christians, Pagans, and more lived, fought, and died crowded together in these lands.

First, Europe was having issues with Consumption. It was centered, mostly, in the Aztec Empire.

Being that the author of this history, me, was interested in what was happening in Italy I peeked at Rome and found the Noble was a Catholic Nahua (Aztec). Interesting.

And his Liege was a Catholic Lombard. The Aztec Empire seemed to be a mess of Cultures and Religions.

A BIG mess. In fact the Aztec Religion seemed to be eroding, slowly, against the Christian and Muslim sects.

The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Martinus II “The Blind” was, well, blind. He was also Trusting, Just, Charitable, Content, a bookworm, and very learned. But he also was somewhat of a mystic having dived into old, dusty, tomes of the occult. Not really something his fellow Catholics would approve of.

Many small Kingdoms, many Christian, existed on the fringe of the Aztec Empire. The Welsh Kingdom of Brythoniaid, ruled by the Roman Catholic King Nynniaw of the House Eadricing, dominated the British Isles.

And France now existed! Ruled by the Irish King called Ruadan of the House Ua Maele Odrain. But it is tiny and may not last very long. At least he was a Catholic King!

Sadly for him he was trapped between the Aztec Empire and the Duke of Brittany. A young man, Donar II, did not look as impressive as the rest of his bloodline. He was not Catholic and he needed a wife. True, he was strong, but he lacked military skills and he was ugly to boot.

Up north the Queen Hafrid “The Tormentor” of Noregr does not look a day over 40 and yet this 57 year old Ruler is still leading her Realm. This has made things harder for one of her neighbors, the Catholic King Sigtrygg “The Just” of Svipjod. The Queen has taken some counties out of his Kingdom. Who knows how long he will last.

Back on the mainland there were the Germans under the Grand Chief Ewald II. A Pagan Saxon who was doing his best to keep Germany in once piece. Looking at all those WARS he was in I wish him well.

The Kingdom of Poland was also still around. Ruled by King Sulislaw, a Slavic Pagan of Polish blood, who was also in a few wars. Including the massive one against the Mongols. Once again I wish him well.

But it isn’t just the fringes where Christians, and other Religions, survive. A few tiny Realms live inside the body of the Aztec Empire. Right in northern Italy exists the Duchy of Modena, the County of Ferrara, the County of Padua, and the Republic of Venice. All Roman Catholic!

So I hope you enjoyed this little journey in Europe. So as I close my book, clean my pen, and blow out my candles I invite you to come back next time when we return to the story in India.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The look arounds are great! Do you have a set schedule (every 10, 25 years) of them?

 

[Eurasia]

The look arounds are great! Do you have a set schedule (every 10, 25 years) of them?

Whenever I get bored or the main story slows down or I notice something is strange happening in Europe.

 

[Bullfilter]

The Welsh Kingdom of Brythoniaid, ruled by the Roman Catholic King Nynniaw of the House Eadricing, dominated the British Isles.

Hooray for the Welsh Juggernaut

And France now existed! Ruled by the Irish King called Ruadan of the House Ua Maele Odrain.

That is a bit strange - and as you say, probably temporary.

Up north the Queen Hafrid “The Tormentor” of Noregr does not look a day over 40 and yet this 57 year old Ruler is still leading her Realm.

Go Hafrid - clearly a bit of tormenting is good for a Viking leader.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Seven : Working On The Realm

Paperwork, Paperwork​

This chapter opens in the middle of March, of the year 925 AD, with things settling down. And the Basileus wondering if there was anyway to improve on his Castle’s defenses.

Sadly, the Castle was as advanced as it could get. The technology of warfare needed to be improved on before the Castle’s own defenses could be expanded. He COULD update the Barracks or the Cataphract Training Ground if he gained enough coins.

Wanting to do SOMETHING to make the Capital harder to take the Basileus ordered that a Fort be made.

In April, as the Basileus pondered what to do next, he received news of a plot. Seems the Countess of Radha was seeking to create a claim on the Duchy of Gauda.

“Tell the Countess to stop,” the Basileus said to his Spymaster. “Unless she wants my insane daughter to get mad at her.”

Then there was news from the western borders. Seems the Blush raiders had reentered the Empire. But were in the process of fleeing. Looks like they had lost another fight.

“Ha-Ha!” was all the Basileus had to say to this news. He didn’t care where they fled to as long as the Host left his holdings, and his tax payers, alone.

Then in May the Basileus remembered to dismiss the Imperial Levies. Which just left the Retinues to make their way to the Imperial Capital.

By June the soldiers had returned to the Capital. They were greeted with cheering wives and children, happy shop owners, and clean barracks.

One day in late June the Basileus examined the newly repaired Wall Map. And noticed to his horror that his Empire now touched the Arabian Empire.

“Crap,” exclaimed the Basileus. “Look at that. The House of Abbasid has reached all the way into India. With over thirty thousand soldiers.”

Caliph Zeyd “The Terrible” was unlikely somebody who the Basileus could deal with. He was insane and had the bad taste to have a low opinion of the Basileus.

Around the same time there was more news from the north. It seems “The Wolf” had released a lowborn from his dungeons. After humiliating the man in public.

“The more I learn of this Ruler the more I dislike him,” mumbled the Emperor.

In early July the Accountants announced that, now that the hired swords and the Imperial Levies had been dismissed, the Empire would make money again. Lots of money.

That same day he noticed that his granddaughter, Aigidia, was no longer married. And she was still of child bearing age.

“Let’s find her a husband so she can pop out some more babies!” said the Basileus. “Bring me a list of all the available single men! Wait? She already has two kids? Well, she needs MORE!”

The two on the top of the list were both of the same Dynasty and the Basileus dismissed them.

The third on the list was lazy and the fourth was possessed.

The fifth on the list was a bastard BUT that seemed to be it.

“Yes, this Satasp Irkinzk will do. He is single and has a kid. Which means his penis works. Send him the request!” And so the marriage proposal was sent.

As he waited for news of the proposal he received news about another plot from within the Empire. Seems Jayapala of the House Gupta was scheming to kill Lomapade of House Gupta.

“Tell him to stop plotting to kill members of his own family,” ordered the Basileus with a sigh.

Wishing to keep things calm in the newly taken County of Viraja the Basileus asked some members of the Buddhist Society to head down to the lands to convert the whole Region to the True Faith.

And it worked. The County of Viraja was now MOSTLY Buddhists.

So we end this chapter with the Basileus doing his best to put things in order. He felt speed was needed. Some event was coming and he needed to make sure his House, his Dynasty, was ready.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Caliph Zeyd is impressive. What does he not have a claim on? Sometimes non dynastic marriages are more incestous than dynastic marriages. Smart AI that only allows male rulers to make matrilineal marriages within dynasty! Is the final paragraph foretelling the Basileus' end or Slut Insane Heir's demise?

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Seven Hundred-Eighty-Eight : Minor Titles

Failing To Find A Guru​

This chapter opens in mid July, of the year 925 AD, and the Basileus was brought a letter by his staff.

A marriage that had been arranged earlier needed his approval. Princess Mahidevi of Nepal had come of age and could now marry Gerasimos Dysnomia - his kin and Heir to the Duchy of Yarlung. He could see no flaw to this marriage and, of course, said yes to it.

Soon the Prince arrived at the Imperial Court to marry Gerasimos with the approval of the Despot. It turned out the Princess, Mahidevi of the House Ayudha, was a Dwarf.

“Wonderful!” shouted the Basileus after meeting the woman. “Don’t we have a empty position for a Court Dwarf?”

“Sire,” said one of the nearby Courtiers, “I am not sure if she would be happy…as a Princess…becoming the Court’s Dwarf.”

“Nonsense!” said the Basileus. “Who doesn’t want to be my Court’s Dwarf?”

And so the Princess of Nepal was made the Court Dwarf shortly after her marriage.

“Seems we have a lot of empty titles,” remarked the Basileus. “Seems we need to pass out some of them. Bring me the lists!”

The next empty position was the Court Jester but the Basileus knew better than to put anybody in that position. It would just upset somebody.

The one after that was the Seneschal. Mainly, the person who organizes the feasts and entertainment. It gave both prestige and a small monthly salary.

He decided on Einarr - the Doux of Qamdo and his Son-In-law. The young Norse was strong and insane. Didn't that make him the perfect man for planning great parties?

Then he decided to place Eulalia “The Unfaithful”, his granddaughter and the Duchess of Tosali, in the position of his Court Poet. Seemed that she was the most learned of those available for that position.

But then he noticed that there was nobody for the position of Court Guru. How could he call himself a proper Buddhist Ruler if he didn’t have a Religious Guru?!?!

So he decided to invite a Holy Man to Court.

And a Priest named Kyriakos came to court. Sadly, while he was a Mastermind Theologian and very learned, he was of the Brahmin Caste and therefore could not be the Guru.

“What do you mean he can’t be the Guru?” remarked the Basileus. “HE is of the Religious Caste! He would be perfect for the position of Guru!”

“Maybe find another Priest?” suggested one of the staff.

“Let us invite a Holy Ascetic!” said the Basileus after some thought. “Maybe a member of our society will make a good Guru?”

By August Lazaros, a lowborn Bhikkhu, arrived at Court. He was very learned and of the Religious Caste and for some reason was also not allowed, by the rules, to be a Guru.

“What stupid rules are these?” demanded the Basileus. “How can the most Holy of Buddhists and a man of such wisdom NOT be able to be my Guru?”

“Them the rules,” stated the staff. The staff always become a tad sarcastic when it came to explaining the laws to the Emperor.

As the Basileus pouted he received some news fresh from the north. Seems two more men had joined the people in the Mongol’s dungeon. These were a couple of Nobles from the war “The Wolf” was waging in Europe.

“Seems he is still focused to the west,” said the Basileus with a nod. “Good.”

But the Mongol Empire reminded the Basileus of the Arabian Empire, also, to the west.

All evidence suggested the Caliph disliked the Basileus. But his Heir seemed to have a positive opinion of the Basileus. OF course the young man was kind of slow.

“Interesting,” remarked the Basileus on hearing this news. “Maybe we can use that.”

And so the young man was sent a gift. A small purse of coins. About 15 gold coins worth of coins. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things but enough to increase the Noble’s opinion of the Basileus GREATLY.

Turns out the Heir to one of the largest Empires in the Middle East was pretty cheap.

And so we close this chapter with a few Minor Titles passed out, a Guru position still open, a new Court Dwarf, and a Basileus who was somewhat pleased.