Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[Midnite Duke]

I owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude every time that I play. These top sevens increased my enjoyment of the game by doing quarter century world checks. They are also the basis of my own AAR.

Has the Mongols changed dynasties, I thought that the spelling was Borjgiin? Several leadership changes and still 75K, OUCH! How many event spawned remain?

What is the Aztec wife's culture?

It is a big difference between joining the 'death pact war' and sending troops to fight the Mongols.

Who names their child Mirza Mirzid?

Could 'the Shadow's' wife be hiding because she is about to birth a little 'shadow'?

Was this list sponsored by the local mental health clinic? I counted three 'looney birds'!

@Eurasia, thank you very much.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Fifteen : Bonus Material!

Tiny Little Facts​

It was the 1st of September, of the year 927 AD, and this chapter will be exploring niches of the known world we have not visited. Or have not visited lately. So, the first niche is the Kingdom of Lanka which was still being ruled by a member of the Dysnomia Dynasty.

The Great King Konstas “The Cruel” had just under four thousand soldiers and was very learned. At least he knew how to handle the books and not go into debt.

He could trace his bloodline to the Dynasty via both sides of his family. Too bad about the nickname.

Far to the east the new Chinese Empress wasn’t doing much. At least China was stable and open to trade. Too bad she was too old to have babies.

The most interesting development was in Poland. The King had died from “suspicious circumstances”.

The new King, his son Sulislaw “The Bewitched”, was likely to die under suspicious circumstances too.

The wife didn’t like him at all. Mostly, it seemed, because he loved his food. But many historians pointed out she was also a lesbian and that might have more to do with it. It was amazing she had produced three children for him.

And his Concubines hated him for Abducting them and, in some cases, Humiliating them to boot. His lifespan on this world was likely to be very short.

The most interesting figure in Europe, at the time, was the Khagan of Khazaria. The man who was fighting for his life, his lands, and his people. A Christian Horse Lord fighting the Mongol Empire. The shield, as it were, of the Roman Catholic Church.

And so after this very short chapter, next time, we go back to the story in India.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The Chinese Empress same dynasty same culture as Mongols, guess who is running the East? Thank you, my Basilissa.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixteen : Stupid Tiger

Invisible Cats!​

This chapter opens in early September, of the year 927 AD, with the Empress pondering some Weak Claims that could be pressed.

This claims, in other words, would be in the name of others. For example Mew of Kabul had a claim within the Abbasid Empire, Dugarendra Gahirawar had a claim within the Ayudha Empire, and the Doux of Kalinga had a claim within the Kingdom of Kalinga.

The Empress decided none of those claims were worth fighting for. Maybe she needed to find her fun someplace else?

“I know!” stated the Empress to herself. “Try to kill one of nature’s most lovely creatures! Tiger Hunt!”

As the invites were sent by riders, owls, and otters, and the Servants started to pack for the Hunt, the war between the Doux of Bhutan and the Count of Paro came to an end.

The County of Paro now belonged to the Doux and the young Nalrajar Garh was now without a title.

His forefathers would have been so upset. That title had been given to his grandfather in the year 857 AD.

By the ides of September the Guides were ready, the Imperial Guards were well armed, and the Hunting Party was off. Soon a site was found, the tents pitched, and the cooking fires lit.

During one of the trips into the jungle the Empress received a letter from a rider and found out some good news.

Seems the Bhikkhu of Para-Lauhitya had converted a 16 year to Buddhism. The best part was the man, name of Naharshi, was a Noble of the House Visayapati.

A few days later, during another journey into the jungle, she received some bad news from a hawk. Seems Hisen Tishifansson of the House Nandin was plotting to kill Hroogar Mewsson. Amazingly, for a 2 year old, he was already smart enough to go into hiding.

“Why can’t my Norse Vassals behave?” she complained. She wrote a reply which she attached to the hawk. A simple reply that told the Spymaster to suggest to Hisen to cancel his plotting.

Then, in early October, she received another letter from another hawk during another trip into the jungle. The letter was old. Likely the hawk had delivered other letters before getting to her. Somebody on the Council had been cheap and only paid for standard delivery.

This one was about the Mongol Empire. Seems the Khagan had imprisoned another person. This time a Muslim of the Sunni Sect. Seems the Mongols were having issues with all Cultures and Religions.

“Growing pains,” murmured the Empress to herself as she tossed the letter to one side.

A few days after that, when coming back to the Hunting Camp to have the evening meal, the Empress found a messenger waiting for her with another letter.

Seems the Great King Konstas “The Cruel” of Lanka was in hiding and his son had become his Regent. Was somebody trying to kill him or was it that he THOUGHT somebody was trying to kill him?

“He was not very good with people,” said the Empress to the messenger as she tipped him. “I assume they are out to get him. Go visit the mess tent. They could be tapping a keg of beer for tonight’s meal. Have a few mugs.”

Then there was good news delivered by a owl. Seems Bhikkhu Photios had converted the whole County of Karmanta instead of just one individual.

The Empress ordered the Upadhyaya to the County of Samatata to convert the Hindu populace there to the True Faith.

At this point the Hunting Party decided that it was time to pack up. There were no Tigers in the region. So the fires were put out, the tents rolled up, and the pack animals prepared for the journey back home.​

When the Hunting Party returned to the Capital there were no cheering crowds or warm welcomes. The Empress headed right to her Palace with her head lowered in disgust. Not a good start for a new Hunter.

Still, as the chapter comes to an end there had been some good news so not everything had been failure.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Lord Meow-Meow would say that tigers shot with a nikon camera and kodachrome film last forever, but that tigers shot with a crossbow become dirty and stinky. Sweet Dreams, My Basilissa.

The nikon camera and kodachrome film are borrowed from Paul Simon's 'Kodachrome'.

 

[Bullfilter]

Somebody on the Council had been cheap and only paid for standard delivery.

Just can’t get good help these days.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Seventeen : More Raiders?

How Many Hosts Are THERE?

​

This chapter opens in the ides of October, of the year 927 AD, with a very interesting event happening to the north.

Burkhan’s Host was, reportedly, trying to loot the County of Nangqen. They didn’t have the numbers to do much else to the people of the county.

The Mauryan Army was ordered to bypass the Capital and continue north to hit the Host. Another Commander, Meletios, was told to join the other two as one flank had no leader.

That same day the Empress was surprised by a giant rodent dressed up as a maid. She thought it was a large gopher who came into her bedroom when she was trying out a new fashion of hats that looked like shoes. Perfectly normal fashion from the Welsh.

She chased it out of her room only to have it escape by exchanging its uniform with a human. The Empress was upset that the giant gopher had escaped and lectured the human maid about plotting with rodents of unusual size.

As she had the Imperial Guards search the Palace for giant rodent holes among her private chambers she was brought some news of a murder plot. Seems Chaghama “The Unfaithful” of the House Bamiyan was trying to kill Narubho Dhrtirastre (of the House Narubho). Seems they were Rivals.

“Tell her to behave!” demanded the Empress. “I have bigger problems to worry about. Like giant rodents!”

A few days later the Empress was notified that her 12 year old daughter, Princess Agathe, needed the second stage of her education selected. The Empress decided on a Diplomatic Education. Taking into account the girl’s character it seemed the best choice. Not for her but for the Empire. Don’t want her to become TOO good at anything. She could endanger the next Empress.

There was no more news till the middle of November. Samant Sen of the House of Sen was plotting to kill his wife. This was upsetting because his wife, Alexeia of the House Dysnomia, was a well Groomed woman who had given him two kids.

“What a mean person,” remarked the Empress. “Tell him not to kill one of my kin.”

Later that month the Empress had a decision to make about Dattadevi of the House Shantideva, her Ward. The girl was not ambitious and seemed to be happy with less. The Empress decided she needed to be more…charitable. If she COULD why not make that flaw a strength and give what she could to people in need? It didn’t work.

Funny enough the young girl became an adult shortly after this. She had also finished her study in faith and learning and, it seemed, had excelled at it. So she was smart….and sadly, Possessed. Also she preferred the company of women.

Maybe not the best wife for Vasudeva of the House Ghosha. On the other hand he also preferred the company of the same sex. So maybe they would get along?

And so this chapter ends with another Host and giant rodents on the Basilissa’s mind.

 

[Midnite Duke]

I am shocked that a ward of the Basilissa would be Possessed. Does she like all girls or is this a Crush on the Basilissa? My first thought on the giant gopher was 'Caddyshack'. In honor of Bill Murray, Who are you gonna call . . . 'GopherBusters'!

 

[Bullfilter]

rodents of unusual size

So I suppose Agathe will become a Princess Bride at some point? Maybe before the Basilissa completely loses her sanity?

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Eighteen : Slow News Week

All The News Nobody Cares About

​

This chapter opens in late November, of the year 927 AD, with the Basilissa getting news about one of her daughters. The Princess Demetra loved to do things HER way and took great offense when others offered her opinions.

The Empress decided to help her daughter become more Diligent.

And it seemed to work. Which would help make the girl a fine wife when she finally married.

The Empress also noticed that her Mother-In-Law was still alive. Which was okay with the Basilissa as Pulcheria seemed to have a high opinion of the Empress. They were both insane and Pulcheria was also a Poet.

The Empress also noticed her husband was looking OLD. He had turned 50 and his hair was suddenly white. At least his opinion of her wasn’t as bad as it use to be. IF he died of old age she could pick up somebody younger.

In December there was news from the Mongol Empire. A Lowborn Christian, by the name Bihor, had been put in the dungeons. He was a man of great military skill from inside the Khazaria Empire.

In early January, of the year 928 AD, news came that the Host was under attack. Seems the Duchy of Qamdo had massed its troops together and had launched an attack on the Burkhan’s Host. The locals outnumbered the raiders at least two-to-one.

So this chapter ends with the bandits being attacked, finally, by a Vassal with some balls and not much else.

 

[Midnite Duke]

What does Basileus dying have to do with Basilissa picking up 'Toy Boys'? Whether he is dead, in the palace or in a Mongol dungeon; SHE WILL have her 'Toy Boys'! My Basilissa, may I suggest a youth waving a palm frond and another with a platter of figs?

 

[Bullfilter]

IF he died of old age she could pick up somebody younger.

An episode of Widow Wants a Husband? A medieval alternate reality programme. <facepalms> It could be advertised in the Medieval Messenger.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Nineteen : Another Chinese Subject-State

The Mongol Empress​

This chapter opens in early January, of the year 928 AD, with the Chinese Empire, with their Mongol Empress, defeating the Great King Sharva III.

This news wasn’t surprising. Few of the Realms of the East would hold up against the Middle Kingdom.

So the Realm of Rashtrakuta was now a member of the many Kingdoms now under the thumb of the Chinese Empire. Which was funny because, while under the boot of the Chinese, Rashtrakuta was in a war with the Mongol Empire.

The Empress looked at the Wall Map. When you moved away, far enough, the Chinese influence could be barely detected. It looked like India was dominated by Ayudha and its Dynasty.

But if you moved far enough away from the Wall most of the East was dominated by the Mongols. India looked tiny in comparison.

Then in early February news was brought to the Empress of a murder plot. Seems Dionysios of the House Katharos wanted to kill Trinring of the House Dysnomia. Many suggested this was because the man was Possessed.

“Tell him not too!” proclaimed the Empress. “How dare he threaten a member of the Imperial bloodline. Only I can do that!”

It looked like Burkhan’s Host, after being defeated, was on the run. Why it would retreat into the Mongol Empire was unknown. Wasn’t the Mongol Empire MORE dangerous to run around than any place else?

Surveys taken among the peasants showed that they were very impressed by the arbitrary rule of the Empress.

In late February the Nobles of Kamatapur passed the Religious Control Mandate Law which gave the Count a lot of power over his Vassals. Always a good thing. As long as the Count was loyal and knew his place.

And so we end this chapter with not a lot happening. How boring.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Taking surveys at sword point, tend to get the results that you want. Naptime, Basilissa

 

[Bullfilter]

Surveys taken among the peasants showed that they were very impressed by the arbitrary rule of the Empress.

Taking surveys at sword point, tend to get the results that you want.

The definition of a medieval push poll!

“Your very arbitrary, absolute (and BTW rather deranged, thinks the respondent to themselves) ruler wants to know if you are impressed by this admirable characteristic. What say you, downtrodden serf?”

This asked as a squad of heavily armed ‘survey takers’ finger the edges of swords, check the sharpness of spear points, etc. in the background.

“Er, ah, I like it. Very prestigious ’n all, Guv.”

”Very good, the correct answer. I’ll record that as an ‘in favour’. Though not delivered with quite enough enthusiasm. Guards! Kill him.”

”Fair enough, guilty as charged Guv, but society is to blame.”

”It is indeed. Guards, kill his family too. Next!”

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Twenty : Match Making And Raiders

And The White Tiger​

This chapter opens in late February, of the year 928 AD, with the Empress realizing something about Princess Agathe.

The Princess had no husband in her future. The Empress had to find one. Somebody nice but also useful. The Empress just wished the girl had a better Guardian. At least one who used soap.

Torolchi of the House of Uriankhai seemed to be the best choice for a matrilineal marriage. His skills were okay even if he was a Mongol. So a proposal was sent.

That would link her Dynasty with the House of Uriankhai. Which seems to be a Major Family inside the Mongol Empire.

Then there was some bad news. The old Doux Jayapala of Gupta Duchy had been killed in personal combat. His son took his titles and his lands. The New Duchy better work on producing his own sons unless he wanted one of his brothers to get the titles.

In March the Empress got a reply to the marriage proposal. The Head of the House of Uriankhai agreed to the future arrangement.

By the ides of March there were reports from travelers and rumors from the peasants that in the wild was a mythical beast. A WHITE TIGER! Of course the Empress sent out Hunters to find it.

By April the Army of Doux Dionysios III had reached the northern border of the Empire. Burkhan’s Host was now at the County of Dulan. Now the Commanders had to decide if to march north to attack the raiders or to give up.

So this chapter ends with the Imperial Commanders trying to decide what to do while the Empress waited to hear about the WHITE TIGER!

 

[Midnite Duke]

I have seen white tigers at the Metro Richmond (VA) Zoo including cubs. (Also hand fed a giraffe.) White tigers cubs score highly on the cuteness meter. This week the Norfolk (VA) zoo reports two of its tigers had contracted COVID. My Basilissa, please when hunting tigers use a camera and not a spear for a lifetime of memories.

 

[Bullfilter]

And The White Tiger

Awwww! Don’t kill it, by the Whiskers of Lord Meow-Meow!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Twenty-One : A Death In The Dynasty

Lanka Has A New Ruler​

The chapter opens in mid April, of the year 928 AD, with Burkhan’s Host moving away from the Empire. The Commanders of the Imperial Army didn’t know what to do about the Host.

Should they chase it or return to the Capital?

In early May, while bored and looking over some reports, the Empress noticed that the weakest link on her own Imperial Council was her Spymaster. Not really the best thing to become aware about when one was unbalanced. The paranoid Empress wonder what would happen if he missed a scheme being plotted against her?

Then, in early June, there was news from the Kingdom of Lanka. The Great King Konstas had died. Seemed his death was related to his Gout. And the new Great King, Theophylaktos, took his titles and holdings.

The New Great King also inherited all THREE Treasures of the Realm.

The Talakad Ganga Kingdom also became the Tributary of the Great King. The New King had inherited that also.

The Empress offered to become the New King’s Ruler. But all evidence suggested the young man didn’t wish to be her Vassal. The Audacity!

On the other hand the New King was also SINGLE. So the Empress proposed to him that he marry one of her kin, Anthe of the House Dysnmoia. And it seemed he was favorable to the idea.

As the Empress waited for a reply she noticed that Duke Jau of Kalinga was engaged in a conflict with a Host. Maybe if the Duke got stomped a little he would be willing to become her Vassal? For the protection, of course.

By the end of June the marriage proposal had been accepted. And Anthe went off to marry her new husband.

And so we end this chapter with the death of a King and a Royal marriage.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The Basilissa was calm. Either the Basilissa had a good day or the new meds are working. My Basilissa, please remember that a morning nap, an afternoon nap and a good night's sleep is a great tonic for the Empire.