Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Fifty-Eight : Revolts…

And Death​

This chapter opens in late March, of the year 931 AD, with news from the Mongol Empire.

Seems a Lowborn belonging to the Great King Lahna of Rajputana had been imprisoned by Khagan. Even though there was no conflict between the two Realms.

In the middle of April Mew’s forces had taken the Fortress of Qamdo and moved on to lay siege to the City of Riwoche. Sadly, it seems the Doux was not in his Castle and therefore the war continued.

Later that month the Doux’s forces started the Siege of Dulan. The problem, for them, was the Castle of Dulan was a Fortress made of stone, not wood, and that would prove a real barrier to a swift siege.

Not as big or as old as some of the Castles in the rest of the Empire. But if this Frontier Castle slowed down the Doux’s forces too much that could mean the difference between victory or defeat.

As this was happening the Empress was brought a request. To pick the next stage of development of Antipatra of House Dysnomia. The Empress selected a Stewardship Education for the girl. Knowing math and how to balance books was always a good skill for a Noblewoman.

Then, in early May, Despot Antonios of U-Tang became a shade. He kicked the bucket. He bought the farm. He punched the ticket. He gave up the ghost. He breathed his last. He met his Maker. He went to a better place. He was pushing up daisies. He entered into eternity. He reached the finish line. He was bereft of life. He bid adieu to Earthly scenes. He crossed over. He changed a fleeting world for an immortal rest. He left his mortal coil. He made his exit. He finished his coffee. He tipped the waiter one last time. He paid Charon’s fare. He passed onward. He returned to dust. He sailed into the West. He entered that good night. He was wandering the Elysian Fields.

He, in other words, died and left some of his titles behind.

The Basilissa inherited the Kingdom of U-Tsang (or maybe we should say she got it back) while the man’s daughter received the County of Kathmandu.

A few days later the Doux of Kathmandu had his Lords pass the Levy Shifted Noble Obligations Law. This meant he preferred his Nobles give him soldiers over coins.

By the 17th of May the Empress noticed that the Countess of Kathmandu had updated her wardrobe.

It was also around this time that the Empress noticed another fight had broken out between two of her Vassals.

“Enforced Realm Peace my behind,” she grumbled as she glared at the Wall Map. “Even the NEW law isn’t stopping my Vassals from causing trouble!”

Seems Simonis of the House Toxias had started a Revolt to place the Basileus Romanos in charge of the Duchy of Lhasa. Of course the Duchess Viviana of Lhasa wasn’t just going to let this happen. So war.

Both sides looked somewhat equal until you looked at the finer details. The forces under the Revolt were spread all over the place. And the Duchess seemed to have more knowledge of warfare. But she was heavy with child.

Who would win? Nobody in the Imperial Court was willing to bet but a few leaned towards the Duchess. She seemed to have the best starting position.

And so we close this chapter with a death and ANOTHER Revolt

 

[Midnite Duke]

CatFight (shame Kathmandu is not involved)! Two very skilled young ladies with four double digit attributes. One oddity is that Simonis has a diplomatic education (1 star naive appeaser) but diplomacy is her only non double digit attribute. Key could be Simonis owns five counties to one for Duchess Viviana.

 

[roverS3]

What a surprise. The Vassals are still starting fights. I hope the duchess wins, if only because she didn't start the darn fight.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Fifty-Nine : Raiders!

Again?​

This chapter opens in late May, of the year 931 AD, with news coming from the Protostrator.

She notified the Empress that the Commander Timotheos had learned to Siege properly.

The man was already skilled at combat. This would make him even more effective in warfare.

Then the Empress was given some bad news from Gaya. One of the Counties housing a Holy Site. Seems Komitas, the Protostrator, was plotting to kill one of his fellow Councilors, Ramapala. He was the Mystikos of Gaya as well as one of its Commanders.

“Tell him to stop,” remarked the Empress when she heard the news. “We can’t have Councilors killing each other. Even if they are not my own.”

Near the end of the month two armies of the Lhasan Revolt were engaged with the Lhasa army. And losing. While a third Revolt army kind of just stood there and did nothing.

By the ides of June a fourth Revolt army had appeared but at this point, even if it joined in the engagement, it might be too little too late.

Then the Empress received some old news. Seems back near the start of June the Lords of the County of Kathmandu had passed the Late Feudal Administration Law. No doubt to strengthen the Countess’s rule.

A few days later the Empress was given news of a Raiding Host. The Host of Kumtagid Duolubu had appeared in the County of Bumthang.

But they seemed to be heading towards the County of Paro. This was noticed by the Retinue Commanders.

The Retinue decided to march to Paro to meet the bandits. But the bandits noticed this in time and, being rude, decided to stay still.

This, of course, did not stop the Imperial Retinue from change course and marching towards Bumthang.

Then, the Empress received horrible news about Chief Theophilos Artux. Her nephew in the Mongol Empire. Seems he had joined the “Independence” Faction.

“Only one cure for stupidity,” it all the Empress said on hearing the news.

In July there was good news. Her forces had engaged the Raiders. The Host was outnumbered AND had no Cavalry at all. All infantry. They did have a advantage in their numbers of Light Infantry. Which really didn’t help them much.

“Fools!” exclaimed the Empress when she heard the news. “How can they be Steppe Bandits and NOT HAVE HORSES?”

And so we close this chapters with battles and fools.

 

[Midnite Duke]

57yo 0 intrigue Mystikos, do the lord a favor and let him get killed! No Horses tis why they are no longer in the Steppe! Joining an Independence movement against Mongol Empire does not sound very Shrewd!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixty : Nothing But Combat!

Spear And Shield
​

This chapter opens in early July, of the year 931 AD, with the news of many conflicts going on at the same time.

To the north, halfway between the border and the Capital, the battle between the Revolt and the Duchess has ended badly for the Revolt. The Duchy forces continued to lay Siege to the Holdings in the County of Kunggar even though the Rebellion had more forces in the area.

Going farther north Mew’s forces were on the verge of taking the City of Riwoche. While the forces of Doux Einarr were still trying to take the Fortress of Dulan.

North of the Capital itself the Battle of Jambay continued. The Host was already in trouble as their center was already fleeing from the overwhelming rain of deadly arrows and missiles from the other side. Then their right flank fled and all the Imperial Archers focused their fire on one enemy flank.

The Host’s last flank finally gave in and the Imperial Commanders released their Cavalry. A mountain side isn’t REALLY the best place to use Cavalry But the enemy was already in retreat and there were no trees to get in the way so they figured why not?

Back up north Mews forces had finally taken the City and had moved on to lay siege to the Temple Complex of Karub. The defending Warrior Monks were outnumbered greatly and would likely not hold very long. Once taken the war would swing into Mew’s favor.

And the Rebellion to the south, while outnumbering the Duchess, was totally failing to use its numbers to do anything.

News came that the Battle of Jambay had come to a end. It turned out to a Imperial Victory. The Commanders reported the losses of 102 men while the Host lost 275 men. The numbers were not that impressive but a victory is still a victory. Which pleased the Empress.

Of course, once the Host started to run for it, the Imperial Commanders gave chase.

So we close this chapter with victories and a much happier Empress.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Happier Empress, Very Good! I expected more decisive than 102 vs 275, but raiders are tougher than peasants. The terrain probably limited the effectiveness of the cavalry. Any victory is better than a lost.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixty-One : Plots, Plots, And Plots

Need To Keep Track Of All The Plots
​

This chapter opens at the end of July, of the year 931 AD, with the Duchess laying Siege to the Castle of Kunggar.

Her army was still recovering from the first battle with the Rebels but unless the Rebels DID something the Castle would likely fall. Duchess Simonis would be one more step towards being defeated and her Revolt crushed.

Back near the Capital the Imperial forces were still chasing down the Bandits.

At the start of August news came that another prisoner of the Mongol Empire had been released. Seems they decided a 50 year old woman wasn’t a threat to them.

“The Khagan hates women, right?” asked the Empress with a frown.

Then, in the early part of August, the Empress was given some annoying news. Seems Doux Kallistos of Nagchu was trying to find a way to claim the Title to the Kingdom of U-Tsang.

“No!” proclaimed the Empress. “I just got that back! Tell him to back down!”

In September the Imperial forces were still chasing the Host and the Lhasan Revolt was still refusing to take on the Lhasa forces.

Much of the rest of the month was slow and boring. Until near the end when the Empress received news that the Count of Kotivarsa was trying to claim the Duchy of Gauda.

“Are people trying to piss me off?” asked the Empress. “Tell him to stop!”

Then the Empress received a happy surprise. Seems Duolubu’s Host had upset the Doux of Bangala Varman Raj by entering his territory. So the Doux had called forth his levies. And as the levies outnumbered the Raiders there was a chance the Doux might give the Host a beating.

Then more news came out of the Mongol Empire. Seems a Khan had joined the “Overthrow Khan” Faction.

“I would think they would use a different name to hide the goal of the movement,” murmured the Empress. “The Mongol Empire has vassals as stupid as mine.”

The Lhasan Revolt finally started another fight with the forces of Lhasa. The question was would the Rebellion win?

So we close this chapter with many plots and a new battle.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The Mongol Emperor is NOT bigoted against women; he HATES EVERYONE equally. My Empress, NEWS FLASH, Vassals world over are no brighter than a dying fire fly.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Road of Queens, Happy 4th Birthday on the 13th. Sweet Dreams Basileus Niphon and Lord Meow-Meow.

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixty-Two : Stupid Rebellions

“NOT THE HORSE!”​

This chapter opens in early October, of the year 931 AD, with the Basilissa waiting for news of one of the Revolts. She had certain hopes as she did favor certain sides. The fact was while her Vassals were stupid some were more stupid than others.

AS she waited she received news that Count Mahendra of Lhatse was seeking to claim the Duchy of Shigatse. As it wasn’t her title she didn’t care that much. BUT she hoped it did not result in another Revolt!

Then she received bad news. A Commander, and member of the Dynasty, Germanos of Amdo died of depression.

The Empress looked over the list of available military men who could be put in the empty Commander position. The best bet was Kallistos, the Doux of Nagchu, as he was the most skilled. In other words he was on the top of the list. His opinion of her was kind of low but that meant if he HAPPENED to die during a war so much the better!

By the ides of October the Host had escaped across the border. But the Imperial forces were still on their trail.

Around the same time a arranged marriage proposal the Empress had sent had come of age, as it were. Her daughter, Agathe, was finally a woman and could now marry Torolchi of House Uriankhai. All the Empress had to do was agree to the proposal she, herself, had made. Which she did. Now it was up to the other side of the deal to approve it. Or not.

The forces of Mew had finally taken the last Holding of the County of Qamdo and was now marching to liberate the County of Nangqen.

The forces of the Doux of Qamdo were still trying to take the Castle of Dulan. The other Holdings of the County would likely be easier to take once the Fortress was taken. But the Doux better hurry up and win some victories because, at this point, the war was now in the Mew’s favor!

Near the end of October Torolchi showed up in the Imperial Court with approval to marry his new bride. The Empress was pleased. Soon the Dynasty would have new members with new blood. No inbreeding in this couple!

Then there was news of the Lhasan Rebellion. The second battle of the Revolt had ended in defeat for Duchess Simonis. It looked like her Revolt was going to be crushed sooner than later.

So this chapter ends with another defeat for the Lhasan Rebellion and a marriage.

 

[Eurasia]

Happy Birthday To You!
Happy Birthday To You!
Happy Birthday To Road Of Queens!
Happy Birthday To You!​

 

[Midnite Duke]

No Inbreeding! Who are they going to talk about? Congrats on four years and hopefully many more! You baked a cake!

 

[Bullfilter]

Mostly caught up again, just some quick comments (and birthday wishes )

A few days later the Empress went bar hopping to try to forget the death of her dear friend Madanpal. She missed his jolly laugh when he would run over peasants with his carriage.

I found this most amusing.

And so we end this chapter with the Empress just starting her 50s.

I’m a little surprised she made it there in one piece.

Happy Birthday To Road Of Queens!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixty-Three : Marching, Marching, Marching!

Good For The Legs!
​

This chapter opens in early November, of the year 931 AD, with the Basilissa receiving horrible news. Empress Dowager Vina of the House Visayapati, her mother, had died.

Which also left the position of Protostrator open. After a short period of mourning the Empress had to pick her new Protostrator.

Looking over those who were available for the position of Protostrator, or Marshal as some called it, the Empress found that Meletios, one of her Commanders, was on the top of the list. He didn’t have a very high opinion of her, and she didn’t really like him at all, but he did have a cool eyepatch.

So in the end she selected him as the new Protostrator. Of course this now left a Imperial Commander’s position open.

At the top of the list of available candidates was Prince Soorjat Badwaik, her Son-in-Law, who seemed to like her and she, barely, seemed to like him.

She picked him as the new Commander and then noticed something that upset her. Many of the Commanders were NOT very skilled. To be honest only a few had impressive talents when it came to warfare.

Later on in the month, on the Wall Map in her throne room, she noticed something surprising.

It seems the Host had made a U turn and entered the Imperial territories again. The Imperial forces had just missed the Raiders!

And a few days later she noticed that the Lhasan Revolt was still just standing around. At this rate it would be defeated due to its own laziness! Well, to be honest the Rebellion seemed to be in full retreat from the last beating they received but the Empress still felt it was a sign, somehow, of laziness.

And Mew’s Revolt was also going strong. The Empress did not hide the fact that she was Pro-Mew.

And so we close this chapter with lots of marching and waiting. War could be so boring.

 

[Midnite Duke]

I like the Greek council names Protostrator and Mystikos better than the English Marshal and Spymaster. I think Protector and MysteryMan!

 

[Eurasia]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Eight Hundred-Sixty-Four : Wars Expire?

Medieval Lawyers
​

This chapter opens in late November, of the year 931 AD, with the Basilissa receiving some interesting news.

Seems Exarch Basileios of Bihar had taken the title of Duchy of Magadha from the Count of Sasaram.

The Empress wasn’t really pleased with this as this made the Exarch look somewhat like a bully.

She decided to “even” things at a tad. So she decided to give Count Danujmadhava of Sasaram the Viceroyalty of U-Tsang.

Now the man, on paper, was as powerful as Exarch Basileios. And hopefully would start causing the trouble maker some trouble. And now Exarch Danujmadhava had a much higher opinion of his NEW Liege.

This DID leave another Commander position empty. So of course the Empress had to go over the lists of available military men.

At the top of the list was Tiberios. Who wasn’t as skilled as the Empress would have liked but she really didn’t have much of a selection.

And so he was added to the list of Imperial Commanders.

Then the Empress received some good news. Seemed the White Tiger had been spotted!

“Pick my best horse!” shouted the Empress as she used her best crutch-spear to head towards the stables. “Saddle it with my special saddle! I go hunting for the Great White Tiger!”

Then she received even MORE good news. Seems the idiotic Raiders had run right into some of the levies of the Bangala Varman Raj. Not enough to threaten them but more than enough to slow them down. Her Imperial forces would be catching up with them soon. In fact it looked like the Host was trying to retreat which would bring them back into the Imperial forces!

The next piece of news was more…amusing…then anything else. On the last day of November the Lhasan Revolt collapsed. Seems the Casus Belli for the war had expired and the lawyers had stepped in to demand that everybody go home.

Countess Simonis of Kunggar had wasted men, money, and time on a conflict that she had totally mismanaged.

Then one of the Factions in the Kingdom of Pala had disbanded. Which was good but really didn’t affect the Empire one way or the other.

And so this chapter ends with one war ending, due to a expiration date, and the Host running out of room to…well…run.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Did Basileus Romanos die?

 

[Eurasia]

Did Basileus Romanos die?

No, he is still alive.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Then what magic did Lawyer Cheatum pull?