Russian Path (Suomenko Mega Campaign)

[DensleyBlair]

From England to the Steppe, the 13th century looks like it’s shaping up to be a very fragmented century. That’s a truly awesome amount of fracturing on the map. Hopefully the Suomenko will prove immune…

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

From England to the Steppe, the 13th century looks like it’s shaping up to be a very fragmented century. That’s a truly awesome amount of fracturing on the map. Hopefully the Suomenko will prove immune…

Unfortunately, no. I'm preparing a post about events following a declaration of the Empire. Vladimir Empire will be also disintegrating..... and you will see the Grand Civil War (long and bloody).

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

The Holy Suomenko Empire was founded in 1227 AD in the aftermath of the Great Lithuanian wars. The first Emperor of Petri (reigned 1185-1234 AD) could effectively subjugate khazar tribes in the Volga region, defeated Lithuania in a series of wars and enacted important institutional reforms such as centralized coinage, manoralism and urban development. Two subsequent Vladimir rulers, Drigo (reigned 1234-1246 AD) and Petri II (reigned 1246-1268 AD) continued the first Emperor's works to defeat enemies and develop its own domain. By 1245 AD Kiev region was completely conquest and trade routes between Vladimir Empire and Byzantine Empire were well protected. With the conquest of Kazan by the Vladimir troops Volga-Bulgaria was influenced by the Empire. Some of early lost provinces like Vologda was returned to Vladimir control.

However, there were two major problems, including of a dynastic and economic nature. A son of Petri II, Mikael II (reign 1268-1290 AD), characterized by deviant behavior. He was inbred because his parents were close siblings. The royal house of Meri was seriously undermined and compromised. His descendants were ill and have not been respected by the court and powerful vassals. The second problem was powerful vassals whose military and economic power was far beyond royal coffers and guard. Kingdoms of Novgorod, White Rus and Mordvinia easily formed alliances against the Emperor. Their military power reached almost 45 000 soldiers that was three times higher than royal forces. The Empire expands, power vassals become more powerful, but the royal holdings plummeted because of the partition law (between the descendants of a died King).​

Mikael II "Deviant Prince" had decided on a reformation of Ukonunsko faith near the end of his reign. Ukonunsko faith has become closer to Orthodoxy. Monogamous marriage, divorce needed to be approved, spiritual head of faith and so on. The reformation decision was motivated primarily by foreign policy reasons in some cases involving military strength of the Byzantine Empire. "Pagan" Vladimir Empire remains isolated from Christian countries of Europe because Ukonunsko faith perceived as a hostile religion for catholic and orthodox churches. So, there were no possibility for dynastic marriage and subsequent military alliance. In 1285 AD Ukonunsko faith became a new Suomenko faith similar to Orthodoxy.​

The reformation had terrible consequences for internal policy f the Empire. The first Imperial occurred in 1290-1293 AD. After the death of Mikael II his beloved son Otton I ascended the throne. Unfortunately, he inherited inbred traits ... powerful vassals of Osel (trade republic) and Guodalant (far north feudal duchy) formed dangerous Independence faction. The royal coffers were empty and military capabilities were extremely weak after recent Vladimir-Poland war for Mazovia succession. Otton was forced to accept demands of the rebel vassals and grant them desirable independence. He also agreed to low crown authority. The miracle saved the Empire!​

Grand Civil War

Otton died of the plague in 1329 AD. He could enact High Partition Law shortly before his death. This law was intended to consolidate the Empire and strength inheritance of royal land. And instead, the law made the court, royal house of Meri and powerful vassals angry. Otton was then succeeded by his own son, Arthur. Emperor of Arthur was a competent, brave and smart man. But he was also deviant... sterile, this character's loins are utterly unable to give life. Arthur could not have children and his legitimacy was extremely weak. Two elite dangerous factions (independence and liberty) were formed and became stronger. Arthur recently became an Emperor was determined to fight rebels but they did him first. He was murdered by assassination. Arthur was only 36 years old. Poor Arthur followed the fate of another king, Vladimir, assassinated in 1064 AD. As then, a civil war began.​

The Empire was becoming too large, too complex to govern in a feudal way. Kezhevat ascended the throne after assassination of his half-brother Arthur. Latgalian Ukonunsko Uprising occurred in 1330 AD, a year of Arthur's death. They followed old Ukonunsko faith and fiercely opposed reformation. Kezhevat decided to lead a royal army himself against Old Believers. But in the battle of Myrhorod Kezhevat was captured. It was a real disaster. Imprisoned Emperor granted independence to ukonunsko grand duchies of Nyland and Vologda. It was obvious that the Emperor is extremely weak. So powerful vassals wanted young Mikael on the throne in order to manipulate him. Their plans included further low of crown authority. After leaving the prison Kezhevat began to prepare for a possible internal military conflict. He signed military alliances with Poland and Byzantine Empire. He even raised loyalist troops well in advance of Grand rebellion.​

A leader of rebellion, Queen of Mordovia (Shonzava from old Norse House of Yrepen), offered an ultimatum to Kezhevat. The power will pass to young Mikael, 10-years old boy, Crown authority will be lowered, royal holdings will be reduced. Kezhevat refused the ultimatum order and Grand Civil War began. Almost two-thirds of the Empire upraised against the Throne. The following vassal-states joined insurgents: Kingdom of Mordvinia (9 000), Kingdom of Novgorod (5 000), Kingdom of White Rus (4 000), Grand Duchy of Obran Osh (7 000) and some smaller-scale counties. The second civil war, Grand civil war broke out and nobody is able to predict who will win.​

To be continued...

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Prologue

Emperor of Kezhevat had fiercely rejected an ultimatum offer from the rebelling vassals. Royal troops had been providently raised and located in the military camps near Moscow. In the night of 30/29 th of November 1131 AD, Emperor galloped from his castle to loyal armies. He was not sure…. He could come back. Strength of royal army was about 12 000 soldiers, but rebels were amounted of 45 000 soldiers. He relied solely on the military assistance of Byzantine Empire. Basileus Eudoxios promised that he would join an Emperor in his war. Byzantine Empire had the greatest army in the world amounted more than 50 000 soldiers. Firstly, Kezhevat decided to move south in order to join the Byzantines and his own troops.​

Military campaign 1331-1333 AD

Queen of Mordvinia was a leader of the insurgents. That was her second attempt to claim the throne. She early successfully upraised and could force “Deviant Prince” to lower crown authority and more over futher married her. Kezhevat is stronger than his grandfather so a war has come. Royal army was marching toward the Byzantines and the Queen’s commanders proposed to intercept a royal army on the way to Kiev. The battle occurred in the countryside of Yelets city on 4th of June, 1332 AD. Local peasants witnessed the first of that long and drastic civil war. Kezhevat could fight a brilliant battle and completely defeat rebels. Insurgents had lost more than 3500 soldiers; royal causalities were near 2000 soldiers. The Vladimirs were killing the Vladimirs…. That had not been seen from 1034 AD. A last civil war broke out more than 300 years ago. The Emperor had won but the war continued outliving lives.​

In the province of Novosil the Byzantine’s army had joined royal forces and two armies marched toward White Rus. Troops of traitorous Novgorod and White Rus Kingdoms sieged castles and looted cities the province of Smolensk. In the January of 1333 AD the battle of four armies took place near the city of Velizh. Rebel troops were strong and consolidated, but royal forces were stronger. Four months later another battle occurred on the farmlands of Belev. Army of Poland, that also faithfully joined our civil war, had crashed Mordvinia’s forces. Kezhevat led his royal army himself and defeated the retreated Mordvinia’s army in the battle of Kozelsk. Enemy’s commander was trapped and imprisoned.
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After three victorious battles enemy had a clear goal to unite and fight a battle near Moscow. Kezhevat had to prevent them from uniting. The battle of Pereyaslavl Zalessky occurred on 4th of December, 1333 AD. That was only 10 km from the capital of the Vladimir Empire. Enemy got a beneficial position on hills and rival archers were shooting royal cavalry. Nevertheless, they were defeated. In the spring of 1334 AD royal forces invaded Obran Osh. In a bloody battle Grand Duke of Obran Osh was crashed and trapped. Five months later his capital was plundered and fell into decline.
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Military campaign 1333-1336 AD

Royal army was defeated in the Battle of Mozhaysk, occurred on 14th of April, 1335 AD. Byzantines standing nearby had not supported because their commander was bribed by the rebel commander. However, royal armies were much stronger than rebellious troops, so the capital of two major uprising kingdoms were sieged by the winter of 1336AD. Following a fall of Cheboksary, major castle of Mordvinia Kingdom, the grand civil war was over and Kezhevat could put his rivals in prison. Queen of Mordvinia was imprisoned and died in dungeon of the bubonic plague. On 23th of August 1336 AD the peace was signed.​

Following Uprisings 1340-1346 AD

The peace agreement was signed, but civil peace was not restored. King of White Rus resumed his rival activities after being released from custody, despite the death threat from Kezhevat. A new round of civil fighting and violence inside the Vladimir Empire took six years. After two years of maneuvers and local skirmishes, a grand battle took place near the town of Luki in 22th of April 1342 AD. Royal army was led by Crown Prince Tikshayka. Insurgents were largely routed by the loyalists, and rival commander captured. Main powers of the rebels were defeated to May 1343 AD July, and Kezhevat started to withdraw troops because of financial crisis. Empire’s coffers had been emptied owing to ten-year civil war and disorder. In the Battle of Gnezdovo King of White Rus was captured and later executed treason. But he could also spark Kabarite uprising shortly before his death. Kabarite Uprising occurred in Kiev and lasted almost three years. Only because of Polish military assistance Kezhevat could suppress the uprising​

Tsar Kezhevat I “Murder”

Kezhevat was overwhelmed by stress and died in the end of 1346 AD. Naturally, he was a real murderer of Tsar Arthur of Vladimir. The first evidence of his involvement in the surfaced immediately after his death. Kezhevat could take the throne, following the death of Arthur under mysterious circumstances on 23 September, 1330 AD.

But supreme power hasn’t been much luck for him. The result of his dishonorable deal was, six years later, the outbreak of the Grand Civil War. Fifteen years of the continued clashes and wars, plots and murders, extrajudicial executions and assassinations were spent of Kezhevat. Bubonic Plague ravaged royal court, causing a great amount of life and material damage. He drank himself to death, he is surely paying for his horrific crimes.​

The thirst for power brought out the worst in Kezhevat and clouded his judgment. A wish to rule for which he would trample over anyone. All of these caused countless disasters for Vladimir Empire and its habitants. Lots of people had lost their loved ones and their homes and property to the ambitions of Kezhevat.

Such huge towns as Novgorod, Cheboksary, Smolensk and Obran Osh were looted burned. Numerous villages and small cities were pillaged by rebels and foreign troops of Byzantine Empire and Poland. Owing to the weakness of Vladimir Empire, some states declared themselves an independent duchess and counts. Vladimir came to the control of the Byzantine Empire at last. For a military assistance against powerful vassals in the civil war of 1330-1136 AD, Kezhevat promised Byzantine Emperor to convert his son to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Vladimir Empire ceased to be Suomenko state….​

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Tikshayka II
Russian Orthodox Tsardom

Tikshayka ascended to the throne of his father. He was a beautiful, brave and smart 28 years old young man. He, although wounded, remained fighting rebels of Kabarite Upsizing in the battle of Lviv (March, 1344 AD). His father often appointed him to lead military units during quelling the civil unrest. He earned a great respect and admiration of courtiers and vassals for fairness and abilities as a warrior and commander. And more importantly, Tikshayka was the first non-suomenko ruler of Vladimir. He was the first Russian Orthodox Tsar… Why?
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Strong Military Alliances

For a military assistance against powerful vassals in the civil war of 1330-1136 AD, Kezhevat promised Byzantine Emperor to convert his son to the Eastern Orthodox Church. So Tikshayka embraced Orthodox religion during his education at the court of Byzantine Emperor with the consent of his father. Actually, the power of Vladimir’s Tsars based on the foreign military troops of Byzantine Empire. Both Empires concluded an alliance, which was cemented by a set of dynastic marriages between the siblings of Tsar and Kesar.
​

Embracement of Christianity

Last reformation of Suomenko faith in 1285 AD, thus, had become a nonobvious prelude to the conversion into Christianity. A reformed Ukomenko was so similar to Orthodox in their beliefs and faiths, what vassals and royal court readily agreed to follow a new religion. There were no any reported cases of huge Suomenko uprising. Elite had willingly accepted true faiths, by renouncing paganism. Peoples of Vladimir Empire, on the contrary, had persisted in believing Paganism.​

Decade of Recovery

In the following decade (1350-s) Tsar Tikshayka embarked on an aggressive foreign policy, returning lost possessions and conquering surrounding states. Kingdom of Lithuania was finally collapsed in 1353 AD and its fragmented states were conquered by both Poland and Vladimir Empire. Tikshayka also successfully consolidated the holding, which were lost in the times of turmoil. His half-brother Alexandr was slain in one of the battles during the conquest of Volhynia. The title of Suzdal was revoked by Tsar from his 7 years old boy Vasilko. Title of Yaroslavl (Timerovo, the first capital of Vladimir) was revoked from a member of Meri line. Royal coffers were filled with money, gold and jewels. In 1359 Tsar Tikshayka issued an order to construct the stone fortress, built in 1364 AD.
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Private life

In two years following his succession, Tsar Tikshayka had decided to divorced his first wife of Jadwiga. She was infected with love pox, what was unacceptable to Tsaritsa. Jadwiga was also a daughter of the Poland’s King. With the conquest of Lithuania, Poland had been becoming a rival to Vladimir Empire as s major competing power in the Baltic region. After ten years Tsar Tikshayka married the daughter of King of Moravia. The dynastic union was the starting point of political and military cooperation between Great Moravia Kingdom and Vladimir Empire. It was another strong military alliance, concluded by Tsar. It seemed like hard times were passed away.
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[DensleyBlair]

An incredibly turbulent period for the Vladimir, but light on the horizon. Will the road to recovery really be free of obstacles, or should the tsar be looking out for a sting in the tail?

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

 

[DensleyBlair]

Nice graphics! Europe is still super fragmented, although there are some signs of powerful states emerging once again. Moravia looks like one to keep an eye on, so close to the heartlands…

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Nice graphics! Europe is still super fragmented, although there are some signs of powerful states emerging once again. Moravia looks like one to keep an eye on, so close to the heartlands…

Vladimir Empire is not yet interested in the affairs of Central Europe, border between East and West is clear, undisputable and stable. Instead of this, the Empire is focused on falling Kingdom of Bjarmaland and struggling Finland. Unfortunately, internal civil disoders continue to undermine the Emperor's power. You will soon see a new story about the clash between powerful vassals and the Throne. So-called "Regency Independance War"

 

[Revan86]

Just got caught up, @Gamov_Andrew. Excellent writing and impressive graphics work so far. Like @DensleyBlair I am impressed with the degree of postage-stamping that Europe has descended into (gotta love CK game mechanics!), and the tragedy of Queen Ashava - plummeting to her death after adopting feudalism and reforming Ukonusko - was an unexpected twist that hit me in the gut.

 

[filcat]

Very enjoyable run to read.

By the way, the illustrations increase the appeal for the presentation greatly, and the visual summaries provide neat details; they are certainly very well done.

But the maps deserve their own special praise. Kudos; the custom drawn-generated maps are excellent, and cannot help self to express own envy for them.


Edit: Corrected grammatical mistakes.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Fresh start

In the beginning of his reign Tikshayka II was full of hope and optimism. He was as both the first Christian and Russian ruler of Vladimir. The brutal and ferocious civil fifteen-year war (1331-1346 AD) had passed, peace and prosperity came to the land of Vladimir Tsardom. Impressive economic growth, development of crafts and rapid urban expansion fill the coffers and heal wounds of the past civil disorder.​

The Foundation of the Russian Medieval Empire had become a logical outcome of the efforts over the past 20-year-development. Following the collapse of Lithuanian Kabarite Kingdome in 1353 AD, Tikshayka II hold a set of successful military campaigns. The region of Volhynia was conquest in 1358 AD, the Barony of Riga was captured in 1373 AD. Military and diplomatic support of Byzantium Empire provided effective protection against rival kingdoms of Poland and Moravia.​

Guoladat's Gamble

Kingdom of Finland had been also collapsed in the last quarter of the XIV century. Dynastic crisis, inspired by earlier death of childness King Pentii IV, had led to huge internal disorder and intervention from Guoladat. Duke Asko could successfully press his own claim on the finish throne during short war. House of Guoladat had been earlier a vassal house in the kingdom of Vladimir. But Guoladat achieved independence at the conclusion of the First Imperial Crisis in 1293 AD. A series of dynastic marriages gave the House of Guoladat strong claim to the title of King of Finland. Asko jumped at that opportunity in 1375 AD. He won the throne with his strong and disciplined army of the northerners.

Well, it certainly didn’t bring Asko much luck. He drunk himself to death on the joys one year later. His 16-year-old daughter of Mahla ascended the throne. Powerful vassals raised rebellion against the Queen from the foreign House of Guoladat. At that time Tikshayka II decided to invade Finland in order to conquer de jure lands of Bjarmaland. Military campaign was short and successful. Weakened Finland could not resist. Kingdom of "Northern lights" was conquered.​

After brutal civil war Ensio from the House of Lepo had managed to take the throne of Finland from Mahla in 1381 AD. Five years later Mahla, in turn, upraised in the war against the tyranny of King Ensio. Ensio was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother Seppo. Guoladat had lost its independence and become a part of Finland. However, Guodolalt became independant again in 1396 AD. That again invade Finland three years later in 1399 AD. The devastating war lasted for 10 years but House of Lepo hold onto power. Askos’s gamble cost thousands of lives and caused great suffering.
Anyway, we are getting off the track. Let's get back to Tikshayka II.​

In gratitude to God for peace and prosperity, Tsar went on a pilgrimage to Holy city of Jerusalem in 1369 AD. But for next year his beloved son of Alexandr died of typhus. The death of son hurt the father deeply… In the following years Tikshayka II had becoming increasingly violent and evil. He killed his brother King Kezhay (vassal kingdom of Novgorod) in a bar fight. Tikshayka II subjected his relatives to repression, burn and loot their houses and properties. Tsar regularly ordered "leaders" of factions murdered. They were mostly innocent victims of the Tyranny.​

Tikshayka II died, ten years after the death of his son…
The throne was ascended by his infant son...
Powerful kings of Mordvinia, Volga Bulgaria and Bjarmaland had been waiting a long time for this...

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Independance war

Terrible Tsar Tikshayka II died on 28th of January 1379 AD. His infant grandson of Alexandr ascended to the throne of Russian Medieval Empire. Highly dangerous Independence faction, composed of Volga Bulgaria, Mordvinia, Bjarmaland and Republic of Vespia, was ready to oppose the Empire. They desired independence. King Viryas of Volga Bulgaria had become a leader of the rebellion. He defiantly sent an ultimatum to the Regency Council to grant independence to all members of the Faction. The Council had rejected an ultimatum and the war began.​

Basileus Eudoxis II of Byzantine Empire readily provided military assistance because Alexander was betrothed to his daughter. More than 80 000 Byzantines crossed the borders of Russian Empire in October 1380 AD. Two years later a set of major battles in the region of Manturovo took place. Rebel forces were heavily defeated. So dozens of rival dukes and counts were trapped by ally armies during the battles. Dukes of Obran Orsh, Ryzan, Polotsk and King of White Ruse were imprisoned.​

However, Queen of Bjarmaland could gather the troops over 22 000 strong and surprise attack the Byzantines under Suday. Army of Byzantine were not capable of battle in dense forest and most of them were killed. The battle of Suday was the largest defeat t that date in Byzantine’s history (August 1383 AD).​

After six months loyalist troops again suffered defeat in the two battles at Vorona near the capital of Mordvinia. Byzantines lost more than 15 000 troops and their armies retreated toward the Black Sea coast. The Council had no option but to sign peace agreement.​

Disintegration of the Empire

Volga Bulgaria and Mordvinia gained independence. It is interesting, that a leader of the Rebellion King Viryas died from his wounds inflicted in the battle of Suday. His son Paksya had become an independent ruler of Volga Bulgaria – Khan. Volga Bulgaria was restored after its elimination by Mongols in 1197 AD (after almost 200 years). Kingdom of Mordvinia continued to be ruled by old norse House of Yperen. Lastly, they had been out of the control of the House of Meri. Huge swathes of it start to fall out of the Tsar’s control. XIV century had become the century of collapse and decentralization. Alexandr come of age in 1385 AD… What is waiting in the future?​

 

[Revan86]

Very sad what happened to Tikshayka Vtoroi. Never easy to lose a son ahead of his time. And it looks like little Aleksandr has some difficulties with the Tatars (or, I guess the Bolghars aren't quite Tatars yet?)... In any event, may God help the Tsarstvo, and I hope it reasserts itself soon!

 

[Nikolai]

Just read this today. Good story! Already subscribed to the EU4 portion. But did I understand wrong, or are you now Christian? You wrote somewhere you converted to Christianity, then you seemed later to be a pagan again. If I missed something, I am sorry, I probably did as I read between stuff happening at home.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Just read this today. Good story! Already subscribed to the EU4 portion. But did I understand wrong, or are you now Christian? You wrote somewhere you converted to Christianity, then you seemed later to be a pagan again. If I missed something, I am sorry, I probably did as I read between stuff happening at home.

Byzantines had provided a huge military assistance to Kezhevat in the grand civil war 1331-1346 AD. In response Tsar had empraced the Christianity, Orthodox faith. It wat a difficult desicion indeed.

 

[Gamov_Andrew]

Very sad what happened to Tikshayka Vtoroi. Never easy to lose a son ahead of his time. And it looks like little Aleksandr has some difficulties with the Tatars (or, I guess the Bolghars aren't quite Tatars yet?)... In any event, may God help the Tsarstvo, and I hope it reasserts itself soon!

Futher he focused on the west, conquest of Baltic small states, formed after collapse of Lithuania and Great Moravia. Expansion to the East has no any perspectives. Subscribe on my new ARR - Part II, EUIV.

 

[Nikolai]

Byzantines had provided a huge military assistance to Kezhevat in the grand civil war 1331-1346 AD. In response Tsar had empraced the Christianity, Orthodox faith. It wat a difficult desicion indeed.

So you are no longer Suomonesko? I ask because of the name of your EU4 AAR.

 

[generalis Julius Caesar]

Futher he focused on the west, conquest of Baltic small states, formed after collapse of Lithuania and Great Moravia. Expansion to the East has no any perspectives. Subscribe on my new ARR - Part II, EUIV.

Could I get a link to that?