Sarmatia - The Commonwealth

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Hello there. This is my first AAR, and I am not 100% sure how to get to the work on it, so forgive me if I make mistakes. I am also brand new to this forum, so all advice is highly appreciated.
Enough said that AAR's I've found here really inspired me to play the game once again - its main problem was that it gets ahistorical at some stage, and pointless (at least to me - history fan), and I encountered it since very first EU.
But maybe the story that comes from making AAR will keep me interested - we will see.

Sarmatism in history was sort of "sub-culture" in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in XVI-XVIII century (though in the end it degenerated to a joke of itself). Polish, Lithuanian, and Ruthenian nobles concidered themselves decendants of Sarmates - ancient tribe that was supposed to be known for bravery, horse-mastery, personal freedom, and strong heads. That was something nobility of Commonwealth related to, with freedom taking most special part. Sarmates used to say "other countries belong to their kings and dukes, but Commonwealth belongs to us", and they were by all means right at that time.
As most know, Sarmatism degenerated, and turned into narrow-mindness, which, combined with bordering three power hungry empires resulted with it disappearing from the map.
What I want to achieve is to play a game that'd be somewhat historical, and take my Commonwealth as far as I can as strong as I can (preferably to change history a bit, with it not getting wiped off the map ). At the same time I want to keep faithfull to what Commonwealth was about:

- No warmorgering, and no conquests beyond lands that were historicaly in vicinity of Commonwealth. Nobility liked to fight, but didnt like to be the agressor, unless they had "personal" grudge against someone (hi there, mr Teuton ). Many wars were lost because they simply refused to attack other country.
- Max. centralisation I have can be 0 (meaning that either its balanced or Im decentralised). Every Sarmate is his own master.
- Country shouldnt get free subjects like at all (0 is all peasants can count for). Well - there's legend of Jafet, Sem and Cham, which learly says that peasants were made by god to serve nobles.
- Aristocracy all the way (generally nobles should have upper hand in the country). Pretty much clear I believe
- Commonwealth in its golden age was tolerant, openminded, and multicultural. While Catholic faith was "first among equals", and some orders and kings tried to convert "heretics", every faith was equal to law. That means that pure-one-faith country is not my aim (I reserve right to play with missionaries a bit though - jesuites were welcome to open their schools and monasteries after all )
- Nobles concidered trade something below their status, they had jews and foreigners to do it for them. They also didnt like to pay high taxes, and didnt pay THAT much attention to business in general = no purely economical ideas, and dreams of economical powerhouse.
- Cavalry. In Poland concidered "queen of battlefields", was main force until the end. While it might seem gamey to use it at the beggining, I am planning for it to dominate my armies for the whole duration of the game - also when its less beneficial (if I get that far).

While I want game to keep sort of historical character, I know that sole purpose of EU series is to change history. I've chosen MMP 1.5 mod, before playing it ever before, as I've heard it counters fantasy game that vanilla EU3 tend to turn into after 100-150 years. I do hope really, that combined with my home rules it will keep game challenging for as long as possible (thats another problem of the series - human player gets too powerfull too easy). Also interesting even for someone who doesnt wage offensive wars all that often (after few days of playing it I have to say that it seems like it can achieve that). And now big thing: while I know MMP is designed to be started at 1453, I decided to go from 1399. It is supposedly going to result with some odd situations, but tbh I am very curious what those can be, as long as they dont mean France ruling 80% of Europe.

So more about the game:
Im starting as Poland, with all settings except lucky nations being default (lucky nations are on random). Goal is to form Commonwealth as a land of freedom and tolerance (well... at least for nobles), and then survive with it. Ofcourse it doesnt start as the country I am aiming for, and I plan to take it there through the story (which means that different choices can appear along the way, with everything going into that direction) - it's going to be even more interesting as I dont know Magna Mundi like at all.
MAIN GOAL is to keep the story interesting - both for myself, and for those who for some reason decide to read it.
Also like I said - this is going to be a story. Not purely a history book, not pure game-story, but something in between. I like idea of using screenshots here, but two first chapters won't provide those, as I simply didnt make any, when making notes.
I'm doing it mainly for myself - to find new amusement from great game, but ofcourse I will be more than happy if others will enjoy it.

Oh yes, and two things: First is that English is not my first language, meaning that I can do funny things here and there. Other thing is that I tend to write a lot, and get lost in my walls of text :/... I hope it will be forgiven.

 

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CHAPTER I: Alliance forged in the flame of war​

This is where story starts.

We are in Poland AD. 1399. First thing a ruler should do is to make overwiev of his domain, and so we will.
Poland is Feudal Monarchy – ruled by Władyslaw II Jagiellon – Grand Duke of Lithuania, baptized catholic in Poland and married to polish King Jadwiga d’Anjou… What? Yes, yes – she was the “King”. In Poland only a King could sit on throne – Queen was a wife of King, and wouldn’t be able to inherit. Wladyslaw was technically king-consort, as it was Jadwiga (ger. Hedwig) who inherited the throne..

Still he was ruler. Not the worst one in history as well (5/6/5).

Lets take overview on territory, shall we.
Poland in 1399 was country “stuck” between Holy Roman Empire to the west, great Kingdom of Hungary to the south, Lithuania to the east, and Teuton Knights to the north.
It was mid-size state, not huge like eastern empires, and not dwarf-sized like most of western states. It was inhabited mostly by polish, with small ruthenian (Ukrainian? In 1399?... ok) minority in south eastern part, yet they were well accepted and tolerated as part of polish culture. It was not rich as Italians, but not the poorest one. Once again – mid-player in Europe.
Small polish province of Mazovia was separated from rest of the country as independent Duchy. To this one we will get later on.
Lets look at cultural situation:

Its almost typically feudal society. Nobility (Knighthood) rule the country, and enjoy more freedom than it’d be in other realms (max aristocracy, high innovative, decentralization).
It’s also very open-minded culture (at least for its time – humanist tolerance, patron of arts). Jews from all over the world came here to look for asylum, and polish Kings offered them protection.
At the same time whole country is catholic, which unifies and makes it easy to stabilize – at least as long as you can hold friendship of clergy.

And here we come to what was probably the most important matter – politics.
As mentioned – to the west is HRE – with States of Pommerania and Brandenburg in the northwest, and Czechs (a.k.a. Bohemia) to the southwest, along with their little vassal of Silesia – former polish land, yet it was too long time ago for anyone but books to remember.
King of Bohemia is also and Emperor – great power in whole central Europe, and someone to respect. To the south there’s Hungary – fine nation, and great friends of Poland. To the east is our little sister Lithuania (well… chubby for a little sister, I admit) – Ruled also by Wladyslaw… at least formally - Wladyslaw’s cousin brother – Witold (lit. Vytautas) is looking after the domain. Lithuania is a great country, and polish king always should treat it as his own – never hesitate to spill polish blood to defend it, and care for it just as much. It’s made by tough men, who fought for their right to that land with great powers from the east – wild Mongols, and countless Russians.
And finally the North. That is where fire of conflits are hidden. Hidden, but burning, and no to be contained for too long. Teutonic Order – traitors brought to this land by polish lords to help turning baltic pagans to only true faith, eventually turned against Poland, and took her lands. Its also them, who refuse the fact of Lithuania joining catholic church, as it takes away point of their existence. They are what united both countries in this alliance.

But enough of scenery, as everything might change over the years, and that is what we are going to talk about, isn’t it.

Lithuanians, eager to fight Teutons, didn’t quite enjoy peace and harmony that was working for our enemies, and Witold (who wished for union to break) sent two notes to his brother, insultive in content, accusing him of either treachery or cowardice. Such tone was bound to start tensions, and relations between two countries dropped down dramatically.
Wladyslaw, who suddenly started fearing for the union, began war preparations at once.
It was two fields preparations were made on – military, and diplomatic. In first Wladyslaw called knights from provinces of Krakow and Lublin to arms in total power of 2000 fine cavalry, which, completed with 2000 armed peasants, and 1000 knights from Poznan land, must have been enough for the time being – treasury didn’t really have enough funds to support bigger army. At the same time King reformed troops a bit, by making them more offensive in combat.
Teutons knew exactly what’s coming, or they just planned to make first move – enough said that soon their lands started filling with foreign troops as well.

Diplomacy was another field on which both states prepared for the clash, often checking each other. Teutons, despite being protected by Emperor anyway, entered alliance with him, which was great menace, yet Wladyslaw II formed counter-alliance with Hungary – in case of war these two kingdoms were to keep each other busy, while Poland and Order meet their destiny in flames of war. Poland’s great ally – Lithuania, was (or was supposed to be) countered by Livonian Order – a vassal of Teutons.
Both sides also managed to ally with minor states – Poland allied Mazovia, while Order done that to Moldavia.
Everything in Poland was ready for campaign – army left the capital and marched north.
Wladyslaw assigned polish knight – Zyndram z Maszkowic (from Maszkowice) as one to lead the troops (2/2/3/0) – While he stayed back in Krakow waiting for knights from lands of Sandomierz and Ruthenia to assembly, whenever treasury can take such weight.

Wladyslaw sent emissaries with declaration of war to grand master Jungingen – and the war began.

Now was the time of great concern for Wladyslaw. Both Hungarians and Mazovians refused to aid him in this aggression, and situation looked grim. As a matter of fact he was preparing himself to soon see the Emperor and his troops in Krakow.
But God was with him – Czechs, busy being beaten by Scandinavians of Kalmar Union, didn’t join Teutons in that war, neither did Moldavians, for reason known to them only.

Teutonic forces were larger than Polish ones, counting for 6 thousand men at the day of war declaration – half of which were knights from all corners of western Europe who came to fight against pagans (that’s what they were told they’re going to do, and truly believed in – Order never accepted fact of Lithuanian conversion if it wasn’t through their swords).
Teutonic forces were split into two groups, equal in numbers – first, consisting mostly of knights, marched from Danzig towards lands of Kalisz, other, led by Jungingen himself (2/2/3/0), stayed to wait for reinforcements that were being recruited.

Zyndram had choice of which force to meet first, and he chose to strike the enemy at his nest – he marched to Warmia, where he met Jungingen (who, as true symbol of knighthood, moved to defend his lands from Poles).
Battle of Warmia was a short one – with noumbers on his side, knight from Maszkowice stroke enemy from both flanks, killing many footmen, and breaking whole army, including knights, of which many got into captivity. You cant call what happened next a retreat. It was panic fleeing - that’s what it was. Polish army followed, with Zyndram taking his Knights, leaving infantry and tabors, and rushing towards Konigsberg in Eastern Prussia (Osterpreussen), to wait for enemy there. When Prussians figured they are surrounded, whole army disbanded, with knights asking for protection from disgruntled peasant bands. Protection as in captivity – it was still a better fate, than to fall into hands of peasantry that was never contained in the times of war. Grand Master managed to get through polish forces and hide in the fortress though – truly a pity for Poles.
That was great victory, even if almost given by Teutons as a gift to their enemies – changed situation on the front diametraly.

Zyndram moved to Danzig (called Gdansk by Polish, city was former part of Kingdom, and was claimed as a core of the state by them). He didn’t stop to siege it, but moved south to Kalisz, where garrison started to run out of water.
Battle of Kalisz was long struggle – polish forces had to attack via Vistula river, and now they faced more western knights than it was in Warmia. Finest warriors from England, France, and Germany – younger sons of great houses, looking for redemption and glory in service of God, as they perceived it. They gave a good fight to polish knights – who on the contrary, weren’t of such grand families, yet harsher lives in the east made them more fierce, and resilient.
The outcome was meant to be the same – all started on Teutons right flank, where army’s standard was placed – knights of Lublin and Poznan have beaten enemy there, and forced to retreat, capturing the banner. With its fall – rest of the army broke fast enough, and started retreat towards Danzig. Zyndram’s tactic was exactly the same as last time, with exactly same outcome.

Forces of the Order were beaten, and Polish forces started siege of Warmia.
This wasn’t the only front of war though, and elsewhere it didn’t look as bright.
Upon war declaration, huge Russian revolt started in the eastern parts of Lithuania, and her whole forces were struggling to cease it with not much luck. That meant that Livonians could just walk in, and siege whatever they wanted – which they did obviously.

Their armies were about just as large as Teutonic ones, yet dominated by mercenary infantry – Knights of that Order weren’t particulary respected in the world for their military talents. Truth be told – there was hardly one person, who wouldn’t laugh at their incompetence.

At the time when Lithuanians managed the rebellion and moved to north-western parts of their country to take them back, while siege of Allenstein (capital of Warmia), was about to end. Order managed to form another two armies - one, consisting of 4 000 infantry, they assembled in Danzig, and moved yet again to Kalisz, other, assembled in Konigsberg and counting for 2 000 infantry, they sent to Podlasia, to help beating Lithuanians.

At the same time in Krakow knights of Ruthenia and Sandomierz were already assembled, and Wladyslaw decided to move against new Teutonic forces in Kalisz, leading them himself (3/3/4/0).

Second battle of Kalisz was a bloody one – nearly 2500 of teutonic soldiers were killed, with less than tenth part of it of polish knights – unfortunately Wladyslaw, who led the charge, got separated from rest of his troops, and fought alone surrounded by enemies. Kings armor, and his knight training saved him life, but when his guards broke through to their liege, he was barely even capable of defending himself. Order Army started to flee to Danzig, and Wladyslaw, despite his wounds, pursued, and destroyed all enemy troops – whole way between two cities was covered with feeding crows.
Soon after fortress of Allenstein surrendered, and Zyndram could move to siege Danzig, while Wladyslaw took his knights to lay siege to smaller and weaker fortress of Konigsberg. It was there AD. 26 VIII 1402, where polish King Wladyslaw II died from wounds.

Knights that were with him left Eastern Prussia and moved back home, even despite the war still waging, which was in fact a form of treason. It did turn well though, which was surely Gods doing.

Throne was taken by Wladyslaw’s son – Zygmunt I, who was despised in the country, nobody knows what for anymore. It did have effect on the war, as it caused nobility uprising in land of Sandomierz – they took the fortress and locked themselves there. Not very clever way to rebel, but Zygmunt didn’t complain – when he heard of nearly 2000 knights moving back, he demanded them to accept his sovereignty, and crush the rebellion.

Overall war was going better and better – Lithuanians, done with rebellion, have beaten forces of Livonians, and aiding Teutonic detachment. They even marched into foes lands, taking some of them with assaulting the fortresses. It’d costed them massive losses, but there was no resistance left, so Lithuanians didn’t have to worry about that.
Technicaly war was won – only thing was to be patient and gain enough to dictate as high demands as possible.

Then war came from the east.

Grand Duchy of Muscovy declared war upon Lithuania, and moved two massive armies into its lands. Lithuanian troops guarding that area were few and easily beaten. Fate of war was once again untold.
It was essential that Danzig was taken, and Order beaten, before armies marched to the east to fight new aggressor off. And so it happened soon – after 543 days of siege, defenders of Danzig surrendered, and let polish troops into the city.
That’s when emissaries were sent, demanding Danzig, and whole gold from teutonic treasury (50d) as ransom for all captive knights, as well as releasing those few Polish that got into Teutonic captivity. Grand Master had no choice but to accept these terms, and peace was signed.

It wasn’t end of war for Poland and Lithuania yet – forces of Muscovy were advancing.
They came with two great armies – one made of almost 20 000 soldiers was marching northwest towards Lithuania, other – counting for 11 000 moved southwest to Ruthenia. By the time of peace treaty with Jungingen being signed, both forces were already lot smaller – from attrition, and fortress assaults. Northern force lost almost half of its numbers, while southern one was reduced to 9 000 troops.

Lithuania was at its limits already, and whole army they were able to field counted for less than 10 000 men, while Polish forces, combined of all troops that took part in Teutonic War, and some newly assembled peasant levies, counted for 8 000 – both armies moved towards the enemy.
They met him roughly at the same time, and two subsequent battles started to wage at the same time.
One in Smolensk – where Lithuanians were battling Muscovy northern army in a bloody struggle that costed both sides great amounts of lives.

Other in Bryansk, where Zyndram, leading polish troops, literally walked over more numerous foe. Russians started to flee, but there was no rest, as they were pursued north, where whole army found its end. At the same time Lithuanians broke northern army, which, unaware of outcome of other battle, ran straight onto polish swords, where yet another army was destroyed.
Muscovy sued for status quo, and Zygmunt, seeing how exhausting both wars were, accepted it, to let both allied countries recover.

 

[volksmarschall]

Looks like Muscovy has a lot of problems in the war, perhaps it's a tall tale sign that they can be taken advantaged of in the near future...

If I may, I would suggest spacing out your pragraphs a little more, making it slightly more easier on the eyes, very interesting read so far!

 

[unmerged(148491)]

I surely will - thank you.
Plan is to make most of AARs including screenshots - should make it an easy read (tho I feel already that a long one).

About Muscovy - I dont plan to destroy them straight away, like I would in normal game (Muscovy is monster - leave it alone for 50 years, and you have problem), more like try to contain them a bit, yet in the end they are supposed to be my main challenge, hence I cant break them (it would also ruin my plan to make things historical-ish).

I will write next chapter tomorrow at work (it a very interesting job you know ).

 

[Sebastian Jarl]

Very interesting so far, you seem to know your subject well, and with such an interesting subject, I'm sure this AAR will be great.

 

[axzhang]

I've chosen MMP 1.5 mod, before playing it ever before, as I've heard it counters fantasy game that vanilla EU3 tend to turn into after 100-150 years.

Not to be an ass or anything, but I think you're going to end up crashing and burning if this is your first time playing MMP. Especially since you're jumping right into a relatively challenging major power for a first-timer (Poland).
I wish you the best of luck, and that you don't quit when you're -3 stab from Lithuanian estates opposing the union, suffering from Imperial admonition, got framed and are above BB limit, and then goes through an overwhelming noble opposition that overruns your country.

 

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I like to think I know what's in nobles head well enough to cope with them .
Lithuanian states opposing the union? Funny - in history it was Lithuanian nobles (or well - magnates) who pushed for it. Cant wait

About time Im going to play - I'm not really planning, except just to play as long as it provides fun.

 

[unmerged(90806)]

first of, what a great concept with Sarmatism; interersting country and interesting way to develop your story!

now MMP can be a beast, reading the manual (or referencing to it) won't do you harm in some areas it's a bit vague or outdated even but still it's a huge help

funny the way your story went so far; polish king dead and TO master alive, in real life it was the other way round if i remember the great war and tannenberg outcome correctly
i also read somewhere this polish king had some problems siring a son and his first wife king hedwig (?) died in or due to complicated childbirth (the baby didn't survive either), so zygmunt though despised is either a miraculous prodigy toddler (and hedwig survived the labour?) or he's from some other obscure dynasty, no doubt as a history buff you're gonna to give us a detailed explanation after all polish monarchy was sort of elective one

I like to think I know what's in nobles head well enough to cope with them ..

noble oppositions can get nasty in MMP (overwhelming ones especially) and shouldn't polish king try to negotiate with the nobles rather than having their heads chopped off? (there's an option to negotiate, will you having sarmatism as goal, always yield to the nobles?

Lithuanian states opposing the union? Funny - in history it was Lithuanian nobles (or well - magnates) who pushed for it. Cant wait

and in MMP they will if/when lithuania starts losing provs (i think), but i suppose this is not what you're going to allow, so than regular MMP PU stuff applies
also, good you've decided to ignore trade as if/when you inherit lithuania you get a massive TE penalty, -1 for each prov

 

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funny the way your story went so far; polish king dead and TO master alive, in real life it was the other way round if i remember the great war and tannenberg outcome correctly

That is correct - though it was 10 years later in real history they fought. In my game Jogaila was too hasty for his own good.

i also read somewhere this polish king had some problems siring a son and his first wife king hedwig (?) died in or due to complicated childbirth (the baby didn't survive either), so zygmunt though despised is either a miraculous prodigy toddler (and hedwig survived the labour?) or he's from some other obscure dynasty, no doubt as a history buff you're gonna to give us a detailed explanation after all polish monarchy was sort of elective one

You are correct again. In fact by the time game starts, she's dead already, of which I completely forgot. Wladyslaw needed 22 more years to get a heir.
In my game however, everything went really smooth about the succession, so I assumed that if king can die in 1403 in this "reality", he can also be true "estalian" and have 16y old son by then already (otherwise we'd have regency council, or "election seym"). I go even further with making the story up, as you will see later .
I had great puzzle with the name of new king - Zygmunt. Yes, it is polish name, but not before beggining of XVII century, when Sigismund Vasa of Sweden was elected king, and Poles "polonised" his name. I couldnt make anything interesting up, so I decided to just ignore it conveniently .
Also it was elective, but as long as Jagiellon dynasty was there, nobles always chose oldest son of dead king, just as if it was normal feudal succession. It was after last of the dynasty died, when it became elective not only de jure, but also de facto.

noble oppositions can get nasty in MMP (overwhelming ones especially) and shouldn't polish king try to negotiate with the nobles rather than having their heads chopped off? (there's an option to negotiate, will you having sarmatism as goal, always yield to the nobles?

Most definately I will not chop anyones head off if it wont be absolutely necesary, tho in history there were situations when King had to fight nobility, and won. Sejm didnt allow him to punish the rebels though. So its not like I am going to bend over whenever some magnate figures out he doesnt like the king.
Hetman Zolkiewski, when nobles rebelled against the king in 1606 said: "I was born a noble, but I swore as a soldier - I will not join rokosz (rebellion)". And this small fact I plan to use if it will be needed .

 

[unmerged(148491)]

SILENCE AND THE STORM​

Young Zygmunt I was a true knight – both etiquette and art of war were his field (3/6/6). From earliest days raised by Piotr Jablonowski – one of greatest knights, veteran of wars with Turks under Hungarian kings, who was responsible for prince education.


As the war with Muscovy ended, armies came back to Kraków, peasant levies were disbanded, and peace was set. Also nobles rebellion was ended, with young king forgiving those who swore their loyalty (there're no sources about those who refused to do so).


It is hard to write about times of peace – life goes slow, and with same rhythm, not many things a scribe can note that’d be of any interest to the reader.
At the day of signing peace there were still few rebellions on Lithuania that had to be put down, and polish knights led by Zyndram z Maszkowic took active part in fighting them.
Order of Franciscans have made its monasteries in lands of Kalisz, Kraków, and Sieradz – these modest monks were widely respected and liked.
Also Danzig’s trade center was filling with merchants, who pledged loyalty to the crown (although they were mostly german).


On field of diplomacy, Zygmunt restored alliance with Hungary, and married Hungarian princess to seal it. He also dealt with “Mazovia problem”.
Legal Duke of Mazovia – Janusz I was overthrown from his throne by pretender Ziemowit during Polish-Teutonic war, leadng great force of men to achieve that. Due to polish armies being busy somewhere else, nothing was done about it, yet it wasn’t to be ignored. As soon as his hands were free, Zygmunt have sent emissaries to Mazovia. They brought gifts and kind words, to close the relations, but it wasn’t their only mission.
One who led the emissaries was Piotr Jablonowski himself, and his main mission wasn’t official one. He requested private audience with new Duke, and there gave him ultimatum: Either Ziemowit will accept Polish king sovereignity and become his vassal, or the latter will not accept his reign, and will restitute Janusz I’s heir as Duke of Mazovia with polish swords. Ziemowit agreed upon those terms, as truth be told – he was left no choice.
It was also time of development for Poland – thanks to new ways and ideas coming from Italy, production efficiency, and “government culture” have raised (to 3).

Zygmunt also reformed army, following his fathers steps, giving it more offensive focus, and raising its general value (land and naval tech up to 3, slider move towards offensive).


Peace lasted for 8 prosperous years, until drums of war didn’t sound, again in the east, and terrified souls in Poles and Lithuanians. Muscovy declared war!
Noone could believe monstrous power of that Duchy – led by godly gifted Kniaz Ivan III it was able to field armies strong of 60 000 men! As comparison – Polish standing force was 6 000 knights, with 20 000 lithuanians scattered all over the country.
War was declared upon Lithuania, so Hungary couldn’t really come to aid its ally Zygmunt – they did help indirectly though by going to war with great Tatar alliance of Golden Horde, Kazań and few other khanates, names of are only howled by wolves of the east, that are only a bit wilder than the human living there. That fact was probably only one that kept Golden Horde from attacking Lithuania as well.
Polish Knights moved east as fast as it was possible, led by Piotr Jablonowski (3/3/3/0), while Zyndram z Maszkowic stayed in the country to supervise fielding of new armies.

First Muscovite attack was once again led in two directions – main force marched towards Lithuania, while smaller force sieged Bryansk, from which they planned to retake whole Ukraine.
Jablonowski knew situation is grim – Lithuanian forces started marching to repel both armies, but he decided to move ahead of them with his cavalry and fight any smaller detachments he met – way of war he learned in Balkans. He wasn’t given the chance to do that though – as he soon came to Chernigov he realized that Russians operate in great armies overpowering garrisons. Army stationing in Bryansk was 8 000 strong – equally filled with muscovite peasant levies and boyars – Jablonowski decided to attack.
First battle of Bryansk was total victory for Polish, killing over third part of Russian forces, and losing less than 500 men. Piotr wanted to pursue the enemy, yet they have noticed greater threat coming their way – it was 22 000 men strong army (1:2 cavalry:infantry ratio more or less), led by Boris Polotskij, marching against Poles from Kaluga (where beaten Muscovites were retreating). Jablonowski stopped pursuit straight away, and wanted to retreat from stronger enemy, when 7 000 of Lithuanian infantry came to aid. With that force he could stop the enemy so he stayed to fight.
Unfortunately for the allies argument of leadership has raised between Jablonowski, and Lithuanian general – Ramunas Simoravicis. Lithuanian won it, argumenting that its not Polish land, and he is leading stronger force. “Only in noumbers” – Jabłonowski answered, but he swallowed dishonour, and passed leadership. That was a bad choice, and Simoravicis was at best a poor leader (1/0/2/0), though some historians concider calling him “poor leader” a huge insult for all other poor leaders of the world.
Battle was short – Muscovite attack was fierce and Lithuanian center started to break from first moments. Jabłonowski – seeing his knights holding main weight of the battle, and being overrun, decided to abandon his allies, and retreat.
Many concider it a cowardice and treason, and to some extend its legitimate accusation, but noone can deny, that it had big impact on whole war, and have let Poland continue the fight. Only 3500 knights retreated, but with great discipline, even if morale was grim.

Lithuanians left behind were slaughtered, and only very few managed to take their lives out of it. Polotskij had three choices – to stay and siege Bryansk, to pursue Lithuanians, or to pursue Poles. He’ve chosen third alternative, and started marching after Piotr Jablonowski and his armies. He continued pursuit to land of Polesia, where it turned obvious, that he cant catch polish knights – riding without tabors (left at Bryansk), and sieged the city there.
At the same time situation on other front looked extremely bad – Lithuanian counterattack in the north was beaten and had to move away from the frontline, leaving Muscovites to siege fortresses unbothered.

And then backstab came – Republic of Novogrod declared war upon Lithuania. There’s theory that initially they prepared for war with Muscovy, but news from Lithuania about Ivans successes made them change their minds. Novgorod’s allies were cities of Lubeck and Hamburg, and that is why declaration of war was called “aggression of Merchants” in polish sources. Total armies of this alliance counted for around 30 000 soldiers.

Situation was turning more and more grim for Zygmunt, but he didn’t plan to give up without fighting as long as it was possible – as the knight he was.
By the time Jabłonowski came back to Poland leading his knights, peasant levies were already assembled, and now Zyndram z Maszkowic was gathering them in lands of Lublin, from where whole army was supposed to move back to Lithuania and fight Russian agressors.
By the same time german allies of Novgorod landed in Danzig with strength of 5 000 men, and in Memel – with 6 000.
Zygmunt saw “alliance of merchants” a weaker opponent, and he decided they have to be countered first. With peace treaty signed he could focus on fighting Muscovy off.
Only force able to stand a battle in Kingdom were knights of Jabłonowski, now reinforced with new warriors – they were sent to free Danzig from siege. Enemy didn’t expect to see polish knights, let alone fighting them – Novgorod’s diplomats convinced them army is being beaten by Muscovy far in the east. Enough said that they didn’t stand a chance, and soon scattered – fleeing to Kalisz. There they were routed and destroyed by pursuiting Poles.

Now Armies were ready to move onwards with counter-offensive. Polish armies consisted of over 5 000 knights under Jablonowski (and being still reinforced), 7 000 peasants under Zyndram, and 2 000 knights just assembled in northern Poland.

Piotr Jablonowski didn’t want to wait for reinforcements, and he led his men north – to Memel, where Lithuanians, who repelled Novgorodians in series of victorious battles, were preparing to free the city.
Jablonowski decided to reinforce them, and all armies marched towards the sieged city. Fortress fell 2 days before battle started, it was quickly resolved though, as germans (and their french mercenary cavalry) didn’t have power to stand against enemy that was double their noumbers. Army of Hamburg was destroyed completely, while remains of Lubeck troops ran to the ships. Weak and small garrison of Memel was beaten in 3 days after the battle.

At the same time king Zygmunt I decided that every man must stand to fight, and he took command over 2 000 knights mentioned earlier. He led them to Poznań, and personally negotiated with Duke of Pommerania to grant him military acces, so he could move and take war to Novgorods allies lands. Pommeranian ruler was more than happy to do that, being mindful of good relations with more powerful friend.
So did, 2 weeks later, Mecklemburg, and way to Lubeck was open. Zygmunt laid siege there, counting that after long enough time he will be able to force peace and then move to Hamburg to do the same. During that siege Army of Lubeck – beaten in Memel, came back to their country, and shocked to meet enemy there, was destroyed on the spot.

Mayor lithuanian victory in battle of Samogitie allowed them to march towards capital city of Novgorod.
Enemy came with second wave of troops though – soon Hamburg have set another siege of Danzig, and Lithuanian forces were beaten in Novgorod, and wages of war once again turned in Zygmunt's disfavor.

Then God himself decided to interfere in the conflict.
Union of Kalmar attacked northern germany and their allies. Novgorod quickly sued for White Peace with Zygmunt, and offer was accepted.
Same days as this happened, Polish armies of Zyndram and Piotr merged, and marched against Boris Polotskij, who already taken fortress in Polesia.
It was a great struggle – polish force of 12 000 men was fighting against about same noumber of Muscovites, but had quite an advantage in amount of cavalry. Fight was more or less equal until last phase of it, when poles managed to break enemy’s wings (polish roll was 9, muscovite 0 – and 1 leader shock advantage for Piotr). Polotskij had no choice but to retreat – and Jablonowski obviously pursuited: to Vohlynia, and then Grodno, where Boris’ army was destroyed completely.

Now Zygmunt was contemplating what to offer to Muscovites for peace, when winter came. Vielkij Kniaź Ivan III was sieging fortress of Mogilev – unsuccessful with his assaults, which, combined with severe winter, were taking his noumbers down significantly. Piotr decided not to wait though, and he attacked muscovite army of almost 20 000 men with his freshly reinforced 12 000, counting that lowly manned regiments of enemy will be a factor that would help him (Muscovy’s army was 20 000 formed in 25 regiments of cavalry and 35 regiments of infantry – so quite low amount of soldiers per regiment). This was not the case however – he lost the battle to powerful Ivan (4/2/4/0), despite inflicting heavy losses, and had to retreat. Then he spread his troops around the country for “hiberna” (winter time, when soldiers waited for spring that’d allow new war operations), and waited for reinforcements. Also morale was problem to deal with, but it was soon addressed, when King Zygmunt I, leading 2 000 of knights, came himself, and took the lead of whole army (4/4/4/0 - you can surely say that student outdone the master).

Obviously Ivan couldn’t really refresh his strength, and had to continue the siege, looking at his army shrinking from the weather.
Soon after freeze passed, fortress fell – and that was time to attack.
Second battle of Mogilev saw 12 000 polish against 14 000 muscovite soldiers, and was great victory of Zygmunt. Polish losses weren’t really significant but Zyndram, who led the center (which was made of peasant levies, and took heaviest beating), fell in that battle.

Zygmunt decided to leave fortress, and pursuit Ivan to Vyazma, where, reinforced, Vielkij Kniaź took another battle, counting that 8 000 army led by Pavel von Lascy will make it to help him. Zygmunt had other plans however, and he led his forces for fast victory, which was apparently successful tactics, resulting in heavy russian losses, and their quick retreat before reinforcements could help them – now King prepared to meet von Lascy.
At the same time Lithuanians assembled an army led by Jurgis Sviriskis, and retook all lost fortresses in Lithuania – now they were marching to Kaluga from Bryansk.

Second battle of Viazna was total victory of Zygmunt – von Lascy lost over half of his men, barely killing any Zygmunts troops, and had to retreat to Kaluga – where his army met its end from Lithuanians.


War that started so horribly turned, and now it was allies who entered Muscovite land. Some things were not going well however – Zygmunt I was sick, and both him and Piotr decided its for the best if he comes back to Kraków, and it will be knight from Jablonow who takes care of Ivan.
So they did, and polish army moved towards Rzhev, where Ivan and rest of his army was trying to reassemble. Not given the chance to, they had to retreat, and grand pursuit started.
Ivan ran to Moscow, while main army fleed north lead by Paletskij (who escaped captivity). Piotr decided to pursue the latter, to avoid having to deal with reinforced troops. On his way he left infantry to siege fortresses of Rzhev and Beloozero while he - in charge of cavalry – pursued Paletskij through Beloozero, Vologda, and Ustyug, where he finally destroyed whole army definitely.

Then he took advantage of Dukes of Yaroslavl and Tver granting accommodation for his troops, and he marched back to Moscow, destroying force of 2000 boyars on his way.

At the same time 2 500 infantry that was sieging Rzhev was attacked by 3 000 of mercenaries led by Pavel von Lascy, but repelled them after brave defense. Unfortunately for them, soon after Ivan III led an attack of 5 000 men, that forced them to retreat to Tver and leave the siege.
Also Lithuanians didnt sleep. Fortress of Kaluga fell, and Jurgis Sviriskis led his men to Rzhev, where he’d beaten Ivan, and forced his retreat to Moscow - already besieged by Jablonowski who, after slaughtering forces of von Lascy, was waiting for him. Army of Ivan surrendered without fight, but cunning Kniazź didn’t fall into polish hands, nor he stopped fighting. He ran to the east, and started to assemble new army.

At the same time, on his way to Kraków in land of Volhynia, king Zygmunt I died from fever. One pointed as new Ruler of Poland and Lithuania was his brother, and second son of Władysław II – Aleksander, who got crowned under name of Aleksander I Karol. It took long time, as prince wasnt in country, so he didnt have any influence on how war was going.

From now on, it was Piotr Jabłonowski, who was responsible for war, and he answered to noone, as Aleksander didn’t really send any letters to him. Piotr followed what Zygmunt wanted to achieve – and it was not just merely a white peace, but weakening Muscovy to the point, where they couldn’t pose a threat any soon. For that – he needed decisive victory.

After defeating Ivans army in Moscow, Piotr had to move back due to severe winter starting again. He was barely getting any reinforcements already, so he didn’t want to waste soldiers he would need for new armies of Ivan. It was not really a true concern though, as Muscovy didn’t have funds to make new army before January. Polish general didn’t know of it, and he already have fallen under impression that Muscovy’s forces are countless, and they will never stop coming.
Polish cavalry was divided and sent to both Tver and Yaroslavl for hiberna, and Peasant Levies stationing in Tver were to move to siege Moscow (peasants dying from the freeze didn’t concern anybody obviously).
The day winter passed, war exploded again. One of knights from Lublin, and at the same time chronicler, wrote in his diaries: “It was as if hell unfrozen, and bursted with flame”.

Fortress of Beloozero have fallen to polish besiegers, and they moved to Vologda, at the same time as Piotr moved east to pillage, and destroy any resistance he could meet.
Ivan III emerged again, leading force of 4 000 soldiers, mostly mercenaries, and attacked infantry sieging Moscow. He wasn’t lucky, as it was when Lithuanian fresh army came to help with the siege, and faced the battle going. Ivan had to retreat, and once again met Jabłonowski on his way. Once again he also escaped the massacre, to organize new forces in the east.

Piotr wanted to pursuit, but new threat appeared on his way.
Russian peasants, who were being murdered and robbed by polish soldiers decided to grab their weapons and fight off the invader. Funny thing – they did that AFTER the invader had left their land, and while they had no Poles to fight, they figured they may as well start killing Boyars (who were, after all, also oppressors). Their two bands, each strong for more than 9 000 men, separated polish army from eastern parts of Russia, where Ivan was forming new forces.
Some were formed in the western part of Muscovy as well, and war changed into series of minor skirmishes, with very few bigger events.
Lithuanian armies had to move back to the country, as it was filled with all sorts of rebels – muscovian patriots, peasants, anti-judaic mobs…
Siege of Vologda was threatened when Pavel von Lascy managed to gather forces in the north using the fact that Piotr Jabłonowski and his troops were far away. He was repelled, and polish cavalry met him soon after, pursuing and eventually destroying his forces.

Around that time in Poland Belarussian anti-judaists, who already took two fortresses in Lithuania, and murdered Jews there, besieged Lublin – city that indeed contained Shtetl. Aleksander, who wasn’t really paying attention to war at all, had to act – he raised 5 000 men army of mercenaries, and sent them to Lublin. At the same time 2 000 of Lithuanians came to deal with the problem, and soon city was freed. Mercenaries got disbanded, and Aleksander could come back to his state politics, leaving waging war to others.

For half year war wasn’t really too dynamic, with both forces separated from each other. Eventually fortress of Vologda fell, and two months later defenders of Moscow sued! These were great news for Jabłonowski, as it gave him upper hand in peace negotiations, when new threat came.
Peasant bands moved north, opening way for Ivan and his new, freshly formed army of 9 000 men to advance. Jabłonowski decided to defend in Moscow, commanding 7 000 troops himself. Threat wasn’t really that big – armies that came to Moscow were undisciplined, and their morale was nonexistent. It was really soon, when they fleed, pursued by Jabłonowski.
Then winter came, and polish general found out, that he’s unable to fight anymore – with virtually no reinforcements from Aleksander, his army was shrinking.

He sent emissaries after Ivan, with peace offer, that demanded ceding of Beloozero, and Vologda, and abandoning claims for Lithuanian Bryansk (which was only province Muscovy considered part of core of their country, and a Casus Belli. Ivan, without much choice, accepted these terms.
Piotr knew, that polish kings don’t have use of provinces such as Beloozero or Vologda, but he never planned on them staying with the Crown. He gave Vologda to Duke of Yaroslavl, and Beloozero to Duke of Tver. This way he achieved everything Zygmunt wanted to achieve: weakening of Muscovy, and at the same time putting them in much worse position if they decided to declare war in future.

This was end of “First Great Lithuanian War” as it got to the chronicles – it was terribly long and exhausting war, and Aleksander took news of its end with great relief.

 

[Sebastian Jarl]

That ought to teach the bear that the honey-jar of Lithuania is guarded by ferocious Polish bees.

 

[unmerged(90806)]

bad luck with the kings, what are the new one's stats?

interesting peace settlement, that will slow down moscow considerably, i wonder whether novgorod will turn out to be the benefactor; anyway i think with the recomended MMP start muscovy is a much bigger threat (if only for GH being weaker)

two questions:
1) how do you keep ypur armies balanced, you know MMP punishes you when the cavalry/infantry ratio exceeds some threshhold?
2) how do you manage financially (i find it really hard while playing pol) your mainenance must be maxed, do you mint? taken loans? i don't think you trade? what's your inflation?

 

[jonlucero]

I will write next chapter tomorrow at work (it a very interesting job you know ).

What is your job?

 

[unmerged(148491)]

@jonlucero - sitting behind the desk, zipping coke, reading forums, making paper planes .

@gabor - so far I dont have any penalty for how my army is balanced, tho generally I keep only small force, and no less than 200d in treasury. Assumption is peace takes more time than war, so maintaining big army isnt that much of necesity, especialy that I dont expect any attacks from any neighbours, and Lithuania is my living shield (sowwy) - giving me time to assemble an army WHEN its needed.

My Inflation is 0.0, and financially its not that bad - at +3 stability around 50% of annual income goes for army+advisors (thats like 29 ducats), rest is landing in treasury - from which I waste most of it on stupid things.
Mainenance is maxed for army tradition, also it feels like less expensive concidering that 1d goes for land tech.
I have merchants in danzig, and thats about it - I dont think it makes sense for me to trade anywhere further.
Economy gets even funnier, when I make some RP moves under Aleksander I Karol.

Also remember that its 1st half of XV c. so Poland is bit more "solid" than it gets later.

@Sebastian Jarl - I am afraid not... few years later Muscovy is even stronger than it was (also spreads like plague). Unfortunately AI is quite dumb, and fails in attrition game bigtime, so I have hard time imagining it beating any player who has buffor of many provinces - especially in the north, where winter is big factor. Hence I am not really very afraid :/.

 

[Enewald]

Worth reading this might be, I says.