Saxon Supremacy [HIP mod] - Wessex dynasty diary AAR

[robbx213]

Ok ladies and gents, this is my first ever AAR. I’ve been playing CK2 for awhile and I’ve gotten to the point where I’m like, “what’s the point of all this button clicking?” I like this game for the ‘stories’ it tends to generate, so I thought I might as well share what’s happening with anyone who cares to read. I’m also kind of hooked by the History Channel’s Vikings right now.

My initial idea is for this to be mostly like a diary of the controlled character. I’m hoping to incorporate what I’m thinking, doing, planning, strategizing, etc. into that. I want to stick to history a little bit; for example, as Alfred the Great I am going to focus on building up fort level to stem the Viking raids.

I’m sure I’ll also do some irl gameplay commentary like this in italics if I think it’s really necessary.

Also note I’m playing with the HIP mod including SWMH, PB (I’ll remove ahistorical empires), and VIET traits & events (but not immersion because it’s incompatible with SWMH).

 

[robbx213]

Aelfraed of Suyrige - 1 January 867

As the new year arrives, I have come to understand that curing this new plague of the North Men will require new ideas. As such, my first new idea is this diary. I dare not share its existence with my court, for they think it the stuff of ladies, scribes, and children. But I know that my diligence will pay dividends. Even in my short 18 years, I have been quick to learn that our past will shape and educate the future. This diary will help me, and hopefully future lords of the realm.

My brother, King Aethelred of Wessex, has decided to send me North to lead our holy army against the heathens. He refers to me as the realm’s most brilliant strategist, but to be wholly honest I think he is flattering me, and I suspect he is afraid to fight the pagans himself, paranoid that some ill fate awaits him in the Northern lands. I also suspect he understands that I cannot take advantage of my gregarious nature if I am not present in the realm. I believe he envies my friendship with the other lords and he is concerned that I may press a claim on our agreement to succeed each other should one of us perish prematurely in the Lord’s service. I think it just that I explore all legal options and consider the possibility that, if not outright rule Wessex, I at least precede my infant nephews as our father’s bequeathal implied. But I dare not outright challenge him, for I believe him just as well, and as his Chancellor I must afford him the opportunity to lead us unto the light.

In order to solidify my claims, I must present to the realm a lineage worthy of lordship. I considered asking for the hand of a West Francian or perhaps Irish princess. Either would provide a powerful alliance in times of need, as well a link to prestigious families. However, their realms are in constant flux and I would be obligated to dedicate troops to their causes. I dare say the Catholic lords of these islands will fight the Vikings together regardless of familial alliances. Ultimately, I decided to ask for the hand of a young German woman named Gudrun from the mountains of Lotharingia. She was recommended by a friend, who travelled there just a few months ago, as someone intelligent, hard-working, and generally a well-rounded lady of many virtues whose only vice is rumored to be the occasional jealous quip toward the noble ladies of the court. While a less prestigious marriage, I know my deeds in battle in the coming years, and subsequent rule in the face of the great heathen invasion, will ultimately speak loudest to my subjects.

In this new beginning, I have also decided to move my bedding to Essex. The people there seem to have a greater knowledge of all things military, possibly due to the presence of the White Company. They are also particularly knowledgeable in the construction of fortifications and defenses, something that will be entirely necessary to stem the tide of the North Men’s raids.

I have great confidence my council will see to the arrangements. Mayor Osmund is a decent diplomat and pays his tithings promptly. Marshal Eadric, while a shy man, is a brave and proud warrior and will serve us all adequately. Steward Ceolwulf is a competent administrator, certainly honest such that I need not watch his bookkeeping carefully. Spymaster Aelfgar is a masterful schemer who seems to thoroughly enjoy my company, though his religious devotion could be improved. On the other hand, perhaps this will help him 'act the part' when dealing with the pagans. Finally Bishop Wulfnoth is a masterful scholar, content with his books and studying, and loyally provides his tithing to his liege. As I am leaving for battle soon, I have seen to it that they all marry – we will need as many brilliant and strong Saxons as we can feed to stave off the infidels.

As for their missions, I must send my Court Chaplain to Middlesex in order to convince the bishops that providing their taxes to would serve God best, and my Steward accompanies him with the hopes of collecting a tithing. My spymaster suggested traveling to Wiltun to see if we can persuade Earl Wulfhere to support Seniority Succession and explore his opinion of me as his future liege. I sent my Chancellor with him to help. Finally, my Marshall travels to Middlesex as well to train as many troops as possible as I leave my personal levies home to defend the demesne in my absence. To supplement them, I raised a retinue of heavy infantry. I would prefer matching cavalry against the pagans, but as of yet we have not the resources.

Among other administrations, I asked for a small obligation increase to the Burghers. Since the heathens greatly outnumber even our combined Christian forces, we must use other means to gain the upper hand, including fortifications to increase the effectiveness of troops. I also nominated my next bishop. I need a man who has great military and administration skills and who will see that it is best our wealth remain within the realm. I have heard tell of a man in the Saxon Band who is especially adept at rallying the troops into a frenzy when fighting the infidels and a Gaelic man from Northern Ireland who is particularly skilled at sieges. As I travel north with the army, I will seek them out and see if a monetary gift or perhaps a marriage with my courtier can convince them to come to Wessex before their homes are subjugated by the pagans. This is my first bit of game trickery. I look for marshals with holy warrior and siege master traits. Normally I go for the youngest available so they'll last a long time. For the AAR, I searched Saxon first. I was very tempted to go for a guy who is also celibate, which allows me to grant land but guarantee I eventually get it back in case sons need to be landed. If they won't come from a gold gift, then I marry them to my courtier and then gift and/or reinvite that courtier.

 

[Derahan]

Alright, nice setting! I am exited to see where you will take Alfred, from what I know the lands of Cornwall is pretty rich in men, maybe try and conquer those in your sparetime?

 

[robbx213]

Hopefully this doesn't sound like I'm doing an interactive AAR, but yeah, I totally agree. I've played through the first ruler or two a couple times just to try a few different things out. I'm hoping doing this AAR will force me to just stick with it rather than keep restarting every time I learn something new. Basically, if I finally get to the point where I've got Wessex, and my vassals are happy (save maybe my brother of course, he'll be upset about the usurping), and the Vikings have a lull in their conquests, then I'll go fab a claim and take it. HIP seems to go back to 50% for usurping a duchy, instead of 51%, but I need to save the money for constructions or an emergency merc war. I may also look for claimants to invite. It's also hard to fab a claim on a duchy, I think I need somewhere around 18-20 skill for that, so it's happening very slowly compared to a normal county level fabrication.

I've seen things ranging from I personally kill Ivar the Boneless in battle (guess CK2 can't make him a shield-riding figurehead only) all the way to Jorvik takes all of Mercia while I get spanked by the Scottish Isle pagans for Middlesex. Good thing is, it always seems to calm down about the time Alfred dies, and with enough plots against the kings (they stupidly keep plenty of high intrigue Catholic Saxons in their court and vassals) their power dwindles. I might even get lucky enough for Denmark and Jylland to subjugate them instead of doing a prepared invasion against me. We shall see, any way it happens, it will be 'fun'.

 

[robbx213]

Aelfraed of Essex - 7 January 867

A large procession was held signifying the start of our journey to battle the North Men. We depart with just over a thousand men... rumor abounds the vikings have 10, even 20, times that already landed in King Aella's lands.

My brother announced he has granted me lordship over Sussex. He wanted to use it as a rallying cry around me as marshall - a show of support and a message that loyal service to him shall be rewarded. Publicly he smiled as he passed to me his land, but I know better and believe his personal demesne had grown too large to administrate in these uncertain times. Besides, if I should perish in battle he would gain the title back anyway.

Afterward at the lords' supper, he asked Wessexian earls to approve a small increase to our monetary and military obligations. While I have sworn fealty to him, I disagree with his plan and shall ignore his request. He intends to lead us straight into battle head on against those wild devils. I cannot in good conscience send more money and men to meet the heathens.

Years ago, when their numbers were no match for ours, the pagans moved swiftly and struck hard at the periphery of our defenses. Now that we are greatly outmatched on the field, we must do the same. I shall instruct Marshall Ealdraed to keep our troops on notice and ready for the call of duty. Should he hear word of a small, isolated force, he should take advantage and deal what blows we can. And he shall accept the holy warrior Beornwulf should his wed to Aethelhild convince him to make haste to our court.

I only hope God's plan includes my survival as Aethelred throws us to the wolves, and I thank HIM for blessing me with a mind to fight and two quick feet.

 

[Asantahene]

Liking the style of this already-consider this subbed!

 

[Derahan]

Hopefully you will get your victory over the vikings!

 

[Asantahene]

Hope you guys also like the random references I'm trying to throw in. MC Hammer, a "It's Always Sunny in Philly" tribute is coming tonight. We'll see what I can sneak in, hehe.

Hahaha. a mind to fight and 2 quick feet

CAN'T TOUCH THIS! Hehehe

 

[robbx213]

Aelfraed of Essex - 22 January 867
As we prepared to venture North, I started to worry about my ability to lead. While hunting a boar, I lost my way and eventually came upon the men, having already slayed the beast without me. But they are good men and did not chide me, so repaid their kindness by telling a grand story of their deeds of the day around the campfire that night, sharing with them a special reserve of drink I had been saving for such an occasion since my father gave it to me shortly before his passing many years ago.

25 April 867
As expected, my brother has sent our meager force directly into the jaws of the wolf. We are outnumbered 10, possibly 20, to one and my pleadings to use harassing tactics have fallen on deaf ears. We began a siege in York, but were swiftly met with an unending wave of wild, devilish men who seem to thirst for blood instead of wine. The raven may symbolize their god, but they certainly show no craven tendencies.

The one positive I can take from this experience is my new mastery of tactics in flat terrain, having to make the most of what little troops we had in this battle. Considering much of Wessex and Mercia consists of wide open farmlands and plains, this should help greatly when we one day rise up from the ashes to strike back at the infidels.

Thankfully, Earl Aethelnoth of Sumorsaete has pledged his support for my bid to rule Wessex. If my brother insists on sacrificing good Christians to the heathen gods, I expect the Lord will speak to more of my fellow Earls.

Meanwhile, councilors back home have apparently been rotating around like dancers around a May pole. In my absence, the courtiers are apparently eager to prove their mettle. As the highest courtiers in each skill gain ambition, I rotate them through to gain the +1, hoping that eventually I land back on the highest rank. The opinion loss really only matters for Bishops, so I’ll watch them carefully to make sure I stay ahead of the pope.

27 October 867
As expected, East Anglia has fallen to the Vikings. Sadly, we have not seen an influx of our Christian brethren seeking refuge from the East, and that can only mean one thing… While death in battle is just, human sacrifice in the name of faith most certainly is not.

Oddly, my brother has insisted on sending yet another cohort at the beasts, regardless of its feeble size. We have attempted to quickly recover holdings in Lancaster before the Great Heathen Army finds us.

Meanwhile, roughly 900 raiders have arrived in my brother’s capital county, but I shall be patient to see how he handles his own demesne. We are already too weak to match the North Men’s force, I see no advantage to sending my men to reinforce my brother’s position. If he cannot get himself out of this mess, perhaps the other Earls will agree that someone else is destined to lead Wessex to prosperity.

Through my letters with Gudrun, I believe I have found my true love and I thank HIM for helping us to find each other. She is a true prize and will hopefully soon make an exemplary mother.

4 January 868
It is the anniversary of my diary and times have grown darker. Northumbria has fallen to the invaders. King Aella still controls a small demesne to the North in Lothian, but likely not for long. I wonder what God has in store for us, if this is HIS will, if this is perhaps a test of our faith and a cleansing of sorts. In the end, I must be patient and bide time so that we can reinforce our position and find a way to reclaim these Christian lands.

 

[Derahan]

Pray to ye god because the vikings will not listen to please of mercy!

 

[Jokolytic]

Screenshots and pictures would be really nice.

 

[Asantahene]

Screenshots and pictures would be really nice.

Yup I 2nd that

 

[robbx213]

27 January 868
I have offered to join my brother-in-law’s war against the Mercian rebels. If I help my sister’s husband, I can demonstrate my value as more than a simple Earl. Engaging the rabble rousers will nurture the alliance between Mercia and Wessex, strengthening us both. Unfortunately, my brother is neglecting his obligation as an ally, struggling to fend off petty raiders within his personal demesne. Perhaps a small victory against the dissenters will inspire hope within our people, perhaps even inspire my fellow Earls to support me as their liege. For if they are allowed to separate entirely from the kingdom, it will make us all vulnerable to the enemy’s advanaces.

2 April 868
The Vikings in York have declared conquest of the bordering lands in Mercia. Again, we will have to use maneuvers to do what damage we can to the invaders. Their main force still numbers nearly 16000 strong, a force we cannot yet hope to meet directly.

Sadly, our holiest warrior Aelle succumbed to a terrible fever. My wife told me of a mercenary from her homeland rumored to have a similar gift of being able to rally his men around the cross. Also, I have invited Eadfrith, Marshal of the Band of the Brave, to come fight with us. Being a diligent and brave man, I believe he was growing restless, as none of the Christian lords has been able to afford the Band’s high ransom for their services. His skill in leading foot soldiers will serve us and the Lord well.

24 January 869
Praise be the lord, Gudrun has birthed a bouncing baby girl! My wife wants to name her Beorhtflaed, not particularly divine, but a solid name nonetheless.

Earl Odda pledged his support for the push to adopt Seniority Succession in Wessex. I was finally able to submit my demand to my brother with tangible support and he saw that is was wisest to make the change rather than plunge our own realm into chaos.

25 April 869
Another prepared invasion has descended upon us, though this time apparently not from the sons of Ragnarr Lothbrok. Thankfully, HE has spoken to several Christian rulers and they have answered the call… except for my brother. Perhaps he is afraid to make the same mistakes that were suffered in the campaign two years ago, but this time we have greater unification and thus a fighting chance.

2 February 870
Over the past several months, we have laid siege to several holdings in East Anglia, successfully recovering some of the stolen treasure from the invasion several years ago. Thanks to our prowess, Earl Aethelmod of Kent has publicly declared his support for me as his liege. In total sum, I feel inspired to follow my ambition and continue toward making my bid to rule Wessex. Time is of the essence, as the North Men have now claimed several counties along our northern border, plunging Mercia into ruin.

21 August 870
A thousand heathen raiders landed in Essex. We threw all we had at them. We lost too many good men in the Mercian conquest, but we prayed and asked HIM to grant us salvation, and he did. We were victorius this day and we live on to do the Lord’s bidding.

7 February 871
Curses! I was captured in battle in Defena and my brother had not the stomach to even ask for my ransom! Earl Odda took note, and has pledge his support for my rule along with the Earl of Kent. I have paid nearly half of my savings that would have gone to fortifying our lands. Enough is enough. The battle for Wessex begins!

8 May 871
My wife gives birth to another daughter, Osburh! It is a much needed respite in such dark times. I only hope this is a sign from the Holy One of the rebirth of Wessex and of Catholicism in these lands. Heathens have looted Middlesex and we must now fight two wars at once. But I have faith that HE shall see us through this.

6 December 871
Victory! My men captured my brother in a siege. My desires for revenge include a long list of unholy, unspeakable acts against him while he is in my dungeon, but I know it would not be just nor kind to treat my brother as anything other than my closest, most beloved kin. The Earls seem to be pleased, so I think I shall let him cool off a bit in the darkness and dampness, and simply recover from him the riches that lost while imprisoned to that filthy pagan lord last Winter. Now is not the time for pain and suffering as we have had enough of that, we must rebuild and restore.

In preparation for unification, I have sent my chancellor to Cornwall to see if they desire to join our kingdom, while my spymaster has gone to York to observe troop movements and see if we can learn what sort of men these Vikings truly are. Since our strength is not our advantage, we will have to use our wits.

22 June 872
While traveling the countryside in my efforts to raise spirits and assess the state of our realm, we encountered an innkeeper who made a delicious meal of eggs and vegetables. Sadly, these hard times motivated someone to steal his chickens, but we found the bandits and rescued his animals. We had no idea they were so numerous! The innkeeper was in great spirits even when things looked grimmest, his faith and spirit an example for all of us to emulate. I have decided to ask him if he will come to my court and cook these wonderful meals for all to enjoy. He was more than enthusiastic, even suggesting an annual festival for all of my subjects to attend. I can already see there are upbeat, clever Saxons throughout the realm yearning to free this land of the heathen incursion.

When I returned home, I found a third daughter in my wife’s embrace! I am beginning to wonder if she is capable of bearing a son…

24 September 872
Woe is me. Gudrun has perished. At first, it was a simple bug like she has seemingly conquered many a time before. But this time, she became bedridden, coughing and barely able to breathe. I can only hope she is at peace with our maker. Her loss has humbled me, for now I understand that even a king must suffer disappointment to know the full glory of HIS love and endowment.

29 October 872
My council encouraged me to remarry for the sake of the realm’s stability. No woman could replace my Gudrun, but I suppose I do need a better half to help with the every day tasks of administering a bustling kingdom. I have sent word to King Charles Karling in West Francia to ask for his daughter Gisele’s hand. If I am not to marry for love, then I will marry for love of kingdom and of God.

In other unfortunate news, my steward was maimed by an angry mob while trying to collect taxes in Middlesex. The event seems to have greatly affected her mental state, as she speaks in tongues in her sleep and seems to hear things nobody has said. For her own good, I’ll have to find someone to take over her duties.

1 May 874
It has been quite some time since I made an entry in you, old friend. I’ve been busy traveling to the far corners of the realm, trying to drum up support for a reconquest of East Anglia. But for some reason, Earl Wulfhere has now switched back to supporting my brother as King. I cannot allow their numbers to swell and I cannot allow such a blatant disregard for the fealty which he swore. I have asked the other Earls to support me in revoking the Shire of Bearroc from Wulfhere and I only hope he will relinquish the title without plunging us into another war.

12 September 874
I have defeated Earl Wulfhere in his rebellion and now control the Shire of Bearroc myself. The state of those lands was worse than I realized. I have much work to do. I have decided to banish Earl Wulfhere from our realm for his insubordinate ways. The other vassals will be displeased, but hopefully will quickly see the benefits of working toward restoration together. I will grant his land to Sighere, the celibate man from East Anglia. I am not sure who yet deserves to establish a new dynasty in our realm, so I must delay the decision for now.

In what little down time I’ve had, I have grown to love books besides this one I am writing. As I have alluded to before, scholarly pursuits will ultimately lead us back to glory over the pagans. Thankfully, they have begun fighting amongst themselves for the Northern lands. Their barbaric, uneducated ways will be their downfall.

Finally, Pope Nicolaus has transcended to the heavens. Thankfully Bishop Aethelstan has seen fit to begin sending me some tithing in the hopes that the new Pope’s administration doesn’t notice the small difference.

Of all my playthroughs in this setting, this is the hardest yet. Not only have the Pagans conquested ALL of Mercia, but their subjugation of each other isn't really reducing their numbers and all of the initial main kings are still alive. On top of that, they weren't stupid enough to keep a bunch of Christian Earls and courtiers, so I can't get anywhere past about 50% plot power. Oh, not to mention I have 3 daughters and a dead wife, when usually by now I have a genius or at least a quick son. And I spent 70 gold to ransom myself. And my levies are down around 800 total when usually I'm up to about 2k-2500 by now. As I get older, I may have to start giving the ladies who fancy me a good tumble. Once I fulfill the 500 g ambition I'll start spending some dough on walls and fortifications. So I may just skip ahead several years as if I got so busy I misplaced the diary or something so we can get past the hum drum raiders and joining others' conquests / revolts.

 

[Asantahene]

What language are you playing the game in?

Did you conquer your bro then?

I'd use Imageshack if I was you. You then copy the 'direct' link and use the inset picture logo above (make sure you untag 'keep original as thumbnail' box)

 

[robbx213]

I'm playing in English, but the HIP mod changes the names. There is also an option when installing all the different modules to go even more 'native'. So in my current game, Surrey is Suyrige, Cornwall is Kernow, Ireland is Eire, Scotland is Alba... But if I had done the other module also, it would be even more different. West & East Francia would be Occidental & Oriental. Instead of England it would display Anglieterre with some accents.

I did conquer my brother. That was the 6 Dec 871 entry. I could have made it more clear I demanded installation and won. I let my brother stick around and only ransomed him, partly because I don't have a male heir so I need my nephews around in an emergency. And partly to play in character because I'm supposed to be kind and just and humble and my opinion of him is high, Wulfhere from Wiltun was another story though, that SOB can take a hike

 

[robbx213]

A note on education. As my courtiers have kids, I star them and keep track of when they turn 6. For men, I try to train diplomats, marshalls, and court chaplains. For women, I try to train stewards and spymasters. I'm generally pretty careful to try to keep all the males Saxon and Catholic. If I invite a foreigner, like as a marshall, I'll take care to educate his sons with someone who is gregarious and diligent in the hopes their culture switches to Saxon. The women I don't care as much, because I've noticed the children tend to be the culture of the father (or maybe of the ruler in the county?). Either way, I want the males to be same religion AND same culture so that if I make them councilors or rulers, I won't have to deal with that opinion problem.

Also, with my own daughters, I actually don't care much about their education. I tend to send them to one of my direct vassals for the +20 opinion boost. Hopefully that ruler, like in this AAR my brother, doesn't have too much reason to plot against them. But, I really only see the daughters as useful for marriage alliances. If it gets bad and I don't have a son, I'll switch to Ultimogeniture and educate my youngest daughter myself since she's quick. Then in the last year, I'll switch her to someone who's either a steward or a learner for the vocation.

Similar concept with vassals. If a child vassal popup says they lose their guardian, I'll suggest they go to a steward or learner so they have high tax making ability and hopefully their traits will match with mine for opinion.

 

[robbx213]

20 July 875
The North Men have declared yet another heathen conquest, this time against our brethren in Dyfed. Unfortunately, we cannot help as our levies are far too depleted. However, I have finally amassed the wealth necessary to begin my grand construction projects. I shall focus on protecting our largest holdings in Middlesex, primarily building simple walls that help our traders, priests, and nearby farmers spend more time attending to their professions and less time worrying about the safety of their lands and families. We have a good amount of wealth coming now and can afford a construction in nearly all of my personally ruled counties.

It is now my ambition to beat back the heathens so decisively that my fellow Christian rulers will hear their skulls cracking under the weight of our metal, signaling a rallying cry for any who hope to make God aware of our pious devotion. To assist us, I have hired the Band of the Brave, a modest group of Saxons who operate in secret from the Northern border of Halfdan’s Yorkish realm, in the hopes that they will watch over us as God does and give us time to heal and strengthen.

7 January 876
With this new year comes a new commitment to action. We have hired the Band of the Brave to protect our coasts from raiders and they have done so well that we now have the opportunity to expand our borders. Eluid, the brother of the Duke of Dumnonia, has come to my court asking that I press his claim and I agreed. While Duke Dumnarth is a kind and charitable man, his lazy, gluttonous ways only strengthen the pagans’ resolve. Eluid’s customs strike me as odd and he does not seem overly pious, but he is a convincing orator and I believe will be a content vassal, a valuable commodity in uncertain times.

20 July 876
Eluid’s deceitful wife convinced him to rule alone and he will not even entertain my envoys sent to suggest he consider swearing fealty to me as his liege. They have deceived me, and they have deceived God, and the Lord will see to it they reap their just rewards in time.

18 October 876
During my diplomatic sessions looking to hire one of the various mercenary bands across the Western lands, I met a German man named Hugo. He was exceedingly brilliant and may be just the man I need to convince the Cornish to succumb to Wessexian rule. I believe Hugo will see that he can accomplish great things in the service of a landed liege.

10 April 877
My brother continued drumming up support for his reinstallment as King even after I asked him repeatedly to support me and help heal our union instead of continuing to fracture. He refused, so with the support of the other Earls I revoked his lordship of Wight. He was none too happy and raised a small army that was quickly defeated. I granted Wight to Wiglaf, a celibate steward.

18 March 878
After nearly a year, my brother has finally conceded and came to my dungeon willingly. While I am very upset by his traitorous acts, I must be kind as our Lord would be, and I will simply ask he pay a small tribute to demonstrate his remorse publicly. As a show of trust and love, I have offered to allow him to tutor both my eldest daughters, while I personally tutor both of my nephews.

Now I can finally attend to some administrative issues in finding an educator for my second daughter and using my brother’s tribute to further secure our lands. I will also finally be able to ask my Bishops to keep some of their levy in favor of increasing their monetary contribution to the crown.

10 December 878
Earl Sighere of Wiltun was discovered plotting to fabricate a claim on the entire kingdom. When confronted, he raised arms against me! All this after I granted him lordship, knowing that he would produce no heirs to provide stability in that county. After several months of sieging, he has been thrown in the dungeon and will stay there until he can produce a monetary tribute to pay for his destructive habits.

In the meantime, Earl of Odda somehow laid claim to Cornwall without my knowledge, but thankfully defeated a depleated foe and has incorporated that county into our realm. I am proud of his commitment to Wessex and to God, but his cruel, vengeful treatment of the former nobility cannot be tolerated and I will have to step in to manage the administration of that county. I believe Stigand, the Marshall of Dornsaete, deserves a chance to show his leadership skills in our new county.

5 October 879
Hiring the Band of the Brave has been particularly helpful. They were able to put down several bands of pagan raiders as well as subdue a couple Earls who had designs of challenging me on the battlefield. They have more than paid for their services through captured treasures hidden by the Earls as well as by tributes they paid to reconcile for attacking their Saxon brethren. My final step in reforming our kingdom will be to ask Earl Aethelmod to allow my to consolidate Kent into my demesne, offering him another of my counties in exchange.

9 November 879
Word has reached my wife that her uncle, Ludwig King of West Francia, is suffering greatly in his old age and is no longer able to rule. My wife has hinted several times that I could press her claims to that kingdom. I must say, it is an extremely tempting prospect, uniting the two kingdoms, perhaps under a single ruler should I sire a child with her. But I must be patient, gather strength and knowledge, and observe how her extended family responds to the situation. They just may fight amongst themselves for the throne, affording us the opportunity to enter the fracas late with a stronger position.

 

[Asantahene]

Ooh possibilities? Looks good!

 

[robbx213]

18 November 879
Unfortunately, King Ludwig of West Francia passed away before I could make a decision to mobilize troops and press my wife’s claim. But, my patience may still pay off should there be a succession battle in the near future, where we could have the opportunity to press her claim then.

23 December 879
Terrible news from the North, as Halfdan son of Ragnarr has formed the title of King of Aenglandi. Such an offensive act will not be tolerated by the Lord, nor by me.

16 January 880
Curses! The wretched King Halfdan has declared a conquest war against us for Bearroc! I cannot even call my brother-in-law, the King of Aquitane, for he has fewer soldiers at his disposal than us. Considering he is only claiming a single province, I may raise just enough soldiers to pick off some smaller, trailing armies in the hopes that my Christian brethren offer to join the battle. Or I may take out a loan and raise another mercenary army to battle the heathens once and for all.

4 February 880
My connections in the far East have come through and granted me a large loan with which I can raise a mercenary band. I was particularly interested in the knights of the Company of the Star, but I fear Ravenna, to the South of the great mountains in Lotharingia, is too far to arrive in time. I have asked Captain Aelfgar of Godwin and his Saxons, and Captain Sian of the Breton Company, to enter our service. I looked for this Aelfgar in Wikipedia, but only found one in the early 11th century who was not a Godwin, but gained from Godwin’s exile in 1051. Perhaps this is a fictional character meant to simply introduce the Godwin house into The Old Gods game. Anyway, I do like his army best, heavy infantry and archers, and if I can someday grant him some land it would be ‘fun’.

20 February 880
Our original mercenary force was intercepted in Gleawcester, but we are quickly amassing a strong force in Bearroc and will establish a defense there shortly.

7 March 880
Our full forces engage today. The fate of our world depends on this battle. Praise God almighty, let us emerge victorious!

8 March 880
Word came to me that Eadfrith was slain in personal combat with Halfdan. We mourn the loss of a great strategist and the leader of our shock infantry. I only hope I can meet Halfdan on the field and have at him myself!

18 March 880
Halfdan’s opposite flank was quickly dispatched and they flee the battlefields! Now the Saxon Band has been ordered to come around and defend my flank. Surely this is promising.

4 April 880
Halfdan’s flank forced Hereberht to fight out in the open. He could not find good ground and now his men flee. Meanwhile their new forces arrive on the opposite flank. The battle is starting to turn sour for us.

12 April 880
Gerhard, our holy warrior, was slain by Halfdan himself! This will surely spook the men and they begin to question if God truly watches over us in battle. I have ordered a fighting retreat to the North. Perhaps they will remain in Bearroc to lay siege and we can travel North to Halfdan’s personal holdings and lay siege there.

25 April 880
The Vikings pursuit us and I have no choice but to give up the fight for Bearroc. We must preserve as many men as possible, for there will be another battle soon enough.

25 December 880
Blessed be the Lord, for hath blessed me with a son! Our kingdom is poor, so many warriors have ascended to meet HIM, yet the circle of life continues and hope is reborn. I shall name him Eadweard and someday he shall succeed in the reconquest of Mercia where I have all but failed.

25 January 881
If not for my son, these would be my darkest days ever. Gisele, my wife, has died. Shortly after giving birth to Eadweard, her health abandoned her and she succumbed to the cough. I pray to the Lord every night, hoping that Eadweard is not at fault, nor that I am fault. I am so strapped for cash, I have not the coin to even afford a casket worthy of my lady. The only other thing brightening my days, besides my newborn son, is the fractured fighting to the North over title revocations and Jylland’s insurgence in Oxford. Perhaps this will afford us some relief in such needy times.

25 February 881
I have made a betrothal to a Dutch girl across the Straight of Dover because my councilors insisted it looks better to our subjects. I agreed to this betrothal as delay to having to marry so I at least have some time to reflect and mourn.

5 July 881
My nephew Aethelhelm was caught plotting to kill a courtier, so I had to do the just thing and imprison him. Thankfully, my brother paid his ransom quickly and my nephew will eventually get over his anger. Oddly enough, the coin was desperately needed.

20 August 881
I captured Eirikr of Horthaland in personal combat. The Vikings are getting more and more brazen by the day! Thankfully, he was a wealthy man and able to pay his ransom. Unfortunate for the peasants, who would probably like to see him drawn and quartered. With his ransom, I was able to pay a small portion of the loan I took. Our darkest days seem to be behind us.

18 October 881
Earl Aethelnoth of Sumorsaete dared fabricate a claim on my throne! I have banished him from the realm as an example. It is due justice for such a traitor! My vassals are quickly testing my patience and I wonder if the realm will hold together with such infighting. Earl Wiglaf, the celibate man, seems to be the only one I can trust, perhaps because he has nothing to gain from my demise.

25 November 881
My subjects have begun referring to me as “Alfred the Wise.” I am not so sure. Perhaps you who are reading this can decide for yourself…

12 May 882
I cannot change my succession law because of my impetuous brother. No bother, I am not sure my son Eadweard will amount to more than the slayer of his mother. Without her, I doubt the Frankish would even pay attention to a claim on West Francia. In my time of need, Eadburg, a bright woman, has comforted me as I have comforted her in her husband’s imprisonment at the hand of Halfdan. While not the wisest choice, it was certainly pleasurable.

2 May 883
After nearly a year of beating on Viking skulls, I have finally attained a measure of public piousness. I received word from the Pope’s envoy that they have taken note of my deeds against the North Men and they personally thanked me for my dedication to God and to Wessex. I am not sure if I should continue my virtuous pursuits, or plot the demise of Halfdan and work to become King of England myself. As the years pass on, I’m finding I have less energy to be so ambitious.

 

[Asantahene]

Plot to overthrow him! I remember playing as Scotland in my game. Kenneth I and his son played a waiting game, sent my chancellor to massage Ivar and then waited for the inevitable in fighting between his sons to fire!

Great AAR this-I love how you capture the thoughts and fears of Alfred. I love the loan thing. My game (2.0.4) doesn't have that. Is that an addition only in ROI?

Oh and great to see your screenshots working finally lol