Storm over Tintagel - A Cornwall AAR for CK:DV and the TASS mod

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That's it? Gwynek just leave the court like that? I can't believe what I read. It just... well, he's still the lord until suddently, in his son birthday he left Cornwall.

But well, there are two power that influence the new Duke now.

1. His mother, Cristina

2. His uncle, Meryasek the Lidless.

But, what about making a strong Duke. Unlike his father, maybe Cadan will become very strong and able to grap the power from his mother and uncle. Of course with some struggle. But at least, you need a strong Duke here. Not just a fool like Gwynek, his father.

But first, he needs loyal allies. The question is, who are they?

Note : Honestly, the situation of Cadan just like the story of Emperor Kang Shi from China when he was young.

Well, I notify several interesting characters from previous chapters.

1. Gorlas "The Child of Angel". Will he get important role in the future?

2. The demoted Count Cynewulf Godwineson. Will he get a chance to retake his claim?

3. The Traitor Gourgy Colvile, will he take a chance to overtake the Tintagel for his new Lord?

4. Will Kaye Pendragon get some part in the next story?

5. Will Brengy Cerniw get a part in the future? Well, he is definately in Meryasek the Lidless' But in what kind of role

 

[performer]

Ah, you have some very nice ideas,Brainsucker.

Talking about allies, yeah, he needs friends in- and outside of Cornwall. The sudden disappearance of his fathers has caused a power vacuum. And as you have seen, the "Lidless" has ambitions.

To your points:
1.) Gorlas the angel-listener is seriously mad. If he does not return to Cornwall, he won't play a further role.
2.) Actually, the Cynewulf clan has accepted the shade of norman culture on the peninsula. But you are right, I should have a look where he is around now. There must be some more Godwinesons on the isle ... the royal family before the Conquest of William the Bastard.
3.) Gourgy Colvile, yeah ... would you like to see him back at the chessboard of Power?
4.) It seems as if Kaye just "consolidate" his county, without further interests. Perhaps we have to wait for the next Pendragon to broaden this storyline.
5.) Brengy, the compagnon of the "Lidless" ... jup, he will play a role, and pay for his schemes, you can bet on that.

 

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As we say in Sweden, even a blind hen can sometimes find food. There's still a lot of trouble that can be expected from Meryasek, if he decides that it is worth it.

 

[Enewald]

Niiiiiiiice!

I hate abdicating and yet love it!

 

[performer]

Book V: The ladies court

Chapter 1: Cadan the promising

The sudden abdiction of his father catapults his 12 year old son Cadan into power. Cadan is an outstanding boy, who outstrips his peers in cleverness and wisdom. After being accepted as duke of Cornwall, Wessex and Ulster by the minor nobles, he quickly starts to reign. The people quickly forget his apostate father, and soon the new duke is called Cadan the promising.

His mother Cristina misses her husband. “I will never touch a man from now”, she swears. “the bonds of love between me and Gwynek will never crack.” Her celibacy earns her lot of respect.

Actually, lovelorn Cristina derives comfort from visiting the church. Without Gwynek at hand, she abandons her heretic views.

The first year of Cadan’s rule turns out to be a fruitful one. Some unattended money flows into the treasury, when Cadan inherites his aunts Tancwoystel and Kelyn, who pass away at Wales. The two sisters were daughters of Maelgwn the Toothless and Eadilberga of Essex. As you remember for sure, the widow Eadilberga fled to Wales when ‘The Wizard’ came into power. Now her daugthers have died, and their possessories – more than 220 gold coins – fill up the treasury.

Wealth causes envy. In Devon castle, Meryasek ‘The lidless’ sits together with his friend Brengy, the count of Devon, who recentlcy gained weight from his luxury life. Brengy pours some dark red wine in a cup.
“Well done, Meryasek”, Brengy toastes to his uncle. “Your schemes made me count of Devon, and my son Padern still rules over Salisbury and Lincoln! You made my family rich.”
Meryasek broods over the vellum-bound vassal contract of the English crown.
“You listen to me? Well, Meryasek, you seem to be in a bad temper since Gwynek’s abdiction. Well, he really should have given you the pearl of Bristol.” Brengy grins. “But your time will come, my friend. I’m sure you have some further plans …”
“You can bet on this”, Meryasek hums.

Some days later, ‘The Lidless’ attends upon the young duke and his mother.
“Mylord … Mylady. We have to talk about the Salisbury inheritance. As your remember, our dynasty member Padern has succeeded the Asketilsson clan at Salisbury …”
“We DO remember”, Cristina O’ Marr says with a sharp voice. “Weren’t there some mysterious fatalities?”
“Er … yes, the Asketilsson family had gone trough years of tragedy. A weak and fugacious clan, if you ask me. Padern is their rightful heir, though being a child. The problem is that he is not a vassal of our duchy, due to the fiefdom laws of England. His allegiance is bound to the crown. Look here …” ‘The Lidless’ spreads out the vellum.
“We are not interested in your plots”, Cristina rebukes him. “Isn’t it enough that a Cerniw rules at Salisbury? We should be satisfied with this lucky circumstance. We will not further ruin the fame of my son.”
“As you command, Mylady”, ‘The Lidless’ murmers. “May we at least speak about the county of Bristol? Your lord husband has promised me once a reward for my loyal service …”
Suddenly, young Cadan arises. “Lord Meryasek, the pearl of Bristol shall remain in my demesne at first. If you really want to become count of Bristol, than be as loyal to me as you have be to my father.”

‘The Lidless’ slowly nods. “I will, Mylord … I will.”

 

[Enewald]

Everyone just wants land, and then what shall they do with their lands?
Nothing. Just sittting there and saving money for random usage.

 

[IamWhoa]

Lidless is such an old man. Surely, he is harmless and only feeble minded.

 

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I thought, The Lidless has the power and ambition like the Wizard; but I think I'm wrong He just want Bristol. Well, at least he has no ambition to take over the whole Duchy like the Wizard did.

And Cristina, her influence to her son seem to go to positive way. It is good, as lots of mothers in history raise to power and seize (with soft way, usually use their son as their puppet) their under age son's Throne after their husband died. She can become Cadan's trusty advisor. The only problem is, she doesn't has ambition nor talent to expand the duchy domain. Her religious believe is not suited to the political struggle. If Cadan follow her advice all together, he will definately lost Lincoln and Salisbury.

So, how Cadan will react??? If he follows his mother, he will definately lost the chance to retake Lincoln and Salisbury; but if he choose Meryasek, he must give Bristol to his uncle (as his vassal).

The problem lies deep in Cadan heart and the way of his thinking. But, he's still 12, and his cousin seems has not immediately get his claim to the two counties either. He still has a lot of chance to get them.

I just curious, what will Cadan do in the future. Will he become a saint as a loyal servant to the King of England, or an ambitious warlord who can even kick the king of england from his thorne. It is definately depend on the cards that he played now. Will he lose Lincoln and Salisbury in the name of honor or morality or sacrifice them to get more fiefs for Cornwall.

Good update

 

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His loyalty to the current duke's father can be disputed, so I guess that's a promise without a lot of substance...

 

[performer]

Chapter 2: A walk on the cliffs

“We can’t trust the Lidless.”
Cristina O’ Marr, holding a massive cross of silver in front of her bosom, speaks with a trembling voice. It is the 1st May 1141, and Cadan the promising, a fair boy in his fifteenths year, stands at a high cliff of Trebarwith strand. He looks toward the sea, his eyes as green as the spray.
“My dear mother”, he slowly says. “I know Meraysek, as you do. There is no harm coming from my uncle.”
“He is still an ambitious man, Cadan”, Cristina warns her son.
“No … he was. Now he is just an old fart. His health is affected. Meryasek won’t see the next year.”
His younger brother Zethar, a seven-year-old toddler, forges ahead the cliff, bored by the dispute. Cristina catches him back, giving him a slap on his cheek. Zethar starts to cry, while his brother disgresses.
“Perhaps we should remove Meryasek from the spymaster position”, Cristina recommends. “Choose a younger courtier as your cloak-and-dagger. Give him a golden handshake, and then let the old schemer fade away.”
“A golden handshake? You mean the pearl of Bristol?” Cadan shakes his head. “I will not give away another piece of land. In a year, I will be sixteen. I will choose a decent lady to wed and bed. Our dynasty will become stronger. I don’t fear a 70 years old doter!”

Cristina keeps silent. For sure, ‘The Lidless’ is a constant cause of concern, but she cannot deny that the old man kept quiet during the last years. Years of peace and prosperity … with the help of the church, Cadan and Cristina have calmed the rebels and doom-mongers. Te stability at Cornwall has raised. Especially the wise bishoph of Evreux, who recently has become a friend of Cadan, has helped to persuade the sceptical and unsatisfied people in the realm.

On 16th May 1141, the bishop is invited to Tintagel. He says a mess in the church, feasts with the local clergy and disputes for hours with Cristina and Cadan. But the duke is anxious today, he retreats from the revelers.
“I go for a quick walk upon Trebarwith strand … no, Zethar, you can’t go with me. Stay with our mother. I have to … meet someone.”
He leaves the castle. His weeping brother stays back, holding his wooden rocken horse in his hands.

On afternoon, Cadan hasn’t returned yet.

Cristina gets curious about it.
“Where is the duke? Send out some men … Cadan shall be back for dinner!”

The soldiers swarm out. When they return, an expression of horror is seen on their faces.

They have found the young duke on the cliffs.
Lifeless, starry-eyed, bloody yeast on his lips, and sea gulls nipping his cold fingers.
Cadan the promising is dead, poisened by a small bolt which is found in his axle!

Cristina is paralyzed. She does not recognize the dread in the castle, the quick disappearance of the shocked bishop and the ongoing tattle about “a beach ghost who killed the duke”.
Then, ‘The Lidless’ arrives. Meryasek limps into to great hall of Tintagel, with his cane at hand, his face wrathing in pain.
“Courtiers, listen to me! Some unknown force has killed the duke … and his mother has let it happen! Why hasn’t she ordered that some bodyguards attend young Cadan? This is inexcusable.” He sits down with a moan. “Guide her to the bedchambers, and lock them. And then, bring me ink and paper. Decisions are to be made!”

His eyes wander around. Finally they meet a weeping boy who stands in the corner.

“And hail to the new duke! Hail to Zethar Cerniw, son of Gwynek, son of Maelgwn, son of Cadoc! Hail to Zethar the boy.”

 

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This... is... unexpected. He just barely 15, and killed by someone. The plot twist is very surprising.

Now, no one will deny that Meryasek will rules the Tintagel. With the dead of Cadan, the disappearance of the Bishop and kicked out of Cristina, no one in Tintagel will able to oppose him.

This is a great update indeed.

Just curious, you have shown the Gwynek's family tree. But, can you show us the entire Cerniw Family tree? I'm curious with Meryasek family. Is he a single?

 

[performer]

Jup, unexpected! I was shocked myself!
Cadan had NO enemies NOR rivals. He had one friend, the bishopf of Evreux ... that's all. I have no clue who has killed him, and why. The event is freakish, too ... just read the event text.

Well, to Meryasek: He is a son of Bleddyn Cerniw, who was the brother of our first duke, Cadoc Cerniw (as you remember). He has married his cousin Ygerna Cerniw, who was Cadoc's youngest daughter.

Some older tree pics:

 

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So... Meryasek has no son?

About the killing of the Duke.... Can it Meryasek or other courtier with low loyalty? Or can it another Duchy / Lord? It is indeed a plot twist. The problem is, even the writer didn't know who is the killer.

I just can't wait the next update. The death of the young duke, the way of Meryasek imprison Lady Cristina O'Marr and the disappearance of the Bishop is indeed very interesting to read.

Once again, good plot. I just can't wait for the next update

Oh yes, before I forget. It seem Meryasek has long "Dagger and Cloak" Tradition in his family

 

[performer]

I'm just curious that the bishoph ( = friend of Cadan!) appeared in the event message.
Is it possible that a rival of the bishop killed Cadan? Is there an event like this?

Still shocked and sad ... high hopes came along with Cadan. Now his weeping brother is the duke.

EDIT: Meryasek had two sons (both dead), but a grand-son named Bideven who is his reightful heir.

 

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There seems to be some sort of curse set upon the Cerniw's. Let's hope this young lad does better -- and for longer.

 

[Enewald]

I hate assasins. For they never manage to kill me in my game.

Ah well, a new Caligula?

 

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I have followed your step as Cadoc of Cornwall and hell, it is very difficult to play as him.

first of all the economy in Cornwall is crazy. The army is almost zero. I can't increase my income in near future.

second, unlike you, it is always the Duke of Normandy who annex England, and not France. After King William de Normandie raise to power, it is difficult to me to make a chaos in the kingdom.

I diplo annex Devon, but has no luck to diplo annex the other county. The weird is, Exeter can't be diplo annexed it at all. I want to ask your sugestion about this. How do you annex Exeter in the first place? And how to make a chaos in England? King William is indeed difficult to kill.

 

[performer]

Ah, that's really interesting. Nice to see you following the cornish path as well
Your are damn right, Cornwall is not the easiest duchy to play. The province income is hell low (just 1, which is a bit unfair when thinking of the tin mines of Cornwall ... should be 2, in my opinion, and a mine improvement should be added). The troup strength is lousy, so the early wars are very dangerous. The good thing is that Cornwall is quite isolated, many enemies can just attack you by the sea. Having the Normans on your neck, you can't risk open rebellions (as you have seen in Book II.3 of my AAR, when Maelgwn nearly lost the game.) (see http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8723948&postcount=29)

So, you have to go for diplo-annex and inheritance. Having a good chancellor is important. For Exeter: I had problems to annex them as well. Well, perhaps it is more difficult to convince a bishop? Don't know. But after five or six offers of vassalization (and the marriage with Adelaide de Valois, Diplo: 16), they have finally accepted to bow their tonsure heads. So, you have to be patient ... hold on.

Your last point is "chaos in England." Well, after the Norman conquest, this is inevitable, even without your doing. The saxon lords who still have claims on 'The Bastard' will start a rebellion sooner or later (as they did in my game with the "Gloucester coop" of the Godwinesons, see http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8717403&postcount=5). But I would not suggest to take part in this rebellion. In fact, England is too strong to be shattered in the early game ... and your allies won't help you, due to your island position. First, you must become stronger (as I do in my game).
The first 20, 30 years of the game will be pretty boring. But then, Cornwall rocks. It is a difficult staring position, but definitely an interesting one. And I will see if I can spread the cornish culture ...
Tell me more of your game, when you keep on playing.

 

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Well, it is 1081 in my game and William I de Normandie isn't dead yet. But I already have Devon and Exeter. But because of my negative gold (-131), I decided to take over Devon. Now, at least I have two counties and one vassal

But, I prefer to read your update to my game The died of Cadan is very interesting. I can't wait to see what will happen to Cornwall in the near future.

 

[performer]

Chapter 3: The pearl of Bristol

The next years, dark shadows hang over Tintagel castle. Cristina is locked up in her chambers, and Meryasek ‘The Lidless’ reigns in his own will. He furiously searchs the murderer of Cadan, but the search is fruitless. Meanwhile, a squat man, dressed in black, heads for the county of Salisbury, with a special order …

The Lidless has never forgotten the Salisbury inheritance, his well-known and successful plot to put young Padern Cerniw into power. One stone is still missing. Therefore, Meryasek has bribed the unloyal spymaster of Padern, an adult lady named Gunhild av Herjedalen. His promise sounds good in her ears – she shall become a true countess.
The countess of Bristol … and his wife.

But wait, isn’t Meryasek still married to Ygerna Cerniw, the last daugther of Cadoc the Canny? Sure, he is. But Ygerna will not stand between him and the last act of the Salisbury inheritance.

The dark orders of ‘The Lidless’ in the next months can be quickly told. Ygerna is stabbed to death by unknown hands (1.), and a matchmaker is sent to Salisbury to arrange a marriage between the brand new widower and Gunhild (2.). Brengy Cerniw, the clueless father of Padern (who is still a child) accepts to the marriage, which is celebrated at Tintagel castle (3.). Meryasek appoints his new wife the spymaster of Cornwall … while Salisbury is now lacking a decent cloak-and-dagger. So, the young count of Salisbury is caught napping when a backstabber appears in Padern’s bedchamber to finish him off (4.). Padern dies without pain … and his father Brengy , already the count of Devon, inherits Salisbury and Lincoln (5.)

Brengy Cerniw is not happy about his sudden heirship. He appears at Tintagel, dressed in black, tears in his eyes.
“Meryasek, you bastard … why have you done this? You have killed a harmless child … why? Padern was still an infant … what have you done?”
“Calm down”, ‘the Lidless’ jeers. “Padern has served us well. But now, after his death, the norman king has to accept a new vassal contract. You are the rightful count of Salisbury, Lincoln and Devon – and a vassal to duke Zethar. Our welfare is unimportant. Cornwall’s future isn’t. I’ve done it for the cornish people.”
Brengy leaves with curses on his lips.
“You will see”, Meryask says with a grin to his loyal courtiers, “Brengy will come to his senses. Send him a bag of gold, and he will soonly forget his poor boy Padern … and will drown his sorrows in wine.”

What an evil plot! But Meryasek is not further interested in reigning over a Cornwall which is paralyzed by his acts. On the 21st June 1142, he shuffles to the chambers of the imprisoned lady Cristina O' Marr.
“Mylady … I see you are well and beautiful as ever.”
“Quiet, you monster”, she answers him. “I’ve heard enough about your doing! You killed your wife Ygerna, and Padern Cerniw, and my son!”
The Lidless laughs. “Not your son, Mylady … that wasn’t me. In the end, his death might have been the best for Cornwall. Our demesne has been enlarged, due to Padern’s death. My duty is fulfilled. I will retreat from power, as your husband did.”
She looks at him with mistrust.
“Yes, mylady … I will leave this rotten castle now, and go to Bristol. The pearl is mine, as it has ever been. You may stay here, with your son Zethar. I’m sure you will do the best to hold this realm together.”

Coughing and crooked, ‘The Lidless’ leaves to Bristol. The pearl is now his asquired property, where Meyrasek wants to spend his remaining years.

Without his wife Gunhild, by the way; she quickly got disgusted by her husbands schemes, and stays in Cornwall as the cloak-and-dagger.
In Cornwall, the younger brother of Cadan, Zethar the boy, has to learn how to play with sword and shield instead of his rocking horse.