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Book I - Chapter 5
Chapter 5 – Peace at Last
29th August 1456
“Finally,” the King muttered when Pavol told him the news, “It’s about time that those two made peace. They have been fighting for the past three years straight.” Friedrich was referring to the recent peace settlement signed between Poland-Lithuania and Bohemia. “So Pavol, tell me; what are the terms of this peace?”
Pavol hesitated for a second and then spoke warily, “My Lord, Bohemia has been reduced to nothing bar their capital and all land 50 miles around it. Poland has seized Lausitz and Lithuania has seized the East and West. Further, if that were not enough, Bohemia must end the vassalisation of Silesia and pay 6000 ducats in compensation.”
The peace terms of the war between Bohemia and Poland-Lithuania.
Friedrich looked stunned. He knew that the war was not going Bohemia’s way, but surely this was far too much. He thought back to the events of the previous two years.
By March of 1455 Bohemia’s capital had been taken, and so had the entire East. The Lithuanian troops were moving on to the West and the entirety of Bohemia’s army was desperately holding on in Lausitz. Then a stunning counter-attack was launched against the thinly spread Lithuanian troops, which succeeded in retaking the capital. However, the Bohemian troops were so elated by their victory that they pushed back into the East and were soundly defeated. With most of their manpower wasted on this offensive, it was only a matter of time before they lost all they had gained and more.
It was by about this time, in February that the new Emperor, Leopold VIII Wilhelm was elected to the throne. His father had been Emperor and Austria was still powerful enough to be able to garner enough votes simply through intimidation.
A new Emperor is elected.
By June, the Lithuanian counter-attack had come and succeeded in pushing all of Bohemia’s forces back to Lausitz, where they were destroyed in a battle with some Polish soldiers. It was now two weeks since Lausitz had fallen and the peace treaty had been signed in that time.
“So what do we do now, My Lord?” Pavol enquired. Of that, Friedrich was not sure. Bohemia was greatly weakened and was not much use as an ally at this point. However, Friedrich expected that the Emperor would step in and assert his authority by demanding that Lithuania return the provinces to Bohemia. He would not step in against Poland. For one, Poland was too powerful, and for another Poland had made it clear that they had claim on Lausitz. So what to do with this new status quo? Poland was far more dangerous, for they could now attack from the east and south of Brandenburg fairly more easily.
“Pavol, would you care to approach the King of Poland for me, and offer my congratulations. I would also wish for you to enquire about a royal marriage between our two nations.” Hopefully that would be enough to delay the Polish King for a time. Friedrich was sick of this petty diplomacy. He should not be delaying potential enemies, he should be striking out at those around him; those who would see him suffer. Yet, he knew that now was not the time for a war with Poland. He also knew that he did not have much time yet to make his legacy. He was aging faster every day.
*Sorry this has been taking so long – I have played ahead and don’t worry, it does pick up pace.
Chapter 5 – Peace at Last
29th August 1456
“Finally,” the King muttered when Pavol told him the news, “It’s about time that those two made peace. They have been fighting for the past three years straight.” Friedrich was referring to the recent peace settlement signed between Poland-Lithuania and Bohemia. “So Pavol, tell me; what are the terms of this peace?”
Pavol hesitated for a second and then spoke warily, “My Lord, Bohemia has been reduced to nothing bar their capital and all land 50 miles around it. Poland has seized Lausitz and Lithuania has seized the East and West. Further, if that were not enough, Bohemia must end the vassalisation of Silesia and pay 6000 ducats in compensation.”
The peace terms of the war between Bohemia and Poland-Lithuania.
Friedrich looked stunned. He knew that the war was not going Bohemia’s way, but surely this was far too much. He thought back to the events of the previous two years.
By March of 1455 Bohemia’s capital had been taken, and so had the entire East. The Lithuanian troops were moving on to the West and the entirety of Bohemia’s army was desperately holding on in Lausitz. Then a stunning counter-attack was launched against the thinly spread Lithuanian troops, which succeeded in retaking the capital. However, the Bohemian troops were so elated by their victory that they pushed back into the East and were soundly defeated. With most of their manpower wasted on this offensive, it was only a matter of time before they lost all they had gained and more.
It was by about this time, in February that the new Emperor, Leopold VIII Wilhelm was elected to the throne. His father had been Emperor and Austria was still powerful enough to be able to garner enough votes simply through intimidation.
A new Emperor is elected.
By June, the Lithuanian counter-attack had come and succeeded in pushing all of Bohemia’s forces back to Lausitz, where they were destroyed in a battle with some Polish soldiers. It was now two weeks since Lausitz had fallen and the peace treaty had been signed in that time.
“So what do we do now, My Lord?” Pavol enquired. Of that, Friedrich was not sure. Bohemia was greatly weakened and was not much use as an ally at this point. However, Friedrich expected that the Emperor would step in and assert his authority by demanding that Lithuania return the provinces to Bohemia. He would not step in against Poland. For one, Poland was too powerful, and for another Poland had made it clear that they had claim on Lausitz. So what to do with this new status quo? Poland was far more dangerous, for they could now attack from the east and south of Brandenburg fairly more easily.
“Pavol, would you care to approach the King of Poland for me, and offer my congratulations. I would also wish for you to enquire about a royal marriage between our two nations.” Hopefully that would be enough to delay the Polish King for a time. Friedrich was sick of this petty diplomacy. He should not be delaying potential enemies, he should be striking out at those around him; those who would see him suffer. Yet, he knew that now was not the time for a war with Poland. He also knew that he did not have much time yet to make his legacy. He was aging faster every day.
*Sorry this has been taking so long – I have played ahead and don’t worry, it does pick up pace.
@ comagoosie - Yeah, it would have made a great AAR, but I would rather that my Kingdom survived this 
Other people reading this - don't be shy, tell me what you think! I take criticism very well.
Other people reading this - don't be shy, tell me what you think! I take criticism very well.
Book I - Chapter 6
Chapter 6 – Knocking on Death’s Door
23rd April 1457
Friedrich lay in his bed, clearly weak. The Doctor bent over him, feeling his head. He shook his own head and stood back up. Turning to the nearest man, who happened to be Christian, he spoke his diagnosis.
“There is no way he will live through the day. He had been aging quickly, yet the illness was the final straw. It is far too late to bleed the illness out of him with leeches, which is what I would ordinarily have done. I would advise that someone get his son in here. Oftentimes, the dying is made easier if there are Kin. Seeing as he has no other family remaining in the Kingdom to survive him, his son must come in.”
Christian nodded and turned to Pavol. Both men were fighting back tears, but Pavol slowly nodded and left the room. He returned some time later, no one had spoken since he left. The Doctor was no longer in the room; instead he had chosen to wait in the corridor outside with the Priests. The King’s son Joachim followed Pavol into the room and shut the door tenderly behind him. Joachim was in his middle years by this time, being about 35, and had seen much death earlier on in life as part of the King’s guard. There were no tears in his eyes. The only way one could tell his father was dying was the tough set of his jaw.
He walked slowly over to his Father’s bedside and slipped his own hands into his father’s. He remained like that for some time, just looking over his father mournfully. There were still no tears, but his face was noticeably softer than when he had entered. When he spoke, Pavol and Christian both jumped, “Father? It is me, Joachim. I am here for you.”
Friedrich’s eyes opened a crack and a small, weak smile came over his face. “My son, tell me. How are you?”
“I am well dear father, but I am afraid you are not.”
“Ahh, you noticed,” the smile made a faint attempt to grow strong, but the King was overcome by a fit of coughing. It took several minutes to pass, which everyone else spent in respectful silence. Eventually, the King was strong enough to talk again, “Son, tell me of the last days of my Kingdom. Tell me of my people.”
Joachim smiled and, still cupping his father’s hand in his hand, relayed the story of the past months of the Kingdom. His father’s eyes shut and the smile came back to his face as his son spoke.
By September, the negotiations were over and Poland had agreed to a marriage of the royal families. No longer was the Eastern border of Brandenburg threatened by a power that could not be contained.
Poland and Brandenburg conclude a Royal marriage, securing the Eastern border.
During October and right through to November, the King’s prediction about Bohemia had come true, and the Emperor Leopold VIII Wilhelm had restored the provinces to their rightful owner, except for Lausitz.
The very last few months of the King’s reign had been spent planning the war that his Kingdom knew was brewing. A war of expansion on the western front. Now that the East, the South and the North were controlled by friends and allies there was no valid reason to expand in those directions. That left pushing into the very heart of the Empire in a search for more lands for his people. Unfortunately, the illness had claimed him as he was preparing and it had all come to nought. The plans remained in great detail in his study – Joachim had seen them, but Friedrich would never see them come to fruition.
Joachim might though.
The reign of King Joachim I begins on 24th April 1457.
Chapter 6 – Knocking on Death’s Door
23rd April 1457
Friedrich lay in his bed, clearly weak. The Doctor bent over him, feeling his head. He shook his own head and stood back up. Turning to the nearest man, who happened to be Christian, he spoke his diagnosis.
“There is no way he will live through the day. He had been aging quickly, yet the illness was the final straw. It is far too late to bleed the illness out of him with leeches, which is what I would ordinarily have done. I would advise that someone get his son in here. Oftentimes, the dying is made easier if there are Kin. Seeing as he has no other family remaining in the Kingdom to survive him, his son must come in.”
Christian nodded and turned to Pavol. Both men were fighting back tears, but Pavol slowly nodded and left the room. He returned some time later, no one had spoken since he left. The Doctor was no longer in the room; instead he had chosen to wait in the corridor outside with the Priests. The King’s son Joachim followed Pavol into the room and shut the door tenderly behind him. Joachim was in his middle years by this time, being about 35, and had seen much death earlier on in life as part of the King’s guard. There were no tears in his eyes. The only way one could tell his father was dying was the tough set of his jaw.
He walked slowly over to his Father’s bedside and slipped his own hands into his father’s. He remained like that for some time, just looking over his father mournfully. There were still no tears, but his face was noticeably softer than when he had entered. When he spoke, Pavol and Christian both jumped, “Father? It is me, Joachim. I am here for you.”
Friedrich’s eyes opened a crack and a small, weak smile came over his face. “My son, tell me. How are you?”
“I am well dear father, but I am afraid you are not.”
“Ahh, you noticed,” the smile made a faint attempt to grow strong, but the King was overcome by a fit of coughing. It took several minutes to pass, which everyone else spent in respectful silence. Eventually, the King was strong enough to talk again, “Son, tell me of the last days of my Kingdom. Tell me of my people.”
Joachim smiled and, still cupping his father’s hand in his hand, relayed the story of the past months of the Kingdom. His father’s eyes shut and the smile came back to his face as his son spoke.
By September, the negotiations were over and Poland had agreed to a marriage of the royal families. No longer was the Eastern border of Brandenburg threatened by a power that could not be contained.
Poland and Brandenburg conclude a Royal marriage, securing the Eastern border.
During October and right through to November, the King’s prediction about Bohemia had come true, and the Emperor Leopold VIII Wilhelm had restored the provinces to their rightful owner, except for Lausitz.
The very last few months of the King’s reign had been spent planning the war that his Kingdom knew was brewing. A war of expansion on the western front. Now that the East, the South and the North were controlled by friends and allies there was no valid reason to expand in those directions. That left pushing into the very heart of the Empire in a search for more lands for his people. Unfortunately, the illness had claimed him as he was preparing and it had all come to nought. The plans remained in great detail in his study – Joachim had seen them, but Friedrich would never see them come to fruition.
Joachim might though.
The reign of King Joachim I begins on 24th April 1457.
Joachim is an awesome ruler
and I smell war, it may not be in the next update, or the one after, but it will come.
and I smell war, it may not be in the next update, or the one after, but it will come.
With Joachim at the ready and Poland seemingly sated for now, it may be time to break out. A sad scene to see your first ruler pass away.
@ comagoosie - Yeah I know, I really hit the jackpot with him. I plan to use his skills to their fullest potential
@ coz1 - Yeah, I was sort of getting attached to the old man, but oh well. I too feel it is time to break out. Let us see if Joachim agrees?
@ coz1 - Yeah, I was sort of getting attached to the old man, but oh well. I too feel it is time to break out. Let us see if Joachim agrees?
Book 1 – King Joachim I
Chapter 1 – The Call to War
22nd June 1457
King Joachim I, not yet two months on the throne, paced his bedchambers and contemplated the course of action he had authorised just one day earlier. ‘Is this truly what is best for the Kingdom? Surely there are other ways to do this?’ Joachim knew there was no other way. No nation could facilitate expansion without war.
It had been a long two months, and already it was taking its toll on Joachim. There were dark bags under his eyes – evidence of the many hours he spent pouring over maps and thinking over the many plans he had for the Kingdom. He often lamented to his closest retainers that he had but one mortal life with which to accomplish so much. The first act that had been required of him in an official capacity was meeting with the Reichstag to confirm that the Electors should all retain equal representation. This was a mere formality, though it gave Joachim a chance to meet those with whom he may one day clash.
He had liked the King of Saxony, the most powerful friend and ally that Brandenburg possessed, yet he was unsure about the King of Bohemia, the other ally of Brandenburg. He had been forced to pledge loyalty to the foreign King of Poland-Lithuania after the war was completed and this had left him bitter and mournful. He was all-in-all a most unpleasant man now.
Foreign policy was not all that Joachim had played an active hand in. He had also had to ensure that he was legally recognised as the ruler of Brandenburg. Such a thing was not easy. He had had to spend over a month in negotiations with the largest noble families, some of whom had been less than pleased with his father’s efforts to centralise more power with the King. Fortunately, most had few issues with Joachim, for his claim to the throne was far stronger than anyone else’s. This fact alone had convinced most of the nobles, eagre as they were to avoid a civil war.
Joachim is legally recognised by the noble families.
The final noble family had pledged loyalty just over a week ago, and it had distracted Joachim for far too long. The moment had demanded action of him, and this is what he was going to bring to his people. He had spent many nights pouring over maps of the Holy Roman Empire and reading the plans that his father had laid out. The thought of his father did not bring a tear to his eye. Joachim was living out his legacy and undoubtedly his father was looking down from above. Joachim muttered a quick prayer for his father’s soul.
So the moment had finally come. Brandenburg had declared war on Hannover on the 21st June, 1457; that is yesterday. The pretext that Joachim had used was a claim that Brandenburg needed to ensure the safety of its western border. However, this was not reason enough for many of the surrounding Kingdoms, at least judging from the few diplomats who had arrived today.
War is declared on Hannover.
Both of the Countries had a small web of alliances and Joachim was both pleased and unsurprised when Bohemia and Saxony supported him in his war. However, Anhalt and Luneburg, small nations both, had sided with Hannover. Saxony had promised men to deal with Anhalt and perhaps even to strike into Hannover proper. Bohemia, on the other hand, was still rebuilding from their war.
The web of alliances at the start of the war.
The political situation at the start of the war.
And now Brandenburg marched to war.
Chapter 1 – The Call to War
22nd June 1457
King Joachim I, not yet two months on the throne, paced his bedchambers and contemplated the course of action he had authorised just one day earlier. ‘Is this truly what is best for the Kingdom? Surely there are other ways to do this?’ Joachim knew there was no other way. No nation could facilitate expansion without war.
It had been a long two months, and already it was taking its toll on Joachim. There were dark bags under his eyes – evidence of the many hours he spent pouring over maps and thinking over the many plans he had for the Kingdom. He often lamented to his closest retainers that he had but one mortal life with which to accomplish so much. The first act that had been required of him in an official capacity was meeting with the Reichstag to confirm that the Electors should all retain equal representation. This was a mere formality, though it gave Joachim a chance to meet those with whom he may one day clash.
He had liked the King of Saxony, the most powerful friend and ally that Brandenburg possessed, yet he was unsure about the King of Bohemia, the other ally of Brandenburg. He had been forced to pledge loyalty to the foreign King of Poland-Lithuania after the war was completed and this had left him bitter and mournful. He was all-in-all a most unpleasant man now.
Foreign policy was not all that Joachim had played an active hand in. He had also had to ensure that he was legally recognised as the ruler of Brandenburg. Such a thing was not easy. He had had to spend over a month in negotiations with the largest noble families, some of whom had been less than pleased with his father’s efforts to centralise more power with the King. Fortunately, most had few issues with Joachim, for his claim to the throne was far stronger than anyone else’s. This fact alone had convinced most of the nobles, eagre as they were to avoid a civil war.
Joachim is legally recognised by the noble families.
The final noble family had pledged loyalty just over a week ago, and it had distracted Joachim for far too long. The moment had demanded action of him, and this is what he was going to bring to his people. He had spent many nights pouring over maps of the Holy Roman Empire and reading the plans that his father had laid out. The thought of his father did not bring a tear to his eye. Joachim was living out his legacy and undoubtedly his father was looking down from above. Joachim muttered a quick prayer for his father’s soul.
So the moment had finally come. Brandenburg had declared war on Hannover on the 21st June, 1457; that is yesterday. The pretext that Joachim had used was a claim that Brandenburg needed to ensure the safety of its western border. However, this was not reason enough for many of the surrounding Kingdoms, at least judging from the few diplomats who had arrived today.
War is declared on Hannover.
Both of the Countries had a small web of alliances and Joachim was both pleased and unsurprised when Bohemia and Saxony supported him in his war. However, Anhalt and Luneburg, small nations both, had sided with Hannover. Saxony had promised men to deal with Anhalt and perhaps even to strike into Hannover proper. Bohemia, on the other hand, was still rebuilding from their war.
The web of alliances at the start of the war.
The political situation at the start of the war.
And now Brandenburg marched to war.
@ Daidoji Kaneda - Thank! I'm glad to hear it.
@ coz1 - I was going to name the chapter that actually, but then realised it was too formulaic.
@ coz1 - I was going to name the chapter that actually, but then realised it was too formulaic.
Take and annex all three countries
Though you might want to be careful about what you do in MM.
Though you might want to be careful about what you do in MM.
@ comagoosie - Yeah, that might be a bit hard considering MM halves the BB limit.
@ Capibara - I shall do my best, thanks.
@ Capibara - I shall do my best, thanks.
Book II - Chapter 1
Chapter 2 – First Blood
15th Janurary 1458
Joachim reigned in his horse. He was about to enter into Altmark, the western most province of his Kingdom. The smoke from some of the nearby burning villages was thick in the air, causing Joachim to have a small coughing fit. As the last coughs died out, he looked up at his arm, snaking away into the distance, the front being obscured by some small hills. ‘These men had been trained to fight and die for me’. Joachim felt a small swelling of pride in his chest at that thought.
The first campaign for Altmark* had started on 15th July; half a year ago. The outbreak of war had left many of the Hannoverians feeling the need for revenge and as such their King, Friedrich, had decided to go on the offensive. The Kings of Luneburg and Anhalt joined in the campaign as well. Several of the westernmost villages had fallen by the time Joachim was able to get his army into position.
The first campaign for Altmark begins on 15th July 1457.
Joachim was eagre for battle and had spent almost a month seeking to engage his enemy. At first he wished to cut their supply lines back to their home territory, however the enemy had mustered almost twice as much cavalry as Joachim had. This meant they were able to engage in several cavalry skirmishes that had cost Joachim dearly. Fortunately, the superior drill and morale of Joachim’s cavalry had meant that they won their fair share of skirmishes.
Finally, Joachim had brought them to a major battle. His infantry had lined up in orderly ranks, as they had been trained. The commanders barked orders and the line advanced. The fight for the centre of the line was going well and it looked like there could well be a breakthrough, but then disaster struck. The cavalry on the flanks had broken. Throughout the day they had been fighting on and off for possession of the flanks. At one point their enemy had retreated, seemingly in panic. Elated by their victory, the cavalry commanders spurred their men onwards.
It was a trap.
The enemy pulled out some reserve cavalry from behind a hill and charged head-on into Joachim’s cavalry. They had followed up this charge and looked to be looping around to attack Joachim’s rear. What reserve Joachim had kept had been ordered in to slow them down. The rest of the infantry was withdrawn and he fled the province to lick his wounds.
The first campaign for Altmark finishes on 26th September 1457.
Joachim was not entirely disappointed with how the battle had gone. He had dealt out more damage than he had taken and his men had performed admirably for the most part. There was still the matter of the enemy taking the castle as well, something that was not going to be easy. In addition, Joachim had managed to distract all three of the enemies long enough to allow Saxony and Bohemia to lay siege to Anhalt and Hannover.
The Castle in Altmark is put under siege as are the capitals of Hannover and Anhalt.
It was now January and finally Joachim was on the border again. The castle was still a few days ride away, but already his enemy had made themselves visible to him. They had raped his land and murdered his people. He could not stand for it. He steeled himself and waved his retainers forward. This time, he would be victorious.
Joachim returns to Altmark.
*Note that when I refer to campaigns I mean the battles as portrayed in the game. Battles did not last for weeks or months as they do in the game and as such each battle shall represent the campaign for that province. This shall hopefully be a more realistic portrayal.
Chapter 2 – First Blood
15th Janurary 1458
Joachim reigned in his horse. He was about to enter into Altmark, the western most province of his Kingdom. The smoke from some of the nearby burning villages was thick in the air, causing Joachim to have a small coughing fit. As the last coughs died out, he looked up at his arm, snaking away into the distance, the front being obscured by some small hills. ‘These men had been trained to fight and die for me’. Joachim felt a small swelling of pride in his chest at that thought.
The first campaign for Altmark* had started on 15th July; half a year ago. The outbreak of war had left many of the Hannoverians feeling the need for revenge and as such their King, Friedrich, had decided to go on the offensive. The Kings of Luneburg and Anhalt joined in the campaign as well. Several of the westernmost villages had fallen by the time Joachim was able to get his army into position.
The first campaign for Altmark begins on 15th July 1457.
Joachim was eagre for battle and had spent almost a month seeking to engage his enemy. At first he wished to cut their supply lines back to their home territory, however the enemy had mustered almost twice as much cavalry as Joachim had. This meant they were able to engage in several cavalry skirmishes that had cost Joachim dearly. Fortunately, the superior drill and morale of Joachim’s cavalry had meant that they won their fair share of skirmishes.
Finally, Joachim had brought them to a major battle. His infantry had lined up in orderly ranks, as they had been trained. The commanders barked orders and the line advanced. The fight for the centre of the line was going well and it looked like there could well be a breakthrough, but then disaster struck. The cavalry on the flanks had broken. Throughout the day they had been fighting on and off for possession of the flanks. At one point their enemy had retreated, seemingly in panic. Elated by their victory, the cavalry commanders spurred their men onwards.
It was a trap.
The enemy pulled out some reserve cavalry from behind a hill and charged head-on into Joachim’s cavalry. They had followed up this charge and looked to be looping around to attack Joachim’s rear. What reserve Joachim had kept had been ordered in to slow them down. The rest of the infantry was withdrawn and he fled the province to lick his wounds.
The first campaign for Altmark finishes on 26th September 1457.
Joachim was not entirely disappointed with how the battle had gone. He had dealt out more damage than he had taken and his men had performed admirably for the most part. There was still the matter of the enemy taking the castle as well, something that was not going to be easy. In addition, Joachim had managed to distract all three of the enemies long enough to allow Saxony and Bohemia to lay siege to Anhalt and Hannover.
The Castle in Altmark is put under siege as are the capitals of Hannover and Anhalt.
It was now January and finally Joachim was on the border again. The castle was still a few days ride away, but already his enemy had made themselves visible to him. They had raped his land and murdered his people. He could not stand for it. He steeled himself and waved his retainers forward. This time, he would be victorious.
Joachim returns to Altmark.
*Note that when I refer to campaigns I mean the battles as portrayed in the game. Battles did not last for weeks or months as they do in the game and as such each battle shall represent the campaign for that province. This shall hopefully be a more realistic portrayal.
Despite being outnumbered, you pull out with the least casualties, an admirable feat.
That second battle for Altmark looks a little iffy too. This is turning out to be a tough fight. Keep at it.
@ ubik - Not really. I like the look of everything that is going into MMG2. If I do think of something, or encounter anything, I'll hit you guys up on your forums.
@ comagoosie - Yeah, somehow my guys were better, I caused more damage... and I lost...
@ coz1 - You'd think that given my Kingdom is larger than all 3 of their combined I should win it, right?
@ comagoosie - Yeah, somehow my guys were better, I caused more damage... and I lost...
@ coz1 - You'd think that given my Kingdom is larger than all 3 of their combined I should win it, right?
