The New Jerusalem: Moskva 1337

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Nikolai: Fortunately Moscow itself has been spared from the plague so far. I wonder how Anastasia would interpret her own infection, too. Probably as a punishment for lack of zeal.

Storey: Efficiency costs you income and if it's too low you get some pretty evil events that can ruin your current ruler. 70%+ is probably good enough, though. I'm really looking forward to the Mongol drop-kicking. Once you've got the bull by the horns you can probably just snap its neck, I would think. Bulls do tend to have very scrawny necks, I heard. I'm pretty sure, anyways.

Farquharson: I honestly felt bad for Matvei and wanted to give him some sort of break. I just had to wait until I logically could, in the story line. Now, he even gets some revenge! I think there is a danger that he could just end up as a pawn of Semyon, though, which really wouldn't be much better than being a Lidiia pawn. As for the plague, it's making trouble, but nothing too severe. I'd rank it well below Pereyaslavl on the "trouble meter."

At least so far, anyways.

Draco Rexus: Moscow is indeed the eye of the tornado. They have managed some peace for a short while, but I think it may prove fleeting. The plague is still fairly contained and the Mongol is sleeping, so there is still hope.

jwolf: If Semyon can stay sane and Matvei can avoid his many enemies there is a chance things will work out well, but those are pretty big "ifs." Lidiia is going to go down kicking and screaming until the end, I have a feeling. Ivan may suspect her somewhat, but it's going to take some really convincing evidence. I think Andrei will help balance out some of Ivan II's excesses if they remain on good terms. In some ways they are the two halves of a "complete soldier." We'll have to see how that book knowledge works out, though.

Now that Byzantium has arrived, it really is a Greek tragedy!

coz1: Lidiia and Matvei have little left to lose, so they're likely to sacrifice everything to gain revenge. Semyon is still young and healthy (at least physically) so there's a chance he might be able to rise above this and still have a happy life when the dust settles. Of course that's never the safe bet in this AAR! When Semyon returns to Moscow it's really going to hit the fan.

 

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jwolf: I don't know if Father Boris can ever really reach Anastasia, but I think it will make for an interesting conversation or two. He is Moscow's oldest man, so he'll have to hurry, probably. Matvei still has a lot of enemies, but he did finally get even with someone, in an appropriately gory fashion. I'm still counting on those long winters to keep the plague away, but visits from the Byzantines are always trouble, too.

stnylan: I think this killing would be more defensible for Semyon than the death of the peasant girl. They were just common thugs after all, and the only survivor is probably going to have a hard time identifying him.

I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with Anastasia right now, but I'm starting to really like her as a character. I agree that she tends to think of violence and wrath as an abstraction and probably doesn't realize the cost that comes with it. Thanks for reading!

 

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I'm seeing Matevi turning into a cruel man now that he's got some muscle to back him up. Should prove to be interesting to see how that goes.

Gee, the Greeks arrive and everybody jumps on the Greek Tragedy band wagon. Is there the possibility that this might turn out to be a Comedy or Epic rather than a Tragedy? Okay, okay, okay, I can take the hint. Tragedy it is then.

 

[Fiftypence]

Well, Matvei certainly got his revenge! I'm looking forward to seeing how Matvei and Semyon deal with Lidiia, although knowing her she'll probably die of pneumonia before they get the chance to do anything. Good to see Father Boris again, although I'm not sure that he will be able to melt Anastasia's cold heart. Also, I wonder what the Greeks want? Excellent stuff

 

[coz1]

Yes, what could Byzantium want I wonder? Probably nothing good. Even if it's a desire to form alliance, they will just drag you into a long and unprofitable war.

And it seemed Matvei was a bit too eager to relish that he has a protector, for the moment. It will come back to bite him, I think. It was a gruesome payment of debt, nonetheless.

 

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"I greet you on behalf of Ioannes Palaiologos, Roman Emperor." The envoy gave a small bow. Silk robes clung to his ample midsection as he bowed.

Grand Duke Ivan frowned. It seemed the rumors about the pretension of the Greeks were accurate. Even as what they called the Roman Empire steadily collapsed this envoy still considered his master greater than Ivan.

"Moscow is pleased to welcome you. I trust you have business other than enjoying the warm weather." Ivan allowed himself a small smile. This soft man from Greece had no doubt never known a Russian winter.

The Greek diplomat's expression did not change. "The emperor seeks aid against the common enemy of our faith."

Ivan only nodded in response.

"Followers of the False Prophet now control Anatolia and are threatening The City." Ivan could hear the capital letters falling into place. "As coreligionists who have been blessed by God and increased in power we request your help in our hour of need."

The Grand Duke sat in thoughtful silence before replying. "You are asking us to bleed in your stead?"

"Our empire has already been bled white. We have been forced to bring in mercenaries to defend our land." The envoy was beginning to sweat, but his face remained emotionless.

"Mercenaries..." Ivan let the word hang in the air. The envoy realized his mistake, but could only stand in silence. The Emperor would not be pleased by his failure.

"We will fight the Turk on your behalf." The diplomat's facade was finally cracked by this statement. He regarded Ivan with amazement.

"This is all, you may go." His composure restored, the Byzantine bowed deeply and took his leave.

The Grand Duke was left to pray in silence. "I have kept my promise. I will do your will, Lord."

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"Give your report." Lidiia stifled a coughing fit, pain shooting through her frail body. The pain was only deepened by having to deal with her incompetent pawn.

"Semyon is close to madness. His time away has done little to help this." The penniless noble wondered how close to madness he was himself. He was torn between two masters, a betrayer of his homeland and now a man of violence.

He remembered the screams of the collector. They made his skin crawl. The remembered the sickening pop of a human eye as he thrust the dagger's point into it.

"Good. I will break him. Then, I break his father." The Steward's mad laughter quickly turned to coughing. When the fit of coughing finally stopped her hands came away red.

Matvei wanted to run. He was caught between the insane plots of a dying woman and the mindless violence of a fallen man.

"I will stay with him as long as you wish. He trusts me, now." Moscow's Steward rubbed her pale hands together, rubbing the blood from her mouth into the dried flesh.

"Good. When the time comes I will tell you what you must do." The coughing came again, in force.

The luckless noble was relieved when he left her presence. Then he remembered he would soon have a similar conversation on Lidiia's state with Semyon.

Two masters, both eager to use him.

Matvei allowed himself a small smile. He had his own plans.

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"As soon as the snow melts we will march south to fight the Mohammedan in Anatolia. I have called you here to settle the succession." The Grand Duke addressed his three adult sons. Semyon, Ivan II and Andrei listened in silence, keeping their concerns to themselves.

The Grand Duke had already announced that only one of his sons would inherit all of Moskva. This had proven controversial but was ultimately accepted as a necessary break in tradition. Power had to be consolidated if Russia was to be restored.

"Semyon." The Grand Duke set a hand on the shoulder of his eldest son. "you have proven your worth in battle countless times. I know you will lead us to victory again when we fight the Turk." The soldier nodded grimly.

"Andrei." He turned to his third son. "Your wisdom and learning will be of great value in the years to come, worth more than gold."

"I accept your will, father." Andrei knew that the Grand Duke had never favored him.

"Ivan, or should I say Dragonslayer?" A smile spread across Ivan II's youthful features. "You are my chosen successor. I owe you my life and I know in my heart that you are the man who will lead Moscow to glory."

"I won't let you down, father." The Dragonslayer could barely contain his emotion.

"I trust your brothers will be loyal to you as they are loyal to me. Remember, you share the same blood, the blood of Rurik. United, you will be strong, just as the lands of Russia will be strong when they are brought together under our banner!" Now the emotions poured out. Embraces and congratulations were exchanged.

The choice of succession had been made. It was time to go to war.

 

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Draco Rexus: I don't think Matvei is especially violent by nature, but he's been pushed into a corner and is finally starting to fight back. Semyon probably sees him as more of a pawn to get revenge on Lidiia with than an equal, but their is still a chance their alliance will benefit both. I promised to keep the comedy to a minimum, but there might be a few epic elements mixed in with the relentless tragedy.

Fiftypence: Matvei's loyalties will probably determine the outcome of Lidiia and Semyon's struggles, but the current war and the Steward's sickness mean that this conflict will have to wait. Of course I'll use any excuse to sneak Father Boris back into the story, but I do think he is an interesting counterpoint to Anastasia. As far as Greeks go, I don't trust them even when they come bearing gifts.

coz1: The Byzantines are interested in getting others to bleed first, it seems. Whether this war turns out to be unprofitable remains to be seen, but it certainly has the potential to be a costly unsuccessful adventure (like most crusades!). I think Matvei realizes he can't trust Semyon any more than he trusts Lidiia, but I don't know if he'll be clever enough to play them against each other while saving himself. He certainly is proving more assertive and violent, if nothing else.

 

[coz1]

If Seymon survives his fight with Lidiia, I think we shall see him start a new one with Ivan II. And Matvei - plans of his own, that will surely go horribly wrong at some point and time.

 

[stnylan]

So our little leveret grows some teeth, but I feel he is only snatching at a broken straw.

 

[J. Passepartout]

Semyon can't be overly happy about being passed over for succession, but he will have to bide his time if he plots revenge. Can't be give Ivan an even better reason to pass over him.

Matvei's plan will surely fail. He desperately needs help from allies in order to do anything. I feel sorry for him but I like Semyon better.

 

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Oh, things just keep getting better and better around Moskva. Hey, with Seymon leading the host against the Turk, might there be the possibilty that hey could get land of his own in compentastion for no longer being heir to the Grand Duke?

 

[Morpheus506]

Semyon can't be overly happy about being passed over for succession, but he will have to bide his time if he plots revenge. Can't be give Ivan an even better reason to pass over him.

Matvei's plan will surely fail. He desperately needs help from allies in order to do anything. I feel sorry for him but I like Semyon better.

I don't know, given's Semyon's current state of mind he may consider himself somewhat unfit to rule over Moskva and concede the succession to Ivan II. However, he might think himself perfectly capable of lording over some heathens, and might even win Anastasia back a little with an iron-fisted enough rule.

 

[Storey]

Well that went rather well didn't it? Neither brother angry at not getting to be top dog. All hugs and pats on the back. A real touchy feely kind of scene but you're not fooling me Paranoid tsar. Nope not at all. Under that layer of soft puffy goodwill is a storm about to burst. Someone is going to piss off someone else and that is going to cause someone else again to kill someone, uh else, I think.

I'm up to around 1215 or so and still no Mongols. I keep adding to my country. Those pesky pagans have to be shown the light don't they? My piety keeps taking a beating but I just wave a hand and create another bishop over there and over here. Still I'm getting impatient about those no show Mongols. What's a guy got to do to get those girly men to show up. I've been expanding east but still nothing. Wait is that the distant sound of the thundering herds of... oh never mind my stomach just grumbled must be dinnertime.

Joe

 

[J. Passepartout]

I don't know, given's Semyon's current state of mind he may consider himself somewhat unfit to rule over Moskva and concede the succession to Ivan II. However, he might think himself perfectly capable of lording over some heathens, and might even win Anastasia back a little with an iron-fisted enough rule.

Bah, anybody can lord over heathens. Maybe you are right, but I want to see blood and iron clash!

 

[Farquharson]

Let's see what the Muscovites can do against the Turk - and who will get killed in battle while they're at it! Ivan the Dragonslayer should surely get the opportunity to prove his leadership qualities too. How old is Grand Duke Ivan by now anyway? Is he about to pop off at any moment?

 

[Stuyvesant]

A lot of developments since the last time I poked my head around here. Three little things I'd like to say:

1) The alliance with Byzantium, although consistent with Ivan's character, is bound to be more trouble than it's worth. I can't see how Moscow will profit, except in addressing Ivan's spiritual needs. Let's just hope the AI/underage Khan of the Golden Horde continue their inactivity. With Moscow's armies gone, it would be a most opportune time for the Mongols to strike...

2) Matvei's cruelty surprised me. Sure, considering all the misery those loan sharks had put him through, I can understand that he wanted some revenge, but gouging out someone's eyes... Whereas I used to have some sympathy for Matvei when he was just a hapless punching bag for other goons, that sympathy has evaporated now that he has revealed himself as just as much of a thug. I guess it was only a matter of not having the opportunity to show it before. Even though I dislike him more now, I have to admit it makes his character more interesting.

3) The return of Father Boris! Some great lines on his part and a noble attempt to lessen Anastasia's unfeeling wrath, but I fear even the great Father Boris is no equal to that task. Cool to see him make another appearance, though.

That's all I'm going to say now, since there is little point in even more repetition of things others have already said. So let's have another update, so that I'll have something new to comment on!

 

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"We are going to lose an entire generation." Dmitri's sad eyes watched the fighting men of Nilkino assemble in the village square. They numbered less than two dozen.

Spring had come early and the normally frozen earth of the square was a muddy mess, a million footprints tattooing the slimy ground. A cool breeze served as a reminder that summer was still far away.

"These men will win salvation fighting the Turk." Stanislav, the village Priest did not sound convinced. His youthful features had melted away over the last two years as the plague devastated the village. Much of his faith had been lost, as well. "The problem is we need them here to raise crops more than we need them in heaven."

Dmitri shook his head. The village elder was tormented by his own guilt. He would not be joining the men of Nilkino in battle. A slip of his axe while chopping wood had left him with a severe limp.

"Do you think we will finally see a blessing for our obedience?" The older man turned to the Priest for solace. There was none to be found.

"This war isn't the will of God, it is the will of a false god in Moscow. The Grand Duke is so far removed from our troubles we aren't even real to him. We are commodities to be expended for his own profit. Moscow doesn't care if we starve or die of sickness." Dmitri was shocked by the young Priest's cynicism, but couldn't disagree with it.

"If you feel that way, why are you joining the men in battle?" The village elder again felt the pangs of guilt, knowing that he would not be joining the soldiers.

"It is exactly because I feel that way that I will ride with them. Someone has to place their welfare first." Stanislav remembered the plague, how many had died and how little he was able to do about it. Perhaps this so-called crusade would restore his faith, in God and in himself.

"If this is the last we see of each other, know that I valued your friendship." Dmitri set a hand on the younger man's shoulder. For just a moment Stanislav's weary expression brightened.

"I must bless the soldiers before we march." With that, the Priest left Dmitri standing alone.

Plagues and war. Dmitri could only frown and limp back to his modest house.

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"Mother?" Feodosia's bright eyes were full of confusion. In her years in the monastery the young girl had known nothing of her parents, save for whispers that she was the "Devil Child."

Now she found herself on the steps outside the monastery that had been her home, meeting this strange woman. The sun was bright in the noonday sky, but the two were in the shade beneath an overhang.

"I am here, daughter." Yulyana's hard features were full of emotion. Tears welled in her eyes. This was the first time she had seen her only child in nearly a decade. Inside the monastery walls Fedosia had grown to be a beautiful girl, as beautiful as she had been herself at that age.

Before her world had collapsed.

"Why did you leave me alone for so long?" There was no malice in the question, only curiosity. Father Boris had taught her to be forgiving and kind and she had taken these lessons to heart.

"All will be explained in time. For now, I just want us to take this moment." The mother and daughter embraced. Yulyana wished she could hold her daughter forever, she wished she could make up for her betrayal.

The Spy Mistress knew that the past would never change, no matter now many tears she shed over it. Only the future mattered now and she was finally prepared to do something about it.

"Take this." Yulyana pressed a sealed letter into the small hands of her daughter. "This is very important information. You are to open this and read it when the Grand Duke dies and not before. Promise me!"

"I promise, mother." Feodosia carefully slipped the missive into her robes.

The two sat in silence on the steps for a long time. Words were no longer necessary.

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"If I do not kill a Mohammedan soon I will go out of my mind! This is not war!" Ivan II glared at the walls of Nicea. The city had been under siege for several weeks and it seemed likely it would soon surrender. This did little to placate the Dragonslayer's thirst for bloody glory.

"Calm yourself, brother." Andrei patted his older brother on the back. "This is war in its purest form. We hurt the enemy without suffering any losses of our own."

The successor frowned. "I want to hurt the enemy, but not by sitting outside his walls."

Andrei sighed. Sometimes he wondered if his older brother actually thought before he spoke. "We elected to attack Karaman exactly because it would be primarily a war of sieges. Their army is depleted from previous wars, making victory nearly certain."

"You talk like a merchant. No soldier worthy of the name wants such a weak foe." The Dragonslayer continued to glare at the walls, as if to say "come out and fight!"

Andrei sighed. He probably would not be able to change Ivan II's worldview in a short conversation and certainly not by trying to reason with him. He was just glad that the Grand Duke had agreed with his plan to attack one of the weaker Mohammedan realms in Anatolia.

Leaving his brother to vent his frustrations alone, Andrei walked back to his campaign tent. He was pleased with how the war was going. Moscow had much to gain from a short and successful crusade, especially after some of her past struggles.

At the same time there was a worry in the back of his mind. Ivan II would one day be the Grand Duke. He wondered just how willing the Dragonslayer would be to hear his advice.

Especially when his advice would not win Ivan II any glory.

 

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I like your Elder and Priest from Nilkino. Please don't kill them off! Just as Dmitri, I found Stanislav's cynicism shocking and just a bit too modern sounding for the time. But I don't really know how they thought back then.

Great to see Fedosia in the story. I wonder how she will react to Yulyana's secret letter, but on the other hand I like the old Grand Duke and I am not anxious for him to perish soon.

Poor Andrei, trying to be Sun Tzu (is that the right guy? I mean the ancient Chinese philosopher of war) and our young Dragonslayer will have none of it. If Ivan II lives long enough, he'll see the wisdom in it, I'm sure.

 

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coz1: I think the chances of Matvei having a happy ending are close to zero, but he's going to try to go down swinging. Semyon and Ivan II have a fairly distant relationship (Semyon is much older). There is a chance they will come into conflict at some point, but Semyon has to survive Lidiia first, not necessarily a given.

stnylan: Matvei's new teeth are scavenger teeth in a room full of predators. He may be able to pick some bones, but he's no match for anyone in an even battle.

J. Passepartout: Semyon has other more pressing problems at the moment, so I think a possible opposition to the succession is still a ways off, if it does happen. Ivan II does have a strong case based on his deeds and Semyon doesn't, so that might mitigate feelings somewhat. I think your thoughts on Matvei are pretty much dead on. I do like him as a character, mainly because of his flawed nature.

Draco Rexus: The crusade in Anatolia is ostensibly to help the Byzantine Empire restore its former lands, but who knows how it will actually turn out. A few Russian "crusader states" might be formed. Semyon might make a good count, but Moscow would miss his military skills, too.

Morpheus506: I think you're right about Semyon, but he probably wants to avenge himself against Lidiia more than the Turks. I agree that his involvement in a Crusade might improve Anastasia's opinion of him, although he's got a lot of making up to do, to say the least. If he does become a count at some point he certainly has the potential to become the paranoid, half-insane Russian despot that we all know and love.

Storey: The goodwill was certainly more an open show of support than a demonstration of true feelings. Semyon's possible objections are most obvious, but I also think the Andrei/Ivan II dynamic is going to prove interesting. It's quite possible the wiser Andrei might tire of the Dragonslayer's excesses at some point...that's all I'm saying.

It's a long ride from China for the Mongol Horde, but they do show up eventually. In the meanwhile Pagan Pummeling is always the best policy. I'd make sure my castles are built up, too, for the inevitable sieges to come. When the girly men do arrive I'm sure you'll have an appropriate reception ready.

Farquharson: Ivan is 57 years and I think he senses that he isn't long for this world. It's hardly a good age to go on wild adventures far from home, but he has promises to keep. So far it has been a bit of a "phony war" with Karaman, but I can promise that their forces eventually do show up, giving a great chance for some of that entertaining carnage!

Stuyvesant: The Byzantine alliance is one of those historical "what-ifs" that I always wondered about. The Byzantines called on the Catholic kingdoms of the west to save them in the Crusades (ending in disaster, of course) but wouldn't an alliance with a powerful Russian state, assuming one existed at that time, have been more natural? Shared religion might make for better cooperation, but the operative word is "might." Fortunately the Horde has remained quiet through all of this. It might be time to hear from Qasim again...

I think Matvei is not cruel by nature, but he has become a man completely on the edge. He's had to endure several years of beatings and torture and I think he just completely snapped when he got a chance for revenge. Whether he'll snap again in the future is the question...I think it's very possible. He might be desperate enough, that's for sure.

I'm glad you liked the Father Boris scene! I really have an affection for the old Priest, so really any excuse is enough to put him in the story. I'll probably have another scene with him and Anastasia soon. It's an interesting dynamic and I expect some lasting impact on Anastasia. I don't think she'll ever give up her harsh view of the world, but might gain some perspective.

All: Thanks for following, sorry the last update took so long! I was dealing with a virus, but I'm better now.

 

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jwolf: Don't worry, I like them too. I wanted to use them as a bit of a counter-point to the intrigues of the nobility. They are everyday people trying to survive tough times. Stanislav's cynicism is somewhat unexpected, but times have not been kind to his village. After two years of plague now they're being called into a war. He's seen so much death and suffering that any idealism he ever had is long dead. I see him as struggling to regain his faith in the face of very harsh realities.

I put off the Fedosia update for a long time, but I think she'll prove an interesting character. The letter is a bombshell to say the least, the only question is when it will fall. The Grand Duke knows he is reaching the end of his life, so it could be soon.

I like the Sun Tzu comparison, although his Martial score was probably at least 15. We can only hope that Ivan II will last long enough to gain a more mature view of the world. He may find himself in conflict with Andrei over their very different outlooks. It's hard to win glory in a wise and carefully planned campaign, after all.