The Telling of Lanik thru the Centuries

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Game: Crusader Kings 2
DLC: All of them
Ironman: Yes
Starting Area: County of Krain
​

Objective: To tell a story about the small house of Lanik. We will follow the rulers of the county to there destiny. This destiny could be their demise or their inevitable future.

Style: Some story telling with screenshots thrown in.

Bonus: I will also be uploading a time lapsed video of the game play. It is not necessary to watch the game play, but I thought it would be nice to provide. The time lapse will be uploaded toward the end of a session. For example I recorded an hour and a half of video, and currently I have roughly eight chapters worth of materials. It will vary in length depending on the excitement of the game play. This way you can see what the actual game is doing, while I also try to spruce up the screenshots with a decent story. This will be uploaded to YouTube, and I will provide a link.


Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: A King's Quest
Chapter 2: A Celestial Observation
Chapter 3: The Papal Experience
Chapter 4: To Protect and Serve
Chapter 5: I Must Listen
Chapter 6: To Shreds you say?
Chapter 7: The Feast
Chapter 8: The Lanik Men
Chapter 9: Prisoners of War
Chapter 10: The Final Howl

Videos:

Chapters 1 - 8
Chapters 9 - 10 Coming soon

 

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Chapter 1: A King’s Quest​

In the southern realm of Bavaria lies the county of Krain. This county is of no significance to the mighty kings of Bavaria. It is barely considered part of their German empire, and the true roots lie with ethnic Slavs to the south of Krain. The Bavarian kings have annexed Krain into their might empire, while displacing many local residences.

Bavarian King Tassilo III knows that new administrations will have trouble dealing with foreign peasants. Tassilo’s dull and honest nature leads him to believe that a German would not be able to operate the County of Krain without difficulties. Thus the King must find a man that the peasants can trust. A man that is willing to follow a German King, and a man that can be called upon in a time of crisis. Unfortunately, King Tassilo does not have many people to choose from. The local populace is filled with imbeciles.

Every man the King approaches yells at the King. Claiming King Tassilo is exploiting their workers and hanging onto imperial dogma which perpetuates the economic and social differences of the society. Needless to say the King put these men to death. They clearly had no idea what they were talking about purely because the King just recently arrived to Krain. The King can’t be blamed for everything already! The next peasant King Tassilo found didn’t even realize they had a King! This poor peasant woman was under the idea that they lived in an autonomous collective. Not realizing that the King was so important and could order this woman to do anything he wanted. He even ordered her to bow to him and she claimed she didn’t vote for him. The King was so puzzled that she thought this was an elective system of government, he had to repress the peasant woman by tossing her into the lake with stones tied to her. Surprisingly she ended up floating to the top and swimming away. The King was so amazed he just let her go!

Finally the King found the perfect man. The King approached this peasant and was just about to speak when the peasant held up a hand and said “I know you are the King of Bavaria. King Tassilo the III.” The King was astonished that he found a man who knew who he was, and knew how to speak to him. The King talked to this man for an hour. The King and this mysterious man engaged in theological debate for a few hours. Spoke about the stars, and what this could mean to the church. This man even showed the King a blueprint for an observatory. With such ambition, the King was sure that he found his man. This man could rule the County of Krain, and could even help the King with his affairs.

The King excitedly asked, “Will you join me at my court? I could use an intelligent man like you!” With a smile this mysterious man replied “I will join you, but only if you can find me a wife.” For a second the King thought this was a joke. Surely someone as intelligent as this man should be able to find a wife. “I will happily find you a wife, but you will also become the Count of Krain, the first of your name…… Which reminds me, what is your name?” replied the King. The mysterious man sat there, thought for a second and said “No one has ever given me a name, nor have I ever been asked. It is as if I just came to be. A 24 year old man talking to you my lord.” This put shivers down the King’s spine. Who is this man? How did I happen upon him here? Can a man with no name really be trusted? So many questions, but no time to answer them. Only time can tell.

“My name is Grgur Lanik” said the man. The King nodded, smiled and said “And from this day forward, you shall be known as Count Gaagurg Landick of Krain. Count Grgur frowned and said “No my lord, it is pronounced Grig-or Lan-ik.” And with a smile the King said “I am the King, and frankly my vassal, I just don’t give a damn.”

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

This is promising! And the time-lapse is a novel idea.

 

[boom]

This is promising! And the time-lapse is a novel idea.

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the ride.

 

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Chapter 2: A Celestial Observation​

Count Grgur is excited to start working on the county of Krain. It is his first opportunity to show his new wife that he can be the very best. To show her that this arranged marriage will work out for this best. He wanted to prove to his wife Daphne that he was an ambitious man, and prove to her father that he made the right choice. If it wasn’t for the King, this marriage would have never come to be. As is the saying in Bavaria: “It is not what you know, it is who you know.”

Count Grgur quickly setup an observatory. He claims the best way to learn about the peasant rabble, is to observe them! These peasants aren’t even aware that they are being watched. Count Grgur has setup the observatory on top the highest hill in Krain. From here he can view three separate burrows of the county. And from each burrow he can watch the people go about their day. He even noticed a woman being followed by a strikingly good looking man. The count thought about this and decided he should just keep observing. This man didn’t seem like he had ill intentions. If anything he seemed excited, and the girl seemed to be laughing as well.

As the woman and man enter a house, the Count begins to blush from what he is seeing. He sees the two start touching each other and the Count is confused. The count may have been twenty four, but he only remembers coming into existence a few months ago when he met King Tassilo. As he observes the couple, the Count comes to the realization that he shouldn’t be peeping on them! It feels wrong, yet so right. He quickly turns his telescope to the stars instead. Surely the stars will not be as wild as these two.

The Count cannot stop thinking about that woman. “What were they doing? Why did she look so happy? Is that how you make a woman happy? Maybe construction and administrations is not what Daphne wants from me. Surely I can learn about what they were doing, maybe even Daphne can help me?” As the Count ponders what to do, his wife enters the room. Daphne approaches the Count and touches his telescope saying “Why are you always in here? I feel you have been avoiding me for many nights. Just looking at the stars.” The Count wasn’t sure what to say. He could tell her that he was actually peeping on the burrows below, or he could lie and say he really was studying the movement of the stars. As any ambitious man would do, the Count stood up and walked over to his wife. He grabbed her like he has seen many men do to other women, and kissed her. From there they spend the night in the observatory studying more than just the celestial body of space.

Daphne has never been happier in her life. She has an amazing husband who loves her. She has become pregnant, and she spends nearly every night with Count Grgur studying the stars. She herself has become so fascinated with the stars, that she is encouraging the Count to continue his research. She has no idea what the research could do, but Count Grgur knows. Daphne believes Count Grgur knows everything. He is able to understand topics that no one else can, it’s almost as if he was created to study the stars. Generated to do one purposes, and that purpose was to build an observatory and study the celestial body.

 

[Z-Z-Z]

subbed. Did you have to kill someone for that pleasantly nondescript name?
just asking...

 

[boom]

subbed. Did you have to kill someone for that pleasantly nondescript name?
just asking...

I'm not sure which character you mean. Daphne or Grgur? I married Daphne before unpausing, so nope. No one died in the making of character names.

 

[Z-Z-Z]

I'm not sure which character you mean. Daphne or Grgur? I married Daphne before unpausing, so nope. No one died in the making of character names.

I mean your forum name, "boom"

 

[boom]

I mean your forum name, "boom"

I believe it was luck. I've been a member since 06' or some crazy time. But I believe some horse manure was used to cohort the forum gods.

 

[Z-Z-Z]

I believe it was luck. I've been a member since 06' or some crazy time. But I believe some horse manure was used to cohort the forum gods.

Oh my, but I guess I should focus more on anticipating the next chapter.

 

[boom]

Oh my, but I guess I should focus more on anticipating the next chapter.

Tonight, around 5 p.m EST. Wanted to do a chapter a day, but I went out last night instead. At work right now.

 

[Z-Z-Z]

Tonight, around 5 p.m EST. Wanted to do a chapter a day, but I went out last night instead. At work right now.

Good, because I live in the eastern US, so 5 pm!

 

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Chapter 3: The Papal Experience​

As Count Grgur continues his studies it is clear that something is wrong. He has listened to his court Chaplin on the matters of the world. The court Chaplin is the man that teaches everyone. Teaches the ways of the world, and teaches young impressionable people the truths of the world…. Or so Grgur thought. For months now Grgur has been listening to these teachings and becoming increasingly annoyed by their inaccuracies. Grgur knows what is true, what is false, and what is unknown. He has studied the stars, he even questions if the earth is flat as the Pope has claimed. It has annoyed him to the point that he had to confront the Chaplin.

“Do you really believe that the stars are angels? Can you honestly think that every single light in the sky is an angel? It doesn’t even make sense!” Yells Grgur at the Chaplin. The Chaplin is looking flustered, but retorts “It is the teaching of God that these lights are angels! You should not question what is written, and you should not question me.” Grgur can’t believe what he hears, his Chaplin is spreading lies and no one wants to listen. How can this man believe in something without proof!

“A book does not mean it is fact. Any man can write a book, and any man can throw out ideas. You should have proof and scientific backing in order to teach something” Grgur calmly says to Chaplin. The argument is starting to gather the attention of other people, and now more court officials are gathering. “Priest are people that we trust. They are the ones that should know how the world works because they spend their time studying. Even I put my health into the hands of a priest. My personal Court Physician runs the temple of Krain!” Grgur says to the Chaplin. “As you trust the priest, you should trust me. And trust me, the lights in the sky are angels, and the Earth is just the center of the universe.” The Chaplin makes this claim and Grgur can’t believe what he hears. This man just claimed the Earth is the center of the universe! Count Grgur has studied the stars, he has studied the movement of the lights, and there is absolutely no way the Earth stays in one place.

“You’ve got to be kidding! The Earth is not stationary, as the Earth moves around our sun, the stars change. They are in different locations as the Earth moves! The Earth moves around the Sun!” Yells Grgur. The Chaplin has heard enough, he starts to walk away and says to Count Grgur “If you keep these wild claims, I will have to report you to the religious figures. You are being unpious and sporting heresy.” The Count is furious and retorts to the Chaplin who is walking away “You have not heard the last of me! I will write my own book, and if that is your criteria for teaching materials, then I shall have my way!”

​

As the book is published, it is clear the Count Grgur has generated a stigma around his name. He has become a legend in the academic world, a hero among the educated and a villain among the church. Priest avoid Grgur like the coughs, and refuse to speak to him. As Count Grgur looks at his book, he notices that the scribe put a special annotation by his name. The inside cover says

“To my loving wife Daphne. She has supported me through this and has stuck by me. She has given me two lovely sons, Nicholas and Otto. Now I must go against the church and publish my research. Thank you for all your support – Count Grgur ‘Priest-Hater’ of Krain”

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

Well Grgur has made a name for himself. Hopefully he won't end up excommunicated or worse.

 

[boom]

Well Grgur has made a name for himself. Hopefully he won't end up excommunicated or worse.

I wasn't too worried. My Court Chaplin has been increasing the opinion of the Pope since the start of the game.

 

[boom]

Chapter 4: To Protect and Serve ​

War has come to Krain. Without notification, the Croatians to the south have crossed the border. They are raping and pillaging the Germans that live here and are leaving the Slavic people alone. As the Count of Krain, Grgur must act. He is the protector of the land, and all of the people are his ward. He must do something about these Croatians, and he must do something soon. Count Grgur fears that if the Croatians win, he may vanish just as quickly as he appeared. Grgur has found the touch of a woman, and never wants to let that go again, so he decides to recruit a mercenary company to protect his people. Count Grgur will lead these mercenary, but their manpower will be essential in pushing back the godless Croatians.

The first battle was over. Overwhelming victory for the County of Krain. Count Grgur showed martial prowess in the battle, and he is feeling thrilled. Nothing can stop this man. Count Grgur has gained the respect of the mercenary company, his wife, and all of the peasants below him. Or so he thought. As Count Grgur walks through the camp he notices the men staring at him. They do not speak to him, but they stare and move away. They move as if Count Grgur has a case of leprosy and they will become infected.

As I Grgur approaches Daphne she pauses and says “My lord, are you feeling well?” Count Grgur is confused at this and replies “Of course my dearest, I have never felt better.” The two of them sit down for dinner and start to enjoy a fine meal. Count Grgur takes small bites of his plate and whispers under his breath. These words are too soft to understand completely, but Daphne is able to make out a few of them. He hears her husband mumbling “But if we strike, we will win. Is that so? You believe our infantry can beat the mighty pagans? Foolish man, you do not realize what is happening around you.” Count Grgur is continuing to eat as if he is saying nothing. He even looks up to Daphne, smiles, and lowers his head to read a scroll that he brought with him.

“Are you sure? Lovely Lovely, we can try this tactic as well… mmmm what is it good for” mumbles Grgur. Daphne is scared by these mumbles. Why was the count acting this way? Does he not notice what he is doing! “Grgur, what are you doing? You need to stop this!” Daphne yells to her husband. Grgur stops chewing. There is a look of void on Grgur’s face, as if he wasn’t really there. He is clearly staring at Daphne, but he doesn’t appear to be here. As Daphne is about to speak she see Grgur’s eyes turn pitch black. The darkness in those eyes are terrifying, as if every candle has been extinguished.

Grgur’s body smiles and says “Grgur is currently preparing his mind for war my dear. The Croatians are attacking, the church has abandoned him, and he needs all the help he can get.” Daphne is shocked by the way Grgur is speaking. He was talking in the third person, as if it wasn’t Grgur. “Oh Daphne, you do not understand the storm that is approaching,” Grgur is speaking quietly. Grgur’s speech is slow, forceful, and in an unnerving tone “The clouds will come, the anger will approach, and I will be here for Grgur. You are nothing.” Grgur’s body slumps over. His head on the table, and his body limp. Daphne rushes toward Grgur and shakes him shouting “Grgur! Grgur! Wake up, please!” Grgur blinks and moves his body. His head throbbing in pain, and his mouth bleeding. “Wha…. What happen honey?” Grgur inquires. His mouth is bleeding, his body hurts, and he can’t remember anything since the battle started. “OH Grgur, I don’t know what got into you, but you…. You…. You started eating your plate!” Grgur looks down and sees his plate broken. He doesn’t understand what happen, but he knows his mouth is bleeding. His wife is crying, and he has no memory of eating this broken plate. It is a dark day for Grgur, as he cleans himself up and sees himself to his chambers.

As the campaign rages on, Grgur knows he must lead his troops. The troops are in fear of him, and he needs to regain their trust. He joins the battle with the mercenary company. He shows valor and bravery. He is a man that you never want to see on the battlefield. He has spurts of inaudible commands and charges that make any man think twice. After every battle, he gets a report and needs to have his sergeants tell him what he has done. He did this for the entire campaign, and he claims this is the reason he won the war. It’s an odd experience, but this level of study has led Count Grgur to become a Heavy Infantry commander. One of the best in fact.

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

It's admirable that Grgur performs his duty, possession or not.

 

[boom]

It's admirable that Grgur performs his duty, possession or not.

Possession is nothing but a tool to our fair count.

 

[boom]

Chapter 5: I Must Listen​

With peace in the county, Grgur goes back to his administrative duties. One of these duties is deciding what to do with the prisoners of war. A Croatian commander named Teodor was captured. Many requested he be ransomed, but he wasn’t even worth the letter to his lord. Others wanted him to be released, but no one wanted him tortured or executed. That is, no one except Grgur’s little friend.

“We must do it, it will please the master” Grgur mumbles to himself. Grgur is alone in the Count’s chambers, but people passing by can hear two voices that sound strangely similar, yet different.

“I am not a cruel man! Why would I torture this man?” Grgur says firmly. “Torture is a way of power, it will show your subjects who the rightful count is. These Croatians will never attack our county again if we demonstrate power.” Grgur’s voice is cold, yet convincing. “I am Croatian! And no one wants my county in my realm!” Grgur yells back. “Croatian or not, I have no use for a nation. I am here to lead you, and if you do not help me. I shall force you” Grgur is shocked by this. He doesn’t know what to say to himself. He ponders for a moment, and says “I will sleep on it, and let myself know later”. Grgur goes to his bed and lays down thinking he will have a clear mind tomorrow morning.

As sunrise comes, Grgur see Daphne staring out the window. “Good morning my lady, how are you this fine day?”

“Grgur, I just don’t know you anymore. I don’t see why you tortured that poor man last night. I love you, but since the war with the Croatians…. I just don’t know you anymore.” Daphne is looking distraught and sad. She looks at Grgur and she can tell he is confused. “Oh I see now, it was the other Grgur.” She gives him a halfhearted smile, and moves to kiss him. Grgur is utterly confused, and decides to visit Teodor. As Grgur approaches he hears screams, and see Teodor being released. The deed was done, and he was free to go. Teodor’s body survived the torture, but his mind does not look right.

Grgur decides a walk in the yard will clear his head. He sees a rabid dog attacking some children so Grgur rushes to help. He’s fighting this dog when Grgur feels something hit him with a stick! Out of anger Grgur turns around and swings his fist. It was his son and heir Nicholas!

The dog got away, the kid got away. Nothing seems to be going right for Grgur. The only friend Grgur has is this little demon inside him. The Demon that takes him over. What kind of friend this is remains to be seen, but Grgur is starting to hate the world that he has been generated in. So many decisions and death around. Nothing seems to be right in the world. All of this thinking is starting to hurt Grgur. He doesn’t know why, but he started getting pains in his belly. These pains led to vomiting. Maybe it was the thought of trying to hit his son, or the torture of the innocent. Either way, Grgur is hurting.

The Court Physician Bishop Prohor of Gurk has been called upon to treat the count. As Count Grgur lays there in pain, he hears voices. “I have an idea on how to heal the Count, but it is…. ‘Experimental’ to say the least”. Count Grgur knows this voice. It was the same voice that tried teaching the court that the Earth was flat. Count Grgur hated this man. This man that claims to be holy, yet will not listen to reason. As Count Grgur is contemplating sending the Physician away, he vomits and cries out in pain. Bishop Prohor rushes in with a smile on his face and says calmly “My Count, I have the cure to your sickness. It will save your life if you allow me to do it. It’s rather new, and I don’t believe you’ve heard of it!” Count Grgur doesn’t like the tone of the Bishop. Who knows what this man is planning, or where he learned such a new technique. But alas, Count Grgur knew he needed to act. As a brave man Count Grgur was never scared to learn something new, and as such he agreed to this experimental plan.

As Count Grgur prepares for the surgery, he can hear the Bishop laughing. This unsettling laughter did not make any sense to Grgur. Why would the Bishop be in such high spirits? Surely the Bishop knows what fate plans for him if he fails this procedure. Count Grgur is not a forgiving man, and he has tortured the innocent. Not to mention his friend on the inside has a stake in the game as well. If Count Grgur dies, surely the demon inside will die as well. As the procedure begins, Count Grgur feels the pain, and this pain may cost him his life.

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

So the insane competence spreads in the court.