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| # ? Sep 06, 2010 03:38 |
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Awesome. Good luck, n'th epic paradoxer!
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 13:48 |
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I'm surprised that Rudolf von Rheinfelden hasn't revolted at this point. Then again, if he loses his fight with Heinrich, AI Heinrich will usually hand out the Duke of Swabia title to Friedrich, if he's still alive. Unfortunately, the stupid git keeps all the land for himself. 
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 14:30 |
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You're going to play MMG with a BB limit of 5? At least such insanity will likely prove to be entertaining  Good start, anyway. CK has a tendancy to get a bit stale very quickly but hopefully being jammed right in the middle of Germany, and being without easy access to pagans or muslims to war with for quick expansion, will ensure you're not too massive once EU3 rolls around.
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 15:23 |
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RabidWeasel posted:You're going to play MMG with a BB limit of 5? At least such insanity will likely prove to be entertaining Yeah, like, what happens if you get the Assassination! event? Will you just immediately begin the badboy wars?
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 15:51 |
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Do you think you could provide links to the eleven other concurrently running Paradox threads in the OP, in order to make it easier to find them?
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 16:13 |
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I'm all for more variety of Paradox threads. This looks promising, and I look forward to reading more!
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 18:00 |
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Looks like fun, although I'm not sure if you can play CK badly enough to keep things interesting by 1453... Goddamn, EU3 is the only game that makes me want to get a decent PC.
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| # ? Mar 02, 2008 18:22 |
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Riidi WW posted:Yeah, like, what happens if you get the Assassination! event? Will you just immediately begin the badboy wars? I've changed the Framed event to only be +5 BB. Mind you, the badboy limit does not end up being 5, it's 5 + ruler's diplo skill. It's not as harsh as it sounds, though it does prevent annexing the Mamluks in one go. On the topic of playing CK badly, I'm not so much going to play badly as have set up a number of events that will ensure Germany stays somewhat fractured and that a HRE rather than a united Germany is what will form if left to its own devices. I won't be holding back per se, just fighting my own creations. Prologue: Germany, Anno Domini 1067  In 1067, there was little to indicate that House Hohenzollern would become the future rulers of a truly unified Germany. Poor and insignificant, situated in the midst of Germany and neighbouring several powerful Duchies, the Hohenzollern County of Schawben offers a particularily ill-suited base for any sort of expansion through conquest.  Friedrich I is its young ruler, a proud and lustful young man with far more charm than scruples, who has spent most of his youth training with arms rather than preparing himself for the task of leading his dynasty. Regardless, he has some talent in the ways of intrigue and politics, and is at least a competent if unenthusiastic administrator and diplomat. A dozen or so armored knights and a few hundred peasants with spears or bows is all the troops that he can call on as ruler of Schwaben.  Schwaben is ruled according to the traditional laws that most rulers in Germany follow. Inheritance is traced through both male and female children, though only males can hold titles, and a balanced approach towards both the church and the power of the noble class is in place. As a small and poor County, Schawben can only afford a skeleton court, and has no marshal for its forces. Friedrich recently raised taxes to the highest levels allowed by the law, and simulatenously reduced his donations to local monasteries, offering a variety of excuses citing the 'dire need in the realm' while the gold piles up in the vaults of Castle Schwaben. Heinrich IV is the King of Germany. Known to history as the excommunicated Holy Roman Emperor who lost the century-old power struggle with the Papacy, he is a largely disliked king whose diplomatic inability is bound to inspire risings among his vassals.  Friedrich is a vassal of the neighbouring Duchy of Swabia, and has pledged to supply armed men and scutage in exchange for the protection offered by Rudolf von Rheinfelden. Though openly maintaining the guise of a loyal vassal, Friedrich secretly considers House Hohenzollern the rightful rulers of all Swabia and would like nothing more than to wrest Wurtemburg, Ulm and Furstenburg from his liege.  There is currently only one promising prospect for fulfilling that secret dream: Rudolf von Rheinfelden has two children - a son aged 7, and a daughter aged 9. Being a fairly old man with a hunchbacked wife, it is unlikely that he will produce another heir, and under semisalic law, a son of Adelaide von Rheinfelden would inherit the Duchy if something were to happen to Rudolf's son. Even if that grandchild happened to be named von Hohenzollern. But for now, she is just a child, and marriage propositions must wait...  On the topic of marriage, suitors from all over Germany have begun flocking to Schwaben, asking for the hand of the unwed Steward Richenza. All offers are politely declined, as Schwaben needs its steward to manage its growing treasury.  The tiny County of Neuchatel on the border to France has risen in revolt against King Heinrich, perhaps hoping that other fellow vassals will do the same. The revolt fails to spread and the county is swiftly defeated by Heinrich and made a part of the royal demesne.  Friedrich completes his education, having learning little more from it than how to wield a lance and ride a warhorse.  Perhaps inspired by the Count of Neuchatel, the Duchess of Toscana has incited a revolt in Italy. Despite the backing of the pope and a fairly large army, it is doubtful that Toscana can stand against the already mobilized armies of the King for long.  Schwaben continues its decline into poverty, as a county-wide lack of manure has produced a particularily poor crop this year.  After a few months of fighting, the revolt in Italy is all but over, though a couple armies loyal to the Duchess stubbornly fight on.  Seeking allies for a potential bid on his liege's Duchy, Friedrich befriends the ruler of the neighbouring County of Baden on a hunting trip.  Though the months and years drag on as Friedrich waits for Adelaide to come of age, the Count at least knows how to keep busy. A score of bastards may not endear him to the church, but asides from undeniable proof of the virility of the Hohenzollerns, it will be a valuable source of reliable courtiers in the future.  The year turns to 1072, and while she is still too young for marriage, Friedrich begins to visit Adelaide at the court of Niederbayern where she is being fostered. As his growing number of bastards can attest to, Friedrich owns a certain amount of charm, and young Adelaide is soon head-over-heels in love, though her father has made it clear that she will not marry a lowly Count, let alone one of his vassals.  In 1073, Friedrich is visiting his liege's castle to settle a minor border dispute with his friend, Lord Adalbert of Baden. The minor dispute turns into a bitter argument over the logging rights to a particularily rich stretch of forest, and right in front of the Duke of Swabia, the Lord of Baden suggests that Friedrich's ancestry is traced from a french goat farmer. Harsh words and demands for recompense follow, though nothing comes of it, and the two friends eventually settle their differences with vast quantities of german ale.  The local Archbishop, unhappy with the low donations and perhaps catching wind of the gold piling up in Friedrich's basement, requests a large donation for the building of a new church. Not wishing to be seen as a skeptic or opponent to the powerful church, Friedrich reluctantly agrees and levies extra taxes. Fortunately this has no adverse effect on the County's stability.  More bad news follow, as the still fervertly courted Richenza catches an illness from one of her suitors. Despite rattling coughs and a runny nose, she continues to fulfill her duties as steward, as there is noone to replace her.  A grizzled veteran from the fighting in Italy comes to Schwaben seeking asylum. Friedrich agrees, and appoints him marshal of the small Schwabian army.  1074 comes around, and with it, Adelaide of Swabia has finally reached maritable age. She sends a letter to her father expressing her wish to be bethroted to Friedrich von Hozenhollern. Her father replies with a letter demanding she immediately return to his court. Somehow, the messenger bearing this letter fails to arrive in Niederbayern, though another letter bearing the Swabian seal where Rudolf grants the marriage his blessing is delivered to Count Otto of Niederbayern.  A few weeks later, Friedrich arrives in Niederbayern to escort his bethroted back to Schwaben, where the two are wed. Attempts by the Duke to nullify the marriage end in nothing, particularily after it is revealed that Adelaide is with child.   In 1075, the Duke of Swabia is struck by another misfortune as his only heir, Adelaide's brother, dies in a tragical accident involving a fall out of a tower window. Though ill tongues claim that the Hohenzollerns were responsible for the death, Friedrich makes sure such vile lies are not spoken where his wife can hear them. Besides, the Hohenzollern Count has his own share of misfortunes: A large amount of the gold amassed in the treasure chamber is missing, though noone knows what it could have possibly been spent on.  Richenza's illness progresses into pneumonia, and as she becomes too ill to carry out her duties, Friedrich appoints his wife as the new steward. Richenza dies later the same year.    An ancient document in which a Hohenzollern ancestor is proclaimed protector of the lands currently making up the County of Aargau is found in the castle library. Aargau is currently ruled by the child-count of House Habsburg, historically the future rulers of Austria, Spain and innumerable minor kingdoms, duchies and fiefs. As the Habsburg House are loyal subjects of Germany, any declaration of war would be met with a harsh response from King Heinrich, and so there is little that can be done to enforce the claim for now.   A crusade is called to liberate Jerusalem. Even if he desired to participate, there is little that the barely half a thousand men under Friedrich can do to change the course of the holy war, and so they can be put to better use back home in Schwaben, or so he argues.  Late in 1075, the news that everyone at the court have been anxiously awaiting are heralded: Adelaide has born a healthy boy, named Mathias von Hohenzollern. Though he is but an infant for now, if Mathias lives to see adulthood he will inherit not only his father's county but also the entire Duchy of Swabia, elevating the Hohenzollerns to a real position of power in Germany.  All hail Mathias von Hohenzollern, future Count of Schwaben, future Duke of Swabia! 
Wiz fucked around with this message at Jun 28, 2008 around 21:02 |
| # ? Mar 02, 2008 19:08 |
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1076 - 1088: County to Duchy In March of 1076, Duke Rudolf von Rheinfelden dies suddenly and unexpectedly after a short time of illness. Though the rumors speak of poisoning, the truth is that his death could not have come at a worse time for the Hohenzollerns. While the Duchy of Swabia is now theirs, its new ruler is the six-month old Mathias, and the Swabian vassals are likely to exploit this opportunity to break away from their new liege. A somewhat amusing side occurance is the need for Friedrich von Hohenzollern to publicly pledge allegiance to his own infant son.  As Friedrich feared, one of Mathias' vassals, the Bishop of Chur, refuses to pledge allegiance to his new liege and revolts. Troops loyal to King Heinrich quickly put down the revolt, but predictably enough, the shrewd monarch uses the opportunity to incorporate Chur into his demesne rather than returning it to Swabia.  News spread to Schwaben that the Orthodox empire of Byzantium is in the throes of civil war and dissolution. The Emperor has been run out of Constantinople and forced to seek refuge in Iraklion. A mere minor prince now rules the Second Rome. The Seljuk Turks have used the opportunity to grab considerable amounts of land in Asia Minor, and there seems to be little hope that the gateway to the holy lands will remain shut for much longer.  In the wake of the brutal surpession of the Tuscan rebels, more revolts have sparked across Italy, and almost all of the rulers on the Peninsula have joined arms against the german crown. Heinrich, perhaps realizing that if he continues the campaigns in Italy he may very well lose the rest of Germany, makes peace with the rebels, ending all infighting in his domain.  In times of peace, there are few things for a red-blooded ruler to do other than secure the succession line of his dynasty, and Friedrich does that job all too well.  He also takes some time to impart the Hohenzollern ways to his older bastards, and secure their education so that they may prove to be useful advisors to their House in the future.   A foresty is constructed using most of what remains of the taxes levied between 66 and 75. Access to quality timber will speed up any further constructions in Schwaben, as well as provide welcome revenue for its Count.  Tragedy strikes in 1078, as young Helene von Hohenzollern contracts a high fever and dies in her mother's arms.  Schwaben is stable and relatively prosperous, and hungering for recognition from his peers, Friedrich shares much of the wealth among the local barons, significantly improving his prestige.  As if to punish him for such excesses, an epidemic begins to spread across Schwaben and tax income slows to a trickle. Many of Friedrich's soldiers fall ill and die, and his Marshal, Henry, already in advanced years and failing health, succumbs as well.   In the height of the epidemic, Friedrich's wife demands that he purchase her a dress made from a new type of cloth invented in Lombardy. Short on money, Friedrich compromises and buys her a fine silver necklace instead.  More unwelcome news follow in 1079, as King Heinrich puts his grubby mitts on Aargau, the only land besides Schwaben that Friedrich has a direct claim to.  Shortly thereafter, Friedrich's good friend the Duke of Carinthia pays him a visit, ostensibly to hunt for boars. While riding through the forest, he speaks a dire warning to Friedrich in a hushed voice - King Heinrich's claim to Aargau was only the beginning. The German monarch is attempting to recoup his losses in Italy by expanding his personal demesne, attacking any vassal that could even be suspected of housing rebellious thoughts. The Duke of Carinthia strongly advises Friedrich to swear a public oath of loyalty to Heinrich, lest Swabia be added to the royal demesne. Friedrich reluctantly agrees. A short time later, the decision proves wise, as Heinrich invades and conquers the neighbouring county of Baden, whose ruler refused to take such an oath.  A new marshal is found, Leopold, the landless younger son of a wealthy North German duchy. A cultivated and charming young man, his knowledge of war is somewhat limited however.  Unfortunately, the new marshal proves to be a little too cultivated and charming, as Friedrich finds out when he spots Leopold alone with Adelaide in the castle garden, telling jokes and composing poetry. The interloper is quickly sent back to his father's court under armed escort. Despite yelling and tears, Adelaide gets over the incident, resuming the role of the dutiful wife.  The marshal found to replace Leopold is the older, uglier and even less competent Rupprecht, ex-captain of Friedrich's castle guard. Composed of barely two hundred men and led by a dull old geezer, Schwaben's army is now the laughingstock of central Germany.  With a new true-born Hohenzollern child joining the court each and every year, it is not easy being a marginalized bastard son.    The Pope has taken notice of the lack of a man of the word at Friedrich's court, and a landless bishop from Bohemia is quickly found and given the role of Diocese Bishop of Schwaben.   Spy Master Ursula passes away after a long life of covert service to the Hohenzollerns. Schwaben may be small and poor, but the Hohenzollerns are obviously attracting notice among the courts of Germany, for a skilled spymaster makes his services available to Friedrich within a month of her passing.    In 1084, Friedrich, happy over his newfound status, experiences a period of unusually righteous behaviour. He remains faithful to his wife, spends time with his sons, and is even seen in church at other times than the requisite monthly mass. Friedrich is Friedrich, however, and soon enough he is back to his old self.   The personalities of the older bastards have begun to mature, with fairly predictable results.  In November of 1084, the Kingdom of Bohemia proclaims its rule on the border between Poland, Hungary and Germany, incorporating the previously German Duchy of Bohemia. Heinrich, busy reclaiming the lands of 'disloyal' vassals, does nothing.  By 1085, Byzantium has dissolved completely. Emperor Romanos has been forced to flee again, this time to an isolated province on the Croatian border, and only four minor counts are still loyal to the Byzantine crown, meaning that the Byzantine Emperor is now weaker than even some of his former vassals.  As Orthodox power wanes, Catholic power waxes. Jerusalem is free!  After several relatively quiet years in europe, in late 1087 the French King declares war on England. He is joined by his ally, Heinrich of Germany, and soon most of Germany has been mobilized, including the troops loyal to Friedrich's now twelve-year old son Mathias. Noone bothers to ask Friedrich's dysentry-ridden army to join in the war.  The initial fighting goes badly for the English, as French troops sack their way through Essex and Bedford, and a french count lays claim to Sussex. German troops have also secured a foothold on English soil.  Shortly following the tales of the victories in England are even more welcome news: Schwaben has recovered from the disease and economical slumps that have plagued it for the last decade.  In March, as French armies push ever deeper into England, Count Friedrich rides out to celebrate Schwaben's prosperity with the year's first boar hunt. As he rides through the forest idly conversing with his ever more decrepid marshal, a snake emerges from the undergrowth, hissing at Friedrich's steed and causing it to rear. Friedrich hits his head hard on a rock and loses consciousness. He is quickly put over a horse and carted back to the castle.  Once back in his bed, however, a fever sets in. Friedrich regains his consciousness only briefly, ranting and raving about a Hohenzollern German Empire inbetween fits and shakes. He slips back into unconsciousness as the fever runs ever higher, and within days of recieving his injury, Friedrich von Hohenzollern, Count of Schwaben, rightful Count of Aargau, father to Mathias, Duke of Swabia, passes away.   He is succeeded by his son, the fourteen-year old Duke of Swabia. Raised away from his father's court and influence, young Mathias is maturing into a very different person than his father. Kind, diplomatic, and zealously religious, he has attracted the ire of the German King for his denouncements of Heinrich's opposition to the Pacapy and failure to contribute to the Crusades. He also has eleven sisters and brothers, many of which are bastards and all of which have inherited a good deal more of Friedrich's scheming nature, to contend with. Only time will tell if Mathias von Hohenzollern will prove able to defend his title against his own liege and the scheming machinations of his family. 
Wiz fucked around with this message at May 13, 2008 around 22:09 |
| # ? Mar 03, 2008 00:38 |
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I have to say, I didn't quite realize how many Paradox LPs were running when I posted this - I thought nearly all of them save for KoJ and Texas had died off. I want to go through with this thread because I feel I can do something a little different, but what I'm asking is: Is there enough interest at the moment or should I try again with this thread when the Paradox frenzy has died down?
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:09 |
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I never really go the problem with that, but then again those are the only threads i read in this forum. as far as i'm concerned i can read as many as we've got now and more
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:23 |
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I see no problem with many Paradox LP's, especially not when they are as well written as yours is, Wiz.
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:33 |
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I certainly do no tire of reading paradox LPs.
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:42 |
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Wiz posted:I have to say, I didn't quite realize how many Paradox LPs were running when I posted this - I thought nearly all of them save for KoJ and Texas had died off. Until we start getting multiples of Paradox LPs focusing on the same countries and stuff, I don't see a problem with multiple Paradox LPs. I too would like to see the Hozenzollerns become the Kaisers of a German Empire!
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:43 |
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I'd say you should keep going. It's not like there is another CK LP being played in the same manner right at this moment.Sylphosaurus posted:I see no problem with many Paradox LP's, especially not when they are as well written as yours is, Wiz. I like Paradox LPs because they create more original content, unlike some games where there aren't really any choice in how you play.
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 03:47 |
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You're doing good; you're also really unique, starting as a vassal, and it's a way different game. Doesn't hurt that it's well-written, either. Keep it up, Wiz! Already pretty awesome.
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 04:31 |
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I agree, I'm really happy with this one so far. Shying away from the warfare-centric tactics of most paradox lp's, you're showing us faithful viewers that there's more to CK than, say, killing muslims by the thousands. And, yes, I am reading as many paradox lp's as i can get my grubby little fingers on!
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 07:38 |
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By the time you get to EU3 the Texas LP and maybe even the Jersualem LP will be over. You should definitely continue.
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| # ? Mar 03, 2008 08:30 |
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Since there seems to be interest in this thread, I will keep it going! 1088 - 1091: Of War and Marriage Ruling the entire Duchy of Swabia with its demesne of four provinces is a very different challenge from ruling a mere County like Schwaben. Unlike Schwaben with its skeleton court, Swabia has multiple skilled men and women fighting for each of the important appointments. Wurttemburg and Furstenburg are a valuable source of both tax revenue and technological discoveries: A number of advancements in the ways of farming and siege technology have spread to Swabia via the German trade routes and are being put to good use. However, with all that wealth and power comes the attention of other powers, and a bitter rivalry with the liege lord who secures its independence.    Count Friedrich of St. Gallen and Count Hartmann of Schwyz are the sworn vassals of Swabia. Friedrich is an old friend of Mathias' father, while Hartmann is a bitter rival to the Hohenzollerns and Hohenstaufens both. Mathias has a legitimate claim to the title of Schwyz, and only a strong sense of what is proper for a liege lord to do keeps him from deposing Hartmann and giving the county to someone more loyal. The fortunes of war have turned in England. A massive English counterattack has driven the French troops back to the coast and liberated the English royal seat of Essex. Sussex has also been taken back from the French count who stole it, though six thousand German troops have just arrived there and are making their way inland.  One of the first concerns for the young Mathias following the death of his father is to arrange for the marriage of his eldest bastard brothers. Friedrich is a melancholic and sickly young man that regardless is known for being a charismatic negotiator, while Konrad is a proud, vengeful and selfish wastrel to whom little Christian humility seems to have stuck, despite his theological education.   Two talented French young women from Champagne and Gevaudan are located, and marriage arrangements are quickly made. Konrad's wife is appointed Steward in his place, while Friedrich's wife becomes Swabia's Spy Master. Konrad is appointed Diocese Bishop instead.   Whatever else may be said about the late Friedrich von Hohenzollern, his numerous sons all looked up to him, and his sudden death had some profound effects on them.  One of the many dutiless courtiers at the Swabian court requests Mathias' permission to seek his fortunes elsewhere. Mathias gregariously allows it.  It is suggested to Mathias that Heinrich might be open to reconcilliation, if the young Duke were to publically take back his harsh words about the German King's piousness. Mathias refuses, replying that he is merely speaking the truth as the Holy Lord would see it.  The Bishopric of Trent, situated just south of the Duchy, has remained independent since it broke free from Germany during the Italian revolts. Hoping he might be able to persuade the pious Bishop Heinrich into pledging his allegiance to the Duchy, Mathias sends one of his younger sisters as a fosterling, and arranges to marry the third-oldest of his bastard brothers and a widower uncle to courtiers in Trent.  Despite the now considerably improved relations between the Duchy and Bishopric, Bishop Heinrich proves unwilling to give up his independence, though there is always the hope that me may change his mind should the Duchy attain higher prestige and renown in the realm.  An opportunity presents itself as the Archbishop of Cologne, a friend and mentor to Duke Mathias, claims to have found evidence that the lawful ruling rights to the County of Piemonte, currently ruled by an outspoken skeptic, lie with the Hohenzollern family. Mathias is quick to make use of the claim, though for now the godless ruler of Piemonte is protected from holy retribution by his liege lord.  In 1090, Mathias reaches maritable age and completes his education. To the surprise of noone, he has become a fantatical devotee of the Catholic Church, a true believer in God, the Pope and the Crusades. Mathias is presently courting the fifteen-year old daughter of the French King Philippe, hoping to marry the Hohenzollerns into the French royal house of Capet.  Despite his generally kind nature, Duke Mathias is also a hostile man, an outspoken enemy of all whose faith can be said to be lacking - and by Mathias' standards, that is a fairly large percentage of all the rulers in Europe.  Mathias has been spending the substantial tax revenues of Swabia to build Courts of Justice in all of Swabia's provinces, a much-needed effort to deal with the thieves and ruffians that have been swarming in ever greater numbers to Swabian cities, forming guilds and smuggling rings.  King Heinrich of Germany has made peace with the English, and though the French are still in the fight, they have been pushed off the British isles altogether, though they still control English Normandy.  A god-given opportunity presents itself for the Hohenzollerns in February of 1091, as the Duchy of Upper Burgundy revolts against Heinrich. Mathias has a valid claim to the title of one of the Burgundian Duke's vassals, the Count of Aargau. The Swabian army, though not fully recovered from losses suffered in the French-Anglo war, numbers close to five thousand men, while the entire Duchy of Upper Burgundy can only call on half of that. Mathias spares no time in declaring war on the Count of Aargau and sending mobilization demands to the counts of Schwyz and St.Gallen.  As expected., the Duke of Upper Burgundy declares war in defense of his vassal.  The combined army of Schwyz and St.Gallen arrives early in Aargau, beginning to besiege its old hill fort. Before the main Swabian army can arrive, a superior Burgundian army descends on them and scatters the Swabian troops.   Despite this momentary victory, the Duke of Upper Burgundy knows that four thousand men will soon arrive to take the place of the seven hundred he sent packing, and both he and his vassal offer tributes for peace. Mathias sends an offended reply explaining that a rightful claim cannot be bribed away. There can be no peace until Aargau is under uncontested Hohenzollern rule.  As the army of Swabia enters Aargau, the Burgundian troops retreat without offering a fight and Mathias begins laying siege to the province.  While camped outside the walls of the Count of Aargau's fort, Mathias deals with the matters of state that have piled up. First are two petitions by local Swabian barons asking permission to levy extra taxes and to be granted hunting rights on church land in Furstenberg. Both petitions are firmly rejected.   Duke Mathias also receives news that Jerusalem has fallen to the Egyptians, and the Pope has called another Crusade to liberate the city anew. Mathias swears that once the current war against Upper Burgundy is over, he will lead the armies of Swabia to the holy lands and free Jerusalem from the yoke of the Muslim heathens.  Werner, youngest of the three true-born sons of Friedrich von Hohenzollern, succumbs to a spell of illness, further adding to the grief of his widowed mother.  Aargau finally falls in June of 1091, and in the subsquent peace deal, its Count is stripped of both his title and the contents of his treasury.   Again, the Duke of Upper Burgundy tries to offer tribute for peace, but Mathias is insistent on taking Bern to force him to rescind any claims on Aargau. 2500 men defend Bern against Mathias attacking force of 4000. Mathias is at the forefront of his army, leading the charge of his knights.  Though the Burgunian army is crushed, losing half their number and scattering in wild retreat, disaster strikes as a Burgunian lance strikes Duke Mathias in the stomach as he leads the Swabian nobility in a charge against the Burgunian cavalry. The young Hohenzollern refuses to leave the battlefield until the battle is won, and once his wound is finally examined, infection has already set in.   Bern is captured and Mathias can impose the peace deal he desired on its Duke, but there is little celebration as the Swabian army begins the long trek back to Wurttemburg. Mathias' health is steadily growing worse, and it is becoming clear that he is likely to join his father in the heavens above before long.   The last acts of Duke Mathias are to marry his bethrothed, Princess Eve of France, and to use the influence gained from his Burgundian victories to lay claim to the neighbouring province of Nurnberg, long considered a rightful part of Swabia. He also makes his brother and heir, Waldemar von Hohenzollern, promise to wed Princess Eve when he comes of age, that the Hohenzollern ambition of ties in both the German and French royal houses not be wasted.   Having fulfilled his duties to House Hohenzollern, he offers up his soul to the judgement of the almighty in December of 1091, leaving only one spoken regret: That he never got to set foot on the holy land.  Duke Mathias von Hohenzollern, Lord to Swabia and its surrounding lands, is dead. Long live Duke Waldemar von Hohenzollern!  
Wiz fucked around with this message at Mar 03, 2008 around 08:56 |
| # ? Mar 03, 2008 08:50 |
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1092 - 1099: The Dark Years Young Waldemar von Hohenzollern, last alive out of Friedrich's three true-born sons, is an energetic and suspicious boy who takes the teachings of his mentors seriously. Ruling in his place for the moment is his mother, the widow Adelaide, who has had to endure the loss of two sons and one daughter as well. A well-respected woman, she treats the many bastards of her husband fairly, if obviously without affection. One of her first acts is to make Adalbert von Hohenzollern Marshal of Swabia. A deceitful, vindictive and nervous young man, he has come out of his martial education with a sound knowledge of tactics.  The large Duchy of Bavaria revolts, trying to bring Swabia in on its side against Heinrich. Adelaide declines.   The eldest bastard son and Chancellor of Swabia, Friedrich, hangs himself after a long period of depression. While he was not a well-liked man, he did his job as Chancellor well, and a good replacement will be hard to find.  Several smaller counts revolt as well. One of them is the County of Piemonte, which Swabia has a legitimate cliam on. Adalbert recommends that the army be mustered and sent to enforce the claim, promising that he can deliver victory despite the presently diminished state of Swabia's manpower.  The Swabian army reaches Piemonte and attacks the Piemontian troops.  Unfortunately, Adalbert severely underestimated the strength of the Piemontian army and in particular its vastly superior number of knights and heavy infantry. The Swabian army scatters, and only intervention by seven thousand men being led by King Heinrich prevents a total defeat.  Of course, the King's help is anything but free.  Adding insult to injury, the Bishop of Trent, whom Swabia has been courting for a long time in hopes of making Trent a Swabian vassal, foregoes his independence and re-swears his loyalty oath to Heinrich.  Blamed for the disaster in Piemonte, the already stressed Adalbert snaps, locking himself in his chamber at day, and screaming and pounding the walls at night. A new marshal is found and Adalbert is quitely relocated to an isolated manor on the countryside.  In 1093, the neighbouring county of Baden declares independence. Swabia quicky leaps on this chance to enforce a claim and restore its image, and four thousand swabian troops enter Baden, sweeping aside its defenders. The Count of Baden immediately offers peace, giving up his title.  The looted and devastated Baden is made a bishopric, and Konrad von Hohenzollern its bishop.  It would seem that madness may very well be contagious, for shortly after being appointed to his position, the new diocese bishop develops schizophrenia, becoming convinced that the Patriarch in Constantinople is the anti-christ and that any moment, a horde of greek and russian schismatics will sweep in over Germany. During a feast at Castle Wurttemburg, he accuses the Duke of Brandenburg of being a schismatic spy and tries to bludgeon him with a goblet. Instead of a quiet manor, he is given a quiet dungeon cell.   Roads are being drawn from one end of Swabia to the other, improving trade as well as the ability to supply and move armies.  The inflamed situation and civil wars in Germany make for a hostile enviroment, even among those vassals still loyal to King Heinrich. House Hohenzollern will not be bullied, and Waldemar answers any insults in kind.  Another claim is successfully enforced in 1095, as the breakway County of Chur is conquered and given to a loyal courtier.    With war and strife plaguing most of Germany, Swabia is an oasis of stability and calm. Hundreds of peasants and workers from neighbouring counties flee across its borders, filling its cities and farming unsettled lands. Even levying extra taxes does nothing to affect the positive growth in stability.  Joyous news from the Holy Lands, as the Kingdom of Poland have freed Jerusalem once more and granted the lands of Acre to the Hospitaller Knightly Order, who have sworn to safeguard pilgrims travelling to God's Grave.   Another claim is collected on, this time the wealthy County of Nassau situated just north of Swabia.  Duke Waldemar reaches majority and officially takes over all the duties associated with ruling the Duchy, allowing the tired and worn Adelaide to retire from the public eye. Able in the arts war, diplomacy and intrigue, Waldemar's real talent lies in administration and finances. Under his rule, the wealth flows into Wurttemburg, and Swabia continues to grow ever more prosperous.  He also makes good on his promise to his late brother Mathias, marrying Mathias' widow, the now 21-year old Eve Capet, sister of the current French King. A talented and religious but hostile young woman, she nonetheless performs her marital duties as expected of her.   Then, in October of 1097, Waldemar receives news that shock the very core of the Germany nobility. King Heinrich has openly proclaimed himself to be in opposition to the Roman church and the Papacy. He claims that the Pope is the false pope, and has made his own diocese bishop the Anti-Pope. Even worse, he has dissolved the German Electoral College and instituted salic law, making his son the successor to the crown.  Immediately following the news, a half-dozen Count and Dukes rise against Heinrich, urged on by a papal bull urging all catholics to overthrow the false king. More risings are sure to follow, and it seems as though Germany is destined to dissolve into a patchwork of bickering counties, easy pickings for ambitious Polish and French kings. Desperate to avoid a war that may very well tear down every ounce of stability, prosperity and power that the Hohenzollerns have built up over the last decade, Waldemar summons the german Grand Dukes to Wurttemburg in a secret meeting. There, he proposes his plan... At the royal seat of Andernacht, Heinrich IV, forty-six years old but still in good health, mounts his warhorse. Outside the gates, a vast army stands assembled, ready to march at his orders. First, he will put down the revolts, Heinrich thinks, and replace the revolters with men loyal to him and him. Then, once Germany is united once more, he will assert his control over Italy, and then - Rome! Just as he is about to set out, his spymaster Konrad, an unassuming and pious man of thirty-and-some, hurries up to the steed. From the lines of worry on his face, Heinrich can tell that the man has something important to tell him - news about the conspirators in Swabia, perhaps? If they have finally come out of their castles to challenge him on the field, Heinrich welcomes it, particularily the prospect of adding the wealthy lands of the Swabian Duke to his demesne. Heinrich takes off his helmet and turns towards Konrad to listen to his news. Konrad reaches for his scroll pouch, but instead of a message, he produces a dagger with blinding speed and thrusts it into the neck of the German King. Heinrich opens his mouth in surprise, as blood gushes down his armor. With a gurgle, he collapses and falls off his horse. "Rot in hell, heretic" Konrad shouts, an instant before Heinrich's bodyguards cut him down.  The ensuing war is brief and bloody. The alliance of the Grand Dukes seizes Andernacht from Heinrich's demoralized armies, capturing both his sons in the process. The sons are sent into exile, and the Dukes sit down to sort out the peace. The first decision is to re-establish Elective Law and elect a new King among them. The second is to revise the electoral law in such a way that there will never again be another Heinrich, whose family ruled the country long enough that they began to see it as their own.  The new laws are agreed on unanimously, but the choice of a new King turns out to be far harder. There are two major candidates: Magnus Billung the Duke of Saxony and Philipp d'Ardennes the Duke of Brabant. Magnus is the more competent and well-liked choice, but Philipp is wealthier, more powerful, and have far more favors to call on. As it tends to do, power wins out over competence, and Philipp is elected King of Germany. Magnus leaves the court in a fury, swearing revenge.  The newly elected King has only ruled for a scant year when in 1098 a new civil war breaks out, incited by Saxony and enthustically supported by Philipp's many enemies. Troops from Luxembourg enter Andernacht in November, besieging King Philipp's castle. As Philipp leads the defense from the battlements, he is struck by an arrow and immediately killed.  The Electoral College, or what parts of it have not declared independence, gather once again to elect their King. With noone else to turn to, they offer Duke Waldemar the crown, on two conditions: That he respect the new laws and that he do whatever it takes to restore stability to Germany, to the Holy Roman Empire. Waldemar accepts. 
Wiz fucked around with this message at Mar 08, 2008 around 23:13 |
| # ? Mar 04, 2008 08:24 |
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Now that we've reached 1100, I'd like to do a brief intermission to show you the general state of the world and explain the mechanics of the events I've added for Germany. The World in 1100  As you can see, the world is following a historically sane path so far, mostly owing to the Unofficial Relations Bug Fix which, while it is a pain to use, makes the game playable. Germany is ripping itself apart as you're already aware of, and France is having issues as well, while most of the minor kingdoms are doing just swell. The only real thing of note on the British isles is that Munster (Dark Blue) has almost entirely united Ireland, and unless England intervenes, we're likely to see the Kingdom of Ireland pop up. In Iberia, Leon (light blue) has inherited Castille and is making gains on the scattered muslim rulers in East Iberia, while Barcelona (grey) has eaten up Aragon and Navarra (light green) is at least fending off the other rulers. To the east, Pereyslavl (light green) is on a conquering spree, having annexed Novgorod and taken a bunch of tribal land. Byzantium is pulling itself back together under a new Emperor, and Egypt (dark green) has fallen apart following the two crusades. The Seljuk Terks (yellow) are by far the current Muslim apex power. German Electoral Law The gist of it, as the event that fired told you, is that Germany will at all times remain Elective, unless the king decides to oppose the law (1% chance for the AI to do that), and furthermore if the King dies and any blood relative inherits, that blood relative immediately has an event that fires which kills them. In essence, while we are now Kings of Germany, there is no way we can hold on to the title without opposing the law, which results in some very nasty effects (will be shown next update). This means we will have to retain our independent power base in Swabia and put another Hohenzollern to rule it whenever the crown is ours, to prevent game over from a random hunting trip death. Finally, I'd like to invite anyone reading to let me know what you think of the current style, what you'd like to see more of (war, court drama, crusades, historical events, international politics reports, etc) and if you have any general opinions on this LP. Wiz fucked around with this message at Mar 07, 2008 around 19:18 |
| # ? Mar 04, 2008 08:37 |
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I like the more detailed style you're using since I haven't played CK before, but also because I like the whole "court drama/family dynasty" aspect of the game.
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 08:53 |
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you're doing great so far. I could never get into CK with all the constant revolts and tiny little provinces but it's quite nice reading your play through.
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 11:06 |
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Germany's internal intrigue is much more interesting than massive world conquests ever can be; I hope you crash and burn as King!
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 12:10 |
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It is interesting, and I appreciate the speed of updates too.
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 14:22 |
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Great thread, especially since I recently read a book about Prussia and the Hohenzollerns. I'd like to see more political manoeuvring and international affairs.
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 14:24 |
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it's good to have something focusing on the sub-"national" aspects of this game, i think, mostly because it'll keep you small enough than when it's time to run a real nation-state you won't already own everything, but also because the mechanics of this game allow for some rich story-telling or whatever the hell in that area
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| # ? Mar 04, 2008 16:29 |
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1100-1101: War of the Pretender Magnus Billung the Duke of Saxony has proclaimed himself the rightful King of Germany and sparked a civil war. The Dukes of Holland, Luxembourg, Lower Lorraine, Brandenburg, Lombardia and Provence along with a half-dozen or so counts have sided with the pretender. Out of all the Grand Dukes who signed the new succession law along with King Waldemar, only Carinthia on the furthest southeastern corner of Germany is still loyal. Fortunately, Waldemar still has a large amount of smaller, loyal counties to call on, along with the Army of Swabia and what few troops remain in the looted royal demense. With the royal seat in rebel hands, Waldemar is crowned in absentia, remaining in Wurttemburg while his soldiers gather. He orders his scribes to compose a decree calling all loyal Dukes, Counts, Barons and Nobles of Germany to gather every available man from their lands and raise the banners of war against the pretender.  Desiring stability, tired of the constant civil wars, and eager for the chance to gain land at the expense of the rebellious Grand Dukes, Waldemar's vassals answer the call to a man. A mighty host is raised, easily the enemy's equal in men. However, Waldemar's troops are currently scattered all over Germany and easy pickings for the concentrated forces of Magnus the Pretender.  The situation in Northwest Germany is grim. Holland, Saxony and Luxembourg have a force of around 15000 men between them, while a couple thousand men scattered over a half-dozen provinces is all that remains of the loyalist armies. Luxembourg is currently only defended by a small force, and loyalist troops launch an offense against Liege in the hopes of breaking through the rebel encirclement.  In the northeast, a couple hundred loyalists are fighting a delaying action against Brandenburg in Launitz while troops rush up from Swabia in support.  In Central Germany, the Duke of Lower Lorraine has left his demense undefended, and three thousand loyalist troops from Baden and Burgundy are quick to exploit the opportunity.  Southeast Germany is a mess of breakaway Counties, and a good half of the loyalist army is being held up fighting in the Bayern region.  Intense fighting is raging in North Italy, with loyalists struggling to pull together enough troops to face the powerful Duke of Lombardy on the field.  As spring turns to summer in Germany, the war intensifies further. The Duke of Brandeburg has been forced to retreat after several bloody weeks of fighting in Launitz, and loyalist troops gather to launch a two-pronged assault against the rebel's duchal seat.  Waldemar's attempt to draw his troops out of the rebel-controlled Northeast has failed, and what few troops remain have gathered in Loon, as Brabant falls to Holland.  Two of the rebellious counts in Bayern have been defeated. They are stripped of their lands, which are given to Bavaria.   The war in Lombardy is going badly. Though loyalists besiege Pavia, the Lombardians have scattered several loyalist armies and are now attacking into Brescia.  Despite a mad dash by the Duke of Lower Lorraine to save his Duchy, Lorraine falls and the Duke is forced to pledge his loyalty - and troops - to King Waldemar.  Magnus appears to be ignoring the loyalist army in Loon, focusing his efforts on attacks towards Swabia and Lorraine, so the scant two thousand men under the Count of Sticht begin moving towards Saxonian Oldenburg, hoping to force the Pretender to double back to save his demesne.  Bolstered by reinforcements coming in from the mostly pacified Southeast, the loyalist army manages to drive the Duke of Lombardy out of Brescia. Shortly thereafter, Pavia falls as well, and Lombardy surrenders.    The attack on Brandenburg has also proven a success, with the armies of the rebellious Duke now in full retreat.  The fighting in Lorraine is going well, and another besieged Count in an isolated province surrenders to Waldemar.  In winter of 1100, the war is definitely turning in Waldemar's favor. The forces of Lower Lorraine and Swabia, recalled in autumn and given the chance to rest and recover, are now amassing for an attack on Luxembourg.  Victory looks more and more likely, and in January of 1101 Waldemar's vassals have begun pressuring him for an official decree validating the new succession laws. Agreeing means that Waldemar's children cannot inherit the crown, but on the other hand, disagreement would have certain... consequenses.  Not wishing to see all that he has built up during the past year come crashing down around him, King Waldemar keeps his promise.  In the Northeast, Magnus' armies stubbornly fight on, falling back as loyalist troops march into the royal seat of Andernacht.  Andernacht has suffered greatly during the wars, changing hands a half-dozen times and being looted by each conqueror in turn. In a christian act of mercy, King Waldemar uses a significant portion of the royal treasury to feed its starving people.  Meanwhile, Brandenburg is proving a tougher nut to crack than expected, as a counter-attack has driven the loyalist troops back into Launitz.  Lorrainian soldiers capture Luxembourg and Liege, and the Duke of Luxembourg is forced to repent his betrayal and take a new oath of loyalty.  As Waldemar had hoped for, Magnus takes the bait offered him, rushing back to Oldenburg to break the siege, leaving his duchal seat of Göttingen wide open.  The Army of Mainz is sent to capture it.  Göttingen falls before Magnus has a chance to respond, and loyalists begin pushing in through Saxony to restore it to German rule and cut off the head of the serpent.  While preparing his army for an attack on the rebel-controlled Brabant, Waldemar receives the joyous news that his wife Eve has born him a son, an heir to Swabia and the Hohenzollern dynasty.  Brabant falls, then Zeeland, and Waldemar's troops push ever deeper into Holland, the Duke of Holland's army now in full retreat.  In March, Oldenburg, the last of the Magnus the Pretender's holdings in Saxony, falls. Magnus is captured, stripped of all his titles and lands, and sent into exile in Denmark. Hoping to secure the Northeast against another such rebellion, Waldemar grants the Duchy to a loyal and honest courtier from a lowly Austrian barony.   Following the news of the Magnus' defeat, almost all of the remaining rebels surrender. Most meet the same fate as their leader, though the Dukes of Brandenburg and Holland are permitted to keep their titles in recognition of their past friendships with Waldemar's father.      Only Provence, whose army is still full-strength, fights on. But the Duke of Provence now stands alone, and more and more loyalist troops are being called in from the other parts of Germany. The end is inevitable.   In June of 1091, Jaque of Provence surrenders, and is given clemency in exchange for an oath of loyalty.  The war is over. 
Wiz fucked around with this message at Mar 07, 2008 around 19:43 |
| # ? Mar 07, 2008 19:11 |
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Good job kicking the crap out of those rebellious bastards, what's your BB / vassal relations like now?
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| # ? Mar 07, 2008 19:33 |
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RabidWeasel posted:Good job kicking the crap out of those rebellious bastards, what's your BB / vassal relations like now? As of the last screenshot posted, -4 loyalty / month from BB and a bunch of of vassals on the brink of revolt. It's a good thing Germany has a 17 diplo chancellor or else this wouldn't have gone nearly as well.
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| # ? Mar 07, 2008 19:41 |
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1102-1103: To the Victor... As the victory celebrations die down, Waldemar begins to deal with the task of patching together Germany's wounds. Though the war is over, many problems remain. The royal demesne has grown beyond all proportions with confiscated land, and Waldemar cannot possibly manage it all, even with the help of his court. Besides, his vassals are beginning to complain loudly about the lack of spoils. To placate them and avert yet another series of revolts, Waldemar opens the coffers, filled to the brim with plunder, and awards each Count and Duke that remained loyal throughout the war a sum of 100 gold coins per province in their demesne. Though there is still some grumbling, this goes a long way to mollify the complainers. Next, he begins the task of awarding out land. The tiny Duchy of Austria gets the province of Österreich, which it lost to Heinrich the Heretic during one of the many land seizures under his reign.  The title Duke of Tyrol is created and given to the Count of Chur, along with the provinces Trent and Brescia   The title Duke of Brabant is given to one of the loyal counts in the Northeast, along with the lands of Hainaut and Brabant.  The Count of Braunschweig is made Duke of Brunswick and given Lüneburg.  Oldenburg is returned to the Duchy of Saxony, now ruled by Waldemar's faithfully loyal ex-courtier.  Lower Lorraine is made into a bishopric, in a gesture of goodwill towards Rome.  Finally, Waldemar's infant son is given the titles Duke of Swabia and Baden, and Kempt is added to the Hohenzollern demesne.  Waldemar's bastard brother, Georg von Hohenzollern, has reached majority. He is a vengeful and suspicious young man, but a coward at heart, and prefers sitting at home crafting plots and schemes to the manly art of warfare.  He is married to the widow of his older brother, Steward Yolande, who had begun expressing doubts about her future at court. Her skills as a steward are irreplacable, and Waldemar hopes the marriage will give her reason to remain in its service.  Waldemar's younger sister Hedwiga has also reached majority, and is married away to the Chancellor of the Duke of Sardinia in the hopes of fostering closer relations.  Marshal Adolf feels that his efforts in the war were far too modestly rewarded, and threatens to take his skills elsewhere. Waldemar sees no choice but to give him a generous gift, though it drives the Kingdom into debt.   The general sentiment among Waldemar's vassals is that the rewards he handed out were fair, and giving away so much land is enough to completely restore Waldemar's reputation in their eyes. Peace settles at last in the war-torn Kingdom, but Waldemar does not feel that his work is complete. The lands of Genoa, Pisa, Ferrara, Treviso and Siena maintain their independence agaqinst the claims of the crown, some of them having remained independent ever since they broke away in 1076. In May of 1102, Waldemar draws together a force of ten thousand men from the royal demesne and surrounding lands, and declares war on the Duke of Genoa.  The Duke of Alsace, a bitter rival of Waldemar, uses this opportunity to declare independence and urge his fellow Dukes and Counts to revolt along with him. But Germany is tired of pretenders, and his rallying cries go unheard.   Waldemar awards half of Alsace's land to Upper Lorraine, and keeps the other half for his demesne.  Genoa barely puts up any resistance, their army of six thousand retreating after only a short skirmish.  The city of Genoa quickly falls, and the Duchy is made a German vassal.  The Count of Siena, perhaps sensing what is coming, offers his allegiance to Waldemar, who gladly accepts.  In January 1103, German troops sweep over Italy.  None of the independent rulers put up much of a fight, and soon enough, they all return to German rule.  Having stabilized and reunited all of Germany's provinces, in October of 1103 King Waldemar I of Germany is crowned Emperor of all Romans. Inside the stone walls of the Cathedral of Milano, the lords of Germany, victors and defeated alike, watch in reverence as the Archbishop of Lower Lorraine place the crown on the young Hohenzollern's head. A new era in German history have begun. Extent of the Holy Roman Empire, Anno Domini 1103  - German Royal Demesne marked in red - Hohenzollern Duchy of Swabia-Baden marked in blue - Hohenzollern County of Treviso marked in green Wiz fucked around with this message at May 13, 2008 around 23:08 |
| # ? Mar 07, 2008 20:29 |
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You've certainly been one of the better paradox LPers. Are my eyes mistaken, or did Bohemia actually manage to win a war against Poland on their own?
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| # ? Mar 07, 2008 21:53 |
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Dr. Video Games 0031 posted:You've certainly been one of the better paradox LPers. Are my eyes mistaken, or did Bohemia actually manage to win a war against Poland on their own? No, but they did pick up a vassal that broke free. I expect the Polish King will be coming for that claim sooner or later. Wiz fucked around with this message at Mar 07, 2008 around 22:49 |
| # ? Mar 07, 2008 22:46 |
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1104-1109: Peace and Prosperity? 1104 begins with a marriage as Emperor Waldemar's widowed sister Osterhild is wed to Adolf, the German Marshal.  What follows the marriage celebrations is far from joyous, as a string of misfortunes descend on the Emperor's lands. First, there is news that Valais is suffering from the after-effects of looting under the war. Much of its population fled to neighbouring counties, and there are not enough peasants to work the fields.  In February, Waldemar's niece and the child of his bastard brother Konrad, comes down with pneumonia.  A short while later, a lady of the court whom Waldemar spent some time with during the victory celebrations reveals that she is pregnant. If Waldemar was the honest and hard-working Duke who accepted the crown during Germany's darkest days, he might well have done the right thing and recognized the child as his. However, Waldemar is now Emperor, with a head swollen from his victories and a habit for getting things done his way. He banishes the woman for spreading lies about him, hoping that will put an end to the affair.  Of course, this arbitrary act only serves to confirm his misdeed in the eyes of the court, and soon enough, the story of Waldemar's bastard child and unjustly banished lover has spread all across the realm, doing significant damage to the Emperor's standing in the eyes of his vassals.  July proves to be a tragic month, as the ill Amalberga dies, shortly followed into the grave by her infant brother, whom the poor child had unwittingly infected while playing.  An even greater tragedy strikes in August, as Waldemar's infant son Ludolf, Duke of Swabia-Baden and heir to the dynasty, is killed in an accident whilst in the care of the ruling council in Wurttemburg. A grieving and enraged Emperor Waldemar first exiles the ruling council, then reclaims the entirety of Swabia-Baden for the crown, revoking the titles of several Counts whom the ruling council had appointed. This is met with outrage from many of Waldemar's vassals, especially following so shortly on the banishment scandal.  A glimmer of good news in the midst of all the tragedy, as in winter of 1104 Adalbert von Hohenzollern, eldest surviving of Friedrich's bastards, regains control of his senses from whatever demonic creature had possessed him. He returns to court from the quiet manor where he had been housed, and is given a prominent position among Waldemar's personal guard.  Two new Dutchies are created in an effort to improve Waldemar's reputation among his vassals: Tuscany in Italy and Thuringia in North Germany.   In early 1105, Empress Eve becomes with child, and in November, she gives birth to a healthy boy, who is given the name Otto von Hohenzollern. Overjoyed and refusing to put the life of another Hohenzollern heir into the hands of petty barons, Waldemar announces that he will raise the boy himself, and that Swabia-Baden will remain under royal administration until Otto reaches majority.  Two years of peace is something Germany hasn't seen in a long time, and slowly but surely its razed and war-torn provinces begin to prosper again.    Adelaide, Waldemar's mother and de facto ruler of Swabia during Waldemar's minority, passes away in the summer of 1105 at the age of 47. During her last years, the burden of losing three of her six children and the strains of rulership had left her a seclusive shadow, and her death goes largely unnoticed, though Waldemar spares no expenses on her funeral and burial place in the Hohenzollern family crypt in Schwaben.  1105 also proves to be a disconcerting year for those German rulers who wish to see the church's influence lessened. Rome has yet to acknowledge Waldemar's title, and in what is seen by many as an attempt to get his vaunted coronation by the Pope, Waldemar has been ruling a number of disputes in the clergy's favor, and has even donated a large part of Swabia-Baden to the Archbishop of Bavaria.   Even an outright attempt by the Pope to stake a claim to the lands of a German vassal goes unanswered.  In 1107, new ideas begin spreading to Germany from the surrounding lands. These ideas state that the nobility should only have one profession, warfare, and that they should be governed by a set of rules and ideals known as 'chivalry'. The ideas quickly find fertile soil among the powerful noble houses of the realm, and Waldemar is faced with an overwhelming demand to revise German's ruling laws into a Feudal Contract between liege and vassal. Being quite taken in by the new ideals himself, Waldemar agrees.  April of 1107 sees the first vassal revolt in four years, as the tiny County of Forcalquier breaks away from Provence.  The end result of such an ill-conceived rebellion is quite inevitable.  Feeling that it's been long enough, and that he is spending far too much gold that could be put to better use elsewhere, Waldemar ends the giving of alms to looted provinces that he instituted at the end of the war.  The people and rulers of Germany are not impressed at such a miserly act by the self-proclaimed 'Chivalric Emperor'.  The power of the Church continues to grow, though a Papal coronation remains elusive...   News reaches the court that Leon has launched a reconquista and taken considerable lands from the muslim rulers of East Iberia. However, this has provoked the Muslim King of al-Murabitids in Morocco into declaring war on Iberia's christians, a war that currently appears to be going badly for Leon.  War has also erupted in the east as Poland has declared war on Bohemia over Bohemia's land grabs in Lower Silesia. Bohemia responds by seizing Upper Silesia from the weakened Silesian Duke.  Only days after its soldiers crosses the border in Boehmia, Poland is in turn attacked by the large and wealthy Principiality of Polotsk, forcing it to fight a war on two fronts.  Within a few weeks, the Poles have been forced to sign a white peace with Bohemia, as slavic soldiers loot their way through the realm.  Germany continues to prosper, an oasis of wealth and stability in a war-torn Europe.  Waldemar's only surviving niece, Sofie, reaches majority. Though she is misshaped and hunchbacked, she is a bright young woman with a sense for finances, and a husband is quickly found for her in Bohemia.   With no serious signs of dissent among his vassals and a treasury filled to the brim with gold, Waldemar begins looking around for an opportunity to gain glory and prestige, and perhaps impress the Pope. He finds what he seeks in the pagan Tribe of Mecklemburg on the baltic coast, who have begun raiding the surrounding German lands.  Waldemar declares that Mecklenburg shall be the target of a German Crusade, intended to incorporate it into the Empire and to convert its pagan populace to the one true belief. Twenty thousand men are drawn together from Waldemar's demesne and war is declared.  As the pagan warriors of Mecklenburg take to the fields to meet them, Waldemar personally leads his knights into the battle, smashing into their midst and reaching the pagan High Chief, who only barely manages to escape impalement on a german lance. The heathens crumble before the unstoppable cavalry charge, scattering in all directions.  Mecklemburg itself falls after a short siege, then Lübeck, then Werle. Nowhere do the pagans manage to mass any significant amount of warriors after their initial costly defeats.  Soon enough, all the lands of High Chief Antoni are held by Waldemar's soldiers, and the heathen ruler has little choice but to surrender to spare his people from further retributions.  Two new duchal titles are created out of the newly acquired lands. The Bishop of Bremen is made Archbishop of Holstein and given Lübeck.  Waldemar's ex-marshal, the devotedly loyal Adolf, is made Duke of Mecklemburg and given the rest of the pagan lands to rule.  Otto von Hohenzollern is old enough to begin considering the form of his education. Waldemar decrees that he shall be raised at the Imperial court, so that he may be instructed in all the aspects of rulership.  Besancon, a Burgundian province with French cultural roots, has become more and more German in culture and tradition with each passing year, and this has now reached the point where the people of Bescanon can be considered proper German subjects.  Ill fortune continues to befall the bastards of Friedrich, as Georg von Hohenzollern becomes severely ill with stomach aches and fever.  As Waldemar is hosting a grand tourney in Bern celebrating the rich harvest of 1108, he is approached by his Diocese Bishop, Ludolf. Ludolf's longstanding and bitter enemy, the spy master of Lower Lorraine, is participating in the tourney and Ludolf wishes to go up against him in a bout with sharp weapons. To deny such a request would be seen as a severe breach of the chivalric code by his vassals, so Waldemar reluctantly allows it. Unfortunately for Ludolf, his rival is far better with a lance than he is, and he is unsaddled in the very first round and carried off the field with severe chest injuries. He dies not long after.  A month later, Georg von Hohenzollern loses the battle with his illness. Out Friedrich's six sons, four have now succumbed to illness or injury, and none have reached the age of thirty.  Waldemar is informed by his spy master that the Adolf of Carinthia, the only Grand Duke to fight on Waldemar's side during the succession war, is secretly plotting a rebellion against him. For now, it appears that he has little support outside his own court, but Waldemar decides to keep Adolf under close watch and have him dealt with'if he becomes a serious thread.  Feeling reasonably certain that whatever demon possesed the bastard Hohenzollern in the past is gone for good, Waldemar appoints his brother Adalbert to the position of Marshal. Adalbert is quick to use the position to enrich himself, proving once and for all that his mind is perfectly sound again.  Some curious news have reached the court. The small Duchy of Sardinia has launched a series of wildly successful wars against their muslim neighbours, conquering Tunisia and most of Sicily, transforming them into a serious mediterrenean power.  The revolts and unrest in France finally reaches a boiling point, as most of Southern France under the Duke of Aquitaine revolts. Shortly thereafter, the Duchy of Flanders joins Aquitaine in rebellion, meaning that more than half the lands in the realm of France are now independent.  The news coming from Iberia are even more concerning - Leon has been utterly defeated by the al-Murabitids and forced to cede most of their land, including their entire border with Navarra. With its christian rulers isolated and badly diminished, Iberia is likely to fall entirely until the sway of Muslim rulers barring help from other parts of Europe.  A crusade seems inevitable. Wiz fucked around with this message at May 13, 2008 around 23:07 |
| # ? Mar 09, 2008 01:09 |
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A crusade? Oh, YES! Just what Waldemar needs to get that churchly coronation he's been after!
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| # ? Mar 09, 2008 11:45 |
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Wiz posted:The power of the Church continues to grow, though a Papal coronation remains elusive... You've sealed your own fate on this one. You cannot officially become Emperor if your character is modest. You would have been better off doing the non-pious thing in the second screenshot. Also maybe you should consider making the updates a bit less detailed? For a 5 year update, this most recent one is massive.
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| # ? Mar 09, 2008 19:09 |
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Dr. Video Games 0031 posted:You've sealed your own fate on this one. You cannot officially become Emperor if your character is modest. You would have been better off doing the non-pious thing in the second screenshot. Actually, part of the whole elective law chain forces the King to be Proud and Just (traits are the only real way to do 'flags' in CK), so he's not modest anymore. Basically, I don't pick whatever options would be best to do, I pick whatever options I feel that the current ruler would choose based on his traits and the personality I envisioned for him. (Also, the alternative was a 75% chance for Excommunication) People requested more court politics and such, so that's why I went more into detail on the last one. I don't think size will be such a big issue when we finally get to the next page of the thread.
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| # ? Mar 09, 2008 19:48 |
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1100 - 1113: The Third Crusade The Third Crusade is called in late 1109 to liberate Burgos from the heathens and stop their advance across Iberia. With Poland still waging their long, grinding war against Polotsk, Hungary and France beset by internal strife and England not on the best of terms with the Pope, it is now up to the Holy Roman Empire alone to defend Christianity against the muslims.  Emperor Waldemar spares little time declaring war on the occupiers of Burgos, drawing together 30,000 men from his demesne in Genoa and Provence, and urging his vassals to take up the cross and muster their own forces.   The first German soldiers make landfall at Valencia in February of 1110. Most of the heathens are flocked around the border to Navarra, and only a small rearguard is holding the Sultan's ruling seat. They are quickly routed.   Back in Germany, Empress Eve hosts a grand feast for all of Waldemar's vassals in celebration of the Crusade, hoping that more of them will take up the cross. It proves only moderately successful.  With Valencia in the Crusaders' hands, the army is split in two to take the neighbouring provinces of La Mancha and Denia. To the north, the second army, led by Waldemar himself, has just made landfall in Barcelona.   Some news from home: Albrecht, the son of an unimportant courtier who has managed to endure both regular illnesses and pneumonia, is showing an instinct for tactics and warfare that exceeds that of most adults. He is spoken of as a prodigy, and a future marshal for Germany's armies.  The French rebels have sacked Paris, and another Duke in the south has declared independence. It seems unlikely at this point that the French king will manage to keep his realm together.  Denia and La Mancha quickly fall to our forces, the despirited muslim armies offering no resistance at all.  Five thousand Crusaders enter Toledo, only be faced with a muslim army three times their size - Waldemar had hoped that King Zigza would split his forces to meet the threat from the Crusaders attacking from Barcelona, but the muslim ruler appears to have a decent grasp of warfare, and has opted to try and deal with the Crusaders one army at a time.  Faced with such overwhelming numbers, Waldemar's men can do little but retreat.  Back in Germany, a good half of Waldemar's vassals have joined the Crusade, and a steady stream of ships are leaving the harbors of Liguria, headed towards Valencia. Waldemar has also sent orders for the large Army of Milano to be mustered.  Meanwhile, the two parts of the first Crusader army have managed to join forces again at La Mancha, and have repelled an advance force sent by King Zigza.  Albarracin falls to Waldemar, and a loyal knight who showed courage during the fighting is made its count.   King Zigza gathers his his entire army for a second attack on La Mancha. The Crusaders make a brave stand, but are ultimately forced to retreat with heavy losses, and La Mancha falls into heathen hands once more.  Seemingly unstoppable, Zigza's army brush aside what few defenders remain in Valencia, and begin laying siege to the port. If Valencia falls, the muslims will be able to pick off the scattered crusading armies heading there one by one, effectively strangling the flow of manpower. Waldemar immediately turns his army south on hearing the news, abadoning the gains he had made in Navarra.  Waldemar's men descend on the numerically superior forces of King Zigza, and despite horrendous losses, manage to drive them back with a series of reckless charges.  A muslim counterattack fails to dislodge Waldemar from Valencia, and soon enough, thousands of men from the various rulers of the Empire add their forces to the Crusade, driving the muslims before them and capturing La Mancha and Toledo.  Molina is next to fall, even as news reach Waldemar that the Saxony and Holland have landed troops in north Iberia and are now marching on Burgos.  More lands continue to fall to the Crusaders, and the al-Murabatids now control only the immediate area around Burgos.  Still, the war drags on, and as the year turns to 1112, Waldemar begins feeling the absence of female company. The result is a bastard boy by the name of Werner.  Just as Waldemar's troops cross the border into Burgos, disaster strikes - the conniving muslim king has paid off one of Waldemar's commanders with gold and the promise of lands. The foul traitor vanishes south, along with half of Waldemar's army.  However, this is a last ditch attempt, and ultimately makes little difference. Burgos falls to the troops of Holland, mere days before Waldemar reaches the city.  Perhaps inspired by the Crusade in Iberia, the Kingdom of Sweden has launched their own little crusade against the pagans in Lithaunia. The result is the creation of a new knightly order, the Teutonic Order, mainly composed of Danish and North German noblemen who have taken oaths of chastity and poverty. After some conflicts about its leadership, the Order approaches a distant cousin of Emperor Waldemar, offering him the position of Grandmaster. He turns it down, explaining that his sword arm is needed in Iberia. Instead, the Grandmaster ends up being the eldest son of one of the many German noble houses who lost their lands to Heinrich the Heretic: Otto von Habsburg.  Down in Iberia, the fall of Burgos has drawn the Muslim Kingdom of Hammahid into the war, as the Hammahid King declares war on the Duke of Holland and Waldemar declares war on him in turn. Controlling Granada and a sizeable amount of land in Algeria, the Hammahids are a powerful foe, but the Crusaders still have numbers on their side. Only a week later, however, the third muslim power in Iberia, the Emirate of Sevilla, declares war as well.  An overview of the Crusade as a whole. Waldemar is having some trouble trying to group enough soldiers to meet the Hammahid advance in the south, since most of the German vassals seem to think that the war is over now that Burgos has fallen, and are going home.  An attack towards Burgos is repelled only at the cost of the German Chancellor's life, as an arrow from a muslim horse archer strikes his armor in a weak spot.  The Hammahid Sheik of Cuenca is defeated, and the province is given to a German nobleman.  1113 begins with news of the worst sort, as the Archbishop of Bavaria decides that he has had enough of Imperial rule, and revolts.  This is the last straw for Waldemar, who is already facing more and more calls from his vassals to declare the Crusade at an end. Carinithia and Genoa seem ready to join Bavaria in revolt, and Waldemar is not about to let Germany erupt into civil war again just to gain a few more Iberian provinces. A peace deal is brokered with King Zigza, demanding Molina, Soria and Leon for Germany.  King Zigza accepts.  More loyal knights are made into Counts, and there is now a fairly large German realm in Iberia that both connects the Iberian christians and serves as a buffer against any further Muslim advances. Leaving a large force behind to garrison against Hammahid or Sevillian attacks on Burgos, Waldemar rushes home to put out the fires of revolt.  An illness is spreading through the royal court at home, infecting several courtiers along with Empress Eve and Waldemar's infant bastard son Werner. Werner succumbs to the illness a short while later, continuing the long string of misfortunes that seem to afflict nearly all male children of the Hohenzollern dynasty.  With Waldemar back in Germany, the royal armies are quickly mustered and sent into Bavaria, crushing the rebel Archbishop's forces, and bringing the rebellion to a quick close.   In a move that takes his vassals by surprise, Waldemar declares that the Grand Duchy of Bavaria, with its long history of risings against the crown, will not be reformed. Instead, Bavaria is folded into the tiny but fiercely loyal Duchy of Austria, which becomes the Grand Duchy of Austria.  In August of 1113, the war in Iberia putters out, with both Sevilla and the Hammahids offering peace to the Crusaders. Burgos is saved, and the Pope declares the Third Crusade to be over.  Deus Vult. Wiz fucked around with this message at May 13, 2008 around 23:07 |
| # ? Mar 09, 2008 19:50 |
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Awesome update. I know some people are complaining about the detail of the court politics in your updates, but it seems to me that's really what the strength of Crusader Kings is. Plus, it helps to differentiate your LP from the other Paradox ones.
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| # ? Mar 09, 2008 21:22 |
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Rate Thread:
