Let's Play Road of Queens - CKII India AAR

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Two : Pacts Against The Despot?


"I Am Frigging Adorable!"

We open this chapter in June, of the year 882 AD, with the Protostrator coming to the Despot with a name of a man with wonderful military talents. The man was Symmachos and he was willing to serve within the ranks.

Spoiler: A Warrior Available To Become A Commander?

Show

The Despot agreed and had him replace Bhikkhu Khsetravridha of Puthia. At least the man looked like a good warrior. Not a GREAT warrior but nobody was perfect. (1)

Spoiler: Commander Symmachos

Show

Then the Protostrator brought the Despot bad news. Seems that Shah Ayeshah "The Unready" of the House of Samanid had formed a Defensive Pact opposing Niphon Dysnomia!

Spoiler: A Muslim Defensive Pact

Show

"Who now?" asked the Despot.

The Protostrator walked the Despot to the Wall Map and pointed at a small Realm near the other side of India. "There is it my Liege," he stated. "A Muslim Realm."

Spoiler: Shah Ayeshah

Show

"That's so far away!" exclaimed the Despot with a frown. "Why would he form a Pact against me? I'm no where near him!"

"You're a threat, remember?" pointed out the Protostrator.

"I am NOT a threat!" replied the Despot. "I am frigging adorable!"

"They don't know you like we do my Liege," said the Protostrator who decided that the best way to react to that statement was to say something truthful without agreeing or disagreeing with the Despot.

But then Despot was cheered up with the news that the Doux Merzuban was getting his levies crushed by Aepak's Host.

Spoiler: Doux Merzuban's Men Were Fighting The Raiders

Show

Then he received more bad news from the Protostrator again. Seems that Chief Girgen "The Hammer" of Ghazna had formed ANOTHER Defensive Pact opposing Niphon Dysnomia.

"Who is it this time?" asked the Despot with a sigh.

Spoiler: Chief Girgen And The Pagan Defensive Pact

Show

The Protostrator escorted the Despot to the Wall Map and pointed at the tiny Pagan Realm. "Right there."

"By Buddha's Belly!" mumbled the Despot. "The Punjab could absorb his Realm by accident and he thinks I am the threat!"

At least the next piece of news was enough to cheer the Despot up. In July the Keep in Haruppeswara had been upgraded.

Spoiler: A Upgraded Keep In Haruppeswara

Show

The day afterwards the Doux Ananta of Varendra sent the Despot a letter. Within it he provided proof that Count Dionysios had been slandering the Despot! The Despot decided to keep the information to himself.

Spoiler: Doux Ananta Says He Can Proof Count Dionysios Is Slandering The Despot

Show

The reason he kept it to himself was easy to understand. The Despot trusted his Councilor more than he trusted the Doux. The Count was Honest and Humble. The Doux was Deceitful and Craven.

Spoiler: The Count Vs. The Doux

Show

And also he assumed the proof was fake as there was no other evidence that the Despot was being slandered. There were no evil rumors or gossip of the Ruler being spread about either within the Royal Court or the rest of the Realm.

Funny enough, shortly after this, the Sakellarios came to the Despot with an interesting idea. "My Liege," he said as he approached the throne, "I wonder if you would like to increase your popularity among the masses?"

"Maybe," responded the Depot. "How?"

"Well," said Count Dionysios, "in the old days Roman Emperors would put their faces on the coins they minted. Maybe you could do the same?"

"How much would it cost?" asked the Despot.

"100 gold coins," answered the Count with a smile. "As we have almost 500 in the coffers it isn't that much."

Spoiler: Minting Coins

Show

The Despot thought hard on it for a second and then said, "Make it so." And so the coins were made with the adorable face of the Despot on them all.

In the middle of July it was noticed that the Aepak's Host had defeated Doux Merzuban's men and was heading north. "They will not be escaping my men so easily!" proclaimed the Despot to his staff.

Spoiler: Doux Merzuban's Men Had Been Defeated

Show

Around the same time the Despot received news from the Spymaster. It seems that Rajabhata Kaivarta was planning to kill his own nephew to get his brother's title.

Spoiler: Another Murder Plot!

Show

This was somewhat puzzling as the man would have to kill three other people, plus his older brother Count Chandrasen, for this plot to work.

Spoiler: How Many People Have To Die?

Show

"Tell him to stop," demanded the Despot. "Trying to kill his nephew. Tsk tsk."

At this point news kind of dried up and the Despot become slightly bored. So he asked his staff for more information on the second group of steppe horsemen. The Army in Bome.

Spoiler: The Horsemen In Bome

Show

The small Army was under the command of Khan Begluk of the House of Wilczyce. He, like many others to the north, was in a war with the Greatest of Khans. The staff assumed that the group had withdrawn this far south to recover from a defeat.

Amazingly the day later a rider came to the Palace with bad news. The men under Wilczyce was looting the County of Bome. Seems they had recovered.

Spoiler: Wilczyce's Men Start Looting

Show

So we close this chapter with two groups of Raiders causing problems within the Realm.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. Funny enough Khsetravridha did NOT seem to be a Commander according to any of our historical records but maybe those records were lost?

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Three : Dealing With Raiders


Attacking The Aepak's Host

We open this chapter in July, of the year 882 AD, with the Magistros Gennadios coming to the Despot's throne room.

"Sire," he said looking a tad uncomfortable. "I have some news for you. Bad news."

"Well," replied the Despot. "Tell it to me. I can take it."

"My Liege," remarked the Magistros, "you really are NOT going to like it."

"Just tell me."

"It had to do with the Doux Merzuban,"

"WHAT DID HE DO THIS TIME?" shouted the Despot. Even the hardened Palace Guards jumped in surprise and it is said that those with good hearing in other counties could hear the Despot's angry shout.

The Magistros unfolded a message and gave it to the Despot while explaining, "The Doux tried to take Count Shaw's Title again. Count Shaw refused and started another Revolt. So now the two are waging a third war."

Spoiler: Another Revolt Against Doux Merzuban

Show

"The Doux had TWO CHANCES to take that title in the last war!" exclaimed the Despot as he crumbled the message in his hands. "TWO CHANCES! And now that some of his troops have been defeated in battle by a invading Host, many of them fleeing for their lives, he had started another war with Shaw?"

"Yes, my Liege," said the Magistros. He then added, "He IS a fool. Remember?"

The Despot growled. "Tonight I am taking a fast horse to visit one of the counties. Prepare a fast horse and make sure the road stations are alerted that I will need fresh replacements. Tonight I am going to the County of Markam. At least the population there is loyal. Norse but still loyal."

So by the morning of the 25th of July, in the year 882 AD, the Despot was meeting with the elders and people of Markam. Babies were kissed, roads were examined, and beer was tasted. He even gave the elders over 72 gold coins worth of gifts and donations.

Spoiler: The Despot Visits The County Of Markam

Show

But in the end the Despot had to leave. The Norse were a nice people, full of cheer and beer, but they were also smelly. And the Despot didn't like how the Pugs kept eyeing his ankles. So he took the fast horse relay system back home and reached the Palace by nightfall.

By then the Wall Map had been updated and the Despot found himself feeling pissed off again as he noticed the new counters on it.

Spoiler: An Updated Wall Map

Show

"Stupid Doux Merzuban," he grumbled to himself as he went to bed with his stuffed elephant.

Spoiler: The Despot's Stuffed Elephant

Show

In August the Host stopped in Mainling to put it under siege. Which was good. It meant the fools had stopped moving.

Spoiler: The Mainling Is Being Looted

Show

A day later it was announced that Shaw of the Bamiyan Revolt had passed the Tax Shifted Burgher Obligations Laws. In other words he wanted the City vassals to give him money instead of troops.

Spoiler: Shaw Asking His Burghers For More Money

Show

"They're both idiots," mumbled the Despot on hearing the news. "The man had lots of gold. What he needed was more soldiers."

By the idles of August the Host noticed that the Despot's Army was approaching and tried to run. At the same time the Doux Merzuban had assembled over six hundred to deal with the Rebels.

Spoiler: The Host Tries To Run

Show

But then the Host changed their minds and decided to go back to laying siege to the county.

Spoiler: The Host Decides NOT To Run

Show

On the 22nd of August the Battle of Nang was reported to the Royal Court. The enemy Host was already in trouble as their right flank collapsed under the volleys of arrows and spears from Archers and Missile Cavalry.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Nang Starts

Show

By the 24th more news came in. The enemy's left flank had collapsed also. By the 26th the enemy was being chases down by Cavalry.

Spoiler: The Enemy Collapses

Show

And by the end of the month the Host's center was the last group of Raiders standing as the rest of them had fled.

By September the Battle of Nang had come to an end with the Host fleeing northwards. They had lost 540 men, more than half their number, while the Royal Army had lost only 34 soldiers. It was a clear victory, a MAJOR victory for the Realm.

Spoiler: Victory!

Show

The Army of Mayor Supratisthitavarman was so close on the heels of the fleeing Host that the two counters could not occupy the same space on the Wall Map. But both were heading north. And the next target on the Royal Army's hit list was the Horsemen in the County of Bome.

Spoiler: On To The Next Target!

Show

So we close this chapter with Aepak's Host being chased by the Royal Army as the Army under Wilczyce is trying, and failing, to lay siege to the Castle at Bome.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Four : Well, That Was Easy.


Wimps Of The Steppes

We open this chapter in September, of the year 882 AD, with Prince Eustratios of Kamarupa becoming 12 years old. At this point the Despot's oldest son needed the second leg of his education selected for him.

Spoiler: Prince Eustratios Will Become A Diplomat

Show

The Despot didn't want to handicap his eldest but neither did he wish to make the boy too skilled in certain arts. Eustratios was NOT going to be the next Ruler and the Despot did not wish to make the boy too dangerous towards his youngest sister who WOULD be Queen. So he decided the boy would learn about diplomacy. Always a good talent to have.

Later on a report came from the Mayor's Army. Seems Wilczyce's Army was trying to lay siege to the Norse and failing. They only had just over two hundred men and that was just not enough.

Spoiler: The Khan Tries To Lay Siege To Bome

Show

In October the Despot received bad news from the Spymaster. Count Sangrama of Sakya was trying to create a claim on the Duchy of Shigatse.

Spoiler: Another War On The Way?

Show

"No, no, no," murmured the Despot to himself. "Can't my Vassals behave just for a few weeks."

A day later the Despot also received news from the north, from the Frontier, where it looked like the Khan realized he was in danger and he tried to flee.

Spoiler: The Khan Tries To Flee

Show

But it was too late. The Royal Army was onto them before they could leave the county. On the 11th of October the Battle of Bome had began.

Spoiler: The SHORT Battle Of Bome

Show

The battle was so one-sided that it ended just 5 days later. Khan Begluk's Army had been totally wiped out while the Royal Army had only lost 2 soldiers. The Despot was confused. He had thought the Khans and the Horsemen of the steppes were super-dangerous warriors even when outnumbered. He was not impressed.

Even while this good news was being delivered the Despot was also being given bad news from the Spymaster. Seems Rani Bibibai of the Gupta Raj was plotting to kill her young brother for their father's title.

Spoiler: Another Murder Plot

Show

"Tell HER to STOP," replied the Despot as he glared at the report that his Spymaster had handed him.

At the same time all this was happening Aepak's Host was trying to flee unnoticed. They failed.

Spoiler: The Host Tries To Escape

Show

By the end of October the Royal Army had caught up with the Host and the Battle of Gonjo came about. The Royal Cavalry and Missile Cavalry charged the enemy right away and they crumbled.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Gonjo

Show

As the Despot waited for news of the victory he received more news. Bad news in a way.

His own Doux Pariksh1tnayaran "The Lecher" had suggested a marriage between the House of Shantideva and House of Pala. And Raja Nar Singh "The Cruel" had agreed. This upset the Despot because it meant one of his own Vassals was now related, by marriage, to the Pala Dynasty.

Spoiler: An Arranged Marriage Between The Pala And The Shantideva

Show

Great. Who knew what kind of trouble that would cause?

By November he got clearly good news. The Battle of Gonjo was a victory. The Royal Army lost 6 while the enemy was wiped out.

Spoiler: The Host Defeated And The Leader Captured

Show

Their leader, Eldecyuk, had also been captured. A lowborn Pagan who was now without men, money, or any hope for a future.

Spoiler: Eldecyuk Was Now In Chains

Show

So we close this chapter which has a ton of mixed events, good and bad, for the Despot.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Five : More Vassals Misbehaving


Stop Messing Up My Wall Map!

We open this chapter in November, of the year 882 AD, with the Royal Army heading west. It was in for a LONG march to the next war. But the Despot was trying to be patient.

Spoiler: The Royal Army Moves West

Show

Near the middle of the month news came out of the Kingdom of Pala. It looked like Nar Singh Pala was making allies. He was promising to support Jyotirishwar. And of course, if you promised to help somebody those people would also owe you support on a latter date.

Spoiler: Nar Singh Pala Gains A Ally

Show

Around the same time Shaw and his Rebels attacked the soldiers of the Doux Merzuban. And it was pretty easy to see they were losing right off the bat. But the Despot decided he really didn't care about that any more. Let the two fools kill each other.

Spoiler: Fool Vs. Fool

Show

The Despot also received a report from Mayor Supratisthitavarman that stated their captive, Eldecyuk was worthless. There was nobody to even demand a ransom from!

Spoiler: Nobody Wants Him

Show

So they hung him till he was dead. The Mayor pointed out that it was a semi-quick hanging as they made sure to put weights on the Khan's legs before opening the trap door.

Spoiler: Hang Him High

Show

Then, once again, news came out of the Kingdom of Pala of Nar Singh Pala making another alliance. This time with Bhikkhu Bhumimitra "The Strange" of Gaya.

Spoiler: Nar Singh Pala Is Up To No Good

Show

As December rolled about the Despot was glaring at the Kingdom of Pala on the Wall Map. It was going to be so annoying to take it over. If ONLY the current Ruler, Maharaja Mahendra II, was slightly better at his job.

Spoiler: Mahendra II Could Not Control His Own Vassals

Show

"The least he could do for me is to keep his vassals under control till they become MY vassals," grumbled the Despot to his staff. They just nodded their heads.

Then in the middle of the month the Despot received horrible news. The Lhasan Revolt had been declared by Isaias in the name of Mayor Loukas to support the Mayor's Claim on Lhasa. So the "Great" Count Isaias was fighting a war against the 10 year old Doux Hypatios of Lhasa for some Mayor's claim.

Spoiler: Another Revolt!

Show

It is said that the Despot just glared at the Wall Map and raged. "Look at that mess! Look at it! Damn my Vassals! Damn them all!"

Spoiler: The Palace Wall Map

Show

So we close this chapter with the Despot having trouble with his Vassals. Even the Vassals that were not yet his.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Six : The Quiet Before The Storm


"Gear Up Lads!"

We open this chapter in December, of the year 882 AD, with the Despot sending a demand to the Isaias of Lhasan Revolt to end his war with the Doux Hypatios in a White Peace. In doing so the Despot was losing face but he wanted his Realm nice and quiet before he started his war.

Spoiler: Isaias Of The Lhasan Revolt Is Asked To Step Down

Show

Then the Despot was alerted to the fact that the Isaias had disbanded his Faction to give the Mayor Loukas the title for Lhasan. Of course he had disbanded it - he was now fighting a war over it!

Spoiler: Not The Despot's Problem

Show

A letter arrived later in the December that stated that Isaias was willing to make Peace for a gift of over 152 gold coins. The Despot agreed.

Spoiler: Isaias Agrees To Step Down...For A Price

Show

Of course Count Isauas of Kunggar ended up in the Doux's dungeon once the White Peace was declared. The Despot pondered ways to try to keep the Count of Kunggar, and his family, under control. Maybe demand the Count switch his title inheritance to gavelkind? Split up all those titles, and power, among his children when he dies?

Spoiler: Jail Time

Show

A day later the Bishop Samuel of Dambuk became Regent for the Count. This did not worry the Despot as much as it might have in the past but it did worry him a tad. A Bishop in charge of all those counties?

Spoiler: Bishop Samuel Becomes The Regent For The Count

Show

More alarming news came from within the Kingdom of Pala. Raja Nar Singh had his allies vote for the Ruler War Declaration Sovereignty Ruler.

Spoiler: Raja Nar Singh's Councilors Vote The Way He Wants Them To

Show

In other words the Raja could declare war now without the permission of his Council. Bad sign. Very bad sign.

Spoiler: Raja Can Declare War Without His Council's Permission

Show

Then in January, of the year 883 AD, the Raja Rajyapala of the Gupta Raj was jailed and his Faction to Increase Council Power in the Pala Kingdom was disbanded. At first the Despot was confused by this action. Why had it happened? The Despot was happy. One less Faction to worry about when he ruled Pala. But why had it happened?

Spoiler: Raja Rajyapal Is Arrested

Show

But he got his answer February when the Raja was released from jail after agreeing to convert to the Buddhist Faith. That also meant one less Vassal who would hate the Despot for being a Buddhist which was also good.

Spoiler: Raja Rajyapal Is Released

Show

The Despot almost felt sorry for the man. For when the war with Pala started it would be the Raja's holdings which would be hit first.

Spoiler: About To Kick In The Door

Show

So we close this chapter on the verge of war. So in the next chapter we will take a break to look at the top seven military powers of the known world!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Seven : Top Seven Military Powers


Muslim Vs. Hindu

Welcome friends! Welcome to the 5th of February, of the year 883 AD, in which we will visit the top seven military powers of the known world. The first military power on our list was the Mongol Empire! Genghis Khan Temujin "The Scourge Of Zurvan" was on top of the list because of his one hundred-twenty-eight thousand warriors.

Spoiler: Mongol Empire

Show

He was deep in a war with Khagan Ozmish of Uyghur and his allies. And Temujin was winning. It seemed the Khan of Khans was moving slowly westward towards Europe. Funny enough, it looked like the Ayudha Kingdom was on the wrong side of the war. Who gave them permission to be in this war? The Khagan also had Urabo and the Saua Duchy on his side. And the tiny "What-The-Heck-Do-We-Think-We-Are-Doing" Realm of Kroran. Even the Khan Begluk of Wilczyce was shown in the war. Which was weird because his army just got wiped out by that guy Despot somebody-or-other.

Still, enough about the suicidal nobody Realms and let's get back to the list! Next we have to go to Europe to visit the Aztec Empire. Huetlatoani Xochitl "The Brave" and his ninety-seven thousand warriors were still at war against the Pope and winning. Slowly.

Spoiler: Aztec Empire

Show

The Pope was an army of one. Yes, he had not one soldier to his name and none of the Christian Realms had come to his help. Why? Because, remember, the Pope STARTED this war. So the Christian Defensive Pact didn't kick in. And they don't seem willing to stick their necks out. Go figure. Let's move on to the THIRD power on the list!

We move eastwards to the Byzantine Empire and Basilissa Romylia who was still on the throne. Her, and her thirteen thousand soldiers, were facing a Tengri Revolt and a Host. And the Religious Revolt of the Tengri were winning.

Spoiler: Byzantine Empire

Show

On the other hand she had a ton of coins in her coffers and seemed to be keeping her Empire in one piece. Too bad she sucked at running her military. Not really much to say here. The Empire used to be near the top of the list and now they were not. But they're not at the bottom either. So let's go to the Fourth on the list of military powers. Welcome to the Arabian Empire! An Empire so LOW on the list they were no longer seen as a THREAT by anybody. Not ONE Pact against them!

Spoiler: Arabian Empire

Show

Caliph Zeyd of the House of Abbasid was in hiding and unmarried. With over eighteen thousand warriors and over two thousand gold coins he seemed to be winning his Holy War against Punjab and the Punjab's allies. He was also dealing with two Hosts who had raided him around the same time. A lonely young man looking for love! Trying to spread his Empire eastwards into India. Not much else to say. Let's move onto the next Realm on the list. And right next door!

Or INSIDE as the next power was Al-Jazira. The Ruler was still Caliph Mirza of the House of Mirzid. The boy who had become a man has become a RULER with four surviving wives and seven children. He also has over sixteen thousand warriors. He had sympathy for the Jews and the Christians.

Spoiler: Al-Jazira

Show

But he wasn't a softie. He happened to be in a Holy Way against the Uqqid Emirate. A lot of religious conflicts going on. So on to the next Realm in India!

The Sixth Realm on the list was the Kingdom of Kamarupa. The Despot Niphon was stressed and a horrible writer but besides that seemed to be doing well. He had over fifteen thousand warriors and just cleared out his Realm of invaders.

Spoiler: Kingdom Of Kamarupa

Show

True, his Vassals were jerks. Mindless, disloyal, smelly jerks. But he had enough power to keep them under control. Sometimes. Anyway, at this moment in time the Despot was about to declare war with the Pala Dynasty. So, let us go to the last Realm on the list! This Realm was also in India! Punjab!

The Great King Kutan "The Cruel" of Punjab was still in charge. He, and his eight thousand warriors, were fighting off two invaders. One war he was losing and one war he was winning. Both Holy Wars.

Spoiler: Punjab

Show

It was almost as if the Aztec and Mongol Empires were squeezing the Realms together into a big, messy, no rules knife fight. Everybody was going at each others' throats. Not very promising for the future.

So we close this chapter with a bunch of Holy Wars and crumbling Empires slowly sliding down the list of military powers. Thank you for reading and join us next time when we watch the Despot guy start a war with his distant relatives.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Eight : The Kamarupa Claim On Bihar War


"Forward To Glory!"

We open this chapter in February, of the year 883 AD, with a short review of the two sides about to clash. Due to the new territories and upgrades in the infrastructure Despot Niphon of Kamarupa had over fifteen thousand soldiers. Over five thousand of these men were already about to enter the Kingdom of Pala (Bihar).

Spoiler: The Attacker

Show

The Great King Mahendra II of the Pala Kingdom had just over four thousand soldiers to his title. It was unknown how many of his vassals would help him but it was unlikely many would. They seemed too busy with their own goals and infighting.

Spoiler: The Defender

Show

As the Despot waited for the war to start he pondered what to do with the "Great" Count Isaias of Kunggar.

"He comes from such a family of trouble makers," stated the Despot. "Is there ANYTHING we can do to him to weaken him or slow him down?"

Spoiler: What To Do With Count Isaias?

Show

"Not now," stated the Council. "He isn't under our direct control like he was when he was in revolt."

"Darn it," grumbled the Despot. "Maybe he will do something stupid and insult me or something. Or maybe his future children will cause him as much trouble as his past family caused mine."

On the Wall Map the Yurlungi Army was shown getting closer and closer to the Kingdom of Pala. The Despot watched it each and every day, as staff moved it slightly, and counted down the days till the war would begin. Then he got a weird report. Qamdo was under siege?

Spoiler: Qamdo Under Siege

Show

"Who are THOSE guys?" asked the Despot. "The counter suggests rebels. We don't have rebels do we?"

"No," replied a staff member. "The Duchy Saua is having a Revolt and those belong to them."

Spoiler: Saua Revolt

Show

But the wait for war had soon ended. The Despot sent the Great King a declaration of war.

Spoiler: War Starts!

Show

And when declaring war timing was everything. Even as the Army was crossing into Pala the Despot's Levies were called forth! The Despot's second wave of soldiers would be twice as large as the first.

Spoiler: Royal Levies Assemble!

Show

The Queen's Chinese Honor Guard were also called forth to join the Royal Levies in the battle for the Kingdom of Pala.

Spoiler: Call Out The Queen's Guard!

Show

The Kingdom of Pala also called forth their levies. Little did they know that by doing so they were asking for defeat! Even as they assembled, collected their weapons, and prepared for battle the Royal Army was already marching down on them.

Spoiler: The Pala Calls Forth Their Own Levies

Show

The Battle of Mithila began on the 20th of February as the local soldiers were ambushed by the Royal soldiers. Without any Commanders the enemy forces collapsed on contact.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Mithila

Show

So we close this chapter with the start of the war for the Kingdom of Pala.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

I noticed this issue when I started my gaming session but the dates went back to make sense shortly afterwards. In other words it corrected itself.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Three Hundred-Ninety-Nine : War And Non-Aggression


Peasant Levies

We open this chapter in February, of the year 883 AD, with the news that Dionysia Dysnomia had died a natural death at the age of 67. And so Doux Merzuban of the Bamiyan Satrapy lost his first wife and the only person who loved him.

Spoiler: Death Of A Family Member

Show

"Interesting," grumbled the Despot on receiving the news, "but who cares? I want news from the war!"

As the Despot waited for REAL news from the front he got more news he really didn't care about. It turned out Count Anantadeva was plotting to take the Duchy of Qamdo.

Spoiler: Count Anantadeva Wants To Claim The Duchy Of Qamdo

Show

"Tell him to stop," demanded the Despot of his Spymaster. "Listen, we have a war going on here!"

The same day the Despot also received news from the Kingdom of Pala. Looks like not EVERYBODY was helping each other. Looks like Nar Singh Pala refused to support a lowborn named Nar Singh.

Spoiler: Pala Infighting

Show

"HA!" said the Despot with a smirk. "They're having infighting while I invade them!"

"Just like our Vassals," pointed out one of the staff members.

"Shut up," snapped the Despot.

Soon another report came from the Battle of Mithila. The enemy were being chased down by the Royal Cavalry across the plain.

Spoiler: The SHORT Battle Of Mithila

Show

On the 28th of February a rider came to the Palace with news of a great victory. The Pala lost 448 soldiers while the Royal Army had lost only 3 soldiers.

And so the Yarlungi Army started the siege of the Castle of Mithila in the County of Mithila.

Spoiler: The Siege Of The Castle Of Mithila

Show

The Kingdom of Pala was already outnumbered by the first army sent by the Despot.

Spoiler: Overview

Show

And the second, the Army of Doux Pariksh1tnayaran, was already on the way. The enemy soldiers were not happy about that.

Spoiler: The Second Army Approaches

Show

With the coming of March news reached the Despot that Doux Hisen had revoked one of his Mayor's title.

Spoiler: Doux Hisen Revokes A Mayor's Title

Show

"A MAYOR?!?!" remarked the Despot. "Why a Mayor?"

"Well," stated one of his staff members, "could be because Sadri is a Pagan."

"Seems kind of mean," murmured the Despot to himself. "Whatever..."

Later on that month the Despot received a letter from Shah Bhurz of Syr Darya. Seems the Queen had visited the House of Shi and the man was so impressed he offered a Non-Aggression Pact between the two Realms. The Despot accepted it!

Spoiler: A Non-Aggression Pact

Show

The Shah Bhurz of Syr Darya was a Sunni Ruler who followed the Mu'tazila school of thought which was known for its reason, and free will. Which may explain why he had sympathy for Jews and Christians. Seemed like a nice guy to be honest. Too bad he was surrounded by warring religious factions which would likely doom his small Realm to being destroyed sooner or later.

Spoiler: The Shah Bhurz

Show

It was also noticed that the Army of the Doux was approaching an enemy army faster than the enemy army could escape.

Spoiler: Upcoming Battle

Show

So we close this chapter with a new Pact and a upcoming battle.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred : The Queen's Chinese Honor Guard


A Ming Warrior

We open this chapter in March, of the year 883, with the Army of the Doux about to cross the border into Pala. The Army was mainly made up of Levies but was built around a core of about one thousand five hundred Ming Warriors.

Spoiler: The Second Army Goes Forth!

Show

This was somewhat interesting because these were likely the only Chinese Warriors still fighting for a member of the Ming Dynasty as the rest of the Chinese military now obeyed a Mongol Emperor. It was therefore no surprise that when a rider brought news of the Battle of Kahalgaon that he also brought news that the enemy's left flank had already crumbled and was being chased off the field by Royal Cavalry!

Spoiler: Battle Of Kahalgaon

Show

Soon the whole enemy army collapsed and was being chased by the Royal Cavalry. By April the enemy's right flank were the last men standing. The rest of their comrades had fled the battlefield completely.

Spoiler: Victory!

Show

Soon the news of victory came to the Royal Court as the Battle of Kahalgaon came to an end. The Despot's Commanders lost 11 men while the enemy lost 272 men.

The Army of Pariksh1tnayaran settled down to lay siege to the Castle of Mudgagiri with a series of barriers, ditches, and listening posts the soldiers built around the enemy's fortress. No one would be allowed in or out.

Spoiler: Starting The Siege Of The Castle Of Mudgagiri

Show

Even as the two Armies worked to bring down the Kingdom of Pala a third Army was being assembled inside the borders. IT was also noticed by the Despot that there was more money being spent than collected. The accountants were not very happy about that.

Spoiler: Third Army Assemble!

Show

By the middle of April the third army, the Army of Doux Lakshminarayan, was ordered into the war zone.

Spoiler: Forward MARCH!

Show

Near the end of the month Count Isaias of Kunggar was released from Doux Hypatios of Lhasa's dungeon. But not before having his eyes removed. The Count didn't seem to like the Despot anymore than he liked his own Liege and the Despot found himself wishing that Photios Toxias was in charge of Kunggar already. At least HE liked the Despot.

Spoiler: Count Isaias Was Released From The Dungeons

Show

The Despot was getting along quite well with a member of the Savaka-Sangha named Skandavarman Svetaka Ganga. They always seemed to have something to chat about and never got bored!

Spoiler: A Friend?

Show

They become close friends. Which was nice because when one is stressed having friends can help a lot.

Spoiler: A Close Friend!

Show

In May the Despot received a request from Maharaja Anurrenmanpiccan of the Pandya Kingdom. Seems the Despot's wife had impressed the 15 year old and now the boy wanted a Non-Aggression Pact between the two Kingdoms. Of course the Despot agreed!

Spoiler: Another Non-Aggression Pact

Show

The young Hindu Ruler was about a year from being a man. And receiving all the things that came with turning 16. And his Kingdom was so far away that it would likely be centuries before the Despot's descendents would have to worry about it.

Spoiler: The Maharaja Of The Pandya Kingdom

Show

The war continued to grind on without a hitch. The Despot's three armies all knew what they had to do and did so without need for micromanagement.

Spoiler: Everything Going As Planned!

Show

Also something had shifted in the economics of the war. For the treasury was making money again!

So we close this chapter with the war going well, the coffers getting more money coming in than going out, and the Despot having a new friend!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-One : The Pala Strike Stupidly!


The Vikings Are Coming!

We open this chapter in May, of the year 883 AD, with horrible news being received by the Despot and the Royal Court. It seemed Theophanes Dysnomia, a rival of the Despot and one of his many troublesome cousins, was raising troops to take the Despot's titles.

Spoiler: A Troublemaker

Show

How he planned to do that without any money was unknown. And once he had an army he would have to march over all of India to carry out his plans. The Despot assumed the man was crazy.

Spoiler: A Poor Troublemaker?

Show

In June there was even more bad news. The Army of Raja Gopal, made up of almost four thousand Pala warriors, was marching towards the County of Radha. In other words the Pala was endangering the Realm.

Spoiler: The Enemy Invades Radha!

Show

"Looks like they are trying to draw us away from our sieges," murmured the Despot with a frown. "Ignore them for the moment."

Also the Vikings had finally shown up and were directed to join the Army of Doux Lakshminarayan in their siege of the Castle of Simaramapura in the County of Simaramapura. No doubt the Pala Commanders were wetting themselves in fear of the axe carrying warriors and their Attack Pugs.

Spoiler: The Norse Arrive!

Show

Near the end of June the holdings in Radha came under siege from the Pala invaders.

Spoiler: Radha Under Siege

Show

"The defenders will not last very long," pointed out the Despot when he looked over the report. "We have to do something as soon as we can. To break the siege but also crush this army. The Kingdom of Pala don't have a lot of levies to call on. This would give us a good chance to wipe out a majority of their soldiers."

Spoiler: How To Break The Siege?

Show

The Vikings were redirected to the County of Mithila to join up with the Yarlungi Army. The idea was that the combined total would then be sent south to destroy the enemy army.

Spoiler: The Vikings Are Ordered To Join The Yarlungi Army

Show

Shortly afterwards the Siege of Mithila came to an end. The Yarlungi Army lost not one man while all the enemy defenders were wiped out.

Spoiler: The Castle Of Mithila Falls To The Yarlungi Army

Show

Around the same time Bhikkhu Herakleios "The Lecher" of Para-Lauhitya asked if he could switch his ward's educational focus to Faith and teach him the ways of Buddhavacana.

Spoiler: Bhikkhu Herakleios Wants To Teach His Son About Buddhism

Show

"So he is asking to teach his own bastard son about Buddhism?" remarked Despot with a grin. "The man with three lovers wants to teach his son morals?"

The Despot thought a few seconds and shrugged. "Why not! Tell him sure!"

In July, with the fall of the Castle of Mithila, it was decided that the Yarlungi Army and the Vikings could both move south and meet up in the County Mudgagiri. Once combined they could march south and destroy the large enemy army.

Spoiler: The Yarlungi Army And The Vikings Move South

Show

A few days later the Despot received good news. It seemed the Magistros had improved relations with Doux Merzuban. Now the man only hated the Despot a lot and not a hundred percent.

Spoiler: The Doux Merzuban Dislikes The Despot Less

Show

It was also noticed that the Doux now had a new wife. A 17 year old Bengali who already had a bastard son.

Spoiler: And A New Wife

Show

"Must be a story there somewhere," the Despot said aloud. "None of my business."

A little later Sophia the Spymaster came to the Despot and privately told him that she had found some things that Count Theophylaktos of Mangyul might not be happy to be known by the public.

Spoiler: Count Theophylaktos Is Up To No Good?

Show

She suggested that this information might be used to keep him out of trouble. The problem with this was the man was not causing trouble to begin with and the Despot decided to put the blackmail material to one side. He didn't see any reason to upset the man and cause trouble where there was none.

Then news came from the war front. Scouts reported that the enemy army had broken the siege in Radha and had started to head north. Why? Nobody knew. All they knew was the enemy was now moving back into range of the Despot's armies.

Spoiler: The Pala Withdraw From Radha And Head Back North!

Show

On hearing the news the Despot started to laugh. It was an evil laugh. A very evil laugh.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Two : A Major Battle


The Crows Will Feast! Again.

We open this chapter in July, of the year 883 AD, with the Vikings approaching the Army of Mayor Theodotos. Once they had joined the forces across the Ganges the Commanders were prepared to take on the four thousand enemy warriors heading their way.

Spoiler: About To Join

Show

Once the two forces were combined the Commanders was ordered to RUSH the siege instead of breaking off.

Spoiler: Should We Rush The Siege

Show

And so the over ten thousand Buddhist-Greek warriors, Tibetan-Norse Vikings, Hired Swords, and Chinese Honor Guards were ordered to attack the walls of Mudgagiri.

Spoiler: Attack The Castle Of Mudgagiri!

Show

The War Elephants smashed down the great gates as the Attack Pugs were tossed over the walls in tiny Chinese kites. Men screamed and died in the courtyard as the attackers poured into the Castle. The floor of the inner Keep was soon piled high with the defenders' chopped up corpses.

The Siege of Mudgagiri ended in victory of course. But at the cost of the Royal Commanders losing 1,264 warriors while the defenders lost 1,657 men. The cost of rushing a siege. But it meant the Commanders could now move onto the approaching army.

Spoiler: The Castle Of Mudgagiri Falls

Show

In fact at one point both armies were heading towards each other. So Commander Theodotos decided to stand his ground and let the enemy come to him and his troops.

Spoiler: Battle Is Inevitable

Show

Sadly Raja Gopal figured it out and decided to change direction. So Commander Theodotos ordered the troops back into columns and marched on the enemy. Luckily for him the Royal Army was faster on their feet than the Raja's Army.

Spoiler: You Can't Escape!

Show

The two armies clashed on the 5th of August. The Battle of Deogarh started off with the traditional exchange of arrows, darts, and throwing spears. Of course the Royal Army had the advantage when it came to numbers having over two thousand missile troops.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Deogarh Starts

Show

After about a week a rider came with news from the battle. The enemy center had failed under the weight of the missile exchange. The right flank soon followed and the Royal Army released the Cavalry to chase it down.

Spoiler: The Enemy Collapses

Show

Soon the enemy line collapsed and the Royal Cavalry was chasing the enemy through the jungle. Which was NOT a bright idea as roots and branches could be very dangerous to both rider and horse.

Then the Despot was brought bad news. Doux Mezuban was scheming to create a claim on the Kingdom of U-Tsang. The Despot snorted when he heard this.

Spoiler: Doux Mezuban Wants The Kingdom Of U-Tsang

Show

"He can try," remarked the Despot. "And if he does I'll arrest him, crush his revolt, toss him into a hole, and take away as many titles as I can legally. And he knows it."

Then the Despot got some GOOD news from within the Royal Court. The Magistros, Gennadios, came to him with good news. The Magistros had improved relationships with Doux Ananta of Varendra.

Spoiler: Better Relations With Doux Ananta

Show

Near the end of August news came from the Battle of Deogarh. It seems the Cavalry were chasing the enemy's left flank as the rest of the Raja's Army had already fled the field. Which meant most of the Despot's Army were standing around being bored.

Spoiler: The Enemy Was In Total Retreat

Show

Then there was mixed news. Count Shaw died from severe injuries he received in combat. His son took his title and became Count Antiochos of Lhunze. It took a couple of months but in the end the 14 year old boy accepted the Peace Offer from Doux Merzuban. The war was over and the Count was now imprisoned.

Spoiler: The Civil War Ended

Show

Well, at least the Civil War was over. And shortly a rider came from the war front. Victory! The Royal Army had defeated the Pala. The Despot's Commanders had lost 223 soldiers while the enemy had lost 1,820 soldiers.

Spoiler: Victory!

Show

But the Royal Commanders also reported capturing one of the enemy's Commanders. A Warrior Monk called Bhikkhu Shukladhwaj of Rajagrha was waiting now in chains for a decision on his fate.(1)

So we close this chapter with a couple of victories and the end of the Civil War.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. Records show he was more Monk than Warrior and it is unknown WHY he was made into a Commander in the first place.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Three : A Tiny Victory


Get Them! Get Them!

We open this chapter in August, of the year 883 AD, with a prisoner in chains. Bhikkhu Shukladhwaj of Rajagrha, a Bengali of 49 years of age, sat in the small tent the soldiers had given him and enjoyed the meal the camp cooks had brought him. Everything in the tent was simple and clean. The only thing that reminded him of his dangerous position was the chains on his wrists.

Spoiler: Bhikkhu Shukladhwaj In Chains

Show

The man was NOT a warrior by birth or education. He was a Buddhist Monk who was somewhat mild in manner with a few flaws. He enjoyed life just a tad too much. And even had a positive opinion of the Despot at the moment. But he did fear that his life was on the line. Would they hung him? What if his Liege refused to pay his ransom?

So when Mayor Theodotos stepped into the tent, with his stern expression and white beard, the poor Monk feared the worse. But his fears were soon put to rest the second the Mayor opened his mouth.

"You are free to go," said the Commander of the Despot's main army. "We will give you a packed lunch and some beer for the journey home. Guards! Remove this chains!"

Spoiler: To Be Set Free!

Show

"My Liege paid for my release?" asked the Monk cheerfully as the Royal Guards, members of the Retinue, came into the tent and unlocked the chains. They removed the chains, made sure his wrists were okay, and one suggested some oil for the bruises.

"No," said the Mayor as the soldiers left the tent, "The Despot decided to set you free without asking about ransoms. Also he decided hanging a Buddhist Monk seemed wrong to him."

Spoiler: Freedom!

Show

So the Bhikkhu Shukladhwaj left the camp with his lunch bag, a few bottles of beer, and some copper coins for spending money. His opinion of the Despot had increased greatly. "He must be a very merciful Ruler!" he said to himself as he walked out of the busy camp.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The reason the camp was so busy was because the enemy army was fleeing. So the local Commanders split up their forces into two armies. The Mayor Theodotos, with most of the Royal Cavalry and the hired Missile Troops, with their amazing beards, went north to the County of Mudgagiri to lay siege to the next holding.

Spoiler: Army Of Mayor Theodotoes

Show

The Mayor Leon, who given a more balanced and less horse heavy army, was sent to chase down the retreating enemy army.

Spoiler: Army Of Mayor Leon

Show

By September the Army of Mayor Theodotos had started their siege of the Temple of Kahalgaon.

Spoiler: Siege Of The Temple Of Kahalgaon

Show

September was full of events that happened within the Realm. For example the Council of the Yarlung approved the Religious Control Mandate Law. Which meant the Doux Merzuban gained more power over his vassals but only if they were the "wrong" faith.

Spoiler: Doux Merzuban Passes The Religious Control Mandate Law

Show

Then Doux Ananta of Varendra founded a movement to bring Gavelkind Succession to Kham. The Despot sighed and pondered once again if any of his Vassals knew what "Gavelkind" meant.

Spoiler: Doux Ananta Founds The Gavelkind Succession For The Kingdom Of Kham Faction

Show

And then there was more bad news. Doux Merzuban took the County of Lhunze away from the boy while he was still in the man's dungeon. After three wars the Doux finally got what he wanted!

Spoiler: Doux Merzuban Takes The Title Of Lhunze From The Count

Show

The enemy army turned out to be faster than anybody thought and escaped Mayor Leon's forces by crossing the Ganges. But the Commander found another enemy force to attack to his south. As they approached the enemy he also picked Commander Pariksh1tnayaran for his left flank which had being functioning without a Commander for much of the time.

Spoiler: Mayor Leon Loses One Enemy Army But Finds A Replacement

Show

And so the Battle of Nalanda started on the 15th of October with the enemy army collapsing on contact.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Nalanda

Show

The enemy forces were reported to be a company of mounted mercenaries. While they might be good troops they were all by themselves without any levies to help support them or build up their numbers.

While the Despot waited for the news of victory he received news from within his own Realm. The news was neither good nor bad. Count Theophylaktos of Mangyul ransomed the young Antiochos Vijaya from the dungeon of Doux Merzuban. The Despot had no idea why and planned to find out.

Spoiler: Count Theophylaktoes Ransomes Antiochos Out Of Doux Merzuban's Dungeon

Show

But his plans to do so were brushed aside for the moment when the news from the war front announced a victory. The Battle of Nalanda turned out to be a minor victory but it WAS a victory.

Spoiler: A Minor Victory

Show

Royal Army lost 4 soldiers while the enemy scum lost 194 soldiers.

So we close this chapter with another victory and the Despot showing mercy. The Kingdom of Pala is on the ropes and nothing can go wrong now! NOTHING!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Four : The Little Things That Make Life Annoying


Bloody Peasants!

We open this chapter in October, of the year 883 AD, with more news from the recent battle. It seems the Cagri "The Bold" of Cagri's Turkish Band, the Leader, and Adil, one of his Commanders, had been captured.

Spoiler: Prisoners

Show

There was also some news from within the Realm. Pantoleon Dysnomia and Devi Ahiylya Pala had given birth to a baby boy which they had named Theocharistos.

Spoiler: Birth Of Theocharistos Dysnomia

Show

The Despot decided that the boy should be tutored by merchants and accountants to focus on math and invention.

Spoiler: The Education Of Theocharistos Dysnomia

Show

With the crushing of the hired enemy scum the Mayor Leon ordered his troops to the northeast to the County of Magadha.

Spoiler: The Mayor Leon Takes His Troops To The Next Target

Show

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cagri "The Bold" of the House of Tigin looked up from his meal as Commander Leon entered his tent with a couple of Royal Guards.

"About time," grumbled Cagri who dropped the chicken leg he had been chewing on. "How much do I have to pay to get out of my captivity?” He rattled his chains. “I am sick of the chains. I want to be on a horse and riding on the steppes again. Away from you and you soft beds and tents that block the view of the stars.”

“Yes,” said Commander Leon as he tried not to cover his nose with his hands. By Buddha! The man smelled of horse dung. “For your release we only ask for wealth equal to 145 gold coins.”

Spoiler: The Leader Of The Band

Show

“HA!” snorted the Cagri. “I don’t have that much to my name!”

“I see,” replied the Commander as he wished he was someplace else. Like a bathhouse. Was that lice in Cagri’s beard? “Well, we only ask about 10 gold coins worth of wealth for the release of Adil.”

Spoiler: Adil

Show

“HA!”

“Ha?”

“Why would I care what happens to him?” answered Cagri. “He was a tool, a good soldier, but that is all. He is a lowborn Muslim scum. Why should I care what happens to him!”

Commander Leon stared at the barbarian sitting in chains before him and then turned to one of the Guards. “Release Adil. Make sure he has food and drink before he leaves.”

Spoiler: Adil Is Free!

Show

“What?!?!” exclaimed Cagri. “You will set him free and not me!”

“We have nothing against the Muslims,” stated the Commander. “As you say he is a good soldier but no threat to us.”

“And I am a threat?” said Cagri with a smirk.

“Nope,” said Commander Leon with a smile. “You’re a forgetful and utterly incompetent boob. I’m keeping you imprisoned because you’re a jerk.” With that he left the tent with his smiling Guards in tow.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Near the end of the month of October it was noticed that the Army of Raja Rajyapala was marching towards Mithila. Likely to try to free the Castle.

Spoiler: The Pala Has Another Army

Show

And then in November things became interesting. Very interesting.

It all started when Doux Hisen “The Wise” declared War on Shah Ayeshah “The Unready”.

“Who?” asked the Despot when it was reported to him by Gennadios, his Magistros.

“Let me show you on the Wall Map.” replied Gennadios as he escorted the Despot to the Map. “Right here. A Sunni Realm right here. Not too big and not too small. The Doux may have a chance.”

Spoiler: A Vassal Invades A Different Realm

Show

“Right,” stated the Despot. “As long as he does not drag the rest of us into the war I‘m okay with it.”

“Also...I have some bad news.”

“This wasn’t the bad news?”

“No, my Liege.” The Masgistros looking embarrassed. “Well, it seems we have a Peasant Revolt.”

Spoiler: REVOLT!

Show

“What?!?” demanded the Despot. “Really? Where? Who?”

“Some one called Theoktistos in Dimpaur,” replied the Magistros as he gestured towards the map. “Seems the people are not happy. Or something like that. They want independence. About two thousand of them.”

Spoiler: Theoktistos

Show

“Well,” said the Despot with a tilt of his head, “that’s not going to happen. But they do present a problem. That IS a lot of peasants.”

So we close this chapter with two enemy armies and one of the Despot’s Vassals in his own little war.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Five : Crushing Rebellions


"You Can Never Take Away Our Freedoms!"

We open this chapter in November, of the year 883 AD, with the fall of the Temple of Kahalgaon. The Royal forces lost nobody while the defenders were totally wiped out to the last Warrior Monk!

Spoiler: The Temple Of Kahalgaon Falls

Show

Then the Army of Mayor Theodotos was ordered to head east and crush the peasants and their silly ideas about freedom and choices and happiness!

Spoiler: The Army Of Mayor Theodotos Moves To Deal With The Revolt

Show

While this was happening the Army of Mayor Leon was already laying siege to the Castle of Magadha.

Spoiler: The Siege Of Caslte Of Magadha

Show

There was good news that came to the Despot around the middle of November. The Doux Hisen "The Wise" had disbanded his Independence Faction for SOME reason.

Spoiler: The Doux Hisen Had Disbanded His Movement

Show

Then in December the Despot received bad news. The Pala were trying to free the Castle of Mithila. The reaction to this was mixed. Nobody wanted to lose the Castle but nobody felt it was important enough to react to right away.

Spoiler: The Enemy Is Trying To Free The Castle Of Mithila

Show

The Army of Doux Lakahminarayan took the Castle of Simaramapura shortly afterwards. The Royal forces lost not one soldier while the defenders were all wiped out. This war was not going well for the Kingdom of Pala.

Spoiler: The Fall Of The Castle Of Simaramapura

Show

By the middle of December the Army of Mayor Theodotos was approaching the peasant army. He had been careful to cross the river farther to the west so as to avoid the disadvantage of coming under attack while trying to cross water.

Spoiler: Approaching The Enemy

Show

The Battle of Dimapur started on 31st of December. It seems that the peasants were able to hold their own for a while. They even had about six hundred Archers to return the Royal Archers fire! The nerve! Too bad for them they did not have over eight hundred Special Troops in the form of the Alan Riders with throwing spears!

Spoiler: The Battle Of Dimapur Starts

Show

As thus point the Spymaster brought the Despot news of a murderous plot. Seemed Uzur Kulug was plotting to kill Girgen Kulug. It seemed they both had claims to the same title. The Despot found himself lacking any interest in the plot.

Spoiler: A Murder Plot Between Nobodies!

Show

"Tell him to stop," commented the Despot. "Not that we can do anything if he decides not to."

The first month of the new year brought more news from the Battle of Dimapur. The center and right flank of the enemy had collapsed leaving the left flank to take all the punishment from the Royal Archers and Mounted Missile Troops.

Spoiler: The Rebels Flee

Show

Soon what was left of the flank was being chased down by Royal Cavalry as the rest of the peasants fled after dropping their bows, axes, and pitchforks.

As the battle was turning against the farmers and buffalo herders the Despot received news that the Doux Ananta of Varendra had decided he wanted more levies from his Nobles than coins. Why did all the Despot's Vassals seem so focused on recruiting soldiers and not collecting taxes?

Spoiler: Doux Ananta Of Varendra Prefers Soliders To Coins

Show

On the 14th of January, of the year 884 AD, the Revolt was finally crushed. Mayor Theodotos lost 74 soldiers while the enemy lost 796 men. The peasants, and their leader, had lost heart from the one defeat.

Spoiler: Victory!

Show

When asked to surrender he did so AND turned himself in to the Commanders.

Spoiler: The Revolt Ends!

Show

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Theoktistos frowned at the dish of gruel in front of him. His last meal. He sighed and pushed it away with his chained hands.

Here he was, a man who had such a promising life ahead of him. A man who loved life, enjoying food and women, and one day he had hoped to even marry. And now he was in a tent in the middle of an army. And it was likely he was going to die. Where had it all gone wrong?

Spoiler: Theoktistos Is A Prisoner

Show

"Starting a rebellion likely did it," stated a voice in the back of his head. He sighed. Yeah, maybe that was true. But what young peasant didn't want glory and bags of coin and huge tracts of land to themselves? All he waited was a piece of the pie! A BIG piece. With lots of beer!

Thinking of food reminded him of his last meal and he sighed again.

The tent's door-flap was moved to one side and the Guards entered. "Time to die," said one of them as they grabbed Theoktistos by his elbows and dragged him out of the tent.

The soldiers had made lines and columns giving the Guards a clear path to the gallows. Theoktistos became pale and shouted out, "You can take my life! You can never take away my freedoms!"

One of the Guard carrying him looked confused and said, "Pretty sure we can."

"No you CAN'T" whimpered Theoktistos as the Guards dragged him up the stairs of the gallows under the cold eyes of the soldiers.

"Well," said one of the other Guards, "if freedoms are choices that one can make during one's life then when one dies one loses all choices. And therefore freedoms. So, yeah, we're going to take you life and freedoms."

Spoiler: Theoktistos IS Hung By The Neck Till He Is Dead

Show

And so Theoktistos died while having to listen to his Guards explain their materialist view point of the universe. A rare encounter in a Buddhist Kingdom but it happens.

So we close this chapter with the end of the rebellion and the death of its rebel leader!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Six : Christian Defensive Pact


A NEW Catholic Kingdom

We open this chapter in January, of the year 884 AD, with the Army of Mayor Theodotos moving westwards after crushing and rebels and killing their leader.

Spoiler: Army Of Mayor Theodotos

Show

While this was happening the Despot received news that there was another murderous plot. This one was closer to home. Seems Count Avyaman was plotting to kill his niece! Why? Who knows!

Spoiler: Plot Against A Child

Show

"Demand he stops!" commanded the Despot to his Spymaster. "I don't need infighting within the House of Vijaya."

Then there was good news from within the Kingdom of Pala. One of the Great King's Nobles, Mahendrani of Gupta Revolt, disbanded her political movement. No doubt due to the fact that she had started a REVOLT against her own Liege! So kind of mixed news to be honest.

Spoiler: Mixed News

Show

"His vassals ARE as bad as mine," the Despot confessed to himself when nobody was around to hear him. "This Kingdom is going to be so much trouble."

But then there was even more good news near the end of the month. The Castle of Pataliputra had fallen to the Army of Mayor Leon. He wiped out all the defenders at the cost of losing 233 men of his own.

Spoiler: Castle Of Pataliputra Had Fallen

Show

At this point the Mayor took his forces to siege the Temple of Odantapuri. He felt that he would soon overwhelm the 833 defenders.

Spoiler: The Siege Of The Temple Of Odantapuri

Show

Then there was bad news from within the Realm. Doux Hisen "The Wise" had founded a NEW faction. The Gavelkind Succession of the Kingdom of Bengal. The Despot sensed that nobody really knew what the word "Gavelkind" meant but kept this feeling to himself.

Spoiler: Doux Hisen Founds The Gavelkind Succession Of The Kingdom Of Bengal

Show

Then the Despot was told that a trade route from Pundravardhana needed a new ship and port equipment. In other words it needed coinage from his coffers. So, this would be bad news.

"What happened to the old ship?" demanded the Despot. But nobody could answer because nobody knew. There were rumors of it being destroyed by a giant ape who lived on a skull shaped island but that would be silly.

Spoiler: Keeping The Trade Flowing

Show

"Well," he grumbled. "We need to keep the trade flowing. Can't make money without spending money." So he spent half the treasury on buying a brand new ship and more port equipment.

Then there was good news from the war. The Kamarupa Army took the Temple of Kesaria after wiping out all the defenders without losing a man.

Spoiler: The Temple Of Kesaria Had Fallen

Show

The troops moved onto the City of Bhaktagrama where they set up barriers, listening posts, and walls of spikes to enclose it.

Spoiler: The Siege Of The City Of Bhaktagrama

Show

Then the news came that Fuqi Sage of Nangqen had joined the Defensive Pact opposing the Despot Niphonn of the House of Dysnomia.

Spoiler: Who?

Show

"Who?" asked the Despot with a confused look.

Fuqi Sage was the new Ruler of the NEW Kingdom of Nangqen. A Christian Realm that had formed from the victorious counties that had rebelled against the Duchy of Saua. A man who disliked the Despot.

Spoiler: The NEW Kingdom Of Nangqen

Show

"Oh great," murmured the Despot. "A Roman Catholic Ruler. There goes the neighborhood."

Back in the war the Commanders were plotting to crush the biggest of the enemy's armies between them.

Spoiler: The Trap!

Show

On the 11th of March the Army of Theodotos, over five thousand soldiers, slammed into the enemy from the east. The Battle of Mithila had started!

Spoiler: The Battle Of Mithila Starts!

Show

On the 13th of March three thousand more soldiers crashed into the battle from the west. And the Pala forces were now outnumbered 2-to-1.

So we close this chapter while the Battle of Mithila continues to rage with the clash of swords and the shouts of men.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Seven : The End Of A Conflict


The Kiss Of Peace Feels Awkward

We open this chapter in March, of the year 884 AD, and the Despot is waiting on reports from the Battle of Mithila. But the report he got was about Fuqi Sage of Nangqen leaving the Christian Defensive Pact.

Spoiler: Fuqi Sage Leaves The Christian Defensive Pact Against The Despot

Show

"I thought he WAS the Pact?" remarked the Despot looking confused. "He was the only one IN it. Oh well, one less person to worry about."

Funny enough it looked like the man had joined, or more likely formed, a Christian Defensive Pact against the Mongol Empire.

Around the same time a Chief Saru of Ghazna, a Pagan of the House of Kuman, had disbanded the Pagan Defensive Pact against the Despot.

Spoiler: The Pagan Defensive Pact Against The Despot Is Disbanded

Show

"There was a Pagan Pact against me?" pondered the Despot aloud. "When was that created? Who did that? I was never notified about that. Why am I always the last to know?"

The Chief, on the other hand, still thought that Punjab was a threat as he was still part of the Defensive Pact against that Realm.

Then GOOD news came. The Army of the Mayor Leon had taken Temple of Odantapuri. The Mayor's troops had wiped out the enemy defenders without losing one of their own.

Spoiler: The Temple Of Odantapuri Is Taken

Show

The Mayor and his soldiers had moved on to lay siege to the City of Maner.

Spoiler: The Siege Of The City Of Maner

Show

Even while all THAT was going on the Despot received a report that an Army from the Raja Rajyapala of the Gupta Raj was trying to free the holding in Simaramapura. The poor soldiers were fighting to defend the Realm of Pala, protect their own lands, AND crush the Gupta Revolt started by Mahendrani of the House of Mahindranarayan. Luckily for the Despot, and the Gupta Revolt, the Army had barely 44 soldiers and, therefore, could do none of these things. Funny enough the Raja was not with his own levies but in the Battle of Mithila!

Spoiler: The Troops Of The Gupta Raj Trying To Free Their Lord's Holdings

Show

Finally the Despot was given news he wanted. News from the WAR! The enemy had started to collapse at the Battle of Mithila. The Royal Cavalry had even joined the conflict while the arrows were still flying.

Spoiler: The Battle Of Mithila Continues

Show

The next report explained that Raja Rajyapala, the Commander of the Pala's center, had fled. Now the Royal Archers focused on the enemy's remaining flank. The right flank of the enemy soon also fled and soon the left flank was being hit by the Royal Cavalry.

Spoiler: Victory!

Show

By the 6th of April the Battle of Mithila came to an end. The Royal forces had lost 391 soldiers while the Pala forces had lost 2,260 soldiers. A great victory!

At this point it was determined that the Great King Mahendra II of the Pala Kingdom would likely be willing to surrender his title. If nothing else it meant he would not have to deal with his vassals anymore! The demand was sent and accepted.

Spoiler: Pressing For Peace

Show

The war came to an end and the Despot took the title of the Kingdom of Bihar and the Kingdom of Pala ceased to exist.

Spoiler: The War Ends

Show

The War for the Kamarupa Claim on Bihar had contained five battles and six sieges. The forces of the Kingdom of Kamarupa had lost a total of 2,129 soldiers. This did not include the 74 soldiers lost crushing the Peasant Revolt during the main conflict. The Pala forces lost a total of 12,049 soldiers. It must be pointed out that 1,264 of the Royal losses were from the rushed Siege of Mudgairi and likely a normal siege would have produced less casualties.

On top of that the Despot still over two hundred gold coins by the end of the conflict which wasn't bad.

Spoiler: Too Many Vassals!

Show

On the other hand the Despot now had too many Vassals under his direct control. He would have to give four of them up. He knew what that meant. PAPERWORK!

Of course the Despot ordered that the Mercenaries and Levies be dismissed. Luckily the Levies were dismissed within the expanded borders of the Kingdom and could make their way home safely.

Spoiler: The Hired Swords And Levies Are Dismissed

Show

The Retinue and the Chinese Honor Guard were ordered back to the County-Capital. The war was over and the people wanted their fathers, brothers, and sons back.

Spoiler: The Rest Are Sent Home

Show

And the former Great King was now Count Mahendra of Magagha. A 11 year old boy who was not pleased with the Despot. He was likely not pleased with ANYBODY.

Spoiler: A Young Grumpy Count

Show

So we close this chapter, ending the war, and in our next few chapters we deal with the aftermath!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Eight : Too Many Vassals


The Dancing Bureaucrats

The date was the 6th of April, of the year 884 AD, and the Despot felt nervous. Something was at the edge of his senses, something evil, but he couldn't define what it was. A sound was in the air. And it was getting closer.

Then he realized it was singing. It took him a few seconds to understand what the song was. Happy Courtiers singing the Happy Bureaucrat Song. It was an ancient song. A song so old that many felt it had existed well before mankind had entered the world. Many believed it had been invented by an elder being who lived in both the living world and the world of the undead.

Spoiler: The Elder Being

Show

It was said that only the most evil of accountants or scribes worshiped such creatures in the dark places of the Earth. Mostly libraries, account houses, or law offices.

The Despot thought of fleeing but it was too late. For the Magistros, the Guru Gennadios, entered the throne room at the head of a line of singing, dancing, Courtiers. Each Courtier was holding a bag of scrolls or a huge leather book or a portable writing desk. And the song, which seemed to be about a reunion in some unknown future time and unknown place, filled the chamber with its horrible indescribable dread.

The Despot drew back in horror. Paperwork!

“My Sire!” exclaimed the Magistros, “It is time to deal with the fruits of victory! You have so much work to do but, I dare say, you can finish it all off in ONE meeting!”

“Can’t we break it up into different meetings over the next few days?” asked the Ruler.

“No,” said the Magistros as he took the first massive tome from the Courtiers.

“First, let us deal with the fact that you have too many direct Vassals,” stated the Magistros. “I was thinking that Raja Nar Singh “The Cruel” of Magadha likes you. But he could like you more. So if we gave him one of your Vassals, that would be a good idea.”

Spoiler: Raja Nar Singh

Show

“Who do we give to him?” asked the Despot with a sigh.

“HA! You’ll love this suggestion!” said the Magistros with a grin. “We give him the Ex-Great King - Count Mahendra!”

“Great idea!” laughed the Despot. “He gets the Ex-King but not the title to the Kingdom he wanted!”

Spoiler: Count Mahendra Is Given Away

Show

The Despot happily signed, and put his Royal Seal, onto the paperwork that transferred the Count to the Raja’s care.

“Who else can I give away?” asked the Despot.

“Well, there is the Count Theophylaktos of Mangyul?” remarked the Magistros with a raised eyebrow.

Spoiler: Count Theophylaktos

Show

“And who can we give him to?”

The Magistros went through his paperwork and pulled out a note. “Well, there is your NEW Vassal, Raja Rajyapala of the Gupta Raj. Maybe him...?”

Spoiler: The Raja Rajyapala Is Given Nobody

Show

“No....” The Despot frowned and added, “He can’t seem to handle the vassals he has now.”

“Okay,” said the Councilor looking over another note. “How about the Blind Duchess Anakhit of Nyingchi? She seems to like you.”

Spoiler: The Duchess Anakhit Is Given A Count

Show

“Hmmm....” The Despot thought about it and then said, “Let’s give her Count Sangrama of Sakya.”

“Good idea,” said the Magistros as he prepared the paperwork for the Despot’s signature. “A county far away. She may even have to fight other Nobles for it. Or even fight off invaders being as it is so close to the western borders. Idle Vassals are the Despot‘s annoyances.”

After the Despot signed it and stamped his Royal Seal on it the Magistros picked up another piece of paper and looked it over. “There is the Doux Ioustinos “The Just” of Bhutan. A most loyal, if insane, Vassal. Maybe toss a Count his way?”

Spoiler: The Doux Ioustinos Is Given A Count

Show

“Let’s give HIM the Count of Mangyul,” commented the Despot after thinking about it for a few moments.

The Magistros nodded and it only took a few minutes for the paperwork to be written up, signed, and stamped.

“Okay,” said the Magistros picking up another piece of paper. “This is one of your newer Vassals. The Duchess Bhogavati of Nadia. House of the Pala matter of fact. Kind of likes you. A coward but besides that looks nice.”

Spoiler: The Duchess Bhogavati Is Given A Count

Show

“Give her the Count Dionysios of Amdo,” stated the Despot after some thought. “I know I will have to replace him on the Council but...I only have so many Counts to give away.”

The paperwork was written out, signed, and stamped. The Magistros had a Courtier take the newly made paperwork to be delivered to the Records Office to be copied, processed, and filed away in the darkness of archives.

“Now, you will need a new Steward,” remarked Gennadios.

Spoiler: A Empty Seat On The Council

Show

“Steward?” murmured the Despot. “You mean Sakellarios?”

“Yeah, I meant Sakellarios,” replied the Magistros while pulled out a dozen small scrolls. “Now, you have some choices here. The Duchess Anakhit is on top of the list but may I suggest the Mayor Leon? He is a Loyalist AND a veteran Commander of the last war. AND he wants to be a Councilor.”

Spoiler: The Mayor Leon Looks Good

Show

“Well,” said the Despot rubbing his chin. “Sounds good. At least he isn’t a Noble.”

And so the Mayor Leon became the new Sakellarios and was told to get to work within Capital.

Spoiler: The Mayor Leon Becomes The New Sakellarios

Show

“So....break time?” inquired the Despot with a hopeful tilt of his head.

“HoHoHo!” responded the Magistros with a smile. “You so FUNNY! Heck no! MORE PAPERWORK!”

So join us next chapter when we continue to deal with the aftermath of victory!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Nine : Holy Sites And Defensive Pacts


All Your Holy Sites Are Belong To Us!

We open this chapter on the 6th of April, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot sitting in his throne, head in his hands, as he watched Gennadios pull out a small notebook and open it with glee.

"Now it is time to talk about Religion!" stated the Magistros as his Courtiers give a tiny cheer.

"Oh goodie," responded the young Despot as he sat up. "After this can we have lunch?"

"Of course my sire!" remarked the Magistros as he passed on the notebook to his Liege. "But first let me point out just how happy your Religious Vassals are with you. Most of them are VERY happy! We added TWO more Holy Sites to the Realm! Sarnath and Gaya!"

Spoiler: The Realm's Religious Vassals

Show

The Despot looked over the list of Bhikkhus but noticed something somewhat alarming. "Why is the Moral Authority of Buddhism so low?"

"Well," said the Magistros looking a tad awkward. "While your Realm is growing the other Buddhist Kingdoms are not doing so well. Also, while you have three Holy Sites now within your Border one of them, the Holy Site of Sarnath, is under the control of a Hindu Priest. Pujari Arjunpal."

Spoiler: Pujari Arjunpal

Show

"And I can't ask him to convert because he does not like me," murmured the Despot. "And I can't demand he converts because I am not his Liege. How about HIS Liege?"

"Thakur Jayanpala of Varanasi. A Hindu Noble who does not like you either," replied the Magistros. "And before you ask HIS Liege is the young Raja Ghatamdeva III of the Bhar Raj who DOES like you but is too young to rule on his own. And the Thakur is his Regent."

Spoiler: Those Above Pujari Arjunpal

Show

"Ewww..."

"Yes," stated the Magistros. "How do you want to handle it?"

"First," said the Despot, "Send gifts to each of them."

Spoiler: Gifts! You Get A Gift! And You Get A Gift!

Show

The Magistros nodded to the Courtiers who started to write up the paperwork needed to authorize the withdraw of funding from the Treasury. After a few moments the Despot signed and stamped the three pieces of paper. "This will leave us about 134 gold coins worth of wealth in the coffers."

"Now we also send a request, timed to arrive after the gifts, that the Raja take on a new Educator," continued the Despot. "One who is Buddhist AND Greek! As he is so young there is a chance he will convert to both before he becomes an adult. And once an adult he will demand those under him also change to Buddhism. And maybe spread the Greek culture to boot!"

"Who will you select?" asked the Magistros.

The Despot gave the Magistros a smile and said, "You."

Spoiler: A Request Is Sent To The Young Raja

Show

The Magistros sighed and filled out the request form for the Despot's signature.

As the Courtiers took away the paperwork to be processed, copied, and filed the Despot laughed aloud.

"What's that about?" asked the Magistros.

"We have to wait for the replies before doing anything else!" proclaimed the Despot. "I get a few days rest!"

AS the Magistros and the Courtiers left the throne room looking sad the staff brought the Despot his noon meal.

As the servants unfolded the portable table and served the first course of his meal one of the staff stepped forward. "Ahem."

"Yes?" inquired the Despot as he placed a napkin onto his lap and lifted a piece of flat bread to start on his Green Chutney.

Spoiler: Yummy For My Tummy!

Show

"You do know there were other decisions to be made that could be done NOW before you got a reply from the young Raja?" pointed out the individual with a confused tilt of his head.

"Yes," said the Despot with a grin. "But Magistros and the others have forgotten."

So the next day, the 7th, the Despot decided to use his free time at playing Chess. As a kid he had played it but had stopped by the time he was a young adult. The Despot didn't remember why he had stopped playing and decided to try to get back into the habit of doing so.

He shortly found out he the reason he had stopped playing. He was terrible at it. He had no clue what any of the pieces did, was easily defeated by all the members of the Royal Court (including some of the maids), and was a sore loser.

So he was almost thankful when a rider came in on the 8th with news. Too bad it was not happy news.

It seemed the Duke Saua Wenshunn II of the Saua Duchy had formed a Defensive Pact opposing the Niphon of the House of Dysnomia.

Spoiler: A Buddhist Defensive Pact!

Show

While the Despot grumbled about how everybody was picking on him the Magistros and his column of book carrying Courtiers marched into the throne room.

"You LIED!" shouted the Magistros as he pointed at the Despot in a overly dramatic pose. "We could have done more paperwork on the 6th!"

"Okay, okay," replied the Despot. "You got me. Let us continue."

The Magistros pulled out the Royal Laws of Bihar. "We have a law we can change. The Succession Laws should be switched from Gavelkind to Primogeniture. We just have a problem. The conflict."

Spoiler: The Laws Need Changing

Show

"What conflict?" asked the Despot. "We're at peace!"

"The Revolt," stated the Magistros. But before he could say more a rider stomped into the throne room with a note for the Despot.

It looked like the Great King Jayapala of the Guhilot Kingdom had joined a Hindu Defensive Pact against the Despot.

Spoiler: A Hindu Defensive Pact!

Show

"Why do they hate me?" complained the Despot as the rider left.

"You won a war," remarked the Magistros. "Now, back to the business on hand. The REVOLT is the one you inherited when you won the Kingdom of Bihar. Mahendrani of the Gupta Revolt is the cause of it. Until somebody wins and ends the war you can't change the laws."

Spoiler: The Gupta Revolt Needs To End

Show

"Can I ask her to stop and surrender?" questioned the Despot with a frown.

"You could. She seems to be winning but she may agree," stated the Magistros after a few seconds of thought.

"Let us try," stated the Despot.

The request was written out, signed, stamped, and sent by a rider.

Spoiler: A Request For Mahendrani To End Her Revolt

Show

"Now we just wait," said the Despot with a smile. "See you when we get a response."

"Oh no you don't!" grumbled the Magistros. He wiggled a finger at his Liege. "I won't be tricked a second time!"

"Not trying to trick you," pointed out the Despot. "You, yourself, pointed out we can't change the law until the Revolt ends."

The Magistros stood there for a few seconds and then pointed at his Liege. "Buddha damn you!"

"HA!" replied the Despot. "Buddha does not damn people. He saves them like Spartacus!"

"Spartacus?"

"You know," stated the Despot. "The son of the Christian God. The one who died on the Cross next to the road heading to Rome."

"No," remarked the Magistros, "I'm pretty sure that is NOT his name and he died in the Middle East."

"Dagon?"

"NO!" The Magistro rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had a suspicion that the Despot was pulling his leg at this point. "Anyway, I'll be back when the Revolt is over and I will continue to educate you on your new lands. Also we may need to have the Queen help you with your religious knowledge."

So once again the Magistros, and his Courtiers, sadly left the throne room.

Nothing important happened nor did the Despot get any more news till the 10th of April. The Raja Ghatamdeva III sent a letter that said he had accepted Gennadios as his Guardian. Which was good news.

Spoiler: Request Accepted!

Show

Then the Spymaster brought news of a murder plot. It seemed Nayandevi Pala was trying to kill her brother Nayapala Pala. The problem was that she seemed to be good at the whole spy thing and unless stopped could, in fact, end up murdering her brother. (1)

Spoiler: Sister Plotting Against Her Brother

Show

"I don't care if they both claim the same titles," said the Despot to his Spymaster. "Just tell her to back down. The In-Laws are going to be such a pain."

Then another rider brought the Despot more bad news. Seems the Great King Tejapala II of Gondwana had joined the Hindu Pact!

Spoiler: The Hindu Pact Grows!

Show

"Damn it!" murmured the Despot as he crumbled up the note and tossed it at the rider. "He was the next target! I was going to subjugate them!"

The Despot calmed down and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Well, plans change."

So we close the chapter on the Despot getting bad news and good news and knowing more paperwork was on the way!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. Funny enough both were twins but not of each other.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Ten : Laws And Threats


I Am The LAW!

This chapter will open on the 13th of April, in the year 884 AD, with the Despot getting good news. Mahendrani was agreeing to surrender to the Raja Rajyapala by calling a White Peace.

Spoiler: The Mahendrani Agreed To A White Peace

Show

The Treaty was signed and the woman imprisoned. But at least that meant the Kingdom of Bihar was at peace at last!

Spoiler: PEACE At Last!

Show

And before noon the Despot heard the sound of singing and the dancing of cheap boots. He sat down in his throne and sighed as the Magistros and his happy column of Courtiers entered the room. Of course they were carrying portable writing desks, ink pots and ink stones, quills, and other items of their trade.

"Peace at LAST! Time to change the LAW!" boomed Gennadios with a beaming smile. "Conditions are now perfect! Don't worry sire! This will be the last meeting dealing with the lands you have gained!"

Spoiler: Conditions Were Perfect

Show

"So, time to change the Succession Laws?" inquired the Despot as he learned forward.

"Yes!" said the Magistros as he brought the freshly made document to the Despot with a ink pot and freshly sharpened quill. "Just sign it!"

The Despot signed the document. And, because the Council had no power to veto the document, it became law.

Spoiler: The Succession Law Was Changed

Show

"And you want to sign this into law also," added the Magistros has he handed over another piece of paper. "A law that disallows a title to pass to another realm."

Of course the Despot signed that and it became law. Both new laws were sent to the Records Office to be processed, copied, and filed away.

Spoiler: Regulated Inheritance

Show

"Now, a few details left," stated the Magistros as he cleaned his fingers of some of the fresh ink. "We will go over some of your new Vassals. The most powerful ones and the only ones you have to deal with."

The Magistros handed the Despot a small scroll. "The first you already know. The young Raja Ghatamdeva likes you. No doubt because of the gift you sent him. Seems to be learning about math and balancing accounts. Not a bad education for a Raja...Doux or Duke in other words. If all things go well he will end up Greek and Buddhist."

Spoiler: Raja Ghatamdeva

Show

The Despot nodded as he glanced at the scroll. "And until he is an adult he can't join a Faction or plot against anybody."

"Yes my sire," replied the Magistros as he took the scroll and replaced it with another. "And you know Raja Nar Singh of Magadha. He somewhat likes you but wants the Kingdom of Bihar and a position on the Council. So he is going to be trouble."

Spoiler: Raja Nar Singh

Show

"A In-Law that likes me?" mumbled the Despot. "Amazing."

"Err," said the Magistros, "Sire, I fear you are using that term wrong. The Ming Dynasty is related to you by law because of your marriage to the Princess. You are related to the Pala Dynasty by blood because of your father."

"Magistros," said the Despot leaning forward.

"Yes?" replied the Magistros right before he found the Despot's hands on his throat. The Guru had forgotten just how STRONG the Ruler was.

"NEVER. NEVER compare my bloodline to the witch-burning failures which use to rule these lands. Do you understand?" (1)

The Magistros nodded as he stared into the burning eyes of his Liege. The eyes he had seen before in the family portraits of the first Queen. “Yes, my Liege!” he croaked out loud.

The Magistros gasped in fresh air as he was released. “Yes, well, let us move onto the next Vassal.” The man gave the Despot another scroll while rubbing his throat.

“You also know the Raja Rajyapala of the Gupta Raj,” the Magistros continued. “He was forced to convert to Buddhism and then fight a Revolt and a war. Even fled from the last battle. Seems to like you. Could be because you helped end the Revolt.”

Spoiler: Raja Rajyapala

Show

The Despot looked over the scroll and remarked, “Seems depressed. Can’t blame him. And the next Vassal?”

“And the last,” said the Magistros as he replaced the scroll with a new one. “Raja Gopal of the Mana Raj. Seems to like you and, frankly, seems nice enough. A good, well rounded, Ruler with many good traits and skills.”

Spoiler: Raja Gopal

Show

The Despot glanced over the scroll and said, “Let us try to keep him on our side if we can. Has a LOT of children. Maybe a marriage with one of my sons? Or the future Queen?”

“Yes my sire,” as the Magistros took the scroll and gestured to the Wall Map. The artists and jewelers had finished making the updates to the Wall and it was now as current as it could be.

Spoiler: The New Borders

Show

The Despot and the Councilor walked up to examine it. “As you can see,” pointed out the Magistros, “we have a few choices for growth. You will have to make some decisions I dare say. But first you want to wait and let things cool off. For you are now seen as a great threat.”

“Is it really that bad?”

The Magistros, rubbing his throat again, nodded. “You are so dangerous to the other Realms that there is a chance that different Religious Pacts would HELP each other to try to defeat you.”

Spoiler: Threat Level

Show

“Moving on up in the world,” joked the Despot.

“It will give you time to bring order and peace to the lands,” commented the Magistros. “AND deal with the Gender Laws when the time is right. Otherwise your Realm will be split in two when you die.”

Spoiler: Titles That Could Be Loss

Show

So the meeting ended with the Magistros and his Courtiers leaving the throne room in a slightly more subdued manner than when they had entered it. And so we end this chapter with the last meeting to deal with the last war.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. Many authors and historians have debated why the Despot lost his temper. Many suggested stress, other suggested he was not-a-people person, a few suggested he was having flashbacks from the earlier meetings at the retreat, and one person even suggested he was just sick of meetings. No one truly knows.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Eleven : Dealing With The Loose Ends


Fighting In China?

We open this chapter in April, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot happy that the meetings were over. But that did not mean the work was over. Far from it. There was still a Realm to rule and some loose ends to deal with.

For example the Despot's Plot to kill Tryggve, the Mayor of Gonjo, was ticking away. And, to be honest, it looked like it would never fire again after the first failure. But the Despot refused to cancel it.

Spoiler: The Despot's Plot

Show

There were other plots to worry about. Ones that the Despot had not started. And he noticed that Doux Nar Singh "The Cruel" of Magadha had joined one of them.

Spoiler: Other Plots

Show

"Tell him to stop backing the plot," the Despot told his Spymaster. "I understand he is a powerful Vassal and might not agree at first but force Nayandevi to ask him to remove himself from her plot."

Sophia nodded and then added, "You have forgotten the prisoner in the dungeons."

"Oh yes...hmmm.....what's his face..."

The Sophia "The Fox" chuckled and said, "Cagri of Cagri's Turkish Band. He does not have enough coin to pay for his own release. They say he is a loud mouth who complains about everything. The bugs in his bed, the taste of his water, the ugliness of the jailers."

Spoiler: The Prisoner

Show

"That's not nice," remarked the Despot. "The dungeon staff are very professional and are very sensitive about any complaints against them. Remember when Serak the Preparer cried because a prisoner suggested his food was not to the standards of a dungeon? Took weeks of therapy before he was dishing out the slop again." (1)

Spoiler: Modern Jail Food

Show

The Despot leaned back in his throne and added, "Well, I was told he was a jerk. Hang him."

Spoiler: A Good Old Fashion Hanging!

Show

So Cagri "The Bold" was hung in the public square outside the Palace. Many folks came to see the man die at the end of a rope. Vendors, of course, took advantage of the event to sell food and drink. A few even sold tiny wooden figures on strings that would kick and dance when you wiggled the string. Great gifts for the grandchildren you don't like!

The Sophia also went over the Pacts that many people had dealing with the Despot. Most of them were Non-Aggression Pacts, such as the one he had with his own wife, but a few were Defensive Pacts that were AGAINST the Despot.

Spoiler: The Pact

Show

"The price of being successful," grumbled the Despot to Sophia's amusement.

"There is also the four Factions. One you inherited from the Kingdom of Bihar," continued his Spymaster and Concubine.

Spoiler: The Four Factions

Show

"Lovely," murmured the Despot before ending his own little meeting with his Spymaster.

A few days later the Despot started getting good news. One was that the Great King Jayapala of the Guhilot Kingdom had left one of the Defensive Pact.

Spoiler: The Great King Jayapala Pulls Out Of A Pact

Show

Then the Nayapala for the Kingdom of Bihar was dissolved by Doux Rajyapala. The Despot was very pleased.

Spoiler: Nayapala For The Kingdom Of Bihar Is Disbanded

Show

And a few days after that the Doux Hisen disbanded his movement to bring Gavelkind Succession to the Kingdom of Bengal. Even better!

Spoiler: The Gavelkind Succession For The Kingdom Of Bengal Is Disbanded

Show

Then the Despot received mixed news. There were rumors that the Yuan Empire, the new Empire of China, in suffering from unrest. The Emperor's armies were occupied and would not be able to help his Tributaries. In fact there was a chance there might be a Civil War as the natives tried to overthrow their Mongol Masters.

Spoiler: Problems In The East

Show

But this also hurt the Trade Routes. In other words trade along the Silk Road has dropped by a fourth of what it use to be!

Then there was some bad news as the Despot was notified that the Fuqi Sage of Nangqen had joined a existing Defensive Pact.

Spoiler: Fuqi Sage Joins A Defensive Pact

Show

"This Pacts are all so small I am sure I could take them on," mumbled the Despot to himself. "But that would just increase the people joining the Pacts against me as more and more saw me as a threat."

Then the Despot received some interesting news. The Protostrator, the Baron Eustathios, reported that the Doux Nar Singh "The Cruel" of Magadha could now be arrested. But nobody could explain WHY.

Spoiler: Doux Nar Singh Can Be Arrested...But WHY?

Show

"Did he refuse to back out of the plot?" asked the Despot to his staff. "Bring me the Spymaster! I want to know why we should arrest him."

And so we close this chapter on the Despot hanging a loose end and receiving, mostly, good news.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. Modern prison food is of TOO high a standard for the old fashion dungeons of yesteryear.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Twelve : Plots And Trade


Goods From Far Away Lands

We open this chapter in April, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot calling forth his Spymaster. "Sophia," he said when she entered his throne room, "tell me. Has Doux Nar Singh backed down from backing Nayanadevi's plot to kill Nayapala?"

Spoiler: The Plots

Show

"Yes," she replied, "he has. In fact she stopped the plot."

"Well," stated the Despot with a confused look on his face, "why am I being told I may legally arrest him?"

"I don't know my Liege," said the Spymaster. "Maybe he failed to pay some taxes or something like that?"

"I'm not arresting him for that!" The Despot leaned back in his throne and added, "What if he escaped and starts a revolt? I'm need some peace right now. Not more war and bills!"

This was good news. But fate had a way of countering good events with bad events. For soon it became known that the Duchess of Gabrielia of Gauda was seeking to kill Kyros Dysnomia.

Spoiler: Another Person Wants Kyros Dead

Show

"Why does everybody want to kill him?" remarked the Despot when he heard the news. "Well, whatever. Tell the Spymaster to try to get the Duchess to stop! He IS family after all."

Then, in May, he received a report from the lands of Bihar. It seemed that the Doux Rajyapala of the Gupta Raj was trying to create a claim for the Kingdom of Bihar.

Spoiler: Another Person Wants The Kingdom Of Bihar

Show

"Darn it," murmured the Despot to his staff. "I was starting to feel sorry for the man and then he goes and plots against me. Well, tell him stop. Please."

A few days later the new Sakellarios, Mayor Leon, came to the Despot with a smile on his face. "Good news my Liege! Now that we finished paying the bills for the war our coffers are starting to fill again at the prewar rate!" He handed the updated account books to the Despot who happily looked over them.

Spoiler: The Books

Show

Even with the Expense of keeping the Retinue fed, equipped, and trained the Balance came out to roughly 719 gold coins a year.

"I also noticed something about the Silk Road," remarked the Sakellarios as he gave the Despot a small map that marked some of the Trade Posts and outlined the Trade Routes. (1)

Spoiler: The Silk Road

Show

The Mayor pointed at the map. "Notice how the Silk Road wanders off into the lands of Guge before bending back into the Kingdom of Bihar? Because of the conflict in that Realm trade is being cut off from your newest Vassals. Which may explain why the Kingdom was so poor even before you invaded it."

The Sakellarios took back the map which he carefully folded. "Add the unrest in China and there is very little money entering the rest of India. Or Europe. Luckily you have many well developed holdings and happy tax paying Vassals."

The Despot smiled to himself. Even with fewer trade caravans entering his lands his coffers would still be filling up quite nicely.

So we close this chapter with the Realm's account books in the Black and most of India receiving either reduced trade or NO trade.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

1. The map did not show all FIVE Trade Posts the Despot held directly.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Thirteen : Who Is Next?


Another Meeting!

We open this chapter on the 3rd of May, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot entering the Meeting Chamber of the Council. He wasn't looking forward to this meeting but had nobody to blame but himself. He felt he needed to talk to the Council members to help him decide the future target of the next conquest.

Not that he planned to invade anyone soon. The Pacts blocked that. There were too many of them and they were worrying him.

There was no food on the table which disappointed the Despot as he sat down. The meeting was such a surprise that even the kitchens had no time to make something yummy from the Councilors.

The next person to enter the chamber was his Spymaster and Concubine Sophia "The Fox". She walked around the table to take the seat to his right and gave him a quick kiss on his nose before any other members of the Council showed up. The Despot nodded at her with a smile.

The next member was Magistros who bowed to the couple before taking a seat close to the door. He had brought a stack of scrolls. Due to the topic of the meeting it was likely he would be doing much of the talking and he had come prepared.

Spoiler: The Council

Show

The Protostrator, the Baron, came in next and looked sad that there were no snacks to enjoy. He took the chair to the Despot's left with a bow towards the couple. He had some notes with him but not as many as the Magistros.

The last to arrive was the new Sakellarios, Mayor Leon, who bowed to the chamber and sat down next to the Magistros. He had a few notes that looked to the Despot to be mostly columns of numbers. No doubt about the treasury.

Of course his Queen, Dong Yanyan, was still in Tibetan Plateau trying to convert the populace to embrace the True Faith.

"So my Councilors," started the Despot after rising his right hand to get their attention, "I call this meeting in order so we may decide on our next war. After a period of peace, of course. We need to build up our funds and also allow our neighbors to become less wary about our armies."

The Council members chuckled.

"Before we continue," the Despot added, "I have had a meeting with the Sakellarios right before this and while things could be better, what with the state China is now in, we should be in the thousands of gold coins within a few years if we spend carefully. So let us focus more on who we plan to take and less on preparations."

The Council members all nodded. The Sakellarios put his notes away and looked a tad disappointed. No doubt wanting to have started his first Council meeting with a formal presentation.

The Despot hid his smile and continued. "First, let us discuss Gondwana. Magistros, if you would do the honors."

The man stood up and holding up a scroll stated, "The Great King Tejapala II of Gondwana has less than three thousand soldiers and a little more than one hundred gold coins in his coffers. He would be easy to defeat and make a Tributary State. He is already in a war with somebody else so many of his troops are tied up."

Spoiler: Gondwana

Show

The Magistros stopped a second to let that sink in before adding, "BUT. He is also in a Pact with Duke Saua. I am not saying that together they can fight us but that would make it a two front war and our armies would not be able to support each other as they did in the war with Pala."

The Council all nodded.

"And the Duke?" asked Sophia with a tilt of her head.

The Magistros nodded his head and replaced his scroll with a different scroll that looked just like it.

"Duke Saua Wenshunu II of the Saua Duchy had just under two thousand soldiers and just over two hundred gold coins. A good ally for Gondwana. But for the fact he was in massive with the Mongols which he, and his allies, were about to lose!"

Spoiler: Saua Duchy

Show

The Despot thought for a few moments and then added, "And the new Kingdom of cross wearing Christians?"

The Magistros nodded and once again picked up a new scroll. "Oh yes, the newly formed Kingdom of Nangqen. The Fuqi Sage has about a thousand soldiers and a hundred-fifty gold coins. And is part of a Pact against the Despot. But it is a Pact of one. Themselves."

Spoiler: Nangqen

Show

The Despot gestured with his right hand in a dismiss manner. "I prefer not to poke holes in my umbrella during rainstorms. We leave our neighbors to the north alone."

"Umbrella?" mumbled Sophia glanced at the Despot.

"The two Realms act as a barrier, however paper thin, against the Mongol Empire. I prefer to allow them to live as long as I can. If nothing else they can slow those Horse Lords down."

"Oh," said Sophia with a smile. "I understand. Just never put in that way before."

The Despot turned back to face the Magistros and asked, "And the Guge to the west?"

"Oh, yes, the Guge," said the Magistros as he picked up another scroll and happily stated to scan it with his eyes. "The Great King Kopti of Guge had about one thousand five hundred soldiers to his name and only twenty gold coins in his purse. He is also losing a war against the Ayudha Kingdom and is not in any Pacts against you. He also has land that once belonged to the Pala in the middle of your Realm."

Spoiler: Guge

Show

The Despot looked a tad confused. "The Ayudha are in a war without asking me to join?"

"They started it," explained the Magistros. "They can only ask you in when they need help defending themselves."

"Oh." The Despot glanced around the table and said, "I think, unless things change within the next few years, we will see if we can get that chunk of Guge inside our borders. Anything else that needs to be added or talked about?"

The Councilors all shook their heads.

"I will alert my Queen of our next target so we all are on the same page," added the Despot. "Dismissed."

As the others left the room leaving the Despot to himself he pondered the Realm of Guge. The problem is the Great King's relation with the other members of his Great House. The Kipchaki were all powerful Rulers and most were also great warriors. So war with Kopti might mean war with the House of Kipchaki.

So we close this chapter with the end of the Council's meeting and the choice of the next target for the Realm's military forces.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Fourteen : Plots Within Plots


Murder Of A Concubine

We open this chapter in May, of the year 884 AD, with the news of a another plot being brought to the Despot. Jherpala Bhar, a Protostrator, was plotting to kill Count Mandandeva of Rothas.

Spoiler: Murder Plot Against A Count

Show

"So he wants the Count's title," remarked the Despot. "And he is willing to kill one of his own kin. Tsk, tsk. Tell him to back off."

Then the Despot received news that Chief Saru of Ghazna had joined a Pagan Pact opposing him.

Spoiler: Chief Saru Joins A Pact

Show

"Buddha bless it," cursed the Despot. "I really hate this Pact thing. The other smaller nations are in danger of being overrun by smelly Pagan Horse Lords! They should welcome me with open arms. Or I'll crush them!"

One of the staff members lifted a finger and said, "The Chief is Pagan."

"Oh, right," replied the Despot. "Never mind then."

Then he received the good news that Duke Saua had left the Defensive Pact. This was great news.

Spoiler: Duke Saua Leaves A Pact

Show

This meant the Realm of Gondwana would be alone if the Despot decided to declare war on the Great King Tejapala II.

Then the Despot decided to carry out one of his ideas that had been bouncing around in his head. Marrying his second son to the youngest daughter of Raja Gopla "The Holy" of the Mana Raj.

Spoiler: A Betrothal Request Is Sent

Show

A Raja who not only liked the Despot but seemed to be a man of great virtue. After all, they did call him "The Holy". So the request to arrange a betrothal between the two children were sent.

As the Despot waited for a response the Despot received news of another plot. Manhendrani of the House of Shantideva was plotting to kill one of his Vassals.

Spoiler: A Murder Plot Against A Doux

Show

"Tell her to STOP plotting to kill Doux Rajyapala," demanded the Despot. "As much as he is starting to get on my nerves."

Then the Despot was given some good news. The Great King Tejapala II of Gondwana left the Defensive Pact. The Despot laughed at this. The Great King had been the only member in that Pact!

Spoiler: Tejapala II Leaves A Useless Pact

Show

Then he received bad news. Maybe? Shah Ayeshah "The Unready" had joined a existing Pact against the Despot.

Spoiler: Shah Ayeshah Joined A Pact Against The Despot

Show

"I don't even know where he is on the map!" stated the Despot with a angry frown. "How can I be a threat to him?"

Then there was some good news. Doux Rajyapala demanded that Pujari Agnimitra of Kathmandu convert to Buddhism and the lowborn agreed.

Spoiler: A Lowborn Is Converted To A Buddhist

Show

"Well," said the Despot, somewhat pleased, "at least Buddhism is being spread like it should be."

Then a thing happened that caused the Despot great pain. The Spymaster Sophia "The Fox" was murdered on the orders of Count Ramapala of Damin-i-koh on the 26th of May at the age of 32. One of his best Spymasters and one of his loveable Concubines had been stabbed to death in the Palace!

Spoiler: The Spymaster is Murdered!

Show

As the Despot mourned the loss he received better news the next day. The betrothal between 10 year old Prince Raphail and the four year old Suvrata had been agreed to.

Spoiler: The Future Marriage Was Accepted

Show

Now the Despot had the painful duty of picking a new Spymaster. He asked his people to compile a list of those best suited for the job. On the top of the list was the Doux of Varendra. The problem with him was his low opinion of the Despot. He also owed favors to many powerful people, he was Deceitful, and a Craven.

Spoiler: A New Spymaster Needs To Be Selected

Show

The Mayor Hierotheos of Reting on the other hand was loyal and not AS bad. The Despot decided to pick him.

Spoiler: The New Spymaster Gets To Work

Show

He was quickly sent to uncover plots and discourage schemers. The Despot wished him longer life then the last one.

So we close this chapter with good news, bad news, and a horrible death at the hands of a assassin.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Fifteen : Another Murder!


Second Time's A Charm!

The chapter opens in May, of the year 884 AD, with the spies and agents and accountants and advisers bringing the Despot as much from as they could on Count Ramapala of Damin-i-koh. A Noble who LIVED within the Kingdom of Bihar.

Spoiler: Count Ramapala Of Damin-i-koh

Show

The man was insane which, to be honest, was the only reason anybody could find for him killing the Realm's Spymaster. He had about five hundred troops and about two hundred gold coins worth of wealth.

"The fool isn't some far off Noble in the Middle East or a man I can't get at," mumbled the Despot with a cold voice. "He is one of my own. He will be dealt with."

There was more bad news in June as the Emir of the Uqqid Emirate joined a Defensive Pact opposing the Despot Niphon.

Spoiler: Another Ruler Joins A Pact Against The Despot

Show

"Why is a 7 year old boy making such decisions?" pondered the Despot aloud. "Shouldn't his regent tell him not to do things like that?"

The Despot received more bad news. Ratnadevi was plotting to kill Rajaganeshe Mana. And nobody could explain why.

Spoiler: Ratnadevi Plots Against A Kid.

Show

Later in June the Royal Retinue finally marched into the Capital. In other words they finally returned home to much cheering and celebration. Many a drink was shared in the local beer shops and many a child was conceived between a returning husband and waiting wife.

Spoiler: The Troops Return Home

Show

Then more bad news. The man the Despot was plotting to kill had returned to the Realm. Mayor Tryggve of Gonjo was back following his Liege's orders. Once again trying to find ways for Count Yilie to claim the County of Markam.

Spoiler: The Mayor Is BACK!

Show

"Kill him," demanded the Despot. "Just kill him. Walk up to him. Say hi. And chop him to pieces with an ax. Everybody knows I want him dead so just do it."

The assassins followed the Despot's advice and just walked up the Mayor and killed him. No hidden daggers or bombs. A simple murder. And so the Mayor died and nobody could trace it back to the Despot.

Spoiler: The Mayor Is Killed

Show

Without any target to kill the Despot's plot fell apart. All backers just went their own way and pretended never to be in a plot. Of course they never sent back the money the Despot had given them as "gifts".

Spoiler: No Need For A Plot

Show

So the chapter ends with one good murder that pleased the Despot and a lot of mixed news.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Sixteen : Trying To Keep The Peace


Another Civil War?

We open this chapter in late June, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot going over information about Count Ramapala of Damin-i-koh.

Spoiler: Count Of Damin-i-koh

Show

"This man killed one of the best Spymasters of the Realm," commented the Despot to his staff, "yet he seems to like me. And I can't seem to, legally, do anything to him."

"Do you wish us to...well, plot this death sire?" asked one of the members of the staff.

"No," replied the Despot. "We will hold off for a while. We'll create waves and, right now, I want the Realm to be calm."

Then he received news that Count Mahendra of Magadha and Doux Nar Singh "The Cruel" had arranged a marriage between Ratnavati and Srimanta Pala. The Despot wondered what they were up to?

Spoiler: Scheming Between the Vassals?

Show

In July the Despot was given the bad news that Count of Varanasi was plotting to kill Narpal Narpalid. In other words it looked like the Count was trying to kill one of his own people because they hated each other. They REALLY hated each other. Sad.

Spoiler: Murder Plots

Show

Later the Despot's friend introduced him to one of his friends. The Despot decided to do his best to make a friend out of his friend's friend. Didn't the Buddha say something about friendship was magic?

Spoiler: Friend Of A Friend?

Show

That same day the Despot was told that the latest plot to kill Narpal already had three backers! He demanded that Count Jatanpala himself tell the three backers to leave the plot at once.

Spoiler: Three Backers Already?

Show

The Count was sent to ask Prince Sundaridevi, Vigraharaja, and Roshandeva. All evidence suggested the three would agree to back out of the plot.

Spoiler: Ask Them To Stop

Show

The Great King of Gondwana had joined a Defensive Pact opposing the Despot. Again. It was almost like he could not make up his mind.

Spoiler: The Great King Of Gondwana Joined A Pact Again

Show

Near the end of the month Bhikkhu Dorotheos of Taktshang became a Rival of the Despot. They just could not agree on how to treat the lower classes. Dorotheos, who was a member of the Savaka-Sangha, was both Cruel and Zealous. And he treated the peasants horribly. Likely due to his own lowborn upbringings.

Spoiler: Bhikkhu of Taktshang Was Now A Rival Of The Despot

Show

In August the Despot received some very bad news. The 55 year old Ronak of Nagchu had started a Civil War to bring Gavelkind to the lands of Doux Pelagios the Gentle. And she had enough troops to make it a tough war for the Doux!

Spoiler: A Civil War Had Started

Show

The Despot thought on it. He was to inherit the Doux's titles as it stood right now. Yet he really did not want to pay for peace when trying to increase his funds. The Despot wondered if it was best not to get in the way of the Revolt.

On the other hand the Doux did owe the Despot a favor. Maybe the man could be made to stand down and surrender? That would bring peace. But did the Despot want to force Gavelkind Succession onto the Doux of Nagchu?

So we end with a Civil War and many choices for the Despot to pick from.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Seventeen : Securing The Future


Being Crowned Again

We open this chapter in August, of the year 884 AD, with the Despot being alerted to the fact that the position of Master of the Royal Elephants was open. A prestigious position with a very small salary. The Despot was given a list of people available for the position and decided on Doux Gopal "The Holy". He wasn't at the top of the list. In fact he was the fifth one on the list.

Spoiler: A Empty Minor Position

Show

He was selected because he had a high opinion of the Despot and seemed to be a virtuous man. Well, he wasn't called "The Holy" for nothing. And a poet! Though, to be honest, he sure had a LOT of children for a virtuous man. *Nudge*nudge*wink*wink*

Spoiler: The NEW Master Of The Royal Elephants

Show

After that the Despot got semi-good news. It seems Ronak, due to her revolt, had disbanded her Gavelkind Succession movement in Nagchu. After all, that was the whole point of the Civil War.

Spoiler: A Useless Faction Disbands

Show

Then rumors came from the north, out of the Saua Duchy, which the Despot had nicknamed the "roof" of the Realm. It seems that Duke Saua had another Revolt on his hands. The "roof" might end up being made up of a bunch of tiny "roofs" at this rate.

Spoiler: Saua Duchy Having More Problems

Show

"Damn thing is going to be leaking Mongols all over us soon," said the Despot. He was trying to make a joke but not even he found it funny.

It was also decided that the Despot would call in that favor Doux Pelagios owed him by demanding his Vassal surrender to Ronak.

Spoiler: The Despots Asks Doux Pelagios To Surrender

Show

A few days the Doux agreed to this and the Revolt came to an end.

Spoiler: Doux Pelagios Agrees And The Revolt Ends

Show

The result was not just peace brought to the lands but that Count Ronak of Xainza had a very high opinion of the Despot and decided she owed him a favor! Which was okay. Not great, after all she was just a Count but it was still okay.

Spoiler: Count Ronak Now Owed The Despot A Favor

Show

With the Realm at peace and with over 400 gold coins of wealth in the treasury the Despot could delay no longer the need to deal with the Kingdom of Bengal or the Kingdom of Bihar. First he destroyed both titles, much to the horror and rage of the subjects in those areas. This pained the Despot because it meant that many of those Vassals who liked him now loathed him!

Spoiler: The Kingdoms Of Bengal And Bihar Are Destroyed

Show

Now he had to create them AGAIN before somebody beat him to it! Luckily he had both the coins and the right to do so!

Spoiler: It Cost 400 Gold Coins To Create Them Again

Show

So at the cost of 400 gold coins and some Karma, somehow, he recreated both titles but now with the rules of his PRIMARY title!

Spoiler: The Kingdoms Of Bengal And Bihar Are Back!

Show

Still, it only left about 30 gold coins in the coffers and a lot of people pissed off at the Despot. Well, at least his daughter would now gain all the titles.

Spoiler: All Kingdoms Share The Same Gender Laws NOW!

Show

"I guess we better take a look on how this has changed the opinions of my Vassals towards me," grumbled the Despot. The staff cheered and went off to make a list of opinions. They loved making lists.

So we close with the Despot making sure that all five Kingdoms will go to his daughter. But at what cost? AT WHAT COST!?!

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Eighteen : Calculating The Damage


The Staff Sure Do Love Their Lists!

We open this chapter in August, of the year 884 AD, with the staff bringing the Despot a list. It was organized with those of his Vassals who loved him on top and those who hated him on the bottom. Looking over the list at first it didn't look at bad as he thought it would be. Most of his Vassals were okay with him.

Spoiler: The Vassals' Opinions

Show

Till he noticed most of those Vassals who hated him were also some of the most powerful of his Vassals. The Duchess of Nadia, Doux of Varendra, and many of the others were all Vassals who, at one point, were on his side. And now all had negative opinions of him.

"Well," said Despot with a smile, "at least Princess Eupraxia of Kamarupa, the future Queen, is happy with me."

Spoiler: The Future Queen

Show

"Nope," said one of the members of his staff. "She is upset with the change in Succession Laws. You know, when you switched from Gavelkind. And seems to care nothing for the fact the latest changes gave her total power."

"But, but, but, but....it makes her the Queen of the two Kingdoms! Oh all the Kingdoms!"

"Yep. Looks like she didn't want to be the Queen."

The Despot face-palmed himself. "Now your going to tell me my eldest son is HAPPY not to be Despot."

Spoiler: Eldest Son

Show

"Well...." The staff member nodded. "He seems to be okay with the first changes you did. You know, switching away from Gavelkind Succession but has no opinion about the latest change in the Gender Laws. He seems to like you as much as a son can."

"On the other hand," the man added, "your youngest son is still upset about the FIRST changes because he WAS going to inherit some titles under Gavelkind."

Spoiler: Middle Child

Show

"No wonder the laws state we should have Queens," murmured the Despot. "The males are all crazy."

The Despot decided to get to work on his Vassals. To make them better. And maybe like him. First he decided to focus on Doux Ghatamdeva III of the Bhar Raj. He decided to teach the 10 year old a Virtue.

Spoiler: Doux Ghatamdeva III

Show

And it worked. The boy listened and learned! He learned about being dutiful and diligent. And he still seemed to like the Despot. Perfect!

Spoiler: The Despot Taught Him A Virtue

Show

The boy's Regent on the other hand did NOT like the Despot. For a BUNCH of reasons. And it looked like the future Queen was going to have issues with her Hindu subjects.

Spoiler: The Boy's Regent

Show

A few days later the Despot heard somebody in his first floor office. When he entered the room it turned out to be his youngest son was going through his mail. Instead of spanking the boy he decided to force him to read all of it. Even the boring reports and the spam mail! That would teach him!

Spoiler: The Middle Child - Again

Show

Of course being forced to read farm reports about soil erosion didn't make Prince Raphail look cool in front of the other children. And many of the Courtiers made fun of him by shouting "You've Got Mail!" at him when he walked down the Palace's hallways.

In September the Despot received news from the Kingdom of Bihar. Doux Rajyapala revoked the City of Bhaktagrama from Rajadinaj. Likely because he was a lowborn man of the Hindu religion.

Spoiler: Rajadinaj The Ex-Mayor

Show

So we close this chapter with a mixture of good and bad. Good, most of his Vassals still liked him. Bad, those who disliked him were some of the most powerful Vassals among his Nobles.

[Valley]

Crusader Kings 2 - The Road of Queens
Chapter Four Hundred-Nineteen : Pacts And Plots


Bad News From China

We open this chapter in September, of the year 884 AD, with the news that Great King of Gondwana had left the Defensive Pact once again. Which was good news.

Spoiler: Great King Of Gondwana Leaves The Pact

Show

Around this point the Despot realized that business just wasn't a focus he was enjoying. Maybe it wasn't in his blood? So he decided to pick another hobby. With so many people upset at him he decided one way to help heal all the hurt feelings was to become more popular and throw a lot of parties. So he decided why not invite people to carouse with him! People like to drink, right? People like to have fun, right? So of course he sent out a lot of invites.

Spoiler: Despot Decides To Focus On Carousing

Show

While waiting for replies he received more news. It seemed Chief Ibrahim of Maymana had joined a Defensive Pact to oppose the Despot.

Spoiler: Chief Ibrahim Joins A Pact Against The Despot

Show

When the Despot found Maymana on the map he found himself totally confused. Ibrahim of the House of the Realm of Tigin was literally sandwiched between the Muslim Middle East and the Realm of Punjab. The Despot and his Kingdoms were on the other SIDE of Punjab. The idea that Despot was any type of threat to Maymana was, on the surface, ridiculous.

In fact Chief Ibrahim was in a unstable region of fighting between the Hindu, Pagan, and Muslim Religions. He, and his Kingdom, might not even exist soon.

Then the Despot was told his half-sister, Princess Gandharavati of the Pala Kingdom, was now 12 years of age and needed him to select her second stage of education.

Spoiler: Princess Gandharavati Will Focus On Learning

Show

As the girl was Timid he decided that she should focus on learning, philosophy, and religion. As she felt like she had claims to some of the Kingdoms teaching her the art of warfare or assassination would have been a bad idea.

He went to peek at his stepmother and she seemed to be doing well. Had money in the bank, working on curing one of her sins, and seemed happy with him. And while his half-brother, the Baron Rajendranarayan of Gaur, seemed to be doing well in his Castle the boy did have one problem. He was educating himself!

Spoiler: Stepmom and Half-Brother

Show

And that would simply not do! So the Despot sent a suggestion to his half-brother that Gennadios, the Realm's Magistros, become the lad's educator. Of course that meant the boy might become Greek which would also be a good result. Win-win!

Spoiler: The Despot Suggests Gennadios As A Teacher

Show

Then bad news came out of China. Really bad news. The plague had come to China to add to the unrest that war had already inflicted on it. And this illness could soon come to India or the rest of the world. How? Via the Silk Road!

Spoiler: China Is Having A Bad Time

Show

On the same day he heard about the illness in China he also heard about a murder plot within his own Realm. Seems Anantadevi of the House of Gahirawar wanted to kill Kiratpala. But while bad news it wasn't as bad as the news from China. It meant what Trade would be coming would soon be bringing death!

Spoiler: Somebody Plots To Kill Somebody

Show

So we close this chapter with the horrible news out of China and the Despot worried about what would be coming down the Silk Road besides trade!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's End Notes:

OOC NOTE : In our time the Black Plague did not show up till around the 14th Century.

Spoiler: Black Plague 14th Century

Show

[tonberrian]

Note: Imgur doesn't work on GitP anymore. You may be able to see the images (it's a cache-ing thing), but we can't, in general. Doesn't even provide a broken image, all your spoilers appear empty.

[Valley]

Note: Imgur doesn't work on GitP anymore. You may be able to see the images (it's a cache-ing thing), but we can't, in general. Doesn't even provide a broken image, all your spoilers appear empty.

Oh well. I guess this AAR is shutting down and will continue on the Paradox Interactive Forums.

For those still interested in the AAR this should take you to it on their forums.

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...a-aar.1035262/