View Full Version : Crusader Kings II Challenge - An Empire Divided
The year is 1205, the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade
Western crusaders have betrayed their Byzantine allies. Originally called to take the pressure off the failing Empire and give her a much needed respite, the Latin Knights have instead turned on Constantinople and brutally sacked the city. Greece and the entire western remnant of the empire falls to these foreign invaders. Under this immense pressure the Byzantine empire fragments completely, leaving behind numerous succeesor states dotting asia-minor. All the while, powerful forces await on the bounderies. The Sultanate of Rum's star rises as the heirs of Rome fall from grace.
This is a time of peril and uncertainty. With the old roman lands divided more than ever before, the people look to you for guidance. They look to you for leadership and to lead them to a new age. Three rulers. Three destinies. The only question you must answer is: Who will you be?
The First Crusader Kings II Challenge
Hosted at the Arena of totalwar.org
This will be a challenge open to any member of this site, member or moderator, who owns Crusader Kings II. The challenge is this: Take one of the successor states, or direct rivals of, the Byzantine empire and claim your rightful place as the legacy of Rome. For this scenario we will be using the January 1st, 1205 start date, and will focus on only factions from Asia minor. Our map looks like this:
https://i.imgur.com/7ptbW.jpg
In order to declare yourself the ultimate victor, and truly take your rightful place as the successor of the old glories, you must reach the de jure extent of the old eastern Empire which are shown below.
https://i.imgur.com/K0uZp.jpg
Doing this will cement your legacy for all time, and even though your enemies may curse your name, they will never doubt your place in history.
But why take part in such a challenge? I love this game quite a bit and Paradox has been going a fun route with their DLC. So far, everything has either been nonessential or purely cosmetic. So i got thinking one day while waiting for a hotfix, you know, i bet some people have passed on all this DLC.
The 1205 scenario is one i've been looking at since the game has launched, and have failed at many times as i attempted to do exactly what I described. So i wondered if Orgahs could out do me. And to sweeten the pot, I decided i'd buy all the currently released DLC for the one who did it the best.
THE RULES
1. Only a start date of January 1st, 1205 can be used.
2. Usable factions: Latin Empire, Byzantine Empire, Sultanate of Rum
3. No mods allowed! The only modding you are permitted to do is modding the ability to play as the Sultanate of Rum
4. No custom characters from the ruler designer. Let's keep it historically plausible.
5. You are permitted to try as many times as you wish.
6. This challenge will be open from the time of this posting until May 20th, 00:00 GMT. The winner will be judged on a number of factors detailed below.
7. No cheating! No console commands may be used other than fow commands, which I do not consider to be cheating. This is supposed to be fun more than anything.
8. Participants will be required to submit a final save game state as well as screenshots as proof of their deed.
9. Participants will be required to recap key events in their rise to power for their fellow members in the style of an AAR. Said AAR does not have to be extravagant! However, this is about fun, and what's more fun than showing off how you rebuilt Rome in a weekend? You are highly encouraged to share the your exploits in this thread. Be they victories, or defeats!
10. Participants must use the newest patched state of the game: 1.05.
10.1 Hotfix version doesn't matter, but in order for me to load your saves to check your games, you need the newest patch.
How to win
Players will have their final entry judged on a number of factors.
*Completion - You are tasked with claiming all the de jure counties as they are shown in the above screenshot.
*Time - Your speed is important. A player who unites the old empire in two hundred years is more impressive than one who did it in three hundred.
*Players will be ranked on an ongoing "scoreboard" with the highest three participants obtaining a prize from myself at the end of the challenge. The prizes available are detailed below.
*Players may submit multiple entries but only "their best" will be considered for prize distribution. They may pick which entry they wish to be in the running, and change their minds any time before the deadline.
*In the event no one achieves the final goal of a full ressurection of the empire players will be judged on who got the closest.
Prize information:
First Prize: All currently purchasable DLC for Crusader Kings II. This includes the entire soundtrack bundle, Mongol Portraits, Historical Coat of Arms, and the Ruler Designer DLC.
Second Prize: A choice between the complete soundtrack bundle or the Ruler Designer DLC
Third Prize: Your choice of any one of the following: One CKII song pack, Mongol Portraits, Historical Coat of Arms.
Major Factions:
Decide your destiny. Who will you be?
The Latin Empire:
https://i.imgur.com/DU6du.png
You are Henri van Vlaandeen and you rule your newly forged empire from Constantinople. The lure of the ancient city was too much for you and your men to resist, and rather than defend the failing glory of Rome, you siezed it for yourself. You control all the former lands of the the old empire west of the Aegean with the exception of the Despot of Epirus, who has risen up as independant in defiance of you.
Already you and your men are facing problems. You lack any lawful claim to the lands you rule. You are a foreigner in every way you can think. You are a bastion of catholicism in a land of orthodoxy. Your vassals range from Frankish counts to german dukes, and their former leiges are eager to ursurp their vassal's newly won titles from you. Your military is exhausted from the long march from Central europe, and while you can gather a sizable host, you are surrounded by your betters.
And to those you must contend with who question your right to rule..? To the dungeon with those traitors! Each and every one! All that matters is the right of conquest. In the old tradition of Caeser himself: might shall make right. You will reforge the legacy of the Empire into a new image - the image of the european knight.
The Byzantine Empire:
https://i.imgur.com/LRsbu.png
Betrayal! Thieves! Destroyers and usurpers curse them!
You are Theodoros Laskaris, Emperor of Nicea and the Aegean islands. You are the lawful heir to the legacy of the Roman empire, ruling your nation in exile after the betrayal of the Latin crusaders stole the jewel of Constantinople from you. As the lawful leader of the failing empire, it is no one's right but your own to see the old glories restored. With a centuries old decline and your power weaker than it's ever been, however, that goal looks more like a dream with each passing day...
Your military is strong but you are surrounded by enemies abroad and restless vassals from within. Your nobles are furious at the lost of the ancient city, and many have taken to openly questioning your authority. But all is not lost. You have many lawful claims on your rivals. If you could solidify your power at home you could quickly expand and steal away many lands from the other powers in the region. But after your defeat and exile, can you really expect the other powers to simply allow that to happen?
Only someone chiseled from the same stuff as the Emperors of old could ever hope to push the Latin usurpers out of greece while keeping the Sultanate of Rum at bay.. Is that you?
The Sultanate of Rum
https://i.imgur.com/GlrDf.png*
You are Kaykhusraw the Seljuk, amused that the follies of your enemies has turned into a boon for you. Having struggled with the failing Byzantines for almost a century now, the Sultanate of Rum has only ever gotten more powerful while her enemies grown weaker. Now, the fabled crusaders of the west having betrayed their allies, your age old enemy is the weakest she's ever been.
Boasting the greatest army of asia-minor, your court at home is largely in order. Only your brother dares to challenge your authority but his supporters are few and far between. You have many claims which fall upon both your enemies in Nicea and those in Egypt. This is your time, the time of the Seljuk dynasty to once and for all see this battle to it's conclusion. The old glories of Rome can never be restored by those who claim to carry on its honor. They are too weak and not at all worthy of such an honor.
The legacy of Rome deserves a stronger successor! A successor who will surpass its ancient glories and build a new future, not one who will attempt to emulate what simply cannot be again. But even now your enemies plot to block your rise to power. Calling you infidel and heathen - you will face many challenges as you seek to build this new future, not the least of which may be another crusade. Do you have the strength to overcome? Your vision of the future demands you do no less.
*I want to apologize to our Turk fans out there. I couldn't find a coat of arms for the Sultanate so I used one provided by the game.
^ Rankings are closed. ^
See page 4 for the final standings.
rickinator9
04-19-2012, 20:40
I will enter as the byzantine empire! This will be easy.
johnhughthom
04-19-2012, 20:43
I'll give it a whirl as the Latin Empire. Nice of you to give us a month, Monk, I probably won't have time to start until after the weekend. :beam:
I'll give it a whirl as the Latin Empire. Nice of you to give us a month, Monk, I probably won't have time to start until after the weekend. :beam:
:bow:
I'd like to formally wish everyone who takes up this challenge good luck! This is one of my absolute favorite start dates in the game, and I hope after getting a taste it becomes that way for you too.
Good hunting.
Allāhu Akbar!
Started as Rum ^^
I'll try to remember to take pics while playing, usually I get going and completely forget about it XD
I am tempted to ragequit my game... had partial AAR up too. That KoJ whatever it was crusade really messed up my investment.
Voigtkampf
04-20-2012, 08:33
I approve of this awesome endeavor! :bow:
rickinator9
04-20-2012, 14:40
Maybe agree upon having normal difficulty?
Maybe agree upon having normal difficulty?
The scenario is hard enough on it's own. Normal difficulty is what I would expect players to attempt it on, but if they want to be sadists and try something higher that's okay too.
johnhughthom
04-20-2012, 14:50
I assume that CK2 doesn't have the original's curious difficulty settings, where the game was actually easier on higher levels due to suicidal AI?
I assume that CK2 doesn't have the original's curious difficulty settings, where the game was actually easier on higher levels due to suicidal AI?
Not that I am aware of, but I have not experimented in great detail with the difficulty settings. If it becomes too much of a problem I can amend the rules to include an agreed upon difficulty setting.
frogbeastegg
04-20-2012, 17:46
:throws hairpin at the topic, fastening it to the wall: Pinned for the duration, as requested :bow:
I usually place CKII as a sandbox where I spend a generation or two messing around with small goals, I don't do the large-scale wars very often. This idea's interesting enough that I might take a shot at it. I expect I will die horribly due to inexperience!
Rise of the Saljūqiyān-e Rūm
After the power struggle with his brothers, Kaykhusraw I, confident on the manpower he managed to unite under his leadership, launched two massive campaigns to the north and south of the anatolian plateau.
The lightning speed of the operation, crushed the Kingdom of Armenia Minor and crippled the Empire of Trebizond. Eager for more victories and exploiting the Jihad called by the Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt against the remnants of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Kaykhusraw ordered all the transport vessels available in his few greek domains to assemble at Antioch. There the land army occupied the Principality and split in smaller forces, sailing for Cyprus and Krete.
https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4610/2012042000001.jpg
Thanks to the naval experties of his newly conquered subjects and the loot lust driven soldiers, in mere 10 years, the roman muslim gained a most valuable fleet in the Mediterranean.
https://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7541/2012042000002.jpg
With the sunni star rising, some divine intervention occurred: Egypt fell into a regency with an infant sitting the throne and the christian world, shocked by the lost of Ascalon, plunged into fratricidal wars.
https://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8063/2012042000004.jpg
The seljuq sultan couldn't believe his luck and hastily rallied his armies to expand his grip in Mesopotamia and the Aegean.
Starting to address himself as the new sword of Allah, with dreams (or rather hybris) of godhood, Kaykhusraw I was struck down in battle as a reminder to all that Rum is but carrying on Allah's will.
https://img545.imageshack.us/img545/8982/2012042000005n.jpg
The war was long and costy, but nevertheless won, the new sultan Kayqubad I was then held responsible for the prolonged conflict and the Beyliks of Armenia Minor and Antioch raised the banner of rebellion.
https://img835.imageshack.us/img835/9824/2012042000007.jpg
https://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8207/2012042000006h.jpg
Showing great experties in the field and charisma, Kayqubad defeated them and pardoned their crimes; in a speech, he then reminded everyone how united and fighting against the infidels, they all shone in glory: it was time to show the powers of old that their time has come and that Rum will be the bringer of peace and prosperity!
Southern Anatolia and the Aegean were further secured, a foothold near the Caspian Sea was established, the overgrowing Beylik of Armenia reminded of his duties to the Sultan and Trebizond, with its empire only in name, was brought under rumite protection.
https://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9995/2012042000009b.jpg
https://img853.imageshack.us/img853/8457/2012042000003p.jpg
https://img845.imageshack.us/img845/676/2012042000008.jpg
Kayqubad succeeded in bringing to life his father's vision: securing Anatolia and appointing friendly Beyliks at its borders. Now it was time for Kayqubad to take the roman empire, which he felt was rightfully his by right of conquest. Attacking both Latin and Nicean forces, the Sultan was hailed as "the Great", his was the real power.
https://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5669/2012042000010.jpg
https://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4673/2012042000011.jpg
With ever-expanding manpower at his disposal, Kayqubad the Great's eyes fell on Epirus and desire to bring all Romans under his rule, but a life of excesses and his costant presence on the battlefield (with all the injuries that come with it) demanded their toll and Kayqubad died, leaving his 11 year old son with a regency and the looming shadows of mongol invaders closing in.
https://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1036/2012042000013.jpg
https://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6933/2012042000014k.jpg
And it begins. :bow:
Arjos, you may be the furthest along in this challenge as we head into the first weekend. Very well done! To be honest I was afraid no one would even get close to completing my challenge. But with the lawful empire nearly destroyed and a sizable realm, you look to be well on your way. Impressive.
I can only guess that those huge sums of money has come from the insane amounts of loot and ransoms your victorious troops have won for you. However, it looks like the Horde are coming dangerously close to your borders. Beware flying too close to the sun! :yes:
rickinator9
04-21-2012, 03:31
Not so fast Arjos, I'm catching up to you!
Edit: Do you not spend that money on buildings and 'settlements'? They will help in the long run.
Do you not spend that money on buildings and 'settlements'? They will help in the long run.
I know, but really they were pretty advanced already from the start date...
I'm saving them for extensive building in Thrace (soon I'll take over Constantinople and I will move capital), there I will max out everything (even though the Latin Empire was kind enough to do that for me :P)...
That money will come in handy in the "mercenary stacks" wars to come with the Mongols :D
I can only guess that those huge sums of money has come from the insane amounts of loot and ransoms your victorious troops have won for you.
Indeed: looting and pillaging is the life for me ^^
Although Anatolia is quite a money maker, in 1205 each region has a large castle city and they literally mint gold!
Well, when my wife dies and my ruler dies, I should be ahead as I will have Kingdom of Sicily!
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 10:18
how do you mod to play the muslims? i can make them playable but there are no women?
Arjos when you started, were there any muslim women?
rickinator9
04-21-2012, 14:31
Byzantine Empire
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_1.jpg
Last year, a group of crusaders came to the gates of our beloved capital, Constantinople. We wanted to welcome them with gifts and escort them to their destination. Yet they attacked and mercilessly slaughtered thousands of our people. They set up their own empire, the so-called Latin empire, disrespecting our old heritage.
Now a year later, our empire is on the verge of collapse. As if the loss of Constantinople wasn't enough, Trebizond, Epirus, Krete and all of Bulgaria have declared their independance under their foolish leaders. The traitorous Latin Empire now controls Thrace, Macedonia and Greece.
Basileus Theodoros I
The new Basileus, Theodoros I, wanted his empire back. He would need to destroy the Latin Empire to do that. His enemies were strong, but divided. Theodoros began the reconquest by taking Lesbos from the Venetians. It was taken very quickly, as Venice was facing vassal rebellions at the time. After a while, Epirus declared war on the Latin empire. Taking the opportunity, Theodoros declared war on the Latins too. He wanted to take Achaia, which was still unscathed by the crusaders. The crusaders couldn't muster enough men, and they still had to deal with peasant rebellions. Achaia was now restored under Byzantine authority.
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_3.jpg
The Turkish Sultan, Kaykhusraw I, alarmed at renewed Byzantine success, declared war on the Empire. However his war would come to a sudden stop as Kaykhusraw himself was captured in battle. He was forced to pay around a thousand gold pounds to get his country out of the war. As a punishment for the war, the infidel was executed.
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_6.jpg
It was quite the dilemma to choose to ransom or execute this guy. I executed him for roleplay purposes.
In the chaos that ensued, Theodoros declared war on the Turks. He wanted to connect Cibyrrhaeot to his Empire. The turks had to accept peace treaties in favor for Theodoros. Theodoros died a few months after, leaving his young son, Alexios IV, on the throne.
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_9.jpg
Basileus Alexios IV
Alexios IV didn't quite deserve his name. He retook Thrace from the Latins, but the subsequent war on the Turks proved disastrous. He married the Duchess of Epirus and she gave him a son. He died, maimed from a assasination-retaliation to ensure his offspring would rule the Duchy of Epirus. He left his throne to his zero year old son, Theodoros II.
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_12.jpg
Thrace is now Byzantine again!
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CKII/CKIIContest/Contest1/ck2_13.jpg
Sixteen year regency! Gotta love this game!
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 15:28
are ricki and arjos the only ones playing atm? im currently 15 years into the challenge but i keep forgetting to make screenshots. i hope its not a problem :P
are you allowed to use exploits?
The Stranger
are ricki and arjos the only ones playing atm? im currently 15 years into the challenge but i keep forgetting to make screenshots. i hope its not a problem :P
Besker has a game going and john has stated his intention to begin sometime this weekend. Others have also expressed tentative interest and "maybes" but so far we have four confirmed entries. You will be our fifth contestant if you decide to join.
I would like you to have screenshots, yes. Even if its only one every few years. It helps us gauge your growth and make sure you're not cheating. ~:)
how do you mod to play the muslims? i can make them playable but there are no women?
Open the religions.txt file and add the line "playable = yes" to any religion group you want to play as. This will let you play as the Sultanate of Rum. As far as I am aware girls are regularly born to Muslims, but most rulers of that religion run under "agnatic open" succession, which means only males may inherit. You are unlikely to see a female ruler come to power without serious reform.
are you allowed to use exploits?
That would defeat the spirit of the rules and fall into line with rule 7, no cheating. I would like this event to not only be fun for you, but to challenge your skills as a player. This is one of the hardest (and more interesting) start dates I've played yet, you should try it without breaking the system before you "have at it" as it were. ~;)
rickinator9
Impressive start but looks like you hit a run of bad luck! Ah, them's the breaks my friend. Here is hoping you can keep it together during the regency. On the upside you've already recaptured Constantinople! I can feel it. The Empire will be made whole again
Tiaexz Arjos johnhughthom
I'd like to bring to your guys' attention a little surprise I have cooking. Special "events" will unlock in this thread once players have accomplished certain tasks. Think of them as fluff prizes that everyone can enjoy. ~:) Good luck everyone. I won't be checking this thread until tomorrow so if you have any questions send me a PM.
Arjos when you started, were there any muslim women?
It was a sausage fest indeed XD
I married an english courtesan with amazing stats to get my dynasty going...
johnhughthom
04-21-2012, 16:50
It was a sausage fest indeed XD
I married an english courtesan with amazing stats to get my dynasty going...
:stare:
Did you mod that in?
:clown:
Thinking modern meaning of course, being good equal opportunities players we should call male and female courtiers.
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 18:02
so what counts as an exploit?
Early on i killed my wife 2x to get some extra money from the marriage of my next wife :P does that mean my game is now invalid? :S
i dont think exploits is cheating, its just bit gamey but clever none the less
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 18:07
Sultanate of Rum
1205
5243
1206
5244
1216
5245
1225
5246
so what counts as an exploit?
Early on i killed my wife 2x to get some extra money from the marriage of my next wife :P does that mean my game is now invalid? :S
Oh no, as long as you are doing things that are working as designed by the developers and working within the confines of the game, that is perfectly reasonable. While it makes your king quite an evil :daisy: , that is fine. You can always claim the Henry the VIII defense afterall :laugh4:
When you said "exploit" i thought you meant taking advantage of a broken mechanic over and over to spawn infinite money/troops or something. ~:)
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 18:16
It was a sausage fest indeed XD
I married an english courtesan with amazing stats to get my dynasty going...
meh i invited a debutante to court :P
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 18:49
Oh no, as long as you are doing things that are working as designed by the developers and working within the confines of the game, that is perfectly reasonable. While it makes your king quite an evil :daisy: , that is fine. You can always claim the Henry the VIII defense afterall :laugh4:
When you said "exploit" i thought you meant taking advantage of a broken mechanic over and over to spawn infinite money/troops or something. ~:)
it kinda is a broken mechanic in some cases. i can kill my wife for -50 and remarry a new one for +200 :P
but i only did it twice, though i could do it ad infinitum. whenever i run out, i invite a new debutante for 100 and i would still make 50 on each new wife.
it kinda is a broken mechanic in some cases. i can kill my wife for -50 and remarry a new one for +200 :P
but i only did it twice, though i could do it ad infinitum. whenever i run out, i invite a new debutante for 100 and i would still make 50 on each new wife.
You could get just as much if not more money from constant conquering, looting and pillaging provided you don't put any money into your provinces. If you get insanely lucky by capturing nobles you can easily make thousands a year. Take a look at Arjos' treasury in his first screenshot to see what I mean, crazy stuff.
It does, however, strike me as gamey and a little cheap, but I don't feel it's an exploit. Your current game is still valid of course. Though, I would prefer you didn't outright abuse it going forward. ~:)
The Stranger
04-21-2012, 19:11
ye, i wouldve had around the same amount. only i hired more mercs i guess :P
ye, i wouldve had around the same amount. only i hired more mercs i guess :P
Yes, as I am discovering! Seems that the 1205 scenario is a money maker if you can quickly unite Anatolia. That will certainly help all of you in securing the de jure empire.
Second post has been updated with a list of all currently confirmed participants and their current faction of choice as well as leaderboard formating. If I have made an error tell me and I will change it. :yes:
Don't forget you are permitted to try as often as you like with any of the three factions listed in the rules. So just because you chose Byzantium on your first go, that doesn't mean you can't try it as the Latins and vice versa.
Sökmen, the Emperor that wasn't
Heeding his father's words, the new Sultan outlawed fighting among roman Sunnis and granted freedom to all his beyliks for declaring jihads. The timing couldn't have been better: the nicean Emperor died, leaving his infant daughter as Basilissa. A grand jihad was called to liberate Anatolia.
https://img805.imageshack.us/img805/4028/2012042100002v.jpg
A group of landless nobles also rallied under the banner of a minor beylik's youngest son and captured half of Sicily.
https://img824.imageshack.us/img824/553/2012042100004.jpg
Sökmen then decided it was time expand further in Europe and consolidate the aegean ports.
https://img560.imageshack.us/img560/3776/2012042100005.jpg
News reached the latin world of the success in the latest crusade, ensuring jubilation throughout the whole of christendom. This for Sökmen was the perfect chance to establish himself as the protector of Islam and so called up his banners to liberate the Holy Land from the Franks, but also attacked Edessa claiming the emirate as his, thanks to dubious legal parchments.
https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9538/2012042100006.jpg
https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5945/2012042100003.jpg
https://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7407/2012042100007.jpg
With no one able to stop the Seljuqs, Sökmen had Korkut I, the emir of Aleppo, killed in order to move forward his kinsman's claim. No one suspected the Sultan, or rather avoided raising the discussion, but Allah surely must have taken notice of it.
https://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6313/2012042100008.jpg
Uncaring for the consequences of his actions, Sökmen rallied all the beyliks and sailed for Calabria and the Adriatic. There a league of christian states united against him, under the roman Kaiser leadership (Venezia, Genoa and Naples). Battles of unprecedented scale took place and, even though the Muslims were victorious, each battle saw the Sultan suffering wounding blows. Maimed and feeling cursed, Sökmen asked for forgiveness and tormented died 30 years old, when he could have achieved the greatness no Seljuq could have dreamed of.
https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5245/2012042100009.jpg
https://img859.imageshack.us/img859/2058/2012042100012.jpg
https://img703.imageshack.us/img703/9404/2012042100013.jpg
The Sultana Khadja took the regency and left any military operations to the Captain of the Ghilman, who pt an end to all the conflicts.
https://img35.imageshack.us/img35/449/2012042100014.jpg
With the regency far from over and their never ending ambition, coupled with the great influence gained at court, the Ghilman rallied men from all over the sultanate. Fervored by the recent Jihad called by the Sunni Caliph, the Rum attacked all the major power it bordered: the Latin Empire, Bulgaria, Jerusalem and even the Golden Horde, which was torned by rebellions.
https://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4928/2012042100015.jpg
https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3527/2012042200001.jpg
https://img838.imageshack.us/img838/9528/2012042200002.jpg
https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1698/2012042200003.jpg
Kayqubad II, still underaged, is about to inherit the greatest power the world has seen in centuries, who could ever stop him?
I'm well into what I call "the formality" stage of the campaign...
And yes I still haven't touched my royal funds XD
Well, off drinking and for the occasion rum it is :D
rickinator9
04-22-2012, 14:58
Am I able to do this over? I started too slow and now the GH has bulgaria.
The Stranger
04-22-2012, 15:16
ye he said you can try as many times as you want. but tbh i am 99% sure that Rum is best, then ERE and then the Latin Empire. but Rum is so much better that i think the other 2 have no chance.
if u want to win (and beat Arjos) you have to go with rum, if you play just for fun, ofcourse pick whichever you like
rickinator9
04-22-2012, 15:31
ye he said you can try as many times as you want. but tbh i am 99% sure that Rum is best, then ERE and then the Latin Empire. but Rum is so much better that i think the other 2 have no chance.
if u want to win (and beat Arjos) you have to go with rum, if you play just for fun, ofcourse pick whichever you like
I wanna try byzantine another time though. I could have attacked Trebizond but I didn't.
I could have attacked Bulgaria but I didn't.
I could have attacked Cyprus but I didn't.
I could have attacked Sicily but I didn't.
if u want to win (and beat Arjos)
Really, I'm playing for fun :P
I have all the DLCs I want already XD
I picked Rum because I though everyone would go with the Romaioi or the Latins...
Good that I'm motivating people though ^^
I could have attacked Trebizond but I didn't.
I could have attacked Bulgaria but I didn't.
I could have attacked Cyprus but I didn't.
I could have attacked Sicily but I didn't.
Yeah, for this challenge you have to be ruthless, I didn't RP anything here other than the campaigning :D
Incredible work Arjos! You may be the first to succeed, and doing so with the sultanate! To be honest I was of the same mind as others, i thought the Byzantines would be be the first to succeed. I am glad to have been proven wrong at least based on early appearances :yes:
Avoid any succession crisis and you should have it all wrapped up.
ye he said you can try as many times as you want. but tbh i am 99% sure that Rum is best, then ERE and then the Latin Empire. but Rum is so much better that i think the other 2 have no chance.
From the start you're right, Rum is just too powerful to take in a head on fight. Waiting for the opportune chance while consolidating is your best bet to take them out. Assassinating their sultan while they have a child heir and spamming their more powerful vassals with your chancellor's "ruin relationship" is a good way to precede an invasion of someone more powerful than you.
The Sultanate of Rum has zero internal problems at the start - it's up to the player to create some strife. ~;)
rickinator9
04-22-2012, 19:55
From the start you're right, Rum is just too powerful to take in a head on fight. Waiting for the opportune chance while consolidating is your best bet to take them out. Assassinating their sultan while they have a child heir and spamming their more powerful vassals with your chancellor's "ruin relationship" is a good way to precede an invasion of someone more powerful than you.
The Sultanate of Rum has zero internal problems at the start - it's up to the player to create some strife. ~;)
Not to mention the ability to holy war the entire west.
Not to mention the ability to holy war the entire west.
True but the Latins can holy war the entire East. ~;)
I can't recall if orthodox nations can have Holy War CBs or not. I haven't played since thursday and my memory is a bit foggy.
The Stranger
04-22-2012, 21:11
I encountered a gamebreaking bug that possible sets me back a decade.
I stopped taking pictures regularly, because really right now it's me abusing every nation XD
https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1698/2012042200003.jpg
I declared war against Jerusalem, the Golden Horde, Bulgaria and Adrianopolis at the same time. Had just the time to deploy some armies that the Pope called a crusade for Constantinople, whole Christendom attacked me!
It was mad fun, 60k stacks all over the place, in the end Egypt and Africa joined the fight and I sacked Rome :P
The Sultanate of Rum has zero internal problems at the start - it's up to the player to create some strife. ~;)
The turkish open succession is just awesome, the best in the game imo, all vassals get +10 opinion and your heir is always your son or the strongest kinsman in case you have no male heir...
I can't recall if orthodox nations can have Holy War CBs or not.
They can :)
I actually think that the Latin Empire or the Byzantines can have an easier life since they can marry christian queens, the muslims have agnatic succession only and it gets a bit messy with marriages claims...
The Stranger
04-22-2012, 22:52
to marry your ruler into the byzantine empire dejure territory you either need to have 1 ruler breed like a rabbit with multiple queens or you need to have rapid successions. basically conquest is much faster. and the rums have the fastest conquest since holy war on byzzies will not get as much support by strong allies for religious defense but when you holy war rum then some strong muslim nations will support.
I encountered a gamebreaking bug that possible sets me back a decade.
Resolved.
Stranger encountered a bug where a faction who declared independence from Egypt, while he was already at war with Egypt, would reset his warscore for no apparent reason upon the independence war being a success. Not only that but all the counties he'd occupied would suddenly unoccupy themselves, with no interaction from Egyption forces. All of this despite the fact that his war for Egypt had nothing to do with the independence war, no less. Other CKII users have also reported this on rare occasions.
He graciously provided screenshots as proof and I can confirm that's exactly what happened. I've allowed him to work around the bug and also encouraged him to write a bug report, which he has :yes:
I declared war against Jerusalem, the Golden Horde, Bulgaria and Adrianopolis at the same time. Had just the time to deploy some armies that the Pope called a crusade for Constantinople, whole Christendom attacked me!
It was mad fun, 60k stacks all over the place, in the end Egypt and Africa joined the fight and I sacked Rome :P
Your success has not gone unnoticed by the AI! It seems the fall of Byzantium and the other successors has prompted a reaction. Very well done in defending your hard earned conquests! Will we see the first successful challenge inside a century? :grin2:
They can :)
I actually think that the Latin Empire or the Byzantines can have an easier life since they can marry christian queens, the muslims have agnatic succession only and it gets a bit messy with marriages claims...
Honestly it's a toss up between Byz and Rum on who has the better starting point, imho. Rum has the internal security and the military power - but a good player can turn Byzantium into the Sultanate's equal with a little time and effort. I also consider the looming threat of a crusade to be an added bonus difficulty to anyone who plays the Sultanate, as you no doubt discovered ~;)
Watching this thread evolve has been a lot of fun. Quite eager to see how the rest of you are doing in your games.
The Stranger
04-22-2012, 22:53
I stopped taking pictures regularly, because really right now it's me abusing every nation XD
https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1698/2012042200003.jpg
I declared war against Jerusalem, the Golden Horde, Bulgaria and Adrianopolis at the same time. Had just the time to deploy some armies that the Pope called a crusade for Constantinople, whole Christendom attacked me!
It was mad fun, 60k stacks all over the place, in the end Egypt and Africa joined the fight and I sacked Rome :P
The turkish open succession is just awesome, the best in the game imo, all vassals get +10 opinion and your heir is always your son or the strongest kinsman in case you have no male heir...
They can :)
I actually think that the Latin Empire or the Byzantines can have an easier life since they can marry christian queens, the muslims have agnatic succession only and it gets a bit messy with marriages claims...
you have to start over tho, im much faster :P
you have to start over tho, im much faster :P
I respect peace treaties! XD
The Stranger
04-22-2012, 23:31
you do? :O
(I only do that against ppl of the same religion XD not only for this challenge)
rickinator9
04-22-2012, 23:38
Disrespecting truces with the infidel has no drawbacks. You can't interact with them anyway.
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 01:24
First
https://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7607/challengecompleted.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/challengecompleted.jpg/)
The rest of the shots turned into the Chronicles of the Empire of Rum will follow later.
Also I edited out the year, so the challenge will remain for other players!
The Stranger
If you want you can decline the prize, but I would still like to acknowledge your victory. :bow:
Please send me your save game either by email or upload it to http://www.mediafire.com/ , you can create a free account and get 200mb of storage for nothing. More than enough for this.
My email is monk643[at]gmail.com
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 01:52
i havent won yet have i? other ppl might be faster still.
I will send it soon. I might want to try again, i think i can be faster than i have been now.
scottishranger
04-23-2012, 01:58
Dangg stranger very nice
Well to start off my own adventure, I am playing as The true Byzantine Empire!
To begin Basileus Theodoros I declared war on the traitors of the Despote of Trebizond, and claimed the provinces of Sinope and Amisos as de jure parts of the Byzantine Empire. Trebizond put up a good fight, but in the end the Byzantine Army, aided by the Varagian Guard and the Rus Band, triumphed, with help from Genoa who declared war to seize Cherson.
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/596968521433829153/762A7745806F6A7B74FF28A15FB2F7746C5865BE/
During this time my brother Manuel revolted against my rightful rule, taking his province of Heraklia into rebellion. Since he revolted during wartime, I crushed him and banished him to the farthest reaches of Christendom, seizing all his titles and money.
I also had 1 daughter and 2 sons born.
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/596968521433828322/8D0E139FA740E184886A0750E8B18113C054EF07/
Next I claimed the Eastern half of Krete to retake, and successfully usurped the title of Duchy of Krete after its conquest
The greatest success so far though has been drumroll..... THE RETAKING OF CONSTANTINOPLE
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/596968521433827515/9587A4291B613DCB45C72EA47B6129CE02C1D277/
Theodoros noticed that the vile usurpers were engaged in both the Crusade for Jerusalem and in a ducal war against Epirus. Taking advantage of this, his eminence raised his armies and set forth to reconquer the ancestral capital. After Constantinople, Thrakia, the islands of Naxos and Gallipoli were taken, the cowardly Latins sued for peace and The Duchy's of both Thrakia and Adrianople were retaken
and thats my progress so far...
i havent won yet have i? other ppl might be faster still.
I will send it soon. I might want to try again, i think i can be faster than i have been now.
Thus far you are the first to report a complete de jure victory. The standings won't be updated until confirm it your victory, however. Upload it at your own pace. :yes:
As per the rules you are permitted to try as many times as you like and submit your best time for prize consideration. Or, as i have said, you may decline the prize as well. That is your option :bow:
If you don't mind me asking, how does usurping Emperor titles work? I've never done that before. Is it just like usurping any other title? You hold half the de jure and then boom you get the option?
scottishranger
Welcome to the fray! Another Byzantine player, very good. I bet rickinator9 was feeling a bit lonely. :laugh4:
You're off to a great start, having already recaptured Constantinople. Very good! :bow:
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 02:09
Thus far you are the first to report a complete de jure victory. The standings won't be updated until confirm it your victory, however. Upload it at your own pace. :yes:
As per the rules you are permitted to try as many times as you like and submit your best time for prize consideration. Or, as i have said, you may decline the prize as well. That is your option :bow:
If you don't mind me asking, how does usurping Emperor titles work? I've never done that before. Is it just like usurping any other title? You hold half the de jure and then boom you get the option?
Ok, I confirm the victory. I sent you the files. I will make an AAR later tho, now its too late here :P
and ye, usurping de jure empires works same as other titles. obviously titular empires cant be usurped (so you can only usurp Byz Empire or the HRE)
Ok, I confirm the victory. I sent you the files. I will make an AAR later tho, now its too late here :P
and ye, usurping de jure empires works same as other titles. obviously titular empires cant be usurped (so you can only usurp Byz Empire or the HRE)
I don't have access to the comp with CK2 on it so i'll have to check it later tonight. However I got your save downloaded fine, thank you. If you would like to forfeit the prize you are certainly welcome to. I would still like to post your time to give everyone something to shoot for, however. :bow:
In the event that players would like to forfiet their prizes I will just bump that prize level down one notch. So if the player who obtains #1 doesnt want it, it goes to the player who got #2, and ect.
Remember all it's not a race. First one complete this in real world time means nothing, you have until next month to compete in the challenge. It's more like a time trial to see who can do this the fastest. Even though Stranger has by appearances reached the finish line first you can continue to compete in the challenge even if his entry turns out valid. Which it looks like it might very well be.
Good luck and continue to forge your dynasty ahead!
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 03:05
nah ill play for the prize :P you can post my time. its 1267 (took me 52 years)
nah ill play for the prize :P you can post my time. its 1267 (took me 52 years)
That's the spirit! :laugh4:
Pushing to 3 so announcement doesnt get lost
We have a confirmed completion! Ladies and gentlemen I give you the first Orgah to cross the finish line... The Stranger ! With a final time of 1267 that puts him in the lead with an impressive unification speed of 62 years. Incredibly well done! The Stranger will still be required to complete an AAR to be eligible for the prize, but his time is a good water mark in the mean time. All he has to do is complete the AAR and his is the time to beat.
Good luck everyone :bow:
!!!!! EVENT UNLOCKED !!!!!
MAJOR TURKISH VICTORY
After centuries of struggle in the war for Anatolia, the greatest enemy of the Turks was laid low when Constantinople was stolen from them. With the Byzantines fragmented, lacking a central leader and fighting amongst themselves, the war for asia-minor had been sent into an unexpected turn. Waiting on the bounderies of the once formidable Empire was the Sultanate of Rum, and she was by far the greatest military power of the region.. and as she'd soon prove, the greatest military power of her time.
https://i.imgur.com/uw80n.jpg
Conquest was your watchword. As your enemies struggled and fought for old legacies, you mercilessly united and built upon your foundations. As they foolishly tried to emulate ancient styles and resurrect a dead empire, you were building a new future. A future free of the limitations and unnecessary pandering to the past and one fully entrenched in moving forward. Your Empire, now fully stretching from Italy to Ascalon, has supplemented the old Roman Empire, even in name. The leaders of Europe quake at the mention of the great Empire of Rum, fearful that your mighty gaze will settle upon them next.
They have reason to be fearful! All the enemies arrayed before you lay broken and nothing but a memory. The Latins and Byzantines both couldn't stop you, neither could your brothers of the faith, whom you seized many powerful counties from. This new empire, this Turkish empire, has built a new legacy that will be handed down for generations to come. Let the future be written by those strong enough to shape it.
May this new empire last a thousand years, and may your dynasty always lead it to glory.
The Empire of Rum: Devlet-i Ebed-müddet!
Congratulations players! You have unlocked the first of the many hidden easter egg events of this challenge! Before this challenge I wrote up a number of Easter Egg AAR epilogues for certain events should the players encounter them. When one player posts proof, either by way of screenshot or save-game submission of one of these deeds, the event will unlock in the thread!
What events can be unlocked?
Sorry! It's a secret to everyone. It's a good bet that completing a full de jure unification with a faction will unlock an event. However, some of the more exotic ones aren't so straight forward(and i've hidden what triggers them away even from the prying eyes of our staff members!) And some require a little bit of luck! It's my way of giving a fun incentive to keep all your competitors updated in what happens in your game :yes:
Remember that this isn't the end of the challenge. Keep playing and keep leading your dynasty forward!
The most unlikely Emperor
Kayqubad II unleashed his vast army into Europe and captured the Balkans. In his brief campaign against the Mongols, he came to hold them in high regard and decided to nominate Badai from Kara-Kum as captain of the Ghilman tumen.
https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/807/2012042300007.jpg
Along with Berka (his successor in the Ghilman), the two warlords conquered the Levant, destroyed the Kingdom of Sicily and finalized Kayqubad II operations in the Danube basin.
In the mean time the Sultan settled in Constantinople and started an extensive building plan, spending all his life overseeing the constructions. His fortifications proved formidable against the crusading Franks. But those forces, coming in great numbers, brought diseases and famine, weakened Kayqubad II died of pneumonia, right before completing his unification of the roman muslims.
And so it came to pass, that his ugly, syphilitic son Mahmud ascended the throne and became the sole emperor in the east.
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5332/2012042300004.jpg
Here's mine (http://www.mediafire.com/?mv53qbq0k021s45), whole territory conquered by the sword!
Alas only 1 gold coin XD
https://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6492/2012042300001s.jpg
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3034/2012042300002.jpg
usurping de jure empires works same as other titles.
Boo, I never got the option to usurp the Basileos title :(
You sure you didn't gain it by marrying?
Confirmed.
Arjos moves into second place with a final time of 1304, 99 years. Amazing. Here I thought this would be impossible and we have two players crossing the finish line on the same night, and both in under a century. Incredibly well done!
Don't forget to finish recapping your rise to power Arjos. You've been keeping us updated quite well through out, an epilogue would serve just fine :bow:
frogbeastegg
04-23-2012, 09:22
Wow, some seriously impressive results here! Congratulations, both of you. :bow:
The write-ups are very educational reading. I never play in this aggressive, expansionist way in CK2 so it's nice to see how the 'other half' play.
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 11:25
Boo, I never got the option to usurp the Basileos title :(
You sure you didn't gain it by marrying?
nope. are you playing 1.05c? Perhaps you took out the last lands too early :S and it became lost between all the other titles you could usurp. its not a special event, it just pops up between all the other titles. and looking at your money, i think you never spent any so also didnt usurp titles.
thing is, you have to have more than 50% of the de jure byzantine empire before you take out the byzzies final land. i am not sure if you can create the title once its lost.
GJ tho arjos! I was playing and was wondering if I was going to be faster than you. you had one huge expension in 10 years and while my expansion was fast early but got bogged down later on. but then i got a bit more creative and finished the toughest part in 5 years :P there are some nice tricks, i think if you reload and use those, you might even be faster than ive been. and i do not even want to know what wouldve happened if you used all the money :S
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 11:30
Wow, some seriously impressive results here! Congratulations, both of you. :bow:
The write-ups are very educational reading. I never play in this aggressive, expansionist way in CK2 so it's nice to see how the 'other half' play.
:P I actually played less agressive than I normally do. I will wait with the write up cuz im a bit busy and I want to try again, i got time for only either one.
I think i might be able to do it faster...
or perhaps ill write a short one :P
johnhughthom
04-23-2012, 11:53
Wow, some seriously impressive results here! Congratulations, both of you. :bow:
The write-ups are very educational reading. I never play in this aggressive, expansionist way in CK2 so it's nice to see how the 'other half' play.
Very different play styles from mine too. I've had more than one game on the original where my one county family took over 100 years to get another, completing this challenge in under 100 years is very unlikely for me...
Good going guys! :yes:
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 13:06
The Rum Diaries
Chronicles of a Rise to Power
Sultan Kaykhusraw I of house Seljuk was not a large man, but he was quick and strong. However his natural talents were not that of weilding a sword but that of weilding a quill and gavel. He was a natural leader, a brilliant statesman, one that could have rivaled the Senators of Rome in their days of Glory! Yet he was far from perfect, he had a slight lisp, which he knew caused his enemies to laugh behind his back. He was proud and quick to anger when people insulted his honour or that of his family. But his strength lay in the fact that he could bend these weaknesses into one mighty fist of ambition. And he was ready to strike at all who dared to stand before him.
With him our story begins...
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6163/rum0.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/140/rum0.jpg/)
https://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9504/rum1.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/9/rum1.jpg/)
The Council, 1st of January 1205.
It was his name day but there was no time for celebration, it was time for blood and vengeance, it was a time for warriors!
'Your Majesty, please reconsider!' the chancellor cried out: 'We are not ready for war. All around us our enemies are waiting for us to make a mistake, they are numerous like a kettle of vultures and hungry for the taste of our blood... In the West those who call themselves Emperor and dress in the legacy of Rome, in the North and South those who dared to defy those emperors in their time of strife and struggle, and much further into all the directions that the mighty wind can carry sound and voice, the Pope of the False Messiah who crowns himself God on earth, the Sunni Caliphate, the Persian Shahs and the steppe hordes... And there are whispers of a dark, unstoppable storm heading our way.'
Sultan Kaykhusraw remained calm during the entire tirade of his chancellor, betraying no hint of emotion. When he spoke up his voice was strong and decisive, he had made up his mind.
'Then it is up to us to make no mistake,' the Sultan said: 'I hear your council and I shall take it to heart, I promise. But the King of Armenia attacked our pilgrims travelling towards Mecca and no such insult to Allah I shall ever let pass. Not infront divine or mortal eyes I shall ever be called a coward. We shall vanquish them and all who come to their aid!
And thus the sons of Rum went to war. The war was swift, the army of Armenia could not stand against the Army of Rum, not even with the aid of the kings of Trebizond and Georgia. In the west, the Emperor of Nikaea dared not to intervene. In September 1206 the king of Armenia surrendered to Sultan Kaykhusraw and went into exile at the court of the king of Georgia.
https://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4239/rum2k.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/543/rum2k.jpg/)
In the wake of this victory Sultan Kaykhusraw decided to punish the Orthodox kings for their aid to the king of Armenia. He declared a Holy War on Trebizond and would not rest before they were destroyed. This time the Byzantine Emperor could not watch another brother of his faith be defeated without his intervention and he called his banners. It became a long and drawn out war lasting for a decade: The War of the Cross against the Crescent. Sultan Kaykhusraw personally led his men into battle and won some easy victories against the despot of Trebizond. However in Nikaea they were surprised by an overwhelming force composed of the flower of the Byzantine army, the Varangian Guard and a large host of Epirotes sent by their king to aid the Byzantines. Forced to retreat Sultan Kaykhusraw decided to call for the help of the Ghilmans. The Ghilmans turned the tide of the war and in 1216 a truce was signed in favor of the Sultanate of Rum. The kingdom of Trebizond including the Crimea was conquered and Nikaea was annexed.
https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7195/rum3.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/515/rum3.jpg/)
The Royal Gardens, summer 1206.
As Sultan Kaykhusraw, now styled "The Great" after his impressive victory against the Orthodox lords of Asia Minor, watched the sun set into the pools of his Royal garden he knew that the time of the kings in the West had come. They were in decline and his power, that of the East was rising ever higher. After the humiliating defeat of the Emperor of Nikaea and Byzantium, who had lost both Nikaea and Constantinople, Sultan Kaykhusraw knew that no power in Asia Minor could stop him. He wondered if it had been smart to order a war on two fronts by attacking both the duchy of Crete (which he would use as a base of expedition for his invasion into Greece) and the Latin Empire in Constantinople. He must have been confident the day he gave the order and the setting sun strengthened him!
However, not all had gone well in this past decade, and the burden of grief weighed heavy on his mind. 2 years ago he had lost his second son to the flux and to add to the injury his eldest son was imprisoned by the mother of his younger cousin, regent of Asia Minor. He died in that dank cell. The evidence had been overwhelming, but deep in his heart Sultan Kaykhusraw knew that his son had been framed by his ambitious aunt. However, afraid to lose the support of the Turkish nobles, Sultan Kaykhusraw had not dared to intervene and the law had been upheld, but justice did not prevail.
The bigger was his joy as he felt the tiny hand of his six year old son, Prince Bugra, reach out for his. Kaykhusraw looked down into the caring eyes of his now only remaining son, his only pride and joy left in this world. He knew Bugra had felt his distress as he gazed into the memories that only a setting sun can bring about. He was glad that his son had this human side, he would groom him carefully so that this human side would never be eclipsed by the monster every ruler sometimes has to be.
'Come, my sweet Bugra, it is time for you to go to bed.' Kaykhusraw said suddenly after they had stood in the dark for a while after the sun had set. And together they walked back into the palace, hand in hand, the Great and the small Seljuk. Behind them the four guardsman, who had been ordered never to leave their sight, trailed.
The Rumite Holy War for the Latin Empire started in the spring of 1216 with a major Turkish offensive into Thrace. The surrounding provinces quickly fell and only the splendid defenses of Constantinople defied the might of Rum for 3 long years. But the hunger of Sultan Kaykhusraw had not been satisfied and he allowed the Latins no moment of respite as he pressed his armies relentlessly throughout ancient Greece. In 1223 Krete, which had held out much longer than anticipated due to the aid of the Kingdom of Cyprus, finally surrendered and Sultan Kaykhusraw's plan of invading the Achaiad peninsula from the south could finally be set into motion. At the end of 1225 the once mighty Crusader Empire had been reduced to a shadow of its short but notorious glory, yet their ordeal was still not over...
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3907/rum4.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/338/rum4.jpg/)
After the Sultan Kaykhusraw was sure that the Latin Empire had been broken, he ordered to expell the Christians from the Holy Land. Even though he never stopped the war against the Latins his gaze now shifted east, towards the Duchy of Antioch. A few years back his wife had died of natural causes and Sultan Kaykhusraw married to a princess of Egypt. He had married his son, Prince Bugra, to a princess of Africa some years later. Now he felt that it was time to call upon their honour to aid him in his war as they had pledged to do when whine plied words with honey and pledges came easy. It turned out that their words were truly spoken as they accepted his call to arms. Sultan Kaykhusraw's fear of intervention by the kingdom of Jerusalem never came true but the Kingdom of Cyprus again meddled in his affairs, aiding the duchy of Ascalon with blood and steel. Deep in his sixties Sultan Kaykhusraw was still leading his men from the line and he truly lived up to his epithet, the Great. However everything must come to an end and the reign of Sultan Kaykhusraw I 'The Great' Seljuk ended abruptly as an arrow penetrated a slit in his armour around his neck. Too old to recover, the Sultan died on the battlefield, unable to see how his son Bugra rallied the Turkish soldiers and carried the day.
https://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9765/1231y.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/252/1231y.jpg/)
https://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9568/deathv.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/deathv.jpg/)
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 14:58
The Rum Diaries
Chronicles of a Rise to Power
Reserved for King II
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 14:58
The Rum Diaries
Chronicles of a Rise to Power
Reserved for king 3&4
Wow, some seriously impressive results here! Congratulations, both of you. :bow:
The write-ups are very educational reading. I never play in this aggressive, expansionist way in CK2 so it's nice to see how the 'other half' play.
Speaking purely as a spectator in all of this I can say that this challenge has been highly entertaining for this very reason. I love to go conquering in CKII but I never go so fast, nor did I realize a number of game mechanics existed before now (usurping emperor titles, for instance). Players like me can learn a lot about the game even after having played so long from watching how others play.
Add to that the fun of watching this thread evolve as people complete their games and it's been a great contest so far. And I'm not even participating :laugh4:
Very different play styles from mine too. I've had more than one game on the original where my one county family took over 100 years to get another, completing this challenge in under 100 years is very unlikely for me...
Good going guys!
Don't let that stop you. There's still plenty of time left to go in the challenge and a vacant prize spot still up for grabs. :yes:
Can someone usurp the top time? Stranger has started his AAR so it looks like your bar is officially set. Good luck in the remaining weeks players.
you have to have more than 50% of the de jure byzantine empire before you take out the byzzies final land.
Weird it never came up for creation though, all the other christian kingdoms did...
Usurping was actually the only thing I spent money on, to keep my vassals happy :P
But no I did kill them way before 50%, thanks for the info!
It took me a bit, because I waited for the peace treaties most of the time, always thought it made other rulers more prone to attack you or join in defense of your enemies...
The Stranger
04-23-2012, 17:26
well ye it does, but that drawback is so minor that i never really bothered. since no christian or orthodox nation is near strong enough to stop you. the breaking of truces didnt kick in untill i got to sicily and hungary and suddenly all the christian nations dogpiled on me in religious defense :P so... i abandoned that route and took a different approach.
hmm i was wrong, the Byzantines might even be faster...!
The Stranger
04-24-2012, 17:35
yup the Byzantines are definitely faster... (I changed my primary title, hence the latin empire in the pic but I started as the Byzantines)
https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3643/challengecompleted2.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/254/challengecompleted2.jpg/)
35 years almost flat. AAR will follow later
:laugh4: Okay explain yourself.
How did you get the Latin Empire title. Since its a titular title I would assume you married into the line and then pressed a claim?
Why are you spreading so deep into Eygpt?
Why are you spreading so deep into Eygpt?
If he manages to get kingdom claims on Egypt and has his main character with an emperor title, he can press the king level claim on the Egyptian throne and incorporate the entire faction into his empire. Egypt usually has quite a bit of that territory in this scenario. So that's probably why.
rickinator9
04-24-2012, 20:14
yup the Byzantines are definitely faster... (I changed my primary title, hence the latin empire in the pic but I started as the Byzantines)
https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3643/challengecompleted2.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/254/challengecompleted2.jpg/)
35 years almost flat. AAR will follow later
You demotivate!
The latin empire, apparently, wasn't enough for the crusaders
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CK2%20random/ck2_25.jpg'
Very well done rickinator9!
Taking southern italy is a greatstep forward, as is obliterating the Latin empire.
Is that the Kingdom of Byzantium independent from you in Anatolia? How in the world did that form? :confused: I was under the impression it was non-formable.
The Stranger
04-24-2012, 20:40
You demotivate!
The latin empire, apparently, wasn't enough for the crusaders
https://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p543/rickinator9/CK2%20random/ck2_25.jpg'
lol that is interesting, im with monk here, how did that form? i never got the option to create it :S
it does seem like you understood the trick ive been using haha good for you! you know you can also use it on muslim nations if you have some creativity! it took me 1 hour to figure out and i was about to give up but then i found a way!
The Stranger
04-24-2012, 20:44
:laugh4: Okay explain yourself.
How did you get the Latin Empire title. Since its a titular title I would assume you married into the line and then pressed a claim?
almost right, i married myself to the daughter of an emperor then assisinated her brother and father, i thought it was enough but her cousin inherited -_- so then she pressed the claim on her own and asked me to join the war, which i did. then i killed her off and commited suicide to let my heir inherit and what happened you can see in the screenshot.
rickinator9
04-24-2012, 20:53
Very well done rickinator9!
Taking southern italy is a greatstep forward, as is obliterating the Latin empire.
Is that the Kingdom of Byzantium independent from you in Anatolia? How in the world did that form? :confused: I was under the impression it was non-formable.
There was a crusade for Byzantium. I, the greedy one, expected it to go to me, but alas, it didn't.
There was a crusade for Byzantium. I, the greedy one, expected it to go to me, but alas, it didn't.
That.. haha, wow. That's crazy man. The silly (in a good way!) things the game will throw at you sometimes. Just awesome :2thumbsup:
The Stranger
04-24-2012, 21:38
There was a crusade for Byzantium. I, the greedy one, expected it to go to me, but alas, it didn't.
course it wont go to you haha you are not catholic :P
The Stranger
04-26-2012, 15:41
ok i replayed from a certain point and managed to knock of 4 more years. i think it can be done perhaps 1-2 years faster if you time certain wars faster but i cba to do it :P
so this is my final time and i will play the challenge with this savegame and make an AAR for this one.
this is a short AAR
The Reincarnation of Belisarius
The Emperor had a vision, he had a plan, he had ambition and he had an army. And he knew that within his lifetime he would unite the squabling states under the glorious banner of the Byzantine Empire.
He married himself to the heir of Bulgaria, he married his brothers to the claimants to the thrones of Serbia, Hungary and Sicily. He pressed a courtier claim for the duchy of Epirus. When leading his men into the Epirote mountains he was introduced to the Iconoclast heresy and he converted. He went to war with Genoa for the Crimea and with helped an Epirote count revolt against the Venetians. After this all went succesfull he offered vassalisation to the counts which had split off. After this he pressed the claim of his brothers wife for the kingdom of Serbia, because the kingdom was a dejure vassal of the Byzantine Empire she became his vassal after he succesfully supported her claim while she was in his court.
The second part of his plan was set into motion, using the casus belli the iconoclast heresy provided he invaded the Kingdom of Armenia Minor in a Holy War. At the same time he pressed courtier claims for the Duchy of Antioch and he also invaded Krete. Within 15 years he had doubled his holdings and seen his wife ascend to the throne of Bulgaria. She also bore him 2 healthy sons within a few years. After the butchering he reverted back to the Orthodox faith.
He was not satisfied and continued his unstoppable march! He pressed the claim of his other brother's wife for Sicily. At the same time he pressed courtier claims for the Duchy of Tripoli and expelled the cretan christians from Krete. Without pause he continued his relentless wars and he drove his armies onwards. After Sicily surrendered and was added to the Empire he pressed the claim of his last brothers wife for Croatia, which luckily bore him a son before he got maimed in battle and died of his wounds not much later. Now, with his dynasty set to inherit the Kingdoms of Bulgaria, Serbia, Sicily and Croatia, the Emperor shifted his gaze east to the kingdom of Jerusalem and Cyprus which had just reached its full dejure greatness after a succesfull crusade. Pressing courtier claims for both dejure parts of the Empire. At the same time he pressed a courtier claim for the kingdom of Trebizond. Within 25 years almost all of the Christian controlled part of the Byzantine Empire had been reconquered. At one point in these years of war he married his heir to the heir of the Latin Empire, securing both empires for his grandson in the process. After this he pressed the claim for Hungary for the Queen of Croatia, adding it to the Empire.
This was the easy part, the emperor contemplated, when watched the map to see his empire stretch out for miles. He now faced a bigger problem, the might of Rum and Egypt. He could no longer press courtier claims because Rum was titular and Egypt was never dejure part of the Empire. Besides even if they were, the claimants would never join because the thought he had a false religion. Holy Wars were too slow and too dangerous because all the sunni lords would join against his agression. But then he had a moment of genius, Matrilinial Marriage it was called! Marrying female claimants to muslim titles would not work because women never inherited. But matrilinial marriage meant that the claimant would join his court. He married such a claimant from Rum matrilinially to his daughter (and thus securing also the kingdom of rum to his Dynasty in the future). The emperor gave the claimant a county to ensure he was his vassal and then he pressed his claim adding the kingdom of Rum to the empire. Prior to this he had done something similar to egypt but even more spectacular! There was no claimant that wanted to marry matrilinially to someone in his court. Despair almost struck but the divine intervened again. He saw the opening and seized it, he married a courtier to a princess of Egypt, then killed the courtier to widow the princess and matrilinially married a male egyptian claimant to the egyptian princess. He gave this claimant the Duchy of Krete and pressed his claim for Egypt, thus adding Egypt to the empire.
What was left were some stray holdings occupied by the Cumans, the Kievan Rus, the Ilkhanate and some of the muslim lords. Within 5 years he conquered what was left.
His plan had unraveled and was executed with near perfection, all that was left was to tie up the loose ends. Thus he got down to the dirtiest part of the job. He killed his wife, son and daughter in law to ensure his grandson would inherit it all when the Emperor would die. He commited suicide the next morning and his grandson inherited the greatest power the world would ever come to see!
https://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5645/challengecompleted3.jpg (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/challengecompleted3.jpg/)
ok i replayed from a certain point and managed to knock of 4 more years. i think it can be done perhaps 1-2 years faster if you time certain wars faster but i cba to do it :P
so this is my final time and i will play the challenge with this savegame and make an AAR for this one.
The Stranger
Good lord you're getting this down to a science :laugh4:
Submit a savegame to me via email or upload and I'll verify it for you. I'll also update the rankings to reflect which save you want to use.
For everyone else: We're nearing the second weekend of the challenge. How are your games shaping up? I'd love to see the progress (or the setbacks :grin2: ) you've experienced! :nod:
rickinator9
04-26-2012, 21:31
The Stranger
For everyone else: We're nearing the second weekend of the challenge. How are your games shaping up? I'd love to see the progress (or the setbacks :grin2: ) you've experienced! :nod:
I have played some games as the byzantines. I am pretty fast, but not as fast as the stranger. I think I will try to play a lot in one sitting tomorrow. I've got the next week off, so I will have plenty of time.
Confirmed The Stranger new time of 31 years. Absolutely amazing. Of course his empire would very likely fly apart within the next two generations and would be an absolute headache to maintain as a player. But then that wasn't part of the rules, maybe nex ttime i'll include something like that ~;) For now its a valid entry and an impressive showing.
~~ EVENT UNLOCKED ~~
MAJOR BYZANTINE VICTORY
After the terrible sack of the great, eternal city, the Empire finally fragmented. With its successors striving not only against one another but at odds with foreigners, the Byzantine Empire could not have been in more dire straights. An army reduced to a fraction of what it had been. Nobles bickering and threatening civil war even as the Rumites massed in Anatolia for another war of aggression against the true heirs of Rome.. and from these humble beginnings started the greatest Byzantine resurgence since Saint Justinian the Great himself.
https://i.imgur.com/jhnJC.jpg
It was your right alone to see the old glories restored, but that never meant it would be easy. Even though you were surrounded on all sides by your enemies, you held true, and in the end over came them one by one. With each victory, each turn of the tide you brought back counties and wayward vassals into the fold of Byzantium protection. Roman protection. No longer an Empire of Nicea, your lawful claim to the legacy of old can no longer be denied. From Italty to Ascalon you rule a restored empire in the name of Rome.
From Constantinople the world of the emperor is law. His judgements swift, his armies powerful and his enemies broken and defeated. You have restored the old glories of Rome and even now, great monuments in the old style can be seen across the land, constructed in the honor of your dynasty.
May this restored empire reign for a thousand years, and may your dynasty always lead it to glory.
Hail to the Basileus!
The Stranger
04-27-2012, 10:24
Confirmed The Stranger new time of 31 years. Absolutely amazing. Of course his empire would very likely fly apart within the next two generations and would be an absolute headache to maintain as a player. But then that wasn't part of the rules, maybe nex ttime i'll include something like that ~;) For now its a valid entry and an impressive showing.
actually, i dont know :P it will be now because I killed my son and went immediatly to my grandson, but if i hadnt done that, the transition would be alot smoother. because all the muslim vassals are controlled by the muslim kings i only have to deal with 2 discontent vassals, which will not be very hard. being an emperor with kings as a vassal is quite easy because kings are not that hard to control, lot less harder than dukes because they have less desires.
anyway thanks Monk for the challenge, i actually learned quite alot by playing it! and it was great fun.
perhaps next one will be the Habsburgers? :P or Spain or Italy :O so many choices ahah
rickinator9
04-27-2012, 23:55
How about the varangians post-patch? Should we mod the numbers of the varangians or not?
anyway thanks Monk for the challenge, i actually learned quite alot by playing it! and it was great fun.
perhaps next one will be the Habsburgers? :P or Spain or Italy :O so many choices ahah
Glad you enjoyed yourself Stranger. :bow: I've already got the next one in mind but it will depend heavily on how interest holds in this current game, whether or not it will happen. ~:)
How about the varangians post-patch? Should we mod the numbers of the varangians or not?
I don't know. How much does it affect the overall balance of the 1205 start date? I'm hesitant to allow any modding other than factions playable but I'm open to player feedback.
Assuming that your save games have survived the transition from 1.05c to 1.05d you can continue playing them. Mine did not, but some are reporting theirs are fine, so hope for the best I suppose.
rickinator9
04-28-2012, 01:59
Well, the ones who used them pre-patch do have an advantage.
As for the next challenge, will we leave the byzantines or do they still deserve attention?
Well, the ones who used them pre-patch do have an advantage.
I would need to know the strength of the varangians at the 1205 start date pre 1.05d compared to their post nerf strength before i would feel comfortable opening that particular flood gate. But I understand the point and it's a valid one. Any other examples of modding I won't be considering, however.
As for the next challenge, will we leave the byzantines or do they still deserve attention?
Sorry, it's a secret to everybody. As i said it depends on the overall interest once this challenge concludes.
The Stranger
04-28-2012, 11:15
it shouldnt matter for the byzantines in future challanges and i doubt it barely affects their capability. however ricki is right that it does give the people who started pre 1.05d an advantage over who starts now (how minor this is even)
they say the varangians got halved but its more like 1/3rd got knocked off. i never really needed them but its still cheap and good soldiers and whether you get 5k or 3k does make a difference in a battle and we all know that how the battle systems works here, its a slope and once you get that advantage roling its hard to stop.
so for purpose of the challenge i would reset the changes of the crown authority and varangians. on the other hand, i doubt the varangians really make a difference, crown authority might tho, but i dont know if its good or worse :P some people swear for medium CA on the other hand you cant get primogeniture.
BTW about the varangian guard, it's true that their are reduced in number, but the cost was reduced aswell...
It's still balanced imo...
What might be more pressing is that save game compatibility, I dunno, but some people might have limited hours and the patch could have ruined their schedule, if it corrupted the save file...
The Stranger
04-28-2012, 11:26
true (though that actually happens automatically, if you now would mod the varangians to double their size it would also increase their cost)
lowered CA does make a difference tho (but i dont know if its for better or worse)
isnt it possible to return to patch 1.05c? or whatever patch they were playing on?
what is worse, 1.05d seems to have broken claim wars -_-
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?604255-Claim-War-Result-in-Independence
tho now that i think of it, for me its still working XD or its working differently and i got apparantly what i have been doing with claimants from egypt and hungary shouldnt work
BTW about the varangian guard, it's true that their are reduced in number, but the cost was reduced aswell...
It's still balanced imo...
What might be more pressing is that save game compatibility, I dunno, but some people might have limited hours and the patch could have ruined their schedule, if it corrupted the save file...
Some save games definitly got broken. My further Rus save wouldn't load correctly but I was able to salvage it by reloading an older autosave. I wish i knew what specifically caused the instability moving across versions, because i'd share it.
When it comes down to it on the VG issue, I'll be honest in that it seems (to me) such a small factor that it's almost not worth worrying about. But if you want my honest opinion and by the interpretation of the rules, rule 10.1 says that hotfix version does not matter. So if you want to mod the VG to be in line with their previous 1.05d balance I am personally fine with it.
However, this means you will be held accountable if you tamper with them and increase their strength beyond that which was their 1.05c balance. In that event your entry would be immediately disqualified.
isnt it possible to return to patch 1.05c? or whatever patch they were playing on?
Not if you use steam in which case it would be a gigantic hassle.
what is worse, 1.05d seems to have broken claim wars -_-
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...n-Independence
tho now that i think of it, for me its still working XD or its working differently and i got apparantly what i have been doing with claimants from egypt and hungary shouldnt work
This challenge has exposed a lot of gaps in the initial rule set up which I thought was pretty extensive. If we do another we'll be retuning things much more to provide more clarifications and less grey areas when it comes to game mechanics. ~;)
The Stranger
04-28-2012, 23:07
well it was a known loophole and what they did to it now is not really working either, because if i press a vassal claim for someone who has been in the realm for generations he will also become independent which is just downright stupid. but ye, pressing kingdom tier claims as an emperor is crazy easy now too, you can basically give the claimant a barony and press his claim and he will become your vassal (which is what i did a few times) and gain huge strokes of land.
they need to find a balance, perhaps a cool off factor of a few years to ensure that you cannot just invite claimants and press their claims to gain land but that you can press claims for those who have already been your vassals for some time
well it was a known loophole and what they did to it now is not really working either, because if i press a vassal claim for someone who has been in the realm for generations he will also become independent which is just downright stupid. but ye, pressing kingdom tier claims as an emperor is crazy easy now too, you can basically give the claimant a barony and press his claim and he will become your vassal (which is what i did a few times) and gain huge strokes of land.
they need to find a balance, perhaps a cool off factor of a few years to ensure that you cannot just invite claimants and press their claims to gain land but that you can press claims for those who have already been your vassals for some time
I agree. Paradox has been hit or miss with their patches thus far. But I do enjoy the support they are giving CKII. I hope it continues and they find that balance like you say. ~:)
The Stranger
04-29-2012, 10:01
yes but 1.05d is unplayable for this challenge (and for me as a whole now), it has broken a core mechanic for the challenge (and for me also for the game).
can follow the discussion here: http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?604288-1.05d-Claim-War-result-in-target-independence
i really recommend ppl who want to play it to go back to 1.05c or sumthing.
rickinator9
04-29-2012, 12:44
I guess no challenging for me then. No way you can be competitive without those claim wars.
The Stranger
04-29-2012, 14:21
or just play it
and then mod it so he becomes ur vassal? u understand the trick i want to know if u can be faster than i was
It feels like we've run out of Steam (audience groans)
With patch 1.05e most of the big bugs of CKII's content patch have been ironed out, though some serious balance changes were introduced that have changed the landscape for this challenge a bit. If you haven't been following you'll be happy to know claim wars have been fixed, as well as a number of smaller oddities that could've really ruined your game experience. All gone! There's never been a better time to give this a shot! :yes:
We're headed into the third weekend soon. Is anyone still attempting this challenge? I must admit it was quite entertaining watching the games unfold as well as very educational. I've learned quite a bit from watching my fellow forum members push the game to its limit.
The Stranger
05-04-2012, 12:25
rickinator is still trying! and i think he will be set for the 2nd time if he attempts to finish!
i hope more people try because i want a second challenge!
(currently im trying to achieve world domination by putting my family on every throne in the world :P i got them in Jerusalem, Combined crown of Sweden and Norway, Combined crown of Ireland and Wales, and I myself own Spain, Italy, Sicily and the North African Kingdoms. Soon the King of Ireland and Wales' heir will also inherit the kingdom of Britannia if all goes well.)
rickinator9
05-05-2012, 03:07
I'm still trying. Last time Rum just flew out of my grasp and I raged!
It's difficult to choose between this game and company of heroes.
The Stranger
05-05-2012, 11:40
do the challenge please!!!! i pwomise ill install CoH and pwn your ass later! does anyone have aoe3?
:laugh4: Stranger is almost desperate for someone to attempt to beat his time. Who could blame him? This is a lot of fun.
I'm still trying. Last time Rum just flew out of my grasp and I raged!
I know that feeling all too well rick. :yes:
I'm not really going for the challenge, as I know I have no hope of beating the achievements of the others here, but I've been trying a game as the Byzantine Empire in between playing as Ireland. I got bogged down in a war with Rum over some minor province, so I has to cut my losses there and sue for a white peace. On the plus side, due to tragic simultaneous accidents involving the young Latin Emperor and his two brothers, my heir is now betrothed to the under-age ruler of the Latin Empire. One flank secured, a powerful ally gained, and I should nearly double my territory when my heir's son inherits (a while away yet, but still).
I've been having fun playing as an absolute tyrant, using the method outlined here (http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?602954-Maximizing-score-the-North-Korea-way)- it was difficult to get the initial Orthodox Pope (I forget his title) on my side, but his successor proved very willing to support me. Perhaps it was because I decided to cut costs by having the execution of his predecessor and his indoctrination at the same time and in the same venue :evil:.
The Stranger
05-05-2012, 14:05
you know you can do it in 1000 years and you would still be 3rd :P
rickinator9
05-07-2012, 09:14
I think I'm going through with this game. I have Rum and armenia now. I can probably beat Arjos off 2nd place.
This will be the final reminder:
One week is all that remains! One prize slot is, as of this posting, still open.
rickinator9
05-13-2012, 13:12
Yeah, I was on it, but I incidentally began on 14 sept 1205:wall:
The Stranger
05-14-2012, 00:42
how long u been playing before you found out? :P
rickinator9
05-14-2012, 00:51
how long u been playing before you found out? :P
I had taken Rum and bulgaria. I already found it weird that the Latin emperor had no daughters...
scottishranger
05-14-2012, 01:14
Ill post an update in a bit. Made some nice progress but havent had a lot of time to play!
rickinator9
05-18-2012, 18:33
I think I'm not gonna enter. I tried to get it yesterday, but after my plan to take Rum failed, I just resigned.
The Stranger
05-18-2012, 19:43
aw cmon :P you got free price just for the grabs all you gotta do is finish it lol :S
i dont understand people these days... what world do we live in when free is no longer good enough
oh and ofcourse it is fun XD
It's over!
Ah what a wild ride it was. One month, five hotfixes and countless mini-aars. Stories of success and stories of failure, as well as stories of rage! I think we've seen it all in this challenge and I want to personally thank each and every member who took part. This was a lot of fun to watch from the outside, and it's not an exageration to say I learned a lot about CKII from seeing how other people played.
The clock has struck midnight in the GMT time zone which means, dear friends, our wonderful challenge has met it's end. The Final player standings are:
FINAL CHALLENGE RANKINGS
Player name. Faction Choice. Type of Victory (complete restoration or partial). Year of completion.
1. The Stranger - The Byzantine Empire - Full De Jure Victory - 1236
2. Arjos - Sultanate of Rum - Full De Jure Victory - 1304
All other participants have sadly been ranked with Did Not Finish. I will be in contact with both winners very shortly. I'd like to open the thread to feedback from members. Did you enjoy this challenge? What about it did you like best? What do you think we could have improved on? I'm very interested to hear your opinions.
Once again, very well done to our two winners, and a valiant effort shown by everyone who entered! Until next time, keep plotting! :bow:
- The challenge was very enjoyable, I usually get bored when I have too many vassals and no imperial title XD
- Starting in 1205 was quite fun, always played from 1066 and having to face bigger armies was interesting, especially the AIs joining wars to help eachother!
- Dunno about improvement, maybe more specific conditions or "economic/political" achievements, but I'm just that kind of "civilization" player :)
The Stranger
05-20-2012, 11:34
Hehe, ye I almost always start in 1066 (after the Conquerer took England) and it was definitly fun to start in 1205! Artrition was a pain in the ass for the first time also and I actually had to siege because all the forts had like 2k garrison...
I really enjoyed the guidelines, normally I just conquer stuff, I get whatever I can. Though lately intead of trying to conquer things for myself I've been putting my dynasty members in rule somehwere. Just too bad that I cant really finish a game because of patches :S I have been thinking, it might be cool to similulate the habsburgers in some sort, you have to become all powerfull by ways of intrigue and marriage, some rules could be no or limited military conquest for titles, can only press dejure claims (like you can't press claim for kingdom of france but once you have it you can press claim for normandy. holy wars are allowed in italy and iberia and you can crusade. it doesnt matter if the main branch holds the lands as long as it is of your dynasty! and then I guess we can do it like the historical habsburg empire or near enough, or just a cap of like 800 realm size including a certain number of titles, like 2 ducal titles 3 king titles 1 empire title or something.
But ye an idea for another challenge might be a more dynasty based challenge instead of a military one (though I learned alot about pressing claims and sometimes I really had to do some funny stuff such as this: he married a courtier to a princess of Egypt, then killed the courtier to widow the princess and matrilinially married a male egyptian claimant to the egyptian princess. He gave this claimant the Duchy of Krete and pressed his claim for Egypt, thus adding Egypt to the empire.
TBH I felt kinda good when it worked XD
also as tip for next challenge is to not make the results open, i think it can work counter effective for some people, if they think they cant beat the challenge they wont try. so just say someone finished it but dont say what time :)
rickinator9
05-20-2012, 13:28
I gotta agree with the stranger here. Strong results or even the thought of someone being done earlier than you is a bit demoralising. Maybe do something less based on time next. Possibly with mods
If i were to take part in this challenge I'll recounqure the eastern empire of old then Restore the rest of the empire :D
If i were to take part in this challenge I'll recounqure the eastern empire of old then Restore the rest of the empire :D
Maybe next time ~;)
This is a bit late but I may as well post the update for transparency sake. All codes were sent out three days ago and as far as I'm aware neither winner experienced problems with their redemption. Hope you guys enjoy the DLC :yes:
- The challenge was very enjoyable, I usually get bored when I have too many vassals and no imperial title XD
- Starting in 1205 was quite fun, always played from 1066 and having to face bigger armies was interesting, especially the AIs joining wars to help eachother!
- Dunno about improvement, maybe more specific conditions or "economic/political" achievements, but I'm just that kind of "civilization" player :)
I love this game. I haven't had much time to play it lately as whatever free time i get is usually spent on New Vegas, until I beat that. But when it comes to CK2 i'm all about finding new and exciting ways to play it. The conquest game can be a lot of fun, but I always find it more interesting when you're going for a specific goal. In my Rus game, for example, I set out to unite the steppe in order to be the guardian of Europe against the Mongols. Unification was difficult but it gave me a purpose, and gave my dynasty a mission in life. One they often strayed from due to dynastic politics :laugh4:
Here in the 1205 Scenario you've got three powers all vying for the same thing, each in a position where there can only be one heir to the de jure empire. It adds a fun sub-text to your conquering and forces you to deal with very specific threats to your power. I'm surprised so few ran afoul of the Mongols, i was certain they'd ruin someone's day.
I gotta agree with the stranger here. Strong results or even the thought of someone being done earlier than you is a bit demoralising. Maybe do something less based on time next. Possibly with mods
If there is another challenge it won't be based on timing or a race.
More likely then not it would have dynastic, economic or social objectives which lend themselves to longer games, inner-realm politics and much, much less foreign conquest. As such I'd probably use another metric for determining how impressive a victory would be. Putting such an objective on a timer only encourages gamey tactics and discourages further participation when someone posts a really good time as we saw with this go.
I've got finals coming soon so there won't be any news regarding this for a while, but keep an eye on the main CK2 thread. If I run another challenge i'll definitely announce it there first to gauge interest.
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