View Full Version : King of Poland
shand994
03-27-2003, 04:26
As many of you may have seen, the Reign of English Kings ended in a civil war disaster.
Myself and Dramicus, have decided to start a new campaign as the Polish. Same deal as before. So whoever wants to be a king list you name now.
Dramicus
03-27-2003, 04:33
lol, I just smiled for some reason when I saw the title...
King of Poland.... has a nice ring to it... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
Well, Im in, dont really care when I get it, as long as its no too late in the game...
hehe, I wont mess it up.. I promise
KukriKhan
03-27-2003, 05:02
Me in too. jim@jimcee.com
LeeJackson
03-27-2003, 06:55
I'd be intrested. Though most of my experince is with teh english. agentabe@yahoo.com
I'd be very interested. I've never played the Poles but I intend to make my reign a glorious one. What level of difficulty will we be playing?
The address is:
removethispart.kjartan@stofanet.dk
Delete the removethispart at the beginning of the adress please.
Sounds fun; I'm in - simon.appleton@nottingham.ac.uk
BTW, Shand - just based on the experience with the King of England, I think you should consider setting up a few ground rules.
First, I'd recommend someone takes responsibility for keeping the show moving, as Demon of Light has done with the King of England thread. Shand, as the instigator of this thread, is the obvious candidate but it will require fairly sustained involvement. I would recommend adopting a benevolent dictator role - trying to work by unanimity or by committee is not worth it for a bit of fun like this.
Second, participants need to have the right kit to take part ie a patched version of the game, winzip and an e-mail account capable of receiving and sending 1.5MB saves.
Third, participants should undertake to write-up an account of their reign, pass on the save game after finishing and take a screenshot.
Fourth, some time limits are probably required to maintain momentum. I would recommend that people must acknowledge receipt of save games within 48 hours. Playing later games can take a long time (eg if your empire covers most of the map and you manually fight battles for long wars). Nonetheless, to avoid hold-ups, I would say players should post an account every 3 days from receipt of the save game. It need not be an end-of-reign account but should be interesting for others to read.
We can be forgiving with the above rules - eg if there are problems (sickness, work or family commitments, tech glitches etc), people can have their reigns deferred until the problem are resolved, but the show should go on or the thread will lose momentum.
Wheee. I want in.
Probably better to use this email account:
jmoler@cinci.rr.com
I agree with Simon Appleton about the writeups. Looks like at the end of the Kings of England thread, with everything degenerating and such, there was a lot less actual writing, which is what these campaigns are all about.
KukriKhan
03-27-2003, 16:37
I agree with Simon's conditions, and add 1 recommendation: save your game and take a screenshot at least every 5 years/turns during your reign, in case something goes wrong. This will also assist in your write-ups, which should come often.
I have web-space available to host screenshots/mini-maps. Feel free to email me for that assist. jim@jimcee.com
Demon of Light
03-27-2003, 19:39
There is at least one mistake I made that cluttered King of England horribly. Every time there was a problem with compatability or e-mails or whatever, I tried to solve it on the main thread. The end result was that entire pages ended up being consumed with technical advice or attempts to diagnose the nature of the problem. In retrospect, I should have been coordinating the solution of these problems either on a different thread or via e-mail. I would suggest that, as problems arise, you direct the discussion of the problems to a new thread and provide a link. Once all concerned parties are accounted for on the other thread, you can delete the now extraneous post from the main thread.
One thing I would avoid, however, is the creation of a new thead dedicated to technical issues and questions. What I saw when Grothgar try this on his online campaign was that people started treating the two threads as though they were interchangeable. The result was that in character (IC)posts were appearing on the technical thread and technical gamelpay issues appeared on the main thread. Solve each problem as it arises but don't solve it here.
Dramicus
03-27-2003, 22:10
so, errm..
in essence we should delete all of these posts, right?.... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
Doge Enrico II
03-28-2003, 00:50
I'm in, again.
chilling
03-28-2003, 01:08
Put me on the list.
chilling@blueyonder.co.uk
count me in
the_smphill@hotmail.com
shand994
03-28-2003, 03:54
OK, i think we should try and stick to the guidelines listed above.
I will keep a list of who is next, and will record when people get the game for their reign and will track the length each person takes to pass it on, if it starts to take too long will enquire as to the progress, if no replly or reasonable response is give we'll pass it on to the next in line.
Name Email
Dramicus
Kukrikhan jim@jimcee.com
LeeJackson agentabe@yahoo.com
cazbol
Simon Appleton simon.appleton@nottingham.ac.uk
Striker jmoler@cinci.rr.com
doge Enrico ii
chilling chilling@blueyonder.co.uk
alrowen the_smphill@hotmail.com
this is the list so far, if your email isnt listed please post it so i know where to have it sent to.
Dramicus
03-28-2003, 04:15
actually, ive thought about it and I guess Ill just sit back and watch, so you can take me off of the list
(what ever relief that may give you... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )
Herodotus
03-28-2003, 05:14
Count me in. Xoxic@Yahoo.com.au
Div Hunter
03-28-2003, 06:08
I'll be in it
wireworks@bigpond.com
So when the king dies the saved file is pasted on to the next person yeah?
Yes. Along with the dead king posting an account of his reign and a screenshot or two.
Div Hunter
03-29-2003, 04:17
Sounds good to me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
I had an idea about mixing board games with MTW as well. Use Risk and instead of dice duke it out in MTW http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif possibly with the Nepoleonic mod. That would be a bit of fun.
So how many players do you usually use in something like this or do you just recycle.
Demon of Light
03-29-2003, 04:40
There have only been two threads like this that I know of. This one and King of England. This one hasn't started yet and King of England isn't finished yet. That makes it impossible to ascertain how many people are needed. I'll guess 8 or 9 though since most everything was conquered in King of England by the 7th monarch.
The recycling issue: there seems to be alot of recycling going on. Shand is the current King of England AND Poland. Striker is on both lists and Simon Appleton, Chilling, and KukriKhan were all previously Kings of England. I'm especially happy to see Alrowan here as his English reign was extremely successful by anyone's standards. Herodotus deserves to be singled out here as it was his idea to start King of England in the first place. Apprpriately enough, he signed up here too.
shand994
03-29-2003, 04:58
I have started the Poland campaign, will have it done by Sunday and will pass it on to the next in line. Also I will have to Engald campaign ready to pass on, Sorry for the length of time ive taken but I am not at home at the moment and will be getting back on Sunday(tomorrow)
will finalise it all then email it on monday.
LeeJackson
03-29-2003, 05:50
cool http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif
KukriKhan
03-29-2003, 06:03
Quote[/b] (shand994 @ Mar. 28 2003,18:58)]I am not at home at the moment and will be getting back on Sunday(tomorrow)
will finalise it all then email it on monday.
Heh, Aussie's...always a day early and a dollar...ummm
to the good? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
HopAlongBunny
03-29-2003, 10:19
This is one of the two factions I have never played. Frankly, the situation the Poles are in is frightening http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
Count me in http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I resolve to reign longer than 4 years this time http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
lomowjg@telus.net
shand994
03-31-2003, 00:22
OK my reign lasted until 1101. Not much happened in my reign, i basically set out to give my heir a basis to expand upon. I conquered a few of the rebel territories around, and tried to build up a few income generating provinces. I allied myself with most of the Christian nations, and refused all Muslim requests(thats just my policy). Due to not having to many provinces not many battles took place, mainly against rebels. Whoever is the next king has some good battle vices, as i used him as my frontline general. Will post screenshots later on.
LeeJackson
03-31-2003, 04:53
Who gets it next?
shand994
03-31-2003, 05:10
Quote[/b] (LeeJackson @ Mar. 30 2003,21:53)]Who gets it next?
Kukri Khan is netxt, i emailed it to him this morning, I believe you are netxt after his reign has ended
KukriKhan
03-31-2003, 06:04
file received. Playing as we 'speak'. Update soon.
LeeJackson
03-31-2003, 07:05
Woo Hoo.
How many polish kings does it take to conqure the world?
Guess we will find out http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
shand994
03-31-2003, 07:15
Im not sure, its a difficult faction to play as you dont have many provinces to start with and not to many elite units.
I continued to play the campaign after i died, im half way throuh the high period adn have conquered most of the provinces surrounding poland, sweden, and have just launched an invasion against the germans, theyre being sandwched between myself and france, its between poland and france to get the scraps of the empire,
PLayin as the polish is all about timing, dont declare war on other nations until you're in a very dominant position as you cant afford to lose. you need all the allies you can get at the start of the game, and need to build up expand, consolidate build up some more expand.
just some handy tips.
KukriKhan
03-31-2003, 16:38
Sto lat (100 years)
Dzien dobry (Good morning)
I am Wladyslaw II, King of Poland in the year of our Lord 1101.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/Wlad2.jpg
Our once tiny nation has expanded to Pomerania, Volhynia & Lithuania (where my brother, Prince Casimir is stationed).
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1101PolMini.jpg
We are allied with our neighbors the HRE & Hungary. Also with Pope Urban II, Sicily, Byzantium, Aragon and England (who are at war with the French). Our 1400-man army (of mostly woodsmen & archers) are positioned primarily in our borderlands, subduing and converting the pagan, while building churches and fundamental defenses. Once those lands are securely in our grasp, we plan to concentrate on trade and agriculture to build up our treasury (now standing at 2700 florins, 272 annual income).. We admit to an envious eye toward Kiev's resources and sea access - if it is in our power, and an opportunity presents itself, we hope to bring Polish freedom to that province's rebels; but our friends, the Byzantines, may have other ideas.
I shall report again in a few years time, the state of our nation and the world.
p.s. This is a domination game, not Glorious Achievement.
Can I have a go sometime?
marco_of_napoli@hotmail.com
KukriKhan
04-02-2003, 03:43
Wladislaw II dies in 1149, at age 74 http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif File sent to LeeJackson. Writeup follows tomorrow.
Demon of Light
04-02-2003, 04:08
Just a thought but the early Kings might want to manipulate the family tree so that the king can produce kids with high command stars. Later monarchs will likely be grateful. Also, dread and acumen are hereditary. Just something to keep in mind(while you throw your 1 star prince into the waiting spears of the Livonians.)
P.S to Shand: When can we expect to see a full write up of your Polish AND English game?
shand994
04-02-2003, 04:57
Sorry have beena bit busy pst few days, havent had time to do the English campaign will do it tonight for sure.
As to the polish write up, there wasnt much to right about i will post some screenshots tomorrow and try n do a bit of a write up, but beware im not much of a writer.
LeeJackson
04-02-2003, 08:26
file recived. will start tomrrow. KukriKhan I am goign to need you to edit and post teh screen shots. Thanks in advance.
And wish me luck
LeeJackson
04-03-2003, 06:57
Finished, did a rather decent job if I do say so myself. Write up proabably not till tomrrow.
I need help with one thing though. I dont have a viewer for the TGA files. Any suggestions. I can do A write up with out screen shots, but it'd be much cooler to have them.
just a note guys, when you save the map pics, make them into a GIF file, the image is sharper
Sounds good, LeeJackson. Have you passed the save game on to the next player? (E-mail address on the first page)
The link for a free TGA viewer is given in the following apothecary thread:
http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin....2;t=751 (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=2;t=751)
Looking forward to the write-up.
KukriKhan
04-03-2003, 16:35
Wladeslaw II reigned for 47 years (1101-1148) in Greater Poland. During this time, he operated on a shoestring budget, carefully improving his base economies (farming and trade) and security (border forts, churches, urban militias). Rather than amassing a large military force, Wlad2 worked his alliances to prevent incursions into his nation, keeping the HRE, Byzantines, Novgorads, and Hungarians close-at-hand, and spurning alliance offers from the French and Turks, who warred on his neighbors.
By the mid-1130's, Poland had saved up enough cash to think about expanding. Kiev, as predicted, had fallen to our allies, the Byzantines; so Wlad2 looked North instead. A bribery mission in 1135 to Livonia failed, so having quietly assembled a sufficient force in Lithuania, the good King sent his trusted brother Casimr to lead an expedition of liberation there.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1136mini.jpg
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1136LivVic.jpg
Meanwhile, Wlad2 developed ports and shipyards in Lithuania & Pomerania, to eventually take advantage of trade opportunities with his Danish, English, German & Spanish allies.
All of these efforts were just beginning to bear fruit when the long-lived King succumbed to illness in 1148, at age 74.
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1148VladDie.jpg
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1148mini.jpg
Wladeslaw II's reign was characterized by a slow, steady build-up of resources, to enable his successors to fight the eventual, inevitable wars that would likely follow his time on the throne. His 6 heirs were all 4- and 5-star commanders, spread throughout the realm. His ships and influence reached as far west as Leon, unopposed by any other naval force. History will designate him Poland's Great Builder.
p.s. No prob, LeeJackson, just email the pics to me; I'll upload them & shoot you a URL for use here.
LeeJackson
04-03-2003, 16:57
Ok campaign has been e-mailed to Cazbol today.
My write up will be soemtime this evening.
I was supposed to get my computer today after a minor repair, but the idiots at the shop cheated me, so I spent an hour getting there for nothing. I can't even be sure that I'll get it tomorrow.
I therefore have to ask LeeJackson to send the file to the next in line, and ask that I be put at the end of the line instead. Should I come to power in the period April 12 to 26 then I also have to pass, because I'll be on holiday in London.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I wasn't expecting needing this repair, wasn't counting on the arseholes at the shop not keeping their word, and I certainly wasn't expecting my reign to fall between April 12 and 26. Let's just consider me a reserve player until April 27.
Cazbol
Sorry to hear about your computer woes, Cazbol. LeeJackson, I think I am next in line - please can you send the game to me? simon.appleton@nottingham.ac.uk
Thanks
LeeJackson
04-03-2003, 20:38
yeah sorry to hear about your comp Cazbol.:(
Simon I will get it out to you asap. Most likely be a few hours. I got work to do.
I am having trouble with my TGA's they all come in the viewer as the same picutre. Not sure where the problem is. If I can't get it sorted out by tonight I'll post my update with out pics.
LeeJackson
04-04-2003, 00:28
It's out to you simon GL http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
LeeJackson
04-04-2003, 09:08
1149 I, King Boleslaw the third, have come to power in the middle of my years. I am worried that I will not be able to complete the task my father left before me. He worked tirelessly to build a strong economic base for our kingdom. He built farms, trade ships, and trade houses, but on his deathbed he told me “It is now time for you to build an army and an empire”
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/BoleslawSml.jpg
*King Boleslaw has the V&V Killer Instinct and Secret adultery*
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1148mini.jpg *Here is the overview of the beginning of Boleslaw's reign.*
I am worried about fulfilling my fathers dreams. We have strong neighbors whose forces far out number our own. We are beset on all sides with possible enemies whose greedy eyes could fall upon our beloved land. Worse yet because I have been off on the front I have yet to marry and I have developed a… taste for unreputable women.
Even if I build an empire I may have no one to pass it on too. No one legitimate that is. May this not be the end our line
Our God please grant me the strength to forage my fathers vision into reality and spread your glory across the world
1150 I have chosen a lady of the Court that I find pleasing to be my wife. I hope she never learns of my other “attendants”.
1151 I have been blessed with a son, God truly has bestowed his favor on my kingdom.
Damn my misfortune A passing HRE crusade has caused Persia to rise up in rebellion. Though I had not yet claimed this province I was hoping to make it my first conquest. However the rebels are to well organized and armed for an action at this time.
1154 I have made my first conquest in Sweden. The locals fled in steed of fighting my forces.
1155 A Blessing from the Holy Father. My Brother Prince Kazimiez comes of age unharmed I now have faith that I shall not be the last King of Poland.
1159-1160 Massive wars have broken out across the continent. I have had to choose my allies carefully. I have been fortunate enough to keep my allegiances with both the HRE and Bizyantium. Hopefully I can continue to build my military fortifications with out them growing leery.
1161 After massing significant military might on the eastern front I invade Novgorod. God was with us as we crushed the northern barbarians. I feared that this attack may cause troubles with some of my allies, but to my pleasant surprise the Pope Spanish English and HRE all chose to stand with me instead of with the Cossack mongrels.
1167 Married an English princess to my Brother. Now he shall be ready to rule when I pass on. Hopefully this marriage will help to keep the blood in our line fresh.
I made an allegiance with the Sicilians and Invaded Smolensk. The Novgorod’s army keeps being crushed by the training and will of my men.
1168 My son comes of age. Now With two heirs no random act of evil can cut down our kingdom.
1169 I married another English princess to my first born son. I have forged an alliance that I hope will last many years. I hear of an invention called the compass rose and its promise to change shipping. I continue my eastern campaign and sack Chernigov.
1173 After continued economic and military building I decide to attack Denmark and the Danes. The Danes had recently invaded the HRE. I hoped that my attack would not only help me solidify the Scandinavian lands under Polish rule, but would also grant us favor with the HRE. The Pope did not look kindly on my actions and broke our alliance. He also threatened me with Excommunication, but with Denmark firmly under Polish rule I knew this would not happen. The Spanish and English saw it fit to stand with us against the Danes.
1176 I sent my two daughters off to marry the HRE’s and Bizantium’s Emperors. I hope the strengthening of our alliance will allow me to focus on solidifying our position in the East and Scandinavia with out fear of invasion.
1177 With the increased income from the spoils of war and increased economic infrastructure I have decided to commence building of a castle in Lithuania.
1178 Unfortunately my proposals of Marriage are respectfully declined. Perhaps they recognize my growing hunger.
1180 My armies have invaded Norway. Though the pagan Vikings put a tremendous fight my forces were victorious. The HRE defeated and killed the Danish king. The Danes no longer stain Europe.
1181 I have commenced building of another castle in Poland. I hope this fortification will strengthen the heart of my empire.
1182 I am in the twilight of my years and the past few months I have been stricken with several illnesses. Believing I shall not last the week I summoned for my brother and spoke with him. I commanded him to rise an empire worthy of his God and his ancestors. An Empire that will shake the very foundations of Europe
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/color1182.jpg
*The state of the Polish Empire during 1182 *
* King Boleslaw died with 6 influence 2 Piety 5 Dread and 2 Acumen. He had the V&V Killer Instinct and Secret Adultery magnificent Builder and Steward*
Great work, Lee Jackson. I got the save file and loaded it up. You and your predecessors have built up the Polish Kingdom far more than I would have expected (or have achieved myself in the past!http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif. I'll play tonight and over the weekend; hope to pass it on around Sunday if not sooner.
KukriKhan
04-04-2003, 15:38
Excellent account LeeJackson, and fine achievement Your Daddy is pleased http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif
What a bold set of moves: both east- and west-ward. Did you have time to expand the navy at all?
LeeJackson
04-04-2003, 16:47
Hey guys thanks
I always like grabbing the Scandinavian Peninsula (I think I am calling it the right thing). It’s so easy to defend and once developed produces a pretty decent income. When Playing the English it’s always one of my first grabs.
I did build 4 boats, and one boat was sunk in a storm. I extended the trade route around Spain by 1. I left the other 2 boats around the North Sea to fill in any gaps caused by storms. I also suppose that those ships could be used to grab Ireland… http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
OK, it's 1201 and I'm dead. I'll write up an account tomorrow but get the save game off now to the next person. Other folks may have to wait a while, as my successor, King Lesek, is a callow youth of only 17 years of age and I fear may have to deal with the Mongols during his reign.
LeeJackson, sorry I missed the opportunity regarding Ireland - I was just gathering a force with a prince to go take it when I died A job for my successor, I guess.
ahh. cant wait till my realm... ill just conquer
Doge Enrico II
04-06-2003, 05:53
My email is Survivor2k4@aol.com.
Doge Enrico II
04-06-2003, 06:03
The current list is:
Striker: jmoler@cinci.rr.com (Current King of Poland)
Doge Enrico II: Survivor2k4@aol.com
Chilling: chilling@blueyonder.co.uk
Alrowan: the_smphill@hotmail.com
Herodotus: Xoxic@Yahoo.com.au
Div Hunter: wireworks@bigpond.com
Hop Along Bunny: lomowjg@telus.net
Marco: marco_of_napoli@hotmail.com
Doge Enrico II
04-06-2003, 06:53
How do you take screenshots?
LeeJackson
04-06-2003, 10:27
Hit f2
And Simon don't worry about Ireland. I like gallowglasses but it proabably would have been a bad move as it would have stranded an army for at least 8 turns. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Hello,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I've received the save file. I don't know if I'll have the time to play much today, but I'll try to write out an account. Looks like I (hopefully) have a long reign ahead of me. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
I pray my physician is a better healer than he is a liar. I know I am dying and now I must account for my years before the fast approaching darkness.
1182: I inherited a land of power and potential. No longer meek and subservient to the power of its larger neighbours, Byzantium and the HRE, the Kingdom of Poland spanned twelve provinces and need bow to no one. My duty was clear: to further expand the kingdom, but where to strike first? The most tempting direction was west. Hungary was locked in a fierce contest with the HRE, leaving its border provinces weakly defended. With our own kingdom only having begun the construction of castles, I viewed those in Bohemia, Hungary and Moldavia with a jealous eye. But my reach did not match my greed. I lacked a siege train and the prospect a long war was one that the Pope was unlikely to countenance. So with a reluctant heart, I turned east instead, to the empty steppes and the still unfinished war with Novogorod. Determined not to let my rule be remembered as one of conquest only, I dedicated three provinces throughout my reign to the production of a vast trade fleet. Our treasury was modest, at 8000 florins, and must be augmented. By the end of my rule, that sum had risen fivefold; an achievement perhaps no less important than our land's territorial expansion.
1183: And so it began. I marched into Khazar, severing the Kingdom of Novogorod so its remaining provinces of Pereyaslavl and Ryzan stood isolated from each other. The invasion was unopposed, the enemy retreating in haste. But who should ride out to greet me but a messenger from the Kingdom of Italy He invited me to dine with the King of the Italians himself, who for some unfathomable reason had taken up residence in Volga-Bulgaria. I politely declined, but decided that it would not be long before I took up the invitation.
1184: I invaded Pereyaslavl, from where the enemy could not retreat. I had heard much of the power of the Boyars, the backbone of the army of Novogorod, and now I had to face 200 of them without heavy cavalry of my own. Never again would I fear them. Despite their heavy mail and reputation, they were mere horse archers - easy prey for my foot archers and for my favoured troops, mounted crossbowmen. 156 Russians died, including their King, and the same amount were captured, for the loss of 80 Polish souls.
1185: Impatient for victory, we stormed Pereyaslavl castle. The Egyptians offered us a chance to end our alliance with Byzantium, which I took, remembering my predecessors' ambitions towards Kiev. The Rebel provinces of Finland and Prussia rose up in a nationalist revolt in support of our other main allied neighbour, the HRE. This was intolerable, but I had to bide my time.
1186: We entered Ryzan for the final battle with Novogorod, one that followed much the same pattern as the battle of Pereyaslavl. As if in reward for my extinction of the Orthodox faction, the Pope offered me an alliance, which I eagerly accepted.
1187: We attacked the rebel province of Muscovy. It seemed that we were embarked upon a Ghazi-style of warfare, a religious war funded loot from conquered lands. A vicious battle ensued, pitching 893 of our troops against 750 rebels. We killed 481, took 160 and lost 199. But in truth, this was not a holy war and I released all the captured rebels. As if in return for this mercy, we learnt that Poland was now the richest kingdom in Europe.
1188: Volga-Bulgaria: another bloody contest, as I belatedly took up the Italian King's invitation. A Polish army of 885 bested an Italian force of 477. We lost 181 men, the Italians 304 dead and 119 captured including their King. Again, I spared the lives of the captives, being rewarded with a king's ransom of 10720 florins This is no reward from heaven, however, as my ally the Pope sternly admonished me to end this conflict with my Catholic brethren. Back home, I was hailed as a Great Builder.
1189: Heeding the Pope's warning, we stormed Volga-Bulgaria castle, ending our war with the Italians.
1190: A brief interlude of peace as I made haste towards Kiev. This Roman province stood like a dagger to the heart of our Kingdom. Moreover, Kiev houses a magnificent castle, still without peer in our own backward Kingdom, and acts as a defensive gateway to the East, from which dark rumours of a gathering Asiatic threat have emerged.
1191: We invade Kiev. The Byzantines do not contest the province, but retreat to the mighty castle inside. Our aggression costs us our Scilian allies, but these are replaced with the offer of alliance from England. Back home, I am now known as a Magnificent Builder and a Steward, developing my new lands in the East to be the breadbasket for my Kingdom.
1192: The army moves on to the Byzantine province of Crimea, surprised to find itself faced by a river obstacle forded by two bridges. The defending Byzantine force of only 65 men is too small to defend both bridges but die extracting a price of 46 Polish lives. Kiev remains under siege. Lulled into a false sense of security by the absence of a land border with Byzantium, I did not storm the castle since I still lacked a siege train. I recruited two mercenary catapults from Muscovy to end the siege, but it would be some years before they arrived in Kiev. Elsewhere in the world, the Almohad faction was eliminated and the HRE excommunicated during one of their never-ending wars.
1193: My siege trains continued to head to Kiev, as the French offered me an alliance. Seizing a chance to break my alliance with the outcast HRE, I accepted. Reports emerge of the Spanish, vanquishers of the Almohads, as the mightiest faction in Europe.
1194: My year of fire. Ever since the nationalist uprisings in Prussia and Finland, war with the HRE was inevitable. Conquering these provinces would complete my work to demilitarise my eastern border and free our forces to turn west. The presence of German fleets astride our trade networks in the English Channel and North Sea was an additional irritant. Now, with the excommunication of the foolish Holy Roman Emperor, I was free to strike. It was to be war a l'outrance. My navies would strike the German fleets at the same time my greatest generals invaded Prussia and Finland. Simultaneously, the garrisons of Denmark and Silesia would sally into Saxony and Brandenberg. If this combined offensive succeeded, we would no longer share a border with the HRE and the war would be over. I myself remained besieging Kiev, noting with some alarm the appearance of a Byzantine fleet in the Black Sea. I prayed the Hungarians and Egyptians (ensconced in Moldavia) would not take advantage of the ghost garrisons left on police duties in Poland and Silesia.
Everywhere our forces were victorious against the Germans. Our navies eliminated German seapower. In Finland, an army of 853 defeated a German force of 2377, for the loss of only 119 men. In Prussia, 1400 Polish wars defeated 2900 Germans for the loss of 180 men. In truth, these easy victories reflected the low quality of the German forces. In Brandenburg, a higher quality German army of 270 succumbed to 544 Poles, but killed 74. In the bridge crossing at Saxony, we lost 93 men to the Germans' 139.
But these triumphs were overshadowed by events in Kiev. The newly arrived Byzantine fleet ferried an army of 624 men to assault my army of 569 defenders. Although my command skills are good, I was frankly outclassed by those of the Byzantine general, Romanus Commanus, a legendary general despite his reputation as a sybarite. A shock force of Varangian Guard stormed across the bridge my army was well positioned to defend. Despite losing more than half its number to Polish massed archery, the English axemen cleaved a path through my feudal sergeants guarding the bridge exit. The Guard were reinforced by more Varangians, Byzantine infantry, Feudal sergeants, spearmen, Trebizond archers, Progonai Allonai and kataphracts. In desperation, I led my personal escort into the melee but it was to no avail. Most of my army - including all my bodyguard of Royal Knights - died valiantly at the hands of the Byzantines, but a significant proportion fled. When only my mercenary catapults remained at their posts, I realised I too had to withdraw or die at the riverside. I spurred my horse and headed for the road to Lithuania, alone and pursued by Byzantine horse archers. Although my courage wavered, my nerve held and consequently my reputation for valour was not besmirched. On arriving in Lithuania, my spirits were only slightly raised by the offer of alliance from my past foes, the Italians.
1195: the battle of Kiev had greatly depleted the strength of the victorious Byzantine forces, so I quickly mustered a stratch force from the garrisons of neighbouring provinces to try to retake the crucial location. Three units of mercenaries recruited from Chernigov stiffened what second-grade forces I could gather. The battle took place over two bridges, so I divided my force into half. Steppe cavalry were sent to rush the bridge furthest from the main Byzantine force, while my feudal spearmen crossed the nearest bridge defended by the dreaded Varangians. Once again, the Varangians smashed successive Polish units and indeed succeeded in driving them back across the near bridge to my side of the river. In desperation, I once again led my personal escort - now numbering only 5 knights - in a charge against them. Fortunately, the assault on the far bridge was going better; it had succeeded in drawing most of the Byzantine army away from the Varangians, with some being led a merry dance by the steppe cavalry. These fast horsemen raced to the other side of the near bridge, routing the Byzantine catapults and even menacing the Varangians before returning to assist the Poles locked in combat with the main Byzantine army now relocated at the far bridge. Unsupported, the Varangians fell to the lances of my depleted escort and I rallied what men I could to take the near bridge. At the far bridge, the sybarite Romanus Commenus fought bravely for what seemed like hours until ultimately falling at the hands of Polish woodsmen and mercenary feudal men-at-arms. Deprived of their great leader and their Varangian Guard, the remaining Byzantine units were soon defeated, pursued by the Steppe Cavalry and my Royal Knights. Our defeat in the previous year was avenged and the power of the Byzantines around the Black Sea hopefully eliminated.
Far to the west, Polish forces stormed Brandenburg Castle, while the Danish faction re-emerged in Friesland.
1196: Now equipped with a siege train and mindful not to repeat earlier mistakes, I stormed Kiev castle. As the Byzantine fleet had left the Black Sea, our war with them was over.
1197: Our forces stormed the castle in Saxony, ending our war with the HRE. World news was not so favourable: the Egyptians are now the most technologically advanced.
1198: Peace at last. My urge for conquest lingers, drawing me to choose between attacking Hungary or Egypt. Undecided, I reject an offer of alliance from the Hungarians. My reputation is now as a Great Steward, as the fruits of developing the lands of my eastern conquests are enjoyed across the kingdom.
1199. I decide I have fought my last battle. I am old and do not wish to bequeath my son an unfinished war. Rumours of an Asiatic horde moving far to the East vex me; my son may choose to consolidate to meet the threat, rather than commit to further expansion. Nonetheless, I reject alliance offers from the Egyptians and the English, leaving my son free to act as he chooses.
1200: I turn down alliance offers from Turkey and Spain. Our country thrives thanks to trade routes that now reach the Holy Land. But my own health is fading. My son, Prince Lesek, is only seventeen but already matches my near-nemesis, the late Romanus Commanus, in ability to wage war. The land I leave my son has fulfilled much of the potential apparent to me eighteen years ago. It now passes into more vigorous, capable hands.
State of the Polish Empire, 1201:
https://jimcee.homestead.com/files/1201Pol.jpg
KukriKhan
04-08-2003, 12:55
Great write-up Simon Appleton. I felt as if I were right there behind your keyboard.
And I'm very pleased your were able to establish that essential Lithuania-Kiev link. If maintained, our successors should be able to pick off provinces one-by-one, as they fall to rebels.
Looks like your son will get to meet the Khan. I wonder how it goes so far.
Again: if anyone needs web-space for screenshots, I have some available. jim@jimcee.com
Striker, it would be good to have a mid-reign account or at least at out of character update on your progress. I know you have a long reign, but when I passed on a reign in the King of England thread, the momentum just seemed to fade and so I want to be a bit more proactive this time.
lonewolf371
04-11-2003, 05:53
It'd be nice if I could be king, no matter how remote the chances of it passing to me is. It would be better if I could get it on a weekend, as I might be able to finish my reign in one day. My e-mail is lonewolf371@hotmail.com
shand994
04-11-2003, 05:57
YOur on the list, but youll have to see how many people are before you, htere mght be too many, i am thinking of starting a new campaign if you get in quick on that one you could be higher up the list
lonewolf371
04-11-2003, 23:11
Since the last post we have 253 years left so...
Assuming each king lives ~70 yrs we can...
8*70=560 yrs......
Nope, I might be able to play in that late age King of England one that I've heard about starting.
actually a kings regin tends to last on average of 30-40 years
lonewolf371
04-13-2003, 03:41
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif
OK, 35*8=280. Two people would still have to kill their kings to allow me a seven year reign. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif
Doge Enrico II
04-13-2003, 16:53
Striker, you've had the game for a week. What's going on?
Doge Enrico - if we don't hear anything from Striker in a couple of days, I will post you the savegame. I don't want this thread to die out prematurely like the King of England one.
shand994
04-15-2003, 03:19
i think you should send it to him today, Striker has had it too long as it is. This will give people incentive to at least post on where you're up to and not just hold onto it for a week and not update anyone with whats going on.
Hi all.
I wanna be in when my turn arrived.
My mail is
aleborg@hotmail.com
I want to say also sorry i didnt appear on the english version, i was really busy on real life. I promise to be here when i will be needed (and also when not just to read your great histories... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )
Ale
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif
OK, since we have not heard from Striker, I'm e-mailing my end of reign save game to Doge Enrico.
chilling
04-18-2003, 23:25
Sounds like a good idea, get the thing rolling again.
Doge Enrico II
04-19-2003, 01:22
Thanks Simon, save game recieved.
Doge Enrico II
04-21-2003, 16:30
Save game sent to chilling. I'll rite up my reign soon.
chilling
04-21-2003, 22:16
Save received. I'll not be able to have a look until tomorrow.
LeeJackson
04-22-2003, 23:32
been gone to england for 10 days and no other kings have ruled http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Demon of Light
04-23-2003, 01:51
Lee Jackson: Now where have I heard that sort of statement before...
Seriously, Doge Enrico II will be posting soon. He played the game out and everything. I just hope Chilling doesn't beat him to it. That might be confusing. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
chilling
04-23-2003, 14:24
I've only played 3 years so far but my king is now 64. I'm hoping he'll last the next 7 years so his heir can mature and the next player can get a nice long reign.
Promise to raid and plunder http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Then incest the Royal line http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif
Sorry forgot might need E-Mail http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
mark@greenstoneco.co.uk
Big Mongol Head the II
Doge Enrico II
04-24-2003, 02:21
Son, come here.
The voice belonged to King Leszek I of Poland. He lay in a bed in a dank room of Krakow Castle, feeble and broken. His son, Mieszko, stepped forward, out of the shadows and away from his three brothers, Boleslaw, Kazimierz, and Wladyslaw.
“As you know my son, I have smallpox, a deadly disease. I don’t know how long I shall still live. But while I still live, I bequeath to you my realm. Your realm is no longer meek and small, but large and very strong. But before you can be crowned, you must learn of my reign and what you will from it.”
Mieszko took a seat right next to his father’s bed, and began to listen.
“Here is my story:
1201: I married your mother Ade, a princess of Hungary and began an extensive building program.
1202: Your mother gave birth to you and many of my buildings were finished.
1205: I resisted the Devil’s temptation to make Byzantium.
1206: Shunned an offer to have Egypt as an ally.
1209: I refused an alliance with the English.
1212: I secured an alliance while securing another son who I named after my father.
1213: I ended my alliance with the Spaniards.
1214: I allied with the evil Seljuk Turks, not one of my most noteworthy accomplishments.
1217: I finally gave in to temptation and allied with Byzantium.
1220: One of my agents reported the appearance of an Asiatic threat of vast numbers, and a mobilization like the world had never seen began, and I once again refused to ally with the English.
1221: I once again became an ally of the Spanish kingdom.
1222: I refused the offer of a French alliance.
1224: I listened to my conscience and ended my alliance with Byzantium and refused France.
1228: I turned away an Egyptian emissary and his offer of an alliance.
1229: I accepted the thought of an alliance with Egypt.
1230: 'The horde of the Tartars is numberless. When one is killed, another ten spring from the hell whence he came. each of them has the head of a dog, and carries with him sufficient weapons for three or four warriors.'
So wrote Benedict the Pole, and he had every reason to be fearful, even if he had confused Tartars with Mongols. The Golden Horde were more terrible than anything he could have wished to see: cruel, uncompromising, and the most efficient military force since the Caesars. They erased cities, slaughtered thousands, and enslaved any survivors.
The Mongols appeared in Khazaria with a force of 1331 troops to our mere 7171. But even out numbered we prevailed and we destroyed the Mongols. It was our greatest victory.
1236: French and Sicilian alliance offers snubbed.
1238: We attacked my wife’s brother, the King of Hungary with a four-pronged attack.
1239: We took Moldavia(from Egypt), Hungary, Carpathia, and Wallachia.
1240: Croatia was taken.
1241: I finally allied with the Sicilians and a siege relief of Croatia failed.
1242: We attacked Serbia.
1243: We attacked Bohemia, and ceased fire with the Egyptians.
1244: Our scouts sent word that the Hungarian King had escaped to Swabia.
1246: We attacked Bavaria.
1247: Our traditional allies, the Danes, re-emerged.
1250: We attacked Hungary's last province, Swabia.
1251: We killed the Hungarian king along with his son-and-heir, eliminating the Hungarian faction.
1252: I allied with the Danes and attempted to bribe the Venetian rebels.
1253: The rebels took the whole of Venice.
1259: Gunpowder was discovered.
1260: The Danes were once again eliminated.
1261: The English were eliminated.
The current year is 1262. Good luck son.
With those being his last words, he rolled over onto his pillow and died.
http://www.boomspeed.com/xalexusx/screenshot.jpg
Demon of Light
04-24-2003, 15:35
HOLY SH*T
You reigned 60 years?? When I heard Chilling say that King Mieszko was 64 and 3 years in, I thought it was a brother ruling.
Great job with the Hungarians. Eliminating them is usually necessary for the Polish (or so I've heard). Any chance we can get the map soon?
Editor's reminder: I can host your image if necessary. jim@jimcee.com
Editor's note on the editors note: The offer (and e-mail) is from KukriKhan, who edited my message, and not myself.
chilling
04-25-2003, 22:04
The old man has finally died. I've sent the save to Alrowan. I'll post my account tomorrow.
Ok this is the list as I think it should be : -
(Someone check and make sure)
alrowen the_smphill@hotmail.com
Herodotus Xoxic@Yahoo.com.au
Div Hunter wireworks@bigpond.com
HopAlongBunny lomowjg@telus.net
Marco marco_of_napoli@hotmail.com
Doge Enrico II Survivor2k4@aol.com
lonewolf371 lonewolf371@hotmail.com
Aleborg aleborg@hotmail.com
Mak mark@greenstoneco.co.uk
eepp. thats one big file.. my hotmail account doesnt favour it that much
can you send it agian to this onealrowan2@swirvemail.com
chilling
04-26-2003, 09:50
Ok I've sent it to the new address. It's nearly 800k zipped now.
Doge Enrico II
04-26-2003, 15:50
The current list is:
Alrowan: the_smphill@hotmail.com(Current King of Poland)
Herodotus: Xoxic@Yahoo.com.au
Div Hunter: wireworks@bigpond.com
Hop Along Bunny: lomowjg@telus.net
Marco: marco_of_napoli@hotmail.com
lonewolf371: lonewolf371@hotmail.com
Aleborg: aleborg@hotmail.com
Mak: mark@greenstoneco.co.uk
chilling
04-27-2003, 11:15
King Mieszko III of Poland Age 61.
1263
I have come to the throne after my fathers long and eventful reign. My lands spread far and wide and monies are piled high in the treasury. I have 3 brothers and a son who at the age of 10 will become heir in 6 years. Althogh my realm spreads far it is poorly defended from civil dissobedience. I will immediately instruct my council to raise some civil defence and start a program of civil improvements. Interantionally France and Spain are having a dissagreement over the ownership of Champagne. I feel there Kings have a taste for the finer wines of this world.
1265
His Holyness the Pope calls upon the Polish people to help him with a little local difficulty he is having with the Sicilians. Of course being a loyal Catholic it would be inpolite to refuse his Holyness. Standing armies are given orders to make their way to the Papal states that the Sicilians occupy in defiance of his Holy Might.
1266
The Papal States are invaded. The Sicilians see the might of the Polish army advancing on the field and turn run like the craven cowards they are, surely the easiest victory that could be imagined. Never an arrow was let loose in anger, nor a sword drawn. This Sicilan King surely has no stomach for the fight. The feeble dog has holed himself up in his castle. Due to our action the Turkish and Egyptians choose to break off alliances with Poland.
1267
The Sicilain king finds some measure of backbone and confronts our beseiging army. What can only be described as a resounding victory for Poland ensues. The Sicilains are slaughtered, the few remaining units running back to the safety of the castle.
1268
In anticipation of a final stand Naples is invaded. The Sicilain forces that were defending the province move to the Papal States to hold a last stand with their King. Naples falls to the Polish. The Sicilians make a last stand in the Papal States and are roundly slaughtered. The Papal States fall to Poland as the Sicilain faction are eliminated. An Heir matures so our royal Polish line will continue into the future.
1269-1272
Qiet times in Poland. The building of the home defence is completed and our standing armies consolodated and positioned to disuade the Spanish from letting their war with the French spill over to Polish soil. Many Civil improvements are made.
1273
My only daughter marries the Spanish King. Lets hope this can cement our relations for many years to come. Not wanting to take on the Sanish who have a mighty army and only having borders with Catholic factions makes for Peacful living in Polish lands.
1276
The Spanish and French still war. The Spanish king Dies.
1279
Alliance with the Italians is dropped at the insistance of the Pope. There whereabouts is unknown to my royal crtographers at the present moment in time.
1280
With the continuing decline of the French empire the region of Franconia is just too tempting. We invade and are victorious. The Pope is none too happy and threatens excommunication. That would be too much of a blow as the Spanish would have free reign to attack.
1281
The castle of Franconia is attacked and defeated. No further attacks on the French can be instigated for 10 years by order of his Holyness.
1282-1288
Civic improvements and trade routes have been extended. our Purse is now 100,000 florins stronger and income has risen to 11,000 florins a year. The twilight of my reign beckons, the wind is chill and time short.
1289
The King is dead. Long live the King.
http://www.chilling.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mieszkoa.jpg
http://www.chilling.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mieszkob.jpg
ok, got the save game, will start it as soon as im done with this essay
well its over.. the mighty King Casimin I is dead, after a glorious war.
In the year our Lord, 1289, a king ascended to the throne of Poland, a King who was set to change the face of Europes balance of power.
The first great act of King Casimin the First was to eradicate the pesky franks from his borderlands with his great ally of spain. This was a bold move, and the french quickly subcummed, and gave some small ground. The pope however was not pleased with the kings actions and excomunicated him from the most holy catholic Church. To ad insult to injury the pope sabotaged one of Polands shipping lanes the following year, forcing spain to cancel her relations with the mighty Poles.
After 2 years of border skirmishes, the King came forth and declared he had an hier, Prince Konrad. This was a bountiful time for the King, fo the following year, the Pope Died, and with him, his excommunication of Poland.
Back in the holy roman chuch once more, the King does awa with france in the years of turmoil following the change of papacy, and also a princess is born to the king.
Facing now across boders of rivers and hills Spain plotted behind her closed doors. The five year peace soon settled across Europe, with almost no battles occuring, and the wretched infedels in turkey being wiped out. The only other major event of these years of peace were the Revolts. Scotland removed themselves from the Spannish empire, this move also prompted some of the scotts allies in France to do likewise, though the french rebels were crushed, the Scotts remained. This was the first sign of Spains Waxing power.
In 1299 the Spannish king in all his arrogance attacked a polish trade route. Upon hearing this the princess' within spains borders began stirring the germanic people against thier masters, and a revolt occured on the Poland/Spain border in france, freeing up valuable polish troops to re-route south into northern italy.
over the next few year, poland took back more and more land, focing the inferior spannish armies back. Revolts occurd soon in spain and in some of africa, Spain crushed all but that in Tunisia, which in the following years would be spains undoing.
The War went well, with poland destroying many fleets in the great ocean, and in 1301 when the spannish king died, much of the Iberian peninsula and france had fallen to Poland and Germany.
In the east, the war raged as well. Great naval battles were fought for the bosporous, poland eventually perservered and conquered the seas. Then the land invasion begun. Poland took many tracts of land in the balkans, forcing spain back to constantinople. in a last ditch effort, spains pride and joy of the east attacked, a grand army of ten thousand men. Poland knew she had to retreat, and so faced a series of defeats, but each one whittling away at the spannish army.
Eventually poland fought back, reclaiming all her lost lands. And so that is where she stands now. During the war, some of the russian city-states saw fit to revolt from thier masters as well, and 4 new fiefdoms were set up, but thier riegn will only last as long as the next king deems worthy.
The secret to the poles success in this war was infrastructre. Upon the kings ascention, poland was lacking an navy capable of the inevitable war with Spain. The King put them on path to creating a mighty navy by building ports in the baltic and the black sea. Also, the plans were set to ground for the establishment of elite knights.
The face of europe has indeed changed. spain is no longer what she used to be. with the revolts in the west, and the loss of her grand eastern army, she stands on the brink of ruin. England and anatolia are all that remain of the once great empire, and Poland now stands firm, in her cradle of central europe, ready to deal out spains death blows. Who will conquer anatolia? the ever strengthening Egypt, freed from the yoke of spain? or will it be the poles, armies poised for a great invasion. The Iberian Penisula is divided into small petty kingdoms once more, and the pope struggles to keep his hat at the ever present poles.
oh, and i need someone to host the pic for me
chilling
04-28-2003, 19:16
Send them to me.
Herodotus
04-29-2003, 04:30
Keep it moving Alrowan, Xoxic@Yahoo.com.au. Good write up by the way.
sent both files to respective people
Demon of Light
04-29-2003, 15:49
Alrowan: What year did your reign end and how old is the new King?
chilling
04-30-2003, 10:25
Alrowans map
http://www.chilling.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/alrowan.jpg
Herodotus
04-30-2003, 23:58
My reign has started, it may take me a while to complete because I am now back at Uni after a short break. Spain is resurgent, the rebels have been bribed or slaughtered and the Pope is a sharp thorn in the side of Poland and Spain as we are both excommunicated. I ponder whether i should kill the Pope, or continue to watch Spain suffer from excommunication.
KukriKhan
05-01-2003, 10:46
voice from the grave (Wladyslaw II): Kill him great-great-great grandson I have watched the Papacy, Lo these decades, turn from matters of faith to matters of land, lucre, and licentiousness. Send the apostate to his grave, where I and your other ancestors will deal with him.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
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