Velikiy Kniaz: Rus Resurgence

[Lehesu]

This will be an ongoing (hopefully) transcript of a Medieval: Total War game using the BKB Super Mod. I have chosen to play as the Kievans in the Early Period. I am not a scholar of Russian history, but did undertake some research prior to starting this game to gain an understanding of the starting position of Kievan Rus in 1087. The AARs will take the form of a series of in-character letters and journal entries documenting the important events as they unfold. Out of character commentary will be used if I need to relate more specific information or if I just get lazy. Please let me know what you think!

OOC: Kiev (grey) is packed next to two significantly larger forces; the pagan Cumans (dark blue) to the south and the muslim Khazar Khaganate (light blue) to the east. Historically, the Grand Prince of Kiev claimed lordship over various principalities north of Kiev, including, nominally, Novgorod. I thus have decided to strike north to retake these traditional holdings. Pereyaslavl was chosen over Chernigov as an easier target; it is also, historically, the first landholding that Grand Prince Ysevolod held under his father, Grand Prince Yaroslav.

The governor of Kiev, Vladimir Chortov, was chosen on the basis of his acumen and loyalty, as a significant number of my starting commanders have less than stellar loyalty.

1087

In this year 1087, Grand Prince Ysevolod I, favored son of Yaroslav the Wise, endeavored to reclaim those principalities that have rightly belonged to the Velikiy Kniaz, the Grand Prince of Kiev, since the rule of Vladimir the Great. The Grand Prince, desirous of recapturing that age of prosperity presided over by his father, and eager to efface the ruin visited upon his kingdom by the venal treachery and boundless avarice of men such as Boris Vyacheslavich and Oleg Svyatoslavich, the latter even being willing to loose the pagan hordes of the Kipchaks upon his own people, set out at the head of an army to first retake the Principality of Pereyaslavl to the east.

The Grand Prince, leery of leaving Kiev open in his absence to the self-serving machinations of spineless nobles, saw fit to confer upon me, his most loyal of companions, the title of Kniaz of Kiev, empowered to collect taxes and levy troops in his name, that Kiev may be restored to that glory which it once possessed as a beacon of civilization in the midst of rootless and godless peoples.

Mark well, my sons, that such a fruit as this came not to one so humble as myself from the brambles of duplicitous cunning and conniving, but from those great flowering branches as spring from the tree of loyalty which, though slowly and steadily grows, is possessed of shallow roots apt to wrench themselves from the soil in the briefest moments of inattention.

Choose well where you place your loyalties, that you may never need taste the fruits of discontent.

A letter from Vladimir Chortov, Duke of Kiev, to his sons

[gollum]

Challenging starting position.

Will be following this ;)

[Cyprian2]

I will be following this, too. Good choice of faction, btw (and one I've often thought about playing). What I like about BKB's mod is that it's not so much about balance (witness the Kievan starting position, among others) as it is about sheer fun and variety; I commend you, Lehesu, for a fine beginning.

EDIT: I appreciate your use of map-shots (something that's not always offered in AARs), but it would be nice, also, to see what units the Grand Princes of Kiev––worthy descendants of Vladimir and Yaroslav––may muster for the glory of the Rus!

[Lehesu]

The only troops really worth mentioning are the Rus Spearmen and the Druzhina. The spearmen make for a resilient front line and the druzhina (I can only train the dismounted ones right now) act as sort of the shock troops (druzhina were the household soldiers of the various Kievan kniaz). Fortunately, Kiev came with an armorer and a swordsmith so my starting equipment is good. Unfortunately, Kiev does not have a horse breeder. I will probably focus on improving my cavalry so that I can get the Chernye Klobuki, a new elite horse archer unit exclusive to the Kiev faction.

Surprisingly, money doesn't seem to be a problem, at least for now. Kiev actually makes quite a bit of money with a decent governor.

I should have the next couple of years up in a day or two.

[PershsNhpios]

That was a most eloquent beginning, Lehesu, thank you for taking the time to make this.

Don't feel obliged to rush another update shortly after - keep a pace starting now which you can maintain until the end of the campaign (Although I realise this is often impossible).

I have never played BKB nor read an AAR based upon it before - nor seen Kiev represented in other AARs (Though bamff probably has one somewhere!), so this is a very unique experience for me.

Thank you again!

[huth]

Such a interesting faction you've chosen, very tough beginning. I know that they're not the same people, but because what you wrote is a letter, I just recalled about this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reply_o...zhian_Cossacks :P

[Lehesu]

1088

Work proceeds on the fortifications in Pereyaslavl. My long range patrols have yet to turn up any armed resistance and the mood of the populace remains subdued despite the lenient taxation policies enacted by the Grand Prince.

Yesterday we received a visit from an emissary of the Principality of Novgorod promising continued support in accordance with the articles established by Grand Prince Yaroslav. His reaffirmation of the bonds of fellowship received a warm welcome.

The steady stream of messengers to and from Kiev continues unabated. I expect that we will march on Chernigov as soon as sufficient troops are gathered in Kiev.

-From the journal of Mil Mikhailovich, of the light cavalry


Dearest brother,

It is true; I have been granted the rightful title of Kniaz of Pereyaslavl, though it is yet but a scrap of paper with my name on it. I know not what forces conspire to detain the Grand Prince and his like-named son here in Pereyaslavl, but his continued presence proves tiring. While he holds court here, entertaining the emissaries of Novgorod and the other principalities, I am forced to look on in docile subservience, or to offer my opinion upon request like a performing animal. Better that they go to Chernigov and leave me to my own affairs.

-Letter from Nezhek Iecifovich, Duke of Pereyaslavl, to his brother, Kuritsa Iecifovich


OOC: So I took Pereyaslavl, which had no rebel troops defending it. The province itself is rather poor and its borders do not touch provinces that don't already touch Kiev. I plan on using it as a buffer province with the Khazars with a minimum garrison. Nezhek Iecifovich was chosen as governor mainly because he was the ranking leader in my conquering stack. However, his loyalty WITH the title is three. Most of my commanders have less than stellar loyalty, which may prove a problem in the long run.

I've concluded an alliance with the Novgorod, which is both true to history and practical. I will probably move to grab as many of the northern rebel provinces as I can before turning my attention south to the Cumans.

[Lehesu]

Huth: I had never heard about that letter before! The letter is hilarious and the painting really "works" with it. Thanks for sharing!

[Lehesu]

1089

The fort in Pereyaslavl is complete and the young Prince Ysevold continues to entreat his father to retake the Principality of Chernigov, a course of action that Duke Iecifovich supports. The Grand Prince is reluctant to commit troops to such an endeavor, however, because of the reports from Duke Chortov concerning Cuman movement along the southern border. He has, for the time being, decided to consolidate his position in Pereyaslavl.

The only other notable occurrence of late involved the arrival of one Abu Sa'id ibn Inan, a representative from the Almoravids of Muslim Africa. This emissary, who is apparently also a priest of the Muslims, entreated us to join in alliance against the Almohads, another Muslim empire of Africa. I confess to not completely understanding the reason for the conflict. In any case, the Grand Prince politely but firmly refused entrance into the internecine conflicts of the African Muslims.

-From the journal of Mil Mikhailovich, of the light cavalry

1090

Most esteemed Tvorimir Miloslavov,

The Grand Prince would have you take your druzhina, along with a detachment of spearmen, north and just short of the border Kiev shares with the Principality of Chernigov. There, you are to rendezvous with the cavalry of Prince Ysevolod and place yourself under his command for the glorious recovery of Chernigov. Heedful of the youthful nature of his son and cognizant of the dangers of zealous ardor unchecked by the right prudence of experience, the Grand Prince has seen fit to place you in operational command in the event of conflict. May the Lord bless and keep you in the pursuit of these just and right endeavors.

-Letter from Vladimir Chortov, Duke of Kiev

Grand Prince Ysevolod, of Kiev and her Principalities,

We have secured the majority of the Principality of Chernigov, the rebellious elements having retreated north and east to Ryazan. Though the Prince pressed for an immediate engagement, outriders have confirmed the presence of a significant number of armed rebels in the region. I have decided to consolidate our gains and await further reinforcement before conducting an offensive.

-Letter from Tvorimir Miloslavov, of the druzhina

OOC: So I'm taking a bit of a risk moving to take Chernigov so early. I'm probably playing a dangerous game pulling troops from Kiev for northern expansion, especially since Kiev borders three Cuman provinces and one of the Khazars. Chernigov, though more lucrative than Pereyaslavl, also borders four other provinces and will require a garrison. That chunk of troops in Ryazan gives my cause for concern.

Also, the Almoravids asking for an alliance was unusual and kind of difficult to rationalize on the part of the A.I.

[bamff]

Thoroughly enjoyable recount, Lehesu! I am loving the style of presentation as much as the unfolding saga itself. Keep on rolling with this one, o noble Prince!

[Vantek]

Wow, looks like a veery tough faction. Will be fun to see how it goes. Keep the updates rolling!

[PershsNhpios]

What happened Lehesu? Were you too distracted by things trivial and impertinent to the MTW campaign?

Thank you for your efforts, and I post this note to say I welcome another update no matter how late, or even a new campaign from you, should the creativity strike you.

Salud!

[gollum]

It happened the same thing that happened to you, oh mighty Glenn :)

We also await for creativity to struck you like Zeus' thunderbolt, so we can be graced with your militterary exploits.

Salud!

[caravel]

It's often difficult to stick to AARs - personally I lack the patience for all the screenshots and messing around - it's play a bit, type a bit, screenshot, play a bit more, type some more, screen shot... so I tend to just post the map every so often and go over the other details from memory. If there is a decent battle I might get my flak jacket on and go in there and report on it, but on the whole I usually stick to the campaign overview, or it soon becomes tiring.

Saludos!

[gollum]

Indeed its because it interferes with the playing flow/experience i haven't made an AAR yet. I think if i were to make one, and i certainly ought one day, record all the game session using fraps or equivalent would help tremendously, as it would allow one to play uninterrupted and then choose what to present from the fraps session, complemented with screenies from the replays.

[cogre]

i have done one and in the process of doing another. i find that my style is to just go over the gameplay, what my thougth process was for doing something and such.

i am doing "the scot adventure" at the .commie right now to showcase the awsome gameplay of this title as they complain about the bugs in shogun 2.

[gollum]

been following that on and off cogre, its nice. Also your Armenian AAR was pretty good, congrats - and kudos to Martok for putting up here too.
(third post down: https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showth...=cogre%27s+aar)

[cogre]

yeah i did not know that martok did that until after i got help here and searched the place out. that was a very cool surprise.

[drone]

Martok has been around lately?

I have recorded campaigns through screenshots, taking occasional shots of the campaign map, leader scrolls, finances, battle starts/results, etc., then put some details down after a session. I just don't have the writing skills others have for putting it all together into a decent AAR. A very dry and boring account is the best I can do...

[cogre]

that's all i do,

and i have not seen martok since like 2008

[gollum]

I've seen Martok last in summer 2010 (last summer), here and in the new .com.

Martok wherever you are be well and take care and think of us every now and then :)

[Lehesu]

Hey guys, sorry about the delay. The school year started up again and I've been busy teaching. I should put some stuff up this weekend. Mind you, I think I'm about 13 turns in without a fight yet, though some interesting things have been happening in my neck of the woods...

[drone]

No worries, Lehesu. Real life does happen, my campaigns tend to take many, many months.

Martok wherever you are be well and take care and think of us every now and then :)

Indeed.

[caravel]

Martok wherever you are be well and take care and think of us every now and then :)

"Where is the camel and the rider...
Where is the horn that was blowing...
They have passed like rain on the mountains...
Like wind in the meadow...
The days have come down in the West...
Behind the hills into shadow..."

[PershsNhpios]

Put up an update, brother Lehesu, and you will force my own hand.

I will update the Reigns of Caravel, and we can bring a joy to the Hall in twain.

Agreed?

Edit: Oh and brother Gollum, I am well aware of your clever wordplay, and even your acknowledging confusion of Hellenic grammar with an English vocabulary, it is very entertaining and I never miss a trick!

[gollum]

Agreed! Agreed oh mighty Glenn!

We shall be as happy as rolling baby sea lions to read your wardsmithings. We also of course await Lehesu's Ruski tales with anticipation :)

ps i knew you'll notice the wordplay, in a way it was just for you ;)