[SS AAR] Council of Norway - Stainless Steel 5.1

[King Yngvar]

This will be a somewhat different AAR.
My intentions are to play the game based on suggestions from the people reading the AAR. Certain suggestions I may accept just from seeing the first person posting. Other suggestions may require more people agreeing on the right course of action, but if the majority figures it is smart to declare war on our allies the Papal States and exterminate Rome, then I shall put every effort into exterminating Rome (just an example).
You will all represent the counsil of Norway, the king will be a mere puppet bending to the counsil's will.

The year is 1090
King Olaf "Kyrre" (the Peacefull) sits on the throne of Norway, he has ruled undisputed since his brother Magnus died over twenty years ago but now the garrison in Oslo have rebelled and seized control of the Østlandet. How will he deal with the problem? Shall we allow these rebels to keep our city, or shall we dispatch an army to deal with the problem?

King Olaf will have to consult with the council before deciding on the issue.
Shall we assemble an army at once and attack Oslo as soon as possible, or should we wait? Who will lead the army, old Olaf himself or his young son Magnus, a man born for war.
Meanwhile, we have a diplomat awaiting instructions where to go, who shall become our allies in the future? Will we ally the Danes or should we crush them as soon as possible?

Situation, 1090 AD (using toggle_fow only for these screenshots)


Prince Magnus (born 1073, 4 sons; Sigurd, Eystein, Olaf and Harald)



Settings

Mod: Stainless Steel 5.1, Echad's fix 2.00
Personal editing:
- I edited the age of manhood to 12, seing that characters have to stay two years in a settlement for education, combined with the inability to choose my own faction heir to maintain the bloodline. In addition, I increased life expectency to 70.
- I changed the starting date to 1090 and have 2 turns per year.
- I gave the Knights Templar faction more units and better units in a hope they may survive.
- I overpowered the Mongol units.
- I increased missile attack for gunpowder units.
- I updated the Norwegian family tree, putting all 4 sons of Prince Magnus in it and adding some unhistorical daughters to Olaf just for gameplay reasons (though Magnus had 4 sons with exactly those names IRL).
- I edited the names.txt
- Plus other minor changes here and there.

And by the way, as soon as I have checked back in the forums for replies, I will act on those replies even if it is just one.

[Der Angelsachse]

Great Idea and nice choice of faction.

Well my liege, I would humbly suggest sending Magnus and his army to retake Oslo forthwith, whilst dispatching the Diplomat to open up trade negotiations with the Danish. It would be my suggestion that a lasting friendship with the Danes would allow you to exploit the possibility of raiding the British coastal settlements, bringing much wealth and fame to your generals.

[King Yngvar]

The king has recieved his suggestions from the council trough Sir Angelsachse who spoke on their behalf. His majesty will act accordingly, the council may expect an update of the situation next year.

[King Yngvar]

Word has reached Prince Magnus, orders are being initiated.


A youg daughter of King Olaf comes of age, where should she go?


Our spy has infiltrated the fortifications in Oslo and is ready to open the gates for us.


Thorgils the Mauler, Duke of Hamar moves south towards Oslo while Magnus land with ships to the south of Oslo.


The battle commence




The day is ours!



The nobles and the royal family is gathered in the great hall to celebrate this victory. There comes to an argument between father and son, the king and the prince. King Olaf is content with maintaining the lands we have and build further on them before even thinking of expanding.
In Sweden there has recently broken out a civil war after the assasination of King Inge, as a result the Danes already hold a large chunk of Swedish territories. Magnus wishes to seize the opportunity...

Magnus. "We must seize the moment and conquer Sweden now while it is split into several factions, the Danes have already used to opportunity to expand north and occupy Vestgotaland. If we do not seize control of Sweden now, I am certain the Danes will. I say we roll over Sweden, seize a firm grip on the lands that are rightfully mine by marriage and then drive those pesky Danes out."

Olaf. "So you wish to engage in a mindless war against the Danes, I am sorry my son but I have already sent a diplomat down south to begin friendly negotiations with our neighbours."



Olaf continues.
"I am old now, and will not live much longer. When you become king, you may take another path than me. Now let us hear what the council have to say on the matter, it has already been suggested to invade England. Should we do so without any tought of Sweden, my son's land by marriage. Or shall we end their misery of civil war before going west. It is up to the council"

[Irish King]

i think you should have that princess try to seduce a danish genral, perhaps Erik Jarl, and consolidate your holdings with an alliance with denmark., but if they attack retaliate and destroy them. while you consolidate your holdings you should prepare for an invasion of Britain.

[King Yngvar]

Council of 1091

The council has spoken through Irishking, a nobleman from Ireland residing in the Norwegian court. While Olaf suspect him of rousing up hostility against the English for the benefit of his own countrymen, the king do indeed see the potential rewards in performing raids against the British isles.
Then it has been decided, we will build up and consolidate, preparing to do raids against Britain. The council will meet again in some years, when the ships are ready to set sail.

[Internazionale]

No attack Scotland first, and work your way south. And make sure you send at least 2 stacks there. Maybe take Ireland and Scotland at the same time?

[Frankenschnabel]

no keeping provinces, just sack and destroy
What difficulty u play on btw??

[Laconian]

I propose that you send the invasion force to attack Scotland. If they hold Iverness and Edinburgh try and attack both simulataneously. An attack on Scotland in the early years would enable you to conquer the country much fast than later on where they will have formidable infantry.

[King Yngvar]

Council of 1095

The great meeting of 1095 brought little solution to the king's worries. Nobility was divided between attacking Scotland or England, wether to keep the provinces we take or sack, destroy and leave. King Olaf is tempted by England's wealth, but he also fear that there is no chance his son's army will manage to take all of England. Magnus assure him that nothing may stand in his path and if he was king he would conquer the whole world within a decade. Olaf reminded his son that he was still the king, and as long as he was king, he would be making the desicions. Olaf, the peacefull king, would not be the cause of a prolonged war against the English. He was confident that the Scotts could be defeated quickly, but if it came to where the enemy outnumbered us in our campaign, Magnus would be instructed to sack, destroy and leave the land worthless for the Scotts to reclaim. However, the primary goal would be the complete conquest of Scotland.

Olaf adresses the council again with some minor issues. "If you will not decide on who shall be our allies, I will do my best to ally the Emperor, France and his holiness the pope. Are there any objections on this? Speak now before the next council session."

[King Yngvar]

Frankenschnabel: VH/VH of course, anything below that would be hysterical...

[Pyrebound]

Erik Jarl married a 12 year old girl.. Gross. Not to mention those traits, how can 12 year old be very very attractive, like 20 year old knights start drooling when they see a 12 year old princess?

o.k.

[Irish King]

I think these choices of alliances are good and should be carried out. also i think lakonians plan the best and most thought out plan. I throw my full support behind Lakonians plan of sending two stacks and taking edinburgh and invernesse simultaneously

[Teastain]

I would suggest that, the king captures the baltic, either through war or diplomacy to create strong economic foundations for the kingdom

[Der Angelsachse]

If I may suggest my lord that raiding Scotland, if successful, would bring quite a large amount of funds, with which a large invasion force could be paid for.
Once the scottish defences have been weakened you can move in this new force to control and occupy the settlements.

Also please do consider entering into alliance with the English. This would further weaken the Scottish and bring in valuable trade revenue, until such time that you wish to turn on the English.

[Laconian]

I agree with your propositons of alliace with the Pope. I also agree with your need to ally with the HRE and France and they will be useful in a war against England and Denamrk.

[King Yngvar]

1095 - 1101

The following years in the history of Norway would see a remarkable change, Norway would be transfered from the peacefull state it had been during the reign of Olaf III to a power that may come to dominate the North Sea. Olaf was feeling his days were coming to an end. His sole mission in life had been for Norway to experience a generation of peace and prosperity under his reign. Olaf was once a warrior, as a young prince he had readily geared up for war in a glorious adventure to conquer England. Faith wanted it otherwise. The Norwegian army was utterly defeated at Stamford Bridge in the year of our Lord 1066, and Olaf was witness to it all. Seeing his father pierced with and arrow and falling down and seeing his countrymen defeated and massacred. These were events that would make any ruler sceptic to war.
Olaf changed as both a person and a ruler. He has become known throughout Northern Europe for his gentle nature and chivalrous attitude.
However a new generation has now stepped forward.
Sir Thorgils of Bjarkøy, the dreaded warmonger, who recently was bethroted to the king's youngest daughter Gynna.
Eirik Jarl, the former governor of Skara who joined the high nobility of Norway after marrying the king's daugther Yngvild.

And most prominent of them all, the king's son himself, Magnus "Barefoot". Magnus was a tall, strong man and very handsome in the opinion of the opposite sex. Rumours go far and wide in the country that his wife Ingrid may not even be the mother of any of his four sons. Magnus cared little for chivalrous acts, peace, religion or anything else that did not involve war for that matter. He was a walking bastion of blasphemy that would spit on a cross if anyone held it near him.
He proved himself a worthy commander in the brief civil war of 1090-1091, when he was but 18 he defeated the rebellion and got a real taste for war.
His tought on the people living in the British Isles were clear, if I ever meat one that does not bow to me I will cut him down and feed his intestines to my dogs. He had a vision of establishing himself as a ruler of all Britain before he died. It had to happen fast because he knew by himself that he would die young, in battle. As his said to his closest advisors when they told him he was too reckless with danger in battle he answered them "A king is meant for glory, not a long life!".

But the old king Olaf was not dead yet, he could still save the diplomatic future of Norway before his young and reckless warmonger of a son seize power.
So our chief diplomat Harald, along with Princess Brynhildr a young diplomatic genious, was sent far and wide to establish good relations in Europe before the many future wars of Magnus would damage the reputation Olaf had built for Norway.




Chief Diplomat Harald soon regretted performing his mission to ally France when he heard rumours of this message from Rome.

[King Yngvar]

1095 - 1101 continues

In the year of our Lord, 1096, the old king's condition was worsening. While he was laying on his bedside knowing that he had little time left to live, he summoned upon his son.
Magnus entered the room, and sat down beside his father. One could clearly see that the old man was in a weak state.

Magnus "What is it father?"
Olaf "I am dying"
Magnus "Nonsense, you have said that for as long as I can remember. Now tell me, what is it"
Olaf "I am telling the truth, I have not got much time left now, it is imperative that you listen to what I have to say."
Magnus "Yes?"
Olaf "You worry me Magnus, your fierce and aggressive nature, your high belief in yourself that you can conquer the world. I saw it in my own father, and I see it now in you. My father Harald was not called Hardråda without cause. He was viewed as a harsh ruler by the people, his constant wars with Denmark and the cost of preparing the invasion of England, it caused taxes to be raised beyond reasonable limits, the people suffered during his rule. What did it bring us, seeing our men slaughtered on that bridge. So many sons, so many fathers, all for nothing. I am worried that the same fate will befall you my son, to fall in battle in your quest for glory. While our forefathers saw glory in dying in battle, here I am dying in my bed, and I am glad for it. I am an old man, I have watched you and your sisters grow up, I even have grandchildren. I have lived a long and meaningfull life, being God's servant in Norway I have made sure this country has become a better place to live."
Magnus "Father, I am not like you. I will not abandon our destiny that my grandfather set fourth. I swear to you now, we shall rule Britannia or I shall die trying."
Olaf "I fear there is no hope of convincing you my son, may God bless you and watch over you while I am gone."

Those were the last words of Olaf III "Kyrre" Haraldsson, King of Norway 1066-1096. He died later that night in his sleep, the maids, the slaves, everyone was terrified upon hearing the news because they knew that thirty years of peace were about to come to an end...


From the following day on, Magnus would be known as Magnus III "Barfot" Olavsson, King of Norway. He gathered the noblemen and his elite hird and proclaimed his oath to them as he had done to his father. "I swear to you all, my brave warriors we shall conquer all of Britannia in one blaze of glory, or we shall all die trying. For what is life worth living without glory?"


With those words, a new era had started. Norway was once again on it's path to becoming the fearfull war machine it had once been. Magnus was a true reincarnation of the great kings of the past. To every noble and warrior's enjoyment and to every peasants dispair, for they would be the once to bear the burden of financing the king's future wars...

[King Yngvar]

1095 - 1101 Continues

Upon his succession, however one may have tought so, King Magnus did not rush. As was suggested by the council of nobles we should wait until having sufficient amounts of forces to take both Inverness and Edinburgh at once. Magnus waited, taxes were increased to fill the war coffins. Several years went by before anything happened. His oldest son Sigurd was closing an age where he could finally begin his functions as a proper warrior, he had reached the age of twelve. Within two years he would finish his education and be ready to join his father when the Norwegians set sail for Britain. Magnus decided to wait further to allow his son the great experience of warfare.


In the year of our lord 1101 a storm was unleashed, the fury of the northmen was let loose on the British Isles in a both daring and shocking move that none had seen the likes of for generations.
Two fleets with two armies, one led by the 28 year old king, Magnus who invades the lowlands. The other by his son the 15 year old Sigurd who lay siege to Inverness.


Upon seing an army stationed outside Edinburgh, Magnus could not contain himself. The army marshed quickly to attack the Scottish forces. The Scotts send everything they had from Edinburgh under the leadership of King Mael.
The drums of war rung high in the air, the first engagement was underway.

Magnus adresses his men before battle; "My brave warriors, we stand here on this battlefield today to mark a change in the course of history. Now we are ready to fullfill our destiny, our destiny as a people to rule these isles. Show no mercy to these craven dogs, they deserve to die. When we have won, for we WILL win, we shall hunt them down and kill them ALL! You will all be heroes today, your names will live forever. Now sally forth and crush the enemy!"

The first army break, the Scotts are slaughtered to the last man before the second army even has a chance to come to their aid.


Rushing towards the next army lead by Mael Colum himself.


Only a king may slay a king.


"The dog is captured, his army is routed. The day is ours, now slay them all!"


Though it was indeed tempting for King Magnus to execute the Scottish king, the sum the Scottish nobility was willing to pay to let him live was even more tempting. 14000 florins to our coffins. King Mael would have to live to be killed another day.


As summer came to an end and the winter began to creep in, both Magnus and Sigurd found it wise to make their move. The assault on both Inverness and Edinburgh were doomed battles for Scotland, as their garrisons were only minor. One could even suggest that they were not battles, merely a few men resisting against hordes of Norwegians.
Within the same year as the invasion had begun, both the highlands and the lowlands of Scotland had fallen under Norwegian rule. Sigurd chose to show mercy to the citizens of Inverness, in Edinburgh however, the looting, killing and raping went on for days.



Situation in Europe Anno 1101


King Magnus III adress the council

"Now that I have driven the Scotts out from their heartland, what shall we do next. Shall we pursue our goal of conquering the British Isles. Shall we perhaps begin with destroying the Scotts once and for all? I know they still hold their newly conquered territories in Dyflinn and Jorvik. Shall we bring those regions which are rightfully ours back to Norse domain?
Aside from that there are other issues at hand. The French, our allies have been excommunicated. The silly man with a hat may ask of us to break this alliance in the future. Shall we bend like goats to his word if so happens or shall we remain true to our word? Are there other factions out there we should ally with or perhaps destroy?
My son wishes to go on a crusade against the infidels in the lands where they speak like crows. I for one see a good reason for killing them, but perhaps not for the same reasons as the old foul in Rome. If it is the council's will I may send my son Sigurd to the so called holy land, if only to kill some people that speak like crows instead of real men."

[Zadith]

While you have to be careful when it comes to the pope we cannot allow him to interfere with our greater destiny!


When the pope calls a crusade it is almost certain that the English will answer.

I suggest we continue the march south until we reach the English borders and then fortify our positions. Then we can turn west and finish off the Scots and Irish. Once our flanks are secure we can finish off the English once and for all while they are on their foolish crusade!

I believe we shall also stay true to our word. All will be forgiven when this fool of a pope passes or the French king dies. However if we break our pact all will remember it for generations after the pope is gone!