The Norman Destiny: An EU3 AAR

[Rabbit55821]

Hello! Well, this is my first AAR, and actually my first post ever, but I hope that this will turn out well. I love to roleplay in my games, because I see it as just adding another layer to my gameplay. I even edit my flags mid-game just because of a certain event or such to add to the RP, such as when a nation becomes a vassal or enters a Personal Union.

This AAR will follow me playing the Kingdom of Normandy. How, you might ask? Well, that's where this bridges off from other AARs. I'm playing a mostly unknown mod called Millennium (http://www.moddb.com/mods/millennium-for-eu3-51) for EU3 Divine Wind. It takes the time back to the year 1000, and also adds a lot of new things which you can read about here; http://www.moddb.com/mods/millennium...manual-english.

I've also done a lot of personal modding, centering around Pre-Infantry Revolution units, and also added a number of Crusader States which can be formed, or rather released, such as the Knights Templar, Order of Saint Lazarus, and such and so forth. And please remember that this is not exactly the most historically correct mod, but it's fun nonetheless. Also, for those wondering why I still play Eu3, it's mainly because of this Mod

As for the AAR itself, Chapters will vary in length, topic, span of time, and even writing style. Chapters will be written in Narrative-style, as Journals of characters, and as sections from History Books, and possibly some others. I hope you enjoy the AAR!

Onward, to the Norman Destiny!

[Zeion]

Hi Rabbit and welcome!
Looking forward to your AAR - interesting game choice, I'm certainly intrigued.

[Rabbit55821]

An Excerpt from "A History of Normandy and it's People"

Western Europe, 1014 AD

The Fire of Caen was an important event in Norman History. While not particularly damaging to Normandy itself, a large number of historical documents were destroyed during the fire. This leaves a gap in the direct knowledge between the years of 998 and 1014.
However, knowledge on those years does exist. It is known that Edouard III Roncerolles took the throne as King of Normandy, the methods are not known, and within a year of his crowning, he invaded Cornwall.


Having achieved independence from France only a few short years before, Edouard III sought to establish territory in Cornwall, thinking that would be a more concrete symbol of his independence. In truth, he was only partially right. While France was, begrudgingly, forced to accept that Normandy had separated itself from it's former position as a Duchy in France, England began to see Normandy as a possible threat.

While Normandy alone would not have been a threat to England, Normandy had secured allies. Scotland, Brittany, and Poitou had all aligned themselves with Normandy through military alliances. With the help of his allies, Edouard III's campaign was a success, and Cornwall was annexed by Normandy. This was opposed by some, but not publicly, and order was established.

Several years later, the exact date is not known, England declared war on Munster, seeking to expand it's Irish territory after conquering the Kingdom of Leinster. Brittany joined it's ally, Munster, against England before calling Normandy into the war. Edouard III was less careful now that he had a son and therefore a secured ascendancy, relations already being tense after England had turned Wales into an English Vassal during it's war with Lienster. However, this cost him his life.

Edouard III the Careless was killed when a large English Naval Force ambushed him and the fleet his army was aboard, and destroyed the fleet and army that was aboard. Edouard III died, and Normandy was soon forced to surrender Cornwall to England along with a significant portion of it's treasury. However, the war overall was successful. Wales became a vassal of Brittany, and after several more years of war, England was divided once again.

Having occupied nearly all of England, Brittany forced England to release Cornwall, Wessex, Essex, Leinster, and Northumbreland as independent nations. Brittany secured an alliance with each new nation, threatening England with war if they were to try and reclaim their territory. The war had crippled and fractured England, and many believed that the once united nation would never recover.

British Isles, 1014 AD (Post-War of Division)

After the war, a notable amount of the Norman treasury was put into sophisticating the Norman culture, and it's traditions became recognizable by many throughout France. The Regency Council had also claimed the throne of the Kingdom of Cornwall for Normandy, seeking to expand into the British Isles. A naval build-up by the Regency Council of Charles Roncerolles, Edouard III the Careless's son and heir, also occurred soon after the war ended. At the time of the Fire of Caen, Charles was 14 years old, and would soon be crowned as King of the Normans. What would he accomplish, and who would he become?

[Rabbit55821]

Yeah, I wanted to do something a little different then what I had read. The Mod is not that well known, and the game is outdated, but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed!

I will have the first chapter up before the end of the day. I played for about 14 years (in-game, of course) before I decided to do an AAR. I considered restarting, but I saw an opportunity for roleplay

[Beckitz]

Great start Rabbit, it sounds like Edward is a very sneaky ruler, making alliances and taking advantage of his neighbors weakness!

[Rabbit55821]

Great start Rabbit, it sounds like Edward is a very sneaky ruler, making alliances and taking advantage of his neighbors weakness!

Indeed he was, for the short span of his rule! I roleplayed it as him being very cunning, which is how he gained the throne of Normandy, but also very paranoid, because he knew his throne could be taken away from him much more easily then he had gained it. But with Charles I, his son, ascending to the throne, it further legitimized rule by the Roncerolles Dynasty.

[Rabbit55821]

(For those wondering, the length of time between my posts will be somewhat sporadic. Posts may be divided by days or hours, although probally more oriented towards about a Daily or Bi-Daily rate.)
Chapter I: The Norman-Amir Sicilian War
An Excerpt from "The Tales of 11th Century Normandy"


In the latter part of the year 1014, the massive Fleet Construction undertaken by Normandy was completed, and an alliance with Burgundy was secured. The timing worked in Normandy's favor, as word soon spread of the collapse of Amir Sicily, the Muslim Sultanate that ruled over Sicily at the time. With expansion in the British Isles almost at a complete stop because of the system of alliances Brittany had established to counter England, Normandy set it's eyes on a new goal; Sicily.

Sicily was a primary point of trade in the Mediterranean, but it's control by Muslims often prohibited certain trade ventures, especially to the rich but highly unstable Byzantine Empire. The Muslim-controlled Sicily had also been home to several pirates, who raided along the Italian Peninsula. It was often believed that Charles I was directly involved in the declaration of war, as his coronation was only a month after a scout ship was launched to Sicily.



Charles I's coronation was a spectacular event. He was known to have made numerous promises to expand Normandy, as well as promises to fulfill the "Norman Destiny", a phrase that would become well known and would remain a source of Norman patriotism for centuries. Concerning Charles I's skills and personality, he was known to be a very intellectual man on matters of military strategy and the management of his country, but he wasn't particularly adept at foreign diplomacy. On this matter, he was aided by Vincent de Lessard, an Adviser on diplomatic affairs who had also served as part of Edouard III the Careless's council. Charles I was known to always keep Vincent nearby for aid in diplomatic affairs, even with his own court.

In May, the ship sent to scout Sicily arrived, and found an army of no more then a thousand soldiers protecting Sicily. Charles I declared war on the 23rd of June, and took personal command of the Armèe Royale. Brittany, Burgundy, Poitou, and Scotland all followed Charles I into war, and Wales soon joined alongside Brittany as well. In early July, the Byzantine Empire and it's allies declared war upon Amir Sicily as well, seeing an opportunity for expansion.

There were also two other wars occurring at the time of the Norman-Amir Sicilian War; the War of Soren and the War of Hedjazi Revolution. The War of Soren saw Finland and the Baltic Tribes in battle against Sweden, Norway, Brabant, Wurzburg, and Lithuania. However, Lithuania had left the conflict about a month before the Norman-Amir Sicilian War began. The War had been sparked when a group of Fins murdered a priest named Soren, who was trying to spread Christianity to the Fins. Sweden demanded that Finland have the murderers killed, but the killers were in fact congratulated for their "righteous deeds". War immediately followed.

The War of Hedjazi Revolution saw the nation of Hedjaz break away from the Fatimid Caliphate, seeking to establish it's own identity as a nation. Many nations followed the Fatimids into war to bring the Hedjazi back under Fatimid rule.

The first soldiers to arrive in Sicily were Byzantines, who arrived in September, numbering no less then 15,000. The Normans had secured access to the Sardinian ports a month before, and their fleet and army was already en route to Sicily. Three Thousand Soldiers from Poitou arrived in Western Sicily, joined by 4,000 soldiers from Brittany and 14,000 Byzantines. The Sicilian Army of 2,000 was easily destroyed within a matter of two weeks, and 13,000 Byzantines returned to Eastern Sicily.

In the latter part of October, Charles I finally arrived in Malta with the Armèe Royale. They then attacked the force of a thousand Mercenaries raised by Amir Sicily to hold on to their last bastion. 9 days later, the Mercenary force was destroyed, and Charles I laid siege to Malta. After the Battle of Malta ended, five-thousand Byzantines arrived in Malta to aid the Normans in their siege. In late November, Western Sicily and Malta both fell to Poitou and Normandy, respectively, and Charles I set out to negotiate peace with the Amir Sicilians.

On the 3rd of December, the Peace of Messina was agreed upon. Malta would be given to Normandy, and Amir Sicily would be reformed into Sicily. While the Sicilians would be allowed to keep their Muslim faith, Charles I inflicted numerous severe penalties, including a complete reformation of the Sicilian Aristocracy. The new Pope Innocentius VII blessed Charles I for his actions. But Europe would seen enter a deadly period, as famine set in across Europe.

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

Hi, Rabbit! (Everybody seems to be calling you that; hope you don't mind us not using your numbers.)

I like the start you've made here. The idea of having different chapters from different history books is interesting and seems to be working well for you. I've never played EU3 in any form, but I wonder if Charles I's harsh reformation of the Sicilian aristocracy will make him unpopular there (at least among the formerly-rich-and-powerful), and I'm interested to see how everybody deals with the imminent famine.

[Rabbit55821]

Hi, Rabbit! (Everybody seems to be calling you that; hope you don't mind us not using your numbers.)


I like the start you've made here. The idea of having different chapters from different history books is interesting and seems to be working well for you. I've never played EU3 in any form, but I wonder if Charles I's harsh reformation of the Sicilian aristocracy will make him unpopular there (at least among the formerly-rich-and-powerful), and I'm interested to see how everybody deals with the imminent famine.

I'm glad you guys like the AAR! And I don't mind being called Rabbit, it's actually a nickname that I've had for an extremely long time.


The reformation of the Sicilian Aristocracy doesn't actually have any in-game effects, basically I made Amir Sicily release Sicily as a nation, and since they had cores on all of their provinces, Amir Sicily became Sicily, but you can be sure there will be effects narrative-wise. I had considered making them become Naples, but that would've been slightly confusing, and I didn't want to get involved in any wars with Byzantium since Naples has cores on their territory.


The Famine, however, completely blindsided me. Hopefully it won't last long though, because it's a really crippling modifier. One of the terrible things about the timing of the famine is that in came at a time when my entire army was oversees. I might be forced to form the Knights of Malta since it's so far away from my homeland, which would suck since I get a really good trade modifier from it, and most of my income relies on trade in Antwerp, and I also get access to the Italian Centres of Trade. But that would be better then having the Muslims regain control of Malta via a rebellion.


Pretty much the only good thing about the famine is that it effects every nation in Europe, so I'll have more time to deal with domestic affairs, as everyone will be doing that as well. There's actually only two wars going on in Europe at the moment; the War of Hedjazi Revolution and the War of Soren. Those will probably end soon though.


Anyways, glad you guys enjoy the AAR

[Rabbit55821]

Chapter II: The Famine Year
(An Account of the Famine Year by Vincent de Lessard, included in "A History of Normandy and it's People")


Over the past year, much has occurred. I have done my best to study these events, and I write it here so that maybe one day a historian or the like will find this, and decide to include it in his book. You see, a famine began last year that spread all throughout Europe, but luckily ended early this year. Dozens of revolts rose up throughout Europe in attempts to overthrow monarchs or save their people from the Famine. Luckily Normandy was spared from any sort of revolt, but it has been a stressing situation.



As I recall, Charles I, may he forever be remembered as a pious King, made the decision in early January to create a sovereign military order known as the Knights of Malta to rule over the island of Malta, which had previously been acquired by Normandy during the Norman-Amir Sicilian War. With the famine raging in Europe, he saw it best to put Malta under a localized rule, as he would not be able to hold Malta if a revolt were to rise up after he had returned to Normandy, and he was determined not to let Malta fall back under Muslim control.

Several days later, the War of Soren ended in Scandinavia. This caused some unrest in the Catholic Church, but the Swedes convinced the Pope that dealing with the Famine was much more important at the time, as it caused some in Scandinavia to resort back to the old ways, believing that the famine was a punishment by the Norse Gods for turning their backs on them. The Italian Trade Leagues that had formed also shattered, with nations leaving the Pisan and Venetian Trade Leagues by the masses, in an effort to expand their trade to more localized sources.

Only a few days after the War of Soren ended, Lombardia declared war on Arles. The Papal State joined Lombardia in their way, and the war ended in April, only four days after we (Charles I and his army) arrived in Normandy. The Provinces of Savoie and Provence became Lombardian territory, and the Arletan King publicly ended his claims to the Lombardian city of Nice. Toulouse had joined the war with Arles, but to no effect. The Peace of Savoie ended Arletan access to the Ocean, which was crippling for their economy, especially in a time where they relied on Italian Trade, as Arles was one of the few nations to remain in a trade league.

Only a month after the end of the Arletan-Lombardian War, Arles declared war upon Burgundy. Charles I chose not to join his Burgundian allies, ending the alliance they had formed. The Papal State then soon declared war on Sicily, and was followed into war by Lombardia, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Corsica. The former Sicilian Aristocratic Families organized an army in revolt when the ruling Sicilian classes considered calling upon Normandy, and the Sicilian King chose to end his alliance with Normandy and try to fight off the Catholics alone. In truth, Charles I told me that he no intent of siding against the Pope himself to aid a Muslim nation.

Things were mostly quiet until around October, when the Knights broke their alliance with Normandy. I am still confused as of why, but the deed was done. Charles didn't seem to care much, but I saw the effects it had diplomatically, as it caused a loss of face for Charles I. Pisa joined Arles against Burgundy a month later, and the combined forces of Toulouse, Arles, and Pisa managed to take control of western Burgundy.

On the 25th, Charles I married his cousin Neville Roncellores to Lucy Grieser, the younger sister of the Queen of Flanders, Margareta IV Greiser. I didn't know Neville all that well, but he seemed to be a kind boy. He was born during Edouard's rule, and was a boy of around 16, I believe. Charles didn't know Neville that well either, but he still put a lot of money in to make sure the marriage was extravagant. The primary reason for the marriage was to boost relations with Flanders, which not only bordered Normandy, but also ruled Antwerp, where much of Normandy's trade was centered.

By January, the Famine had officially faded away. New agricultural techniques from Germany had quickly spread throughout Europe, and the heightened trade also helped. Throughout January, the war between Burgundy and Arles heightened. Tribal Saxony joined Arles, while Guyenne, and therefore Anjoun as well due to the personal union formed between the two, and the Palatinate joined Burgundy. Toulouse left the war in late March, the same day that the Duke Conan IV of Cornwall had a son, ending the Norman claim to their throne.

Then, Charles I died on the 23rd of March, and a Regency Council was assembled for his five-year old son, Charles II. I was placed on the Regency Council due to my considerable experience in foreign diplomacy. Charles II would be the third King of Normandy I gave diplomatic advise to. My colleagues Didier d'Ozenne and Edouard du Moucek were also invited to the Regency Council, which I played a hand in. The three of us had advised both Edouard III and Charles I, and sought to advise Charles II. The rest of the Regency Council were made up of some of Charles I's relatives and Nobles from around Normandy. We now had a single task ahead of us; keep Normandy together and stable until Charles II turned fifteen.

On the 27th, Sicily made peace with the Papal State by offering a large sum of money, which was accepted. That was eight days ago, and now we are here. If a historian or such finds this one day, I hope that they put my account to good use.

[Alwyn]

Great AAR! I wonder how the Regency Council will get on, leading Normandy until Charles II reaches the age of fifteen. I have not played EU3 - it looks like a good game with a lot of strategic decision-making and diplomacy.

[Rabbit55821]

Great AAR! I wonder how the Regency Council will get on, leading Normandy until Charles II reaches the age of fifteen. I have not played EU3 - it looks like a good game with a lot of strategic decision-making and diplomacy.

Europa Universalis 3 is a pretty cool game. It's a bit of an outdated game, but the Mods make it still worth playing in comparison to EU4. The Millennium Mod adds a lot more strategy though compared to the original game. Anyways, glad you guys like the AAR!

[Rabbit55821]

(For those wondering what this is and what place it has in the overall narrative, these Intermediates will be either small stories or articles which I will be put out occassionally between chapters, and can be either small stories following a certain character or characters through the events of past chapters, showing what they were thinking or how they viewed events, or they could be small articles which will give a more in-depth explanation of an event or small sequence of events. For example, this one will follow Emiricus d'Levonne from his actions at the Battle of Malta to the foundation of the Knights of Malta. Enjoy! )
Intermediate: Malta



Emiricus d'Levonne was sitting proudly atop his horse, at the head of a formation of a little over 400 men. Emiricus and his men were assembled at the edge of a large field, watching as a battle unfolded between King Charles I and an army of Amir Sicilian Mercenaries amassed to protect Malta. At the present moment, the primary actions being taken by each sides were maneuverings. While the Armèe Royale outnumbered the mercenaries by three thousand, the mercenaries will still well-trained and well-led, and were also aided by around two-hundred and fifty soldiers amassed by the local Aristocrats, or what remained of them, to defend Malta.


Emiricus glanced back as he heard a man charging up to him, trying to grab his attention. Emiricus twisted to look at the man as he stopped beside Emiricus's horse, his suit of chainmail shifting as he did. "What is it?" asked Emiricus.


The man stopped for a minute to grab his breath. "Sire, our King Charles has sent word that he wants you to charge the infantry formation amassing to the east, to stop them from returning to Medina."


Emiricus looked up at the battle, nodding when he caught sight of the formation the messenger was speaking of before looking back to him. "Thank you. Tell Charles that I will do as he commands. But first, tell that man to your left to ready the formation for a charge."


The messenger nodded, and ran over to the Knight as his side. As the formation readied to charge, Emiricus watched as the formation Charles had ordered he attack collected itself. Those soldiers were obviously tired and disorganized, but they were well equipped. Emiricus knew the dangers that Muslims posed to Christianity, and of their technological achievements.


He had once discussed the matter with an Abbot when he was at the age of fifteen or sixteen. He had enjoyed the Abbot's company, as he was one of the few Clergymen that Emiricus had known in his lifetime whom could have an intellectual conversation as well as a religious one. His father had scolded Emiricus for it later, but he had still enjoyed the conversation. The two had agreed that the reason that the Muslim's were so advanced was their exposure to various cultures because of their position, such as the Byzantines, Persians, and Europeans.


Emiricus was stirred from his thought as a Knight rode up next to him. "Sire, we are ready for the charge."


Emiricus nodded and ordered the man to order the formation to charge. Within minutes, the entire formation of four-hundred mounted Knights were charging at high speeds. The men at the front of the formation, including Emiricus, all held heavy spears under their arms as they charged forward, and the men behind them were ready with shields and swords.


As soon as the two formations made violent contact, Emiricus's spear was bloodied with the blood of heathens. It wasn't long, however, before he was knocked from his horse. As a Muslim soldier charged towards him with his curved blade, Emiricus scrambled to raise his shield, reaching with his other hand for his sword.


His shield came up just in time to block the incoming blade, and he raised his own moments later, thrusting it threw his enemy's chest. As he withdrew the blood-caked blade, he realized that this would be even harder then he had anticipated, as all of the mercenaries were equipped with blades, instead of the spear usually used by most soldiers. But when all was said and done, Emiricus still stood bravely, sword in hand and covered in blood.


---


Emiricus sat in his chambers, not his personal chambers but that from which he managed the affairs of Malta, gazing out of the window into the city of Messina. Charles I and the Armèe Royale were on their way out of Malta, and Emiricus d'Levonne had been given Malta as a fief to manage as a vassal of the King of Normandy.


As a knock came at the door, Emiricus stirred to action. "Come in."


The door opened, and Edouard d'Reona rushed in. Edouard was one of Emiricus's most trusted members of the Council of Messina, a political body organized to serve as a Court in Malta. "What is it Edouard?" asked Emiricus.


Edouard's expression was one of glee, and Emiricus were very interested to hear what he had to say. "You have heard of the famine in Europe, yes? Well, our good King Charles I has decided, with support from the Pope, that Malta is to be governed by the Knights of Malta as a sovereign military order, with you as the Grandmaster of the Knights of Malta!"


Emiricus's expression now paralleled Edouard's, with an added expression of joyous suprise. But soon, his face returned to his regular, stern expression. "Upon which day is this to be made official?" asked Emiricus.


"January 6th, when Bishop d'Nessard is to arrive in Malta to declare the Pope's support. The Knights of Malta will exist under both the protection of Normandy and the Pope."


Emiricus nodded. "Good. Then we have seven days to prepare."


As Edouard left, Emiricus was conflicted. While he was overjoyed that he would be allowed to rule Malta as Grandmaster of a sovereign military order, he knew that he would need to separate himself from Normandy, should it be his intent to preserve the Knights of Malta.

[Rabbit55821]

Intermediate: The First Crusader Order


When King Charles I of Normandy and Pope Innocentius VII declared the formation of the Knights of Malta as a sovereign military order, there were mixed responses all across Europe. Many Monarchs and their Courts, especially those in Northern Italy, feared that this would, in effect, create "secret" allies for the Papal State. Many were reluctantly to make diplomatic contact with the Knights of Malta in fear that they were simply a puppet of the Papal State.


However, this turbulence is often overlooked in various other historical accounts, who instead prefer to concentrate on the famine and the chaos that is caused during the year of 1017. While this chaos is indeed full of important historical events, the formation of the Knights of Malta would have a much longer-term effect on European history and politics.


In order to avoid accusations of being a puppet state and to establish a symbol of it's independence, much as Edouard III the Careless had attempted in Cornwall, Grandmaster Emiricus I broke his alliance with Normandy in the latter part of the year of our lord 1017. This would also have important affects, and historians today still dispute over the reason that Emiricus chose to break away from Normandy.


In order to understand the Knights of Malta and the actions of their first Grandmaster, one must first understand the Grandmaster. Emiricus I of Malta was born as Emiricus d'Levonne. His father, Avier d'Levonne, was an important noble in the Norman Court. Avier d'Levonne managed a large amount of Normandy's trade in Antwerp, as his fiefdom was concentrated around the northern coast of the province of Rouen.


Avier was a dedicated supporter of the Roncerolles Dynasty and their rule in Court, which, as was later discovered, was primarily because of the major donations made by the Roncerolles to Avier in order to keep trade to Antwerp flowing. Emiricus was Avier's only son out of three children, but was known to challenge the norm, especially in his teenage years.


After Charles I announced his plans to invade Sicily in Court, Avier suggested that his son be taken with Charles I, to improve the already prestigious view of his family. Charles I agreed, but soon learned that Emiricus would be of some real use during the campaigns.


Emiricus proved himself to be a brave and powerful warrior at the Battle of Malta. Accounts vary, but most come to the same conclusion; that Emiricus was a strong leader and a powerful warrior. Thus, when the time came to choose a Lord of Malta, Charles I chose Emiricus. However, Lord Emiricus soon became Grandmaster Emiricus as Charles I prepared to leave Malta to return home to Normandy.


The popular theory on why Emiricus broke away from Normandy is that he wanted to establish a more solidified independence. However, many also point to the accounts of him as an man of intellect as counter-evidence against this theory, believing that Emiricus would have preferred protection by Normandy rather then be viewed more as an equal. But perhaps Emiricus was playing the long game?


Either way, the Knights of Malta and their formation were still an important event in history, and even today continue to shape our view on history.

[Rabbit55821]

Chapter III: A Gasp of Breath
An Excerpt from "A History of Normandy and it's People"

With the appointing of a Regency Council after the death of King Charles I, Normandy had several years of peace, a state which had not been enjoyed by Normandy for several years. However, several important events still occurred in these years, such as the end of the Burgundian-Arletan War.

The end of the Burgundian-Arletan War was actually one of the first events to occur after the Regency Council was appointed. After the Burgundian King's brother was captured while raising soldiers, Arles had pressured Burgundy into peace, using the captured territories and the King's brother as leverage. Burgundy reluctantly agreed to the treaty presented by Arles, releasing Nevers and Bern as independent nations.

The Regency Council was divided over the issues. Several members pushed for an alliance between Burgundy and Normandy to be formed, and for an embargo to be issued against Arles. However, Vincent de Lessard, the de facto leader of the Regency Council, pushed for neutrality on the topic. Vincent de Lessard and his supporters eventually won out. In the long term, this move was a successful one, as the war caused the fracture of Burgundy, which was, at the time, a significant player in southeastern France. One of Charles II's cousins was also married to the son of the King of Nevers, although primarily to make sure that conditions with Arles didn't sour.

Another war soon followed, as Tribal Saxony declared war on the Obortrites, a large Norse tribe in the Prussian region. Pruzen, Finland, and the Baltic Tribes soon followed the Obortrites into war, followed by the Cumans and Pechenegs. Despite the massive amount of tribes now formed against Tribal Saxony, only a few could actually attack them.

In June, Gascogne publicly guaranteed the independence of Normandy. Although meant as a gesture of goodwill, much of the Norman court took it as an insult, though these opinions were not expressed publicly. However, these was soon overshadowed by the emigration of workers out of the Province of Rouen west, which was in turn overshadowed by the introduction of new naval technologies which allowed for the organized blockading of provinces.

Near the end of 1017 AD, Brittany annexed the Duchy of Wales, bringing them under official Breton rule. Brittany had now unified Wales under their rule. Although the Welsh were slower to arms, as they were no longer divided between two Kingdoms, they were still unsatisfied with foreign rule.

In March, Algiers declared it's independence from the Fatimid Caliphate, continuing the break-up of the powerful Caliphate after their annexation of the Zirids. Less then a month later, Tribal Saxony made peace with the Obortrites, offering gold and the release of Hamburg. After the end of the Saxon-Obortrite War, all was quiet until June, when Didier d'Ozenne, a man who sat on the Regency Council and had advised both Edouard III the Careless and Charles I, was revealed to have been involved in bribery. Vincent de Lessard chose to keep the matter secret and allow Didier to leave Normandy unharmed, although he was removed of all titles.

Vincent Parmentier was chosen to replace Didier d'Ozenne, although he did not take the seat on the Regency Council left vacants by Didier d'Ozenne. This position was, instead, filled by a man named Edouard d'Lesyon, whom had formerly served on the Council of Malta before returning to Normandy in protest of the breaking of the alliance between Normandy and the Knights of Malta.

In September, Lombardia declared war upon the Fatimids. The Lombardians were followed into war by Cologne, the Papal State, and Swabia, while only Syria joined the Fatimid Caliphate in their war. A month later, a thousand men were raised in Normandie, whom were made up of Knights and their Sergeants, Squires, and such.

Between December 2nd of 1018 and June 1st of 1019, a number of events occurred in the Muslim lands. First, Tripoli declared their independence from the Fatimids, followed four months later by a peace treaty between the Papal State and Fatimids. Lastly, Tunisia declared it's independence from the Fatimids, leaving the formerly dominating caliphate a loosely controlled territory which had all but utterly collapsed.

In August, another large force was added to the Armèe Royale, this time made up of siege engines including trebuchets, catapults, and other medieval siege devices. With this, the Norman Army stood at 6,000, which was all collected into a single force. Peace and stability had blessed Europe since the Burgundian-Arletan War, but chaos broke out in early September when Bavaria declared war upon Ansbach, sparking the German Excommunication War.

Bavaria and it's Allies, 1019 AD


Ansbach and it's Allies, 1019 AD

All throughout Germany, nations chose sides. Hungary, Lorraine, Transylvania, and Slawonia all followed Bavaria into war, while Lusatia, Swabia, Carinthia, Friesland, Flanders, Brabant, Anhalt, East Francia, and Meissen all sides with Ansbach. The stage was set for a massive war. However, the war would also have lasting effects on German-Papal Relations, as the war had begun because Bavaria had declared war upon Ansbach, intent on deposing the excommunicated ruler, Friedrich Albrecht I. With almost all of Germany sided against Bavaria, the Pope was violently shown whom he could and could not trust. Swabia then left the war with the Fatimids, knowing that a storm was coming over Germany.

However, another event with long-lasting effect occurred in Normandy, as an army of a thousand men were raised in Rouen, intent on bringing reform to Normandy and the promotion of the Third Estate's, the Commoners', social condition. While the effects would by no means be immediate, it would eventually shape Normandy into what it is today.

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

I have no idea where you're finding the time to do all this, Rabbit - all this work is very impressive!

I like the idea of the "intermediates", and it's interesting to see more of the background and off-stage events. Not that there's a shortage of on-stage eventfulness! I hope we'll hear more about the situation in Normandy.

[Rabbit55821]

I have no idea where you're finding the time to do all this, Rabbit - all this work is very impressive!

I like the idea of the "intermediates", and it's interesting to see more of the background and off-stage events. Not that there's a shortage of on-stage eventfulness! I hope we'll hear more about the situation in Normandy.

Thanks The intermediates seemed like a good way to provide a more personal or varied perspective on the storyline. As society develops, for example the rise of liberalism, there will also be in-depth sections on Norman internal politics. Maybe eventually I'll have a King for more then 5 years so I can develop a Monarch's story XD

Also, if you (my readers, however plentiful they may be) begin to notice decreases in troop sizes, I've adjusted costs to more accurately simulate the armies of the time. I'll probably find someway to Roleplay it

[Rabbit55821]

Whoops, double-post. Is there a way to delete one of the posts?

[Rabbit55821]

Guys, I'm really sorry about this, but this mod is now unplayable for me. I've been trying for around four hours to get it to work, but it just won't. If I ever get the mod to play again, I will pick this back up, but for now, it's over. I got a new computer, and I suppose that it just didn't want to play it. I might or might now start another AAR with a different mod.

Thank you guys for your support.

[Alwyn]

I'm sorry to hear that the mod is unplayable on your new computer - that sounds very disappointing. I hope that you either find a way to make it work or start a new AAR.