Playing Now: CK2. Roman Empire 1300

While majority of European continent enjoys the Pax Romana, Middle-East for last 50 years was locked in a conflict between Mongols and Muslim Yusifid dynasty. With Golden Horde slowly gaining ground, especially since the fall of Yusifid dynasty, the struggle is far from over.

*biggah!*

Meanwhile, far to the west in provinces of central Spain another struggle continues - for centuries Christians and Muslims fought over the control of this old Roman province. With restoration of Western Empire, Iberian Peninsula is slowly reunited under Roman control.

Scandinavia - the only region in Europe where Catholic faith remains strong, is subjected to Imperial expansion too, with throne of Denmark being taken by Emperor's nephew. While this doesn't incorporate Denmark into the Empire, Makedon family has potential to expand further north and subjugate Catholic heretics.

Playing now. CK2: Roman Empire 1250

In late 1210s new power came to the world stage - the Mongols. Armies of Ilkhanate defeated post-Seljuk Emirates bordering Asia and launched quick and decisive attack into Persia. This sparked a first war between Mongols and Muslims that will characterize next 30 years. Caliph Abdullah 'The Terrible', son of Yusuf, called for Jihad to reclaim Persia. Warriors from great Yusufid dominion flocked to the armies that soon went east. Ilkhanate - with recent victories stretching their force thin, defended their recent gains for few months, but eventually were pushed back. Armies given to them by Genghis Khan were decimated and Muslim armies recaptured Persia, ending Jihad. When it seamed that the Mongol threat was defeated, another Mongol army came from the east. Calling themselves Golden Horde, they begun conquering lands north of Aral Sea, heading west. Ilkhanate wasn't done either. Within few years they restored core of their forces and resumed war with Muslim world, fighting back Yusufid dynasty troubled at the time by civil war. Eventually, in late 1230s Abul-Gafur, oldest son of the late Abdullah claimed title of Caliph, reuniting his father's Empire.
Final blow to the Ilkhanate was dealt not by their Muslim foes, but brothers from the steppe. Golden Horde took over remnants of their predecessors - including Persia. Two great Empires face each other now, gathering forces for another war.

Meanwhile Romans and other Europeans enjoy time of peace. Roman Empire reclaimed their British province after civil war (instigated by Roman Empress Zoe) that put member of the Makedon dynasty on English throne.
By now, only major Roman provinces still outside it's borders were on Iberian Peninsula - where Muslims squared against Navarra.
New Roman Emperor - Justinian IV Augustus, will have to choose - either focus on retaking Spain, or prepare to combat empire that will prevail the war between Mongols and Muslims.

(better resolution. Click me!) 

Playing Now: Crusader Kings 2. Roman Empire (1200)

Year 1200.
Aegis Makedon ruled the Byzantine Empire for over 50 years. During her reign Constantinople power base steadily grew in the west. Some of the last remaining French dukes bend their knee in 1150s, and while Brittany will remain independent for another decades, it was ruled by Aegis' son - Ceasar, practically giving Makedons reign over great majority of Gaul provinces. One of the most prominent Byzantine commanders of the century was a common woman - Eopaxia. Claiming to be in commune with Jesus, telling her to lead her nation to great victory she was admitted in presence of Empress Aegis. Impressed by zealous purity of the young woman, Aegis gave her great favours, enraging nobles and clergy alike.

Eopaxia quickly gained popularity among commoners, rising to the status of Holy Maiden that would lead Empire to great deeds. There was only one problem - Empire was prosperous, borders were secure and Christian faith was in no threat outside of Spanish provinces, that fell firmly into Muslims hands. Spain laid however beyond reach of Imperial interests, far on the other side of Europe. It was not the time or place for great religious leaders to carry armies into holy wars, and prophesied by Eopaxia great struggle was nowhere to be seen.

As Eopaxia ascended, in minds of simple folk, to a status of saint - her reputation among Bishops and Lords couldn't be lower. With tension in the Empire growing over this single woman, Aegis begun looking for outlets to rising emotions. She even entertained the idea of invading Holy Land and retaking Jerusalem from infidels.

Jerusalem was for over a century under control of Muslims, and re-taking it was always goal of Christian rulers. Holy Land however laid too deep inside Muslim country, conquering it would only encourage Caliph to re-take it again - Jerusalem was simply too remote for Byzantines to hold. As Empress considered invasion of Holy Land, Caliphate beaten her - starting yet another Jihad directed at Anatolia.
\
War couldn't begun in better time for Byzantines - as European Kingdoms, also enjoying time of peace, joined defense of Christianity quickly and in force. Byzantines themselves put to the field great armies, composed now not only out of Greek and Middle-Eastern soldiers - typical for their armies, but many French, Aquitanian, Italian, Croatian and Serbian soldiers as well.
Eopaxia, put in command of Byzantine Retinues (no noble lord would accept her command over him), made mostly out of heavy infantry, went though the borders of two warring states and dived deep into Caliphate, destroying or routing all Muslim forces that stood in her way, reaching Damascus, capital of Islamic rulers at that time, and besieging their castles. Christian armies meanwhile gathered in central Anatolia, and from here begun countering Arab incursions into Byzantine borders. No great army - similar to one fighting Constantine - ever came, and after few months of gathering forces and repelling smaller attacks, Allies begun their own invasion of Muslim country.

One of the reasons that Muslim attack wasn't as powerful as in previous Jihad, was the fact many powerful Emirs ignored call of Holy War - seeing the power of Byzantines and remembering the great defeat under Rhusos. Another reason for passive attitude of Arabs at the Imperial border was that they gathered forces to utterly destroy bold army lead by Eopaxia, that put their own capital under siege.

Damascus fell to the Byzantines eventually, but Christians had little time to celebrate, as many Muslims armies were now converging on their position. Recently battered into submission Damascus couldn't protect Eopaxia, she led her armies into open field and gave Muslims battle. Coming fight was nothing like the famous Rhusos struggle. It was very brutal and quick - Byzantine heavy troops, lead by Eopaxia fell upon Muslim ranks and shattered their center instantly, sending both flanks into rout within another few hours. Victory however had it's cost - Holy Maiden, Eopaxia, injured already during one of previous battles, was mortally wounded while charging infidel's ranks.
With their morale sapped by her death, Byzantine troops finished sacking Damascus and head west, hoping to reach Holy Land. Their path was blocked by another Muslim army, already blooded and without their zealous leader, Byzantines lost the battle, and now routed towards Beirut, with Caliph's armies at their heels all the way. Reaching shores of Levantine Sea, army's situation was desperate - with no means of destroying Beirut's walls and no time to besiege it, Byzantines were facing threat of being pushed into the sea by coming Muslims armies. Rescue however came from Imperial Fleet that evacuated trapped army from the shore.
Jihad would end soon and armies of Christendom would be victorious once again.
Muslims quickly deposed the weak ruler, and coming civil war would install Yusuf on Caliphate's throne. His dynasty would lead Arab world into next century.
Eopaxia, called saint and martyr forever joined the pantheon of Orthodox faith, revered, after her death by simple people and nobles alike.
Empress Aegis, now in her late 60s, with content observe return of her fleet, carrying scared veterans of Damascus. Ships brought to Constantinople some of the spoils and loot carried from Caliphate's capital.
This was an unexpected prize.
Empress never expected to see Eopaxia's army to take Damascus, nor to see any of the troops she sent with her to ever look upon The City again. She planned death of Holy Maiden since news of Jihad reaching her.
Sending Eopaxia to take Caliphate's capital city was a long shot at best. Sending her army without support was nothing short of murdering whole expedition.
Eopaxia died a hero's death - she stopped being the dangerous wedge pushed between plebs and nobility, she was now martyr for the cause.
Christianity emerged victorious from yet another struggle with infidels, and coming civil war among them would only weaken Arabs position for when Byzantine will decide to retake Jerusalem.
---
Emperor Neophytos - Aegis grandson - consolidated Byzantine position in Italy using local civil wars to defeat warring cities. His son, Angelos, was the one that eventually retook Jerusalem from infidels - and with that, crowned himself as Emperor of both, East and West Roman Empires. His reign however was very short, Angelos dies at age of 31, leaving his only heir - daughter Zoe as the uncontested ruler of reborn Roman Empire. Zoe turns 16 years old on October 16, 1199.

Roman Empire has no equals in the known world - with territories from Scottish highlands to river of Nile.
However soon, an army from beyond the known world will arrive to challenge Romans over control of Europe.

Bigger! Better!

Playing Now: Crusader Kings 2. Byzantine Empire (1100)

Greatest swords are forged in fires that bend nature of metal to master blacksmith's desire. Same comes with great nations - their power is forged in the fires of war.

Year 1076. Encouraged by previous victories, Islamic rulers prepare another Holy War, this time aimed at the heart of Byzantine Empire, to break it's domination over Anatolia and eliminate threat from the weakened Empire.

Unknown to Muslim Caliph, Eventhia's heir, Hektorios, forges net of alliances with western powers. Most notable was marriage with Bavarian princess and heir to the throne - resulting in incorporation of Bavaria into the Empire. On top of that Hektorios expands African provinces and lend a hand in Christianization of norse Rus. In result, Hektorios leaves Empire to his son - Constantine VIII known as 'the Great' or 'of Rhosus' - ready to withstand another Islamic invasion - not only by the might of own strength, but web of alliances spreading across half of Europe. Constantine himself is married to an Aquitaine Princess - Margarida, and while French nobles never answered call of Constantine in coming war, this marriage will shape the future of France.

In coming years young Byzantine Emperor will be forced to call to arms all his allies, summon all his vassals and enlist all mercenary companies. In summer 1076 Imams calls to arms all warriors of the Crescent Moon and most of them answer. The war that will soon start will be the greatest struggle in war between Christianity and Islam.

Early part of the conflict is characterized by low level of fighting. Byzantium begun calling all their forces to Constantinople. Great army composed out of norse Varangians, mercenaries from across the Europe, Bulgarian, Russian and great many vassals of Constantine begun march in three columns to meet armies of Jihad, preparing to besiege the city of Rhosus in Cilicia.

So far, Muslims ravaged border provinces of Empire unmolested. But as the great armies of Constantine approached them, Muslims begun gathering forces for the great battle - both side knew the coming battle will decide the war.

Byzantines, beside their three armies knew of army fielded by Germans, lead by king Victor I, known as the Old. Those forces however, were still busy crossing Bosporus when allied armies were at the Cilician grounds preparing to attack Muslims besieging Rhosus.

Battle begun unfavorable for the Byzantines, as one of their three armies, composing mostly of Bulgarian an Russian allies was attacked by Muslim flanking forces and couldn't join the main host for the battle. Constantine, unaware of that development begun harassing Islamic forces. Muslims, knowing that Bulgarians and Russians won't join the main battle for few more days responded with massive assault. Islamic generals had one more advantage - their reserves, spread till now across most Middle East were already heading to plains of Cilicia, while only reinforcements Allies could expect were Germans, still many days away from battlefield.

Bulgars and Rus troops manage to dispose of Arab flanking force with relative ease, and reached the main battle under the walls of Rhusos within two days - supporting weaker, right wing of Byzantine Empire. With 3rd army joining the battle, both sides were of relative equal numbers - and neither side was willing to risk attacking. Both sites expected reinforcements withing coming month. Only difference was - while Constantine knew of reinforcements coming to aid Caliph and his army, Muslim commanders knew nothing of a 20.000 men army of Germans crossing though Anatolia at astonishing speed to join the battle.

Unfortunately, for Allies, Arab reinforcements reached Rhusos first, and with fresh troops at disposal, Islamic armies begun assault. Battle lasted for many days - as Constantine avoided exposing himself, content with keeping his ranks pushing back Islamic attacks. From the other side, Arabs are hesitant to renew frontal attack. They know that Byzantines couldn't defeat them in field - and they themselves weren't thrilled by risking frontal attack on Constantine's defensive position. They knew that Byzantines were at the end of their supply lines and knew nothing of their coming reinforcements, while they themselves were slowly growing in numbers all the time. They were content in harassing Christians and weakening their morale by constant but not intense fighting. 

After almost two weeks of everyday fighting, both sides could barely continue operations. Field of was covered with bodies of horses and men to the point no patch of grass or dirt could be seen. At this point, Arabs learn of approaching German forces, they can't bleed and starve Byzantine out of their camp as they planned - the must finish the battle now, or they'll be hit in the left flank by incoming European Knighthood.

During the 17 day of battle they begin their final assault, trying to break though across entire Byzantine line, giving Allies no time or place to rest their troops.

Sadly, it was too little, too late. On May 8th vanguard of German Knights reached the battlefield and hit the ground running, smashing against battered left flank of Arabs routing it and killing many Muslims too tired even to flee. 

Within two days whole army of Viktor the Old reached walls of Rhusos, turning an even battle into great slaughterhouse. Unable to reform their left rank, Arabs fought bravely against, now overwhelming, forces of Christians. May 12th during final, crushing charge, German knights broke though the Arab's center. That sapped Islamic spirit and sent remaining armies in the center into a rout. Left flank defended for another day, but eventually, overrun and with no hope for victory, Arabs sent envoy to Constantine and Viktor. Messenger was killed before he could say anything. Next day attack resumed and killed Muslims defenders to the man.

*bigger picture~!*

Aftermath of the battle.

Constantine, severely wounded during the battle, made peace with Arabs after the battle. While his armies won the day, Empire itself was at the edge of economical collapse and couldn't continue fighting. Imperial Crown was in debt for years to come.

Constantine himself died within a year after the battle. But before his death he exacted revenge on Aquitaine's King - starting a plot that would kill all relatives of the treacherous ruler that refused coming to Byzantine's aid, except his own wife - Margarida, and their only child, Aegis Makedon. Future ruler not only of Byzantine - after her father, Bavaria - from father's grandmother, but also Aquitaine.

Muslims fell pray to civil war. Those leaders of Jihad that didn't fell in the Rhusos battle, were executed and the power vacuum was ready to suck-up even more Arab blood before being filled by new dynasty claiming Caliphate.

Playing Now: Crusader Kings 2. Byzantine Empire 1050

[bigger picture here]

Biggest news in last 50 years was mending of the Great Schism by Justinian 'The Saint', from Byzantine Empire. Christnians however have very few reasons to celebrate. Taken from Muslims at the end of last century Jerusalem fell back into their hands in 1030s as direct effect of Jihad that united Islamic states in struggle against Byzantine Empire and her allies. Rulers of Constantinople - facing armies of Jihad not only from south and east, but also north (where Muslim-ruled Kingdom of Georgia expands evermore into south Russia) hoped to defend their previous gains until help from west came. Despite letters of support, by the time east Anatolia was overrun by enemies only armies of Bulgaria made it to the field - other European armies were only forming up, or weren't even mobilized. The City itself was besieged for over four months. In this dire situation Empress Evantia - daughter of late Justinian The Saint called for armistice and parley.

As a result, Jerusalem returned to the Crescent Moon.

Meanwhile, far to the west kingdom of Castille was facing it's own annihilation. By 1050 on Iberian Peninsula only King Ansur II of Asturas (descendant of Princess Kara Makedon, grand-grand-grand-grandson, to be exact) and young King Henrike of Navarra defend Christianity south of Pyrenees.

Process of Christianization in North and East Europe meets ferocious resistance from Norse pagans - their believes spread to territories of Europe where Rurikid dynasty once ruled in Rus and Ruthenia. Today Rurikids are no more - but their faith and customs were taken over by new families - firmly upholding old faith and stopping Ragnarok of their religion.

Recently split on succession matter Aquitane is the only nation ready to pick up mantle of France and carry it forward - but will the vicious civil war leave them enough power to retake Ile-de-France from germanic dukes ruling it?

Playing Now: Crusader Kings 2 Byzantine Empire (1000)

Better resolution is here!

Year 1000 is here. Despite many false prophets and dumb-struck peasants, end of the world isn't here. No heavenly trumpets are playing and no rivers run with blood. No more than usual that is.

Passing century was the time of great trial for the Byzantine Empire. Emperor Leon VI rules only 9 years. During his rein, Imperial Court is blessed by 6 children. But God turned away from a Catholic Emperor sitting on Orthodox throne, and without Almighty's blessing, Evil found it's way into the court. Born in 904 child of Leon VI and Empress Anastasia, Princess Kara Makedon is tainted with Sin since her birth. Stories circulated around the palace for years of the odd happenings during the childbirth. Of birds falling from the sky, dead. Of crosses turning upside down, of black shadows crawling in the dark and animals giving into blind amok.

How much truth is in those tales, nobody knows - truth beyond any doubt is, that during life of the newborn baby, Makedon family will face many tragedies.

First blow comes in 907, with the death of Emperor Leon at the age of 40. His hair, Prince Constantine VII inherits the throne at the age of 8. Two years later a younger brother of Constantine, Kryllos is found dead in his bed, with no wounds or signs of struggle. Constantine follows his younger brother merely 3 years later. Throne passes on to another son in line - Antonios. He alone lives long enough to reach adulthood and sits on the throne till the age of 48... perhaps only thank to marriage of Princess Kara to King Alfonso IV of Asurias. With princess leaving the Imperial Court, luck seamed to return to Makedon line - starting slow and painful rebuild of lost territories during long years of paralysis caused by weakened Imperial power.

While Empire itself survived, their Georgian allies fell to the Muslim invaders. Nestorian heresy spread across the Empire and provinces north-east of Anatolia fell to Muslims as well.

Empire begun restoring order in it's borders in late 960s and early 970 under rein of Antonios' son, Romanos “The Wise”. Romanos' son - Alexos ruling since 974, actually expanded Imperial borders, using weakness of Abbasid Caliphate in the east. The crown achievement was capturing of Jerusalem in 998.

Since rein of Romanos, Emperors of Byzantine Empire returned to Orthodox faith.

Meanwhile Europe was turned into Karling civil war as different branches of the family tried to usurp control over majority of their dominion. The long struggle put Karlings out of power in Germany - rulled since 950s by Immedinger family. France proper turned into many small duches, slowly absorebed by Brittany and Normandy from the north, and Aquitaine from the south.

Today Karling family sits on the thrones of Lotharingia, Bavaria and Italy - still being the most influential family on the continent, contested only by the pagan Rurikids in eastern Europe.

Both dynasties - Rurikids that ruled Rus, and Oskydlr ruling Ruthenia got into a war over hegemony in eastern Europe. War ended with son of Budli 'The Cruel' of Rus, Prince Vladimir sitting on the throne of Ruthenia. Surprisingly, few years later Vladimir attacked domains of his father, starting a Rurikid civil war, mirroring similar struggle of Karling empire. War ended with death of king Budli in 997. His son, Vladimir, was now ruler of both Rus and Ruthenia. Yet, his rein was cut short, just two years after his father's death, Vladimir died as well, leaving his own son - named, after grandfather, Budli the newly forged state. 11 years old boy, became a sole ruler of the biggest kingdom in Europe, stretching from Gulf of Finland, almost to the shores of Black Sea.

(also, King Alfonso the IV, husband to Kara Makedon is found dead, soon after his 27th birthday. 2 year old child, Alfonso the V sits on the throne, while Kara marries a Welsh nobleman who soon dies. Kara lives till the age of 87 in east of Spain, serving her son and grandson as spymistress for many years. She lived longer than the lifespans of all her 5 siblings put together)

Playing Now: Crusader Kings 2. Byzantine Empire (900)

Okay, "Playing Now" what is that?

It's some in-depth view on game I'm currently playing. Different games will have different focus points and different elements to it. When it comes to CK2 I'll do the semi-narrative rundown of game as it goes, keeping track of events in game on different dates. Mind you, I'm not the best at this sort of game, it's too egghead for me. I saw some people being really amazing and building empires that swallowed Europe in like 100 years. I'm not that guy, I just play for casual fun.

Anyway, Byzantine Empire.
Idea is, to change history and restore the old Roman Empire to the west. Can Byzantine, ruled by Orthodox Christian mend the Great Schism? Can the fates of time be turned, and Byzantine not fall prey to Seljuks and then Ottomans?
We'll see... first: rundown of year 900 (30 years after the game starts)

(better resolution? Here!)

Europe lives with the turmoil caused by divide in Karling bloodline. Two decades ago, after death of Lotharinian king Lothaire II, governship over his domain was taken over by his brother, Louis, king of Italy. United Italian-Lotharinian kingdom was a greatest country on the continent at the moment. Stretching from south of Italy to Northen Sea.

In 894 king Louis died, Italy and Lotharingia were taken over by his two sons, that instantly begun fighting over lands united by their father. War benefited however another member of Karling dynasty, king Karlmann of East France, that attacked Lotharingia, claiming most of it's German provinces.

Meanwhile Byzantium, after 20 years of relative peace and expansion of borders under Emperor Basileus was left in hands of his oldest son - Leon the 6th. Much less skilful politician, than his father, Leon's rise to the throne is met by strong opposition - not only due bad reputation of young ruler, but also the fact he is a Catholic.

In eastern Europe two dynasties clam hegemony over Slavic people - Norse families of Rurikid(ruling Gardariki) and Oskydlr(Konugardr) - ruling respectively northern and southern parts of eastern Europe. Only kingdom where Slavs rules themselves is a young kingdom of Poland, united by king Piast.

A conflict between Christianity and Islam slowly hits up. Christians claimed victory over Mediterranean isles but in recent years fall of Tbilisi to Muslims, pushed kingdom of Georgia to the brink of destruction. Now, as the war between Asturas and Umayyad Sultanate starts on Iberian Peninsula, the conflict between Cross and Crescent Moon is sure to enter new, zealous phase.