"A knife of the keenest steel requires the whetstone, and the wisest man needs advice." - Zoroaster
This small AAR is the conclusion of my long running Zoroastrian game. This marks my first ever AAR as well as what will be the first time I've ever finished a CK2 campaign. Current plan is to eventually port this over to EU4*, though early tests show that I will likely need to do a bit of modding on the export to get it up to snuff.
*and maybe ambitiously a spin in Vic2!
Part 1: 1400-1404 "A Vicious Queen" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg759871.html#msg759871)
Part 2: 1404-1410 "Aspiring Star" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg759872.html#msg759872)
Part 3: 1410-1417 "War Interlude" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg761308.html#msg761308)
Part 4: 1417-1424 "Realms Torn Asunder" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg763257.html#msg763257)
Part 5: 1424-1432 "The Fadeout" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg765805.html#msg765805)
Part 6: 1432-1437 "And now for the stunning conclusion in 2 parts" (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,11675.msg789599.html#msg789599)
1400-1404
As the year 1400 opens, Empress Golshan of the Karen Empire sees the start of her 68th year of rule on the Imperial Throne. Inheriting the imperial dignity at the tender age of 1 (her father, a comely youth, had succumbed to consumption), there was little to suggest that her reign would be anything but brutal and short. Ohrmazd looked kindly upon the poor babe providing her with a quick succession of talented regents who oversaw the preservation of the realm until she assumed her majority. Rather than crumbling, under Golshan, the Empire saw a renewed period of vigour and prosperity. Not a bad legacy for the first female head of the Karen dynasty.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F0627fdd06e0c49eb35961ff1940edf80%2Ftumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo7_1280.png&hash=f4efbb66768fce4a6f83d7936c59759292c904cc)
Much can be said for the state of the Empire that she inherited. East from her capital, the ancient city of Laodikea, lay the great Persian Empire - the original genesis of Karen might. Several hundred years ago her ancestor had partitioned away the original Persian homeland, leaving the Karen Empire firmly in control of Europe and Arabia.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/8f1167a8b3ecbe1ae4c9521c7faa754c/tumblr_n8diubgIS41tx6mngo2_1280.jpg)
To the west and north lay a flurry of minor states and kingdoms that also owed their genesis to her Karen ancestors.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/277897b22efefb0e9a2a257ad1d443a1/tumblr_n8diubgIS41tx6mngo1_1280.jpg)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/2142bfec7dcc08dfe82d70a9bb7e5d53/tumblr_n8diubgIS41tx6mngo3_1280.jpg)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/1deacad7667bf0150248f55184375f18/tumblr_n8diubgIS41tx6mngo4_1280.jpg)
Belief in the teachings of Zoroaster had reached new heights. With the exception of the Sunni states of Mauretania and Umayyad in West Africa, the minor polities of the Indian subcontinent, the tiny slavic state of Pinsk and a forgettable Komi state on the edge of the steppes, all of the known world holds faith in the knowledge of the opposing principles of Spenta and Angra Mainyu.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ed2c5228769abd810d2fcbfdb550de14/tumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo1_1280.jpg)
Recognizing that the only credible external danger to the realm stemmed from the ambitions of the neighboring Persian Empire, one of Golshan's regents hatched upon the plan to marry her off to a distant cousin, the great Shahanshah Bahman.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/6b6b3709f35e3232a3f9b6bceeb17b4e/tumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo4_400.png)
While the marriage served the purpose of keeping the two realms at peace, it was destined to be neither a happy nor a fruitful one, with Golshan giving birth to just one son (who was murdered by a vengeful cousin shortly after his birth) and three daughters. Tongues wagged aggressively in the two imperial courts about the inabilities of the sovereigns to sire a true born male to inherit both realms as well as speculation on what it might mean for the Karen Empire to be headed by yet another female.
Shortly after the birth of their final daughter, Parvin, Golshan was mortified by Bahman's decision to not only draw attention to his dalliance with a scullery maid (not even a proper concubine) but to actually legitimize the terrible product of their union. After lengthy consideration, Golshan announced formally that she had no love for her husband and that she intended to seek a divorce. Rightly recognizing who paid for his lifestyle, the moabadan-moabad granted the divorce. It was at this time that people around Europe and Asia began to speak of the cruel nature of Golshan. What woman would take such an unnatural step as to divorce her husband? Bitter, Golshan latched on to her rumoured persona and would carry out a long streak of cruel acts in her waning years.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/936c7df9555aefe1c7f4a305819f7400/tumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo3_1280.png)
Heir to the Karen Empire, Shahdokht Parvin and her husband a claimant to the Khivan & Khazarian thrones
In fact, just as the tengri forces of a mongol named Timur attacked the Persian Empire, Golshan would declare war on her former husband. Nominally, in a bid to free the kingdom of Khazaria, she wanted to hold up the Persian army allowing the mongols to rampage largely unchecked. Though immediately successful in both aims, the Khazarian kingdom would quickly thereafter fall to the Khivan crown (largest vassal of Persia). Meanwhile through her spiteful divergence of Persian forces, Timur would desecrate a Zoroastrian holy site as part of his inevitable conquest of Afghanistan.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/8efb7624f8a019c1756cb4951132a516/tumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo2_1280.jpg)
The year 1400 opens with a couple developments. Golshan, tired of increasing rebellions in northern Italy, bids farewell to those vassals and grants them independence. May they fare better on their own without the protection of the Empire.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/014f2ae035b4b1a5b8aebdef0ebebfa6/tumblr_n8diw19VRL1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
She also moves to send troops to help her beleaguered brothers of the faith, the Zartoshids, who are under attack by the heathens of Mauretania. Upon landing, the troops make haste to relieve Zartoshid forces that are being overwhelmed.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/fac654e476c318222c92640b262177b1/tumblr_n8diz1kD4r1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
To pass the time while waiting for word of the battle, Golshan calls for a distant Persian-born relative to be brought forth from the dungeon for her amusement.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/a978c49cd77587fa2097b9bf0dc5143e/tumblr_n8diz1kD4r1tx6mngo6_500.png)
Despite vigorous torture, her cousin doesn't die and is only moderately wounded.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5d944601e5f0057882986d00dbee5ea7/tumblr_n8diz1kD4r1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Making it in time, the Karen forces obliterate the Sunni troops at the decisive battle of Muaskar.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/f4d948dc1e0501e6ff4de7b9b9a7bb62/tumblr_n8diz1kD4r1tx6mngo2_500.png)
Shortly after the defeated Sultan begs for peace. Victory for the Zoroastrians!
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/af84edb3ffba8d49a442a0de998a36cb/tumblr_n8diz1kD4r1tx6mngo3_500.png)
At once, Golshan orders preparations to commence for a celebration not only of the victory but of her upcoming 70th birthday.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/d404f47139215cddfcae0ec360f144c9/tumblr_n8dj35fLU01tx6mngo4_500.png)
The day comes and not one vassal has dared to disobey her summons.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b6e303d1c2b41a8180f8e68534c25cce/tumblr_n8dj35fLU01tx6mngo5_500.png)
Unfortunately, while everyone attends, the only notable things are said by absolute nobodies. While a few praise the food, many others give Golshan the insult of refusing to heartily partake of the refreshments provided.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/74191c2c8b0d1db50499f71e5af64b21/tumblr_n8dj35fLU01tx6mngo1_500.png) (https://40.media.tumblr.com/d2f4ff179df7691145b6502ca8d1e8e0/tumblr_n8dj35fLU01tx6mngo2_500.png)
Yet, all in all, the feast is deemed a smashing success. So much so that no celebrating is to be held for her upcoming Platinum Jubilee.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/a29474fa5056b50a08f36bff99cb775e/tumblr_n8dj35fLU01tx6mngo3_500.png)
Casting about for some adventure to mark her 70th year of life, Golshan decides to meddle in the neighboring region of Tartaria. Her agents locate a minor noble in Gallipoli with a respectable claim to the Satrapy of Crimea. To war, the Empire goes again.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/3ee70a6082fddf285bef41bb0b573544/tumblr_n8dj5xn0HD1tx6mngo5_1280.png) (https://40.media.tumblr.com/8f8e037384b75f3bb01e5da45deb1357/tumblr_n8dj5xn0HD1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
As expected Tartarian forces crumble quickly and in short order, the war concludes.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5f0159d7f17eeec859044de88cc285c3/tumblr_n8dj94oMGD1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Concerned for the safety of his new lands, the satrap graciously accepts Golshan's offer to join the Empire. For his faithfulness, Golshan magnanimously grants him the Shadom of Taurica.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ef218febe3630dffda45212f9f2c249c/tumblr_n8dj94oMGD1tx6mngo2_1280.png) (https://40.media.tumblr.com/4c86bda52149c18cea71110da25ac721/tumblr_n8dj94oMGD1tx6mngo3_1280.png)
Meanwhile, emboldened by Golshan's grants of independence to northern Italy, a greek upstart raises the banner of revolt in Amalfi.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/7e3a71209ef235e4e1d71d6da383df56/tumblr_n8dj94oMGD1tx6mngo4_500.png)
Like a hand swatting a fly, Karen forces move in and quickly neutralize the peasant rabble.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/9cb32b35d6dfadc1d5d3e954998a5340/tumblr_n8dj94oMGD1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
Not at all satied from the minor skirmishes in Crimea, Golshan casts her mischevious eye north to the Fathid Shahdom. Currently under the rule of a young shah, Golshan moves to foist a middle-aged woman on the thone in hopes of destabilizing the shahdom.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/80127f5aae09ee9225af31935d5456b1/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
Her steward notes that a special war tax prepared for the campaign was diligently collected and he proudly presents the sum to Golshan.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/c763d9f49943974f9e87bb20fd6080d0/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Her coffers already teeming with nearly 80,000 ducats, Golshan orders him to take the sum to the treasury without even taking note of the sum. Counting money is for little people, she muses.
Alas, that spiteful pronouncement is to be her last. In the morning, Golshan is found to have passed away in her sleep. The Karen Empire will now be headed by the Empress Parvin. Long live the Empress!
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b03e4fb0d4c8ae1660cf6ec9b3799343/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo2_1280.png)
1404-1410
Though Golshan had insisted in taking a direct part in some aspects of her heir's education, Parvin is of a different stripe from her mother. Lacking as much to prove, as the second Karen Empress, she is of a content spirit, happy to defer to the counsel of her husband. From her mother, she did inherit a wicked streak of pride and an undying hatred of the lands of her unfaithful father. Some at court whisper of her unhappiness that had it not been for her sex, she would have inherited realms from both parents.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/683025af33aa96816a34e2731bcb09e5/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo3_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/05a53ec4399fb2877bdd554bd0246415/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Still disgusted at the prospect of yet another female ruler, Golshan's entire council resigns. Parvin is unfazed by the resignations as it allows her to stack her council with loyal men of her own choosing. [I think this was actually a bug as ledger showed that there were no holdings in Parvin's realm - so I duly saved and reloaded game. :)]
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b161531cac438ee92225c7a5c306c88f/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
Still the changeover in monarchs is a peaceful one with only a few nobles openly voicing discontent.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5784292cebb800a024ee3f5cdf4f5872/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo1_1280.jpg)
Pregnant at the time of her accession, Parvin names her infant daughter after her departed mother.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/f6ab405bdbceb6f75604e7dd147cfab6/tumblr_n8djcaOcGZ1tx6mngo1_500.png)
Upon her husband's advice, Parvin decides to continue the prosecution of war against the Fathids. Shortly after the battle of Liptovsky Mikulas, the young shah concedes defeat.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/45af042f94bb73793132b367a0eed827/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/0cc282bfae608690069fbe9e15b965ab/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
Apparently terrified of what would happen to him, the deposed shah flees to a distant court.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5b10c6c25c4e03d9993fc220e11783e1/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
At home, Parvin follows the Karen custom of betrothing her son and heir to her eldest daughter. Following court ceremonial set down by Golshan, the betrothal specifies her daughter Nazilla as the party accorded precedence in the marriage. Legally it has no real impact as Mashad stands to inherit the realm. Parvin also takes the step of giving her husband free reign in how Mashad is to be educated.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/bc2c2a83a6f3597aa7b53d607b1a495d/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo2_400.png) (https://40.media.tumblr.com/6bab26bb220e8a3cbb22ef2b84080fdc/tumblr_n8djfk3HyB1tx6mngo4_400.png)
A few short years later, Mashad comes of age. A tough soldier, he also shows some skill in diplomacy. Regrettably, this brave young man is too kind for his own good and shows no head for balancing a budget. It is a good thing the Empire is so wealthy.
In hopes of him gaining experience, Parvin alienates a few lands from her personal holdings and designates her son as Satrap of Cairo.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/e807df2abfed42ed768af8eeed015dd3/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
Golshan's aim for the Fathid Shahdom comes to fruition with a young soldier claiming said throne for the Mushids. Predictably widespread disorder takes place.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ab68ce40fae935c7198d7c5c2524d047/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Meanwhile, Italy sees the rise of a more serious rebellion that hopes to unite the Italian peninsula.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/2360aeaf1ed034bb36e602bfd864498d/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo1_500.png)
Said rebellion fares no better than previous attempts and is quickly subdued.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ca0b271df5c903f6fbf38b67b7847dc0/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
At about this time, Parvin's husband, Gholam asks Parvin to undertake efforts to gain him at least one the kingdoms that he has claim on. Parvin is delighted about the idea of attacking Persia but freely notes that Gholam lacks sufficient support and his claim is regrettably scoffed at in the Persian lands. Quick to mollify him, Parvin suggests that perhaps she could get license from the moabadan-moabad to declare an invasion for the Persian Empire. With control of the Empire she could then grant her husband any lands he desires. Satisfied with the plan, Gholam pushes her to request sanction for their scheme.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/245b299b4260f915b8aaeeaaccf91363/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo2_1280.jpg)
As overawed of Parvin as he was of her mother, the head priest of the Zoroastrian religion readily grants license to move against the Persian monarch.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/19f100f029e9bd4f7ca87428efa5d8c6/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo3_1280.png) (https://40.media.tumblr.com/e45b801105fdf445a939970a8686c9ea/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
In hopes of ensuring victory, Parvin dispatches a diplomat to suggest Timur lead a simultaneous invasion. Their combined forces of 300,000 would dwarf the 120,000 that the Persian Shahanshah can muster.
On the eve of the declaration, Parvin receives less than stellar news that the Mushid prince has managed to unite the former Fathid Shahdom. All that work for naught. She hopes her Persian invasion will fare far better.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/63d5bf7185853547fa715b54ab1cee86/tumblr_n8djk9Hqxm1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
Mushid Shahdom in 1410
I love CK2 AARs :)
:thumbsup:
I've only just started reading, but will definitely finish.
Well done, garbon.
I can see why we have so many abandoned AARs. This shit be tiring/time-consuming! :blush: -_-
I will press on though! :)
Quote from: garbon on July 10, 2014, 08:17:16 PM
I can see why we have so many abandoned AARs. This shit be tiring/time-consuming! :blush: -_-
I will press on though! :)
I HAVE NOT ABANDONED!!
Just I got busy.
Quote from: Valmy on July 11, 2014, 10:38:19 AM
Quote from: garbon on July 10, 2014, 08:17:16 PM
I can see why we have so many abandoned AARs. This shit be tiring/time-consuming! :blush: -_-
I will press on though! :)
I HAVE NOT ABANDONED!!
Just I got busy.
I was not calling you out. :hug:
I meant over the life of languish. :)
Alot of them probably stem from RAGE QUITS that the poster would rather not disclose. :)
1410-1417 - War Interlude
To start off the war, Parvin's hastily assembled war council has messengers sent around the realm to announce that every shah and satrap is to ready an army fit for battle. The last grand mobilization order had been made back in the halcyon days of the Karen Shahdom, when a Shah had mobilized a great host to destroy the Abbasid Caliphate. At that time the army had been raised to destroy an existential foe. Despite claims that Persia is such a foe, most nobles unhappily lament that they are being asked to fund the unnecessarily grandiose schemes of the Empress.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/67f32735de3317d0ba6a555cf11cfe8a/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo2_1280.jpg)
Not willing to take any chances, Parvin also hires as many mercenaries willing to fight for her cause. It'll be expensive but well worth if it if they turn the tide of battle towards victory.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/bb37b2c218bdf5f65bc0d389c7280428/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
As a strategy for war, the council has decided to overextend the Persians by drawing up along 3 major fronts - an invasion into the heart of the Khazarian lands, a feint into Georgia, and a large concentration of forces along the Armenia-Iraq border.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ab647a9c7f3fd492ad758029a64647fc/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/7d4533872e33ab566a2149440f51ab87/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
Stated war aims are to snatch the imperial crown of Persia from Kavadh IV, as well as conquer enough direct territories to grant a sizable demesne to Gholam.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/2e4f752bece4f826fb37996d2ee25c9b/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo3_1280.png)
The enemy, the elderly Kavadh IV, half-brother of Empress Parvin
Facing no resistance in Khazaria, holdings quickly fall to the Karen forces.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/46dbdc10204f3f1816d845229ca9f282/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
A different picture is painted in Georgia where about 18000 Persian troops meet the mercenary forces shipped over from Constantinople. While the mercenaries outnumber the Persian forces, it will be tricky to draw them into the perfect trap with the mountains making it difficult to keep Karen forces supplied.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/25cdbd078555407642d64f307e6eb12f/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
The first major engagement of the war takes place just outside the village of Dzegh. Karen mercenary forces just barely outnumber Persian forces; the latter with a distinct terrain advantage.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ebb78d580f444c22dbb25fe971daac11/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
Thankfully the 2nd set of mercenaries finish off their minor skirmish in time to support their flagging brethren.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/0d8767faefa42615a529842750db3db8/tumblr_n8k2ps1Psl1tx6mngo1_500.png)
After a few more battles, a Persian emissary arrives in the Karen capital with an offer of surrender. Parvin is uninterested in peace as her forces have not taken direct control of enough territory and she isn't interested in acquiring the Persian vassals en masse.
At about this time, with the Persian forces somewhat broken, Timur decides to declare war, hoping to conquer the shahdom of Persia. Parvin's war council is split between those who want to push for more spoils and those who counter that they should be united with their Persian co-religionists against this foreign conqueror. The former carry the day and war continues unchecked.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F3ed8562a3366a89d339b2bf4b8f5df2a%2Ftumblr_n8k2rt5vYM1tx6mngo4_500.png&hash=161e2fa50b685e2dcd6b101ec387ffef22b2ce79)
[I didn't notice it, but sometime before this 1400 AAR start, Timur gave up being mongol and adopted Persian customs]
After Karen mercenaries trounce the Persian army at the Battle of Barda, the Persian Shahanshah belatedly requests the Empire of Tartaria and Shahdom of Abyssinia to support him against Karen aggression.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/cf7f916ce7c27d2d7b8b9abf2ac74b14/tumblr_n8k2rt5vYM1tx6mngo2_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/063a06ea7228f7495ba4d00fd8a0b201/tumblr_n8k2rt5vYM1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
Abyssinian forces sneak upwards into Egypt while Karen troops lay a smackdown on a combined Tartaria-Persia venture.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Ff448cef38235104e7264294cba52f3df%2Ftumblr_n8k2w7ALZQ1tx6mngo3_1280.png&hash=ddf3b193beae9828bd661f3989ec6294e900ce8d)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/51d01bce12c4ca5565f07b3f788932b1/tumblr_n8k2rt5vYM1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
At about this time, Gholam reaches out to remind his wife about how she promised to grant him a title. Parvin cannot believe what she is hearing; does he really not recognize that all of this is for him? Gholam counters that if the intention was just to acquire him some land, well that goal was met along time ago. Fuming Parvin takes the uncharacteristically bold act of ordering her guards to escort Gholam out of her sight.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ac3ceb9e0316f0adfb1efe9cc024aff5/tumblr_n8k2rt5vYM1tx6mngo6_500.png)
Hoping to save Persia, a modest Zoroastrian host rises against Timurid forces. Predictably their nascent rebellion is quickly crushed.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fcf1c9dbf85666c0c4bece045c0a21b23%2Ftumblr_n8k2w7ALZQ1tx6mngo2_500.png&hash=0cd70736984874e0f058abc0f3a58c28f9b45ca1)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F1b8d83d8104975c1af2467828d1b244e%2Ftumblr_n8k2w7ALZQ1tx6mngo5_1280.png&hash=2aa8e7aa12f432b0c2238e80a5013bf5a8f85add)
Vassals of the Persian Empire - featuring mega Khiva
Taking advantage of the fact that her Empire is bordered by the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean, Parvin orders an expeditionary force to harass Persian lands along the mouth of the Indus River.
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With Persia distracted in her core lands by the Timurids (and forces in the area destroyed earlier at the battle of Arslanbek), Karen troops march forward unopposed and by the start of 1413 have taken most of the Khazarian holdings. An occupying force of 12,000 strong are left behind to finish conquering the region while the main troops rush headlong into the heart of Khiva. All councillors agree that the massive shahdom would prove quite a hassle if not crippled prior to the war's end.
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1414 rolls in with war still raging. Rushing to conquer territory as quickly as they can, a portion of the Karen forces in Khiva find that they have rushed headlong into a Persian ambush. Unfortunately other Karen forces are too far away and after the dust has settled, the Karen troops limp away from Ugrench with only a few thousand men still alive.
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In the morning, Parvin receives news that Gholam has failed to rise out of bed. The court physician explains that while he is still alive, it is as if he has entered a very deep slumber. If only I had granted him the lands he wanted, she thinks. Distraught her spirits only raise slightly when she receives word of a military victory in Iraq.
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Meanwhile, Parvin's second son, Ghobad, comes of age. Prone to gluttony, cruelty, deceit and pride, Parvin thanks Ohrmazd that Ghobad is not her primary heir. Nevertheless he is a crown prince and she makes arrangements for his betrothal to her youngest daughter.
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To Parvin's dismay, additional foes join up against her invasion of Persia. Astabadh Zartosht notes that while the various allies know that the war will end with a Karen victory, they have joined up as a call for an end to this long running war. Quietly, Parvin suggests that perhaps it would be best if her astabadh were to take a tour of the provinces for a time.
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In a further downturn, Gholam is found dead in his bed having never woken for his comatose state. A heartbroken Parvin states her intentions to refrain from remarriage out of respect for her husband's memory.
[The game is really harsh on "older" women. There's no one listed in marriage screen apart from two lowborn Jewish characters!]
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Her half-brother has also passed away leaving Persia in the hands of his diplomatic son, Jahangir. A nephew of Parvin, he tries to make a plea for peace but depressed by the recent loss of her husband, she sends his envoys away without even hearing the proposal.
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The close of 1415 sees most of western Persia under Karen occupation.
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By 1417, all sides are tired of war. Having received word that Karen forces are near mutiny, Parvin's council reaches out to Shahanshah Jahangir to see if he would be amenable to peace. His replies in the affirmative, offering to hand over all lands in Persia and all currently occupied.
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Seeing the wisdom in making sure she can keep onto her throne, Parvin accedes to her council's demands and a peace treaty is signed. It has been a long 7 years but now there is finally peace.
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As her council begins to plan how to split up the spoils of the war, Parvin announces that she would like them to factor into the plans, how best to carry out the dissolution of the Persian Empire. Having seen, the detested realm cause strife in both her marriage and her mother's, she now desires nothing more than to see the Persian imperial regalia destroyed. A new day is dawning.
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Thanks for posting this. Very interesting. How did you arrange/find/whatever that alt-hist startup?
Quote from: grumbler on July 14, 2014, 12:00:29 PM
Thanks for posting this. Very interesting. How did you arrange/find/whatever that alt-hist startup?
Thanks. :)
So I started this game in the Old Gods start in 867 (some screenshots from it are in the main CK2 thread). Once I'd got large enough to take over Persia, Arabia and Asia Minor, it then started being rather easy to snipe out the various other states around the map. I've always found with CK2 though that I get more mileage out of games if I start partitioning up my territory (stop being such a crazy large blob), so I struck upon the goal of wiping out Christianity and replacing various states/kingdoms with Zoroastrian counterparts.
Was only in 14th century that I had partitioned enough away that I could start writing an AAR that wouldn't consist of bits like "and then we released all of Iberia for no particular reason." :D As I noted, I'm interested in taking this into a EU4 conversion*, so I figured giving myself the task of writing an AAR for just a period of 45 years would be good practice on that.
Now I need to get myself writing again. Bit of a backlog as I've already all the screenshots for the next two parts! :blush:
*on that front, I read this mega-campaign AAR by Wiz that I found really fascinating.
http://lparchive.org/Paradox-Hohenzollern/
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Quote from: garbon on July 14, 2014, 10:42:01 PM
Thanks. :)
So I started this game in the Old Gods start in 867 (some screenshots from it are in the main CK2 thread). Once I'd got large enough to take over Persia, Arabia and Asia Minor, it then started being rather easy to snipe out the various other states around the map. I've always found with CK2 though that I get more mileage out of games if I start partitioning up my territory (stop being such a crazy large blob), so I struck upon the goal of wiping out Christianity and replacing various states/kingdoms with Zoroastrian counterparts.
Was only in 14th century that I had partitioned enough away that I could start writing an AAR that wouldn't consist of bits like "and then we released all of Iberia for no particular reason." :D As I noted, I'm interested in taking this into a EU4 conversion*, so I figured giving myself the task of writing an AAR for just a period of 45 years would be good practice on that.
Now I need to get myself writing again. Bit of a backlog as I've already all the screenshots for the next two parts! :blush:
Ah, that's why it starts out so unfamiliar - its in progress at the start. I like that approach. Its fresh (for me, at least). I may do that in my WitP AE AAR.
Very well done.
1417-1424 - Realms Torn Asunder
Parvin's council spends several weeks crafting a suitable plan for the break up of the Persian Empire. Though mainly punitive, the plan does have the benefit of ensuring that the Karen Empire will have no rival in Persia for the foreseeable future (or at least that is the idea). Too weak to challenge the Karens alone, the various persian princes are expected to squabble among one another for untold generations.
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Judging the source of their power to broken, Khiva is allowed to keep most of its far away steppe provinces.
Parvin's younger son, Ghobad, is given control of the Khazarian lands.
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To make sure her heir does not feel slighted, Mashad is re-styled the Shah of Egypt.
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A miscalculation is made in the land grants, allowing for the quick consolidation of a Karen-ruled Shahdom of Georgia.
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Drawing upon kinship, the new shah calls upon Parvin's support and sanction of his efforts to gain further territories. As the Marzoban of Abkhazia was upset with Parvin's land redistributions (he was forced to give up several satrapies!), she grants Georgia nominal support to deal with the troublemaker.
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Parvin is surprised to hear about the Moabad-Moabadan declaring war on the newly independent Satrapy of Tigris. Apparently, even the clerics have territorial ambitions in the new Persia.
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More dismaying is news that her son, Ghobad, has hatched a scheme to assassinate his elder brother.
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Glad to have been informed before plans had progressed too far, Parvin gives Ghobad a stern lecture about being content with the shahdom he was granted. Embarrassed to have been found out, Ghobad relents.
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Meanwhile, word reaches court that the Shah of Georgia has been successful in consolidating Abkhazia into his realm.
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After a couple years with no active military engagements, the Karen army begins to agitate for a new campaign providing opportunities for glory and spoils. With no stomach for a protracted war, Parvin asks her advisors to find a weak target. Her council sets upon attacking the ambitious Keykhosrau Shah.
A suitable candidate is found who has a claim on the Satrapy of Poitou.
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As Karen forces make landfall in the southern portion of the Keykhosrau Shahdom, Parvin receives a petition from the Satrap of Ancona. He begs license to attack the independent Satrapy of Tuscany. Having inherited her mother's distaste for Italian politics, Parvin forbids the venture with a thinly veiled threat of expulsion from the Empire if he persists. The ambitious satrap pays no mind as his forces were already marching on Tuscan lands when he dispatched the messenger asking for permission.
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Encountering virtually no resistance, Karen forces storm the Keykhosrau capital. In short order, Shah Pashang agrees to give up the Satrapy of Poitou.
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Emboldened by the successful campaign, Karen forces ignore summons to return home. Instead their commanders look northwards towards the Djamaspid Shahdom whose lands are currently in turmoil. Several claimants have raised rebel banners in hopes of usurping the shahdom from their young banebshen.
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Conveniently, the newly installed Satrap of Poitou also has a claim on that shahdom. Declaring their intent to back his right to rule, the Karen army marches northwards.
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Back in the Empire, Golshan comes of age and Parvin plans for her wedding to her brother, Ghobad, to be carried out soon.
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Ghobad begs leave to push the wedding date as he is in Persia campaigning against Timurid ambitions. In no mood to take orders from her son, particularly when he is defending Persia, Parvin has the couple married by proxy and Golshan departs for the Khazarian capital.
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The tide of battle has turned against the Zoroastrian high priest who now cowers in his fortress; besieged by Tigran forces.
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Golshan does not have to wait long for her husband's return and the couple is married properly a few months later.
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To mark his marriage, Ghobad moves against the Shahdom of Khiva.
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With Karen forces still entangled in France, Parvin agrees to join her son's war against Khiva but cautions him that for now, she can only offer financial support.
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No sooner has her missive been dispatched does a messenger arrive bringing news that an overly ambitious fellow has declared his intentions to take Khazaria. Parvin laments her inability to help her son and curses the troops who remain in France.
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Suddenly realizing that she's heard little of her son in Egypt, Parvin orders an emissary to go forth and report news of her heir. Upon his return, Parvin is surprised and ashamed to belatedly learn that her son sired an heir shortly after the grant of his shahdom. Happily her grandson has been named after her dead husband. Nevertheless, she sends her emissary back to Egypt to chastise for son for failing to inform his mother of the joyous news.
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The Moabad-Moabadan fails in his ambitions and is forced to make a humiliating peace.
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Ever active, Timur sends his troops forth to gain further territories.
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The Satrap of Ancona, undeterred by Parvin's earlier threat, has the temerity to send news of his successful campaign. Fearful of losing face, Parvin rescinds the Empire's protection of Ancona.
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Around this time, Parvin begins to question her life choices. Though an elderly serving woman tells Parvin that it is natural to reflect on the past as one ages, Parvin can't help feeling that she has done little worthy of note.
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At least good tidings come from the north where Ghobad's troops have managed to capture the would be usurper.
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News comes from the west that the Karen army was successful in installing their claimant in France. Rage waking Parvin from her despondence, she orders the new shahdom to be dissolved. The army must not think it has the power to play kingmaker!
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Across the Channel, the Imotski Shahdom faces a noble revolt to weaken the authority of its crown. Already fairly autonomous, the nobles cripple the shahdom by attaining independence.
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A noble in the Karen court is said to have quipped that such marks the first realm not torn apart by the vain Empress.
1424-1432 - The Fadeout
Back east, Timur is successful versus the Basbugid Shah and promptly announces renewed efforts to conquer Persia; this time moving against the Satrap of Fars.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ae8d7e4fca3992339c71cde4245692ee/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/95994c40f5301788595aefc8a877e5cb/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo3_500.png)
Fars is vulnerable as it is already under attack from Tagtid armies (one of the new satrapies ruling over the provinces of Hamadan). While the Tagtids are failing in their attempted conquest, the tired forces of Fars are not expected to put up much resistance to Timur.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/c5a4d8c0871590882cec08893adfc348/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
What no one expected is that the new Persian satrapies would band together to protect Persia from would-be invaders. With the exception of the Khivan Shahdom, which had always been an independently minded part of the Persian Empire, the Persian princes all agree to form a loose association against opposing forces. While still free to scheme against one another, they pledge to unite when one state is attacked by the Timurids or Karen Empire.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/0caa8447ca7f661b1c568e8bc08d3717/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
Thus when Timurid forces enter Fars, they encounter surprisingly stiff resistance.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b7afb80cc74c466d0c84572ecc52647a/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Uninterested with the affairs of Persia, Parvin instead sets about to set a wrong that has lasted for far too long. North of Tartaria lies the small satrapy of Yugra which has been part of the Karen Empire ever since it was inherited by a marzoban in Hum. Tired of the expenditure needed to maintain a garrison for the remote satrap, Parvin rescinds the Empire's protection for Yugra and dispatches a small force to regain Hum for the Empire. The weak satrap agrees to part with the province as soon as Karen forces arrive in the area.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/cad676d1a0c7d6e850539ee1be150042/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
The Khazaria-Khiva war carries on with Khazaria only making agonizingly slow gains. Begging his mother once again for support, Parvin relents and dispatches a host to hasten the war's conclusion. Within a few months, Khiva gives up Pecheneg.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/6f914a84f1346a2d9bd559673fc86dda/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/0082d85a3bad32196ada01a4364d22f7/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/2e71da92212bbdb0c968cb7d749d83ee/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo6_500.png)
Meanwhile, the Tagtids give up their attempt to take Fars and instead join the coalition against the Timurids.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5149a0fc1d5d619c91e06a4c7e02bc07/tumblr_n8vtjlEnUM1tx6mngo2_1280.png)
Out west, the nobles of the Amin Shahdom, emulating the successful revolt against the Imotski Shah, make a bid for independence. The revolt fades after a few short months.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/8ab3f99a0cbb7d15b1c8c65be35b4cbf/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
The Satrap of Turkestan takes the ambitious move of changing his realm name to that of Khiva. His ambition leads to the confusing, though aptly named, Khiva-Khiva war.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/fde65b4b8c65e14a666c0f74cc49062b/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
Recalling that possession of Kherson had always been meant to be temporary, Parvin grants independence to the peninsula.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ef9fd9627c4a963def3e4c80ed53c4a4/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo2_1280.png)
As though just waiting for the opportunity, the Empire of Tartaria immediately declares war for Crimea. They even have the gall to ask Parvin for her support.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/75c17943b3d67f633ad212a58e140df5/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo4_1280.png)
Indignant, Parvin decides to punish Tartaria by marching against them. With any luck. her forces willl distract the bulk of their troops allowing Kherson to make a favorable peace.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5f1da40c7ee24813e4055c87f6bdb92f/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Parvin's daughter, Golshan, spikes a sudden fever and dies a few days later. Parvin despairs remarking that a mother should never have to bury her child.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/d188500f6f82edaba64edc42176afd9b/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo3_500.png)
The Karen Empire may have overreached when it declared war on Tartaria. The latter is able to convince most of his kin to oppose Parvin's vengeful act.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/23d8d6642df91d97d75f58da4d642444/tumblr_n8vtvu6ldd1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
At this point Parvin begins to show signs of losing it. She announces a bizarre decision to help assist the last feudal Christian ruler who has been hiding out in the hills of Vivarais. Her councillors move to protest but fall silent as she lashes out with a stinging rebuke.
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The same Karen forces that plundered France are sent against the weak ruler of Dauphiné.
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Unfortunately, as Javaneh is a scion of the Ossiaid house, the larger Ossiaid kingdom joins the fray.
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Good news come from the east where Karen forces crush a smaller Georgian army outside the capital of Tartaria.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F7c5e6f6e03b6dc81f380d6e58f4e59d5%2Ftumblr_n8vu2rPGmY1tx6mngo9_1280.png&hash=8bdb5691202ec883fee9507766f51831c22a0e0b)
Even better news follows that the Ossiaid attempt to attack Karen troops outside the small town of Joyeuse turned into a total rout. Of the attacking Ossiaid forces only 3,000 limp away. Karen losses number at less than 900.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F9f03660baba48d1d371b537b254319e0%2Ftumblr_n8vu2rPGmY1tx6mngo6_500.png&hash=e230cacebbca12b9371415d7c9af9b31853f8ca5)
Karen forces then spin around to attack a larger enemy host in Vienne.
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This too proves successful leaving the Karen army unopposed in the area.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fa83d14d3f8926e3cde91a8253aca99f5%2Ftumblr_n8vu2rPGmY1tx6mngo2_500.png&hash=a05924846694da90a9c3ae0f49202fa4d645d134)
Caught up in the excitement of her numerous victories, Parvin orders a horse saddled up as she wants to practice learning to fight on horseback. Afraid to contradict her order, her retainers do as they are told. Thankfully, the ride seems to put the Empress in good spirits and she does not even complain when her horse gets spooked causing her to fall to the ground. All hold their breath as her maidservants help her up. The tension is cut when Parvin makes a joke and starts laughing. Back at court, rumors run wild about the Empress's mental decline.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fc47703186e9b93b7478c02234b908ff4%2Ftumblr_n8vu2rPGmY1tx6mngo1_500.png&hash=5abedf9a79fa61e521e1583f38dd6329e7a3f208)
News comes from the west that the Ossiaids have taken direct control of Dauphiné but it is too little too late and within weeks, a messenger arrives in Constantinople offering to give up Vivarais.
[One thing they need to change is what happens when titles are inherited. Dauphiné was inherited by the Ossiaids which meant the war was suddenly over! Doesn't really make sense that we'd give up the war because a different enemy to control of the target lands.]
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Nobles around the Empire grumble as Parvin ennobles the first Christian marzoban.
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A now elderly, Timur relents and admits defeat in yet another failed invasion of Persia.
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Meanwhile a charismatic priest leads the poor and downtrodden of Galatia into heresy. Parvin orders no expense spared in combating the vile Mazdaki teachings.
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The Tartarian war ends in favor of the Karens after one last battle in Kuma.
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Unfortunately, the aim of protecting Kherson is a failure and Tartaria annexes the southern half of the Crimean peninsula.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fb51c31e1723dd961ef7dd5063c1370f2%2Ftumblr_n8vv3doNoZ1tx6mngo3_1280.png&hash=9e93bf151e9c1b844edbe132206de7cbcf525a29)
In quick succession both Timur and Parvin's youngest daughter die. Parvin is said to have torn out her hair before quickly being escorted to her chambers upon news of the death of another one of her children.
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Throwing off his father's Persian ways, the new Timurid ruler holds onto mongol traditions. His mother of Karen blood, Bartan can boast that he is a descendant of the Saoshyant!
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Parvin's son wastes no time in betrothing himself to his 3 year old daughter after the death of his sister-wife. While permitted by scripture, everyone thinks this a bit unseemly.
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Parvin also learns that her heir married a nobody after his sister-wife, Golshan, died. She's not surprised he kept that embarrassing fact to himself.
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The Timurid khagan, anxious to prove his mettle but well aware of his father's failed conquests of Persia, announces an invasion of Khiva.
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Yet another Zoroastrian force rises up to harry the Timurid army but as always, is quickly subdued.
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Though Khiva is able to get a large host of allies to support it, the Timurids have amassed a mighty host.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fedaa6cea18f5b602858856ed1644a31d%2Ftumblr_n8vvsoSD7M1tx6mngo3_500.png&hash=db3829fb7e10fc06277b5cb274ccbfaf8898e54a)
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Pressured by her councillors to help the Khivans, but secretly wishing to see them brought low, a very stressed Parvin slumps over in her throne. The Empress is dead, long live the Shahanshah Mashad - the first male ruler of the Karen Empire in over a century.
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Getting a little ahead of myself, I've been trying out some hands off tests for converting this to EU4 and just saw this spectacular collapse.
First here's screenshot of what AI Karen Empire was able to conquer by 1540ish. AI isn't good at converting cultures but pretty good at coring so this diplomatic shot is fairly accurate of AI Empire's borders at greatest extent.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/7274cd0d7f673c0811a5143fa68369f7/tumblr_n9k392EcnK1tx6mngo2_500.png)
Below is the situation in 1560s (Karen Empire is that Burgundy bit in Anatolia with most of its provinces controlled by rebels or nearby nations). Given that AI was cheating a bit (with lucky nation and I think manpower based on how it fended off some powerful revolts earlier), I could be in for quite a ride in EU4! :o
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/39bb020582ec12fbdfcad59b95341606/tumblr_n9k392EcnK1tx6mngo1_500.png)
Long delayed but not forgotten...
1432-1437 - And now for the stunning conclusion in 2 parts
While the first Shahanshah in a century is not particularly talented in his own right (completely hopeless with finances), he has surrounded himself with a talented set of councillors that hopefully will make up for any of his...shortcomings.
Despite, never winning over the heart of her mother in-law, Mashad's wife has proven to be a worthy companion and the happy couple can boast several heirs.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/58af245dda8a3e4bc350aa2b7c530a3e/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
As his first order of business, he betroths his 15-year old heir to the Banebshen of Nubia. With any luck that shahdom will be re-absorbed into the Empire.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/65d7f74e56c3deabb1528f9a8de91d25/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/0dc53317d524480956d016d906174742/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
A request for aid comes in from a distant cousin in Khiva which is being overrun by Khorasan and the Timurids.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b3d715991c5cb973db84a72ac6d50467/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo2_500.png)
Unconvinced that the situation is actually dire, Mashad denies the request and instead has the court prepare for Gholam's impending marriage to the Banebshen of Nubia. Wanting to make sure that his son is accorded precedence over his Nubian bride, Gholam is styled the Shah of Egypt. May their union prove fruitful.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/71fee4fe59685b3b3487c700ff9eb08b/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo3_1280.png)
The ceremony has scarcely ended when a messenger arrives bearing word that the Umayyad Caliph has called upon all faithful Sunnis to reconquer Egypt from the heathenish Zoroastrians.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/66c6f5fbc6371ae45c2980b05b840a2d/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo10_1280.png)
Mashad can't help but find this all very tedious as with the remaining muslim states confined to West Africa, there's no hope their foolish quest will be succesful.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/a42ba41bf70463fb660051f1250f295e/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo4_500.png)
Out in Persia, the Timurids make significant strides against Khiva but not without cost; several khagans perish in battle.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/ec30ec4879ab8e16eae60a3024856a55/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/804c977cf362393dd5033ab86c51d7e0/tumblr_nbqzan0zEJ1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
The newest ruler of the Timurids is barely a mewling babe. However, now steeped in Persian traditions, the new monarch accepts the title Shahanshah, perhaps in a bid by his regent to accommodate their Persian subjects.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/25a8f0570c51b0e5706daa0818f88c6e/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo1_1280.png)
Very quickly Khiva is overrun and surrenders its last Persian provinces to the Timurids. What was once a mighty shahdom (and the birthplace of the Karen Empire) now holds onto only a few minor province in India and Azov.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/a46e959c9a4bfb02ea81093a8e06e61c/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo3_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/c038df1990f7b92901857542757c97fe/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo10_1280.png)
The independent and unrelated Satrapy of Khiva continues to rule on the in the Khwarezmian highlands.
Mashad's wife gives birth to a girl who is accorded special status as Mashad's first child born in the Imperial Palace.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/3de3a0ad7161f40d2084f52bad9ed5b3/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo2_500.png)
Gholam can also now boast both a male and female heir.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/46edbca35935687fe6cfc54e4f7a9b82/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo7_1280.png)
Unwittingly, the Karen Empire serves as a launching point for an invasion of Mashad's brother's shahdom. Too proud to ask for help, Ghobad makes no request for assistance and none is granted.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/eb956fe9617f83715e774044bc911d22/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo5_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/029f2b23c510283ce4f944d4130c2e30/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo4_500.png)
Mashad gives his court leave to update him on the state of the Jihad for Egypt. Predictably the war is going well with the ragtag Sunni armies faring poorly against Karen steel.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/36319086115935593d9968938af30e4d/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo8_1280.png)
Eager to have the war over, Mashad orders an expedition to take the fight to the muslim lands. The minor skirmish of Lagos sees a great many captives taken including the wealthy Emir of fabled Timbuktu.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/1586c2fb12e0ad9e3d29369d38ba8bb9/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo9_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/249bca79d38fadbc2da3378d28965f6f/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo2_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/b7bbac9f84381c2177871f97ab47eb5f/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo3_500.png)
Back east, eager to prove himself, the Timurid shahanshah launches an invasion of Persia.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/26d9758367921bea79b0aab0e25cdc47/tumblr_nbqzci79221tx6mngo6_500.png)
Not eager to see the Timurids make additional gains, the court succeeds in advising Mashad to accept Khorasan's call for assistance.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/fa1e144c5cb769394f40db3bff5ca015/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo1_1280.png)
Ordering his generals to spare no expense in checking Timurid aggression, the army mobilizes a large host and begins its trek eastward.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/1322ae7a1e84d29579ec48e4f5c237ff/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
Hat in hand, Caliph Aarif sues for peace with yet another jihad failing in its stated aims.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/c31a36bb8db3b06063ddc68f68946149/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
Mashad rejoices at news that his beloved wife is pregnant again but his idyll is cut short with word that rebellious peasants have risen up in Galatia and yet another would be shah has invaded his brother's lands in Khazaria.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/4c67b2f1e4ca38afc456a83eb9775ca0/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo5_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/f233895ba35d5ac253f9d7580ce3ac1c/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo6_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/cb1332c852974f6f4c6394fd7b08198b/tumblr_nbqzdiS6zx1tx6mngo7_500.png)
A back-up host of Karen forces first encounter the Timurids in the Georgian highlands.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/603fd21c6914fc13a8fded263f7b2437/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo7_1280.png)
The hills are stained red with blood on both sides though primarily that of the Timurids - whose forces are destroyed almost to a man.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/2ed5b698500fae67af7bf9f84146c75e/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo8_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/83470f1af18a1a2aa7d7be05bbe33175/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo1_500.png)
After Gonabad, the Karen generals believe the war is now largely one of mopping up errant Timurid forces until their Shahanshah admits defeat.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/d1b51d810bd632f78940f932e61f02ff/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo3_500.png)
However, the going is tough as the weak Khorsani armies continue to be decimated.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/c54b678375ca13173e2fe66393833da4/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
News comes from the women's quarters that Mashad's wife has given birth to a new son. No one at court is quite sure why, but the Shahanshah is quite taken with his new son and declares that it will be Shahrokh and not Gholam of Egypt that will rule the Empire after his death.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/dca86ca6f1064c87a13a60d455e420fe/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo2_500.png)
In a bizarre twist, Khorasan agrees to give into Timurid claims. Greatly dismayed, Mashad is nonetheless happy the war is over as it frees Karen forces to march northwards into the collapsing Shahdom of Khazaria.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/72d90490a08b1bc2e2135113c960ab61/tumblr_nbqzfplrSK1tx6mngo2_500.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/71327c9c0432a77f01a7751bf9c5cebb/tumblr_nbqzfplrSK1tx6mngo10_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/9fa3054dbe57530884c870dd31c85173/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo10_1280.png)
Loathe as he is to help a sibling that once tried to murder him, Mashad opines that the imperial dignity would be undermined if an upstart were allowed to take his Ghobad's throne.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/e96019199bc76adfd71c964ac91473f0/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo5_1280.png)
Ghobad of Khazaria happily grants his brother's armies leave to enter his territory.
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/34cfd1c16fdee558f7e7b55f37d30bcd/tumblr_nbqzekmojg1tx6mngo6_1280.png)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/359c2692f7b9ecc0676e01418bdf0b9d/tumblr_nbqzfplrSK1tx6mngo9_1280.png)
Thanks for posting this, garbo - this is very fun and interesting to read. By the way, are you using any portrait mod? Some characters (especially the male ones) look really good.
Thanks. :) Nope just the portrait packs that p'dox put out - so this is mostly showing that Persian one.
Ok. I thought the guy you put on the throne of Poitou was quite hot. :P
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F38.media.tumblr.com%2Fd1eded439b3f0cac7869d796bba506aa%2Ftumblr_n8npobukxK1tx6mngo6_1280.png&hash=9fbd382b98d9493e7e2d13decf11d8264eb03e45)
Must be that French-Persian blend.
Persian portraits are the best looking by far.
looking forward to the continuation of the story in EU4
I have the conversion mostly done (god the default conversion is terrible) but now I'm like argh, I should probably wait till Art of War comes out which will of course necessitate me altering again. -_-
How did the old Persian Empire fall apart? It is interesting that your Persian Byzantium is presumably incredibly prosperous and and centralized while Persia itself is decentralized and falling prey to the Steppe.
You granted independence to a few states over the course of this AAR, I believe... what was the reasoning for that?
Quote from: Queequeg on October 07, 2014, 06:22:00 PM
How did the old Persian Empire fall apart? It is interesting that your Persian Byzantium is presumably incredibly prosperous and and centralized while Persia itself is decentralized and falling prey to the Steppe.
It was destroyed during reign of Parvin in end of part 3, start of part 4. Both were actually combined around 1100 or 1200 but decided it was too much to maintain the combined empires + I'd expected mongol hordes to come crashing in and wanted a buffer - so I'd separated out before AAR start and then only briefly recombined. Of course for some unknown reason - mongols never appeared bar Timur. <_<
@Jacob - Well stated reason for letting go of northern Italy was like of desire to play in Italian politics. I did actually have France as a vassal too when it got conquered but as an outlying area that I portrayed as rebellious armies conquering, thought it best to dissolve and release. And reason for Persian Empire dissolution was animosity from Parvin against title she felt had destroyed her parents marriage and her own.
From a gamemaster perspective, I wanted to make sure Karen Empire wasn't too large for conversion into EU4. As I noted to grumbler earlier though, I did have most of the state releases prior to the AAR. Also, CK2 doesn't really have in-game reasons yet not to keep far flung vassals which isn't interesting from RP perspective.
I do have one last CK2 entry that involves the release of one more minor, distant vassal.
Actually I just realized that I may have to indulge in some light Timmay alt-hist for the EU4 conversion. As the Mongols never arrived, I need to think about what that means for Mongolia and China.
Similarly as I banished Islam to the west fairly early on, it probably doesn't make sense for Islamic states to pop up in Indonesia.