By Undercovergeek, 10 January 2013

Continuing the second ‘decade’ of UCG’s Crusader Kings II AAR…

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In Part 11 we tried to get Matilda to teach the children of the di Palma court in order to improve relations with her. We then accepted a claim on the Duchy of Taranto that gives us a step up on the road to Sicily (but also went into debt for it), and we started the heinous plot to unseat Matilda by marrying her heir to my half-sister. Here in Part 12 we uncover murderous plots, wait for a child of the new Tuscan takeover scheme, and expand a bit more.

My Spymaster earns himself a landed title or two when there’s some to hand around – my half brother plans to kill my eldest son. Corsica becomes Oberto’s new intended weekend retreat and seaside resort.

We find a way to circumnavigate Matilda’s refusal to teach one of the children. I nominate myself as a member of Matilda’s court to teach a child from my own court – this seems to have done the trick.

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By Undercovergeek, 29 December 2012

Starting off the second ‘decade’ of UCG’s Crusader Kings II AAR…

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In Part 10 the plot to unseat Matilda was unleashed and the Di Parma’s patiently waited for the wedding and the first offspring of the unholy union. Capua was conquered and added to our lands, and demesne-wide improvements were instigated to bring more money into the coffers. Here in Part 11 the thrust to capture enough lands for a claim on the Sicilian throne begins, at a heavy price – literally.

When we’re not buying in Ladies With Talent™, we’re making them ourselves. The highly skilled diplomat Biagio begins his role as tutor.

I opt for more Hedonism, I don’t actually want any more sons in an attempt to stop the fracture of our lands that occurred when the current Oberto came to power, but I like the prestige boost.

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By Undercovergeek, 17 December 2012

A Crusader Kings II AAR that has reached episode 10. Another dozen or so, and UCG can file for syndication.

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In Part 9 taxes were raised to pay for province improvements, Capua was invaded, and an evil plan to usurp Matilda (may she burn in Hell) was born. In Part 10 the plan is begun, improvements commence and Capua is added to the fold.

The first battle of Capua goes well, the County will soon be ours.

The defeated army retreats to the East. The Neopolitan Army is roused to see what all the shouting is about; I expect an attack from them, but in true Italian style they just watch from afar and then retreat.

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By Undercovergeek, 17 November 2012

A Crusader Kings II AAR, in at least 9 parts. More to come? Stay tuned dear readers.

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In Part 8 we saw the new Count Oberto start a civil war with his twin Step-Brothers, take back Genoa, and start the slow process towards aiming for the Kingdom of Sicily by fabricating claims on Capua. In Part 9 Oberto takes the first step towards kingship, attempts to steady his new realm, and comes up with a plan to avenge his father.

A son, thank God for that, a male heir steadies the vassals and hopefully should shut down my Step-Mother’s plan to kill me.

In the income box we can see there is no money coming in from the feudal lords. I like everyone to pay their fair share – and it’s always a good excuse to raise taxes.

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By Undercovergeek, 11 November 2012

A Crusader Kings II AAR, in many, many parts. We’re up to number 8. Where have you been?

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In Part 7 Count Oberto of Parma shuffled off his mortal coil and passed over the reins to his son….. Count Oberto. Having dearly departed with four provinces to his name, Parma, Genoa, Nice, and Corsica, senior Counsellors bound by the rules of the Count’s succession laws have split the land three ways between his remaining sons. The new Count Oberto receives Parma and Nice, his twin sons receive Corsica and Genoa. The tale now switches to the new Count and his plans to get his land back, to avenge his father’s death, and set plots in motion to declare independence and try for the title King of Sicily.

A grand feast – always a chance to get some prestige and win some friends, with the occasional chance to get drunk and annoy our Liege.

There goes Uncle Ghiberto, my Martial’s father and my father’s brother. He’ll be missed(!!) although he was the Steward and a poor substitute now takes his place. The splitting of the provinces has diluted the quality of the council after the twins took a few serving members with them.

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