Topic: Princes of Theodoro: An Alternate History Game (Turn 7) (Read 3577 times)

Urist McScoopbeard · « **on:** July 03, 2019, 08:11:51 pm »

Princes of Theodoro

An Alternate History Game

Introduction:

The Year is 1300, following centuries of decline the Principality of Theodoro has finally slipped from the hegemonic grasp of the Byzantine Empire. Though still nominally a vassal of the Emperor, for better or worse, the great fortress-city of Doros is on its own. Still more has transpired during the long reign of aging Prince Theodahad. The invasion of the Mongols and continued raiding of the horse warriors to the North, the cataclysmic wars in Anatolia, and the colonization of the Black Sea by the greedy Republic of Genoa have taken their toll. The memory of Rome is fading.

But not all is lost! Prince Theodahad has many sons and has navigated the political waters of the world as best he could. The city of Doros is thriving and its defenses, intimidating. There is yet strength in the Byzantine-Gothic people of Crimea. Knowing he is not long for this world, the Prince summons his council in preparation to give up his throne...

Map:

*black spots are impassable mountain ranges

Factions:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Settlements:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Rules & Information:

Objective: To expand the wealth, prestige, and land of the Principality of Theodoro--to ensure the survival of the legacy of Rome (and if you can, surpass it). There are few hard and fast rules about what can or cannot be done, and the goal is as much to invent a compelling alternate history as it is to win.

General Gameplay: Players will set policy and pass judgement on resolutions introduced either by myself or other players. This will take place every turn. Turns are six months long (a year is divide into a Summer and Winter season). *I encourage role-play, especially the creation of characters, personas, and noble houses--but each player will have to be in charge of who they are as it is simply too much information for me to track.

GM Specifics: The course of events will not be entirely random, certain things will be updated every turn--such as population sizes and number of soldiers a nation can bring to bear. Historical events will be represented by changing political situations of certain factions in the game and can have large or small impacts on the course of the game. Finally, things like battles and military campaigns will be decided mostly via dice roll (impacted by policy and other factors like terrain and army size). As GM, I'll strive to take as much randomness out the equation as possible--that said this is a game where you will largely have access to general information--specific information, especially hard stats, will be difficult to come by.

Some Notes:
--You are of course free to found new settlements
--mountains are generally impassable
--money will not play a large part, though you may run into abstract money troubles should your army or navy grow too large (especially with a low number of settlements)
--the total number of troops of a faction will not always be present, in fact they very rarely will be.
--I encourage roleplaying! Writing compelling history/dialogue/speeches/etc. will be rewarded in the dice rolling and voting!
--There may be some balancing that has to be done when we first start, so I apologize in advance that the amount of information available, the dice rolling methods, and the visibility of the rolls may change over time!
--The map will be expanded as needed, though for my own sanity, we will have to keep it fairly regional.
--You can always outright reject a resolution without choosing one of the options (there could be consequences, of course)

Turn 1: Summer 1300 (Tutorial Resolutions)

Resolution 1: The Matter of Succession
Prince Theodahad is dying. His sons are summoned to the palace at Doros to speak with their father. On his deathbed, he proclaims that he cannot himself choose a single successor--a worthy heir must be agreed upon by all his sons.

A.) Choose an heir and maintain this new tradition of an elective succession. Upon the death of the ruling Prince a vote will be taken to choose a successor. Additionally the ruling Prince's vote will be worth multiple votes of a regular Prince. (Nominate a player)

B.) Declare that Theodoro will become a Princely Republic. The sons of Theodahad will share their power for the good of the nation. The game will continue as normal!

Resolution 2: General Military Policy
Theodoro's position is precarious indeed. A massive army of raiders to the North, and the colonies of one of the foremost naval powers to the South and East. The need for a cohesive and nuanced strategy, in the greatest traditions of our Byzantine heritage, is paramount. (This will affect the course of military campaigns and battles, both on land and at sea--not to mention sieges.)

A.) Aggressive. We need to act before our enemies can bear the full might of their militaries down on us. Nobody suspects a thing.

B.) Defensive. We need to hold on to what we have. Doros is the mightiest fortress in the region, and our naturally mountainous home makes for a challenging obstacle for both the Genoese and Mongolian Khans.

*When you suggest your own resolutions feel free to be as general or specific as you'd like, I am happy to research new things and expand the "features" of the game! Especially, strategy--as battles and campaigns will be illustrated!

Let's go!

micelus · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2019, 08:39:21 pm »

posting to show interest!

Doubloon-Seven · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2019, 09:10:34 pm »

Quote from: From the journal of Isaac Theodopoulos

The future of our state is an uncertain one. Father lays not just dying, but indecisive. Perhaps it is for the best, as only through our minds combined will we have a chance to thrive... [Illegible] ...cannot face the Khan, but the Genovese are a tempting catch. The cities they hold on our shorelines are weak, and if a swift attack could be mounted... [Illegible] ...Trapezuntines could be convinced to aid us?

Quote from: Votes

Resolution One
A - (X)
B - (1) Doub7
Resolution Two
A - (1) Doub7
B - (X)

MonkeyMarkMario · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2019, 12:22:11 am »

"We must keep our proud traditions! And we would be wise to use our defensive land to our advantage!" Madrick Theodorous after the passing of the Prince.

Quote from: Votes

Resolution One
A - (X)
B - (2) Doub7, MMM
Resolution Two
A - (1) Doub7
B - (1) MMM

Superdorf · « **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2019, 12:49:30 am »

In the second southwest corner of Council Hall, three feet right of the wingy lion statue with a spear through its nose, there sits a scraggly old guy with bad teeth, raggy clothes, and a wheezy laugh. He calls himself "Papu"-- "Grandpa"-- and nobody's been able to get any other name from him. He's distressingly out of place in the grand halls of Doros, but nobody's bothered to get rid of him, for two reasons: He's technically a member of the royal family, on his great-grandmother's second cousin's side...

...and every now and again, he says something useful.

Today, though, he's just blathering as usual. "Back in my day," he cries, "when something bothered us we stabbed it! Nice sharp stabbing knives they made in my day! We'd get ourselfs a nice crazy prince to stab our enemies with, and when he got bothersome we stabbed 'im! Let's have those days back, says I!"

Quote from: Votes

Resolution One
A - (X)
B - (2) Doub7, MMM
Resolution Two
A - (1) Doub7
B - (1) MMM

---------------------------------------------------

Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)

MonkeyMarkMario · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2019, 10:12:53 am »

"Papu, what is your vote?"

Urist McScoopbeard · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2019, 11:43:38 am »

OOC: All Hail Papu, Prince of Princes. Look upon his works, ye mighty, and despair!
Also OOC: We'll wait for one more person (or Papu) to split the policy vote before advancing the turn.

UPDATE: TURN 1

Note: anyone can order reports on situations or the state of things, such as the military, geography, infrastructure/logistics, or political relations. These reports will be filled out ASAP or at the beginning of the next turn. This will represent the knowledge of your advisors and scouts, which is extensive (though not complete).

Report on the Armies of Theodoro:
The maximum number of troops the Principality can field at any time, not counting garrisons, is approximately ten thousand (10,000).
-- Of those, two thousand are professional soldiers equipped by the state--heavy infantry in the style of the Romans.
-- Four thousand are irregular, light-to-medium, self-equipped infantry composed of lesser nobles and rural landowners.
-- The final four thousand are state-equipped, unarmored slingers composed of levied farmers and young professional soldiers.

Report on the Navy of Theodoro:
The navy of Theodoro consists of thirteen (13) galleys in various condition. They are all based out of the port of Kalamita. The quality of their crews is poor.

Doubloon-Seven · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2019, 01:41:49 pm »

"Perhaps Papu is speaking sense, brothers.", says Isaac. "There are gains to be made.", he continues as he unfurls a map and spreads it onto the table. The prince jabs a finger upon one of the port cities, outlined in pale red."The Genovese are like a rot, eating away our economy from the fringes. We must take our knives and cut the decay off!"

His hand lifts, pointing further south, towards Trebizond. "You see, my brothers, Trebizond once held land across the straits of Vosporo. Perhaps we could work with them to conquer the Genovese holdings. Many are just a stone's throw from our own cities, and they are not nearly as well defended. So then, brothers. It will be the daring fight to see Doros shine, or a slow, agonizing death as we limit ourselves to what we have."

Isaac then turns to a nearby eunuch servant. "Servant, fetch me some texts on the military and administrative status of Trebizond. I expect them soon.

MonkeyMarkMario · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2019, 01:59:24 pm »

"Yes we must be prepared, tho to strike out now while we are weak is a folly! We should build up our infrastructure and military before commiting to a fight." Madrick argues.

Madrick spotting a scribe, "Scribe get me the status of our infrastructure and military! The Sooner the better!"

Superdorf · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2019, 02:06:38 pm »

"Eh? You want Papu to vote? You are silly people!" Papu cackles as he tosses two pebbles into the vote-jars.

Quote from: Votes

Resolution One
A - (1) Superdorf
B - (2) Doub7, MMM
Resolution Two
A - (2) Doub7 Superdorf
B - (1) MMM

Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)

Urist McScoopbeard · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2019, 04:10:28 pm »

OOC: I've changed how population sizes appear, as well as more colorful relationship statuses.
OOC: Dont worry if you miss a resolution--very few resolutions will result in IMMEDIATE, drastic changes--and you are welcome to propose new legislation at any time.

Turn 2: Winter 1300

Previous Resolutions:
-- (Success) Theodoro is declared a Noble Republic. The Royal Family form the decision making arm of the government. The people rejoice.

-- (Success) The Princes and high officers of Theodoro begin discussing an aggressive military policy.

News From Afar:
-- The Byzantine Empire is currently at war with several states in Asia Minor and the Balkans.

-- Worrying tales spread of a Turkic people led by the Prince Osman.

-- A drought occurs in the lands of the Khans, to the North and East of the Black Sea.

Local News:
-- There is talk of a Pax Mongolica from the North of the region. Certainly raids and declined, and tribute has lapsed.

-- The Genovese are conducting business as usual. Some troops are rotated, and a squadron of escort galleys have docked in Vosporo. Their forces are professional and alert, but are not posed to conduct any offensive operations.

Updates:

Report on the State of the Trapezuntine Military:
The military of Trebizond is led by the current emperor, Alexios II Komnenos. Following a period of growth, trade, and diplomacy the maximum number of soldiers Trebizond can muster is between twenty and forty thousand (20,000-40,000). About half of these are heavy infantry, and the rest are auxiliary troops. Their navy numbers between thirty and forty (30-40) galleys.

Report on the Administrative Makeup of Trebizond:
The Empire of Trebizond functions as a smaller, more compact version of our shared Byzantine cousins. They possess an Emperor, an Imperial bureaucracy, and a high degree of centralization. They share amicable relations with the other Pontic and Byzantine states, as well as the Kingdom of Georgia. Though there is some tension between Trebizond and Byzantium due to the Komnenos claim to the true Imperial Throne. Generally speaking, they are chiefly concerned with defending and reconquering Anatolian land, though their imperialistic ambitions have led them to forge a variety of relationships abroad--including embassies to both Gothia and Genoa.

Report on the Infrastructure of Gothia:
Doros, our capital, is the most developed city in the region, and located on a naturally defensible plateau. The North of the peninsula has largely been destroyed by raiding Mongols in the past decades, but many small towns and farming villages remain, and the land is extremely fertile. The Southern and Eastern coasts are slightly less fertile and defensible, save for the Genovese town of Caffa (Old Theodosia, which still retains a Pontic majority) and Vosporo, which are both extremely important trading settlements. In the central hill region, the land is densely forested. From the perspective of the military, the region is very undeveloped overall. The North-South roads are mostly abandoned and only a single highway between Kalamita, Doros, and Funa remains fully maintained. This is connected to a coastal road running between most of the Genovese settlements. Outside of the largest cities of the Peninsula, there are very few man-made defenses.

Further Report on the Military of the Noble Republic of Theodoro:
The maximum number of troops the Principality can field at any time, not counting garrisons, is approximately ten thousand (10,000).
-- Of those, two thousand are professional soldiers equipped by the state--heavy infantry in the style of the Romans.
-- Four thousand are irregular, light-to-medium, self-equipped infantry composed of lesser nobles and rural landowners.
-- The final four thousand are state-equipped, unarmored slingers composed of levied farmers and young professional soldiers.

The general state of the army is highly trained. Even the non-professional soldiers have fighting experience. The slingers are somewhat outdated, but are highly disciplined and experienced scouts, foresters, and huntsmen. There are no organized cavalry regiments.

EDIT: Revised Report on the Logistical Capabilities of the Theodoran Army:
Logistically, the army of Theodoro is organized with a comprehensive baggage train and system of messengers and wagons to deliver messages and supplies between the army and nearby cities. Likewise, the army is fully capable of living off the land via foraging--both due to intensive training and the fertility of Gothia. The Army is not capable of supplying itself via centralized logistic network overseas. Likewise, the heavy infantry are well-rounded soldiers trained and equipped with short swords, long knives, spears, and shields. They wear lamellar armor and promoted on the basis of intelligence and discipline. Unfortunately, the irregular foot soldiers of the Principality are harder to describe, some possess less or even considerably heavier armor than the standing infantry, but the lack of uniformity and standardized training makes them less adept at overcoming particularly difficult foes. The light infantry of the Principality, is largely unarmored and either trained professionals are lifelong woodsmen and hunters.

Factions:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Settlements:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Urist McScoopbeard · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2019, 08:32:47 am »

OOC: Lemme get the ball rolling with some resolutions, y'all.

UPDATE: TURN 2

Resolution 1: The Italian Republics
Italia... Once home to our proud progenitors, it has been torn asunder by the migration of Eastern Peoples which began nearly a millennium ago. The past five centuries have seen the conquest, reconquest, and final fractioning of the region. As a crossroads of power and trade, the absence of a unifying polity has given rise to a number of Maritime Republics--all seeking to dominate the trade between Asia and Europe. Chief among these nations are the republics of Venice, once a Byzantine city founded by survivors of the fall of the Western Empire, and Genoa in league with nearby Noli.

Of the two, it is Genoa who have--through diplomacy and subterfuge--gained the bulk of the trade of the Black Sea, and who have so ignominiously seized our coastal cities, being so bold as to colonize our shoreline with their own settlers. But we are no savage people, and will not be treated as such. This situation is untenable, both for the Principality of Theodoro, who must regain her homeland, and for Genoa, seeking to consolidate her hold over the Black Sea.

A.) Alea iacta est! Genoa delenda est. (War is declared)

B.) Omnes una manet nox. The time is not yet right. We will wait for our chance to strike.

C.) *Because you chose aggressive military policy* Exitus Acta Probat. We must strike before Genoa can respond. There will be no warning of our wrath.

Resolution 2: Embassy to Trebizond
We have long hosted envoys from the other Pontic realms, the Latin-Greek States, and the Imperial Throne--but chief among them has been the Trapenzuntine Mission. They have showered us with gifts-of-stae and news from Anatolia, no doubt, hoping to win our love. There is much to consider in the relationship between countries, but perhaps an alliance with our cousins across the sea would not be such a bad thing...

A.) Send an embassy to the Trapenzuntine Capital. The city of Trebizond is said to be great, modeled after Constantinople itself. Perhaps it is time to avail ourselves of its offerings. (Propose an alliance)

B.) We will not be swayed by petty maneuverings and false overtures. The Principality of Theodoro will make her own way through the world.

Superdorf · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2019, 01:44:20 pm »

"We'll stab 'em! We'll get 'em! We'll stab 'em! We'll ask the Trebbies to stab 'em! But mostly we'll stab 'em!"
It would seem Papu is feeling vindictive today.

Quote from: Votebox

Resolution One
A - (X)
B - (X)
C - (1) Superdorf
-----------------------------------------------------
Resolution Two
A - (1) Superdorf
B - (X)

Doubloon-Seven · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2019, 12:31:56 pm »

"Ah, not quite yet, Papu. I concur that we must declare war, but Trebizond may not come to assist us unless we approach them correctly.", says Isaac. He begins to write a letter, speaking as he does. "You see, I am writing to the Emperor of Trebizond, giving him notice that we intend to go to war, and for his assistance, he would regain territory in what the Genovese call Matrega, including a few of the important trade cities."

Quote from: Votebox

Resolution One
A - (1) DoubloonSeven
B - (X)
C - (1) Superdorf
-----------------------------------------------------
Resolution Two
A - (2) Superdorf, DoubloonSeven
B - (X)

MonkeyMarkMario · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2019, 06:22:37 pm »

"War is not the way, we are better than that. Although if we must fight let is be with an ally,"

Quote from: Votebox

Resolution One
A - (1) DoubloonSeven
B - (1) MonkeyMarkMario
C - (1) Superdorf
-----------------------------------------------------
Resolution Two
A - (3) Superdorf, DoubloonSeven, MonkeyMarkMario
B - (X)

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Author Topic: Princes of Theodoro: An Alternate History Game (Turn 7) (Read 3577 times)

Urist McScoopbeard

Princes of Theodoro: An Alternate History Game (Turn 7)

micelus

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Doubloon-Seven

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MonkeyMarkMario

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Superdorf

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MonkeyMarkMario

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Urist McScoopbeard

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Doubloon-Seven

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MonkeyMarkMario

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Superdorf

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Urist McScoopbeard

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Urist McScoopbeard

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Superdorf

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Doubloon-Seven

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MonkeyMarkMario

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