Turnovo AAR

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

I am Ivan Shishman, son of Ivan Alexander, tzar of the bulgars and ruler of Turnovo. My father did this terrible mistake to divide Bulgaria. The capital city, Turnovo, was given to me and my half-brother Ivan Sratsimir (son of my father's other wife) took control of Bdin. Some boyars from Dobrudzha declared independence, claiming the town of Karvuna. Before my father died Wallachia still recognized his suzerenity but after that they also separated. Internal struggle in Macedonia (which was already apart from us), changing rulers almost every month, was something that the serbs took advantage of and soon the province of Macedonia fell in their hands.
I am alone. Sent here with the holy mission of uniting the bulgars and destroying separatism before it's too late. I shall ressurect Bulgaria and bring it once more to it's former glory!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0003.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0003.jpg)
This is the map of the Balkans currently. My first goal is to cope with the economic problems and make my tzardom stand on it's feet.
I used my good relations with Wallachia, Dobrudzha Byzantia to create trading routes. Me and my two sons started trading - we still can't allow someone else in the Royal Court.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0004.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0004.jpg)
This strategy soon started to prove as a good one. The trading routes, the tax collectors in Turnovo and and the increasing kingdom power contributed to a high income without any expenditures - something very promising.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0007.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0007.jpg)
The rich mineral and salt deposits in Stara Planina were soon put to use, thus giving us some quite needed resources.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0008.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0008.jpg)
A sad day! Our eastern neighbour, Dobrudzha, has expanded it's territories, conquering Moldavia! Thank God, Poland quickly reacted to this and declared war to them. They have my blessing for a successful campaign - may they punish these damned separistic aristocrats! Meanwhile our economy was getting stronger and stronger.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0010.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0010.jpg)
Glory, glory! Europe has recognized our power and I, tzar Ivan Shishman, have been proclaimed as the wealthiest ruler in the known world! It's time to put this gold to a good use before inflation strikes us down. I assigned my younger son, Radomir, to be a marshal and lead our armies to the lands of my brother in Bdin, whom I have declared war!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0011.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0011.jpg)
Our troops reached the town of Bdin. Armed with swords, Radomir's loyal units will most probably defeat the enemy and we'll get rid of Ivan Sratsimir once and for all!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0012.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0012.jpg)
My son has failed! He was terribly defeated by a bunch of peasants! It seems that I have underrestimated my brother's power.
I had decided not to plunder the lands of bulgarians but I was forced to allow Radomir such a terrible deed - we had to provoke our enemy and attack them outside the town!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0014.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0014.jpg)
While we were plundering Bdin's villages, I sent my diplomats to my northern and southern neighbour. We managed to sign a pact of non-aggression with Byzantia, for which I paid Andronicus III 3600 gold pieces but it was worthy. We also succeeded in allying with Wallachia (with no gold tribute as we had some nice relations) and soon after - they proved to be loyal to us, declaring war to Bdin. Hungary, on the other hand, captured the province of Macedonia and, to be fair, our relations weren't very good as they were friends with Bdin. I hope we won't be having trouble with our new neighbour.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0001.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0001.jpg)
Hungary is constantly attacking Serbia and has pushed them into a tiny province - it now took Epirus. Their increasing power is something quite disturbing as they rather dislike us and they are also friends with Bdin and that friendship could easilly evolve into an alliance pact which could be devastating.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0002.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0002.jpg)
Our diplomats have achieved a grand success once more. Though he didn't want to mess any further with us, emperor Andronicus III finally changed his mind and for a small tribute of 3300 gold pieces - he became our ally and soon after - he declared war at Bdin.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0015.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0015.jpg)
My son, Radomir, returned from his conquest in Bdin and adviced me to grant Ivan Sratsimir a peace treaty. I decided to follow Radomir's words and demanded vassalage and 350 gold pieces. The principality of Bdin gladly agreed to this proposal and now we are at peace... For a while, until we recover.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0016.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0016.jpg)
We signed a trade agreement with Poland. The horses that we needed so much were available in one of their provinces so we took advantage and started importing horses. This will allow us to take out our strongest weapon - the cavalry - and defeat Bdin.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0017.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0017.jpg)
The ruler of Wallachia, my ally - Mircea, has demanded from me to attack Bdin, who were my vassal at that time. I agreed - I couldn't allow a drop in my kingdom power.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0018.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0018.jpg)
Ivan Sratsimir's diplomats seem to be quite skilled! They succeeded in creating peace and a royal marriage with my two allies - Byzantia and Wallachia; they also started trading with both of them! If I aked any of them to start the war - they would probably deny and that would be the end of our alliance and peace, so, at least for now, I will have to deal with Bdin myself.
Meanwhile Serbia has been totally annihilated. Hungary captured their last province and now they are a real threat to us. We should be very careful! My diplomats told me that Hungary is currently the strongest kingdom in Europe!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0019.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0019.jpg)
After being announced that my tzardom is the wealthiest one, Europe has admitted that my citizen are the most happy in the known world and I am the most beloved ruler! Meanwhile an army, consisting mainly of light cavalry, is being prepared and I hired a new marshal.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0020.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0020.jpg)
We have conquered Bdin! Radomir and despot Omurtag assaulted the town on two fronts, making it difficult for the enemy to defend themselves. Ivan Sratsimir and his peasents were slain and our territory has expanded.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0022.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0022.jpg)
Glory, glory! Poland has conquered the province of Moldavia in Dobrudzha and their ruler, Delian, has been slain in battle. It will now be much easier to defeat them so we declared war on them!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0023.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0023.jpg)
While our troops were plundering a village in Dobrudzha, one of their marshals with about 100 swordsmen attacked Radomir. My son successfuly defeated them and even captured the leader, despot Boris, who is now our prisoner!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0025.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0025.jpg)
There are always times of success and times of decline. Maybe we have to face reality after all those victories. Poland has conquered the province of Dobrudzha while we were plundering farms and monasteries around the town of Karvuna! Right under our noses! The prisoner we had was now useless so we executed him.
Meanwhile, Mircea, the ruler of Wallachia, died. Another especially important event happened - the Pope excommunicated Hungary from the catholic church! This means that they'll probably be in a lot of trouble and will stay away from us.

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0029.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0029.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0030.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0030.jpg)
I am Mikhail, son of Ivan Shishman, tzar of the bulgars and ruler of Bdin and Turnovo. My father managed the economy well and our country became the wealthies one. The citizen were so happy that Ivan Shishman was declared to be the most beloved ruler. He also succeeded in conquering Bdin.
Now I have to finish what he has started - I have to unite all the main territories of former great Bulgaria and lead it to it's glory because unity makes strenght.
Currently we aren't in a very nice position. Macedonia and Dobrudzha are in the hands of our two neighbours who happen to be two of the most powerful kingdoms in Europe. Poland, to the east, is in some comparatively nice relations with us but Hungary, to the west, finds us as a threat and hates us. A war will most probably follow and we must be prepared.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0034.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0034.jpg)
Macedonia is currently rebelling so now is our time to strike. We declared war on Hungary and our armies started preparing for glorious victories!
Currently Hungary is in a not very nice situation - it's in war with five neighbouring countries so I hope our conquest will be successful.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0035.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0035.jpg)
Despot Radomir was heavily defeated by Ban Andras. He was the only one to return from this tough battle - all of his men died or ran away!
Also, Hungary's king Bela died and his successor achieved to make the Pope accept them back into the church.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0036.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0036.jpg)
Hungary is getting weaker and weaker. They lost the war with Austria, giving them the province of Bosnia and were asked to break all agreements with Bohemia. In the sake of peace Hungary had to give the province of Transylvania to Wallachia and that which is a big blow for us - Byzantia took Macedonia as a tribute. They are our ally and I don't see any other way to get the town of Ochrid except if we recieve it as a gift. My father's goal is slipping away.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0038.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0038.jpg)
A few months ago I met Teodora. I decided to marry her and soon she bore a baby. I hoped that it would be a boy but, alas, it was a girl.
Meanwhile, despot Radomir had attacked the province of Zeta in Hungary and was plundering villages around the town. Some rebels appeared in the province of Bdin - men, still loyal to Ivan Sratsimir. I hope despot Omurtag will do his job and punish these dogs.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0040.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0040.jpg)
Victory is in our hands once more! Radomir assaulted the town of Zeta and at first it seemed that he would loose but then Omurtag joined the battle and the town guards were defeated. This new province welcomed us with a lot of rebels - it seems that internally Hungary is pretty unstable.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0041.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0041.jpg)
King Boleslaw of Poland decided to break our trade agreement. His main reason was the fact that we had attacked Hungary. We were importing horses from Poland but, thank God, the new province we captured - Zeta - provided us with what we need for our cavalry.
Surprisingly, soon after this message we got from Poland, they declared war on Hungary.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0042.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0042.jpg)
Andronicus III, the emperor of Byzantia, dishonoured our alliance. He refused to follow the rules and answer to our demand. He declined to attack Hungary and that's the end to all of our agreements.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0044.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0044.jpg)
My daughter, Kera, is now ready to be married. We decided not to wait and a marriage was arranged. We proposed Byzantia and they gladly accepted. Irini (this means peace, I hope that we will improve our relations) and Kera are now husband and wife. May they live happily... Emperor Andronicus III will soon leave our world and this marriage could be a key for us to some of their territories... We'll wait and see.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0045.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0045.jpg)
The double attack of despot Omurtag's cavalry and despot Radomir's swordsmen and sharpshooters was once more successful and we captured the town of Raska in Hungary!
Andronicus III died and he was replaced by Markos. Our royal marriage with them didn't mean anything.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0046.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0046.jpg)
We finally signed peace with Hungary. We did not take what we needed - Macedonia - but when you loose - you don't know what you are winning. These two new provinces - Raska and Zeta, will be a fine addition to our tzardom.
Whilst we were fighting on this Serbian land, the Pope died. May he rest in peace. The new Pope is from Scotland and is known as Calystus I.
Not only did the Pope die - king Wladislaw from Poland also passed away.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0047.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0047.jpg)
Horray! Emperor Markos of Byzantia agreed to our proposal - we gave them the territory of Zeta and in exchange - we got Macedonia! It is currently flooded with rebels and all the villages, farms and monasteries are demolished, but we will succeed in crushing them.
Sadly, we lost our horses with Zeta, but our northern neighbour - Wallachia - had them and we started importing right away.
Meanwhile - the glory of Hungary is slowly fading away. They lost the war with Poland and now they have to pay a tribute, being their vassal.
They also got one more enemy - Turnovo. Wallachia demanded us to attack them and we couldn't refuse.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0048.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0048.jpg)
Hungary is getting weaker than ever and now they are of no importance on the political maps. They lost the war with Poland and became their vassal; they later had to give two of their towns to Wallachia. Left with only two provinces - they can pray for a miracle to happen. Our time has come for revenge! Our troops have been sent to capture Dyrrhachion in Epirus.
Along with the decline of Hungary, Wallachia is getting stronger and stronger. They are even more powerful than us and we should have this in mind!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0050.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0050.jpg)
We have lost the battle for Dyrrhachion! Our armies have suffered a bitter defeat and despot Radomir and despot Omurtag have been captured and imprisoned! Damn you, Zoltan of Hungary!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0051.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0051.jpg)
After countless numbers of rebelliions in Bdin, Raska and Macedonia because of the double tax - we succeeded in acquiring 11 000 gold for despot Radomir and we paid Hungary for his freedom. Omurtag will stay in prison for now until we have coped with the rebels and collected 11 000 for him too.
Before this happened - Aragon took over Epirus and king Zoltan died. We signed a peace treaty with them. Wallachia declared war on Poland and something very important for our future Bulgarian state - we now have a cleric so educated that he can become a patriarch and with this we can achieve an independent Bulgarian Orthodox church. But this would lead to a war with Byzantia which we do not want for now.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0052.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0052.jpg)
My wife bore me a son! May he be a good successor of mine! His name will be Ioannica and he will be the most powerful ruler of all time!
Our ally, Wallachia, has called our help once more - they asked us to attack Poland and we did so. We need Dobrudzha and the only way to get it is with swords in our hands.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0053.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0053.jpg)
Austria assaulted the last town of Hungary and in the battle king Stephen IV died. This marks the end of Hungary! The other side of the coin - despot Omurtag died while austrian warriors were plundering Hungary's capital. But he wasn't a very experienced marshal, others will come... What's more important is that Hungary, a kingdom that was once the most powerful in Europe, is now gone and it's time for others to arise!
Wallachia, for example. They captured the province of Carpatia in Poland and their territories are now in very impressive scales. They are becoming a threat to us. Wallachia is starting too many wars and they always drag us in - this could be a big problem.
We hired a new marshal - Boyan, and he was granted control over our most powerful units - the steppe cavalry. Boyan and Radomir were sent in Dobrudzha to plunder and eventually take over the town of Karvuna.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0056.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0056.jpg)
A defeat! Despot Radomir and despot Boyan assaulted Karvuna and lost the battle once more (there were 3-4 failures before). This time Boyan was captured alive and sent to Poland's darkest dungeon. Luckily, Radomir managed to escape.
Meanwhile, my son, Ioannica, has become old enough to come under my control and training.

[Karabas Barabas]

Weeeh, man! I havent seen so many defeat screens in all my KoH games put together :)

One hint, you should have taken Karvuna immediately after Bdin, you would have reunited Bulgariq then.

Good luck, and start useing some millitary strategy for God's sake!!!

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

Well I am playing on hard difficulty and, after all, my main idea is not to conquer Europe in the blink of an eye but to make it an interesting story :)
P.S.
Poland has conquered the province of Dobrudzha while we were plundering farms and monasteries around the town of Karvuna!

[Karabas Barabas]

Why don't you start fighting the batles by yourself instead of using the autobattles, or you are using the "do not pause during battles" option ass well. This way you could provide us with some epic screens of Bulgarian hordes sieging Konstantinople or whatever...

Looking foreward for the next chapter :go:

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

Yes, this is a good idea, maybe on a battle with a larger scale I could try leading the army myself. But, for now at least, I'm avoiding to fight a battle manually because in this AAR I am the tzar himself. Maybe if he is the marshal - I'll fight the enemy myself.

[NikeBG]

Nice, nice, I like the way you're thinking about it!

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0056.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0056.jpg)
As despot Radomir was fleeing back to Turnovo, two polish marshals pursued him. Thank the heavens, they decided not to assault the town and returned back to Poland.
Later, a new daughter of mine was born, while a new army was getting ready. Radomir then led the new troops to the town of Kavarna but he lost the battle once again. I decided not to pay the ransom of 6000 gold pieces for now because this would nourish their strenght and anything we had achieved in those several attacks over Karvuna would be in vain.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0060.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0060.jpg)
Betreyal! A member of our court, despot Tervel, who was a trader, was caught spying on us and was imprisoned. He is actually polish and his name is Aurek. We will punish him!
Earlier that day despot Boyan arrived home after we paid the ransom Poland demanded.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0061.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0061.jpg)
The Wallachian ruler, Roman, died of old age and this caused many internal problems. Hungary emerged again, rising from it's ashes like a phoenix, though much weaker now.
Soon, Poland offered us 4200 golden coins and we gladly accepted them. Their spy was escorted to the polish border, although he barely could walk.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0062.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0062.jpg)
We must keep on trying to take over Karvuna. Even though we may not be strong enough to do so. Our armies assaulted the town and lost once again. Radomir managed to run away but despot Boyan was unlucky again and has been imprisoned.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0063.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0063.jpg)
Princess Keratsa has grown up and I have decided to "use" her. We arranged a marriage between her and the chief of the Golden Horde - Jani. This could help us later when he dies and we might inherit some of their territories.
Tzaritsa Teodora bore twins a few days ago, a boy and a girl. They'll be under her guidance for now.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0060.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0065.jpg)
Another defeat - our forces were crushed while assaulting Karvuna. Luckily, there were no prisoners this time.
My other daughter, Tamara, was also ready for marriage and a royal wedding between her and king Kulin from Croatia took place in their kingdom. This marriage could also help us with some territories in future.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0069.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0069.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0070.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0070.jpg)
At last! Our dream has come true!
Despot Radomir and despot Boyan successfuly assaulted Karvuna! The province of Dobrudzha is ours!
This means that now the former territories of Bulgaria are united and from now on the tzardom of Turnovo will be known as the empire of Bulgaria and I will be the tzar of Bulgaria. Two generations have strived to achieve this unification and I, tzar Mikhail, am the one who finished what was started. I can die peacefuly now.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0071.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0071.jpg)
A few months after Bulgaria was united - we became a major power in Europe according to the scholars' statistics - and the only orthodox country to match it's strenght with the other european kingdoms. Glory to our tzardom!
Besides this - we paid 11 000 gold coins to Poland as a tribute for our peace. We no longer need to fight with them.
Also, Radomir was granted control over our best units. His army now consists mainly of pronoia and steppe cavalry. Despot Boyan will lead archers, swordsmen and spearmen from now on. May they have many sucessfull battles!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0072.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0072.jpg)
We declared war on Aragon who are in control of Epirus. This is a province that would help expand our territories and became a stronger empire. We also noticed that Aragon is being crushed by other kingdoms - Provance for example. They'll hardly cope with so many wars.
Except for this, my son Teodor was married to Ana of Wallachia. May they live happily.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0073.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0073.jpg)
Despot Radomir and despot Boyan were sent on a mission to take over Dyrrhachion in Aragon and they were successful. They also managed to kill the two defending marshals who happened to be the king and his heir. Glory to our tzardom!
We also heard that soon after we captured Epirus Aragon was completely eliminated by Provance.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0074.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0074.jpg)
I am Ioannica, tzar of the Bulgarian Empire, son of tzar Mikhail. My ancestors did some very important things. Tzar Ivan Shishman came to rule just the town of Turnovo. He stabilized his tzardom and he became the richest and most loved ruler in Europe. The platform he built allowed the tzardom to expand and flourish. His son and my father - tzar Mikhail - achieved great military success. He expanded Turnovo from two small provinces to a relatively large empire. The most important thing he did was uniting all the bulgarian territories. This way the tzardom of Turnovo became known as the empire of Bulgaria. Soon after that happened - Bulgaria quickly rose as one of the major powers in Europe.
My mission is to stabilize our tzardom - in both economical and diplomatical matter, to achieve an independent Orthodox church and to expand our territories even further.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0075.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0075.jpg)
Except for achieving so many military victories, my father did some mistakes. He decided to marry all my brothers and sisters to other kingdoms, thinking that this would help us get more territories when their rules die. Well - he died first and that's what got us into trouble.
Croatia asked Raska, Macedonia and Epirus, the Golden Horde asked Moesia, Dobrudzha and Bdin, claiming that they are rightful heirs of these lands. We, of course, denied their request and this got us into war with both of them.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0077.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0077.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0078.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0078.jpg)
Soon after we were declared war - the first armies started emerging in our territories. Tarkan Tode from the Golden Horde invaded the province of Dobrudzha and started plundering villages an rural areas. Our marshals are still not ready for battle so we'll have to let them do whatever they are up to.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0079.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0079.jpg)
Another war. King Ilias of Wallachia demanded us to declare war on Poland and to support them as our alliance agreement says. We had no other choice but o agree and follow their call.
We, on our hand, asked them to attack the Golden Horde and Croatia. Surpisingly - they really did declare war on those enemies of ours.

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0080.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0080.jpg)
Tarkan Tode from the Golden Horde was plundering the rich rural areas in Dobrudzha when despot Radomir attacked him and killed all his troops. They captured Tode alive and imprisoned him. A glorious victory!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0081.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0081.jpg)
Wallachia was completely eliminated by Hungary. This means that now we don't have any allies and we should try making friends with some other countries because alone we stand no chance.
Meanwhile Poland and the tatars continued invading and plundering the villages around Karvuna. It's time to act.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0085.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0085.jpg)
Another victory! Tarkan Batu from the Golden Horde decided to assault the town of Karvuna and failed. Despot Radomir successfuly defended the city and even managed to capture the enemy marshal! We now have two army leaders belonging to the Golden Horde, I think they'll be more willing to sign peace now.
Meanwhile we managed to beat off the polish and croatian armies from our territories.
Almost all of our cities are now surrounded by a palisade and in the others these wooden walls are still being built. We have too many enemies to afford having unprotected towns.
I also got married to a beautiful noblewoman called Irina. May our childen - especially the boys - be healthy.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0086.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0086.jpg)
Austria asked us to attack Athens and gave us a tribute - the province of Banat. We gladly accepted this addition to our territories, although it's citizen didn't. Besides - Athens is currently a weak state and we'll hardly have any trouble with them. After all - we have eliminated a few kingdoms. And not to forget that Bulgaria is one of the ten major powers in Europe.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0087.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0087.jpg)
These barbarians - the mongolotatars - finally agreed to a peace treaty with us and paid us a ransom of 4100 gold pieces for tarkan Tode and we accepted it. Their other marshal, tarkan Batu, wasn't so lucky. He was interrogated and we found out that he was one of their best marshals so we executed him as an act of edification. They should all know that the Bulgarian power is no joke and everyone who decides to claim our land as their own shall be punished!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0088.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0088.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0089.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0089.jpg)
The war actions with Athens begined very quickly as they invaded into the province of Banat and attacked the town. The first time the city was hardly defended but the guards managed to defeat the enemy army and even captured the marshal. The next time despot Radomir had arrived in the town and he was prepared for them. Conte Luca attacked and was killed in the battle. After the battle had started - their king, duke Alessandro joined the battle but escaped sucessfuly. Then, at a river crossing, despot Radomir with his cavalry reached the fleeing Alessandro and defeated him thanks to his tactic abilities. The duke was captured and imprisoned. Another glorious victory!
Meanwhile Athen's demanded from their ally Bohemia to attack us, but they declined. They seem to be awed by our power and we should be proud of it!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0090.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0090.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0091.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0091.jpg)
Another athenian marshal was captured! He tried to assault the town of Severin but failed and had to flee. Despot Boyan then followed and engaged him, defeating his army and imprisoning Conte Antonio.
Poland is on the high spot. They declared war on Hungary and recieved the province of Hungary from Bohemia, who also became their vassal, as a peace treaty.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0093.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0093.jpg)
Athens offered us to become our vassal and we accepted. They will pay us half of their income every month.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0094.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0094.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0095.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0095.jpg)
A lot of things happened to our athenian prisoners. We decided to kill one of the marshals as a punishment. Athens offered a ransom of 5100 gold for their other marshal and we accepted.
Then they asked for their duke - Alessandro - giving us 1500 golden coins but we declined. We decided to kill him too. This led to many internal problems in their state and rebels appeared almost everywhere. These greeks should know that whoever decides to invade our empire - more than five times in their case - shall get what they deserve.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0096.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0096.jpg)
This is currently what our cartographers have drawn as a map of all states around us.

[papabear]

Great job bro, waiting for the next part :)

[GogoT]

I think that a conquering Constantinople (and Solun) will be good ending of your AAR !

[papabear]

Conquer Solun and Bulgaria will become as big as in the time of Simeon I.

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

You'll see soon :)
I have already finished this AAR but I don't have time to post the other parts.

[papabear]

How long shall we wait?

[GogoT]

How long shall we wait?

verry long :D

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

I'm sorry, as soon as I have some free time - I'll post the next and final part.

[NikeBG]

Final? Hmm... I hope it's long! ;)

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0098.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0098.jpg)
We managed to capture the province of Moldavia in Poland. Meanwhile their king died an was replaced by Adon.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0099.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0099.jpg)
Pan Bialy, a marshal, sent from Poland, walked into our territories and was welcomed quite unhospitably by despot Radomir. Our armies defeated this polish dog and imprisoned him. Soon after - Poland offered us white peace and we accepted. We had achieved all we wanted.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0100.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0100.jpg)
The people of Banat, previously believing in the foul catholic faith have been successfuly enlightened into the righteous orthodox christianity.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0101.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0101.jpg)
Poland decided to pay us a ransom for pan Bialy, who was imprisoned in our dungeons, and we accepted it.
Meanwhile the Byzantium emperor Markos died and Alexios took his place. There also were some rebels in Moldavia but there were easily put to rest.
My son, Omurtag, is now a man and I'll make sure that he'll be a good tzar.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0102.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0102.jpg)
At last! We've declared our church independent and our best cleric became the patriarch. We no longer have to pay a tribute to Constantinoplea dn this has angered Byzantium a lot. They declared war on us.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0103.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0103.jpg)
Our troops assaulted the town of Zeta in Byzantium and successfuly took over it! And what a surprise - after staying a few years in their hands, this province has become extremely rich, producing all kinds of trade goods. It'll be a nice addition to our tzardom.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0105.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0105.jpg)
War in adjacent countries has made some political changes. Hungary had to became a vassal of Poland and Athens had to give the province of Dalmatia to Austria in order to preserve peace.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0106.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0106.jpg)
Surprisingly Armenia declared war on us. King Antarig says their country is in an economical downfall. But still - I don't see how this small state on the other side of the Black Sea is going to gain anything in a war with Bulgaria...
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0107.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0107.jpg)
Great news! We captured Solun in Byzantium. A town that definitely will be of importance.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0108.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0108.jpg)
According to our diplomats - the other countries admit that Bulgaria is currently the strongest state in Europe and it is true. Noone shall stand in our way to glory!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0110.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0110.jpg)
Athens, who were our vassals by now, have declared war on us. I hope duke Simone knows what he's doing!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0111.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0111.jpg)\
Nicea, one of Byzantium's greatest fortresses, has fallen into our hands after Boyan and Radomir's devastating assault.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0112.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0112.jpg)
Athenian army, led by duke Simone, attempted to take over the town of Dyrrhahcion in Epir but were crushed and forced to flee.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0113.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0113.jpg)
This is currently the map of Bulgaria, drawn by our finest cartographers. Our empire is growing larger and larger. Nothing can stop us!
There are still some rebellions in greek provinces but despot Radomir is doing his job well and is successfuly suppressing each one of them.

---
That's it for now. I decided not to post all of it. The final part will be ready tomorrow!

[IWM]

When?
Veryyyy~~~~~ LOng!

[Tzar Simeon Veliki]

http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0114.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0114.jpg)
I am Omurtag, son of Ioannica, tzar of the Bulgarian Empire. My ancestors made a lot to turn Bulgaria into one of the major powers of Europe. They managed to recover our former provinces, they achieved an independent Orthodox church and their will was law on the Balkan peninsula. They took over serbian, athenian and hungarian provinces. They pushed Byzantium away from the Balkans, leaving only Constantinople as their last fortress! This will be my goal - I'll try to conquer the strongest castle in whole Europe! I'll also do everything to get rid of Athens and expand our territories as much as I can.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0118.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0118.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0120.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0120.jpg)
Soon after I was crowned our marshals succeeded in defeating and imprisoning these annoying athenians who kept invading our lands. Athens was forced to sign a peace treaty and they became our vassals, as did Byzantium. Also, Armenia asked us for peace and we accepted (even thought we never fought a battle), maybe because the Ottoman empire declared war on them.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0121.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0121.jpg)
Glory, glory! The Bulgarian Empire is now the most powerful kingdom in whole Europe! Bulgaria is also the only Orthodox country amongst the major powers so this is also very good for us.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0124.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0124.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0125.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0125.jpg)
Athens and Byzantia have declared independence. This means was of course, too bad we didn't kill the athenian prisoners. Meanwhile we gathered another trade good - columns.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0126.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0126.jpg)
As Athens was trying to conquer Nicea (quite unsuccessfully I can say) we managed to take over their province of Hellas, thus pushing them away from the Balkans, then we signed a peace treaty with them. We also accessed silver thanks to our traders.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0129.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0129.jpg)
We granted Byzantium peace for now. We first have to stabilize our new provinces and then we can proceed with our most important mission - Constantinople.
We converted some of the new catholic provinces into the Orthodox religion. We also gained ebony goods and we got to an important kingdom advantage - our fortresses will now be much harder to conquer.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0131.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0131.jpg)
As Hungary was getting more and more territory from Austria and Poland, a new kingdom arose from the rebellions in austrian provinces - Croatia. This seems like a good chance to take over some more lands and we declared war on them.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0134.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0134.jpg)
Very soon after that we conquered both of their provinces - Istria and Dalmatia - and completely annihilated the Croatian kingdom which didn't last long. We also quickly enlightened their people to the Orthodox Christianity.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0137.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0137.jpg)
I, tzar Omurtag of Bulgaria, was one of the two candidates for the ultimate throne of Europe! This was very honorable as I really am the strongest ruler, they only have to admit it but they didn't - they still have ambitions which will one day be crushed.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0139.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0139.jpg)
The time has come! Participating in the elections of the ultimate european emperor is a sign that we are strong enough for great deeds. We declared war on Byzantium and very soon despot Boyan and despot Radomir reached Constantinople! After a long siege this great city gave up and we conquered Byzantium's capital!
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0141.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0141.jpg)
This means that we have achieved total hegemony on the Balkans! Bulgaria is now a very strong and stable empire, all our enemies have suffered much for their foolishness!
Of course, a fool who we let live not long ago - the duke of Athens - once again declared war on us. I don't know what he's trying to achieve but he sent troops to our lands and this time there was no mercy. All his marshals were killed and maybe soon we'll take their other territories, this way we'll have control over the Mediterranean sea too.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0146.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0146.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0147.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0147.jpg)
Tzar Omurtag who had no heirs died of old age. This means the end of the Shishman dynasty. Despot Radomir took the opportunity and seized the throne. He was left controlling the strongest empire in Europe.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0151.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0151.jpg)
Power in the hands of a warrior is terrible. Tzar Radomir started many wars and also did some things which were dishonest. He attacked Hungary, taking over Wallachia, and then declared war on the Golden Horde, taking one of their provinces after another. War was also declared on Sweden, Denmark and Norway, attacking them too. He stared these invasions too soon - without stabilizing the empire after the previous wars. Because of this there were many rebellions and while he was travelling around his new territories in Eastern Europe his troops assassinated him by the orders of despot Boyan who took the power.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0152.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0152.pg)
Tzar Boyan tried to centralize the empire and get rid of the rebels. He didn't succeed - the other kindoms were trying to get back their old territories. Because of this Boyan was killed in battle and the crown took his unknown son, Petar. He would to his best to protect the Bulgarian empire, but all of the sudden he had no marshals and army was only in the most important castles, protecting them from attacks.
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0153.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0153.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0154.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0154.jpg)
http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/thumb:UO0155.jpg (http://pmg-haskovo.org/georgi/KoH/UO0155.jpg)
This big and unprotected empire is doomed. Bulgaria had been left to the mercy of it's enemies because of greed. As the power fell to the former marshals their love of war and glory led them to the most northern parts of Europe, but it also led them to their death. They left a very unstable empire and only God knows what is going to happen to it...

---
The end! After more than a year I finally found time for this AAR :) I hope you've enjoyed it!