Wrath of the Norsemen: Grand Campaign mod for Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms

Wrath of the Norsemen: 2017 New Release [INFO & ANNOUNCEMENT]

Today, Horsa on TWC and i are excited to officially announce the future of Wrath of the Norsemen!

WotN has been developed by countless people over numerous years, and all that hard work has finally culminated into a large European campaign, rather than simply focusing on a smaller area.

Now we will reveal all the information you could need.

START DATE:
876 - 1050 AD
The start date has been moved forward, to further represent the height of the Viking age, giving you control over some of the most famous rulers of the time. (For example, the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok, and Alfred the Great)

THE MAP:

This is the expanse that the map covers...
To the south, it goes as far as Venice...
To the north, as far as the tip of Scandinavia...
To the west, as far as Greenland...
And to the east, as far as the White Sea...

FACTIONS:

Viking Culture

Danmörk
Leader: Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye.

Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, son of Ragnar Lodbrok is king of this land, a land almost united. While his brothers rule land overseas, Sigurd maintains control of Denmark, and seeks to expands its borders. Attacking the Geats seems an obvious move, as they are frail, and will soon surrender to Svitjods authority. Francia is also preoccupied with it's many surrounding enemies.

Gautlandi
Leader: Gautrekr.

At present, Gautland’s greatest concern is building itself into a powerful enough force to handle a large scale Swedish invasion. Lacking the already substantial military force of the Norwegian and Danish Kings, the Geats make use of many fast moving, yet poorly armed troops & skirmishers. However, the Geats must also rally a more substantial force quickly, lest they wish for their lands to become game for their foes.

Norðvegr
Leader: Harald Fairhair.

Harald Fairhair, is a renowned warrior and viking king. He has managed to unite most of Norway after his victory at Hafrsfjord, swallowing up many of this lands petty kingdoms under his rulership.

The Danes are the greatest threat at hand, and are already aware of their new potential rival. Your eastern neighbours, the Geats, are primitive forest folk, but could quickly pose a threat if united with their Swedish rivals, which seems likely to happen very soon. A united Svitjod, combined of both Svitjod, the recently conquered Gutland and Geatland could pose a very real threat.

Frisland
Leader: Rorik of Dorestad.

Arriving on the Frisian shore in the 840's, the Danish princes Rorik and Harald, with their cousin Godfrid, became entangled in Carolingian politics. The Norsemen sided with Lothair I, against his father Louis the Pious, and were awarded with Frisia as fief and tax-land.

Increasingly the former marauders find themselves employed to secure land against their own kind. While able fighters, are these Norsemen adept in the matters of court intrigue or will they be swallowed up by the cloak and dagger of Carolingian politics?

Danelagen
Leader: Guthrum.

With East Anglia now under rule of Guthrum, and Northumbria under the control of Halfdan Ragnarsson, the Great Heathen Army owns almost half of the country. Mercia is slowly being swallowed up, keeping control of the west of its kingdom only due to the support of Wessex, while its east mainly belongs to the Danelaw. The north of Northumbria has rebelled against Halfdans rule, essentially giving him control only of what was once the kingdom of Deira, while Bernicia is now under the control of Ecgberht II who titles himself "King of Northumbria". To make matters worse, Alfred of Wessex is looking to drive out the Danes and expand the reach of his kingdom, so war with the West Saxons is almost certain.

Sweþiuð
Leader: Bjorn Ironside.

Bjorn Ironside, A powerful Viking chieftain and naval commander who has survived countless battles and was about to go raiding both in Frankia, the British Isles and in the Mediterranean Sea as far away as the lands of Italy and those of the Saracens, he is now in control of what was once the original tribe of Ragnar Lothbrokk, Svitjod - or the swedish Northmen and vikings - as one can also call them, are his people - and it would seem he has many choices to make. Will he chose to recounquer Denmark from his brother Sigurd? Will he instead focus on the smaller tribe of Gautland conquering the Geats? Will he move his forces north to Sami and Tavastian lands, east to Slavic lands or west to saxons and Franks? It's not certain which route Bjorn will choose - but one thing is certain and that is the fact that there are many possibilities for the vikings of Switjod to raid!

Gall-Ghàidheil
Leader: Ivar the Boneless.

Under rule of Ivar, the possible son of Ragnar Lodbrok, these people are now independent from the kings the Norway. From their capital of Dublin, they are slowly expanding their territories in Ireland. Some of the Irish kingdoms have submitted, or allied themselves with the "Foreign Gaels", while others, such as Muma, firmly oppose them. Outside of Ireland, the "Foreign Gaels", or Østmenn as they sometimes call themselves, have taken control of the Isle of Man, the Hebrides, and the Orkney islands, using their seafaring talents.

However, not all is bright for the Uí Ímair, as the once warring tribes in Scotland are now united under one banner. The Gall-Ghàidheil must fight a war on two fronts, as well as a possible impending invasion from the newly rising king in Norway, Harald Fairhair, whose enemies have recently fled to the safety of the Gall-Ghàidheil land. Ivar would begin a dynasty known as the Uí Ímair, which would start off the rise of the Kingdom of the Isles, who would occupy these territories until the middle of the thirteenth century.

Norðmaðr
Leader: Rollo.

The Normans have only recently arrived in Francia. Under leadership of Rollo, they made their capital Rouen only last year. These Vikings originated from Norway, and sailed south to modern day Normandy in search of new lands and wealth. The word Norman translates into Northmen.

For now, your position in Normandy is uncertain. With only a small area of land under your domain, and a limited number of troops, your Frankish enemies have an Empire to throw at you. Keeping control of your newly claimed land, while carving out more of a kingdom will be a difficult task. Perhaps you should look to other Viking raiders for potential alliances? The Vikings in Frisia, or the Danelaw across the Whale Road could serve as useful allies against the Franks, or perhaps even Denmark itself may send reinforcements to your aid.

Baltic/Finnish Culture

Kursi
Leader: Galdiks.

An obvious start to grow in power would be to use the wealth gained in trade to expand the armies, conquer the other Balts, and establish a larger presence in the Baltic sea, but none of this will be easy, and that will mean a bitter war against the Prussians who are beginning to grow into a dangerous rival. The path of the Kursi is an uncertain one... Little is known about the Curonian rulers, so the leader of this faction is completely fictional, using a historical name from this time.

Prusi
Leader: Valtaitjs.

The Prussians, in many ways are not a united people. Its many small tribes squabble amongst each other, but the Sambians are the richest and most powerful of them all. The rise in power of the Sambians, along with the threat of attack from larger foreign peoples, and Viking raids along the coastlines have created a more settled and united Prussian people, but they are still far from a joint union. Your first step should be to use the Sambians wealth to create an army capable of uniting the other Prussian tribes under your banner.

The Scalvians, Nadruvians, Natangians, Bartians, Pomesanians, Pogesanians, Galindians, Warmians, Sasnans and Lubavians must all recognise your authority over Prussia. Once this is done, your vision could become even greater, perhaps uniting all Baltic people under your kingship. This step would mean an all out war with Kursi however, and the Curonians are not to be underestimated... Something that even the Vikings had to learn.

Häme
Leader: Uljas.

In war the Tavastians preferred the lighter and less expensive approach of leather armors and tunics, light round shields, and an extreme lack of any iron pieces of arms or armor. Häme will be a true test of your strength, can you fight off and conquer the Finns? Can you repel the Viking raids? Can you lead Tavastia to victory against the Karelians? Little is known about the Tavastian rulers, so the leader of this faction is completely fictional, using a historical name from this time.

Kvänland
Leader: Snærr.

Kvenland is a cold and harsh place, a land of snow and ice far from the reaches of European civilization, these people have plenty of room to expand their reach, but only in lands where survival is difficult, and wealth near impossible.

First mentioned in Ottar's writings to Alfred the Great, king of Wessex in 890 the writings indicate that the Kvens are a people seperate to the other tribes around them. It is hard to know if the Kvens originate from the Finns, Sami or Norse, but it appears they had connection with all three of these people groups.

Karjalaizet

Leader: Hüvättü.

The Karelians main trade is in furs, and other goods obtained through hunting. If they want to improve their trade and wealth, they must look to expand their borders. Surrounded by squabbling tribes, the Karelians have an opportunity to grow. Beware of the Tavastians to your west, and the even greater threat of the Rus' to your south.

Little is known about any leaders of the Karelians at this time, so the ruler of this faction is completely fictional, using as accurate a name was possible.

Slavic Culture

Garðariki
The Rus', Varagians, fathers of Russia, they began as Viking invaders, who formed a great nation, mixing with the native Slavic population, led by the legendary Rurik.

Polanie
Leader: Siemowit.

The Polanes are a Slavic tribe that inhabited what is now modern day Poland, along with the Pomeranians, Masovians, Silesians, Vistulans and other tribes.

The Polanes are now under leadership of Siemowit, the son of Piast the Wheelwright, founder of the Piast dynasty which would soon lead the kingdom of Poland. In recent years the Polanes have managed to unite several other Polish tribes under their rule, leaving only the Pomeranians and Goplans to conquer. However, while the Polanes have united many of the tribes, many others such as the Silesians have been incorporated into Great Moravia. As your lands grow, tension could soon stir with Great Moravia, and that is a war the Polanes are unlikely to win right now without powerful allies at their side. For the Polanes, it seems most sensible to look to the north, conquer the Pomeranians, and then expand eastwards.

Velká Morava
Leader: Svätopluk.

Tangled up in European politics Moravia was invaded by king Louis "the German" of East Frankia, which installed Mojmirs nephew Rastislav on the throne. The reign of Grand Duke Rastislav saw the coming of Cyril and Methodius, the creation of the first Slavic script and wast progress on the cultural level. This period also saw Moravia constantly on the side of opposition in Frankish politics. The situation culminated in 870 when Rastislav was seized by the Franks, assisted by his nephew Svätopluk of Nitra.

Grand Duke Svätopluk himself was arrested in 871, but restored following a revolt led by his kinsman Slavomir, The Grand Duke must now decide whether to follow the path of his predecessors or align himself with his German neighbour.

Celtic Culture

Alba
Leader: Causantín.

Causantín, the son of Kenneth MacAlpin now rules this land, and his kingdom is threatened by the rise of Norse who have already taken control of the outer Hebrides and Orkney islands, lands that should rightfully belong to Alba. Scotland is a land that is essentially still birthing, and it is surrounded by enemies, even Northumbria if it is allowed to regain its strength will look to take back long distributed lands in the south of Alba, and Vikings are arriving on all sides of the country every year. If one thing can be said for certain, it is that Alba is about to be bathed in blood, an invasion is likely to come sooner rather than later, the question is are the people of Alba prepared? Make your alliances, build your armies, fortify your settlements, and watch the coastlines... This soil aches for death once again.

Mhumhain
Leader: Dúnchad.

The Eóganachta inner circle has held Mumhain since the 7th century. Ruling from the rock of Cashel where Conall Cork mac Luigthig established himself after he married Aimend, the daughter of king Óengus Bolg. Yet a series of weak kings has seen the borders of Mumhain shrink, its influence slowly grinding away. It is long since the Eóganachta held High Kingship of Ireland. Lately, under the able rule of king Cerball mac Dúnlainge, Osraige has broken free.

Alas times has changed and now furious foreigners has arrived on the shores. They kill with impunity and burn what they can not carry with them, leaving destitution and ashes in their wake. The Irish are accustomed to prolonged tribal conflicts and the occasional cattle-raid, but this wanton destruction is hard to fathom. The heathen withdraw to fortified camps on islands and river estuaries and more ships arrive each year. Perhaps there is a rational reason behind this seemingly errant violence after all. If so, can it be tamed and used for ones own gains or rooted out before one is overwhelmed?

Guynet
Leader: Rhodri the Great.

In the last years of the empire, Britains western shores were plagued by savage raiders from across the Irish sea. The emperor Magnus Maximus, before he took his legions to the continent, sought to set things in order for protection of the isle. Thus he invited Cunedda ap Edern and the Votadini, as they were of Breton stock, to settle in Wales and rid the shores of Irish marauders. These Manaw slaughtered the Irish and Cunedda became known as Wledig - Landholder. Cunedda had nine sons and divided the land among them.

The fortunes of the Welsh kingdoms have waxed and waned as constant in-fighting has depleted the population, leaving the land open for raiders once again. Yet, out of the rubble has risen again Gwynedd, under the able command of Rhodri. Through conquest and dubious claims of inheritance he has attached the kingdoms of Powys, Seisyllwg and Maelinydd to his own. While not Rex Britannorum in the full sense of the word, Rhodri is the de facto ruler of half of Wales and his authority can be felt far beyond the borders of Gwynedd.

Germanic Culture

Westseaxna
Leader: Alfred the Great.

At his capital of Winchester, Alfred has only recently taken the throne of Wessex, after the death of his three brothers. This man was never meant to be king, he was after all, the fifth and youngest son of King Æthelwulf, but with the Viking encroachment into West Saxon territories, war has taken them all. Not all is bleak though! The unexpected king has proven to be a brilliant one, having already won a significant victory at the battle of Ashdown, and securing peace for the past few years.

Norþhymbra
Leader: Ecgberht II.

Northumbria is a land fighting to maintain its independence. This kingdom began as a unification of the kingdoms of Bernicia to the north, and Deira to the south.

The recent turning point for this once great kingdom was its rebellion against the Danes only a few years ago, killing off Ecgberht and placing a new king called Ricsige on the throne, who would rule over all Northumbria until Halfdan Ragnarsson came north to retake Deira, the southern portion of Northumbria. Now only having control of Bernicia, it is said that Ricsige died of a broken heart. Recently the throne has been given to Ecgberht II, who unlike the first Ecgherht has control over Bernicia independently from the Vikings to the south.

West Francia (Western Frankish Empire)
Leader: Charles the Bald.

The western division of the Frankish Empire, led by Charles the Bald. This kingdom would become known as France in time.

East Francia (Eastern Frankish Empire)
Leader: Carlomann.

The eastern part of the empire, under rule of Carlomann, would eventually become the Holy Roman Empire.

Byzantine Culture

Imperium Romanorum
The Byzantines, a remnant of the Roman Empire, were very fond of their Varagian mercenaries. Byzantium controls holdings in Venice and Crimea on the map. Maybe the Roman Empire will be able to turn the decline around and reconquer the lost western territories from the Franks? Even going as far as the Rex Britannorum? - Currently though, the situation is very grim - and invasions may come from both the Magyars and the Rus to the east.

The Empire only has three regions, and the rest of the country is busy fighting the Sassanian Empire off the map. So it will only have limited troops and a very limited economy - but it's troops are the best available.

PROGRESS:
Map: 95%
Rosters: 90%
Coding: 80%
Research: 98%
Other: 90%

A special thanks to The Last Kingdom, Baltic: Total War, and all the other mods, and members of WotN who have made this possible.

WANT TO HELP?
There is always work to be done! If you are willing to get your hands dirty, then get in contact with a member of WotN!