Mongrel

"France and Scotland, you're gonna team up against the HRE and England... in a tag team match!"

Finally got into a game, although tactically I'm not there. Wanting to ensure a bit of stability for my dynasty, I wanted to change the succession laws to Primogeniture. I thought starting a faction might do this, but, after beating the King of Sweden in the ensuing war, I only managed to change the actual laws of succession for the Crown! So, in the process, I took myself out of the reckoning, having been second in the elections! Unfortunately, my Mac seems to have huge troubles with the game (seems a common thing), so every few years will freeze and I'll lose what isn't autosaved. Can't be helped really. The long reign of Duke Sven the Wise ended in 1116, with him being by far the most powerful man in the Kingdom of Sweden (having even beaten the King in the War for Primogeniture). The existence of Gavelkind succession meant that his holdings were split between his three sons: Duke Sven II of Östergötland Duke Borkvard of Småland Duke Inge of Götaland Borkvard and Inge, famously kept apart by their father, descended into war quickly, and even I, Sven II, got involved following a call to arms from Borkvard. Inge, beaten by his brothers, was dead soon after losing the Duchy of Götaland to his new king, Bengt I, in a disappointing end to his reign. I then performed a massive heel turn on Borkvard to win a prolonged war over the Duchy of Småland, but reluctantly kept him on as Count of Värend in the hopes he'll one day forgive me. I don't think it'll happen. Bengt I, not commanding the same respect as his father Inge the Just, finds himself in a world of trouble, with northern counts seeking to install their own kings on the Swedish throne - and winning those wars at the moment. He also faces northern conquests on Götaland, where my vassal Jedvard sits. We really do not want to lose that, considering that they provide a huge navy for my levies. As it stands, through my vassals I again command levies from all the holdings my father owned, but with a couple of unhappy vassals. If I can resist the Gästriklander siege on my holding Närke, I'd like to be able to turn my sights north to the Duchy of Bergslagen - currently held by Duchess Rikissa.

Ahhh, that was tricky! Thanks for the help!

This is a bit of a silly question, but I'm at war with Götaland, which is an island. I can get my troops onto a ship, but how do I land on the island? All I seem to be able to do is sail around it...

Agreed. The way they played it, I felt like I was seeing something I wasn't supposed to be seeing. Made me feel bad. I think it is only ever implied in the Danish/Swedish version, as well. Maybe some of that is lost in the translation, though, but they seemed to refer to Saga as 'special'.

It will be interesting to see if the American remake of The Bridge is anywhere near as bleak and Scandinavian as Bron/Broen was.

Is there any suggestion that Sigurdsson is on the table? Even if he is, I can't imagine Spurs will want to let go of both him and Dempsey. One of them is probably surplus to requirements (I'd say Dempsey, considering Sigurdsson's end to the year), but it surely isn't in their interests to sell both.

Finn's bowling here is absolute trash. Seriously.

'Cause he's the new kid, and Starc, Siddle and Pattinson are all good batsmen. For all the top order issues, Australia at least bats to 11.

I suspect that's Cowan's last knock in Australian colours. Poor shot, go away.

Pattoooo

Schwarzer's place isn't under threat, but it would have been nice for him to play consistent first team football in a World Cup year. Still not as silly as Holman's move, though.

As an aside, this is what we had while watching today: Unfortunately, the frozen bananas look like something else. I'm thinking Hot Ham Water for the next viewing!

Watched the first three episodes with a group of people today. The first one was a bit of a shocking change of pace, but was OK. The second was deplorable, and the third was a step in the right direction. I was really worried after the first two, but hopefully business starts to pick up again.

Yeah, I forgot about that - that's definitely gotta happen! And of course! Do you have any suggestions about things I have to take/when to get there, man? I've been living in Copenhagen for the past few months so I'm not far away, and really have no idea to expect.

I'm going to Roskilde as well! Really have no idea what to expect from it, but I'm pretty excited none the less! Been listening to a lot of Bobby Womack recently, so most excited to see him, James Blake, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Of Monsters and Men, Jake Bugg, Efterklang and Marie Key, really!

This is great fun!

It's like Iceland's version of Meatloaf.

Well this is vaguely offensive.

LET'S ALL PRETEND WE'RE AT A LIVE FESTIVAL

I like the game when the players don't listen to everything you say. Man management becomes too easy when you have some success at the club - want to leave? I make the decisions around here!

Well they are both Danish...

If you are willing to watch something foreign, Danish show Forbrydelsen (The Killing) is a great show and has finished three seasons (20, 10 and 10 episodes). The first season is a bit of a slow burn, but well worth sticking with.

If you are gonna be shit Defoe, at least don't actively go and fuck things up while you are it. Jesus Christ.

fucking hell