Hi all readers.
This will become the account of the trials and tribulations of the country of Prussia as she attempts to further her aims at the cost of her other continental adversaries.
I am a complete newb at this game, so this AAR will take on the guise of a story, interspersed with maps and takes on why I get my RS handed to me - as no doubt I will. This is very much a learning experience but will also, hopefully, be useful to you, as you stride into the unknown of this clever game.
Here are links to the AARs of the other players in this game. Their AARs are restricted to me.
Russian AAR: tm.asp?m=2139848
French AAR: tm.asp?m=2139859
British AAR: tm.asp?m=2139951
Turkish AAR: tm.asp?m=2140026
Spanish AAR: tm.asp?m=2140289
Austrian AAR: tm.asp?m=2140326
Pigs fly or Schwein Flu? A Prussian AAR
Moderator: MOD_WestCiv
Pigs fly or Schwein Flu? A Prussian AAR
Image courtesy of Divepac
The King is dead, long live the King
Count Novice Von Newby muttered to himself as he marched away from the royal chambers. The new King, raised to his position by men such as himself, plotting and scheming to undermine the previous ruler who was governing so poorly that the insurrection simmering in France might take root here in Prussia, was so young he barely new up from down.
He'd passed a group of soldiers lurking in one of the hallways earlier in the day and overheard one of their comments:
"He's so young he doesn't know it's not just for wizzing yet".
He'd admonished them of course, and the guilty party was now on jankers for a week, but it didn't take Julius Ceasar to recognise the King was not up to the job. Of course that's where Count Novice Von Newby would step up to the plate, he'd (secretly?) act as Regent until the boy could figure out the time of day. However, the shear weight of wrongs that needed to be put right was staggering. Where to start and who to woo??
He'd passed a group of soldiers lurking in one of the hallways earlier in the day and overheard one of their comments:
"He's so young he doesn't know it's not just for wizzing yet".
He'd admonished them of course, and the guilty party was now on jankers for a week, but it didn't take Julius Ceasar to recognise the King was not up to the job. Of course that's where Count Novice Von Newby would step up to the plate, he'd (secretly?) act as Regent until the boy could figure out the time of day. However, the shear weight of wrongs that needed to be put right was staggering. Where to start and who to woo??
Image courtesy of Divepac
Like a geriatric without their walking frame...
So, like the novice I've admitted to being at this game I forgot to take either note or pictures of the settings I have made. However, I'll try and remember what I did and why and post it here. Any comments you'd like to make would be much appreciated.
Diplomatic Situation:
Well the most obvious issue I have is war with France. At present I have a small but capable army, but I only have 200 money to spend on depots to get this army to France. At the range I am from France this would be eaten in 2 turns.
I am in a strange sort of alliance with Austria, nothing is ratified as a treaty but I appear to have the yellow triangle of 'alliance' status in the diplomacy window... I need to talk to Austria about what we do in the war with the Frogs.
So, I send my two diplomats off. One (sorry names escape me), with good influence, goes to a location close to the small countries of greater Prussia
and is set to goodwill. This allows him to use his influence on all surround locations. Since they are all separate kingdoms/provinces, this seems reasonable (I did dally with the thought of sending him to Poland - a very great victory if you can get them to side with you, but decided against it (Russia and Austria will have designs there no doubt).
The other, with a high espionage rating, is sent to France to pressure for peace. France will have enough problems getting money, if I can cause him to have to pay another 60 a few times he may surrender.
I offer a royal wedding with GB, don't know if they'll go for this, but their natural enemy is France and I have no wish to DOW Britain in the near future. I would actually like them, with all their money, to start subsidising my attempts to take on the French.
Military
As stated, I have a small but capable armed forces made of two armies: the Army of Prussia (4 inf, 1 Heavy Cav, 1 arty with 3 generals attached) and the Army of the Rhine (3 inf and 1 arty - 2 generals attached).
The Army of the Rhine moves to Madgesburg and enters the fort there. This is to try and keep costs down with the army in barracks plus I need some home defence, and the Army of Prussia moves to the only protectorate I have (can't remember it's name - 1 province to the West of Madgesburg). They are there to look like I am moving on France, this depends on what I can scheme with the Austrians - most of the leg work will have to be done by him, I am just too small, but I want to do France damage so that I can demand more concessions if/when we get to the bargaining table.
Also, from what I have read about Terje(France) he is likely to try and cut off the supply of the allied forces and let attrition cut down the numbers. To offset this I may attempt to get a 'share depots' treaty with Austria. This will at least allow us to stay in supply and may make my army more useful (defending the supply lines and killing any small units France uses to try and cut them).
Production and Trade
I move the only ship I have: a merchant, up off the coast of Sweden (again I can't remember the location). This is a risk as I am very likely to meet a Swedish merchant here and have my income neutered, however, this location has a possible income (although most of it is eaten by Fuedalism dues) of 50, of this I get about 10 (again as long as the Swedes, or the Russians for that matter, don't move a merchant there). I also have the worry of French interception, not much I can do about that - there is no way I can replace the merchant if it comes to that - far too expensive in textiles.
I set up my provinces to provide me with raw materials to fight the good fight with. Of these provinces the ones to note are: Madgesburg - wool, Breslau - Iron, Danzig - Luxuries and Brandenburg (my capital) - good at everything. I fiddle with the sliders, with a goal of being able to build a Jager infantry next turn. For this the most important thing I will need is labour, as I use my total labour stock on developing provinces this turn. Because I need 20 labour to make this unit I need to get my provinces to provide 20 labour in the next turn, I have to curtail many of the other resources to achieve this.
My overall feeling on the outcome is that I am not producing enough food to accommodate population growth, that in turn will accommodate building infantry based units.
To this end I propose a trade agreenent with Anglia (Britain) from Brandenburg, for money for food: 6 money for 5 food. Cheeky but depending on what settings he has on his PBEM policy I may get this...?
Economy
I increase the tax rate to 17, which has an impact on National Morale - but I am going to spend a shed load on luxuries this turn such that NM is increased by a whopping 100, so I can afford this, and after all I am in a war! I increase the draft from 1 to 2 and decrease the ages limit and increase the training time on my troops, such that their quality is 4.50 when they are released into their units.
With the merchant deployed this gives me an estimated 74 money next turn. If my trade with GB goes ahead (money for food) this will obviously be reduced, and I don't know what I'll get from my merchant, but this isn't too bad for Prussia.
Developments
I have enough resources and money to be able to commission 3 developments in my provinces. 2 banks (including one in the capital - of which I also allocate some precious labour for development reducing the time to build from 10 to 9), and a factory in Breslau. Breslau produces 10 iron, so a factory will produce 1 more, and will be good to build artillery out of once I have enough resources.
Overall Strategy
Hmm, well not sure here. Short term is to try and weddle as much damage and experience for my troops as I can out of the war with France. I don't know what the Austrians will do, but I am pretty certain the French will be canny about their deployments. I don't really want this war to drag on for too long, but I'll do my best to make the most of it while it's there. In PBEM I don't know if France will suffer through the revolution or not...?
I will attempt to woo both Britain and Sweden, and look to get aggressive towards Russia and maybe Austria. I also need to take a few protectorates to expand my influence. Now I have always used diplomacy to do this, rather than war, but in PBEM you may have to move faster than diplomacy to achieve what you're after. I will take a bit of time to see the lay of the land here.
There we have it.
Diplomatic Situation:
Well the most obvious issue I have is war with France. At present I have a small but capable army, but I only have 200 money to spend on depots to get this army to France. At the range I am from France this would be eaten in 2 turns.
I am in a strange sort of alliance with Austria, nothing is ratified as a treaty but I appear to have the yellow triangle of 'alliance' status in the diplomacy window... I need to talk to Austria about what we do in the war with the Frogs.
So, I send my two diplomats off. One (sorry names escape me), with good influence, goes to a location close to the small countries of greater Prussia
and is set to goodwill. This allows him to use his influence on all surround locations. Since they are all separate kingdoms/provinces, this seems reasonable (I did dally with the thought of sending him to Poland - a very great victory if you can get them to side with you, but decided against it (Russia and Austria will have designs there no doubt).The other, with a high espionage rating, is sent to France to pressure for peace. France will have enough problems getting money, if I can cause him to have to pay another 60 a few times he may surrender.
I offer a royal wedding with GB, don't know if they'll go for this, but their natural enemy is France and I have no wish to DOW Britain in the near future. I would actually like them, with all their money, to start subsidising my attempts to take on the French.
Military
As stated, I have a small but capable armed forces made of two armies: the Army of Prussia (4 inf, 1 Heavy Cav, 1 arty with 3 generals attached) and the Army of the Rhine (3 inf and 1 arty - 2 generals attached).
The Army of the Rhine moves to Madgesburg and enters the fort there. This is to try and keep costs down with the army in barracks plus I need some home defence, and the Army of Prussia moves to the only protectorate I have (can't remember it's name - 1 province to the West of Madgesburg). They are there to look like I am moving on France, this depends on what I can scheme with the Austrians - most of the leg work will have to be done by him, I am just too small, but I want to do France damage so that I can demand more concessions if/when we get to the bargaining table.
Also, from what I have read about Terje(France) he is likely to try and cut off the supply of the allied forces and let attrition cut down the numbers. To offset this I may attempt to get a 'share depots' treaty with Austria. This will at least allow us to stay in supply and may make my army more useful (defending the supply lines and killing any small units France uses to try and cut them).
Production and Trade
I move the only ship I have: a merchant, up off the coast of Sweden (again I can't remember the location). This is a risk as I am very likely to meet a Swedish merchant here and have my income neutered, however, this location has a possible income (although most of it is eaten by Fuedalism dues) of 50, of this I get about 10 (again as long as the Swedes, or the Russians for that matter, don't move a merchant there). I also have the worry of French interception, not much I can do about that - there is no way I can replace the merchant if it comes to that - far too expensive in textiles.
I set up my provinces to provide me with raw materials to fight the good fight with. Of these provinces the ones to note are: Madgesburg - wool, Breslau - Iron, Danzig - Luxuries and Brandenburg (my capital) - good at everything. I fiddle with the sliders, with a goal of being able to build a Jager infantry next turn. For this the most important thing I will need is labour, as I use my total labour stock on developing provinces this turn. Because I need 20 labour to make this unit I need to get my provinces to provide 20 labour in the next turn, I have to curtail many of the other resources to achieve this.
My overall feeling on the outcome is that I am not producing enough food to accommodate population growth, that in turn will accommodate building infantry based units.
To this end I propose a trade agreenent with Anglia (Britain) from Brandenburg, for money for food: 6 money for 5 food. Cheeky but depending on what settings he has on his PBEM policy I may get this...?
Economy
I increase the tax rate to 17, which has an impact on National Morale - but I am going to spend a shed load on luxuries this turn such that NM is increased by a whopping 100, so I can afford this, and after all I am in a war! I increase the draft from 1 to 2 and decrease the ages limit and increase the training time on my troops, such that their quality is 4.50 when they are released into their units.
With the merchant deployed this gives me an estimated 74 money next turn. If my trade with GB goes ahead (money for food) this will obviously be reduced, and I don't know what I'll get from my merchant, but this isn't too bad for Prussia.
Developments
I have enough resources and money to be able to commission 3 developments in my provinces. 2 banks (including one in the capital - of which I also allocate some precious labour for development reducing the time to build from 10 to 9), and a factory in Breslau. Breslau produces 10 iron, so a factory will produce 1 more, and will be good to build artillery out of once I have enough resources.
Overall Strategy
Hmm, well not sure here. Short term is to try and weddle as much damage and experience for my troops as I can out of the war with France. I don't know what the Austrians will do, but I am pretty certain the French will be canny about their deployments. I don't really want this war to drag on for too long, but I'll do my best to make the most of it while it's there. In PBEM I don't know if France will suffer through the revolution or not...?
I will attempt to woo both Britain and Sweden, and look to get aggressive towards Russia and maybe Austria. I also need to take a few protectorates to expand my influence. Now I have always used diplomacy to do this, rather than war, but in PBEM you may have to move faster than diplomacy to achieve what you're after. I will take a bit of time to see the lay of the land here.
There we have it.
Image courtesy of Divepac
In Flanders fields...
A knock at the door.
"Come" voiced the Count.
A courtier carrying a small mail case entered, bowed, and handed the case to the Count. Von Newby opened the case and took out the letter sealed with the mark of General Brunswick: General in charge of the Army of Prussia, currently camped in Westphalia.
The parchment's comments were terse and to the point, as suited the man who'd written them. The Army had made good time marching to Westphalia, and that they were barracked in and around Munster.
What was most interesting was that the Austrian 1st Infantry Division was also in Westphalia, having marched from Flanders. They had news in the shape of an approaching French army.
The question was: where were the French heading? Flanders or striking more for an attempt at Prussian soil?
The fact the 1st Austrian Infantry Division was in Westphalia pointed to King Matto of Austria's mind: he thought they were aiming at Flanders.
Pigeons or riders sent to King Matto would take time to get there, and time to return. Coordination of movements would be very difficult. This coupled with information he had received from diplomats in the smaller Germanic nations: that another French Army was moving south towards the Austrians, seemed to indicate that the French wanted a slice of every pie.
No, the count had to make a decision, or more precisely, he had to 'advise' the King into making a decision as to what to do with the Army of Prussia? Move on Flanders and hope to defeat the split armies of the French banking on allied support? Or move to the south and the province of the Palatinate in the hope of meeting up with Austrian forces that would surely be making their way north? Of course there was always the option of staying in a home province until matters became clearer and reinforcements for the undersized Army of Prussia could be delivered.
Such is the burden of the mighty...
"Come" voiced the Count.
A courtier carrying a small mail case entered, bowed, and handed the case to the Count. Von Newby opened the case and took out the letter sealed with the mark of General Brunswick: General in charge of the Army of Prussia, currently camped in Westphalia.
The parchment's comments were terse and to the point, as suited the man who'd written them. The Army had made good time marching to Westphalia, and that they were barracked in and around Munster.
What was most interesting was that the Austrian 1st Infantry Division was also in Westphalia, having marched from Flanders. They had news in the shape of an approaching French army.
The question was: where were the French heading? Flanders or striking more for an attempt at Prussian soil?
The fact the 1st Austrian Infantry Division was in Westphalia pointed to King Matto of Austria's mind: he thought they were aiming at Flanders.
Pigeons or riders sent to King Matto would take time to get there, and time to return. Coordination of movements would be very difficult. This coupled with information he had received from diplomats in the smaller Germanic nations: that another French Army was moving south towards the Austrians, seemed to indicate that the French wanted a slice of every pie.
No, the count had to make a decision, or more precisely, he had to 'advise' the King into making a decision as to what to do with the Army of Prussia? Move on Flanders and hope to defeat the split armies of the French banking on allied support? Or move to the south and the province of the Palatinate in the hope of meeting up with Austrian forces that would surely be making their way north? Of course there was always the option of staying in a home province until matters became clearer and reinforcements for the undersized Army of Prussia could be delivered.
Such is the burden of the mighty...
Image courtesy of Divepac
Diplomacy Diplomacy..
Turn 2
Diplomacy
There are two noteworthy events for this turn.
1. The Swedish have offered a Royal Wedding and an Alliance to Prussia starting in 2 months time.
,and
2. The Russians have DOW'd Poland.
I am unsure of the Swedish intentions with this? Maybe they want to DOW Denmark and want me to be included in that war rather than have the Danes look to me for protection. If he includes me in the war, while I am also at war with the French, he should kill two birds with one stone. Stop the Danes from asking for protection and have an almost free hand as I will be tied up against France. Still I would like a slice of Danish pie if I can achieve that, and it would be nice to have a more secure northern flank. I countersign agreeing to the Royal wedding but putting the alliance off until December. That means he will be unable to do much in a war against the Danes, if that is indeed his intent, because the weather will be awful. It also gives time for the French war to play out, potentially allowing me to move forces against the Danes and take a large slice of a pie that the Swedes intended for themselves?
The Russian move is a good one for them. They can potentially take large bites of the Poles without either Austria or us being able to allocate the forces to gaining any territory. I still have the Army of the Rhine in Madgesburg. This could potentially take part if I were to DOW Poland as well. I think I have a bit of time here too, the Polish Army is not inconsiderable.
Military
The Army of Prussia will make a move on Flanders. I should be the defender, and I only have to pass (without invitation) through the Netherlands to do this. With my diplomat trying to woo the smaller Germanic states I don't want to undo that good work by traipsing through their countries without asking permission.
I hope I can get in touch with Matto (Austria) in order to get him to move the 1st ID back to Flanders. All the troops available will help.
Production and Trade
As stated last turn, I order a Jager infantry this turn built in Brandenburg. It has the highest barracks at level 5.
As surmised my location of the merchant has been shared with the Swedish merchant. Subsequently we are both getting a reduced slice of the pie. I choose not to move my merchant in the hope he moves his.
Through email I have coordinated with the British an attempt to gain money and spices for iron. Since the trade AI is apparently a pig, I am unsure as to how this will work.
In late news the Brits also ask for 10 horses for 10 money and 10 spices or 20 money. I can't afford to give over that many horses at present so have asked if we meet that half way and revisit the other half once I organise my developments.
Economy
I am looking OK. Labour is at 0 after the purchase of the Jager Infantry, but I have 130 money and an income of approx 70.
I change the sliders slightly to decrease the amount of labour in Brandenburg (I still desperately need labour, but it would be for purchasing upgrades that also require money - I may need that money as a war chest).
Swedish Diplomatic efforts
Diplomacy
There are two noteworthy events for this turn.
1. The Swedish have offered a Royal Wedding and an Alliance to Prussia starting in 2 months time.
,and
2. The Russians have DOW'd Poland.
I am unsure of the Swedish intentions with this? Maybe they want to DOW Denmark and want me to be included in that war rather than have the Danes look to me for protection. If he includes me in the war, while I am also at war with the French, he should kill two birds with one stone. Stop the Danes from asking for protection and have an almost free hand as I will be tied up against France. Still I would like a slice of Danish pie if I can achieve that, and it would be nice to have a more secure northern flank. I countersign agreeing to the Royal wedding but putting the alliance off until December. That means he will be unable to do much in a war against the Danes, if that is indeed his intent, because the weather will be awful. It also gives time for the French war to play out, potentially allowing me to move forces against the Danes and take a large slice of a pie that the Swedes intended for themselves?
The Russian move is a good one for them. They can potentially take large bites of the Poles without either Austria or us being able to allocate the forces to gaining any territory. I still have the Army of the Rhine in Madgesburg. This could potentially take part if I were to DOW Poland as well. I think I have a bit of time here too, the Polish Army is not inconsiderable.
Military
The Army of Prussia will make a move on Flanders. I should be the defender, and I only have to pass (without invitation) through the Netherlands to do this. With my diplomat trying to woo the smaller Germanic states I don't want to undo that good work by traipsing through their countries without asking permission.
I hope I can get in touch with Matto (Austria) in order to get him to move the 1st ID back to Flanders. All the troops available will help.
Production and Trade
As stated last turn, I order a Jager infantry this turn built in Brandenburg. It has the highest barracks at level 5.
As surmised my location of the merchant has been shared with the Swedish merchant. Subsequently we are both getting a reduced slice of the pie. I choose not to move my merchant in the hope he moves his.
Through email I have coordinated with the British an attempt to gain money and spices for iron. Since the trade AI is apparently a pig, I am unsure as to how this will work.
In late news the Brits also ask for 10 horses for 10 money and 10 spices or 20 money. I can't afford to give over that many horses at present so have asked if we meet that half way and revisit the other half once I organise my developments.
Economy
I am looking OK. Labour is at 0 after the purchase of the Jager Infantry, but I have 130 money and an income of approx 70.
I change the sliders slightly to decrease the amount of labour in Brandenburg (I still desperately need labour, but it would be for purchasing upgrades that also require money - I may need that money as a war chest).
Swedish Diplomatic efforts
- Attachments
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- northernalliance.jpg (33.35 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Sitskreig in Madgesburg
Captain Henk gazed out towards the west as the setting sun bought the tree-lined farm fields around the Chateau into relief. Closer to where he stood a swarm of small midges was tracking backwards and forwards over the immaculately presented front lawn, as if on a military parade.
'left right, left right' Henk muttered to himself.
'Pardon Sir?' - Henks valet was at hand to take orders on the care of the Captains dress uniform. It had been stained by a buffoon of a heavy cavalry officer at the ball held at the Chateau the night before.
'I was thinking to myself, Schmidt, that this war appears to be one of balls and drill, and not alot of glory at beating the French'.
'Yes Sir', replied Schmidt who was thinking much the same thing, although for the opposite reason. He had little inclination to face the French. His position as a valet a way, he thought, of satisfying his Father's requirement to enter the armed forces, to defend his country, but not have to face the enemy's guns.
'It might be high summer now Schmidt, but the campaigning season is more than half over, we could be stuck here if winter comes early'.
Schmidt nodded his head absently while praying to God to let it be so.
'left right, left right' Henk muttered to himself.
'Pardon Sir?' - Henks valet was at hand to take orders on the care of the Captains dress uniform. It had been stained by a buffoon of a heavy cavalry officer at the ball held at the Chateau the night before.
'I was thinking to myself, Schmidt, that this war appears to be one of balls and drill, and not alot of glory at beating the French'.
'Yes Sir', replied Schmidt who was thinking much the same thing, although for the opposite reason. He had little inclination to face the French. His position as a valet a way, he thought, of satisfying his Father's requirement to enter the armed forces, to defend his country, but not have to face the enemy's guns.
'It might be high summer now Schmidt, but the campaigning season is more than half over, we could be stuck here if winter comes early'.
Schmidt nodded his head absently while praying to God to let it be so.
Image courtesy of Divepac
Swedish ambitions in Denmark
turn 3
Diplomacy
The English have turned down our offer of Royal wedding. I don't think this is necessarily omminous, as they want to do some serious trading, it just cannot fit their designs, whatever they may be.
The Austrians were very slow to respond to our plans to invade into the North of France, and subsequently plans were halted. The Army of Prussia stays in Westphalia.
As expected, the overtures of the Swedish - for an Alliance, were to cover them on a campaign against the Danes. They DOW the Danish this turn.
In effect the Swedes don't have alot of options to expantion other than through the Danes, so I don't know if I should be difficult or just let it be. If the Swedes manage to overcome the Danes quickly I think I will be forced to DOW Mecklemburg so that I can take it before the Swedes take it for themselves.
My diplomat in the smaller Germanic nations inproves relations with about 6 states - including Austria.
The Swedish attempt to force the Danes to revolt, but the coup is unsuccessful.
Military
The Army of Prussia is holed up in Westphalia. At present the French, who appeared to be aiming for Flanders, have pulled back from there. It appears they have concentrated more in the south. If they move towards the Austrians they will be off the roads and I may get more adventurous. As Captain Henk points out though, we are in August and there are not many months left to seige and take provinces from the French, let alone Ile De France to force a surrender.
In the East the Army of the Rhine marches to East Prussia. It suffers from march attrition. The plan for the Army of the Rhine is to snaffle up some Polish territory once the Russians have done the hard yards against their army.
Speaking of this, the Russians win a small victory and beginning seiging one of the eastern Polish territories.
Production and Trade.
I commission another bank in Danzig and roads in Nueman; this is a very central province with a crossroads within it, unfortunately it has poor roads and many manoeuvers get caught up here. With a war in the west with France and imminent war with the Poles in the east ( two front war anyone?) I may need to move forces backwards and forwards in earnest.
I have to radically alter the production of my provinces to accommodate the trade with the English - 5 horses, and then another 5 in the future, for spice and money.
My decision to keep my merchant in the sea zone off lapland is the correct one, well as far as the Russians are concerned, now the English have moved in and I am back to where I was with merchant income. Hopefully they move again.
Economy
Everything looking fine here. I have almost spent my stockpile of luxuries though, so the upward trend of my national morale - now at 130 - will halt after this turn and begin to track downwards (due to the 17% tax rate).
Diplomacy
The English have turned down our offer of Royal wedding. I don't think this is necessarily omminous, as they want to do some serious trading, it just cannot fit their designs, whatever they may be.
The Austrians were very slow to respond to our plans to invade into the North of France, and subsequently plans were halted. The Army of Prussia stays in Westphalia.
As expected, the overtures of the Swedish - for an Alliance, were to cover them on a campaign against the Danes. They DOW the Danish this turn.
In effect the Swedes don't have alot of options to expantion other than through the Danes, so I don't know if I should be difficult or just let it be. If the Swedes manage to overcome the Danes quickly I think I will be forced to DOW Mecklemburg so that I can take it before the Swedes take it for themselves.
My diplomat in the smaller Germanic nations inproves relations with about 6 states - including Austria.
The Swedish attempt to force the Danes to revolt, but the coup is unsuccessful.
Military
The Army of Prussia is holed up in Westphalia. At present the French, who appeared to be aiming for Flanders, have pulled back from there. It appears they have concentrated more in the south. If they move towards the Austrians they will be off the roads and I may get more adventurous. As Captain Henk points out though, we are in August and there are not many months left to seige and take provinces from the French, let alone Ile De France to force a surrender.
In the East the Army of the Rhine marches to East Prussia. It suffers from march attrition. The plan for the Army of the Rhine is to snaffle up some Polish territory once the Russians have done the hard yards against their army.
Speaking of this, the Russians win a small victory and beginning seiging one of the eastern Polish territories.
Production and Trade.
I commission another bank in Danzig and roads in Nueman; this is a very central province with a crossroads within it, unfortunately it has poor roads and many manoeuvers get caught up here. With a war in the west with France and imminent war with the Poles in the east ( two front war anyone?) I may need to move forces backwards and forwards in earnest.
I have to radically alter the production of my provinces to accommodate the trade with the English - 5 horses, and then another 5 in the future, for spice and money.
My decision to keep my merchant in the sea zone off lapland is the correct one, well as far as the Russians are concerned, now the English have moved in and I am back to where I was with merchant income. Hopefully they move again.
Economy
Everything looking fine here. I have almost spent my stockpile of luxuries though, so the upward trend of my national morale - now at 130 - will halt after this turn and begin to track downwards (due to the 17% tax rate).
Image courtesy of Divepac
Change of plans!
Because of my newbiness some of the tactics that are useful in PBEM and that I haven't used so heavily in AI games, become apparent.
The obvious difference is the intention by the larger powers to DOW the smaller nations and incorporate them into their empires.
So, a change. It appears that the Austrians will DOW the Polish but have offered to cede provinces to Russia and Prussia in an attempt to still be a good guy. They are the best placed to conduct this war as they can take the Polish Capital very quickly, it is right on their border.
The Swedish have attacked the Dans and of course there is the Polish adventure. I have decided to DOW Mecklemburg, which is between Prussia and Denmark. I don't have a very big reserve army - just the Army of the Rhine - but if it isn't to be used against the Poles, better that it takes on a single province nation to get me going ahead and gaining some experience for my units.
There is danger here because I may not take the province quickly and winter could come and hurt my troops. This means I have to look at creating a depot, which will cost money.
However, I think this worth while and will be my 'adventure' for the next few turns.
The obvious difference is the intention by the larger powers to DOW the smaller nations and incorporate them into their empires.
So, a change. It appears that the Austrians will DOW the Polish but have offered to cede provinces to Russia and Prussia in an attempt to still be a good guy. They are the best placed to conduct this war as they can take the Polish Capital very quickly, it is right on their border.
The Swedish have attacked the Dans and of course there is the Polish adventure. I have decided to DOW Mecklemburg, which is between Prussia and Denmark. I don't have a very big reserve army - just the Army of the Rhine - but if it isn't to be used against the Poles, better that it takes on a single province nation to get me going ahead and gaining some experience for my units.
There is danger here because I may not take the province quickly and winter could come and hurt my troops. This means I have to look at creating a depot, which will cost money.
However, I think this worth while and will be my 'adventure' for the next few turns.
Image courtesy of Divepac
RE: Change of plans!
You got to be carefull tough when you declare on minors... You can push them them in your ennemies hands... For exemple, if you send alot of tributes and diplomats to convince Poland that you are there friends they might come running for your protection once Austria declare... This would push the MARVELOUS Polish army in you hands ( OH OH!) and give you control of all the country!!!!![X(][X(]
Even worst, if Austria capture the capital all other province will become part of your nation!!!!!! WOW![X(][X(]
Seriously, moves like DOWing Danemark aren't that good. There fleet is worth so MUCH more than there territory... Declaring on them is just pushing more fleets in GB's hand...
RE: Change of plans!
hi Franck;
Now this makes sense to me, but was also pretty unknown. Being my first PBEM, but not my first game of course, I had seen and even had minors ask for protection from me. I figured this was why Sweden wanted an alliance??? He hasn't actually written, just asked for it.
Austria have written to say that they would divide up a captured Poland, ceding parts to the rest of us upon capture of the Capital, obviously this is a game of doublecross to a certain extent, but I don't think he wants me to change sides and have the Russians join me in bashing him when he still has France on his case?
Knowing this, is Mecklemburg too big a transgression? They have one province and an army of one infantry? If they do go to another nation, like the Brits, that would be very bad, but I suppose I am hoping to crush them quickly. Maybe the game would offer an ultimatum instead of instant war? Does this happen in PBEM??
So much still to learn. Thanks for your interest Franck
Now this makes sense to me, but was also pretty unknown. Being my first PBEM, but not my first game of course, I had seen and even had minors ask for protection from me. I figured this was why Sweden wanted an alliance??? He hasn't actually written, just asked for it.
Austria have written to say that they would divide up a captured Poland, ceding parts to the rest of us upon capture of the Capital, obviously this is a game of doublecross to a certain extent, but I don't think he wants me to change sides and have the Russians join me in bashing him when he still has France on his case?
Knowing this, is Mecklemburg too big a transgression? They have one province and an army of one infantry? If they do go to another nation, like the Brits, that would be very bad, but I suppose I am hoping to crush them quickly. Maybe the game would offer an ultimatum instead of instant war? Does this happen in PBEM??
So much still to learn. Thanks for your interest Franck
Image courtesy of Divepac
Surprises in the mail
Von Newby swayed as he tried to sit at his workdesk. The back of his chair seemed terribly uncooperative and refused to meet with his hand so that he could take a seat.
A loud crash echoed through the Palace. It appeared festivities were still going on and Von Newby hated to leave them behind. The party had only really just got underway and the French cognac , liberated from a small transport ship by Privateers under an English marque, gifted to the King Frederick by King Mus of England, was truly sensational.
At last the chair met his hand and he managed to pull it out and plant himself unceremoniously into it. Correspondence from General Brunswick in Westphalia, a lavish scroll from the Swedes, a document with the seal of... the seal of... (Newby closes one eye in order to try and stop the red wax from swimming in and out of focus).. of King Matto of Austria, and another; who could this be, he didn't immediately recognise the seal, but then he wasn't in the best frame of mind for the memory game.
He sighed and reached for a carafe of water. Pouring himself a large glass he broke the seal to find out what was inside, and also to save himself from looking it up.
Ahhh King Frederick of Denmark, of course. He mused to himself - the Danish would be up to their armpits in their old Viking brothers, now foes: the Swedes. This was probably a cry for help, or maybe a request for protection?
He stopped reading in shock. "They've done WHAT"!!
A loud crash echoed through the Palace. It appeared festivities were still going on and Von Newby hated to leave them behind. The party had only really just got underway and the French cognac , liberated from a small transport ship by Privateers under an English marque, gifted to the King Frederick by King Mus of England, was truly sensational.
At last the chair met his hand and he managed to pull it out and plant himself unceremoniously into it. Correspondence from General Brunswick in Westphalia, a lavish scroll from the Swedes, a document with the seal of... the seal of... (Newby closes one eye in order to try and stop the red wax from swimming in and out of focus).. of King Matto of Austria, and another; who could this be, he didn't immediately recognise the seal, but then he wasn't in the best frame of mind for the memory game.
He sighed and reached for a carafe of water. Pouring himself a large glass he broke the seal to find out what was inside, and also to save himself from looking it up.
Ahhh King Frederick of Denmark, of course. He mused to himself - the Danish would be up to their armpits in their old Viking brothers, now foes: the Swedes. This was probably a cry for help, or maybe a request for protection?
He stopped reading in shock. "They've done WHAT"!!
Image courtesy of Divepac
Anyone fancy a Danish?
Turn 4
Diplomacy
The game has just turned on its head.
The Danes have just asked from protection from the English, and they have accepted. The timing could not have been worse, as the Swedes have just ratified the alliance between us - although mercifully I had changed the alliance to start in December (it being September now), and the English have just started trading horses and iron for cash and spices.
This course of action puts the Swedish at war with the English, and instantly results in 4 battles. Two at sea, which the English win (and one very handsomely), and the other two on land, that the English (nee Danish) win and the Swedes win the other. The larger of these land battles, in Malmo, was lost by the Swedes. So all in all, not a propitious month for the forces of King Gustav/Andrew.
Pigeons have already winged their way between me and the Swedish, intially they were drums of war, but I think the fact I had post dated the alliance, which I am not about to bring forward, will mean he is alone for a while. Potentially this provoked further correspondence such that he now plans to surrender to the English rather than suffer more pain.
Of course this event could trigger all sorts of follow on: the Russians could attack the Swedes while their attention is in the West, the English could be pushed into the camp of the French because once I go to war with them the Austrians will have to do the same (to honour our alliance). It is quite the can of worms.
This, of course, must also be taken into consideration with our declaration of war with Mecklemburg, which could conceivably mean they also call on the English; the Austrians declaring war on the Polish; and the fact we are still at war with the French!!
Phew, so, what to do?
I need to cut back on the amount of warring I am doing. To this end I try to take out Mecklemburg quickly.
I will wait to see what eventuates in the North. I use my diplomatic action to write a rumour that the French have a secret alliance with the Spanish against the English. The form of these rumours is undoubtably important, as most of them are computer generated, I don't know if mine will pass muster or even be read? Interestingly there was a rumour that we had a secret treaty with the Swedish in rumours this turn...?
My diplomats were both successful this turn. Luchenis (whatever) spreading the good word amongst the smaller German nations, and my other diplomat reducing national morale in France by 15 (he has very good national morale though - he must be heavily investing in luxuries). I decide to move Luchenis to the North of his current location - I want to include Saxony in my largesse and they aren't currently targeted.
I note the Austrians have a diplomate in the Palatenate - they too want that fine army.
Military
The stalemate, that appears to be what we have with the French, is put on hold and the Army of Prussia is ordered to march to Mecklemburg. This is unlikely to be achieved as they have to cross the Rhine river to get from Madgesburg to Mecklemburg. The Army of the Rhine, currently in Pomerania, is also ordered to move to Mecklemburg. The Mecklemburg army (of one division) could conceivably march on Bundenburg or Magesburg, the first of these being the larger issue, as it is my Capital. I'll take this chance and hope the Army of the Rhine is fast enough to catch them before they move. I have taken the dangerous step of moving both armies because I want a quick end to the Mecklemburg affair.
The movement of the Army of Prussia is dangerous. It is essentially a green light for the French to move on me. Since the Austrians are indulging in Pole bashing, there is a window here for the French to pick on one opponent without being bothered by the other. That opponent is me.
Production and Trade
This turn I invest in roads in Nuemark and I purchase an Infantry division in Pomerania. With all this warring I need more forces. I have had to put on hold expansion of developments while I increase the military. This wanton saber rattling is producing a marked drain on my populace. Infantry may be cheap but each takes 2 population from your provinces. Pomerania is reduced to 1 pop of 5!! This severely effects its production.
To this end I change the production queues of all provinces. I drop luxuries slightly (with the influx from the British), and do away with wood, which is now in the negative (how do you get negative wood?), and instead increase iron and agriculture. Iron is back to 10, having been reduced by trade with the English, and food is increased to 90 from 80. This means I get a population increase next turn, and likely another the following. This of course just returns me to the level I am at pre-infantry purchase.
The expansion of the Military is onnerous indeed.
My merchant is being squeezed out of all locations he could make cash. The British are everywhere.
Economy
The economy is looking very spritely. I am able to create a depot in Madgesburg, and with the influx of English pounds still have 75 money accumulated next turn. I have a treasury of 140. This is still inadequate for military adventures outside my home provinces. Thankfully the French are in not much better situation.
Below is the situation in the North. If war does eventuate with England you can see he is not defenceless on the continent by any stretch of the imagination. I will not be able to look after my borders with the French if we do go to war. It will take all my powers to triumph over the English.
Diplomacy
The game has just turned on its head.
The Danes have just asked from protection from the English, and they have accepted. The timing could not have been worse, as the Swedes have just ratified the alliance between us - although mercifully I had changed the alliance to start in December (it being September now), and the English have just started trading horses and iron for cash and spices.
This course of action puts the Swedish at war with the English, and instantly results in 4 battles. Two at sea, which the English win (and one very handsomely), and the other two on land, that the English (nee Danish) win and the Swedes win the other. The larger of these land battles, in Malmo, was lost by the Swedes. So all in all, not a propitious month for the forces of King Gustav/Andrew.
Pigeons have already winged their way between me and the Swedish, intially they were drums of war, but I think the fact I had post dated the alliance, which I am not about to bring forward, will mean he is alone for a while. Potentially this provoked further correspondence such that he now plans to surrender to the English rather than suffer more pain.
Of course this event could trigger all sorts of follow on: the Russians could attack the Swedes while their attention is in the West, the English could be pushed into the camp of the French because once I go to war with them the Austrians will have to do the same (to honour our alliance). It is quite the can of worms.
This, of course, must also be taken into consideration with our declaration of war with Mecklemburg, which could conceivably mean they also call on the English; the Austrians declaring war on the Polish; and the fact we are still at war with the French!!
Phew, so, what to do?
I need to cut back on the amount of warring I am doing. To this end I try to take out Mecklemburg quickly.
I will wait to see what eventuates in the North. I use my diplomatic action to write a rumour that the French have a secret alliance with the Spanish against the English. The form of these rumours is undoubtably important, as most of them are computer generated, I don't know if mine will pass muster or even be read? Interestingly there was a rumour that we had a secret treaty with the Swedish in rumours this turn...?
My diplomats were both successful this turn. Luchenis (whatever) spreading the good word amongst the smaller German nations, and my other diplomat reducing national morale in France by 15 (he has very good national morale though - he must be heavily investing in luxuries). I decide to move Luchenis to the North of his current location - I want to include Saxony in my largesse and they aren't currently targeted.
I note the Austrians have a diplomate in the Palatenate - they too want that fine army.
Military
The stalemate, that appears to be what we have with the French, is put on hold and the Army of Prussia is ordered to march to Mecklemburg. This is unlikely to be achieved as they have to cross the Rhine river to get from Madgesburg to Mecklemburg. The Army of the Rhine, currently in Pomerania, is also ordered to move to Mecklemburg. The Mecklemburg army (of one division) could conceivably march on Bundenburg or Magesburg, the first of these being the larger issue, as it is my Capital. I'll take this chance and hope the Army of the Rhine is fast enough to catch them before they move. I have taken the dangerous step of moving both armies because I want a quick end to the Mecklemburg affair.
The movement of the Army of Prussia is dangerous. It is essentially a green light for the French to move on me. Since the Austrians are indulging in Pole bashing, there is a window here for the French to pick on one opponent without being bothered by the other. That opponent is me.
Production and Trade
This turn I invest in roads in Nuemark and I purchase an Infantry division in Pomerania. With all this warring I need more forces. I have had to put on hold expansion of developments while I increase the military. This wanton saber rattling is producing a marked drain on my populace. Infantry may be cheap but each takes 2 population from your provinces. Pomerania is reduced to 1 pop of 5!! This severely effects its production.
To this end I change the production queues of all provinces. I drop luxuries slightly (with the influx from the British), and do away with wood, which is now in the negative (how do you get negative wood?), and instead increase iron and agriculture. Iron is back to 10, having been reduced by trade with the English, and food is increased to 90 from 80. This means I get a population increase next turn, and likely another the following. This of course just returns me to the level I am at pre-infantry purchase.
The expansion of the Military is onnerous indeed.
My merchant is being squeezed out of all locations he could make cash. The British are everywhere.
Economy
The economy is looking very spritely. I am able to create a depot in Madgesburg, and with the influx of English pounds still have 75 money accumulated next turn. I have a treasury of 140. This is still inadequate for military adventures outside my home provinces. Thankfully the French are in not much better situation.
Below is the situation in the North. If war does eventuate with England you can see he is not defenceless on the continent by any stretch of the imagination. I will not be able to look after my borders with the French if we do go to war. It will take all my powers to triumph over the English.
- Attachments
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- DanescourtPOMs.jpg (98.49 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Mecklemburg or Bust
It was noon.
The sun beat down fiercely on Captain Henk's back and the unsightly evidence of perspiration was showing through his fine battledress. The Army of Prussia had been marching for two weeks now and the toll was beginning to tell on even their iron discipline and fitness. Ahead was a crossing of the Elbe at Wittenberge, and then more days march to Rostock: the Capital of Mecklemburg.
Henk's horse had thrown a shoe and he was helping the mobile farrier with replacing it. This kind of behaviour was somewhat below that of a Captain, but Henk had been around horses all his life. Changing a shoe was one of those chores that inspired whistful remembrance of youth. He had wanted to join the Cavalry, but Prussia's burgening army had enough Cavalry officers at present, and if he had joined the Cavalry it would have been as a trooper. So he had stayed with the infantry. Rank, after all, had its privileges.
This was adventure was hardly figting the French, but in the stale war that had taken most of the month September, at least October was providing some sport. However, as he was at the moment, he would not be taking part in anything. The marching having produced yet another casualty on the road to hedgemony.
The sun beat down fiercely on Captain Henk's back and the unsightly evidence of perspiration was showing through his fine battledress. The Army of Prussia had been marching for two weeks now and the toll was beginning to tell on even their iron discipline and fitness. Ahead was a crossing of the Elbe at Wittenberge, and then more days march to Rostock: the Capital of Mecklemburg.
Henk's horse had thrown a shoe and he was helping the mobile farrier with replacing it. This kind of behaviour was somewhat below that of a Captain, but Henk had been around horses all his life. Changing a shoe was one of those chores that inspired whistful remembrance of youth. He had wanted to join the Cavalry, but Prussia's burgening army had enough Cavalry officers at present, and if he had joined the Cavalry it would have been as a trooper. So he had stayed with the infantry. Rank, after all, had its privileges.
This was adventure was hardly figting the French, but in the stale war that had taken most of the month September, at least October was providing some sport. However, as he was at the moment, he would not be taking part in anything. The marching having produced yet another casualty on the road to hedgemony.
Image courtesy of Divepac
The British Army
Turn 5
Diplomacy
Phew, and things change again. The British have offered the Swedish a cease fire and the Swedes accept.
This of course cuts off war at the pass but I think this will be a bone of contention with the Swedes from now on. They will feel that Denmark is their territory. Apparently the Danish navy was too big a thorn, in the hands of the Swedes, for the British to allow being owned by one of the great powers. My opinion is that this had a smattering of opportunism to it. A moot point now either way, and the British navy, which was already a Goliath, has been reinforced.
Elsewhere the Austrians and the Turks declare themselves an Empire. The French post a query as to where the Austrian and Prussian armies have gone. The Spanish gain a victory over the Moroccans. The Russians take another Polish province. Otherwise none of the great fireworks present in proceeding turns.
I have written a proposal for the division of provinces to the Austrians. I'll admit I might have been a little greedy, but I purposefully did not go on the offensive because he promised to divvy up the country. It remains to be seen if I have been naive.
My diplomats are either on the move, or have managed to reduce the National Morale of France another 15.
The Swedish try to get Mecklemberg to have a coup. Hmm - not very neighbourly
Military
We bested the small army of Mecklemburg, which subsequently evaporates. Next turn we will invest the walls and if we are lucky, take the province. I have decided to stay in Mecklemberg for one more turn just in case the fortress does not fall. The Army of the Rhine is just a little too underpowered to invest a decent seige. I am also taking another risk in that I will not provide a depot this turn. Hopefully November does not bring snowstorms in Mecklemburg.
There is double danger in this. Firstly the French no we have moved - where they will be unsure but away from the gates is all they need to know. This may be the trigger they have been waiting for to chose their first target: namely me. The second issue is that the British have landed the 'British Army' in Hamburg (see attached picture) and they are now a force to be reckoned with. The picture does not include Danish forces, just those of the British Army and the Hanoverians. The British morale is very high.
I don't think I am the target of all this power, but it is not impossible that the French have managed to pull a fast one. This doesn't really suit the British so it is a long shot. He may, though, be after the Swedes for real, or could turn around and DOW the Dutch.
Production and Trade
I am unable to build anything other than Militia this turn, and that is a waste for the resource strapped Prussians. My treasury is looking more healthy though, and the possibility of 'investing' in an attack on French territory could be contemplated.
My merchant is still bringing in its paltry 2 money. I need the French or some other power to attack the English to cut back on their merchants.
I am also at a crossroads. I want to build the next level of barracks in Berlin, but I also want another Jager Infantry. The bottleneck is textiles. Despite having enough wool to convert I think my lack of population is affecting the amount I produce (I have 20 wool in reserve and the estimate is for only 2 textiles to be produced). The barracks benefit experience in new units and will bring in more experience for upgrades. But I cannot neglect the army with so many apparent threats.... I can't decide (the barracks also need 4 more wood - I'll have to change my sliders to get this).
Economy
No real change here.
The pick below shows the situation in the North again. Look at that British Army. A little scary right there. Also you can see the Swedish diplomat up to no good in Mecklemburg.
Diplomacy
Phew, and things change again. The British have offered the Swedish a cease fire and the Swedes accept.
This of course cuts off war at the pass but I think this will be a bone of contention with the Swedes from now on. They will feel that Denmark is their territory. Apparently the Danish navy was too big a thorn, in the hands of the Swedes, for the British to allow being owned by one of the great powers. My opinion is that this had a smattering of opportunism to it. A moot point now either way, and the British navy, which was already a Goliath, has been reinforced.
Elsewhere the Austrians and the Turks declare themselves an Empire. The French post a query as to where the Austrian and Prussian armies have gone. The Spanish gain a victory over the Moroccans. The Russians take another Polish province. Otherwise none of the great fireworks present in proceeding turns.
I have written a proposal for the division of provinces to the Austrians. I'll admit I might have been a little greedy, but I purposefully did not go on the offensive because he promised to divvy up the country. It remains to be seen if I have been naive.
My diplomats are either on the move, or have managed to reduce the National Morale of France another 15.
The Swedish try to get Mecklemberg to have a coup. Hmm - not very neighbourly
Military
We bested the small army of Mecklemburg, which subsequently evaporates. Next turn we will invest the walls and if we are lucky, take the province. I have decided to stay in Mecklemberg for one more turn just in case the fortress does not fall. The Army of the Rhine is just a little too underpowered to invest a decent seige. I am also taking another risk in that I will not provide a depot this turn. Hopefully November does not bring snowstorms in Mecklemburg.
There is double danger in this. Firstly the French no we have moved - where they will be unsure but away from the gates is all they need to know. This may be the trigger they have been waiting for to chose their first target: namely me. The second issue is that the British have landed the 'British Army' in Hamburg (see attached picture) and they are now a force to be reckoned with. The picture does not include Danish forces, just those of the British Army and the Hanoverians. The British morale is very high.
I don't think I am the target of all this power, but it is not impossible that the French have managed to pull a fast one. This doesn't really suit the British so it is a long shot. He may, though, be after the Swedes for real, or could turn around and DOW the Dutch.
Production and Trade
I am unable to build anything other than Militia this turn, and that is a waste for the resource strapped Prussians. My treasury is looking more healthy though, and the possibility of 'investing' in an attack on French territory could be contemplated.
My merchant is still bringing in its paltry 2 money. I need the French or some other power to attack the English to cut back on their merchants.
I am also at a crossroads. I want to build the next level of barracks in Berlin, but I also want another Jager Infantry. The bottleneck is textiles. Despite having enough wool to convert I think my lack of population is affecting the amount I produce (I have 20 wool in reserve and the estimate is for only 2 textiles to be produced). The barracks benefit experience in new units and will bring in more experience for upgrades. But I cannot neglect the army with so many apparent threats.... I can't decide (the barracks also need 4 more wood - I'll have to change my sliders to get this).
Economy
No real change here.
The pick below shows the situation in the North again. Look at that British Army. A little scary right there. Also you can see the Swedish diplomat up to no good in Mecklemburg.
- Attachments
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- ceasefire.jpg (181.84 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Farce at Rostock
Captain Henk stared up at the walls of Rostock. He had missed the Army's first attempt at taking the place. The artillery had lined up on a set of small hills that allowed them to get range on the fortress and prepared to bombard.
That was about as far as it got. The powder the artillery had been lugging around had apparently been open to the elements in a large portion of its stores. The bombardment was a farce. Cannons did not fire, those that did had no power and the shot was falling well short of the walls. The defenders behind those walls would have been in more danger of a meteor landing on them than a cannonball.
Henk had a perfect vantage point to view the General Headquarters and although he didn't know the man, it appeared General Brunswick was livid. Henk couldn't say he blamed him. At this rate they would be in the shadow of Rostock's walls when winter came, and who knew what the French were up to now?
The greatest fear he had though was that the artillery boys couldn't sort themselves out and the General deciding to charge the walls without the benefit of a breach, as the only way forward. He'd lost enough men as casualties of the march. Throwing them at the walls would make those losses akin to small fry.
That was about as far as it got. The powder the artillery had been lugging around had apparently been open to the elements in a large portion of its stores. The bombardment was a farce. Cannons did not fire, those that did had no power and the shot was falling well short of the walls. The defenders behind those walls would have been in more danger of a meteor landing on them than a cannonball.
Henk had a perfect vantage point to view the General Headquarters and although he didn't know the man, it appeared General Brunswick was livid. Henk couldn't say he blamed him. At this rate they would be in the shadow of Rostock's walls when winter came, and who knew what the French were up to now?
The greatest fear he had though was that the artillery boys couldn't sort themselves out and the General deciding to charge the walls without the benefit of a breach, as the only way forward. He'd lost enough men as casualties of the march. Throwing them at the walls would make those losses akin to small fry.
Image courtesy of Divepac
Marking time
Turn 6.
Diplomacy
A quiet turn at last for diplomacy. Via email, Matto of Austria and I have come to an agreement that a pledge of defence will be part of a ceding of territory from Polish lands. However, this wont be happening in the next turn as Krakow holds out the Austrian beseigers. Apparently the Russian Tzar is a little testy over the DOW of Poland by the Austrian, we may benefit from this in the provinces that Austria cedes. Hard to know.
Both diplomats do their job this turn. Haugwitz reduces French morale by 10 (although this does not seem to be stopping it from rising) and Lucchensis (whatever) increases our standing with German minors. It appears the Austrians have the same idea here...
The Swedish diplomat in Mecklemburg fails to cause a coup again. Hopefully his standing with them is just plummeting and my attempts to take the place do better next turn.
Our alliance with the Swedish begins next month. Considering the amount of trouble working with them has bought I wonder whether agreeing to this was such a good idea (now).
I have also spent 20 money on subsidising the Saxons. I register on the 'liked' list, but I would like to suppliment the work of Lucchensis.
Military
The seige of Mecklemburg was an unmitigated failure. The rolls were very much against me. Besiged got a roll of 9 while besieger got a roll of 0. I cause 79 casualties!
This lack of decisiveness and winters imminent arrival has persuaded me to build a depot in Brandenburg.
Winter appears to strike the Russian forces this turn, a massive hit noted in their strength. The same sort of loss for the Turks, but I can't see where their army is, or the weather in this area.
The French have made a move. It is not the bold statement I expected but is instead a move on the Austrian holdings closest to France, namely Luxemborg.
As stated the Austrians do not subjugate Poland, and now the Turks are saber rattling over the Austrian attack. King Matto is more desperate for a pledge of defence than he was. Hopefully this give me the bargaining power I was after with the division of Poland. Alot depends on the Tzar. If King Matto cedes too much to me then the Russians are likely to be very grumpy, and likely at him rather than me... If he doesn't cede enough to me, I will be grumpy. Interesting stuff.
With the French move into Luxemborg I am relatively safe from an attack by them into Prussian home territories. Luxemborg has horrible roading and it will take him a turn just to leave her lands.
Next turn sees the reinforcement of a div of Infantry and Jager Infantry. With the implementation of a depot in Brandenburg there should be a divvying out of the draft, which currently sits at 21,000+.
Production and Trade.
The factory in Breslau is completed, this increases the creation of iron here from 9 to 10. I purchase a bank in Silesia and Breslau.
It turns out that a negative listing on the manufacture of a commodity will actually eat away at your reserves. I don't know what is using wood, but I have a -3 wood per turn shortfall. With Breslau having finished its factory, and also being good at producing wood, I convert the 'development' spend I had here to wood. This gives me a net wood of +1. If I am to build the level 6 barracks in Brandenburg I need 36 wood. With 27 in the bank, this will take 9 turns; an expensive lesson in commodity function. The zeroing of the Breslau's development slider increases the time taken to build the bank from 3 turns to 9!!!
There will be a population increase next turn. I imagine it will be allocated to West Prussia, who's population is 2 of 5.
At present I am getting a population increase about every 2-3 turns. This is severely impacting my production when I also want to build military units. I looked at trading with some of the better food manufacturing powers: Russia and Turkey, but I have nothing that the Russians appear to want, and the Turks don't appear to like me enough to trade.
Economy.
The main change this turn is the cost of running the depot in Brandenburg. Income goes from 75 to 32.
Here is a shot of the change in strength of each country as we've gone along. I don't know if this is subject to fog of war but you can see the increase Britain gets when Denmark asks them for protection. You can also see marked losses this turn for the Russians and the Turks. I think this is due to weather.
Diplomacy
A quiet turn at last for diplomacy. Via email, Matto of Austria and I have come to an agreement that a pledge of defence will be part of a ceding of territory from Polish lands. However, this wont be happening in the next turn as Krakow holds out the Austrian beseigers. Apparently the Russian Tzar is a little testy over the DOW of Poland by the Austrian, we may benefit from this in the provinces that Austria cedes. Hard to know.
Both diplomats do their job this turn. Haugwitz reduces French morale by 10 (although this does not seem to be stopping it from rising) and Lucchensis (whatever) increases our standing with German minors. It appears the Austrians have the same idea here...
The Swedish diplomat in Mecklemburg fails to cause a coup again. Hopefully his standing with them is just plummeting and my attempts to take the place do better next turn.
Our alliance with the Swedish begins next month. Considering the amount of trouble working with them has bought I wonder whether agreeing to this was such a good idea (now).
I have also spent 20 money on subsidising the Saxons. I register on the 'liked' list, but I would like to suppliment the work of Lucchensis.
Military
The seige of Mecklemburg was an unmitigated failure. The rolls were very much against me. Besiged got a roll of 9 while besieger got a roll of 0. I cause 79 casualties!
This lack of decisiveness and winters imminent arrival has persuaded me to build a depot in Brandenburg.
Winter appears to strike the Russian forces this turn, a massive hit noted in their strength. The same sort of loss for the Turks, but I can't see where their army is, or the weather in this area.
The French have made a move. It is not the bold statement I expected but is instead a move on the Austrian holdings closest to France, namely Luxemborg.
As stated the Austrians do not subjugate Poland, and now the Turks are saber rattling over the Austrian attack. King Matto is more desperate for a pledge of defence than he was. Hopefully this give me the bargaining power I was after with the division of Poland. Alot depends on the Tzar. If King Matto cedes too much to me then the Russians are likely to be very grumpy, and likely at him rather than me... If he doesn't cede enough to me, I will be grumpy. Interesting stuff.
With the French move into Luxemborg I am relatively safe from an attack by them into Prussian home territories. Luxemborg has horrible roading and it will take him a turn just to leave her lands.
Next turn sees the reinforcement of a div of Infantry and Jager Infantry. With the implementation of a depot in Brandenburg there should be a divvying out of the draft, which currently sits at 21,000+.
Production and Trade.
The factory in Breslau is completed, this increases the creation of iron here from 9 to 10. I purchase a bank in Silesia and Breslau.
It turns out that a negative listing on the manufacture of a commodity will actually eat away at your reserves. I don't know what is using wood, but I have a -3 wood per turn shortfall. With Breslau having finished its factory, and also being good at producing wood, I convert the 'development' spend I had here to wood. This gives me a net wood of +1. If I am to build the level 6 barracks in Brandenburg I need 36 wood. With 27 in the bank, this will take 9 turns; an expensive lesson in commodity function. The zeroing of the Breslau's development slider increases the time taken to build the bank from 3 turns to 9!!!
There will be a population increase next turn. I imagine it will be allocated to West Prussia, who's population is 2 of 5.
At present I am getting a population increase about every 2-3 turns. This is severely impacting my production when I also want to build military units. I looked at trading with some of the better food manufacturing powers: Russia and Turkey, but I have nothing that the Russians appear to want, and the Turks don't appear to like me enough to trade.
Economy.
The main change this turn is the cost of running the depot in Brandenburg. Income goes from 75 to 32.
Here is a shot of the change in strength of each country as we've gone along. I don't know if this is subject to fog of war but you can see the increase Britain gets when Denmark asks them for protection. You can also see marked losses this turn for the Russians and the Turks. I think this is due to weather.
- Attachments
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- nationalstrength.jpg (143.15 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Charge the walls
Second Company, first Battalion of the Grossewurst Regiment, first Prussian division, were shaking into manoevering column as they got within the range of musketry and cannon fire from the walls.
The west facing wall of Rostock had suddenly, and quite surprisingly, given way in a shower of stone dust. This wall had received nothing like the attention the southern walls had, and was really only being struck to make the defenders spread thinner. The artillery had finally received dry powder, in fact all supplies had got markedly better, and the results on all walls were telling.
Now there was a breach, and both sides had rushed to take advantage or bolster defence.
Henk barked commands to his fusiliers as they got into shape. The Grossewurst regiment had been tasked with holding this flank and helping to restrict relief to the seiged town. Now they were the closest at hand to grasp this moment.
Their orders were simple, if telling on courage: break into the city, take it, or hold a perimeter within the walls for reinforcement.
Men who not a quarter of an hour ago, were catching a nap or doing some other mundane task, were struggling to find decorum and get into fighting shape. They would have to march at the double, in column, up to the breach and then try and battle their way through, will under fire, all the while trying to keep some cohesion on the impossible ground created by broken masonry from the destroyed wall section.
Up ahead the third Battalion were being engaged by defenders on the wall as they tried to enter the gap. As expected cohesion was being lost and the iron discipline that set the soldiers apart from the part time militia defending the town was no longer such a telling factor. Each fusilier had to fight his own way into the city. The rubble provided cover, but a man had to overcome his fear to stand up and charge the fire, all the while growing hotter as defending reinforcements rushed to the breach, all over impossible footing.
A cannon roared, and the grapeshot it had been loaded with spat about the rubble like a host of vicious and angry bees. A score of men fell and one seemed to simply disintergrate in a red mist.
Fusiliers, attempting another approach, changed their aspect and advanced on the cannon, which had somehow been wheeled to the edge of the wall, jacked into a position to fire down into the breach, and was now assailing the assaulters. These men attained the height of the rubble mound, but were unable to make the next 'leap' to the top of the wall still 10 feet above their head. Defenders of the cannon were firing down into the men and throwing broken masonry. The Fusiliers, still trying to get up somehow, were frantically firing their muskets to keep the militia from sticking the heads over. The cannon roared again and the Fusiliers at once fell like a heavy wind had blown at them. Those that hadn't fallen suddenly broke and ran, such as they could, down the rubble pile, getting in the way of those still trying to climb it. All the while Militia musketmen were pouring a greater volume of fire into the midst.
To Henk, all of this seemed to take place in an instant. He, of course, was not alone in his viewing of the scene. Each of the men of his battalion were just as able, but not one of them missed a step as they continued to march to the drummers beat. A man ten in front of Henk spun suddenly and went down, his left arm at the shoulder a mess having taken a ball.
Henk's battalion made it to the breach, but it was becoming obvious that there was not enough room for the Prussian's advantage in numbers to tell. Men were milling at the bottom, and taking losses. The situation had come to an empasse.
"First and second platoons, Charge and take that mound!" Boomed Henk.
His troops, roiled by his command, and egged on by the Seargents, charged as a weight of numbers up the slope. Men were being felled but the one-off charge took the mound and were through the other side in less than a minute.
The militia waivered.
The cannon, that had so impacted the battle earlier, was again readied to breath on the men below, but this time a small battle line set up perpendicular to the cannon's barrel, at the bottom of the mound, fired on the gun crew. Most of the shot missed, but two of the gunners were felled and the cannon did not fire. More Prussians made it to the unknown sanctuary of the other side of the wall. Fire began to slacken on the outside of the wall, to be taken up by a more muted fire from within the city.
Henk attached himself to third platoon and, with them, climbed the mound.
He was in time to see a hastily formed line of fusiliers facing down a street, volley a line of fire into running militia. A woman, with a bundle of rags or a child in her arms, tried to run across the same street and a fusilier in a follow up line shot her dead. A house to the south was well on fire and a militiaman in an upper window had now given up harrassing the Prussians below and was trying to get out the window before he went up with the house.
Behind him the rest of the regiment was breaking ranks to enter the city.
The west facing wall of Rostock had suddenly, and quite surprisingly, given way in a shower of stone dust. This wall had received nothing like the attention the southern walls had, and was really only being struck to make the defenders spread thinner. The artillery had finally received dry powder, in fact all supplies had got markedly better, and the results on all walls were telling.
Now there was a breach, and both sides had rushed to take advantage or bolster defence.
Henk barked commands to his fusiliers as they got into shape. The Grossewurst regiment had been tasked with holding this flank and helping to restrict relief to the seiged town. Now they were the closest at hand to grasp this moment.
Their orders were simple, if telling on courage: break into the city, take it, or hold a perimeter within the walls for reinforcement.
Men who not a quarter of an hour ago, were catching a nap or doing some other mundane task, were struggling to find decorum and get into fighting shape. They would have to march at the double, in column, up to the breach and then try and battle their way through, will under fire, all the while trying to keep some cohesion on the impossible ground created by broken masonry from the destroyed wall section.
Up ahead the third Battalion were being engaged by defenders on the wall as they tried to enter the gap. As expected cohesion was being lost and the iron discipline that set the soldiers apart from the part time militia defending the town was no longer such a telling factor. Each fusilier had to fight his own way into the city. The rubble provided cover, but a man had to overcome his fear to stand up and charge the fire, all the while growing hotter as defending reinforcements rushed to the breach, all over impossible footing.
A cannon roared, and the grapeshot it had been loaded with spat about the rubble like a host of vicious and angry bees. A score of men fell and one seemed to simply disintergrate in a red mist.
Fusiliers, attempting another approach, changed their aspect and advanced on the cannon, which had somehow been wheeled to the edge of the wall, jacked into a position to fire down into the breach, and was now assailing the assaulters. These men attained the height of the rubble mound, but were unable to make the next 'leap' to the top of the wall still 10 feet above their head. Defenders of the cannon were firing down into the men and throwing broken masonry. The Fusiliers, still trying to get up somehow, were frantically firing their muskets to keep the militia from sticking the heads over. The cannon roared again and the Fusiliers at once fell like a heavy wind had blown at them. Those that hadn't fallen suddenly broke and ran, such as they could, down the rubble pile, getting in the way of those still trying to climb it. All the while Militia musketmen were pouring a greater volume of fire into the midst.
To Henk, all of this seemed to take place in an instant. He, of course, was not alone in his viewing of the scene. Each of the men of his battalion were just as able, but not one of them missed a step as they continued to march to the drummers beat. A man ten in front of Henk spun suddenly and went down, his left arm at the shoulder a mess having taken a ball.
Henk's battalion made it to the breach, but it was becoming obvious that there was not enough room for the Prussian's advantage in numbers to tell. Men were milling at the bottom, and taking losses. The situation had come to an empasse.
"First and second platoons, Charge and take that mound!" Boomed Henk.
His troops, roiled by his command, and egged on by the Seargents, charged as a weight of numbers up the slope. Men were being felled but the one-off charge took the mound and were through the other side in less than a minute.
The militia waivered.
The cannon, that had so impacted the battle earlier, was again readied to breath on the men below, but this time a small battle line set up perpendicular to the cannon's barrel, at the bottom of the mound, fired on the gun crew. Most of the shot missed, but two of the gunners were felled and the cannon did not fire. More Prussians made it to the unknown sanctuary of the other side of the wall. Fire began to slacken on the outside of the wall, to be taken up by a more muted fire from within the city.
Henk attached himself to third platoon and, with them, climbed the mound.
He was in time to see a hastily formed line of fusiliers facing down a street, volley a line of fire into running militia. A woman, with a bundle of rags or a child in her arms, tried to run across the same street and a fusilier in a follow up line shot her dead. A house to the south was well on fire and a militiaman in an upper window had now given up harrassing the Prussians below and was trying to get out the window before he went up with the house.
Behind him the rest of the regiment was breaking ranks to enter the city.
Image courtesy of Divepac
Anglo Swedish Alliance
Turn 7
Diplomacy
Both Austria and Turkey declare themselves Empires.
England offers an alliance to the Swedish and to cede the provinces of Norway and Trondheim (I think). An interesting settling of things.
Our alliance with Sweden begins.
Below you can see the effects of our 'charm offensive' with the minors of German, including the money gifted to the Saxons. Not too bad, considering the Austrians are at the same thing (I think - I get no such specific indication).
Neither the Austrians in Poland, or the French in Luxemborg are able to beat the defenders. The Spanish though, have taken Morocco.
Diplomacy
Both Austria and Turkey declare themselves Empires.
England offers an alliance to the Swedish and to cede the provinces of Norway and Trondheim (I think). An interesting settling of things.
Our alliance with Sweden begins.
Below you can see the effects of our 'charm offensive' with the minors of German, including the money gifted to the Saxons. Not too bad, considering the Austrians are at the same thing (I think - I get no such specific indication).
Neither the Austrians in Poland, or the French in Luxemborg are able to beat the defenders. The Spanish though, have taken Morocco.
- Attachments
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- germanicdiplomacy.jpg (188.46 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Mecklemburg Falls
Military
Mecklemburg falls with 2000 casualties. We are to suffer 7 months of unrest.
At last my new divisions are put in the field: a division of infantry in Pommerania and the Jager Infantry in Brandenburg. Below is a picture of the shaking out of reinforcements to all my depleted divisions. Everything is looking much more replete now, in time for me to deplete it again by sending the armies out to march.
I move the Prussian Army to Westphalia and the Jager Infantry Division as well, with the plan to place them (the Jagers) into the Prussian Army. The Army of the Rhine moves to Madgesburg, along with the new Infantry Division in Pommerania, and are placed into the town there (to lower supply costs).
A militia unit in Pommerania moves to Mecklemburg and enters the garrison.
Production and Trade
No new production or changes in trade.
Economy
No change.
Below is the shaking out of 15k reinforcements into the forces.
Mecklemburg falls with 2000 casualties. We are to suffer 7 months of unrest.
At last my new divisions are put in the field: a division of infantry in Pommerania and the Jager Infantry in Brandenburg. Below is a picture of the shaking out of reinforcements to all my depleted divisions. Everything is looking much more replete now, in time for me to deplete it again by sending the armies out to march.
I move the Prussian Army to Westphalia and the Jager Infantry Division as well, with the plan to place them (the Jagers) into the Prussian Army. The Army of the Rhine moves to Madgesburg, along with the new Infantry Division in Pommerania, and are placed into the town there (to lower supply costs).
A militia unit in Pommerania moves to Mecklemburg and enters the garrison.
Production and Trade
No new production or changes in trade.
Economy
No change.
Below is the shaking out of 15k reinforcements into the forces.
- Attachments
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- replacements.jpg (56.09 KiB) Viewed 2720 times
Image courtesy of Divepac
Poland Falls
Turn 8
If you've been reading my sorry attempts at story writing I must apologise, we are cranking through the turns at the moment and I am getting a bit behind, so no story stuff this turn.
Diplomacy
The major news is that the Austrians have taken Krakow and with it, the whole of Poland. I am in discussions with Matto of Austria about territory he is to cede to us and the Russians. In payment I am to sign a pledge of defence type treaty. If he asks the same of Russia this will create a very solid block in the centre east area of Europe and might cause some shake up of the other countries.
The Spanish, who have currenty taken almost no part in European politics, have declared war on Algeria (I think, the next 2 provinces along the African coast from Morroco). I imagine the French may go courting the Spanish.
More worrying though, is that the British might move in that direction too.
I move my diplomat, who was conducting propaganda, to Paris with a spying mission. I can now see there is a French army in Paris and I want to ascertain its size (if possible).
Since Austria now holds such a great chunk of Europe the rest of Europe has become alarmed at their rise. This means minors are less likely to think positively about them. My charm offensive against the minor Germanic states might make better headway now.
The Austrians propose a treaty of sharing supply depots. This make sense if we are to attack the French and it is ratified.
Military
With the Polish question answered, the Austrians will move their main army up through Prussia to look to attack the North of France. I am to create depots so they can get supply.
I build a Corps in Berlin. Corps allow you to gain the benefit of Corp and Army General bonuses and ultimately will allow a bigger army. They do cost a massive 10 money a turn in upkeep though, so they are not a cheap option.
I toyed with moving the Army of Prussia down to Flanders to attempt to relieve pressure on Luxemborg, but truly the Austrians have taken a leap on the rest of us with the subjegation of the Austrians and the loss of a few provinces to the French may not be such a bad thing.
Trade and Production
The cost of Fuedilism continues to hurt me. Fuedilism is the reason I was losing 3 wood a turn, it seems it strikes all commodities - including textiles. Since it costs 4 wool (or cotton) to build one textile, this loss is heavy. I am trudging my way towards enough textiles to create my barracks... In contradiction to the textile situation I move the production slider for textiles in Brandenburg to wood. Wood is another commodity I need for the barracks. I will move it back to textiles next turn. This step should see me get enough textiles and wood at the same time so that I can build the level 6 barracks upgrade.
Economy
No change here, although next turn should see some differences when I have to create depots for the Austrians. The Austrian troops are paid for by the Austrians but the cost of the depots is still a drain.
If you've been reading my sorry attempts at story writing I must apologise, we are cranking through the turns at the moment and I am getting a bit behind, so no story stuff this turn.
Diplomacy
The major news is that the Austrians have taken Krakow and with it, the whole of Poland. I am in discussions with Matto of Austria about territory he is to cede to us and the Russians. In payment I am to sign a pledge of defence type treaty. If he asks the same of Russia this will create a very solid block in the centre east area of Europe and might cause some shake up of the other countries.
The Spanish, who have currenty taken almost no part in European politics, have declared war on Algeria (I think, the next 2 provinces along the African coast from Morroco). I imagine the French may go courting the Spanish.
More worrying though, is that the British might move in that direction too.
I move my diplomat, who was conducting propaganda, to Paris with a spying mission. I can now see there is a French army in Paris and I want to ascertain its size (if possible).
Since Austria now holds such a great chunk of Europe the rest of Europe has become alarmed at their rise. This means minors are less likely to think positively about them. My charm offensive against the minor Germanic states might make better headway now.
The Austrians propose a treaty of sharing supply depots. This make sense if we are to attack the French and it is ratified.
Military
With the Polish question answered, the Austrians will move their main army up through Prussia to look to attack the North of France. I am to create depots so they can get supply.
I build a Corps in Berlin. Corps allow you to gain the benefit of Corp and Army General bonuses and ultimately will allow a bigger army. They do cost a massive 10 money a turn in upkeep though, so they are not a cheap option.
I toyed with moving the Army of Prussia down to Flanders to attempt to relieve pressure on Luxemborg, but truly the Austrians have taken a leap on the rest of us with the subjegation of the Austrians and the loss of a few provinces to the French may not be such a bad thing.
Trade and Production
The cost of Fuedilism continues to hurt me. Fuedilism is the reason I was losing 3 wood a turn, it seems it strikes all commodities - including textiles. Since it costs 4 wool (or cotton) to build one textile, this loss is heavy. I am trudging my way towards enough textiles to create my barracks... In contradiction to the textile situation I move the production slider for textiles in Brandenburg to wood. Wood is another commodity I need for the barracks. I will move it back to textiles next turn. This step should see me get enough textiles and wood at the same time so that I can build the level 6 barracks upgrade.
Economy
No change here, although next turn should see some differences when I have to create depots for the Austrians. The Austrian troops are paid for by the Austrians but the cost of the depots is still a drain.
Image courtesy of Divepac