Not a bug

[Jimmer]

This is about Turkey, France, and money. Against the AI, when one (playing Turkey) is allied with France, there are two annoying things that happen. Now that we're getting closer to a good AI, these tips might prove useful:

First of all, Turkey shouldn't even have to ask France for money. France should be just sending a little over periodically, just because. Turkey is the enemy of two of Frances enemies (Russia and Austria), and has no other targets to speak of. So, France should just beef up their army if only to keep his enemies at bay.

Second (and this applies to other alliances), the AI shouldn't automatically call all of its allies just because someone declared war on them. There are certain natural alliances that one doesn't want broken, except for calls against specific enemies.

For instance, France should only call Turkey to allies against Russia and Austria, and, maybe later in the game, Spain. Turkey shouldn't call France against everybody who declares against her. She can handle Russia OR Austria, just not both without help.

GB shouldn't call Prussia against anybody except France or Austria (if Austria is being stupid).

Etc.

Now, I know you have the natural alliance table to play with. But, even inside that, there are certain alliances that are really locked into a single enemy or two. You don't want to waste your alliance by making a frivolous call to allies.

[MarshallEllis]

Those look like pretty good strat tips! Thanks!

While we're on the subject ...

What is the benefit to calling an ally? The ally has to pay the same pps in the DOW so what is the benefit of forcing an "ally" to DOW someone? I've stuggled with this quite a bit. I think the ally should either only pay 3pp or something for helping a friend???

[bresh]

ORIGINAL: Marshall Ellis

Those look like pretty good strat tips! Thanks!

While we're on the subject ...

What is the benefit to calling an ally? The ally has to pay the same pps in the DOW so what is the benefit of forcing an "ally" to DOW someone? I've stuggled with this quite a bit. I think the ally should either only pay 3pp or something for helping a friend???

Marshall, the benefit is the timing. You do not always know when a nation is going to DOW you or your ally.
By calling you both enter the war in the same month against the aggressor/defender.

If you didnt call, your ally could at earliest DOW the following month, where you might suffered a heavy loss, or major vitory.

Regards
Bresh

[eske]

Most crucial case for calling is when needing to take part in the same battles.
 
If the aggressor is able to attack a combined stack, all of that stack must be able to defend.
 
/eske

[MarshallEllis]

ORIGINAL: bresh

ORIGINAL: Marshall Ellis

Those look like pretty good strat tips! Thanks!

While we're on the subject ...

What is the benefit to calling an ally? The ally has to pay the same pps in the DOW so what is the benefit of forcing an "ally" to DOW someone? I've stuggled with this quite a bit. I think the ally should either only pay 3pp or something for helping a friend???

Marshall, the benefit is the timing. You do not always know when a nation is going to DOW you or your ally.
By calling you both enter the war in the same month against the aggressor/defender.

If you didnt call, your ally could at earliest DOW the following month, where you might suffered a heavy loss, or major vitory.

Regards
Bresh

Very GOOD explanation!
Thank you very much!

[gwheelock]

Another case occurs when you want to force someone to BREAK alliances (& pay pp costs).
 
An example would be : Austria, Prussia & Russia have allied to beat France.  France has had his
butt kicked & is now not a threat; so they want to engage in some mutual bloodletting.  One of
them DOWs a 2nd & then calls the 3rd

[MarshallEllis]

It's funny since most of my allies were quick to ask me not to call them so frankly, I'm not sure that I ever have???

[Jimmer]

ORIGINAL: Marshall Ellis

Those look like pretty good strat tips! Thanks!

While we're on the subject ...

What is the benefit to calling an ally? The ally has to pay the same pps in the DOW so what is the benefit of forcing an "ally" to DOW someone? I've stuggled with this quite a bit. I think the ally should either only pay 3pp or something for helping a friend???

The main purpose is to join a friend in the crusade against the infidels. Some "game" purposes can include taking down the leader a peg or two (by calling him to allies), etc.

The price, though, should be the same as if he hadn't been called. That's the "fee" for having the alliance in the first place.

HOWEVER, not all alliances are equal. Let's say I'm France, and I'm allied with Spain and Turkey. If Prussia declares war on me, I'm not going to call either of them, because they can't really help me, and I want them at full strength against Russia, Austria, or GB. So, I deliberately do not call either.

But, if AUSTRIA declares war on me, I could easily call either or both of them. However, I would have worked out in advance the details of such a call. Usually, the "big" power (France or GB) has to fork over some cash or other incentives to make this kind of thing happen.