Pigs fly or Schwein Flu? A Prussian AAR

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Von Newby rubbed bloodshot eyes.

The initial jubilation at the conquering of Mecklemburg had long since passed with the capture of Poland by the Austrians, the investiture of Luxemborg by the French and the large British Army now sitting in and around Hamburg.
There were cries across Europe at the size of Austrian holdings, and how they were a major threat - forget the French. Yet here he was signing a treaty to hand the use of the Prussian supply depots over to a courier bound for Vienna.
He had it on very good authority that King Matto would cede Polish provinces to Prussia, obviously to stop anti-Austrian sentiment with their ally against the French, but also to overcome the administrative difficulties that an already taxed government were struggling with.
However, Von Newby had also heard that the ceding of land was not just to Prussia's benefit, but that the Russian was likely to gain, if only to keep that wolf from Austria's door. No one needed a stronger Russia, they already had boundless land and resources, what need was there to strengthen them?
But, of all the worries that he feared, the large British army in Hamburg was the greatest headache. It was easily large enough to make victory over it unknown, and it had power enough to seige and capture Berlin. At present the British seemed still to be more anti the revolutionary French than willing to stab a dagger into the back of Prussia. But if Prussia was deeply embroiled in France there would be little chance of returning to the homeland in time to combat this army. Yet Prussia was at war with the French, who's forces were gathering at alarming speed. If she were to do nothing there then there would be trouble aplenty in a few months time.
Von Newby took out his quill and began to draft a treaty with the British, it was a long shot, but even if they would not ratify it, that would tell him much...

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Turn 9

Diplomacy
King Matto has proposed a treaty that cedes 4 Polish provinces to Prussia but that also requests the pledge of defence. At the same time he has offered 4 provinces to Russia and with a request for an alliance. There is some serious fruit to this treaty for the Russians to grab. I am disappointed Matto allocated Courland to the Russian and refused my request for Warsaw. I suppose it is one of the jewels in Poland, but for the little he has to do to gain control over the place it is still disappointing. King Matto says he will be adding to the territory ceded next turn as he can only hand over what is adjacent to currently owned territory. I want Valna (sp) but it is right on the Russian border...
With this increase in land I may be able to overcome my serious shortage in textiles, or at least boost production past losses to fuedalism.
I have drafted an enforced peace treaty with the British of 1 years duration. If all those troops have their eyes set on the Dutch lands rather than Prussia he should sign. If he doesn't well I might be staying home against the French, or at least not be able to send as much.
Diplomatic efforts charming the Germanic minors are starting to gain ground. The Austrians seemed to take a marked hit in their progress this turn. Most pleasing was the gain with Bavaria. I am at last in the positives there (along with Austria and Britain, who are all below 100).
Elsewhere the Spanish have another victory, this time over the Algerians in Oman. The Russians and the Turks both have battles against rebels.

Military
The Austrians are moving north. I have been requested to build a depot in Berlin, which I duly do. I think he may have difficulty getting to it as he has to travel through Silesia and the snows are falling there.
The new Corps constructed in Berlin has been renamed the 'Blitzen Corp' and moves to Westphalia. The Rhine Army also moves there. I am going to reorganise the troops so that I can gain the benefit of my Generals.

Trade and Production.
Nothing built this turn. I do change the sliders in Berlin back to favouring wool and textiles (from wood). I have enough wood now that I will be able to start the barrack in Berlin in 3 months. It is a slow trek to accummulate resources.

Economy
All of the depots I am having to spring for have reduced my net profit to 31. Still, at least I am in the black. This will of course change once I go hunting Frenchmen. I have to restrain myself from building infrastructure. Wars are VERY expensive.

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Despite its population, there was a decided martial vigour within the provinces that made up the Prussian Kingdom.
Amongst these recruits were the bourgeois volunteers and minor aristocrats that were members of clubs that followed all things military. Many of these clubs boasted armouries that minor nobles would be more than happy to call their own. The members were also very able at using these weapons, usually short form rifles - still accurate out to 300 yards by the very proficient - and they knew how to look after them.
These volunteers, for all their ability with their weapons, were still green. In order to create these scouting and skirmishing units able to engage usual infantry at much longer ranges there still needed to be some military leadership and experience.
It made sense to gather these men together, they had already armed themselves and were proficient with their weapons; just a mountain of new uniforms (31 textiles) and some experienced officers and non commissioned officers from other units (-10 % experience), and a new Jager Infantry Division could be formed.

The Quartermaster General looked down the list of all ranks, reading citations and commendations.

'Wilhelm Jahnus Henk - Captain' he mouthed to himself as he put a line through this name and then wrote the name on a growing list.

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Turn 10

Diplomacy.
The four provinces of Poland are handed over to us as part of the treaty of Polish division, as of next turn we are in a defensive pact with the Austrians (for 3 years). The Russians DID NOT agree to the treaty offered to them. I received correspondence from the Tzar expressing disappointment at the steep cost from the provinces he would gain (3 years enforced peace, and an alliance). I don't know what that will mean for us(Austria and I) but I imagine a disgruntled Russia could be a real threat, especially if it can wrangle some understanding from the Turks.
Things are coming to a head I think. At present the battle lines are Austria and Prussia against France. Prussia has an alliance with Sweden, who has an alliance with Britain. Prussia also has good trade relations with Britain (which I seek to expand following the Polish land grab). I also have information that the British are very worried about the Dutch, who more and more are stepping into the back pocket of the French diplomatically speaking. With the Dutch navy at stake, and the way King Mus handled the Danish situation (agreeing to a protectorate with them when the Swedish attacked), I imagine this area may bring the British in against the French. I also have an enforced peace treaty of one year sitting with the British.
No one else is affiliated other than a higgledepigglety treaty between Turkey and Russia regarding lack of cooperation with the Spanish. I'll admit I am a little lost as to the ramifications of this treaty. The Spanish seem unaffiliated, but they do have trade with Britain, and if I were France I'd be knocking on their door - especially if the British get bellicose. There have been numerous rumours regarding secret treaties, all of which are more easily broken than public ones.
My two diplomats continue doing their jobs, some of the minor nations are now looking very pro-Prussia, and my diplomat in Ile de France, set to spy, gives very interesting information. I have two 'good' information reports of the French armies. One, in Ild de France, is only infantry and of about 20-30k. The main army(s), now besieging Flanders, is about 130k, with alot of artillery.

Military
I have come to the conclusion that I will form another Jager infantry next turn rather than build the barracks. The next level of barracks can get me +.1 morale to any unit built there, and an increase of experience points for unit upgrades, but the second is so much easier accomplished by upgrading a less costly barracks, of which I have several with the inclusion of the Polish lands. I will also have to look to purchase some militia to add to the completely ungarrisoned lands of the Polish - 4 militia = 8 population OUCH.
All of the Prussian forces, bar militia garrisons, are now in Westphalia. This turn I reorganise the army (see attached picture), with most units being put into the Blitzen Corp.
The Austrian army is now in Silesia. They still have to traverse Nuemark, with it's terrible roads (still 4 months from completing that upgrade), before we can join forces. I contemplated attacking the French in Flanders but I don't know whether I am the defender in my allies land, or even if there is an instant combat bonus to being the defender. The attraction to have an attack on the French and even if I lose, gain some experience, was overcome however, and the Prussian army stays in Westphalia.

Production and Trade.
The addition of the Polish lands has increased my resource creation by about 10-20%. Most importantly I can now build 4 textiles per turn (from 3). This turn I commission a farm in Mecklemburg and change some sliders within some of the very poor polish territories, such that they only produce food - poorly, and that their other alotments go to development. I am somewhat fortunate in that the AI had allocated money to two locations to build the first step of a factory and of a bank - both of these usually cost 100 cash!
The British pointed out that we were competing for trade off the coast of Sweden and why don't WE move somewhere else. I can't see any other location that doesn't cause competition - the FOW is too prevalent. Interesting that he wants me to move from a lucrative location when he dominates almost every other sea zone.
With the new lands, and especially because we have set most of them to produce agriculture, our horse production has leapt by 6. I therefore broach an expansion of trade with the British: 5 horses for 10 money. They accept and will orchestrate that next turn.

Economy
Again the Polish lands have influence here. My income, with 2 depots in play, and the Prussian and Rhine armies pulling from them, went from 32 to 59 (estimated). I have some bank upgrades coming online soon and the trade from the British. Things are turning up, right before I start spending like crazy by marching on the French.

Below is a pic of the Prussian and Rhine Armies. As you can see most of the forces are set up within the Blitzen Corp to make use of both Brunswick and Schwerin's bonuses. I really need another Corp to make use of Kalkrueth, but he has nothing of Schwerin'g stature, so that just has to wait. The Rhine Army will stay in Prussia, or look for opportunity to take supply depots, or defend supply depots we have laid.

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Turn 11

Diplomacy
The Austrians have offered another two provinces: Courland and Grodno, but this time in payment for the lending of Silesia for a year. This is to win back some of the glory Austria lost in declaring on the Poles. Silesia is a political target for Austria, gaining him +1 glory per turn for owning it.
Fierce discussion between King Matto and me has resulted in Petrokov being added to this list of ceded provinces.
The addition of Courland is a benefit as it is a supply hub, but the real jewel I wanted to gain was Vilna, both a supply hub and a political target for me (+1 glory per turn). King Matto refuses to cede this province to me.
Interestingly it appears he is still in heated discussion with the Russians, and Vilna is to go to them.
The British agree to my enforced peace, our northern border should be safe for the next year.
The British also propose a treaty with France (!!!) for a 3 year peace as long as neither side takes the Dutch. This is not what we want to hear. Far better his initial plan which was to crush the Dutch navy, but be at war with the French.
The Spanish continue to engulf the North of Africa, taking Algiers and DOWing Tunisia. This approach appears to be working perfectly for them, no one taking any interest in halting proceedings. Unfortunately we are in no position to do anything. I suppose the French will be courting them, not wanting to admonish them. The Turks and Russia have this 'no treaty with Spain' treaty between themselves, but neither are taking steps to halt the progress. I doubt this will affect Prussia in the future, but it sure could affect the Med powers.

Military
I just cannot make up my mind. While I was able to build a Jager infantry this turn, I don't, I have decided the barracks is the go, the experience boost (with 10% of the square of it's barracks level: 25 up to 36 = 3.6 per quarter), ultimately this is a better deal. I can also build horse artillery in Berlin if I feel so inclined.
Breslau, my main iron production location, will be quite hemmed in by Austrian land, especially with the lending of Silesia to the Austrians. It would be a perfect target for ruining my economy if things came to war.
The Austrian Army is now in Brandenburg, continuing to head West next turn.
My reorganisation of the Army of Prussia continues to fail with infantry units being left out of the Army as individuals - grrr. I set it up again and hope it is concluded correctly this turn!

Trade and Production
King Mus of Britain pointed out a rule to me this turn. That merchants do better the further they are from your own sea zones. I didn't know this. So I relinquish the Gulf of Bothnia and go to the seas off Zealand - currently empty.
Berlin finishes its bank, and a new one is started (I have plenty of labour now, and cash is doing OK). Danzig finishes a bank and starts a port upgrade (eating 2 precious textiles, but I will still have enough for the barracks upgrade in Berlin next turn). The port upgrade will increase (slightly) the amount of money bought in by foreign merchants.

Economy
I drop the tax rate by one to sixteen this turn. With the increase in land my ability to provide luxuries has taken a hit. The tax level was lowering national morale by 10 a turn. Considering I am about to go into battle, I want NM as high as possible. It helps in combat and I may need a buffer if we lose. Too negative an NM and provinces, like Mecklemburg and the Polish provinces, could have an insurrection.

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Turn 12

Diplomacy
Well everything has gone to hell in a hand basket this turn.
Firstly, since we did not actually conduct any offensive actions against the French, the war with them fizzles out. Unfortunately, because we have a Pledge of Defence with Austria, and they are still at war with the French, we are being penalised 4 glory a turn for not declaring war against the French as per that treaty. We are not allowed to DOW France due to the enforced peace after a war. There will be 2 more months of this unless something changes.
Secondly, it appears the Russians are not only in conversation with Austria regarding the division of Poland, but they demand Courland, a location that can provide supply. We had agreed, with Austria that we would obtain Courland. Austria wants to renege on handing it to us because he fears that the Russians might DOW Austria if he doesn't.
He will have to make up his mind as to what he wants to do, but I will be very disappointed if I don't get Courland. Austria has offered to cede two other provinces instead, but it is not so much the territory as the supply base right upon my borders that worries me.
I am unsure how the diplomacy of ceding works. The treaty that the pledge of defence is part of has the clauses that involve the ceding of the first 5 Polish provinces. I don't think I can dissolve the Pedge of defence without dissolving the ceding of the provinces into the bargain.
Either way, this turn may be the spark that lights a much broader conflagration. If Russia were to DOW Austria, and Prussia (assuming I am still party to the pledge of defence), then the Turks may see benefit in adding to Austria's pain.
How the other powers would act I can't say, the British have their enforced peace with France, so with only Russia and Turkey to attack may not think the gains worth the pains. They are often the power brokers though, and a crippled Austria and Prussia will benefit on of the other continental powers - likely France, if they do nothing.
This turn Haugwitz moves to Brunswick and will attempt a coup. Many of the smaller germanic states are now very pro Prussia. I would rather they just attach as a protectorate - especially the Saxons, Hessians and wonder of wonders - Bavaria, as they have very nice armies.
I cannot say how this will move, so much of it is in the Austrian camp. Maybe the taking of Poland was the worst thing he could have done.
I subsidise Saxony for 35 money.

Military
With no more war the Army of the Rhine moves into garrison in Westphalia and the Army of Prussia moves to Bundesburg. I build another depot in Bundesburg to reduce marching attrition. Speaking of that, the Austrians move to Nuemark last turn without informing me (I still have no explanation), and I had removed the depot in Bundesburg. He therefore suffers foraging losses. Not a very opportune time to do that.
I build a militia in East Prussia in order to offer a little defence to these new territories. At 10 months of unrest they cannot do this for themselves. The 2 population is such a burden to pay for such rubbish troops, but Militia do not count towards by support costs as long as there aren't more Militia than I have provinces.

Trade and Production
The new location of the merchant - off Zealand - is much better than the previous location. We are now getting 10 money a turn from our merchant.
Production this turn is the barracks at Berlin. I change the sliders to move Berlin to produce a large amount of effort into development. This will allow me to get the barracks done in 6 turns, this should be enough time to accrue enough textiles to commission another Jager infantry.

Economy
With the reduced tax rate I am now running at +65 cash. The purchase of the militia, the barracks and subsidising Saxony has reduced out treasury to 176 cash.

Below is a pic of the affects of the pledge of defence and our fizzle of the war with France.

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And here is the settings for Brandenburg in order to get the barracks in 6 turns. This change create a -3 in wool production. I have to tweak other provinces sliders to bring this back to 0 or else there wont be enough textiles to produce my new Jager infantry.

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Turn 13

Diplomacy
Success!! And to a certain extent failure
The Austrians decide to cede Petrokov, Grodno and Courland to me. Nothing has been ceded to the Russians...
This is almost definately war. I note that the French have started to subsidise the Russians as well. A good move, and we are helping to force the Tsar into his camp.
In that up and coming war I now have a supply location from which I can advance on the Russians if necessary (Courland). Therefore I move the newly built militia, in Eastern Prussia, to Courland to defend it.
Another radical move this turn. Both the French AND the British DOW the Dutch. They have obviously come to an arrangement to split the two provinces, and the British get rid of the Dutch navy.
The French gain a protectorate with Wurttemburg. They are slowly making a friendly trail towards Austrian lands.
King Matto has proposed that we encorporate the Saxons and Bavarians into our lands. Again though, he has proposed that he gets the Bavarians while I take the Saxons. Prussia may be the smaller protagonist but playing second fiddle is getting tiresome. Munich is the most important province on the board politically for Prussia - +3 glory each turn it is held.
The diplomat Luchensis will continue his goodwill campaign, but this turn we try and coup Brunswick using our other diplomat.
If Matto does ask for war against the minor Germanic states there is no longer any use subsidising them.

Military
3 units from the Army of Prussia, now stationed in Brandenburg, are placed in the Brandenburg garrison. The depot in Madesburg is decommissioned. These effort raise the next month's income to an estimated 100 from 88.

Trade and Production.
I find a minor state that is happy to trade 5 food for 5 money and set this up.
I have to fiddle with the sliders in Brandenburg as the time taken to build my barracks upgrade there. It had increased from 6 turns to complete, up to 7, even after one turn's work. I have to take more effort out of agriculture and put it into development so that the barracks will be ready in 5 turns.
With all this new territory I have a severe defence problem. Mainly due to population requirements to create Militia to defend my gains. I have 8 new provinces (not including Mecklensburg, which is already defended by 1 militia unit). I have stolen 1 militia from Brandenburg - that province is down to 2 militia now. Dangerous indeed, especially with a probable war with Russia, and possibly Turkey, on the horizon.
So next turn I am going to conduct a major re-jig of the economy. I will set every province to produce as much food as I can, while making sure I do not go into the negatives in any single commodity, and that I provide enough wool to continue to create 5 textiles net (I lose 3 due to feudal penalties).

Economy
The economy gets another boost with the new provinces bought online. I am now getting 100 money a turn with a tax rate of 16.

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Turn 14

Diplomacy
I cannot get over how this game twists and turns.
King Matto of Austria and I were discussing, with no shortage of disgruntlement on my side, the division of Bavaria. Munich, the captital province, is worth 3 glory points a turn for me if I control it. Once again though, as with Poland, Austria is within closer proximity to the Bavarian Capital province. So therefore he had a strength right (he is more powerful) but a line-of-supply right to demanding its control. I did gain a tentative agreement that he would cede the province of Munich to me, but things were getting a little heated.
To the point, or the month's happenings, then: the Bavarians ask for protection from Prussia!!
While I don't have control over her economy or resources, I do gain half her income and her armed forces, not forgetting the political points for Munich and 4 other of her provinces.
Prussia is no longer an 'also ran'. She is a power to contend with.
In other news:
The Austrian war with the French fizzles out. This is another amazing turn around. I figured, because France was seiging Flanders and Luxemborg, that this constituted a war footing. Apparently not and this conflict ends with the loss of these two states to the French.
The Austrian negotiations with the Russians are apparently falling to pieces. King Matto has recommended I look to move forces to the East. Even taking into consideration the incorporation of the Bavarians I still don't have enough forces to defend both East and West. I think that the Russians might think twice about attacking us without us also being in conflict with the French though.
The French and the British attack the Dutch at sea and upon land. The British especially gaining huge victories over the Dutch sea forces. The main French army now invests Batavia, while the Dutch army they defeated has retreated to Friesland.
My diplomats have obviously managed alot this turn. However, my attempt at even larger greed did not see fruition with my coup attempt in Brunswick meeting failure.
Luchensis moves to Hesse to start a pointed charm offensive against them. The Hessians have 3 fantastic high morale infantry divisions I would like to gain control of. Hesse is very happy with me. To add fruit to this I spend another 25 money on subsidising them.
This, my friends, is not all that occured this turn.
The Turks have attempted to halt the Spanish expansion through the North of Africa diplomatically. They have proposed a treaty to guarantee the soverinty of Tripoli, while incorporating either a peace agreement (for a year) or an alliance for a year. Since Turkey is an empire they can afford the two treaties. I imagine the Spanish are to chose one to their liking.

All very heady stuff.

Military
Well the really resounding news is the attachment of the very capable Bavarian army. Look at the attached pic. It has extensive numbers, combined armies (I mean 2 divisions of artillery!!) and look at their morale. Other than numbers they are better quality than the Prussian Army. The one thing they are short of is leaders.
So I build a corp container in Brandenburg (this does not have to wait on the barracks to conclude upgrading - containers don't have morale). I will move the Corp and a Corp commander to Bavaria, via Austria (I don't have a direct route without violating neutrality of minors... yet). I do not know whether the Bavarians will actually move into my corp container - they are not to be seperated from their own formations. I don't know if putting the troops into a Prussian Corp container within their homeland army container is considered breaking of this rule. Either way, another Corps container within the Prussian army would be beneficial if I am to face either the French or the Russians.
This is relegating the Army of the Rhine to that of a supply interdiction unit. I still need more units to flesh this out. Really I need cavalry for this role but I cannot afford them.
The militia created this turn in Breslau is slated to move to Grodno. Grodno is a superfortress and sits on the main road into my Polish territory. So now I have militia in Courland and Grodno, both on important roads.
Obviously I cannot hope to defend every province, but the idea is to defend those that give me some time to come to the rescue with my armies.
This turn I gain enough experience (75) to purchase an upgrade to my forces. I choose engineering. This has a minor benefit in combat and a major benefit to seiges.

Trade and Production
This turn the British expand their purchase of horses to 9 (from 5) and this adds to my money income.
The trade proposed to Piedmont of 5 money for 5 food is ratified.
I make changes to the agriculture sliders that increase my food production from 131 to 152. My population is eating 101 food now (this is strange - I didn't think I had to feed the Bavarians, but I have a sudden jump in food requirement??).
So it doesn't look like I will be able to do any better than about 1 extra population every 2nd or 3rd turn. This bodes ill for my militia expansion requirement. At least the Bavarians have populated their provinces with their own militia.
The large increase in population has not been mirrored by an increase in luxury manufacture. I now regularly see no increase in National Morale. In fact, because I have my tax rate at 16, I lose 9 NM a turn. I can afford this for a while, but I don't want NM to dip too low - a few bad decisions on the battlefield and I'll be forced to surrender.

Economy
Despite my retreating National Morale, you don't appear to lose more NM for being on a 17 tax rate compared to a 16 tax rate. So while I am happy to lose the NM I will ratchet this up another step.

A pic of the situation in Central Europe

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Turn 15

Diplomacy.
The last turn was a much quieter one for the forces of good. Little occurred for or against Prussia directly.
In other news though the French take Batavia, and with it the rest of the Dutch lands. The British appeared to get interested, a little too late, in taking some land. They've moved a large part of their army, which was stationed in Hamburg, to Hannover. Since I still have an enforced peace treaty I don't think this move has malicious intent.
The Turkish treaties attempting to keep Tripolitania neutral are both rejected by Spain and just to put a nail into that coffin they also take Tripoli gaining the three Tripolitainia provinces. Now that Tripolitania is lost the Spanish to counter with a straight alliance. With it they gain a large amount of glory and become the leader, overtaking Austria by 1 point. With this being the points situation this may not be accepted by the Turks.
The British and the French gain large chunks of glory either dealing with the Dutch fleet or taking the Dutch lands.
Prussia is relagated to 5th by the French.
My charm offensive against the Hessians starts in earnest but there is alot of it going about. The main contributor is the French, trying to buy favour from the Russians and the Turks. There can be no doubt as to why.
There are alot of foreign diplomats in the Bavarian provinces. I don't know why at present, they are unlikely to cause an insurrection. They may just be moving through.

Military.
The Bavarian army is fleshed out to the tune of 7000 replacements.
The new Donner Corps is created, is loaded with a Corps commander, and sent, via Austria, to Bavaria. This is to allow the Bavarian army to gain the benefit of some leadership.
The Army of the Rhine moves through Brandenburg and on to Pommerania. It moves again this turn to Eastern Prussia where it has orders to enter the garrison.
Parts of the Prussian army. Now in Madgesburg, enter the garrison there.
These moves are all in aid of building up my treasury.
I am, however, toying with attacking the germanic minors in between me and the Bavarian Capital: Munich. So I will not be building much for a while, with the lack of population gain at the moment I can't afford the loss to create the militia I am after anyway...

Trade and Production
As stated above no developments are commissioned and no changes in trade.

Economy.
I am only bringing in 80 money a turn. Cash spent on trading for resources, subsidising minors, building units and developments etc. All have meant I have a treasury of about 150 money at the moment. I need more than this if I am ever to go on the offensive.

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Turn 16

Diplomacy.
Well, just as I turn to the East, worrying about the Russians (more on that later). The French start spouting to all and sundry that Prussia having land on the West of the Rhine is casus belli. The fact it has been argued with him that the Bavarians asked for Prussian protection, and I can't actually cede him the two provinces he is upset about - you can't do that when the provinces are part of a protectorate - doesn't wash. He wants Bavaria returned to neutrality.
Interestingly, he now of course, holds land to the East of the Rhine as well: the two Dutch provinces, Wurttenburg and Baden.
I think the land East of the Rhine is probably in his sights as well!
So, this has kicked me in to action on the diplomatic front, and to little affect. I approached the British regarding a secret free passage treaty so that I could use the British continental land for manoeuver room. My idea being that I sidestep through Hannover if he approached directly on Brandenburg from the Netherlands. Hopefully I could take out supply depots in such fashion, or even hide in British land, able to reach out and hit him, but not get hit in return.
The British will have none of it. I fear the whole understanding about the Dutch has put the two in much closer kinship than is safe for Prussia.
I also approached the Spanish about an opportune DOW if the French came East. The French have been showering them with gold each turn, and the Spanish think it remiss to DOW a benefactor. They recommend we start subsidising them too, to offset the ground made by the French. We of course cannot afford this.
In other words, the initial approaches to the likely conspirators in the instance of a French attack are not very interested in the conspiracy. In fact I think the French have been far more active and are reaping a few of these rewards.
The Spanish and the Turks ratify an alliance...

Military
Well my Corp will not load its General and move towards Munich. I may have to have some troops in it first. I can't afford troops yet so this wont happen yet. I may look to build another infantry unit next turn, that way it should gain the benefit of a morale boost from the completed barracks, which is still 2 months away.
The Rhine Army does not make it to Eastern Prussia this turn, I try to finish their movement again.
The Russians have beenbuilding militia madly it seems. They look to be boosting the garrisons of all their border provinces with militia. At least 2 and in some places 3 of these units. This lends me to believe they are either hunkering down, or are readying themselves for war, such that we can't easily make headway into their lands. I just cannot do the same. I don't have the money or the manpower.

Trade and Production
The trade link between Upper Palatinate (in Bavaria) and the British is broken this turn due to lack of resources at my end. Since it is a protectorate I can do nothing about this. It was a bit of a one sided affair anyway, the Brits doing better from the deal then Bavaria.
This turn I commission a farm in Pommerania. I need the agriculture boost. Still struggling with a single growth every 2 turns at best.

Economy.
The only expenditure this turn was the purchase of the farm - only 8 Money (16 horses though). I have 208 cash on hand - and the Spanish want me to subsidise them. With what would I fight if I got any lower than this?

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Turn 16

Diplomacy
The French are rattling the sabre, to the point of war almost being inevitable, over our holding of the Bavarian provinces of Kleves and Palatinate.
In short the wish us to cede them back to us, or they will go to war to get them. It seems they have the British on their side in as much as they (the British) believe these provinces are more rightly French than Prussian, and wont take sides in a contest of arms to sort out this right.
After much deliberation, name calling and banter, we have decided to cede these provinces to France in exchange for Wurttemburg and a cash amount of 30 money.
The British were of the view Wurttemburg should just be freed, but this is the loss of two glory provinces for no gain. Wurttemburg is at least East of the Rhine and a glory location.
I think they wont go for this. Greed is strong with the Frenchman.
In other news the French manage to cause the Austrian province of Lombardy into insurrection.
The Spanish and Turkish do sign their alliance.
The French shower the Spanish, Russian and Turkish with 30 money a piece.
I note a French spy in Westphalia. He is either just spying, but is far more likely trying to cause another insurrection.
I send the Diplomat in Brunswick into Prussian territory with orders to expel foreign diplomats. His legal ability is only 20 (expulsion is controlled by legal), so I may have little chance of getting this guy out.

Pic attached. This is the Treaty of 'Smoothing Rhine Waters'. It at least gives us something in return for the loss of two glory provinces. I still think the French will not go for it.

[aprezto]

Military
Alot to discuss here.
Firstly lets look out to the East. If you look at the attached pic you can see that the Russians have been building the border. Each of the red rings shows the garrisons of their provinces and Livonia (not shown) and Dvinsk both have 2 militia each. Notice also that the Russians have built a cavalry unit in Livonia (or it was levie - I note cossacks in the South - so potentially this is so).
In contrast, all of my holdings bar Courland have no militia defences. The only consideration I can make to defence out here is the Army of the Rhine - located in East Prussia (green ring). It is not much to behold - two infantry division.
I plan to build another infantry division in the east for the army of the Rhine, and as many militia as I can muster.

[aprezto]

Military - Around Kleves
In this pic we can see the main French armies of the North and the Swiss in Flanders. They moved SW from Batavia to sit in Flanders. This means they don't have to cross the river to get to Kleves I imagine.
The Army of Prussia reassembles after one turn in garrison, and marches from Madgesburg to Westphalia - all things going well (green arrow). If war is to come, their likely target will be defence of Berg, down the road to the north through Friesland, Batavia and potentialy to Flanders. Hoping to cut off supply locations. Doubled edged sword this of course, he has more troops than I do so can repay the favour, or march on Brandenburg.
The green arrow passing through Kleves is the militia of the Palatinate marching to Berg to become a garrison there. This is in case the French do accept my treaty proposal. It has been my experience that you lose the garrisons when this occurs. I am desperately short of militia so try to save at least one. The one in Kleves does not follow suit as it at least is a speed bump for the French army in Flanders.
The diplomat surrounded by the red circle is the French one I am worried about. He may be causing an insurrection. Not my diplomat in Magesburg, he has just moved there. His orders will be to attempt to expel the French spy.

[aprezto]

Military - around Munich
In this pic we can see the situation in the south. The northern green arrow is the hopeful movement of the Corps moving down from the north with its Corp commander. Unlikely to get this far however.
The other green line is the movement of the Bavarian army to Augsburg in preparation for moves against either Wurttenburg and Baden in two hops, or against Lorraine directly, in the hope of stretching his supply lines. Unsure of which to do at present.

[aprezto]

Military - units
Well I need lots. I just cannot afford them. I need militia, probably about 4, in the East to make it more difficult in the event of a DOW from Russia. I need militia to follow the Bavarian army, as they are likely to make headway - I might liaise with the Austrians about such garrisons. I also need at least one more militia in Brandenburg, it only has 2 at present and that wont last very long in a seige against the French Army.
I need about 3 more regular infantry units. One to flesh out the Army of the Rhine - realistically I need cavalry and artillery, but that is moon dreams, I want regular infantry in the south to enable me to cut supplies (militia can't do this unless in your own territory).
All in all, a hard ask.
Unfortunately, this is all pipe dreams, as I really must have a war chest. You need money or else things will go pear shaped very quickly. So despite all of these wants, I decide against buying anything and keep accumulating cash. Next turn I will be thinking hard about that Jager infantry. They take soooooo long to assemble though (6 turns), the war might be over before they arrive.

Production.
I gain a factory in Breslau. As above I can't afford to build anything new here - actually after a barracks so I have another location to build units (than Brandenburg).

Economy
Well I have 320 in the kitty. I want to keep it above 300 - enough, with a 66 income - to buy the Jager infantry next turn if that is my decision.

[aprezto]

Turn 17

Diplomacy
A very quiet turn. No DOW by the French. The most important step impacting Prussia being our proposal to the French to share the Rhine provinces via our treaty. It is a public treaty so if the French turn it down all will know they are the warmongers.
The Swedish propose a treaty that Russians and the Spanish do not make an alliance. I imagine this is so that the Russian's targets aren't reduced. The Swedes always need to worry about their Finnish land.
The French diplomat that was in Westphalia has moved away of his own accord, and his destination doesn't appear to be anywhere within my land.
My other diplomat manages to advance relations with Hesse by 50 - a good leap - but I think I am fighting subsidisation here somehow?? (no reports as such in events). I don't appear to be monopolising their friendship.

Military
The reorganisation of the Prussian army, and its subsequent move to Westphalia, has fallen to pieces. Three of the infantry divisions and a general did not reorganise within the army and are left in Madgesburg while the rest of the army makes the trip to Westphalia. I try this again this turn.
Amazingly my 'Donner' Corp in the south manages to move most of the way to Munich. The Bavarian army has moved to Augsburg. I set the Donner Corps to move to Augsburg and for the Bavarian army to move into the Corp. I don't know if this will work. Protectorate formations do not like to be split. This may or may not qualify as splitting. If it doesn't work I may have to look at adding the Corp to the Bavarian army and slowly filling it with native Prussians, or in a perfect world, the Hessiens.
This turn I commission a Jager infantry in Brandenburg. The barracks upgrade has concluded and with its new capacity Jager infantry only take 5 turns (rather than 6) to build.

Production and Trade.
No changes to trade. I think I may have to look at selling some of my resources to minors in order to augment my monetary income (see Economy), will look at this next turn.
In production I commission another bank in Brandenburg, and as above, I've commissioned a Jager infantry Division.

Economy
Ouch, income is down to 47 because I have all my armies in the field and two depots looking after them. The purchase of the Brandenburg bank and the Jager Infantry division reduces my treasury to 186. No purchases next turn it appears. A few bank improvements are coming on line so hopefully I can turn things around a bit. I don't want to increase the tax rate if I can help it.

[aprezto]

Turn 18 and 19

Sorry to anyone that actually reads these. Was a bit busy and missed a turn there.

Diplomacy
Wonders never cease. The French agree to our treaty and we hand over the two provinces West of the Rhine in exchange for Wurttemburg and 30 money.
We are therefore reduced in glory income by one, but have staved off war. I wonder whether this is such a good thing, as France is likely to get much stronger, and with Austria's help we might have had enough power to overcome France now.
Little else to report. The game is very quiet from Prussian perspective now. The French, and now the English, are throwing around cash to the great nations in order to increase affiliations with each of them. Prussia still cannot afford to do this.
My diplomats continue their jobs, I try another coup in Brunswick but I'm unsuccessful. Hesse is now very pro- Prussia but they seem happy to go it alone at present.

Military
To save money, I again put the three units in the Army of Prussia (I have 9 units in this army - 6 within the Blitzen Corps within the Army and 3 in the army itself - the three units that go into the Westphalia garrison are the ones in the army).
I build another infantry division in East Prussia to increase the size of the Army of the Rhine.
I can also report that you 'can' split a protectorate army into a Corps within that army. This has worked with the Bavarians in Munich.

Trade and Production
Nothing to report

Economy
The purchase of the ID drops me to 250 money. An estimated income of 47 next turn. This has slightly increased due to the garrisoning of troops. I did have to pay an extra 10 money this turn to supply the Bavarian army as it snowed in Munich.

[soeren01]

You have 735 hits on this threa, so there are quite a few people reading.
And good reading it is .

[aprezto]

Hi Soeren01 (formerly Soerrn, did matrix forums eat your handle like it did my original one?)
 
Glad to hear you are reading it. Very much a voyage of discovery as I go along. Looking back the obvious change to the AAR is the dissolution of the fiction element. I liked the idea of this alot, but have found that I am so short on knowledge of this time (Napoleonic), and am writing for a group that are likely to be the opposite, that my attempts lacked the authenticity I'd have liked.
700ish hits, actually that isn't too bad. I wonder how many of them are me editing though [;)]