Pbem109 - Do you hear the people sing?!

[terje439]

Turn 9.5 part 5

The pidgeons keep flying between Paris and London, but all of a sudden a pidgeon appears all the way from Moscow

We finally reached a concensus with Britian, the messages sent from Britain was as follows;
Regarding your amendments to my last message. I forgot about Switzerland myself. Thats fine. I thought Baden was west of the Rhine. Is it not? Is it south of the origin of the Rhine and thus outside the previously discussed confines? One thing about going too far east, you will begin to push protectorates into Prussian hands. Something to bear in mind. I have no interest in Sardinia or Corsica.

I will send the clauses that are appropriate in game T9 for ratification. Should this be a secret or public agreement? So many bizarre secret agreements going around this game. I prefer laying my cards on the table when it comes to diplomatic and legal issues.

Prussia and Sweden have a secret mutual defense . What could be less useless than a secret mutual defense arrangement? This comes back to my earlier thoughts on deterrence. Why would anyone fail to attack out of fear of an ally they dont know you have?

To which I replied:
Baden is actually east of the Rhine, it does however join the eastern border of Switzerland, which is why it is needed.
This deal can very well be made public, actually that sounds preferable.
But another question arises, what does GB think about the Russian bear? I only ask because said bear has approached me about their offered deal with Austria.

L'Terje of France


Reading the note carried from Moscow I wondered what to expect, it was a most pleasant surprise:
Dear Terje,

As you know, the Austrian Arch-Duke recently conquered Poland. He has also recently offered me a Public Treaty in which he offered to cede Polish provinces bordering Russia. He also in this treaty asked for three other clauses which I would point out to you: 1) Enforced Peace from Russia until Mar 1796 2) A Royal Wedding 3) An alliance with Russia.

I am curious to know of French opinions of such diplomatic overtures and what interest France would take in such things?

It was my opinion that the original offer made by Archduke Matto was superficially generous, but in actual fact, selfish. A Royal Wedding _and_ alliance between Russia and Austria as well as 3 years of Non-Aggression promise by Russia would be a TREMENDOUS advantage to Austria. Based on this, I asked for a small token of sincerity, just to sweeten the deal for Russia . . . a small one-time payment . . . $60 I believe I said . . . I was shocked at the crassness of the Austrian response!

It is my understanding that you are at war with Austria at present? Consequently, I thought that some of these issues might be of great interest to you and wondered if you would have any proposals for Russia that we might take an interest in?

To this I replied as best I could. I made no real firm offer but rather probed around a little to see what the Russian Bear might really want.
I agree, that deal is very very good for Austria, as is the deal she offered to Preussia. While I understand that Russia would be tempted to accept, it would be worthwhile looking at what options this leaves Russia.
On the other hand, atleast some of those provinces could of course be grabbed in a war with Austria. I do not however know what needs the Russian Empire has, if the need is cash, France can certainly be of help.
While the French armies are alot stronger now than they were just a year ago, it will take some time before we are ready to launch a big scale attack on Austria, but the time is coming. At the present we desiree to keep letting the Austrians bleed to keep the war in existense.

It is however hard for me to give a deal that completely matches Austrias due to the fact that we do not have any provinces that Russia desiree, however we are willing to do something along the following lines (open for negotiaion of course).

-enforced peace for the ammount of time Russia desires
-an alliance
-payment of 50$ per turn Russia is at war
-if desired, a royal wedding
-we will agree to neutrality towards any provinces desired by Russia

If there is anything else you would require, please ask.

L'Terje of France


OOC: Not sure how many actually reads this, but a question to you that do, how far should we go in an attempt to get Russia to join our cause?

[Franck]

Well actually, I would believe that getting Russia and Turkey to go to war with Austria would be a really good idea! You already have britain on your side and that will insure no interference on your Northern coast.

If Prussia agrees to the deal with Austria he won't profit from the agreement you 4 made to rip off Austria. And since you'll be 4 vs 1 not alot of people will want to intervene against this alliance against Austria espescially since it's so big and strong now.

Re Austria. As pee the new rules (changed from pre-patch) if you conquer the capital of a protectorate you get control of ALL of it's provinces. That's how Austria managed this.

[terje439]

ORIGINAL: Franck



Well actually, I would believe that getting Russia and Turkey to go to war with Austria would be a really good idea! You already have britain on your side and that will insure no interference on your Northern coast.

If Prussia agrees to the deal with Austria he won't profit from the agreement you 4 made to rip off Austria. And since you'll be 4 vs 1 not alot of people will want to intervene against this alliance against Austria espescially since it's so big and strong now.

Re Austria. As pee the new rules (changed from pre-patch) if you conquer the capital of a protectorate you get control of ALL of it's provinces. That's how Austria managed this.

About the capturing of Warzaw, yea I realised that a little later. I really need to find time to play the game again with the patch, but all my pbem games (CoGEE, FoF, WitP) is taking too much time [8|]

And I agree with you about gettigna coalition going against Austria. Britain is likely to not send ground troops, but that should not matter in such a case. Alot depends upon Anthropoid's reply to my offer/inquiery.
Turkey is on friendly terms with both me and Britain, the only joker in the deck is Spain. She has refused a non agression treaty with me...

L'Terje

[terje439]

Turn 10

A round where diplomacy was the key factor. All that really concerned us was that we sent a proposal of enforced peace to Spain.
We also ordered the production of a new infantry division in Paris. We will soon need to find a new city in which to build our military units as the population in Paris is getting low. However Paris has the highest number of barracks of all our cities, and as such builds the best units. Onthe other side, Paris is the city that produces the majority of our labour and the ammount she produces diminishes with her population.
So it is a lose - lose situation.
Anyway, the diplomatic actions were as follows;

[Franck]

By the way, how do you post pics here?

[terje439]

Turn 11

This was a busy turn. Alot of nice things happened to the people of France and all rejoice. That is, all but Austria and Preussia. Mail carrier pidgeons were seen flying to and fro all over Europe when the latest diplomatic actions were brought to the attention of various European rulers.

First of all we sign our diplomatic deal with Britain, this will allow us to attack The Netherlands without Britain objecting to this.
Secondly a minor nation came seeking our protection. The nation of Baden decided that closer ties with France was her only chance of atleast some independence. Now, as a protectorate I do not get complete control over Baden, but they will provide some of their income, their soldiers will supplement the French army, we gain glory as if we owned the province outright but the province does not contribute to waste.

We also started a few new constructions in various cities. Our main problem now is that we are no longer only short on labour, we are now also short on horses...

[terje439]

ORIGINAL: Franck



By the way, how do you post pics here?

When you type in a reply to a thread you will notice a small checkbox just beneath the field were you actually type, that says "embed picture in post". Check that box and then click on "click here to upload!"

Terje

[terje439]

Turn 12

So, we issued a DoW on The Netherlands as stated in our treaty with Britain. We also decided to issue funding to Genoa, Switerland, Russia and Turkey (Ottoman Empire, but Turkey is shorter to type :p).
Once more our economical position is worrisome, we simply do not produce enough of anything but money.
Our war with Preussia lapses as nothing have happened for a year of war, now we only have to worry about Austria. The fact that the Austrian armies are still nowhere to be seen is a major pain in the behind as this limits us somewhat. I do not dare move our armies too far from Paris...

[terje439]

turn 13

So, our armies march into Holland, but at the same time rumors has it that the Austrian army is currently in Saxony, that might imply that they are heading our way at least.
Alot of discussions between me and some of the other rulers of Europe, Spain wants us to attack Piedmont and keep her provinces in Europe but allow Spain to keep her islands in the Med and allow Spain to keep the Piedmontese army. These terms are fine with me, but it might be a trap set by Spain, as this would ensure a war with Spain. Spain claims they would offer an immediate cease fire, but it is a dangerous game for France.
Russia became demanding all of a sudden, she now demands 8% of our income for some time for not tying herself to Austria. We will accept this for now just to make sure Austria does not get any more allies in Europe.

We start the production of one farm, one court and 2 banks this turn. I would have wished for more farms, but our production of horses is too low to allow this. We also need to build more troops, but are inable to build farms and troops the same turn due to our lack of horses.

We also sent two of our diplomats into Austria to raise some hell

The European map has changed since the game started.

[terje439]

Turn 14

Once more peace falls over Europe. The French-Austrian war lapses, no real battles ever took place between the big cheese of "L'ancient regimè" and the new world order of France. However Austria lost her protectorates in Luxembourg and Flanders to France, and France got valuable time to reorganize her armies and to expand said armies. Who came out ahead is debatable, a loss in a big battle would have been crippling for both sides.

The diplomats all over Europe are still busy, and the Russians sent a proposal to us, the message is posted below, but I am not too happy about it, so I made a counter-proposal. I offered the following deal:
-enforced peace between Russia and France
-enforced peace between Russia and Turkey
-enforced peace between Turkey and France
-France pays 8% of her income to Turkey for 2 years
-France pays 8% of her income to Russia for 2 years
-Russia, Turkey and France will make no deals with Austria and Preussia for 2 years.
We will wait for the Turkish and Russian reply.

We also gave orders to expand our economy this turn as well, contruction was started on two farms, two banks and a barrack. This left us no room to increase our army, but since we are currently at peace with everyone, that is no longer prioritized over the expansion of our economy.

[terje439]

Turn 15

Our generals bring great news from Holland! Our forces besieged Amsterdam and managed to take the city, as a result all of Holland is now under French control.
Our diplomats on the other hand brings dire news, the cowards in The Palatinate has sought terms with Preussia and is now under Preussian protection. This will not stand, The Palatinate is on OUR side of the Rhine (see map below).

Our labor this turn went into the production of two militia units, these low level units do not fight well, but each province can have one militia free of charge to protect its cities. So these units will be moved into Holland to serve in our fortresses there.

I need to launch a pidgeon towards Berlin so that Preussia understands that they MUST cut their ties with The Palatinate, this is not debatable at all.

Luxembourg has finally calmed down after our not-so-friendly takeover and now produces at full rate, Flanders will do so next turn, but it will be 7 more turns before The Netherlands accept our rightful rule.

[terje439]

Turn 15.5

The Preussians have the nerve to suggest that I release The Netherlands before they will move back across the Rhine.
Another France/Preussian war might be looming.
I countered the demand to free The Netherlands with that the Preussian part of Poland must be liberated first, I also made it quite clear that this is reason for war!

[terje439]

Turn 15.5 Part 2

Well, war with Preussia is bound to happen now.
Bright side of things is that Austria will remain out of the fight due to the Austrian/French war ending after the Preussian/French war.
This means that France and Preussia are no longer in a state of enforced peace, but Austria and France are.

[terje439]

Turn 16

Who said that timing is everything? No matter who, he was correct.
My advisors came running just as I was finishing the orders for my generals to issue a DoW to Preussia. It seems I miscalculated by one month
The French/Austrian enforced peace treaty ended today, that ment that issuing a DoW on Preussia would force us into another war with Austria as well. Unfortunately we cannot yet afford a war against both Preussia and Austria where they pay us their full attention.
All troops have been ordered to stay put, no DoW is issued.

[terje439]

Turn 17

Bickering with Preussia keeps on, but lately Britain has come down off the fence and expressed that they too see all land on the west side of the Rhine as French territory. Now this is a major pain to Preussia, as Britain sends money to Preussia and might stop doing so if angered.

We are still short on labor and horses, so two farms are ordered in provinces that allready produces some horses, and we also order two banks built. This means there is no room for more troops to be built this turn.

The weighing of the need of more troops vs the need to build our economy is starting to become a major struggle within French internal politics. The situation is anything but gloomy!

[morganbj]

I notice that in your screenie you've allocated 10 points to labor.  Did you know that you get one labor even if you allocate nothing, so you're throwing away that 10%?  Instead, increase your agriculture to the max.  That gives you as much as the additional farm.  Then put the other 5% on developments so you get the farm a little quicker.
 
L'économie, l'économie, toujours l'économie.
 

[terje439]

ORIGINAL: bjmorgan

I notice that in your screenie you've allocated 10 points to labor.  Did you know that you get one labor even if you allocate nothing, so you're throwing away that 10%?  Instead, increase your agriculture to the max.  That gives you as much as the additional farm.  Then put the other 5% on developments so you get the farm a little quicker.

L'économie, l'économie, toujours l'économie.

At 0 the labour is stated to give 0 output?!

[lenin]

You should get +1 Labour even with 0 allocation.

[terje439]

ORIGINAL: lenin

You should get +1 Labour even with 0 allocation.

Yea seems so. New in the patch? Could have sworn that did not use to be that way.
I REALLY need to play the AI again now that the patch is out.

Terje

[terje439]

Turn 18

A pidgeon arrives carrying the letter seen below. Apart from that, nothing much happens this turn, we make some adjustment to all our cities to maximize production. This gives us some more food, a few more horses, some spice and some luxuries per turn.

Two farms, one barrack, one bank were built. Again on the expense of new military units. But food production is getting better now, we now produce enough food to expand our population by two points per turn. This is the same ammount of population that is used by creating an INF division, so this is good news.

Population increase is spread out amongst all our provinces, with the province with the most room for expansion growing first.