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October '04
Glory Report

The ottoman Empire is still clinging to 3rd place with its slowly advancing "glory".

October

Spain and Russia are still making large investments in the arts. It appears that Russia will soon surpass Austria in culture.

October

There was an interesting development in that G.B. cancelled its treaty will Sweden. I am assuming Sweden did not cancel it.

October
Battle Reports

Another interesting development concerning Sweden; it lost some pirate squadrons this month.
There had been absolutely no coordination or discussion between G.B. and the O.E. regarding the Swedish pirate problem in many years. What occurred this month was perhaps an act of God.

Since the beginning I have wanted to catch some of those pirates. The cost each month is trivial, but in the long run they have cost the O.E. treasury much gold. Each and every month some cotton or wool would disappear. It was rather brazen of the Swedish King to send his pirates into the Mediterranean. The Turkish Fleet was quickly dispatched to drown the brigands. It took two months.

These Privateer squadrons are not cheap to replace. However, due in part to their success, Sweden has the resources to build new ones. I suspect they will stay out of the Mediterranean hence forth.

October
Production Report

Production is rolling along at near record levels even though there are still great demands on labor for provincial improvements. In particular, the timber situation had improved dramatically-the "lumber mill miracle". Production of timber had more than doubled. Without this huge increase the building of barracks would have ceased long ago.

October '04
Maras Province

Maras Province is a rare example of a "fast track" barracks development. Most other developments have been sidelined until the desired level of barracks is reached here. That point has nearly been attained-a level six barracks in just 3 more months. At that point Marras will follow a somewhat slower economical development.

Total national production ans stocks are also on view here as well as the production from this province.

Marras will be a prime source of new divisions in the future. It is surrounded by well populated areas.

October
Strength Table

The Ottoman Empire is gradually increasing its military power. By the end of the year there will be a noticeable improvement in the rate of increase.

Great Britain has made some rather impressive increases. I do not know if that is in military or naval power, but it is impressive.

I am watching Austria carefully. It seems likely that Austria will show a large increase in power soon.

November 1804
Glory

As you can see, the Ottoman Empires time as 3rd ranking is rapidly drawing to a close.
One more little barracks is completed in Alexandria.

November

Not to belabor the issue, but these advances by Russia and Spain represent major investments. Month after month new cultural improvements are coming on line.

I can't help to wonder what the good Emperors are thinking. War is coming and soon. Are they going to fight it with ballet dancers? Perhaps saber swallowers'. [;)]

Tt is cheaper to build cultural centers rather than barracks in textiles, and perhaps labor too. Russia should not have any shortage of textiles though.

In time, the Ottoman Empire will launch the Amphitheater Initiative program- the world will hold its breath.[;)]

November

Production of luxury good and spice has been increased in an attempt to build up some good stocks for a coming war. Should the war have some unfavorable turns, production could suffer greatly. Without some good stocks to cover this periods, things could get ugly in the streets-can't have the Janissaries cutting down our own citizens.

November
Trade

Trade has remained somewhat stagnated for years. I could not initiate trades with Russia or France for the badly needed timber supplies.

On the bright side, this is the first monthly report that did not show losses from some "wana be" Vikings.

December 1804

It was a good run, but it is now back down to 4th ranking. We shall see how long Spain can maintain that position.

On a more positive note; another 4 barracks have been completed.

December
Culture Report

Spain continues to pull ahead with cultural developments. Russia may soon pass Austria. There may be some added benefit to being in second place regarding gaining additional glory-perhaps the "superior culture" rating. I hope it will be worth it for the Czar.

December
Strength Table

The Ottoman Empire has finally surpassed Spain in military power again. This should be the last time for this juncture to occur-for a thousand years.

December 1804
national Comparisons

The O.E compares favorably with the other major states in resources. I am a little envious of G.B's income-it must be massive, but it is my ally after all-nothing to be concerned about.

Russia should perhaps ask G.B. for a loan-the Czar is out of money! This was a big mistake-as he will soon learn.

January 1805

The year of 1805 will likely be a historic year. War seems like a certainty-and a all encompassing war.
One of my greatest concerns is the Great Britain-my ally, will enter on the right side-my side. If it does not, it will be very hard pressed to correct the imbalance of power and glory that currently exists.

Spanish glory is increasing at a rate that would enable for it to surpass G.B. in less than a year. It could likely bypass Austria in 6 years if all things remained the same. I can only hope that King Kingmaker draws the correct conclusions from this situation.

January
Economic Report

Taxes had just recently been increased to 15%-a somewhat neutral level relating to production. Rates have been set to 21% witch will take 3 months to achieve. The Treasury was over 3000, but it now under 2,000 and falling rapidly.
Taxes will likely need to be pushed even higher.

January
National Comparisons


From this intel report it seems that Austria is not initiating new military unit construction. It also shows that Russia is still in a financial morass.

Thankfully, France is finally amassing some funds in its Treasury. I had been subsidizing France for over a year-at 30 units of gold per month.

January
Battle Reports

It is rather sad-the Czar is having a tough time with revolts also-actually loosing small battles against rebels.

January

I finally got a glimpse of the Spanish armies. There were two similar armies at Madrid. Those do not look all too impressive. I assume many units are in garrison. There is a noticeable dearth of generals. I was not aware that Spain lost more than one. If there is such a shortage, this will make things much more difficult for Spain in the coming war.