**deMangler's Journal. Winter 259 AA**
We have had a very peaceful and democratic year. Relations with Narbonensis Commune have grown by leaps and bounds. We have all sorts of trade deals and scientific exchanges. Foreign students blocking the paths and wearing strange clothes. Exotic foods in the marketplaces.
Our private sector is also booming and I have put a lot into helping it do so. There haven’t even been any embarrassing incidents that need covering up or people who need disappearing or anything.
Mercy Antares has been very quiet, in general though the staff seem to have a lot to get on with.
The Kallendorf have withdrawn again. They are featuring less and less in the public consciousness – people are more worried about lizard riders to the south and religious fundamentalists to the east. But no trouble with them really.
I do not share this sense of security that seems to have taken over. I am just biding time, slowly increasing our capacity, and preparing to be ready for whatever kicks-off.
deManglers First Try at an AAR
Moderator: Vic
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Spring 259 AA**
I was expecting the investment in the private sector as well as raising taxes to put us out of the red when it comes to our treasury. We are losing about 60 credits per month, or 720 per year. This may not seem a lot, but I have run out of favours to collect on and we need to pay the wages.
Selling metals etc., is not going to cover it. One option would to be to cut back on the public sector. I think that could be problematic at this time.
We do have significant immigration from Jura – the Narbonensis Commune City to the south but I don’t think that is going to make enough of a difference before we run into serious problems. Talking of Narbonensis Commune, Dutch says we could, technically, ask them for money but I don’t want to go there, not until I have to.
For the time being I am increasing trade with Freiheim Hansa, the theocracy to the east, there could be good money in candles and sandals.
Poor old Leo. I caught sight of him carrying a box of files that took me right back to the first time we met, what, 15 years ago. Time has taken it’s toll for sure. Almost totally grey and developing a hunch.
I was expecting the investment in the private sector as well as raising taxes to put us out of the red when it comes to our treasury. We are losing about 60 credits per month, or 720 per year. This may not seem a lot, but I have run out of favours to collect on and we need to pay the wages.
Selling metals etc., is not going to cover it. One option would to be to cut back on the public sector. I think that could be problematic at this time.
We do have significant immigration from Jura – the Narbonensis Commune City to the south but I don’t think that is going to make enough of a difference before we run into serious problems. Talking of Narbonensis Commune, Dutch says we could, technically, ask them for money but I don’t want to go there, not until I have to.
For the time being I am increasing trade with Freiheim Hansa, the theocracy to the east, there could be good money in candles and sandals.
Poor old Leo. I caught sight of him carrying a box of files that took me right back to the first time we met, what, 15 years ago. Time has taken it’s toll for sure. Almost totally grey and developing a hunch.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Summer 259 AA**
If the arrangements we have with Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune hold, we don’t have to worry about threats from the east. Considering this and the occasional sightings of Kallendorf, I am relocating some of our forces to the west. I also have in the back of my mind, a plan to re-take Hagbard.
The previously mentioned financial difficulties mean it's either that or an inevitable decline into a failed state, possibly worse than we were in all those years ago, when I took over as Pope.
**deMangler's Journal. Early Autumn 259 AA**
Sending ahead some scouts reveals that it may not be a moment too soon to move on Hagbard.
It looks like Narbonensis Commune has taken a lot of Kallendorf territory and may be very close to taking Hagbard themselves. If they get it we never will
If the arrangements we have with Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune hold, we don’t have to worry about threats from the east. Considering this and the occasional sightings of Kallendorf, I am relocating some of our forces to the west. I also have in the back of my mind, a plan to re-take Hagbard.
The previously mentioned financial difficulties mean it's either that or an inevitable decline into a failed state, possibly worse than we were in all those years ago, when I took over as Pope.
**deMangler's Journal. Early Autumn 259 AA**
Sending ahead some scouts reveals that it may not be a moment too soon to move on Hagbard.
It looks like Narbonensis Commune has taken a lot of Kallendorf territory and may be very close to taking Hagbard themselves. If they get it we never will
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Winter 2060 AA**
Apparently, due to planetary alignments effecting the entrails of scientists, we are entering a ‘Period of Learning’. Kirkland wants total autocratic power over his estates, which as an idea that Newt hates and everybody else likes, makes it feel almost like the old days. I very much want to give it to him, but in the end, well in these times it just isn’t possible. He was very understanding.
And, saving the best till last…
We. Took. Back. Hagbard!
Who knows how long we can hold it? Clearly Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune both wanted it. They will have to break a deal with us to attack it.
My money would be on Freiheim Hansa being the problem, but of course I don’t have any money. So let’s see what unfolds.
Apparently, due to planetary alignments effecting the entrails of scientists, we are entering a ‘Period of Learning’. Kirkland wants total autocratic power over his estates, which as an idea that Newt hates and everybody else likes, makes it feel almost like the old days. I very much want to give it to him, but in the end, well in these times it just isn’t possible. He was very understanding.
And, saving the best till last…
We. Took. Back. Hagbard!
Who knows how long we can hold it? Clearly Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune both wanted it. They will have to break a deal with us to attack it.
My money would be on Freiheim Hansa being the problem, but of course I don’t have any money. So let’s see what unfolds.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Early Spring 2060 AA**
The strain of living in a democracy has turned Mercy Antares hair completely white. I of course still have a full head of powerful hair even with all the sacrifices and personal growth.
Talking of Mercy – she spoke to me in the first time in what seems like years today. She wants the number of ‘victory points’ to exceed 8.6. I think she is raving but I agreed. I don’t think she is long for this world.
The governor of Hagbard was no Titania Quintrock. They have even had that statue pulled down. We are already having problems with saboteurs and such. Well we shall soon see what the new governor is made of.
The price of metals has gone through the roof and we had plenty of stock, so I have sold what I could before the bubble burst. This meant we could return a Freiheim Hansa spy and decline payment – we really need to stay in their good books, and a legendary courtesan for Leo perhaps?
The strain of living in a democracy has turned Mercy Antares hair completely white. I of course still have a full head of powerful hair even with all the sacrifices and personal growth.
Talking of Mercy – she spoke to me in the first time in what seems like years today. She wants the number of ‘victory points’ to exceed 8.6. I think she is raving but I agreed. I don’t think she is long for this world.
The governor of Hagbard was no Titania Quintrock. They have even had that statue pulled down. We are already having problems with saboteurs and such. Well we shall soon see what the new governor is made of.
The price of metals has gone through the roof and we had plenty of stock, so I have sold what I could before the bubble burst. This meant we could return a Freiheim Hansa spy and decline payment – we really need to stay in their good books, and a legendary courtesan for Leo perhaps?
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Summer 2060 AA**
We are trying to claim as much territory around Hagbard as possible before Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune get it all, mainly for the purpose of keeping the population happy - there isn’t anything there apart from rocks. We appear to be capable of holding a line against Kallendorf, they run from our artillery. They must be having problems somewhere.
We have had to have the troops crack down on legitimate protests… disturbances… I mean, in Hagbard, and I let Mercy stop some theatre group that was being disrespectful to our government. She tried not to show how much she enjoyed doing it, but… you know that thing when someone is a bit too old for the leather trousers….
We are trying to claim as much territory around Hagbard as possible before Freiheim Hansa and Narbonensis Commune get it all, mainly for the purpose of keeping the population happy - there isn’t anything there apart from rocks. We appear to be capable of holding a line against Kallendorf, they run from our artillery. They must be having problems somewhere.
We have had to have the troops crack down on legitimate protests… disturbances… I mean, in Hagbard, and I let Mercy stop some theatre group that was being disrespectful to our government. She tried not to show how much she enjoyed doing it, but… you know that thing when someone is a bit too old for the leather trousers….
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Winter 261 AA**
We have started to occasionally use the power of the corporations to subdue unrest in Hagbard. Mercy is still being kept busy dealing with library disruptions and so-on.
It appears democracies use more electricity than we are used to. It is down to the continuous need to [s]control[/s] entertain the population through mass media, so I am having more capacity built.
Freiheim Hansa’s blackmail demands are becoming more extortionate, and there doesn’t appear to be a way to get friendlier with them apart from maybe becoming a theocracy… Hmmmm. Divine deMangler does have a ring to it.
On the subject of politics – Dutch tells me the only thing stopping us getting a victory pact with Narbonensis Commune is that the dominant faction over there would never agree to it. We are going to look at ways of changing that.
...
We have started to occasionally use the power of the corporations to subdue unrest in Hagbard. Mercy is still being kept busy dealing with library disruptions and so-on.
It appears democracies use more electricity than we are used to. It is down to the continuous need to [s]control[/s] entertain the population through mass media, so I am having more capacity built.
Freiheim Hansa’s blackmail demands are becoming more extortionate, and there doesn’t appear to be a way to get friendlier with them apart from maybe becoming a theocracy… Hmmmm. Divine deMangler does have a ring to it.
On the subject of politics – Dutch tells me the only thing stopping us getting a victory pact with Narbonensis Commune is that the dominant faction over there would never agree to it. We are going to look at ways of changing that.
...
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Early Autumn 261 AA**
I received some suggestions for my next policy speech, from our ‘think tanks’, another democracy thing. One of the recommendations was that we promise to go to war with Freiheim Hansa. I think I will just promise to do everything everyone wants except when It is impossible due to terrorism.
The Mystics are doing a great job keeping people happy in Hagbard, they can really throw a party. I am starting an air-force research council so that we can maybe incorporate rocket engines into that.
Due to this generally increased happiness, and the fact we are still losing money, I called Alice (that is the new governor of Hagbard – into meritocracy but otherwise quite nice) and informed her that her zone was to become properly incorporated. Hopefully that will bring in more taxes.
Finally – we have been creeping west and are now getting rather close to some Kallendorf cities.
I received some suggestions for my next policy speech, from our ‘think tanks’, another democracy thing. One of the recommendations was that we promise to go to war with Freiheim Hansa. I think I will just promise to do everything everyone wants except when It is impossible due to terrorism.
The Mystics are doing a great job keeping people happy in Hagbard, they can really throw a party. I am starting an air-force research council so that we can maybe incorporate rocket engines into that.
Due to this generally increased happiness, and the fact we are still losing money, I called Alice (that is the new governor of Hagbard – into meritocracy but otherwise quite nice) and informed her that her zone was to become properly incorporated. Hopefully that will bring in more taxes.
Finally – we have been creeping west and are now getting rather close to some Kallendorf cities.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Summer 262 AA**
We have the Kallendorf town of Waldau under partial siege. I am being very cautious as we have vary little ability to cover ground, but being somewhat aggressive is the whole point. I have no idea to what extent the two other major powers are harrying Kallendorf, but they are certainly not standing up to us very strongly.
We have been relying on machine-gunners and artillery with embedded priests, soon our gunners should have combat armour and quad machine guns.
Leo had me undergo a ‘therapy session’, because it might help with these recurring migraines. Apparently it is the psychic strain caused by my underlying neurology having a semato-cognitive allergic reaction to the political humours that have accumulated in the atmosphere over the past few years. I should either integrate democracy fully into my gestalt, or allow my natural autocratic tendencies to fly free like the beautiful rainbow-plumaged bird they are.
We have the Kallendorf town of Waldau under partial siege. I am being very cautious as we have vary little ability to cover ground, but being somewhat aggressive is the whole point. I have no idea to what extent the two other major powers are harrying Kallendorf, but they are certainly not standing up to us very strongly.
We have been relying on machine-gunners and artillery with embedded priests, soon our gunners should have combat armour and quad machine guns.
Leo had me undergo a ‘therapy session’, because it might help with these recurring migraines. Apparently it is the psychic strain caused by my underlying neurology having a semato-cognitive allergic reaction to the political humours that have accumulated in the atmosphere over the past few years. I should either integrate democracy fully into my gestalt, or allow my natural autocratic tendencies to fly free like the beautiful rainbow-plumaged bird they are.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Early Spring 263 AA**
Narbonensis Commune forces have been gathering, along with our own, outside Waldau. We have been pounding the city with artillery and hope to be able to time it right to get possession before them. We are going to ninja it from under their noses, Leo said.
Talking of Narbonensis Commune , it is becoming near impossible to maintain our good relations with them, Dutch says it is probably interference from factions and such – he didn't say, but I imagine he was thinking, that it could also be down to my needing to use some undemocratic methods to contain unrest and enforce some policies.
Technically though, we still have free and fair, and transparent elections so, as a democracy themselves if they want to respond with anything other than some sanctions and a strongly worded statement then I would say that is the pot calling the cattle back after they have bolted.
Alice Rataban (the governer of Hagbard) wanted to throw (another) party. The excuse this time is to bring the veterans together.
Mercy Antares said, and I quote, ‘There are reasons we don’t want to expose our populations to sight of our sometimes handicapped and traumatized veterans’
Narbonensis Commune forces have been gathering, along with our own, outside Waldau. We have been pounding the city with artillery and hope to be able to time it right to get possession before them. We are going to ninja it from under their noses, Leo said.
Talking of Narbonensis Commune , it is becoming near impossible to maintain our good relations with them, Dutch says it is probably interference from factions and such – he didn't say, but I imagine he was thinking, that it could also be down to my needing to use some undemocratic methods to contain unrest and enforce some policies.
Technically though, we still have free and fair, and transparent elections so, as a democracy themselves if they want to respond with anything other than some sanctions and a strongly worded statement then I would say that is the pot calling the cattle back after they have bolted.
Alice Rataban (the governer of Hagbard) wanted to throw (another) party. The excuse this time is to bring the veterans together.
Mercy Antares said, and I quote, ‘There are reasons we don’t want to expose our populations to sight of our sometimes handicapped and traumatized veterans’
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Autumm 2063 AA**
We took Waldau!
Right from under the advancing guns of Narbonisis Commune!
Unfortunately Freiheim Hansa took Kallendorf city. There may by a good side to having a bunch of priests in a large city nearby, my therapy is helping me look on the bright side of things.
Now the goal is to just try to survive and hope we can find some way of not being crushed between the Commune and the Hansa, an eclair between a rock and a hard plaice.
We took Waldau!
Right from under the advancing guns of Narbonisis Commune!
Unfortunately Freiheim Hansa took Kallendorf city. There may by a good side to having a bunch of priests in a large city nearby, my therapy is helping me look on the bright side of things.
Now the goal is to just try to survive and hope we can find some way of not being crushed between the Commune and the Hansa, an eclair between a rock and a hard plaice.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Autumn 264 AA**
After some manoeuvring this is where we are at.
Click for full size.
Narbonensis Commune to the south, Freiheim Hansa to the north and the remains of Kallendorf to the west. As well as another outfit we have not had any dealings with and know nothing about – Hornstaat.
After some manoeuvring this is where we are at.
Click for full size.
Narbonensis Commune to the south, Freiheim Hansa to the north and the remains of Kallendorf to the west. As well as another outfit we have not had any dealings with and know nothing about – Hornstaat.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
*Interlude*
I feel the game has come to a point where I have to decide, what is the most interesting way forward. I have, probably, a lot of options that I am ignorant of because I am still scratching the surface of the whole thing.
I am tempted to try to foment some kind of conflict between north and south. I possibly could also cause havoc with airborne units with a little research. I could also experiment with OOB's and OHQ's, which I have never done.
I do have some cash, strategems and PP's available, as well as some experienced leaders, but the use of all this needs to be co-ordinated if it is not to be wasted.
I have no illusions as to whether this game is winnable. I am pretty sure the AI might just decide to crush me in a couple of turns. On the other hand, I am just attempting to hang-on in the most educational and entertaining way.
Here is a save at this point
If anyone wants to be one of the many deranged voices in deMangler's (the crazed Pope of the Erisians, not me) head - feel free to post any thoughts here. I am probably not going to play another turn until I have caught up a bit more on the storified .pdf, which might take a day.
I feel the game has come to a point where I have to decide, what is the most interesting way forward. I have, probably, a lot of options that I am ignorant of because I am still scratching the surface of the whole thing.
I am tempted to try to foment some kind of conflict between north and south. I possibly could also cause havoc with airborne units with a little research. I could also experiment with OOB's and OHQ's, which I have never done.
I do have some cash, strategems and PP's available, as well as some experienced leaders, but the use of all this needs to be co-ordinated if it is not to be wasted.
I have no illusions as to whether this game is winnable. I am pretty sure the AI might just decide to crush me in a couple of turns. On the other hand, I am just attempting to hang-on in the most educational and entertaining way.
Here is a save at this point
If anyone wants to be one of the many deranged voices in deMangler's (the crazed Pope of the Erisians, not me) head - feel free to post any thoughts here. I am probably not going to play another turn until I have caught up a bit more on the storified .pdf, which might take a day.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Winter 265 AA**
Well, what have we here?
Hornstaat have shown themselves on our border. A ‘Mobile Monk Battalion’.
I thought they were begging so I tried to give them 400cr, but they refused.
Perhaps I can get Leo to talk to them, maybe they brew beer.
Well, what have we here?
Hornstaat have shown themselves on our border. A ‘Mobile Monk Battalion’.
I thought they were begging so I tried to give them 400cr, but they refused.
Perhaps I can get Leo to talk to them, maybe they brew beer.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Early Spring 265 AA**
The monks left. No monk brewed beer for us. Shame – we could really use some, we have been fighting a disease in Waldau City for a few months now. Our repeated efforts to either learn about it or quarantine it have been totally fruitless.
I think it has something to do with that time we opened that sealed vault, just after we took the city from Kallendorf. The vault that had the sign on the door saying ‘Danger very serious and difficult-to-learn-about disease. Do not open.’
Hrrumph. I seem to remember people trying to talk me out of it, but… Anyway if only we could find a way to weaponise it...
The monks left. No monk brewed beer for us. Shame – we could really use some, we have been fighting a disease in Waldau City for a few months now. Our repeated efforts to either learn about it or quarantine it have been totally fruitless.
I think it has something to do with that time we opened that sealed vault, just after we took the city from Kallendorf. The vault that had the sign on the door saying ‘Danger very serious and difficult-to-learn-about disease. Do not open.’
Hrrumph. I seem to remember people trying to talk me out of it, but… Anyway if only we could find a way to weaponise it...
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
Maybe you could use some spies to figure out the Tech Levels of the potential enemies, and pick on the one with the lowest tech?
"La Garde meurt, elle ne se rend pas!"
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
Thanks! that is one of the things I was definitely not paying enough attention to.ORIGINAL: Malagant
Maybe you could use some spies to figure out the Tech Levels of the potential enemies, and pick on the one with the lowest tech?
I am just learning now how to check out that stuff. It is amazing how you can put 300 hours into this game and still have so much to learn. I just looked at the tech details for regimes in the regimes tab in reports for the first time.
It is pretty scary to learn that Narbo Commune has tactical nukes....
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Spring 266 AA**
Looks like Narbonensis Commune and Hornstaat may be… establishing borders.
Hornstaat are really very powerful, Silidark tells me, so it could become interesting.
Looks like Narbonensis Commune and Hornstaat may be… establishing borders.
Hornstaat are really very powerful, Silidark tells me, so it could become interesting.
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Spring 267 AA**
We have been watching and waiting. On the domestic side we have been keeping busy with infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Silidark and Dutch have been doing sneaky operations - we have quite a lot of intel. Generally Narbonensis Commune have the tech, Freiheim Hansa are not that advanced, but Hornstaat, who we only learned about over the last year or so… are scary. No intel on their tech yet, but this is their extent…
Freiheim Hansa: Green
Narbonensis Commune: Blue
Hornstaat: Salmon
Erisians: Brownish
We have been watching and waiting. On the domestic side we have been keeping busy with infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Silidark and Dutch have been doing sneaky operations - we have quite a lot of intel. Generally Narbonensis Commune have the tech, Freiheim Hansa are not that advanced, but Hornstaat, who we only learned about over the last year or so… are scary. No intel on their tech yet, but this is their extent…
Freiheim Hansa: Green
Narbonensis Commune: Blue
Hornstaat: Salmon
Erisians: Brownish
RE: deManglers First Try at an AAR
**deMangler's Journal. Late Autumn 267 AA**
This was on my desk this morning...
...
Ahhh, sweet intelligence...
This was on my desk this morning...
...
Ahhh, sweet intelligence...