Twilight Struggle: Denmark AAR for Danish Too

[evwalt]

The following will be an AAR for Denmark in the Danish Too game.

Danish Too is a 1792 Denmark game using the following rules:

Scenerio: Standard Scenerio 1792 Denmark (ie. unmodded 1792 Denmark)
Game Length - 23 years
Economy - Advanced
Difficulty - Wellington (10% march attrition)
Combat Difficulty - Standard
Victory Conditions - Highest Glory


EDIT: Since this AAR runs WAY behind our game, I figure I will also provide some "teasers" to give a closer current status to the game by listing the major wars below (I'll add the specific dates later):

**WAR OF RESTORATION of Austria/Prussia vs. France--June 1792 (game start)-
(see below)

**FIRST BALTIC WAR of Britain/Denmark vs. Sweden/Russia--Sept 1792-January 1793
(Sweden conquered and divided between Britain, Denmark & Russia)

**POLISH WAR of Prussia/Austria/Russia/Turkey vs Poland--July 1793-
(Poland conquered and divided between Austria, Prussia, Russia and Turkey)

**FIRST FRANCO-SPANISH WAR of France vs. Spain, September 1793-
(see below)

**War of Restoration and First Franco-Spanish War combine and expand into WAR OF THE FIRST COALITION of Austria/Britain/Denmark/Prussia/Spain vs. France
(France defeats Spain & Britain; subsequently Austria, Denmark, Prussia defeat France)

**SECOND FRANCO-SPANISH WAR of France vs. Spain,

[evwalt]

Early May, 1792 (ie. Pre-game)

The Kingdoms of Denmark and Norway lie on the edge of a great precipice. Europe has exploded into open war with the removal of the French King. The armies of Austria and Prussia are on the march. How is a small power to survive?

I intend for this AAR to follow in the footsteps in of some others, with sections on Diplomacy, Military and Economic issues. Only Diplomacy will be addressed in this first entry.

Diplomatic Situation

Being a small power requires Denmark to talk with everyone to insure her survival. Her biggest threat at the beginning of the game is England, whose fleet can easily overwhelm mine if it doesn’t have to worry about other powers.

To a lesser extent, Russia threatens Denmark, but perhaps not as greatly as one might think. The Russian Baltic Fleet only consists of 32 ships, while the Danish fleet consists of 40 better-trained, better-led ships. Extensive wargaming shows that the Russian fleet has only about a 20-30% chance of overwhelming the Danish navy. If the Russian navy cannot gain control of the sea, I believe that her army is much less of a threat.

Prussia and France could possibly become threats in the future, but the fact they are currently at war with each other limits any moves in the near term. Most other countries are no threat at this time.

Expansion is the number one problem of Denmark: they have few places to expand. Sweden is an obvious choice, but only after a build-up of Danish forces (whose mobile army numbers only 40,000 in May 1792!). Sweden would also bring a possible conflict with England.

The obvious answer is to co-op England into invading the country with me. First, it would secure new territories for Denmark. Second, the alliance required between England and Denmark for a proper invasion would help safeguard Denmark from other English expansion plans in the near future. Third, the English would, by far, provide the majority of invasion forces.

To that end, I contacted England about a joint invasion of Sweden, offering to limit my expansion to Malmo, Karlskrona and Gottenburg. This would provide England with much more territory, but also give her the headache of dealing with the Russians in Finland.

I have also contacted the Russians and French about their plans for the future. Russia is very noncommittal at this time, providing no details outside of expressing interest in Poland and Sweden. France was more touchy and immediately wanted to know what was in it for him. I pointed out that if Denmark and England declared war on Sweden and it turned to him for assistance, France WOULD be forced to declare war on both countries. From my last correspondence, I believe France has no interest in adding to his list of enemies, so I think he will back down from a confrontation.

[evwalt]

Late May 1792 (just before game-start)

England has agreed to the alliance, the joint invasion and the division of lands. She has also agreed to pay 2/3 of the maintenance cost of the Danish depots used to support the invasion. As soon as the treaty is completed, she will start landing forces in Zealand to join with the Danish army. When our forces are assembled, they will sweep into the country.

At the very end of May, the First Consul of France sent back at demand that Denmark and England sign a SEVEN year non-aggression pact before he would assure non-intervention in Sweden, a demand which is totally unreasonable. While I can’t believe France would dare to add two more enemies to his foes, could I possibly be wrong?

[evwalt]

June 1792 (Turn 0)

Diplomatic Situation

I offered a treaty of alliance with England, including a joint proposal for use of each other’s depots. I expect England to agree and begin staging into Denmark in the next month or two.

Military

I set the draft age to 41 and increased the training time to 16 months, giving my replacements a morale of 4.5. As the barracks queens currently staffing my army have a morale of 3.5, any replacements will be an improvement.

I also transferred warships back and forth in my navy. The First Fleet is now my combat fleet, containing my only 1/2 rate, 19 3rd rates and 11 frigates. Second Fleet is my transport fleet escorted all my 4th rates and my remaining frigates, outside of two frigates detached to protect Danish shipping.

Production and Trade
I adjusted my provinces to their various production sliders. I can produce a little of everything, just not much of anything. Denmark is short on food (after feeding the population and the army, I have 4 extra!) which means that my ability to produce new men is very limited. Currently, I would need to grow by 8 men to fill my country. What will happen when I start producing new units?

I offered several trade agreements with the Dutch Republic and Poland to bring in much need food, horses, textiles and wool in return for spices and hard currency.

Economy

Small but stable. I leave everything as it is for now (including the tax rate at 20%). The NM hit for higher taxes is more than compensated by the large consumption of various goods by my population.

Developments

Here, I start immediately, building a bank in Zealand and a factory in Trondheim. Lack of resources prevents any more.

Overall Strategy

So far it appears to be going well. England should ally with Denmark and together conquer Sweden. The big question who will Sweden turn to for assistance and will they declare war on England and Denmark to try and save her?

[evwalt]

July 1792 (Turn 1)

Diplomatic Situation

British troops landed in Hanover last month. I would expect them to march into Denmark in August after Britain ratifies the treaty of alliance known as the “North Sea Compact.”

I enjoy good relations with both Spain and Turkey. Outside of diplomatic niceties, I have had little in-depth contact with the others.

Military

Two divisions of Norwegian Infantry are ordered to Copenhagen to strengthen the Danish army, which is actually only a corps container. Their arrival will almost double the field army for a total of 50,000 men. A pitiful field force to place against the Swedes alone but combined with an expected 65-75,000 British and Hanoverian troops, more than enough.

The Swedish Fleet has moved into the North Sea on maneuvers. I have contacted the British to coordinate their destruction in the coming war.

Production and Trade

All of my trade deals were accepted by the minor countries, except for the one with the Dutch Republic for food. I have attempted to create more trade routes, most especially with Poland, seeking to trade hard currency for more food, horses and wool, with smaller amounts of iron and wood requested.

Production is simply crippled by the high (37) feudal level, which cost me three each of each resource but labor and food. For textiles, this is crippling, as I only have domestic production of 1.5 textiles a month, resulting in a net loss! I will have to deal with the feudal level in the future, but have decided to wait until the end of the Swedish war, as the feudal replacements will be invaluable in that conflict.

Economy

Outside of the deployment of my merchants (each accompanied by an escorting frigate), no changes are made in the economy.

Developments

Ahhh, the joys of a small country. No developments this month as I save resources (especially horses) to begin a level 4 farm development next month.

Overall Strategy

Preparations for the invasion of Sweden in conjunction with the British appear to be on track. Of course, the real question is what the response of Russia, France and Prussia will be to the invasion.

[evwalt]

August 1792 (turn 2)

Diplomatic Situation

Britain ratified the ‘North Sea Compact’ last month. As per our previous agreement with the British, Denmark (and Britain) will declare war on Sweden this month. Expected to land in Zeeland are 65,000 British troops and 30,000 Hanoverian troops. Interestingly, the naval maneuvers of the Swedish navy have carried them off the southern coast of Spain. I have no idea what effect this will have on the campaign.

Military

The Norwegian divisions arrive, bringing the field army strength to 40,000, with another 10,000 cavalry in garrison in Copenhagen. Combined with our allied troops, that means an invasion force of 130,000+ troops, against which the Swedes can put less than 50,000.

Production and Trade

None of my trade routes went through last month due to shortfalls. The crippling feudal level means I will slowly lose 2-3 textiles a month until I can stem the tide. Right now, it looks like I won’t be able to counteract these losses until 1) I gain control of the promised Swedish lands or 2) I can lower the feudal level (which I can’t do until Sweden is defeated).

To that end, I decide to abandon the production of textiles. I will produce just enough wool to insure that my wool stockpile remains constant (and can hopefully grow through trade). I then decide to spend ALL of my textiles rather than lose them. To that end, I order the first unit in my planned ‘New Model Army,’ a jager unit in Norway (4 barracks). I also use most of the remaining for an Art build in Hamburg. The part of my work force previously working on making textiles is moved to development duties.

Economy

No change.

Developments

Several more developments are ordered; the previously mentioned Level 3 Art in Hamburg (10 turns) and a level 4 bank in Jutland (14 turns). Some playing around with my sliders results in the build time of my previously started bank and factory being reduced to 3 turns, with the subsequent loss of some production.

Overall Strategy

The invasion of Sweden seems to be on track. Ominously, the Russians have not responded to my dispatch about Sweden. I hope they do not try to intervene. I have no desire to fight them over the country and even less desire for the British to destroy their fleet.

[evwalt]

September 1792 (turn 3)

Diplomatic Situation

With war against Sweden declared by both Britain and Denmark, the First Baltic War has begun. It also appears that the Russians are marching an army as fast as possible north towards Finland. Perhaps they also intend to declare war on Sweden, seeking to seize some of the Finnish provinces before Stockholm is conquered?

On other fronts, NOTHING seems to be going on. Prussia has marched most of her army into Westphalia and halted. France appears to have mustered the majority of her army in Paris. It looks like the Austrians have done nothing at all.
Diplomatically, outside of the rumor of a secret treaty between Spain and Turkey, I have seen no new treaties. Spain did declare war on Genoa last month. I am not sure what the French response will be.

Military

In response to our declaration of war, the Swedish army has invaded Trondheim. Hopefully, this force will be too small to capture the province. At the same time, the combined Danish-British-Hanoverian Armies invade Malmo without meeting resistance; while a British fleet catches and destroys almost 75% of the Swedish Fleet in the North Atlantic.

Production and Trade

Most of my trade routes are now operating (except the ones supposed to provide textiles—urrrr). I do have small but steady supplies of wool, horses, and food coming in, as well as a bit of iron and wood.

My textile strategy seems to be working. With no textiles being produced, I am no longer wasting wool. The minimum amount of wool production I am maintaining is enough to cover the -3 shortfall caused by my feudal level, with my trade slowly building up a wool stockpile for use later.

Economy

My income took a beating this month because I had to order my merchants into British ports to avoid the Swedish navy. Now that they are mostly destroyed, I will send them out again.

Developments

None.

Overall Strategy

The Swedish invasion of Trondheim was unexpected but actually may turn out to be beneficial, as the Swedish field army now probably will not oppose our advance on Stockholm.

[terje439]

Good to see another AAR, keep it going.
A few points:

-To take a screenshot, press print screen on your keyboard and then use the paste command in a program like mspaint or something similar. (You might want to take the screenshot, then jump out into windows and start mspaint and use the paste command. For some reason the print screen does not always seem to work in CoG:EE.)
To post the picture, check the "Embed picture in post" checkbox in the "reply to message" box, then click "click here to upoad".

-Unless memory serves me incorrectly, you should be producing a surplus of wood. The Brits should have excess textiles. Maybe they are willing to trade at a rate of 2 or 3 to 1?

-If you start to get on a bad foot with Britain, protect your fleet. Britain's greatest worry should be that the Danish and French fleets combine.

-Also check for privateers, you might lose alot of your traded goods from them. Hunt them down with frigates when possible. Although if they are French, you might want to talk to France about it before going out and destroying them.

-And who plays what nation?

Terje

[evwalt]

I finally have figured out about the screenshots and they will follow in later posts.

I don't think Denmark has a surplus of ANYTHING. I only produce around 10-12 timber a turn (and less than that when moving labor to development). The real problem with textiles is the fact Denmark's feudal system causes the loss of 3 resources per turn. For a large power, such a loss is annoying. For a small country like Denmark, it is devistating. I simply need 3 textiles to remain even and I can't afford to waste the wool or labor to do so.

Britain and Denmark enjoy good relations at the present. Can never tell about the future, of course.

Also, I have had no trade losses to privateers. Most Danish trade moves into the Baltic then overland. The vast majority of trade is with Poland.

As far as who is playing what power, the players are listed in the first post of 'Danish Too' under the opponents wanted section.

[evwalt]

I have also posted some general announcements in the Danish Too section where we keep track of the game under the Opponents wanted section. I'll copy them people (and try to keep them in the proper time order as this AAR runs behind actual game play).

The first posts deals with the declaration of war on Sweden and is copied below.


*******************
July 15, 1792

At Christianborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark

Prince Regent Fredrick steps to the balcony of the Royal Palace, looking at the buzzing crowds below. Wearing the red and blue uniform of the General-of-the-Army, Fredrick is accompanied by a group of men wearing the red and white of the British Army and the red and grey of the Hanoverian forces.

As the Prince holds up his hands, the crowd quiets. “My countrymen,” he begins. “Over the past few years, our country has suffered humiliation after humiliation at the hands of our dastardly neighbors to the north, the Swedes. Danish fishing vessels have been seized by the Swedes without cause; Danish merchantmen stopped on the high seas by Swedish warships!”

“For long years we have endured these insults while trying to reach a peaceful solution. Always we have been rejected! And we will endure them no longer!” Fredrick motions to the cluster of officers to his rear. “With the help of our gallant allies, the British and Hanoverians, we shall teach the Swedes a lesson they shall long remember. As of this moment, Denmark is in a state of WAR with Sweden!”

To the wild cheers of the crowd, Fredrick leads the cluster of officers back into the palace; there to review the invasion plans one last time….

[evwalt]

October 1792 (turn 4)

*Diplomatic Situation

The Russian army continues to march north and I am still not sure of the Tsar’s intent. On other fronts, Turkey declares war on Tripolitania.

*Military

The British destroy the last of the Swedish navy. On land, Danish troops marching on Stockholm are successful while the British still struggle to make it though Karlskrona. The Swedish Army blocks production in Trondheim but is too weak to breech the walls.

*Production and Trade

No change

*Economy

I have lightened the load on my economy with the redeployment of my merchants. Also, after some begging, Britain has agreed to up the subsidy for Denmark to about 90% of the cost of maintaining supply for the Swedish invasion. I do require still more money and increase my tax rate to 21%.

My textile strategy is definitely working, as I slowly build a supply of wool. Once I switch over to textile production I should be able to produce a large amount very quickly with minimum losses due to my feudal system.

*Developments

A factory and bank are completed this turn. I lack the resources to begin any more developments at this time.

*Overall Strategy

The invasion appears on track. A little annoying that the British didn’t arrive in Uppland as planned.

[evwalt]

November 1792 (Turn 5)

*Diplomatic Situation

Now it has hit the fan. Russia has declared Sweden a protectorate and declared war on Britain and Denmark. A naval battle between a lone Russian frigate and the mass of the Danish navy resulted in one less Russian frigate.

Letters have flown back and forth between the three countries. Apparently, the Tsar had only been looking to secure the Finnish provinces by declaring war on Sweden and never intended to take her as a protectorate. We agree between us to immediately re-divide Sweden with Russia getting the three Finnish provinces, Britain- Lapland, Uppland and Karlskrona; and Denmark-Gotenburg and Malmo.

Elsewhere, France gains Piedmont as a protectorate and looks to be making a major play for Poland as they begin pouring money into the country.

*Military

The British Army has finally arrived at Stockholm. In order for us to insure Britain can obtain her provinces, she must capture the city. To that end, I have ordered the Danish Army back to Karlskrona to await the final victory.

*Production and Trade

No change.

*Economy

In my quest for more funds for the war effort, I raise my tax rate to 23%.

*Developments

No change.

*Overall Strategy

For a little while, it looked like Denmark had been dragged into a major war. It looks now like that will be avoided, though I must give up some of my land to insure peace.

[evwalt]

December, 1792 (Turn 6)

Diplomatic Situation

An interesting turn of events; Denmark has conquered Sweden! Somehow, though Britain had far more troops in the province, when Stockholm was stormed, Denmark ended up with control. The Danish army then marched away and captured the empty province of Karlskrona!

Frustrating, but now Russia, Britain and Denmark have developed a complicated way of ceding provinces to each other to insure we each end up with the promised control. The first step is an offer of a ceasefire between Russia and Denmark, as well as a treaty for Russia to cede Malmo and Gothenburg to Denmark.

Military

Denmark undertakes a major change in this area. I have decided to take the risk that other powers will be to busy over the next year to bother little Denmark. To that end (and to save money), I have ordered my military readiness reduced to 90%.

Production and Trade

Outside of the nice stockpile of wool I am building up (32 and adding 11 per turn), I seem to have good amounts of everything.

I do adjust my food to insure I do NOT grow a MAN while I have control of Uppland and Karlskrona. Both of these provinces are designated to be under British control eventually and I see no reason to provide them with anything free. The freed labor is moved into other resources and the speeding up of developments.

Economy

As part of my preparations for a long war with Russia (if one turned out to be necessary), I had raised my taxes to 25%. Now that the war is avoided, I can begin preparing my economy for major changes that will strengthen it down the road.

To that end, I order the tax rate back down to 23%. I eventually plan on dropping this below 10% to help with my national morale. I figure I may need help with my national morale as I have begin reforming my feudal system, ordering my feudal dues (and thus feudal level) down to 25.

Developments

Currently, every area but Norway is working on developments. Norway lacks any developments simply because I lack the textiles to build up the road level (which I intend to do before anything else).

Overall Strategy

I decided to gamble now. Britain appears worried about France (could they be making noises in their direction)? I am also betting that Russia, having secured Finland, will direct her attention back towards Poland. To that end, I have decided to undertake a major reworking of the Danish economy, a process that will take approximately a year. During this year, Denmark will be very vulnerable to attack so I just use diplomacy to avoid any warfare.

[evwalt]

January 1793, (turn 7)

*Diplomatic Situation

A ceasefire has been proposed and accepted by Russia and Denmark. Denmark has also proposed a treaty, ‘The Division of Sweden, Stage I’ in which Russia cedes Malmo and Gothenburg to Denmark. Russia is expected to accept.

*Military

The Danish army remains in Karlskrona until the treaty mentioned above is signed. Danish military readiness drops to 90%, saving Denmark approximately 5 money.

The first unit of the Danish ‘New Model Army’ arrives at Norway, the 1st Jager Infantry Division. I will move up naval shipping in the spring to transport them to Copenhagen.

*Production and Trade

My wool stockpile continues to grow, now numbering 43.

*Economy

To help my national morale during this period of feudal reform, I continue dropping my taxes to 19%.

*Developments

No change.

*Overall Strategy

Everything proceeds according to the agreement worked out between Russia, Britain and Denmark. As a nice bonus to Denmark, the problems with the Swedish conquest do give us resources from both Uppland and Karlskrona during the settlement period, more than making up for the losses sustained from the Swedish occupation of Trondheim.

I am taking a gamble at this point, figuring I will not be in a major war for at least a year. Hopefully during this period I can reform my feudal system and build up a decent treasury.

[evwalt]

Now that I have finally figured out how, to a limited extend, to get pictures, I’ll give an update to the game so far. First, the Glory Report: Denmark is in the top three.

EDIT: This did not obviously work out. [:@]

[Harvey Birdman]

Denmark undertakes a major change in this area. I have decided to take the risk that other powers will be to busy over the next year to bother little Denmark. To that end (and to save money), I have ordered my military readiness reduced to 90%.

 
If you set your readiness to 50% you'll shed those low morale troops and can refill with 4.5's. But it depends on the morale of your navy as to whether or not it's a good idea.

[terje439]

Also remember that you do not pay upkeep for divisons in a fort.
So if you are at peace, placing your divisions inside a fort, only leaving empty containers in the open will save you quite some cash as well.

Terje

[evwalt]

**As I have fallen behind at this point on my AAR (and since nothing really is going on) will combine some of the turn reports.


February & March 1793, (turns 8 & 9)

*Diplomatic Situation

The division of Sweden between Russia, Britain and Denmark proceeds with Russia ceding Malmo and Gothenburg to Denmark.

On other fronts, France pours money into Poland to improve their diplomatic standing.

*Military

Danish military readiness drops to 70%, saving another 25 money.


*Production and Trade

My wool stockpile is now growing at +17 a turn. Once I begin production of textiles, I should be able to keep up a good pace for quite a while.

*Economy

To continue improving my national morale, I drop my taxes to 15%.

*Developments

No change.

*Overall Strategy

Nothing much happening elsewhere, still no fighting between Prussia/Austria and France. Denmark still near the top of the victory point standings

[ShaiHulud]

Also, the containers receive reduced cost while in garrison, while taking up no troop space.
If the fort is large enough, you can drop the whole corp into garrison, without removing divisions from it.

[evwalt]

April, May, June 1793, (turns 10, 11, 12)

*Diplomatic Situation

The division of Sweden is complete. In the end, Russia gained all of Finland, Britain gained Lapland, Uppland and Karlskrona, and Denmark gained Malmo and Gothenburg.

France continues to pour money into Poland, I would assume to tempt the Poles into joining the French cause. Spain declares war on Italy and marches into the country to affect its conquest. In response to the invasion, Austria forms protectorates with the Papacy and Venetio. Shortly thereafter, the newly enlarged Austria declares herself an Empire!

*Military

The drop in military readiness is paused for a few months as it was causing the transport ability of the Danish fleets to drop also. As I had dispatched these fleets to ship the Danish Army back to Zealand (and didn’t want any to be lost at sea though a mistake), it was necessary to do so. Over the next few months, all Danish forces are successfully returned to the capitol for rest and replacements.

During this period, Denmark also acquires Naval Admiralty Boards to reduce the maintenance costs of her fleets to zero.

Finally some movement in the French-Austrian/Prussia war as French troops advance into Flanders and Luxembourg. Antwerp falls immediately. Luxembourg’s walls are breached several times but the garrison holds out, causing massive casualties to the French attackers.

*Production and Trade

Wool production continues to grow at a steady +17 per month.

*Economy

A sudden shortage of money after the cessation of British subsidies causes a pause in the reduction of my taxes, which are held steady at 15%. The first stage of Feudal Reform (dropping it to 25) is completed in June. So far, I have taken only minor NM hits during this reform period

*Developments

A number of developments are completed this quarter, including Art at Holstein, a Bank at Zealand and Factory at Trondheim.

*Overall Strategy

With the bashing Austria has received from the French in Flanders, Denmark has moved to the top of the Glory standing. Outside of this unexpected development, Denmark is simply waiting to see what happens next and how it can be used to our advantage.

EDIT: I have tried and tried and TRIED to upload pictures to these posts with no success. [:@] As I think it is a problem on my end, we will just have to suffer without them for awhile longer. Also, thanks to everyone for the advice. Hasn't done me any good so far (as this AAR is running several turns behind the game) but I have filed it all away for future reference.