The AARt of War: Prussia vs. Napoleon

[MrT]

A big "thank you" to Bismarck for pointing me to this fledgeling AAR. I'm not sure how I missed it (actually, I know why I missed it but it's getting to be a lame excuse...)

Fantastic work Sorcerer. Echoing others, I can't believe that this is your first attempt...what have you been messing at all this time?

I, for one, think I can get used to the various German titles of rank.

I look forward to following along as you continue this. A really excellent start indeed.

[Sorcerer]

Wow, it seems I gained some new readers! Thank you all for posting.

Oleg: You definitely may! Thank you. As I said before, it takes a lot of time to write an AAR. However, the warm reception I experienced in this great community convinced me that it was worth the effort.

Patric: And thanks again.

Apebe: Thanks for the help, I'll see to it that I work that in when I describe some French soldiers.

Director: Yeah, those frog-eaters have no manners. See if I can teach them some...

Tem_Probe: Thanks for the reassurance. I have read your AAR, too, and I like it very much. I'm sorry for not posting so far, I'll correct that error as soon as possible.

MrT: I understand your situation, and that excuse can't get lame. Thank you for the kudos! You know, I've been messing around...
Somehow I knew that you would like the German titles...

Next update will be (hopefully) tomorrow.

[Bismarck]

Hopefully is one of the best words to use when announcing a new chapter(as many of us now know... hehehehe).... I am sure you are going to do just great.

M

[Tem_Probe]

Originally posted by Sorcerer Tem_Probe: Thanks for the reassurance. I have read your AAR, too, and I like it very much. I'm sorry for not posting so far, I'll correct that error as soon as possible.

Ah, so you're a lurker, eh? Well its good to know I'll admit that myself am somewhat of a lurker who posts only occasionally

Btw, I like your first map. I must admit it fits very nicely, and I didn't think of using Photoshop that way. The pictures you use to complement your text fit very well too. I'm looking forward to your next updates In the meantime, I'll ship you a few readers, as I need to get the CD to continue playing my AAR

[Sorcerer]

Bismarck: I try not to make any promises I can't keep, but, as many of us know: Real life sucks!

Tem_Probe: Thanks for the plug, man! I hope you pick up your copy of EU2 soon. I can't imagine how it is without it...

[Sorcerer]

London, November 14th, 1795

It was a grey, rainy day in the capital of the mighty British Empire. In fact, it was one of the many grey, rainy days in London, and the beginning winter did his share of making a visit to this metropolis quite unpleasant.

The monotone rhythm of the falling drops could be heard in the library of King George III., making the room somewhat more comfortable, with its rustling fire and the dark mahogany furnish. It was early evening, and the King had summoned some of his advisors for a meeting. The whole atmosphere was more informal, though, everyone in the room sat in comfortable chairs around a flat table. Some drinks were in reach, and some of the present Lords even smoked a cigar.

Most of the attending nobles didn’t know why they were summoned, but with the ongoing war, such gatherings weren’t uncommon. When the usual small-talk about the latest races and the quality of the rain had ended (the general opinion being that this year’s rain couldn’t compete with the legendary rain of 1791), the King began to speak.

“Gentleman, I have called you because a few hours ago, the Prussian ambassador has requested an audience with me, which was granted. During this meeting, he expressed the wish of his King to sign an agreement with the United Kingdom, which would allow Prussian troops to cross our land in Northern Germany.”

This revelation caused no great surprise. In fact, the English government had already waited for this, and had wondered only how long it would take Friedrich Wilhelm to send his envoy. However, that it finally had happened didn’t mean that there was no reason for a discussion.

“So, they finally get themselves going. I had already started to doubt their commitment to this war.” William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was the actual ruling man of the Empire. Since the American Revolution, and the defeat of the British troops in the following war, the King had had to grant the Prime Minister much of his power. The King’s inability to rule was made worse through the porphyria, an illness that eroded the mind and led to madness.

“After Düsseldorf has fallen, they sure want to have a way to liberate it again. The only possible route is through our territory,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Hayden.

“But they still show no sign of preparing an offensive against France. They’re too obsessed with their campaign in Saxony. What troubles me is that their little war is of no use for them, except…”

“Except what, Pitt?” The King was suddenly very interested.

“Except they plan to take the next logical step.”

“Which would be?”

“Which would be attacking Hessen, and such creating a corridor through Germany, where their troops can transfer without problem from Poland to France.”

The room was silent for a few moments when everyone pondered this theory. All came to the same conclusion. The King spoke first.

“Then it would only be prudent to grant them the Military access they want to have. That would protect our German holdings, if they’re really trying to gain supremacy.”

Hayden replied, “I doubt they would go this far, your Highness. But your point stands, nevertheless. I would also advise to let them know that we look upon their recent adventures with great alarm.”

“I agree. Prussia might be a little bit aggressive, but they still haven’t moved against Poland. Granting them access will direct their energies in other directions. The fall of Düsseldorf works in our favour, for now they have to take actions against our common enemy. So far, only we have been able to gain ground in this war, with our capture of Picardie.” With Pitt expressing his agreement, the matter was settled.

“Speaking of Poland, their ambassador, Count Oleg, has pledged for help against the Russian invasion. He thinks we could exert some diplomatic pressure on them.”

“I doubt so. Katharina is quite…firm in her opinions. And we have more important things to contemplate than the division of Poland. Supporting them would anger three of our allies at the same time.”

“Why three?”

“Last week, the Austrian envoy, Baron von Temproben, has approached me to express his country’s interest in a part of the corpse of Poland. It seems the treaty that we thought was only between Russia and Prussia includes Austria, too.”

After the important things had been decided, the talk centred on the planned attack on Caux, before the gathering was dissolved.



George III.

[Apebe]

Prussia has been one of my favorourites country to play iback in EU1. Nice to see you're doing the job for me in EU2

Kick some French ass !

[Director]

The problem with allowing the Prussians to guard Hannover is that sooner or later they'll want it for themselves .

Catherine only wants Poland for its horses .

Speaking of which, does Prussia have any intentions toward Poland?

Nice work, man. Don't stop.

[Sorcerer]

Apebe: With all the events, Brandenburg/Prussia is much more fun to play in the GC in EU2.
Oh, and when a French tells me to kick some French ass, who am I to contradict...

Director: Well, Hanover is tempting, but I would have to abandon my English allies for that. And that is not too wise at the moment... I just want one province in Poland. However, it's the capital province on which I have a CB shield, so I can't get it until the rest is carved up. I don't want to fight any Polish revolts, so I have to wait for Russia or Austria to make their move.
But I won't stop...

[Sorcerer]

This is a map that shows all sieges (successful and ongoing) in the European theater. The sieging party is marked by the dot in the middle.


Strategic map of Europe, December 1795

Update tonight...

[Apebe]

can't wait for the update
just un advice (to be followed or not) ; try to light the sea a little bit on your map, so the contrast with France is better.

[Apebe]

it's just an advice, I will delete them after you had a look (I don't want to spam your AAR)

[Sorcerer]

Hey, if your 'spam' is always of this quality, it's welcome! Thank you very much for the tip, I've tried my best to achieve your results. Please feel free to critizise my work as often as you like. Coming from an artist like you, it's really appreciated. Thanks again!

[Apebe]

well, it's difficult to pass after and make changes. A good map has to be done in one row. but I've experienced the problem myself with France (actualy, you have to draw the borders in black for france) and found it annoying.

But continue your great work and maps add so much to an AAR that for us non english mother tongue (what did you think ?) we take time to read because we want to know more.

[Sorcerer]

Kassel, July 2nd, 1796, late afternoon

The last six months had been quite eventful. After Prussia had gained Military Access through British territory, the German diplomats had been able to convince the Dutch government that the hostilities between their respective countries should end. That peace agreement had caused a little storm in the already rough waters of diplomatic relations between England and Austria on one side and Prussia on the other. Friedrich Wilhelm, with the help of his advisors, had been able to convince the other members of the alliance that this peace would allow Prussia to concentrate on France.

In the same meeting he had also outlined Prussia’s next steps, so that no further ‘surprises’ would cause misunderstandings. While the Austrian ambassador hadn’t liked the idea of a Prussian hegemony in Northern Germany, his English counterpart had been able to solve the small crisis by wresting some concessions from the Prussian king. Hessen would only be vassalized, not annexed in the upcoming war, and Bavaria, which was allied to Hessen and was seen as a traditional ‘backyard’ of Austria, would be completely left alone.

And now, Count Dohkurt, Prussian envoy to Hessen, was setting the next step in the Prussian plans in motion. He almost smiled as he stood before Wilhelm IX., Elector of Hessen, whom he just had handed the Declaration of War. In the same hall were ambassadors of Hessen’s allies, Bavaria and Saxony, who had attended on demand of Dohkurt. When Wilhelm had read the document, he gave it to his aide.


Wilhelm IX., Landgraf of Hessen

“So your reason to declare war is that we denied you the right to move your troops through our country? Ridiculous! Everyone knows that Friedrich Wilhelm just wants to satisfy his appetite for territory…”

While Dohkurt had his own opinion about the recent politics, he of course couldn’t show any weakness in front of the foreign ruler.

“Our beloved King only does what he thinks is good for his, and your, subjects. The right to pass through your lands is very important for our war against the French, which could have grave consequences to your people if they decide to stand aside. If we can’t get this right by negotiations, we are afraid that we must take it by force.”

“And you mean this war wouldn’t affect us if we chose sides? France’s foes will be crushed. We believe it’s better to stay neutral. If we don’t attract their attention, we might get out of this affair unscathed. But you don’t accept our right to decide that for ourselves!”

“You must be kidding! If France can achieve victory over the largest coalition of this century, who do you think can stop them? We must unite against them now. You chose to hamper our efforts, which means that you are to be viewed as a foe.”

Frowning, the Hessian ruler turned to face his allies, who had listened to this discussion with slight displeasure. Especially the Saxon ambassador had had to resist the urge to speak up, for his country was in the same situation as Hessen.

“Will our allies fight alongside us?”

“Bavaria will support it’s friends with all that it can give.” Meaning, in effect, that the Bavarians would formally declare war but would not move a single soldier to oppose the Prussian army. The Bavarian ruler, Karl Theodor, had met with Austrian envoys lately, who had convinced him that he would be left alone if he didn’t interfere.

Saxony, however, was a different affair. Count Dohkurt could hardly suppress his nervousness. The success of the plan the Prussian diplomatic Korps had formulated depended on the answer of the Saxon envoy.

“Since Saxony is already fighting Prussia, I declare with the authority granted to me by my ruler, Friedrich August III., that we will fight alongside our brothers in Hessen.”

Dohkurt exhaled slowly. This was good.

“Does that mean that Saxony is in a state of war with Prussia?”

The Saxon ambassador answered very irritated.

“Of course. I thought that would be clear, even to you.”

“Oh, you don’t seem to have the latest news!” The Count had looked forward to this moment for a long time. He smiled sarcastically as he let the guillotine drop.
“This morning, our two countries have signed a peace treaty, ceding the province of Anhalt to Prussia. We had thought the hostilities would end now, but destiny has decided otherwise, it seems.”

The Saxon paled as he realized that he probably had just sealed the fate of his country. His honour forbade him to break the promise he had just made. He had hoped to liberate Saxony from the Prussians with the help of Hessen, but he had delivered his homecountry right to them.

Dohkurt did his best to suppress a grin as he left the now silent room. It had been a very satisfactory day…

[OOC: Sorry for the lack of action. When I get to the French, it should get better... ]

[Syt]

Don't worry about "lack of action". You post was a pleasure to read.

[Apebe]

take your time before meeting the Frenchs...

Very pleasant those parts that are like "rest before the storm".

[Bismarck]

Yes, it is very tense... because you know there is going to be a war, and you are just waiting for that shoe to drop.... so we'll be here when it starts...

M

[Faeelin]

You've almost gotta pity the Saxons. What a deal...

[Craig Ashley]

Don't worry about the "lack of action." I rather enjoy politcal backstabbing and backroom dealings. Very well done. I like how you've mangaed to make every country's actions so far seem like it is in their best interest. Very hard to do when talking about the AI.