zagoroth: Suicide can be fun too. Apparently you hang out with the wrong cult.
Omen: It’s a great excuse to drink.
aldriq: Rebels, UK and US I think I can handle since the two U’s will have to land in Russia while if needed, my militia can take out the rebels. My biggest concern is a declaration of war coming out of Austria. They’re the only country, I feel, that if they declare war, then I’m in real trouble.
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This Update’s Observation:
What’s up with all the underwear bombers? You really have to wonder about the Middle East and why they have so much room in their pants…
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I easily defeated the Ottomans in the Strait and while neither side lost any ships, I was able to maintain my blockade over Instanbul. At the same time in July I laid a siege in Bitlis while the UK made moves in Alaska, beginning to sit on Sitka. A few weeks passed without incident, aside from putting down rebels, and I defeated the Ottmans in Poti, Bitlis and Starya Zagora. They were mostly minor battles.
At the same time in July, more interesting battles took place against the UK. I managed to lose about 1500 men to the UK in Johor which let them siege Johor Bahru. And I created a victory in Jugu, in Dahomey. Given there are fewer mountains and I’ll be able to retaliate wherever I like, I imagine I’ll have more success in Africa than Asia in spite of Siam’s aid.
Beginning in August I lost 3 Commerce Raiders and 6 Transports off the coast on India against the British. It had been a few months since I played this game so a few forgotten units wandering around are likely to happen. Meanwhile my victories against the rebels and the Ottomans continued smoothly and without much incident.
After the British were again defeated in Africa in mid August, I received more good news. My two major rivals were soon at war. Austria had declared war upon Italy for Romagna. Austria v. Italy, Sweden and Egypt.
Four days later and I managed to keep my blockade of the Strait against the British which was an incredible surprise to me. It cost me a few ships but the Ottomans were going to remain split for now.
18 August and another Kokand province fell, enough for them to agree to peace. They would cede the rest of their Qaraganda Region - Coal, 18k pop - and would enter my SOI. This war would free up one minor military unit numbering around 15,000.
Entering late August I spotted Colombia - a UK ally - laying siege to Kenai - Alaska. I’ve essentially given up on Alaska for now. Those foreign troops can sit on it as long as they like but I won’t cede it to them. Meanwhile, where things actually matter, on 21 August I destroyed a 10,500 Ottoman army on the European side. And the fewer troops I have to deal with on the European side, the more I can devote to occupying, sending to the Caucasus or down in to help defend Greece.
It doesn’t even look like a war is going on between Mexico and the US… but Mexico is losing the war due to battles.
On my front, two more battles were won in the next three days in Nikki - Africa/Britain - and the Ottomans - Trebizon. 8 September I won another amazing naval battle in the Strait. Something tells me I’m beginning to press my luck, especially since I lost another three ships. Although I managed to cause some casualties this time.
As the sieges set in I had nothing to occupy my time but battling rebels the rest of the month. A bunch of Communists rising made it even more interesting.
And through October I won a few more battles against the Ottoman, minor battles with little consequence. Still, I had managed to give Austria Military Access and the US expanded their war goals to contain me… like that’s going to happen.
Casualties:
Russian soldiers: 7349
Rebels: 84,583