My first AAR; hope I don't screw it up too badly. Here goes...
I thought the Teutonic Order would make for an interesting game, as they are a small, relatively poor country surrounded by much bigger countries who almost unanimously hate their guts. I'm not completely suicidal though; difficulty and AI aggressiveness will be set to NORMAL, dynamic missions are ON, the Order will own Ingermanland and have a CoT at Reval.
As eminence grise of the Order, my first problem is my boss, Johann Tieffen, the Grand Master. Although a capable and resolute commander in the field he shows no interest in his administrative duties, and his blunt and tactless manner makes diplomacy with foreign princes more difficult than it should be.
Upon taking office I am appalled at the antiquated and inefficient trade system (level 2 trade tech, not scheduled to hit level 3 until 1540!), as a result of which, despite thriving trade centers at Reval and Dorpat, our coffers are continually in an anemic state. This must be remedied, and the tax system overhauled.
Fortunately we start out allied with the Prussian elector, and the cities of the Hanse are well disposed towards our cause. I manage to convince Hanseatic representatives that by joining with us we will form a shield across the north of Germany against the possible incursions of the Dane, and a military alliance is signed in January of 1492.
By the summer of '92 our alliance ties with Prussia and the League have been solidified by a series of key dynastic marriages. I made contact with Johann Cicero, Margrave of Brandenburg, trying to feel him out regarding an alliance- unfortunately a crass remark by the Grand Master about the Margrave's sister, made within hearing of the ambassador from Brandenburg, has scuttled my careful efforts. Nevertheless I am forging ahead with plans to expand the power and territory of the Order. The manner in which this must be done is clear- for we are not bankers, financiers or lawyers, but warriors. The tools of our trade have been the same since the days of Hermann von Salza and the great Hochmeisters of the past.
The halberd, the firebrand and the sword.
More to follow...
I thought the Teutonic Order would make for an interesting game, as they are a small, relatively poor country surrounded by much bigger countries who almost unanimously hate their guts. I'm not completely suicidal though; difficulty and AI aggressiveness will be set to NORMAL, dynamic missions are ON, the Order will own Ingermanland and have a CoT at Reval.
As eminence grise of the Order, my first problem is my boss, Johann Tieffen, the Grand Master. Although a capable and resolute commander in the field he shows no interest in his administrative duties, and his blunt and tactless manner makes diplomacy with foreign princes more difficult than it should be.
Upon taking office I am appalled at the antiquated and inefficient trade system (level 2 trade tech, not scheduled to hit level 3 until 1540!), as a result of which, despite thriving trade centers at Reval and Dorpat, our coffers are continually in an anemic state. This must be remedied, and the tax system overhauled.
Fortunately we start out allied with the Prussian elector, and the cities of the Hanse are well disposed towards our cause. I manage to convince Hanseatic representatives that by joining with us we will form a shield across the north of Germany against the possible incursions of the Dane, and a military alliance is signed in January of 1492.
By the summer of '92 our alliance ties with Prussia and the League have been solidified by a series of key dynastic marriages. I made contact with Johann Cicero, Margrave of Brandenburg, trying to feel him out regarding an alliance- unfortunately a crass remark by the Grand Master about the Margrave's sister, made within hearing of the ambassador from Brandenburg, has scuttled my careful efforts. Nevertheless I am forging ahead with plans to expand the power and territory of the Order. The manner in which this must be done is clear- for we are not bankers, financiers or lawyers, but warriors. The tools of our trade have been the same since the days of Hermann von Salza and the great Hochmeisters of the past.
The halberd, the firebrand and the sword.
More to follow...