Portugal- an Empire Under the Sun

First War of Henrique I, Part III- Victory Over Spain

Once More Into France, My Friends

The year 1682 saw the Portuguese once again crossing the border and marching into France. In was in the end of January when Portuguese main army attacked the French in Bearn and were victorious. Once again, Portuguese followed the French to Paris, destroying a small 9000-strong army in the process, then continued the chase. Outside Paris, the French army was almost destroyed and in the beginning of May, French were destroyed in Languedoc.


First battles in 1682

The Portuguese were on offensive, but had not started any sieges. They felt not strong enough- or rather, did not feel that the French were weak enough to start using part of the grand army to siege.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Milan had taken Modena and were now sieging Firenze. Not for long though, for in Italy there was no shortage of men who would like to make some money soldiering and Portugal had no shortage of gold to pay them. By the spring, Portugal had gathered yet another army of 31 000 mercenaries and was marching them to meet the Milanese in battle. Again, Portuguese proved their superiority and were victorious, totally destroying Milanese army in Lombardia in May 1682. Then, they marched back and started re-siege of Modena. Italy was back in Portuguese dominance.


Making things right in Italy

In June, a small French army crossed the Portuguese borders. In June 1672, the Portuguese beat them out again. French numbers were getting really low by that time, though the Portuguese were no better. Manpower was down to half, to 65 000 men still able to join the army. French had near 0 though.


French tried poking their nose into Portuguese territory

In July 1682, Portuguese Armada Real intercepted a French fleet in Gibraltar. 8 twodeckers and 16 frigates were met by 50 Portuguese twodeckers. The outcome was obvious- French fleet was sunk, but this time, the French managed to sink two Portuguese ships as well. That had not happened for a long time, though it was no big loss. Henrique ordered building of two new ones, but the French fleet was pretty much all feeding fishies.


Another French fleet at the bottom of the ocean

The First Siege

In the beginning of September 1682, the Portuguese once again marched from Portugal and attacked the French in Languedoc. You have to hand it to the French- they won’t just roll over and die, they keep on fighting. The result was obvious though- French lost again.


French losing another battle

After that, Portuguese finally started the siege of Languedoc. 15 000 soldiers were sent to the province and ordered to blast the walls. Slowly, the fort was starting to crumble, but the French... let us just say they are rough to fight, they have money and manpower to sustain a long war and they are most likely the most well-defended people on Earth. In addition to defensive ideas, they also have Vauban fortifications National Idea and to make it even worse, one of their current advisors was fortification engineer. To make it simple, the French fort in Languedoc was almost impenetrable. Of course, just almost. It would take time, but the Portuguese cannons will get the job done. Eventually.


Here you go, typical French fortress

By the end of the year, Portuguese fought with another French army in Perigord. Again, around 20 000 soldiers and again, the Portuguese were victorious. Following the army to Paris, yet another completely destroyed French army happened. And now, French had only 8000 soldiers and almost next to nothing manpower. To be fair though, by the end of the year, Portuguese manpower was also about 43 000 soldiers. Still, the year ended in definite Portuguese advantage.


The French must feel pretty strong right now...

Spanish Surrender

The Spanish were soundly beaten. In Europe, all their provinces were either under Portuguese control or under Portuguese siege. Same for the America- small armies that were the best her colonies could manage while Portuguese army of 10 000 soldiers marched around and killed them one by one.

As for colonies- Spain decided to send colonists to second province in Madagascar, Boina and also to the last available province in the African coast, Delagoa Bay. Both of them were snapped from Spain a bit later by a small colonial force Portugal had stationed in Africa. Side result- all of the African coast from Morocco to Tip of Africa now belongs to Portugal. One could say Portugal controls an entire continent...


Dear Spanish! It is not wise to start founding new colonies next to armed Portuguese when you are at war with the latter

It was in December 1682 when Madrid fell. Burgos was still in Spanish hands and under siege, but Henrique decided it was enough. Spanish were beaten and humiliated enough that the peace was now a good option. Portugal demanded Vizcaya and Castilla La Vieja from Spain. With that, the number of Spanish provinces in Iberia was down to 4. Less the Portugal had in the beginning. To make matters even better, with the conquest of Castilla La Vieja, Portugal separated Madrid from the rest of the Spain. Result- Spanish moved their capital to Asturias, meaning Madrid is up for grabs in the next war.


Almost Portuguese Iberian Peninsula

In addition to two provinces in Spanish mainland, they lost two colonies in Mexico area. New Spain or more like a New Joke now was forced to give two of her colonies to Portuguese Mexico, consolidating Portuguese rule in America even more. Also, let us not forget the Spanish colonies. Christmas and Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean, two provinces from Madagascar and Delagoa Bay in African coast. That means Portugal got overall 9 provinces from this war.


Gains in the new world

Trade Must Flow

Despite all the fighting going on, Henrique had to concentrate on other matters as well. It was in summer 1682 when he advanced Expansion ideas one notch. Result- Portugal has now yet another merchant.


Yay for expansion!

He was sent to China, to the second trade node there. In addition, Henrique ordered construction of 10 frigates to support his work. Now, Portugal has offices in both Canton and Hangzhou.

At least the Spain is out of the picture. And perfect too, with them moving their capital. In the next war, Spain will be proud owner of 1 province in Iberia... On another note, this is the first time i felt the forced march effects on military power. Meaning, i'm burning it faster then it regenerates.
As for France- really, 100% defensiveness? Vaubain, defensive and advisor makes France a fortress. Hmm, really- like they needed a powerboost!


Nikolai - There still are a few nations that make walking a bit difficult. France, and i'd also guess Austria (with their Polish union), Denmark and Muscovy. Not much else though.

Orlov Kruskayev - The sad case of AI never really able to oppose human player. I'm too fluid for them!

First War of Henrique I, Part IV- French in Mediterranean? Non, non!

Invasion to France

The peace with Spain meant something more then just gaining land. In addition, it freed up nearly 50 000 Portuguese soldiers still engaged with fight with Spain. 20 000 of them were Portuguese who just a month ago were still busy sieging Madrid and Burgos. Now, the armies were combined and they marched to Bearn and put that province under siege. Rest of the 30 000 were mercenaries, hired from Italy. Instead of letting them loose, Henrique decided to use them for a bit longer- so they were marched to Provence and put that province under siege. Within first few month, Bearn, Languedoc and Provence were under siege.


Moving into France

Meanwhile, Portuguese were busy instituting a naval blockade. All the French European holdings were blocked and the French were having a hard live- how can you live without tobacco and coffee from overseas? Small cafes in Paris went bankrupt one by one.

As for the French army- 20 000 strong army attacked the army sieging Languedoc in May 1683. Soon, they were facing 60 000 Portuguese. You can probably guess a result- and the Portuguese marched to follow them to Paris, killing off smaller armies en route. In the beginning of July, the French army was wiped out.


Sometimes, the enemy really needs to know when to quit

After the battle, French had one unit, 1000 infantry left. Plus about the same amount of manpower. To be fair, they still had their wealth though and their ability to recruit mercenaries and send them to die pointlessly under Portuguese arms still existed. And they used it. Same for Portuguese though- Henrique strengthened his main force with mercenaries, so that Portuguese would get less damage from fighting the French.

Languedoc was the first one to fall- in December 1683, the province finally surrendered. The previous war with the France and current thus war had been about battles, battles and battles and keeping the French out of Portuguese lands. Now, there were enough battles that French were on their knees and as a result, first province fell to Portuguese.

Of course, when i say first province, i mean in European mainland. For in the New World, Portuguese gained total advantage over the French colonial forces. Both Portuguese Mexico and real Portuguese soldiers pushed their sieges far into French lands and kept the French pitiful attempts of resistance to bay.

Making Peace

Over the years, the war turned into some kind of routine. Portuguese kept their sieges and the main army was lingering nearby, stationed mostly in Roussillon. As soon as the French showed some bigger army, they marched in, defeated the French and then annihilated them. And like clockwork, the French showed up during spring and during autumn, usually with an army around 20 000 men. The fact that previous armies were not successful or that the Portuguese army was nearby did not seem to stop them as well. Instead, like a clockwork, they arrived, got beaten and fled back.

Meanwhile, the French fortresses proved tough nuts to crack. French really know how to build their fortresses. Almost impossible to hurt by cannonfire, slaughter to assault. Huge warehouses full of food to sustain the siege. Portuguese, who had been assaulting fortresses all over the world, were helpless. Still, persistence pays off. Both Provence and Bearn were thoroughly surrendered and not even a bird got in or out. That finally worked- when rats became delicacy in both fortresses and dogs became man's best lunch, the time for surrender was nearby.

Bearn was the first to fall, in February 1685. The siege had lasted 775 days- nearly two years.


That really took time

As for Provence, in the end, the Portuguese had 43 000 soldiers sieging the province, the ports were blockaded by Portuguese fleets and total of 170 cannons were aimed at the fortress. All that did their work- in April 1685, Provence also fell.


That was one tough fortress to crack

During the last few years, even the Portuguese populace grew restless. The war was already won, the people said. The wargoal is achieved and the French defeated, but the King must continue the war. It also added to the weariness from war, but Henrique remained adamant. No peace before the French are utterly defeated.

With the fall of Provence, the French were just that. One day after the fall of Provence, Portuguese forced the French into peace. Total six provinces in Cosmopolitane Mexico go to either Portugal or Portuguese Mexico- meaning the colonies got more then they originally asked for. Of course, Nouvelle Flanders is still another powerhouse in the area, but Mexico seems to be doing just all mighty and powerful as well.


America after the peace

Most importantly though, Portugal gained Bearn, Languedoc and Provence from France, meaning two things. First, they cut off France from the Mediterranean. Second, they created landbridge to Italy. Yes, there was still Milan between Portuguese main holdings and Italian territories, but you can guess how long it will last- especially when they keep being trusted allies of Spain.



Generation Lost

The price of victory was a costly one. Before the war started, Portugal had over 100 000 in reserve manpower. Now, they had none and were over 40 000 short. When you add the natural growth of manpower during the war, the Portuguese left well over 170 000 soldiers dead on the battlefield, or to attrition and diseases. The war demanded one generation of young men... In addition, there were dead mercenaries as well, perhaps around 50 000. Fighting the French is costly.


That is one costly war

In addition, for the first time, Portuguese overextension exceeded the limit. For a short while though, for the Spanish provinces were already properly integrated into Portugal. And the cost of integrating French provinces was sky-high.



On the bright side though, Portuguese were victorious. They defeated both French and Spanish and gained 9 provinces from Spain and 9 from France in that war. Though the Mediterranean sea was slowly becoming pond of no importance, the Portuguese dominance over it was becoming more certain with every passing day- and throwing a competitor like France out of it was no small feat.

In addition, the Portuguese cemented their ownership of Africa. When taking Delagoa Bay from Spanish, every coastal province from Tip of Africa in the east to Morocco was Portuguese. Owning an entire continent- not bad.


Sub-Saharan Africa, almost all Portuguese

You know, the French are really annoying. Not just because they are immensly powerful and hard to crack. In addition, of their different army bonuses, they managed to complete defensive and aristocracy ideas. Meaning conquering them is truly a bitch, pardon my French. Still, now it is done!

nephilim2k - Mediterranean coast is united As for English, there is something you have missed- Great Britain is in a personal union with Portugal! Denmark might make a tempting ally, but i don't want to get involved in wars that have no consequence for ne

Nikolai - Well, it takes two more wars and Spain is out!

eric292- Welcome aboard. And it goes on until the end date arrives or Portugal comes too overpowered!

Orlov Kruskayev - I actually have no idea. My guess is that they become free- but i'm not completely taking Spain. They still have holdings in Australia and America and some islands and Honshu island in Japan.

DensleyBlair - Well, i'm trying my best! And the new colonial system helps a bit too, my colonies are also trying their best!

Celestial Empire

Recovery

Not much happened in the following years. Portugal was still recovering from the war with the French and the overextension also prevented further expansion. Result- Henrique was left with pretty much nothing to do. Some scandals in the court, some political crises, but nothing out of the ordinary.


The usual crises. Getting expensive though.

Perhaps most importantly- by 1686, Alvaro Nunes Bareto, last of the Portuguese great explorers, had mapped the Pacific Ocean. He was called “last” for after his work, the seas of the world held no white spots for Portugal anymore. Pacific, teeming with small islands, was now waiting for Portuguese colonists...


Pacific Ocean at her full glory

During that time, Portugal also advanced their technology. New type of infantry was introduced- the Caroline infantry. Based on Northern traditions, the Portuguese tactic would now be shoot a devastating volleys on enemies and then, charge. As aggressive tactic as Portuguese traditions allow. In addition, production was advanced.


Advancement of technology

Portugal also adapted new type of frigate. Some call it the pinnacle of frigate design. It was heavily armed and with strong hull, but still maintained the agility of the lighter ships.. And boy, there were beautiful! Just the tools Portugal needed to rule the seas...


New improved frigates

It was by 1689 that Portugal was recovered enough that Henrique thought it would be a good idea to go to war again. The target this time was as much away from Europe as possible. The biggest beast of the East- Chinese Empire.

Of China

The Celestial Empire. Powerhouse in the Asia. One of the biggest nations in the world. They have broken their isolation too occasionally- for example, conquering the Mongol Khanate, vassalizing Manchu and reaching the Indian Ocean. Compared to Portugal- weak. To be fair, the Chinese can give any of their neighbouring nations trouble. When going against the advanced European weapons and tactics, they should not give so much trouble.


China at her full glory

Also, the Chinese call themselves Ming, though they are ruled by the Zhu dynasty. Emperor Qin I is capable sort, but the overall bureaucracy brings the Chinese down.

Portugal already owns two provinces in China. Or rather, two islands. Taiwan, settled by Portuguese in 1604 and Hainan, taken from Zhou and Portuguese since 1574. With them, Portugal has already established themselves firmly in the Canton node are and trade is flowing from there to Malacca. With this war, Henrique plans to expand his influence over Canton and also, open up new trade in Hangzhou

Empires Clash

It was in February 1689 when all was ready. Portugal had 40 000 men stationed in the Isle of Hainan and when the declaration of war was given, they were transported to Jiangmen, just across a small strait to the mainland China. From there, 20 000 were sieging Jiangmen and another 20 000 marched on to Guangzhou, the other target of this war. Both of the provinces were important trade centres of the Canton node, so it was imperative for Portugal to capture them.


Start of the war

The Chinese did nothing to oppose the Portuguese. It seems like the Portuguese attack came as a shock and the big Chinese Empire was not able to react quickly. All of 1689 was spent on sieging and in January 1690, both provinces fell. Portuguese Asian Heavy Fleet was patrolling the shores, keeping the enemy from resupplying the province and armies locked the provinces tight- and the poor Chinese had not thus far have to meet the European siegecraft. Cannons pounded on their walls until there were no walls. Starvation and desperation led to surrender. Thus far, easy.

Both armies marched on to Hangzhou, heart of the Hangzhou node. It was by then the Chinese woke up. In March 1690, Chinese army of 47 000 soldiers was caught by the Portuguese in Wenzhou. It showed one thing- Chinese Asian musketeers were no match for the Portuguese Caroline infantry. Chinese, confident in their superiority, refused to run and the result was devastating. Portuguese lost a little less then 5000 soldiers while the Chinese losses were over 25 0000 soldiers, more then half an army and the ratio being over 5:1. The Chinese retreated, were forced to attack Portuguese in Jinan in May and were totally defeated in Ganzhou in July 1690.


Wiping off the main Chinese army

Meanwhile, another Chinese army sneaked to occupied Jiangmen and from there, to Guangzhou as well. In May 1690, Portuguese retaliated- first, attacking them in Guangzhou and completely destroying that army. Later that month, the army in Jiangmen suffered the same fate. Then, Portuguese scouts heard news and another Chinese army in Guilin- and in the beginning of June, attacked and destroyed them as well. With that, most of the Chinese forces were destroyed and the Celestial Empire was forced to watch in horror as the Portuguese swarmed the lands. That the foreign pigs could do that- it was unheard of since the time of Mongols.


...and other Chinese armies

Hangzhou fell in March 1691 and this was it. The Chinese were demoralized and unable to keep up. The Portuguese on the other hand had taken all their wargoals. It was in March 1691 when the peace was signed. It just two years, Celestial Empire was brought to their knees- and Portuguese did not even break a sweat. Jiangmen, Guangzhou and Hangzhou were taken. The Portuguese had begun conquest of the Chinese mainland.


Advancing into Chinese mainland

The Trade

As for the trade- with the Portuguese merchants in both Canton and Hangzhou, the trade of both of them now flows to Malacca, and from there through the long chain of nodes, it finally arrives in Seville. With the acquisition of the three provinces, Portuguese influence grew even larger. It can be said that Portugal has now something of a complete monopoly of the Asian Trade, though the wealth from Beijing sill moves through the traditional Silk Road.


Portuguese controlling the Chinese trade

To be honest, i've expected more of China. They fell rather easily. Of course, 50 000 Portuguese marching in can spoil fun for any nation (with a few exceptions)
And now, i'm in a bind. I've written as far as i have played and - well, does anyone know the release date of Wealth of Nations. If it's nearby, then i'd rather hold and see what trade companies can do to Portugal. What do you think?

Orlov Kruskayev - considering half of Italy is already mine, i would not go as far as to call it ambition, more like trying to connect Iberian and Apennine holdings.
As for that- yes, EU would be so much more deeper game when Paradox would include charaters lite version from CK 2 (a bit like Rome style, i think) and pop system lite from Vicky.

Nikolai - Heh, yes, another Rome forming. Kinda ironic that lusitanes are playing around in Italy now.

Thalassocracy

Trade Companies

After the war with Chinese, first thing Henrique ordered was building Trade Companies in Malacca and Philippines areas. Around 10 of them were built, with one purpose- to exploit locals more and to increase Portuguese trade coming from the area. Would it be spices or chinaware- Portugal did their best to increase production and large manufactories were built all over Spice Islands. The results soon poured in- increasing the trade value in Malacca and Philippines. A bit more money was pouring to Portuguese coffers.


Typical trade company factory in East Asia

Other Matters

It was back in 1580 when Portugal gained control of the Papacy. For a bit over the century, they have been controlling it, though there was always opposition from other countries and there was fierce competition about the control of the cardinals. Several times, there was a risk that Portugal would lose the fight. It was in 1691 when Portugal came off as a true victor. All the cardinals controlled and also, all the future cardinals were under Portuguese influence. Portuguese power in Rome was absolute.


Absolute control over Papacy. And see what influence i have in reserve...

Ottomans ended their second war against Mameluks in 1692- and they were utterly successful. Total 8 provinces were conquered and Mameluks were truly pushed back. Even worse- with the conquest of Sinai, a province as insignificant as is can get, the Ottomans gained something else- a gateway to the Red Sea. Meaning Ottomans now have a chance to influence trade in Aden- and that is what they did. Soon, number of Ottoman frigates was patrolling the Aden, lessening Portuguese share of the vital node. Over 30 frigates they had there sure tipped the balance of trade towards Alexandria...


Ottomans gaining foothold in the Red Sea

In June 1692, New Spain attacked Portuguese Mexico. Up to this date, no-one is certain why, for the Portuguese Mexico is the strongest colonial nation, controlling most of Mesoamerica while the New Spain is total four provinces. The best guess is that the mixture of really stupid governor and Spanish pride forced them to attack. No matter as well. In February 1694, the peace was made and after that, New Spain was no more.


Still not sure what the Spanish were smoking when they attacked...

On more worrying scale, the Mughals, powerhouse in India and Central Asia, did the unthinkable- they managed to westernize themselves. Seeing as they are good allies of Marwar and control the last trade center in Indus, that would prove problematic to the Portuguese in the future.


At least they can now fight Muscovy as equals. Still, this is a scary sight. When Westernized, Mughals can easily become France of the East

Conquest of Ragusa

Serbia is a brave small nation. Instead of succumbing to the Ottoman threat, they survived. Even more, they have expanded. Serbia controls now quite an impressive landmass north of the Ottomans. They have been able to avoid both Austrians and Ottomans and have even gained a few provinces from the latter. In 1693, they have been in political isolation though. No strong allies, not particularly strong military power and nothing much else as well. Perfect target- as the Portuguese were looking into expansion into other side of Adriatic sea (Why, you ask? They were there, that is why).

The original targets were Ragusa and Dalmatia Though the province has not been a free merchant republic for centuries, they still were busy trading and their job of moving goods between Constantinople and Venice had remained. Portugal, always looking for more trade, was now more then interested in the city-state.

Total 70 000 soldiers were taking part of the campaign. 40 000 mercenaries recruited from Italy and 30 000 Portuguese own soldiers. All ready for war. It was in April 1693 when the war started. For starters, Portugal unloaded an army of 30 000 Portuguese, followed by two mercenary armies, who started sieges of Dalmatia and Ragusa while the main army marched inlands.

In the beginning of August 1693, Portuguese army engaged the Serbian army in Serbia. Though the Portuguese outnumbered Serbians by few thousand men, the armies were more or less even. Still, the Portuguese Carolingian infantry really knew their business. They attacked, giving Serbians no chance but to fight or flee. After losing about half of their forces, Serbians decided to flee, with Portuguese hot on their tails. In battle of Kosovo, end of August 1693, the Portuguese cornered Serbians and destroyed their army. Serbian resistance was almost over, while the Portuguese marched to Serbia and put the province under siege.


Initial invasion and the destruction of Serbian armies

In October, the Brits arrived. 11 000 Brits landed in Zeta and put the province under siege. Frequently, they rode to Portuguese positions to drink together for the “good king Henry”- and of course, the Portuguese did not mind. After all, friendship between nations and persons alike blooms when showered with alcohol and the brits had grown used to living under Portuguese.

As for the war, it lasted for another three years. Brits brought total 27 000 soldiers by that time and Portugal had controlled most of the Serbian provinces. The enemy resistance was minimal- small units that were wiped with ease. Serbia herself was a toughest nut to crack- the siege took total 983 days. Rest of the provinces were easier. As for Portugal- the war goals changed. In peace signed in June 1696, they took Ragusa, but instead of taking Dalmatia, they asked for release of Bosnian nation. Cutting the Serbian nation nicely into three pieces, Bosnia was a nice four-province nation that was really grateful for the Portuguese. Grateful enough to become Portuguese vassal a few month after the war was over.


The peace. Portuguese gained Ragusa and Bosnia as a vassal

Thalassocracy

Thalassocracy comes from two greek words: “thalassa”, meaning the sea and “kratein”, meaning to rule. To put it simply, thalassocracy simply means ruling the seas with a fancy word. As for Portugal, they ruled the seas, without a doubt. But to get the other nations to acknowledge that, a more traditional route should be taken.

It started with Genua. The center of trade that was making around 15 gold per month, but all of it was flowing to Antwerpen- while the Portuguese were the most powerful nation there. So, Henrique recalled a merchant from Cape and told him to try out the Mediterranean trade. Soon, Genoa was flowing most of their money towards Seville.


Establishing strong presence in Genoa meant more money- and starting of Thalassocracy

From there on, obtaining thalassocracy would be controlling the trade of the most of the Mediterranean. The Portuguese had to have more power then any other nation in the following nodes- Venice, Ragusa, Tunis, Genoa and Alexandria. Apparently, to become known of thalassocracy, you had to control the Mediterranean trade. Well, no problems there- Portugal already had interests in Genoa, Tunis (the Sicilian holdings) and Venice. Ragusa was about to get conquered and that left Alexandria.

Secondly, Portugal was currently upgrading her frigates, meaning that the shipyards of Lisboa were busy (and the Portuguese provinces made for shipbuilding were able to make 20 frigates or 10 big ships per year). Henrique ordered to delay sending ships to all over the world, instead to send them to Mediterranean. So, there they were- 20 to Venice, 20 to Tunis, 20 to Ragusa. As for Alexandria, Henrique sent his main trade fleet, to temporarily patrol these waters. Also, a merchant from Genoa. When Ragusa was occupied by Portuguese, it was enough.


Part of the Portuguese fleet in Mediterranean

In September 1694, Henrique was able to confirm thalassocracy. During that time, Portugal had more ships in the Mediterranean the ever before- over 130 light ships, plus transport fleet of 30 ships and heavy fleet of 50 ships. Over 200- more then any nation in the region had. Truly, the Portuguese were rulers of the seas...


All that trobule for this little picture

Additional merchant gained from there was sent to Nippon node, to steer some of Japan's trade towards China and from there, to Malacca.


First Portuguese traders arriving in Nippon

Diplomacy

When the Portuguese enacted the Navigation Act, it did the nation several good things. Improved naval tradition, bigger navy sizes and all that. But it also reduced the amount of diplomatic relations. Now, in July 1693, Henrique adopted diplomatic relations idea from the expansion group- meaning that Portugal had once again an option to increase their relations.


More diplomacy is always good

After the war with Serbia was over, Henrique did so. Freeing and vassalization of Bosnia was mentioned before, but there was another nation, located on opposite side of Europe. Ireland, independent since time immemorial, had managed to kick the English out of their soil and Ulster managed to unite Irish clans. Now, they agreed that Portuguese supremacy is a way to go and accepted vassalization.


New vassals- from different parts of Europe

Two new vassals- not bad. Though the most important part was Great Britain. In 1646, João V had finished a bloody war between Portugal and England and as a result, crowned himself as King John II of England. That was 50 years ago and since then, the Portuguese-English relations were all time high. It seems like both enjoyed the double monarchy and the profits gained from it. Meaning now was the perfect time to start integrating Great Britain into Portugal. This would be a time-consuming process and it was not even certain that Henrique will live to see the process finished. Still, one thing is certain: Anglo-Portuguese alliance will be stronger then ever.


Ha!

Just a small war while waiting for the overextension to go down. And originally i planned to take Dalmatia and Ragusa, but decided to liberate Bosnia instead. A smart move, even if i say so myself. Why? You'll find out soon!
And as for thalassocracy, thought that was for Venice/Lübeck/Genoa etc, but it seems like any nation who dominates the trade in Mediterranean or North Sea can claim it. As long as i don't have to keep on dominating, it's all good. Incidentally, i have positive prestige for quite some time. Now i also have positive naval tradition. Meaning i have to rethink my future ideas- was going for the innovative one lowering the decay, but now it is moot. Ah well, there is still time for that..

Nikolai - Coring time, yes. Costs- not that much. I'm still making bucketloads of adm power as well. More like coring time and coalitions are the things crippling my expansion. Without these, the Portugal you know would be much bigger- and in total control of Iberia.

Orlov Kruskayev - Leaving Macau to China was a pragmatic decision- the other provinces are worth so much more. But it does bring a smile to my face And not all lands, but most of them, yes!

zdlugasz - That is very nice of you! It was getting a bit slow on comment side and i was pondering if i've crossed the limit where playing Portugal means steamrolling- and that is not that interesting, i know. Thanks a lot!