6. To those who wait
Had a bit of an accident, for some reason all the screenshots i thought i took between 1843-6 have vanished. So here is a bit of a summary:
1, Burgundy offered a white peace fairly sharpish.
2, I research publishing industry followed by post-napoleonic thought. This allowed me to enact the two related decisions. I have more than enough prestige and all the tech requirements, the only thing stopping me from shedding feudalism is the military score.
3, "winds of westernization" occurred, which i welcomed.
4, I continued to expand my military with cavalry
5, I attempted to repair relations with Taiping
Theres enough material from the last session for two updates as was the case last time. So lets deal with the Khmer Empire at peace first.
When the european war ships finally disappeared from the Khmer coast line they left behind a lasting impression on the many denizens of the Empire. The Khmer soldiers who occupied the exotic european trading ports found much to admire about the enemies, soon stories got back to the aristocracy of Angkor.
Before long the very first coffee house was opened in the capital, articles of european dress and curiosities from the west became the preeminent markers of affluence. The Angkoran elite began making leisure trips to singapore, to catch a glimpse of the europeans and bask in their culture. The king even took to wearing a top hat for a few days before re purposing it as a commode.
With this new interest in the civilized world came a reciprocation.
A military mission, not from europe but from the Empire of Japan. A further 4 missions would arrive all from Spain. Their arrival was welcomed and every concession made. The brave Khmer warriors appeared as something more like a rabble when compared to the foreigners, the gradual process of organizing them into an ordered fighting force had begun. General Pok Tong II started on his own private project with the help of Spanish advisors.
Not all is quite so rosey. The tiny Karen minority gains dreams of nationhood, this is unacceptable.
The western nations push for their own embassies and a special legation quarter is opened in the capital. The king cynically refers to it as 'the zoo' and orders the Imperial architect to construct viewing platforms so that the people can get a good look at the curious foreigners.
The presence of the europeans is greeted with fear in some parts of the empire. The perpetrators are punished.
Before long these events would repeat themselves.
An envoy from the Mughal empire arrives with an offer of alliance.
Maybe a few years ago we would have accepted this, but they are a relic of the old world and Khmer is embracing modernity. Besides they are the current occupant of our rightful western lands, there cannot be two suns in the sky!
Another community of foreigners are granted residency.
Strangely we already have a small community of europeans, some 600 Anglo-saxon aristocrats reside in the former lands of champa.
In February 12th 1849 Pok Tong II unveils his finished project, a new home grown weapon, the plans of which have already been sent to royal artisans across the nation.
The new weapon is a flintlock rifle developed from the standard spanish musket retooled for minié balls, but made using locally produced materials.
Unfortunately Pok Tong II dies of elephant flu, 2 days after its unveiling. His younger brother Pok Chan takes over as head of the imperial army. As his first action he names the weapon the 'Tong' rifle, in memory of his illustrious brother.
THe system is a little different in divergences. Instead of infantry and gaurds, this new development allows me to build infantry (like auxilliaries i guess) from non accepted cultures and 'regulars' from national and accepted cultures. I immediately start replacing fragile irregulars with smartly uniformed and disciplined professional soldiers.
Finally its march 1849 and infamy has dropped enough for another wave of expansion. The truce with scandinavia has worn off, but with our army boosted to 27 brigades and a small Imperial fleet of transports and frigate at the ready, perhaps they are afraid of reigniting the war for Malacca?
I'm only 6 points away from my target military score, even with the 2 generals i can recruit it'll leave me 2 points short, so close!
Russia has erupted in war during this session Novogorod faces a war on two fronts, a war of aggression on mongolia and their ally ming (which they are loosing badly) and a defensive war against moscovy and their ally moldavia. At least in the latter case their allies have come to their rescue. Perhaps Scandinavia is too distracted to deal with the Khmer Empire.
Earlier in this session a grand war opened up in europe. Burgundy, poland and austria against Bohemia and Moscovy. In the end burgundy's army was reduced from 50 odd to 15 brigades and lost territory to Bohemia. I think even the ottomans joined at one point.
Also many poets where poisoned in this session:
4 Malay
1 Karen
1 Cham
Anyway thats part 1 of this update, some excitement to come in the next part.
