Great update! Going to be a sea power, eh? I see a clash with the Russians in your future though....
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coz1 said:
No, sure it won't. I never achieved what you did. I haven't played with 1.01, but from what I read I think that 1.02 is more restrictive for countries like Persia.
Well, the revolution: All of a sudden 95% of the population turned into socialists and the country became a proletarian dictatorship. My relations with everybody worsened (because of socialist alignment, being an ideological threat?). So the Ottoman's decided to quit me off, which was easily done.
Some thoughts:
1- The main reason for the revolution were reactions to modernisation through relations with UK. Both events should rise the percentage of reactionaries and lead to a conservative coup d'etat (instead of a socialist revolution).
2- There were no socialist mass movements at that date, especially not outside Europe. There should be a start date for the first socialist POPs.
3- Yes, the one-party system. It would be great to have several effects of revolutions like enacted reforms, multiple parties or at least a change of the governing party. Some work for modders.
It took me maybe 40 years to indutrialize when I returned to a previous save and rejected further aid. Not being civilized made me wait and wait until Russia decided to take over Persia in 1910. I was out in 1913 :wacko: So I haven't finished a single game with Persia
I had some more things in mind, but I have a flu and need to sleep.
Thanks for the great AAR by the way...
Semi-Lobster - I have troops stationed everywhere. That's one thing Persia does not lack - manpower, especially after I annexed Afghanistan. However, paying for it was a problem until I got my industry going. As for the navy, see below.
Amric - Thanks. I can't really do much with my navy in terms of offensive warfare, but it is useful to ferry folks around. And this AAR wouldn't be "worth the paper it's printed on" if I didn't take at least one hack at the old bear up north.
Gezz Inti - spot on with what you suggested with the revolution - especially this,
Amric - Thanks. I can't really do much with my navy in terms of offensive warfare, but it is useful to ferry folks around.
And this AAR wouldn't be "worth the paper it's printed on" if I didn't take at least one hack at the old bear up north. Gezz Inti - spot on with what you suggested with the revolution - especially this,
I basically had revolts going on constantly and just got used to moving my armies around. By the time the first one was over, half of them were almost down to 50 men a piece. When the second round of revolts started, they were at least twice as worse and more often. I eventually gave up and let them take Teheran so I could get going. I at least got to be an independent nation out of the event which made me lot's more money immediately - and I needed it since most of my army was almost destroyed (and a few corps lost) - I didn't really want to get bogged down relating every little revolt in the story above, but trust me - it reminded me of some old EU2 games :wacko: I imagine 1.02 is fairly harder to do what I was able to do, but I have patience and spent the first years just micromanaging like hell, playing on the slow speed and pausing a lot.
Interlude
November 1871
It had been a long trip. Henry Strachen was used to traveling on trains by now, but not the poor version of them that the Persians and Russians had built. “The British can export so much of their knowledge…why not the ability to build a decent railroad?” he asked himself. Feeling that the train had come to a stop, Henry gathered his baggage and made his way to the station agent in the hopes of finding some decent lodging.
He had arrived in Tblisi, the major city of Russian Georgia. He would have expected his Russian hosts to set up arrangements for him, but they were at war and thought of little else during this time. “Obviously, no gentlemen here,” he thought to himself. Approaching the desk inside what served as a railway station, Henry was amused to note that the Russian behind the desk was asleep. “If they were fighting the war this way, they will surely lose,” he thought.
“Excuse me sir…hello…pray pardon my interruption, but I need to check in and find suitable lodgings,” Henry shouted in the hopes of waking the guard. Not registering any signs, Henry looked around to see if there were perhaps another individual to deal with. Seeing none, he wrapped his cane against the desk, this time achieving his goal.
The guard did not look happy about being disturbed. Uttering what seemed gibberish to Henry, the guard motioned for Henry to sign the book in front of him and then pointed to the opposite end of the small building. Not wishing to deal with the ornery gentleman further, Henry quickly signed his name, flashed his papers to the guard and proceeded to follow the groggy soldier's finger.
Upon exiting the depot, Henry noticed very little activity outside. Some women were bustling to and fro, packages wrapped in brown paper in their hands and scarves wrapped around their heads. He saw no signs of men other than soldiers. Approaching one he hoped spoke decent English, for he himself only spoke broken Russian, Henry said,
“Good sir. Pray tell where I might find a hotel in this town.”
The soldier looked at him for a moment, sizing him up.
“There,” he said, pointing to a two story building that looked more like a rundown soup kitchen than a fine hotel.
“That is a hotel, sir?”
“Da,” the soldier replied. Not wishing to further this engaging conversation, as he had most likely run through the better part of the soldier’s vocabulary. He made his way along the snow filled street to the hotel. Upon reaching the front of the building, he was surprised by a large hole in the road beneath him. Ice water chilled his bones as it reached his mid-calf.
“Blast!” he exclaimed. Removing his quickly freezing leg from the hole, he entered the building. What little he could make out, as it was only lit by a few candles, was sparse and unkempt. He spied an old woman sitting behind what served as a front desk. Trying his luck a third time, he asked her,
“Madam. Might you have a vacancy for this weary traveler? I’ve just arrived by train and haven’t the foggiest idea where to lay my head around this fine burg of yours.”
Looking up at him with a slight smile, she responded,
“Da. We have vacancy. Many vacancy. There are no men to take room. They all fight.”
“Ah, yes – the war. But I am encouraged to hear you speak. Would that your townsfolk were as verbose as you.”
“Da. Sign here. You pay me five.” Seeming reasonable to Henry, he signed his name, pulled some fresh coins from his pocket and handed them over to the old woman. After storing them in her shirt, she slowly crept around the side of the desk and began to pick up Henry’s bags.
“You needn’t bother, old dear. I shall get them myself.”
“You pay. I carry,” she replied.
“Nonsense. A gentleman does not allow a lady to carry his baggage.” Disgruntled but resigned, she let go of his bags and began walking up the stairs. It would take a good five minutes to reach his room, as she was no athlete, but finally Henry was secured with a semi-warm bed, an iced over window in which to view the town and some warm water in a bowl on the dresser.
“Just heated,” she said pointing to the water basin. “Use or it goes cold.”
“Quite right. And thank you madam for your hospitality.”
“Da,” she said closing the door behind her as she left the room.
Removing his overcoat and his soaked shoe and stocking, he reclined on the bed for a moment. His journey had not been easy, but it had been necessary. His next goal was to locate the Russian diplomat that was to meet him here in Tblisi. The Shah had sent him on this mission to attempt a deal, trading land and money for colonial claims the Russians had on territory along the Caspian Sea. The Shah had been encourage by the flow of colonists to the Geok Tepe outpost and wanted to incorporate the larger area surrounding it into a state along the lines of the rest of Persia. Henry had been allowed full control of whatever deal he could make, but he knew that if he came back without a deal that satisfied the Shah, their relationship might become even icier than it already was.
Removing his other shoe and stocking, Henry picked up the water basin and placed it on the floor. Splashing a bit on his face, he placed his cold feet into the basin and sighed in relief as his toes began to regain mobility. After a few moments, Henry reclined once again and soon found a profound sleepiness come over him. He drifted off to sleep quickly, slightly warmer and definitely glad to have arrived at his destination.
*************************************************
A heavy knock on the door awoke him suddenly. “What the devil?” Henry thought as he quickly came out of his slumber. “I’ve just fallen asleep.”
Rising, he went to the door, noticing how cold the floor was in his bare feet. Opening it, he saw a large Russian colonel standing outside his room, with two lesser soldiers to either side of him. “I do hope this is my contact,” he thought.
“Good afternoon sir. Please pardon if it took a moment to answer the door. I was catching a small nap after my journey.”
“I am sorry to wake you Mr. Strachen. We were told you had arrived and came quickly to see you. Should we return later?”
“I dare say that is not necessary. Please do come in. Let me put on some shoes and we can be off. The Shah would very much like to conclude this deal and have me return home quickly.”
The colonel entered the room, motioning the guards to stay outside. He was well-dressed in his uniform, but his hair was rather messy and his mustache contained food most likely from his previous meal. He walked with a slight limp, but seemed to get around as if he had no affliction at all. As he took a seat in the chair by the window, he spoke,
“I do hope you have found everything you need so far here in Tblisi. It is a small town, yes, but it has all the amenities of St. Petersburg, if not as nice.”
“Yes, I have secured all that I require thus far. I was surprised by the lack of men around. Have they all been swept off to the front?”
“Most. If not at the front, they are working for the military. It is war, Mr. Strachen, and the Austrians and Germans have kept us busy. They do not fight like the Turk, this is for certain.”
“Quite,” Henry agreed.
Noticing that Henry’s shoes were wet, the colonel said, “We can get you a dry pair of shoes. What size do you wear?”
“That is most kind of you, but these shall do just fine. I have lived in Persia for most of my life, good sir, and I am used to hardships. But I thank you for the offer,” Henry replied. After lacing up his shoes, he rose and motioned to the colonel that he was ready to go.
“Good. Let us get you some food in your stomach. You will like what we have on the menu this evening. I had some caviar shipped to us for this very occasion. And wait till you sip on our Russian vodka. You will forget all about the chill in the air, I assure you.”
“Once again, most kind of you. But may I know your name?”
“Yes, of course. Colonel Petrovsky, at your service sir. I have been instructed to deal with you on this issue. I can tell we are going to get along perfectly. Please, let us get some food. It has been a long day for me as well and I look forward to chatting with you by a warm fire. We have much to discuss, do we not?”
“Quite. Then let us proceed.” The two men exited Henry’s room and walked down the hallway followed by the colonel’s guards. Making their way back into the chill early evening air, Henry realized that he had been asleep for much longer than he thought. He noticed the streets had gone quiet, or at least that foot traffic had ceased for the day. Quickly walking through the stiff cold breeze, they found their way to a local eatery that seemed a combination restaurant, bar and headquarters.
“We use this place for meetings and such. The owner does not mind, as he does not have too many patrons these last few years. A few rubles in his pocket are better than none, eh?”
“Yes, of course. I should like to sit by a fire now if possible. Can you arrange it?”
“But of course,” Petrovsky replied, allowing Henry to enter the door before him. The guards were instructed to remain outside. “Poor fellows,” Henry thought to himself.
“Ah, this is more like it,” Henry exclaimed as he sank into a comfortable looking chair by the fire. Petrovsky motioned for him to remove his coat, but Henry declined.
“I should like to keep it for the moment, if you don’t mind. I seem to have a bit of a chill, don’t you know.”
“As you like,” Petrovsky replied. He stood and spoke Russian to a small man at the back of the room. Quickly, the small man was instructing his employees to prepare a table and plates for the two gentlemen. They brought fine Russian caviar and a dish that looked something like Shepherd’s Pie. After tasting it, Henry would think to himself that Haggis might have been a better description. Not wanting to offend his host, he declined to speak on it. Slowly sipping on a cup of hot tea, he got down to business.
“Now, good colonel. What I have been sent here to do is to impress upon your good Tsar that the Shah has a deal to make. Both his country and yours have been slowly colonizing the Central Asian plains for years. It seems, however, that there are some overlapping interests in the area and the Shah would like to propose a deal beneficial to both parties. If the Tsar were willing to part with certain colonies along the Caspian coast, the Shah would most pleasurably sell him the province of Chimkent, situated precisely among the Tsar’s other colonies, bordering on China. This of course, previously belonged to the now defunct country of Kokand. But as they were unable to sustain their independence, the Shah does not want your Tsar to think he holds subsequent desires of moving farther north. As well, the Shah is prepared to pay handsomely in addition to the state of Chimkent. You should only name your price, sir, and we shall have a deal.”
The Russian colonel sipped his vodka for a moment as he thought about the words Henry had spoken. Downing the last bit in one gulp and pouring himself another, he said,
“Are you sure you do not wish to partake of this fine vodka?”
“No, thank you, Colonel Petrovsky. I appreciate the offer, but I should like to finish my tea at the moment. Perhaps after we have concluded our business, I will join you in a toast.”
“Very well, Mr. Strachen. Let me ask you. Exactly what territories along the Caspian did your Shah have in mind?”
“To be precise, those of Kabil and Ushtagen.”
“If he were to gain possession of these, he would have an easy time creating states from these territories. Yet the Tsar would still be in possession of only colonies.”
“Not so, colonel. The province of Chimkent is very well established. We have built a rudimentary railway there and have spent a good deal of time training the people and building up the infrastructure. The previous owners were less than civilized, sir, but the Shah has done much for the people in the area. As well, they are very much akin to some of the indigenous peoples located in your settlements along its border. It might be a good thing for them to have a place to move as your colonists continue to populate the surrounding area.”
“You make good points, Mr. Strachen. And exactly how much is the Shah willing to include in the deal, in the way of money that is?”
“As I said, it is not limited to any one amount. You shall name your price, within reason of course, and the Shah will be perfectly happy to oblige.”
“Hmmm,” the colonel uttered as he thought about the proposition. Taking down another full glass of vodka, he stood and motioned to the owner of the establishment. He spoke in Russian, and quickly the old man had fetched paper and quill. Sitting again, the colonel began to write up some words on the paper. After finishing, he handed the paper to Henry.
“Please to read this and tell me what you think. Does this satisfy your Shah?”
Henry perused what the colonel had written. He was impressed that Petrovsky had written separately in both Russian and English. After understanding the money amount listed on the paper, Henry Strachen stood and, extending his hand, said,
“Agreed. I should think both parties are fully pleased with this deal. The dollar amount is slightly higher than expected, but I’m sure the Shah will have no problem with this. He understands the needed funds to fight your current war.”
“Yes, well, I dare not say such a thing to the Tsar, but it is true. To train an army and fight a war takes funds and we have been sadly low on this last fact.”
“Might I be so bold as to request one other provision?”
“Please,” replied Petrovsky.
“Would it not be beneficial to both parties if we included a promise from either side to not wage war against the other? Perhaps for a period of ten years or so?”
“This, I am not sure we can do. The Tsar does not like to be beholden to a piece of paper in his foreign policy. However, if we were to make a handshake deal on this, I will promise to push for this as a separate deal.” Henry thought on this for a moment and once again extended his hand.
“Sir, I take your word as a gentleman and rest assured you have mine.” After shaking on it, Henry picked up the quill, affixed his signature to the document before them and said,
“Now, how about that drink you offered.” A broad smile came across the colonel’s face. He quickly poured two glasses and raising his up to toast, said,
“May we continue to become fast friends, you and I.”
Henry, raising his own, replied,
“Quite. And may you have success in the coming months against your European foes.”
They knocked their glasses together and both quickly swallowed the contents. They continued to sit by the fire for a few more hours discussing politics, travel and a particular love of the colonel’s, fishing. As the evening drew to a close, both men bundled up in their coats and retraced their steps to Henry’s hotel. Saying goodbye to Henry, Petrovsky bowed and motioned for his guards to follow as he walked away.
Henry returned to his room, noticing as he passed the front desk that the old woman was still sitting in the exact same spot, and eventually found his way to this bed. Drifting off to sleep once again, he dreaded his trip home the next day, but was pleased that he could relate his success to the Shah. “Perhaps this will return me to favor with him,” he thought to himself. And then he fell fast asleep with dreams of a certain young Frenchwoman on his mind.
November 1871
It had been a long trip. Henry Strachen was used to traveling on trains by now, but not the poor version of them that the Persians and Russians had built. “The British can export so much of their knowledge…why not the ability to build a decent railroad?” he asked himself. Feeling that the train had come to a stop, Henry gathered his baggage and made his way to the station agent in the hopes of finding some decent lodging.
He had arrived in Tblisi, the major city of Russian Georgia. He would have expected his Russian hosts to set up arrangements for him, but they were at war and thought of little else during this time. “Obviously, no gentlemen here,” he thought to himself. Approaching the desk inside what served as a railway station, Henry was amused to note that the Russian behind the desk was asleep. “If they were fighting the war this way, they will surely lose,” he thought.
“Excuse me sir…hello…pray pardon my interruption, but I need to check in and find suitable lodgings,” Henry shouted in the hopes of waking the guard. Not registering any signs, Henry looked around to see if there were perhaps another individual to deal with. Seeing none, he wrapped his cane against the desk, this time achieving his goal.
The guard did not look happy about being disturbed. Uttering what seemed gibberish to Henry, the guard motioned for Henry to sign the book in front of him and then pointed to the opposite end of the small building. Not wishing to deal with the ornery gentleman further, Henry quickly signed his name, flashed his papers to the guard and proceeded to follow the groggy soldier's finger.
Upon exiting the depot, Henry noticed very little activity outside. Some women were bustling to and fro, packages wrapped in brown paper in their hands and scarves wrapped around their heads. He saw no signs of men other than soldiers. Approaching one he hoped spoke decent English, for he himself only spoke broken Russian, Henry said,
“Good sir. Pray tell where I might find a hotel in this town.”
The soldier looked at him for a moment, sizing him up.
“There,” he said, pointing to a two story building that looked more like a rundown soup kitchen than a fine hotel.
“That is a hotel, sir?”
“Da,” the soldier replied. Not wishing to further this engaging conversation, as he had most likely run through the better part of the soldier’s vocabulary. He made his way along the snow filled street to the hotel. Upon reaching the front of the building, he was surprised by a large hole in the road beneath him. Ice water chilled his bones as it reached his mid-calf.
“Blast!” he exclaimed. Removing his quickly freezing leg from the hole, he entered the building. What little he could make out, as it was only lit by a few candles, was sparse and unkempt. He spied an old woman sitting behind what served as a front desk. Trying his luck a third time, he asked her,
“Madam. Might you have a vacancy for this weary traveler? I’ve just arrived by train and haven’t the foggiest idea where to lay my head around this fine burg of yours.”
Looking up at him with a slight smile, she responded,
“Da. We have vacancy. Many vacancy. There are no men to take room. They all fight.”
“Ah, yes – the war. But I am encouraged to hear you speak. Would that your townsfolk were as verbose as you.”
“Da. Sign here. You pay me five.” Seeming reasonable to Henry, he signed his name, pulled some fresh coins from his pocket and handed them over to the old woman. After storing them in her shirt, she slowly crept around the side of the desk and began to pick up Henry’s bags.
“You needn’t bother, old dear. I shall get them myself.”
“You pay. I carry,” she replied.
“Nonsense. A gentleman does not allow a lady to carry his baggage.” Disgruntled but resigned, she let go of his bags and began walking up the stairs. It would take a good five minutes to reach his room, as she was no athlete, but finally Henry was secured with a semi-warm bed, an iced over window in which to view the town and some warm water in a bowl on the dresser.
“Just heated,” she said pointing to the water basin. “Use or it goes cold.”
“Quite right. And thank you madam for your hospitality.”
“Da,” she said closing the door behind her as she left the room.
Removing his overcoat and his soaked shoe and stocking, he reclined on the bed for a moment. His journey had not been easy, but it had been necessary. His next goal was to locate the Russian diplomat that was to meet him here in Tblisi. The Shah had sent him on this mission to attempt a deal, trading land and money for colonial claims the Russians had on territory along the Caspian Sea. The Shah had been encourage by the flow of colonists to the Geok Tepe outpost and wanted to incorporate the larger area surrounding it into a state along the lines of the rest of Persia. Henry had been allowed full control of whatever deal he could make, but he knew that if he came back without a deal that satisfied the Shah, their relationship might become even icier than it already was.
Removing his other shoe and stocking, Henry picked up the water basin and placed it on the floor. Splashing a bit on his face, he placed his cold feet into the basin and sighed in relief as his toes began to regain mobility. After a few moments, Henry reclined once again and soon found a profound sleepiness come over him. He drifted off to sleep quickly, slightly warmer and definitely glad to have arrived at his destination.
*************************************************
A heavy knock on the door awoke him suddenly. “What the devil?” Henry thought as he quickly came out of his slumber. “I’ve just fallen asleep.”
Rising, he went to the door, noticing how cold the floor was in his bare feet. Opening it, he saw a large Russian colonel standing outside his room, with two lesser soldiers to either side of him. “I do hope this is my contact,” he thought.
“Good afternoon sir. Please pardon if it took a moment to answer the door. I was catching a small nap after my journey.”
“I am sorry to wake you Mr. Strachen. We were told you had arrived and came quickly to see you. Should we return later?”
“I dare say that is not necessary. Please do come in. Let me put on some shoes and we can be off. The Shah would very much like to conclude this deal and have me return home quickly.”
The colonel entered the room, motioning the guards to stay outside. He was well-dressed in his uniform, but his hair was rather messy and his mustache contained food most likely from his previous meal. He walked with a slight limp, but seemed to get around as if he had no affliction at all. As he took a seat in the chair by the window, he spoke,
“I do hope you have found everything you need so far here in Tblisi. It is a small town, yes, but it has all the amenities of St. Petersburg, if not as nice.”
“Yes, I have secured all that I require thus far. I was surprised by the lack of men around. Have they all been swept off to the front?”
“Most. If not at the front, they are working for the military. It is war, Mr. Strachen, and the Austrians and Germans have kept us busy. They do not fight like the Turk, this is for certain.”
“Quite,” Henry agreed.
Noticing that Henry’s shoes were wet, the colonel said, “We can get you a dry pair of shoes. What size do you wear?”
“That is most kind of you, but these shall do just fine. I have lived in Persia for most of my life, good sir, and I am used to hardships. But I thank you for the offer,” Henry replied. After lacing up his shoes, he rose and motioned to the colonel that he was ready to go.
“Good. Let us get you some food in your stomach. You will like what we have on the menu this evening. I had some caviar shipped to us for this very occasion. And wait till you sip on our Russian vodka. You will forget all about the chill in the air, I assure you.”
“Once again, most kind of you. But may I know your name?”
“Yes, of course. Colonel Petrovsky, at your service sir. I have been instructed to deal with you on this issue. I can tell we are going to get along perfectly. Please, let us get some food. It has been a long day for me as well and I look forward to chatting with you by a warm fire. We have much to discuss, do we not?”
“Quite. Then let us proceed.” The two men exited Henry’s room and walked down the hallway followed by the colonel’s guards. Making their way back into the chill early evening air, Henry realized that he had been asleep for much longer than he thought. He noticed the streets had gone quiet, or at least that foot traffic had ceased for the day. Quickly walking through the stiff cold breeze, they found their way to a local eatery that seemed a combination restaurant, bar and headquarters.
“We use this place for meetings and such. The owner does not mind, as he does not have too many patrons these last few years. A few rubles in his pocket are better than none, eh?”
“Yes, of course. I should like to sit by a fire now if possible. Can you arrange it?”
“But of course,” Petrovsky replied, allowing Henry to enter the door before him. The guards were instructed to remain outside. “Poor fellows,” Henry thought to himself.
“Ah, this is more like it,” Henry exclaimed as he sank into a comfortable looking chair by the fire. Petrovsky motioned for him to remove his coat, but Henry declined.
“I should like to keep it for the moment, if you don’t mind. I seem to have a bit of a chill, don’t you know.”
“As you like,” Petrovsky replied. He stood and spoke Russian to a small man at the back of the room. Quickly, the small man was instructing his employees to prepare a table and plates for the two gentlemen. They brought fine Russian caviar and a dish that looked something like Shepherd’s Pie. After tasting it, Henry would think to himself that Haggis might have been a better description. Not wanting to offend his host, he declined to speak on it. Slowly sipping on a cup of hot tea, he got down to business.
“Now, good colonel. What I have been sent here to do is to impress upon your good Tsar that the Shah has a deal to make. Both his country and yours have been slowly colonizing the Central Asian plains for years. It seems, however, that there are some overlapping interests in the area and the Shah would like to propose a deal beneficial to both parties. If the Tsar were willing to part with certain colonies along the Caspian coast, the Shah would most pleasurably sell him the province of Chimkent, situated precisely among the Tsar’s other colonies, bordering on China. This of course, previously belonged to the now defunct country of Kokand. But as they were unable to sustain their independence, the Shah does not want your Tsar to think he holds subsequent desires of moving farther north. As well, the Shah is prepared to pay handsomely in addition to the state of Chimkent. You should only name your price, sir, and we shall have a deal.”
The Russian colonel sipped his vodka for a moment as he thought about the words Henry had spoken. Downing the last bit in one gulp and pouring himself another, he said,
“Are you sure you do not wish to partake of this fine vodka?”
“No, thank you, Colonel Petrovsky. I appreciate the offer, but I should like to finish my tea at the moment. Perhaps after we have concluded our business, I will join you in a toast.”
“Very well, Mr. Strachen. Let me ask you. Exactly what territories along the Caspian did your Shah have in mind?”
“To be precise, those of Kabil and Ushtagen.”
“If he were to gain possession of these, he would have an easy time creating states from these territories. Yet the Tsar would still be in possession of only colonies.”
“Not so, colonel. The province of Chimkent is very well established. We have built a rudimentary railway there and have spent a good deal of time training the people and building up the infrastructure. The previous owners were less than civilized, sir, but the Shah has done much for the people in the area. As well, they are very much akin to some of the indigenous peoples located in your settlements along its border. It might be a good thing for them to have a place to move as your colonists continue to populate the surrounding area.”
“You make good points, Mr. Strachen. And exactly how much is the Shah willing to include in the deal, in the way of money that is?”
“As I said, it is not limited to any one amount. You shall name your price, within reason of course, and the Shah will be perfectly happy to oblige.”
“Hmmm,” the colonel uttered as he thought about the proposition. Taking down another full glass of vodka, he stood and motioned to the owner of the establishment. He spoke in Russian, and quickly the old man had fetched paper and quill. Sitting again, the colonel began to write up some words on the paper. After finishing, he handed the paper to Henry.
“Please to read this and tell me what you think. Does this satisfy your Shah?”
Henry perused what the colonel had written. He was impressed that Petrovsky had written separately in both Russian and English. After understanding the money amount listed on the paper, Henry Strachen stood and, extending his hand, said,
“Agreed. I should think both parties are fully pleased with this deal. The dollar amount is slightly higher than expected, but I’m sure the Shah will have no problem with this. He understands the needed funds to fight your current war.”
“Yes, well, I dare not say such a thing to the Tsar, but it is true. To train an army and fight a war takes funds and we have been sadly low on this last fact.”
“Might I be so bold as to request one other provision?”
“Please,” replied Petrovsky.
“Would it not be beneficial to both parties if we included a promise from either side to not wage war against the other? Perhaps for a period of ten years or so?”
“This, I am not sure we can do. The Tsar does not like to be beholden to a piece of paper in his foreign policy. However, if we were to make a handshake deal on this, I will promise to push for this as a separate deal.” Henry thought on this for a moment and once again extended his hand.
“Sir, I take your word as a gentleman and rest assured you have mine.” After shaking on it, Henry picked up the quill, affixed his signature to the document before them and said,
“Now, how about that drink you offered.” A broad smile came across the colonel’s face. He quickly poured two glasses and raising his up to toast, said,
“May we continue to become fast friends, you and I.”
Henry, raising his own, replied,
“Quite. And may you have success in the coming months against your European foes.”
They knocked their glasses together and both quickly swallowed the contents. They continued to sit by the fire for a few more hours discussing politics, travel and a particular love of the colonel’s, fishing. As the evening drew to a close, both men bundled up in their coats and retraced their steps to Henry’s hotel. Saying goodbye to Henry, Petrovsky bowed and motioned for his guards to follow as he walked away.
Henry returned to his room, noticing as he passed the front desk that the old woman was still sitting in the exact same spot, and eventually found his way to this bed. Drifting off to sleep once again, he dreaded his trip home the next day, but was pleased that he could relate his success to the Shah. “Perhaps this will return me to favor with him,” he thought to himself. And then he fell fast asleep with dreams of a certain young Frenchwoman on his mind.
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Your description of Tblisi and it's inhabitants was fantastic! Once again another great update!
Great AAR, a little dissappointed that an all out war with Russia was not made Pherhaps it is time to deal with the Ottomans then?
Pherhaps it is time to deal with the Ottomans then?
King Yngvar - Thanks, and patience grasshopper...patience. All in good time. I'm trying to triangulate my diplomacy right now as Russia still has me whipped when it comes to number of troops (and really never stops - go figure). There are a few things I need from them as well right now and it's slightly easier to get it from them while we are friendly. But have faith - it won't last forever.
Semi-Lobster - I appreciate it. I was rather pleased with how that episode turned out. I kind of like old Petrovsky. I might have to bring him back later. We shall see.
Semi-Lobster - I appreciate it. I was rather pleased with how that episode turned out. I kind of like old Petrovsky. I might have to bring him back later. We shall see.
5. 1871-1880, Consolidation and Diplomacy
As the year 1871 drew to a close, Henry Strachen was able to make a diplomatic deal with Russia trading the province of Chimkent on the northeast border, along with a hefty sum of money [OOC – I believe it was 500,000 if I remember correctly], for the Russian colonies of Kabil and Ushtagen. Once under Persian control, the Shah declared them a state of Persia and began building the railroad and infrastructure of the region. His country now shared another border with the Russians, but Nasir al-Din Shah hoped that the goodwill from the deal would last long enough to secure this line.
As well as dealing with the Russians, the Shah had sent several emissaries to China, hoping to become friends with the ancient empire. He longed for a defensive pact with one of the two giants on his border and secretly hoped that China would be that partner, especially after he learned that Russia had signed a status quo peace with Germany in the summer of 1872. However, with the Russians still fighting the Austrians, Nasir al-Din felt safe to continue his plans for regional dominance.
After securing and fully occupying the Afghani provinces, he would station several divisions in the mountains bordering the small country of Kashmir. Long a disputed area, the British East India Company had sold it to a local ruler named Maharajah Gulab Singh in the early 1840’s. Thought he had been a Hindu prince, the majority of locals were of the Muslim religion. Due to this and the stories the Shah had heard about the beautiful mountain vistas contained in this part of the Himalayas, he desired it for his own.
Though still faced with periodic revolts in both the newly held territories and in the historical provinces of Persia, the Shah ordered his army to war once again in June of 1872. Quickly occupying the country and making deals with the local rulers, he declared Kashmir as part of Persia by October of that year. Both he and Henry Strachen were happy to have the fighting over by the winter. But Henry was still concerned with the Shah’s continual appetite for new lands, especially ones so close to British protectorates in India.
The end of the year would bring incredible news from the Ottoman Empire. It seemed they had discovered the ancient city of Troy. The Shah was not impressed however. He did not think the Turks were bright enough to find their own shoes, much less an ancient, long-buried city that played so predominately in both oriental and occidental history. He would grow concerned though. If it was possible that they had achieved this type of find, that meant that they had money to spare and were most certainly building up their armies as well. This could prove dangerous and caused the Shah to build up his guard forces along the Ottoman border close to Mesopotamia.
Also at the end of the year, Spain would go to war with Morocco. Spain had been steadily developing colonies all over northern Africa and had finally come into conflict with the Moroccan Sultan. Though the fighting would not last but for a few months, the Shah realized that he might have another enemy on the horizon. If the Shah achieved his desire of occupying the entire ancient Caliphate, he would most surely come into conflict himself with the Spanish.
In the immediate future, the Shah’s most important project was building up his navy, ordering newly built man-o-wars and several transport ships. He knew that he would need these as his plans continued to take shape. Though his focus was still in the east, eventually he would turn to the west and these ships would be most important when this time came. And late 1872 would also bring the success of factory organization that the Shah had desired for some time. As the infrastructure grew, the Shah continued to build new factories and expand existing ones, and this newfound organization would surely increase the flow of money that was earned by the workers and thus increase the treasury funds as well. But he had been forced to lower more taxes as the industrial sector had crashed, thus allowing his citizens to bring themselves out of debt faster, so this newfound development was welcome news indeed.
As revolts continued periodically at home throughout 1873, the Shah was pleased to hear of a peace between Russia and Austria that December. Austrian had thoroughly beaten the bear and had taken possession of 11 provinces from the Russians, including many in what was previously Polish territory. This surely would weaken Russia in the future and it spurred the Shah to make further advances toward the Chinese. This became easier to do in 1875 as the Shah’s engineers developed a better and more efficient railway system and the Shah quickly ordered them to begin laying track all over the country, a project that would take five years to complete.
But it was 1876 that found both the Shah and Henry Strachen again turning their eyes to the belligerent Germany. In July of that year, the Germans once again declared war on France, thus beginning the 3rd Franco-German War. France would eventually be joined by Sardinia-Piedmont and Switzerland in trying to fend off the German aggression, but by 1879, they would be forced to admit defeat once again as Germany took control of Kreuznach.
It was in the midst of this war, that the Shah decided to begin trying to curry favor with the other great powers of the world. He recognized that his own actions might be considered as hostile as those of Germany and thus wanted to begin cultivating new friendships that he might be able to use later. He sent diplomats to France, Germany and the United States in 1877, though all three were cool to his advances. Still, he would continue to send letters and sometimes gifts to these countries, as well as China and Russia. He was going to cover all of his bases, and was even pleased to learn that Russia had granted military access to Persia in 1878, something he would desperately need if he were ever to go to war with the Turk.
At home, his thoughts would turn more and more to growing unrest. Still dealing with rebellious subjects, specifically in the newly occupied states, he would be forced to spend more and more time trying to satisfy their needs. Afghanistan was proving to be a most useful state in his empire. The people were numerous and easily trained and he would find himself ordering many more factories built and expanded there than anywhere else in the country over the next several years. But corrupt officials also plagued him as they stole from the treasury and caused further unrest with the people. By late 1877, the Shah was to witness many reactive forces in agriculture, as well. As more and more men were trained to work in factories, farmers would be forced to work doubly hard to achieve the same output each year. As a result, the Shah was forced to yield to farmer’s demands of increased compensation for their goods to the army and protective tariffs for their goods overseas.
It did not help matters that many new ideas were creeping into the minds of the Persian people. Several books had been translated and distributed about the country and people began to learn new theories of ideological thought, many of which went against the historic respect Shiites had for Islam, especially communism and socialism. This would however, increase the professionalism of the army, as leaders were more intelligent and well schooled.
As the 1870’s came to a close, Germany would continue to wage aggressive war against her neighbors, declaring war once again on Russia less than two months after making peace with France. However, this was to be a short-lived war, lasting only though the following summer. Yet Germany, France and Russia were not the only powers forced to take up arms. Even the British found themselves involved in a land war in Ireland. The Shah was pleased to know that he was not the only ruler that faced revolt, but given the nature of the conflict, it disturbed Henry Strachen deeply.
And the Shah was troubled to learn than many goods traveling from the east were destroyed in a storm, sinking many valuable transports. The Shah would have to begin building more of his navy if he ever hoped of matching Russia, Spain or Germany in a war. But these were not the combatants he focused on at the moment. Still irritated by the belligerence of Sind in the previous decade and desiring more land on the Indian subcontinent, he was reinforcing his armies and stationing them close to the borders of Sind and it’s northern neighbor Panjab.
Henry Strachen would find himself more and more concerned of a possible clash with his mother country, knowing that the Persians could never stand up to the might of Her Majesty. He would be forced to take sides at such time. Which side would he choose? The land of his heritage or the land he had spent all of his adult life trying to strengthen? He hoped he did not have to decide soon.
As the year 1871 drew to a close, Henry Strachen was able to make a diplomatic deal with Russia trading the province of Chimkent on the northeast border, along with a hefty sum of money [OOC – I believe it was 500,000 if I remember correctly], for the Russian colonies of Kabil and Ushtagen. Once under Persian control, the Shah declared them a state of Persia and began building the railroad and infrastructure of the region. His country now shared another border with the Russians, but Nasir al-Din Shah hoped that the goodwill from the deal would last long enough to secure this line.
As well as dealing with the Russians, the Shah had sent several emissaries to China, hoping to become friends with the ancient empire. He longed for a defensive pact with one of the two giants on his border and secretly hoped that China would be that partner, especially after he learned that Russia had signed a status quo peace with Germany in the summer of 1872. However, with the Russians still fighting the Austrians, Nasir al-Din felt safe to continue his plans for regional dominance.
After securing and fully occupying the Afghani provinces, he would station several divisions in the mountains bordering the small country of Kashmir. Long a disputed area, the British East India Company had sold it to a local ruler named Maharajah Gulab Singh in the early 1840’s. Thought he had been a Hindu prince, the majority of locals were of the Muslim religion. Due to this and the stories the Shah had heard about the beautiful mountain vistas contained in this part of the Himalayas, he desired it for his own.
Though still faced with periodic revolts in both the newly held territories and in the historical provinces of Persia, the Shah ordered his army to war once again in June of 1872. Quickly occupying the country and making deals with the local rulers, he declared Kashmir as part of Persia by October of that year. Both he and Henry Strachen were happy to have the fighting over by the winter. But Henry was still concerned with the Shah’s continual appetite for new lands, especially ones so close to British protectorates in India.
The end of the year would bring incredible news from the Ottoman Empire. It seemed they had discovered the ancient city of Troy. The Shah was not impressed however. He did not think the Turks were bright enough to find their own shoes, much less an ancient, long-buried city that played so predominately in both oriental and occidental history. He would grow concerned though. If it was possible that they had achieved this type of find, that meant that they had money to spare and were most certainly building up their armies as well. This could prove dangerous and caused the Shah to build up his guard forces along the Ottoman border close to Mesopotamia.
Also at the end of the year, Spain would go to war with Morocco. Spain had been steadily developing colonies all over northern Africa and had finally come into conflict with the Moroccan Sultan. Though the fighting would not last but for a few months, the Shah realized that he might have another enemy on the horizon. If the Shah achieved his desire of occupying the entire ancient Caliphate, he would most surely come into conflict himself with the Spanish.
In the immediate future, the Shah’s most important project was building up his navy, ordering newly built man-o-wars and several transport ships. He knew that he would need these as his plans continued to take shape. Though his focus was still in the east, eventually he would turn to the west and these ships would be most important when this time came. And late 1872 would also bring the success of factory organization that the Shah had desired for some time. As the infrastructure grew, the Shah continued to build new factories and expand existing ones, and this newfound organization would surely increase the flow of money that was earned by the workers and thus increase the treasury funds as well. But he had been forced to lower more taxes as the industrial sector had crashed, thus allowing his citizens to bring themselves out of debt faster, so this newfound development was welcome news indeed.
As revolts continued periodically at home throughout 1873, the Shah was pleased to hear of a peace between Russia and Austria that December. Austrian had thoroughly beaten the bear and had taken possession of 11 provinces from the Russians, including many in what was previously Polish territory. This surely would weaken Russia in the future and it spurred the Shah to make further advances toward the Chinese. This became easier to do in 1875 as the Shah’s engineers developed a better and more efficient railway system and the Shah quickly ordered them to begin laying track all over the country, a project that would take five years to complete.
But it was 1876 that found both the Shah and Henry Strachen again turning their eyes to the belligerent Germany. In July of that year, the Germans once again declared war on France, thus beginning the 3rd Franco-German War. France would eventually be joined by Sardinia-Piedmont and Switzerland in trying to fend off the German aggression, but by 1879, they would be forced to admit defeat once again as Germany took control of Kreuznach.
It was in the midst of this war, that the Shah decided to begin trying to curry favor with the other great powers of the world. He recognized that his own actions might be considered as hostile as those of Germany and thus wanted to begin cultivating new friendships that he might be able to use later. He sent diplomats to France, Germany and the United States in 1877, though all three were cool to his advances. Still, he would continue to send letters and sometimes gifts to these countries, as well as China and Russia. He was going to cover all of his bases, and was even pleased to learn that Russia had granted military access to Persia in 1878, something he would desperately need if he were ever to go to war with the Turk.
At home, his thoughts would turn more and more to growing unrest. Still dealing with rebellious subjects, specifically in the newly occupied states, he would be forced to spend more and more time trying to satisfy their needs. Afghanistan was proving to be a most useful state in his empire. The people were numerous and easily trained and he would find himself ordering many more factories built and expanded there than anywhere else in the country over the next several years. But corrupt officials also plagued him as they stole from the treasury and caused further unrest with the people. By late 1877, the Shah was to witness many reactive forces in agriculture, as well. As more and more men were trained to work in factories, farmers would be forced to work doubly hard to achieve the same output each year. As a result, the Shah was forced to yield to farmer’s demands of increased compensation for their goods to the army and protective tariffs for their goods overseas.
It did not help matters that many new ideas were creeping into the minds of the Persian people. Several books had been translated and distributed about the country and people began to learn new theories of ideological thought, many of which went against the historic respect Shiites had for Islam, especially communism and socialism. This would however, increase the professionalism of the army, as leaders were more intelligent and well schooled.
As the 1870’s came to a close, Germany would continue to wage aggressive war against her neighbors, declaring war once again on Russia less than two months after making peace with France. However, this was to be a short-lived war, lasting only though the following summer. Yet Germany, France and Russia were not the only powers forced to take up arms. Even the British found themselves involved in a land war in Ireland. The Shah was pleased to know that he was not the only ruler that faced revolt, but given the nature of the conflict, it disturbed Henry Strachen deeply.
And the Shah was troubled to learn than many goods traveling from the east were destroyed in a storm, sinking many valuable transports. The Shah would have to begin building more of his navy if he ever hoped of matching Russia, Spain or Germany in a war. But these were not the combatants he focused on at the moment. Still irritated by the belligerence of Sind in the previous decade and desiring more land on the Indian subcontinent, he was reinforcing his armies and stationing them close to the borders of Sind and it’s northern neighbor Panjab.
Henry Strachen would find himself more and more concerned of a possible clash with his mother country, knowing that the Persians could never stand up to the might of Her Majesty. He would be forced to take sides at such time. Which side would he choose? The land of his heritage or the land he had spent all of his adult life trying to strengthen? He hoped he did not have to decide soon.
Having Friday and Thursday off has let me catch up with my reading and well this looks good but I think Semi Lobster has it right when he ask for screenshots, I'm not to good of picturing these thing
I finally had a chance to read this aar: very pleasant reading and a nice mix of story-telling and history. I really wish you had couple of screenshots though, but meanwhile I have couple of questions: how big is your army and navy and which big or medium sized country is your next target?
Screenshot and Answers to Feedback:
First, let me say thanks once again for reading my little tale. I am glad you are enjoying it. I must apologize yet again for the lack of screenshots thus far. Like I said, I decided to write this after I had completed the game and so many of the save games from the earlier years have been deleted (however, starting in 1891 I should have some semi-regular and up to date shots.) However, I dare not disappoint my readership, thus I have doctored a shot from the beginning, showing what has been annexed thus far (and a few other assundry items.)
Persian Annexations by 1880
Make sure to enlarge the picture if it decreases to fit your screen - otherwise, you won't be able to read it. (And I had much fun playing with Microsoft Paint ) [Edit - I have just noticed I included the wrong wording in the screenshot regarding the trade with Russia - that should be a "by" instead of a "to" - sorry ]
As for army size, I am unable to remember exact figures from this period, but I have something close to 900,000 men at arms spread out between 12 divisions and my Navy is split between the Persian Navy and the Persian Gulf Squadron, each with two Man-o-Wars, three Clipper Transports and three Steamer Transports a piece. You must remember that I started with zero navy and thus have had to build it from scratch.
And now, with questions hopefully answered sufficiently, I will have a special episode to follow.
First, let me say thanks once again for reading my little tale. I am glad you are enjoying it. I must apologize yet again for the lack of screenshots thus far. Like I said, I decided to write this after I had completed the game and so many of the save games from the earlier years have been deleted (however, starting in 1891 I should have some semi-regular and up to date shots.) However, I dare not disappoint my readership, thus I have doctored a shot from the beginning, showing what has been annexed thus far (and a few other assundry items.)
Persian Annexations by 1880
Make sure to enlarge the picture if it decreases to fit your screen - otherwise, you won't be able to read it. (And I had much fun playing with Microsoft Paint
) [Edit - I have just noticed I included the wrong wording in the screenshot regarding the trade with Russia - that should be a "by" instead of a "to" - sorry ]As for army size, I am unable to remember exact figures from this period, but I have something close to 900,000 men at arms spread out between 12 divisions and my Navy is split between the Persian Navy and the Persian Gulf Squadron, each with two Man-o-Wars, three Clipper Transports and three Steamer Transports a piece. You must remember that I started with zero navy and thus have had to build it from scratch.
Now you wouldn't want me to give anything away would you? I can say that Russia, Britain, the Ottomans and Egypt are all close in proximity and on the Shah's shit list. If he had his way, they would all feel the wrath of his ambitions. You shall have to wait and see if they do. China, however, has been nothing but friendly and the Shah frankly wants to take advantage of the limitless supply of cannon fodder.
And now, with questions hopefully answered sufficiently, I will have a special episode to follow.
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Interlude
February 1881
The fiftieth birthday celebrations of the Shah had been magnificent. They had lasted for three days so far and were scheduled to continue for at least two more. Tonight was the impressive banquet, thrown by the Shah, for all the most important families and his friends. He had even sent invitations to all of the major governments of Europe, though most sent dignitaries rather than official diplomats, except for the Tsar who had sent his brother, and the Germans who had declined the invitation altogether.
Henry Strachen had played a leading role in the planning and execution of the festivities and was now taking his good friend Alain Herold to meet the Shah in person.
“But why is the Shah not dining with his guests?” Alain asked Henry.
“It is the custom that a Shah does not dine in public, either with normal citizens or important ones. Though some laws have relaxed in this country, they still very much regard tradition with respect. He has expressed his liking for this custom anyway. Not a very social man, really.”
“Well, I am honored then that he has agreed to meet with me. I very much look forward to meeting him after all you have told me over the years.”
“Just be careful what you say and make sure to show him respect. He does not like anyone to use an overly familiar tone with him. There was once a time when he was younger when he did not mind but as he’s grown older, he has taken quite well to the customs of his position and dislikes disrespect in all forms.”
“Trust me, old friend. I have years of practice showing deference. Even at home, I must walk softly,” Alain replied with a smile. They had reached the Shah’s private dining room, and Henry motioned for the guard stationed outside to announce him.
After introductions, the three sat down at the table. The Shah had finished his meal and was about to enjoy some fine Brandy, another reason why he liked to dine alone as it would have been frowned upon for a leader in the Muslim world to drink alcohol. After offering Henry and Alain some as well, the men began to talk of world events.
“So the Germans declined my offer?” the Shah began.
“It is most unfortunate, most honorable Shah. But you should not worry too much about that. The Germans are warmongers and fiends. They are not worthy of your friendship or hospitality,” Alain Herold replied. “Bismarck may think he is a smart man by giving away all of these social reforms, but he is really just placating them so they will fight his wars.”
“You are most astute, Monsieur Herold. I am pleased that the French have sent such an honored guest to my festivities. Have you been enjoying the banquet?”
“Oui. Very much so, Your Highness. I have traveled all over this world, but no foreign culture is so rare and beautiful as yours.”
“Yes, well. I have never been to France. I should like to go someday, but it is difficult for me to travel. I am afraid someone would try to assassinate me.”
“Oh, not in my country, sir. You would be most welcome there.”
“It is polite for you to say so. But what of your son? Master Strachen keeps me informed of his friends and family. I understand your son has joined the army. Does this not worry you?” the Shah asked.
“Not at all, sir. My son is a very brave young man and a skilled marksman. He shall fare very well in service to his country.”
“But do you not worry that he may be killed? After all, it seems that you go to war with Germany every other year, does it not?”
Henry cut in, “My Shah, his son may be a skilled marksman, but Alain has secured him a position in the main headquarters division. I doubt very much that he shall ever see any action.”
“Henry, you should not tell everyone that. Henri was devastated when he learned he would not be able to actually fight and I doubt he would want you spreading this around,” Alain replied with a scowl.
“I would suggest, Monsieur Herold, that even if he is behind a desk, he is still fighting for his country,” the Shah insisted.
“And a might safer, as well,” Henry added.
“Perhaps. I would rather it not be a question, however. His mother was tres distraught when she learned he had signed up. And I must admit, it did upset me as well. I love my country, but I am not sure if I love it enough to sacrifice my only son to protect it. But as for daughters, I have several of them. Perhaps we could send our women to war instead,” Alain said to lighten the conversation.
“I dare say any battle would be over by dinner so they could take a hot bath and set their hair,” Henry suggested with a laugh. Sensing the Shah growing tired of the conversation, Henry suggested it was time to give Nasir al-Din some peace.
“Once again, I am most grateful for your invitation and please allow me to express my most heartfelt wishes of happiness for your honored day and transition into your sixth decade of life,” said Alain as he rose from the table and bowed.
“You are most kind to offer it, sir. I look forward to seeing you again before your trip has come to an end. Please be sure to spend some time in the city before you leave. I think you shall find much to occupy yourself. You may even decide to stay as our man Henry here has done for all these years, praise Allah.”
The Shah stood and extended his hand for Herold to shake. As the two westerners left the room, Alain said to Henry,
“He does not seem like a man of war. He seems very pleasant.”
“And he is, old man. But he has these dreams that I fear will spell ruin to us all. He desires all of this land around Persia. He wants to rule over it as thought he were the second coming of Mohammad,” Henry replied.
“Ahh, delusions of grandeur, eh? ‘Tis a pity. He has done much for his people. It would be a shame if they were to lose it all as you say.”
“Well, it has not happened yet and if I can exert any influence at all, I shall do my utmost to keep it thus.”
Laughing to himself, Alain added, “In many ways, your Shah is like the German Kaiser. They both do nothing but make war and spread admiration for themselves. You wonder if they ever think about anyone else. You wonder if they ever think about what the common man feels.”
“Well, I dare say this Shah cares about the common man, but only so far as he will advance on the field of battle or in the smoke of the factory.”
“Two very unhappy places, non?” Alain asked. “By the way, I have a surprise for you my old friend. You know I told you I was bringing a guest with me? Well, do you know who it is?”
“Well, I hate to ruin your surprise, old boy, but I am already aware of Letitia’s presence here. She wrote me a few weeks ago telling me to expect her.”
“Mon Dieu, can no one keep a secret? I thought I could bring you a gift.”
“Ah, but you have good sir, you have. It has been difficult to travel and see her these last few years and I miss her evermore so the longer that I am away from her.”
“Who knew that one night of innocent passion would turn into such a love affair?” Alain asked, marveled that Letitia would ever settle down with any man. She had been briefly married for a time, but her husband had been a general in the French army and had lost his life in the 2nd Franco-German War. She had remained a widow and had slowly fallen in love with Henry Strachen. Each time he was able to visit France, he would make a point to see her and every time he did, she would fall for him a little bit more.
“So, what are we waiting for? Shall we not enjoy the party?” asked Alain.
“I fear you should be most disappointed by the festivities tonight. It’s not quite what you would have thrown. These Muslims are not quite the celebratory masters that you have shown to be.”
“Then we shall have to teach them a thing or two, non?” Alain replied as the two men made their way to the main hall. Upon reaching the outer door, Henry suggested that Alain go ahead. Henry wanted to visit Letitia and she had left the celebrations early, complaining of a headache.
“It is as you suggest. I shall liven this place up and teach these men the French way of life,” Alain boasted.
“Well, that’s a capital idea. If she has truly retired for the evening, I shall return.”
“I fear I shall not see you again this night, mon amie. She may have said she was tired but I know what she really wants.”
“I shall not even respond to that, sir. Enjoy yourself and I’ll most likely see you later.”
“Bon soir, Henry. And sleep well,” Alain said with a smile as he walked away. Henry continued down the hallway and out into the night air. He walked out of the palace grounds and down the street to the hotel where all the guests were lodged. Making his way up the stairs, he reached into his pocket to make sure that it was still there. After finding her room, he knocked softly. After a moment or two, the door opened and standing in front of him was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
“Good evening, my handsome lover. I was beginning to wonder if you would show,” Letitia said with a giggle as she pulled Henry into the room.
“You know, madam, that I would not stay away any longer than my duties require. I have longed to see your beautiful face since I received your last letter. I am still in shock that you are actually here.”
“Ahh, you are sweet to me. What have I done to deserve your affections?”
“The fact that you are who you are. That is all I need to be by your side. I do apologize that we could not go out on the town, but this is not the best culture for such activities I am afraid. But I do promise you that the next time we are in Paris, you shall have anything and everything you wish.”
“I have everything I wish right here,” she replied. Unable to resist any further, Henry kissed her. The kiss would last for minutes and both seemed to not want it to end. As they moved to the seat by the window, Henry asked her to sit down. Once she was sitting, he dropped to his knee and removed the small box from his pocket. Opening it and displaying the contents to her, he said,
“My darling, I have lived the life of a politician and diplomat never having much time for romance and love. I love my work and I love my country. Until now, this has been enough for me. But then I met you. Though difficult to see you over the years, I have grown ever more fond of you and I can think of nothing I should like more than to see you as my bride. If you would have me, my darling, I should be most honored and should do right by you until I take in my final breath in this world. Please, my darling Letitia, would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Letitia immediately grabbed Henry by the arms and quickly kissed his face over and over again saying, “Henry, oh my dear Henry.” She lifted him to his feet and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“You have no idea how long I have waited to hear those words escape your lips. You have no idea how happy you have made me this evening. I shall do whatever you ask of me and stay by your side forevermore. Oh, Henry. I am so happy. Je t’aime, Henry, je t’aime.”
The two would spend the evening together making love and discussing their future together. It would not be a traditional marriage, but then this had not been a traditional romance. After all, how could it be, given the work of Henry’s life? He did not consider what her life may be like in Persia, and nor did she. They did not care at that moment. They cared only for what would come next. They cared only to spend the rest of their lives together. That was all that mattered. But that would change.
February 1881
The fiftieth birthday celebrations of the Shah had been magnificent. They had lasted for three days so far and were scheduled to continue for at least two more. Tonight was the impressive banquet, thrown by the Shah, for all the most important families and his friends. He had even sent invitations to all of the major governments of Europe, though most sent dignitaries rather than official diplomats, except for the Tsar who had sent his brother, and the Germans who had declined the invitation altogether.
Henry Strachen had played a leading role in the planning and execution of the festivities and was now taking his good friend Alain Herold to meet the Shah in person.
“But why is the Shah not dining with his guests?” Alain asked Henry.
“It is the custom that a Shah does not dine in public, either with normal citizens or important ones. Though some laws have relaxed in this country, they still very much regard tradition with respect. He has expressed his liking for this custom anyway. Not a very social man, really.”
“Well, I am honored then that he has agreed to meet with me. I very much look forward to meeting him after all you have told me over the years.”
“Just be careful what you say and make sure to show him respect. He does not like anyone to use an overly familiar tone with him. There was once a time when he was younger when he did not mind but as he’s grown older, he has taken quite well to the customs of his position and dislikes disrespect in all forms.”
“Trust me, old friend. I have years of practice showing deference. Even at home, I must walk softly,” Alain replied with a smile. They had reached the Shah’s private dining room, and Henry motioned for the guard stationed outside to announce him.
After introductions, the three sat down at the table. The Shah had finished his meal and was about to enjoy some fine Brandy, another reason why he liked to dine alone as it would have been frowned upon for a leader in the Muslim world to drink alcohol. After offering Henry and Alain some as well, the men began to talk of world events.
“So the Germans declined my offer?” the Shah began.
“It is most unfortunate, most honorable Shah. But you should not worry too much about that. The Germans are warmongers and fiends. They are not worthy of your friendship or hospitality,” Alain Herold replied. “Bismarck may think he is a smart man by giving away all of these social reforms, but he is really just placating them so they will fight his wars.”
“You are most astute, Monsieur Herold. I am pleased that the French have sent such an honored guest to my festivities. Have you been enjoying the banquet?”
“Oui. Very much so, Your Highness. I have traveled all over this world, but no foreign culture is so rare and beautiful as yours.”
“Yes, well. I have never been to France. I should like to go someday, but it is difficult for me to travel. I am afraid someone would try to assassinate me.”
“Oh, not in my country, sir. You would be most welcome there.”
“It is polite for you to say so. But what of your son? Master Strachen keeps me informed of his friends and family. I understand your son has joined the army. Does this not worry you?” the Shah asked.
“Not at all, sir. My son is a very brave young man and a skilled marksman. He shall fare very well in service to his country.”
“But do you not worry that he may be killed? After all, it seems that you go to war with Germany every other year, does it not?”
Henry cut in, “My Shah, his son may be a skilled marksman, but Alain has secured him a position in the main headquarters division. I doubt very much that he shall ever see any action.”
“Henry, you should not tell everyone that. Henri was devastated when he learned he would not be able to actually fight and I doubt he would want you spreading this around,” Alain replied with a scowl.
“I would suggest, Monsieur Herold, that even if he is behind a desk, he is still fighting for his country,” the Shah insisted.
“And a might safer, as well,” Henry added.
“Perhaps. I would rather it not be a question, however. His mother was tres distraught when she learned he had signed up. And I must admit, it did upset me as well. I love my country, but I am not sure if I love it enough to sacrifice my only son to protect it. But as for daughters, I have several of them. Perhaps we could send our women to war instead,” Alain said to lighten the conversation.
“I dare say any battle would be over by dinner so they could take a hot bath and set their hair,” Henry suggested with a laugh. Sensing the Shah growing tired of the conversation, Henry suggested it was time to give Nasir al-Din some peace.
“Once again, I am most grateful for your invitation and please allow me to express my most heartfelt wishes of happiness for your honored day and transition into your sixth decade of life,” said Alain as he rose from the table and bowed.
“You are most kind to offer it, sir. I look forward to seeing you again before your trip has come to an end. Please be sure to spend some time in the city before you leave. I think you shall find much to occupy yourself. You may even decide to stay as our man Henry here has done for all these years, praise Allah.”
The Shah stood and extended his hand for Herold to shake. As the two westerners left the room, Alain said to Henry,
“He does not seem like a man of war. He seems very pleasant.”
“And he is, old man. But he has these dreams that I fear will spell ruin to us all. He desires all of this land around Persia. He wants to rule over it as thought he were the second coming of Mohammad,” Henry replied.
“Ahh, delusions of grandeur, eh? ‘Tis a pity. He has done much for his people. It would be a shame if they were to lose it all as you say.”
“Well, it has not happened yet and if I can exert any influence at all, I shall do my utmost to keep it thus.”
Laughing to himself, Alain added, “In many ways, your Shah is like the German Kaiser. They both do nothing but make war and spread admiration for themselves. You wonder if they ever think about anyone else. You wonder if they ever think about what the common man feels.”
“Well, I dare say this Shah cares about the common man, but only so far as he will advance on the field of battle or in the smoke of the factory.”
“Two very unhappy places, non?” Alain asked. “By the way, I have a surprise for you my old friend. You know I told you I was bringing a guest with me? Well, do you know who it is?”
“Well, I hate to ruin your surprise, old boy, but I am already aware of Letitia’s presence here. She wrote me a few weeks ago telling me to expect her.”
“Mon Dieu, can no one keep a secret? I thought I could bring you a gift.”
“Ah, but you have good sir, you have. It has been difficult to travel and see her these last few years and I miss her evermore so the longer that I am away from her.”
“Who knew that one night of innocent passion would turn into such a love affair?” Alain asked, marveled that Letitia would ever settle down with any man. She had been briefly married for a time, but her husband had been a general in the French army and had lost his life in the 2nd Franco-German War. She had remained a widow and had slowly fallen in love with Henry Strachen. Each time he was able to visit France, he would make a point to see her and every time he did, she would fall for him a little bit more.
“So, what are we waiting for? Shall we not enjoy the party?” asked Alain.
“I fear you should be most disappointed by the festivities tonight. It’s not quite what you would have thrown. These Muslims are not quite the celebratory masters that you have shown to be.”
“Then we shall have to teach them a thing or two, non?” Alain replied as the two men made their way to the main hall. Upon reaching the outer door, Henry suggested that Alain go ahead. Henry wanted to visit Letitia and she had left the celebrations early, complaining of a headache.
“It is as you suggest. I shall liven this place up and teach these men the French way of life,” Alain boasted.
“Well, that’s a capital idea. If she has truly retired for the evening, I shall return.”
“I fear I shall not see you again this night, mon amie. She may have said she was tired but I know what she really wants.”
“I shall not even respond to that, sir. Enjoy yourself and I’ll most likely see you later.”
“Bon soir, Henry. And sleep well,” Alain said with a smile as he walked away. Henry continued down the hallway and out into the night air. He walked out of the palace grounds and down the street to the hotel where all the guests were lodged. Making his way up the stairs, he reached into his pocket to make sure that it was still there. After finding her room, he knocked softly. After a moment or two, the door opened and standing in front of him was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
“Good evening, my handsome lover. I was beginning to wonder if you would show,” Letitia said with a giggle as she pulled Henry into the room.
“You know, madam, that I would not stay away any longer than my duties require. I have longed to see your beautiful face since I received your last letter. I am still in shock that you are actually here.”
“Ahh, you are sweet to me. What have I done to deserve your affections?”
“The fact that you are who you are. That is all I need to be by your side. I do apologize that we could not go out on the town, but this is not the best culture for such activities I am afraid. But I do promise you that the next time we are in Paris, you shall have anything and everything you wish.”
“I have everything I wish right here,” she replied. Unable to resist any further, Henry kissed her. The kiss would last for minutes and both seemed to not want it to end. As they moved to the seat by the window, Henry asked her to sit down. Once she was sitting, he dropped to his knee and removed the small box from his pocket. Opening it and displaying the contents to her, he said,
“My darling, I have lived the life of a politician and diplomat never having much time for romance and love. I love my work and I love my country. Until now, this has been enough for me. But then I met you. Though difficult to see you over the years, I have grown ever more fond of you and I can think of nothing I should like more than to see you as my bride. If you would have me, my darling, I should be most honored and should do right by you until I take in my final breath in this world. Please, my darling Letitia, would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Letitia immediately grabbed Henry by the arms and quickly kissed his face over and over again saying, “Henry, oh my dear Henry.” She lifted him to his feet and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“You have no idea how long I have waited to hear those words escape your lips. You have no idea how happy you have made me this evening. I shall do whatever you ask of me and stay by your side forevermore. Oh, Henry. I am so happy. Je t’aime, Henry, je t’aime.”
The two would spend the evening together making love and discussing their future together. It would not be a traditional marriage, but then this had not been a traditional romance. After all, how could it be, given the work of Henry’s life? He did not consider what her life may be like in Persia, and nor did she. They did not care at that moment. They cared only for what would come next. They cared only to spend the rest of their lives together. That was all that mattered. But that would change.
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Wow, great story telling and romance! Good work for you and Henry! When do you intend to find some less fluid borders for Persia?
When do you intend to find some less fluid borders for Persia?
Thanks, once again, to my most faithful reader, or at least the one that comments the most, Semi-Lobster! Thankyou sir, for following along and letting me know that you are enjoying it. You have no idea how much I appreciate it!
I dare say, most of my borders are fairly fluid and will remain this way as much as I was able to do so. The only border which stays the same will be with China, as I wanted nothing but good will from them. Everything else is up for grabs at any time.
Know, however, that I try to play rather conservatively. I try to allow for some down time between major wars to regain stability (something of a holdover from EU, though it still has some effect) and prepare for the next excursion.
Trust that some major action will develop soon as the Shah has his sights set on far greater things than he has been able to accomplish thus far.
I dare say, most of my borders are fairly fluid and will remain this way as much as I was able to do so. The only border which stays the same will be with China, as I wanted nothing but good will from them. Everything else is up for grabs at any time.
Know, however, that I try to play rather conservatively. I try to allow for some down time between major wars to regain stability (something of a holdover from EU, though it still has some effect) and prepare for the next excursion.
Trust that some major action will develop soon as the Shah has his sights set on far greater things than he has been able to accomplish thus far.
6. 1881-1885, East…
In 1881, the people of Persia celebrated the 50th birthday of their Shah. Nasir al-Din had already reigned longer than his father before him and had done far more for the country than any previous Shah since they had regained their independence. His festivities would smoothly flow into a wedding celebration for the Shah’s British advisor Henry Strachen as he wed his beloved Letitia Maintenon. The Shah had been pleased to see his man settle with a wife and had provided for a splendid holiday in the south of France. They had been able to visit Letitia’s ailing mother in Corsica and were enjoying the beautiful weather of Nice when word came to Henry in July that the Shah had gone to war again.
Thinking surely that it was Sind that he was after, Henry quickly wrote a letter to the British embassy declaring that Sind had provoked the Shah by their hostilities towards Kutch in the previous decade. He carefully suggested that the Queen and her government overlook this petty regional squabble and think of it as nothing more than an annoyance. However, he was shocked to learn that Sind had not been the Shah’s objective.
To the north of Sind lay the valuable region of Panjab, one of the last Indian territories not protected by the British. It did, however, border directly on many protectorates of the United Kingdom and Henry knew that this hostility could not be overlooked. Quickly ending his honeymoon, he and Letitia hurriedly traveled back to Persia in the hopes of stopping the Shah short of annexing the peaceful, mountainous country.
Arriving back in Teheran by October, Henry would learn that troops had occupied all but two of the provinces of Panjab. Only Amritsar and Ludhiana stood strong. But this was only a fleeting hope. In early November, both had fallen and the territory annexed into greater Persia. The Shah explained that it had been necessary to take the area as he had plans for invading Sind and wished for another invasion point. He was never one to enjoy long wars, though truth be told, Persia had never truly fought one during the Shah’s reign.
Had it not been for the War for Italian Unification that broke out within months, the British surely would have withdrawn their support for Persia and Henry might have had to face his decision earlier than he expected. But the Shah had been blessed by the ambitions of Europe. The Sardinian King had drawn the French into a war against the smaller Italian states in an attempt to form a united Italy to assist France in her wars against the Germans. Spain, The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Pope, Tuscany, Lucca, Parma, Modena and even Austria would attempt to thwart their goals. Only Switzerland would join with the French in their assistance of Sardinia. Never able to gain a foothold in the southern boot if the peninsula, the war would end within two years with both France and Sardinia humiliated and Austria stabbing the allies in the back in 1882, declaring war and annexing Modena as the others fought for freedom.
As these wars raged on, however, the Shah took this opening to quickly subdue and finally annex Sind, completing his domination of the eastern states that had bordered Persia. One by one they had fallen to the Persian Army. And one by one, the Shah would incorporate their people and build them up into stronger states within the empire. Had it simply been for subjugation, Henry would have fled the country years ago, knowing full well that his father never would have stood for such belligerence. But the Shah had been upstanding in his desires to better the lives of his new subjects. There was no one that could complain that their lives were worse off in terms of availability of work and freedom of movement within their states. Yet it did not stop them from rebelling. The Shah would find more and more of his citizens speaking their minds, either with their mouths or their fists.
As the final blows were dying away on the European continent, the Shah took one more step that in many British citizens eyes had crossed the line between historical right and downright megalomania. In March of 1883, the Shah declared war and quickly subdued the tiny province of Shimla, completing the border with China that he desired and finally gaining the border with the United Kingdom’s possessions that he knew he would need were war to come between the powers. Sensing that his hand may have been overplayed, the Shah had sent Henry Strachen on another mission to Russia, hoping to achieve the guarantee of peace between the two powers. But Henry’s powers of persuasion would not overcome the fear and loathing the Russian Tsar had developed for the Shah and Henry would return home empty handed.
By 1883, Persia had grown stronger than it had ever been in the modern world. The workings of government had developed into a slightly progressive yet still conservative arrangement, valuing populism while still paying respects to the Muslim clerics and aristocratic noblemen. It worked because of the immense bureaucracy that had developed between the national Assembly and the Shah’s own men. The people of Persia had been granted full suffrage in this year, but it had only been to provide them a means of choosing their own members of the assembly, rather than the state choosing them. This meant that the people would have a direct means of influencing government, yet the Shah had stacked the party leaders with plenty of yes men, the most important of which was still Amir Kabir.
As Prime Minister, Kabir had slowly increased his influence over the Shah and by 1884 had become his primary advisor. Henry had found less and less to do for the Shah, mostly serving as a liaison between the Shah’s government and the European powers. Though troublesome to Henry, it did provide him with more time to spend with his new bride and thus he accepted his diminished role without much fuss. But he recognized the direction Kabir had been drawing the Shah for the past twenty years and he felt more and more certain that Amir Kabir was almost trying to destroy this king.
By the end of 1884, Europe had once again fallen into conflict, with France attempting one more time to halt the German advance. The Shah had this time thrown his support behind the Germans, knowing that the French were only quickening their demise by this stupid war. Yet the Frenchmen fought bravely and held the line against the Germans through late 1885.
It was then that Henry began to notice discrepancies in the government’s records, something he was still allowed to audit. Mostly, he discovered large amounts of steel shipped out of the country without a destination provided. Taking this up with the Shah, he was told to leave it alone as Amir Kabir would look into the situation and remedy any problems he might find. Disheartened by this response, Henry would continue to investigate and finally found the culprit. It had been none other than Kabir himself, secretly shipping supplies to the Germans to assist in their war. Yet still, the Shah would not listen to him.
With continued interest in naval design and building, and increased spending on the defense and maintenance of the army on the western borders, Henry began to suspect the Shah had a secret plan that he was not sharing with him. Did he plan to invade the Ottomans? He knew the Shah desired to control the historical seat of the Caliphate in Baghdad. If not that, then what? Surely not Russia. What good would a Persian Gulf Navy be in the Black Sea? He knew it could not be an offensive against his own mother country, as the United Kingdom had no colonies in the near east and had nothing to lose to the Shah along the western African coast. He did not know what the Shah and his man were planning, but he knew that whatever it was, it could only mean more revolts, more bloodshed and possibly the final straw that would bring the European powers down on Persia’s head.
In 1881, the people of Persia celebrated the 50th birthday of their Shah. Nasir al-Din had already reigned longer than his father before him and had done far more for the country than any previous Shah since they had regained their independence. His festivities would smoothly flow into a wedding celebration for the Shah’s British advisor Henry Strachen as he wed his beloved Letitia Maintenon. The Shah had been pleased to see his man settle with a wife and had provided for a splendid holiday in the south of France. They had been able to visit Letitia’s ailing mother in Corsica and were enjoying the beautiful weather of Nice when word came to Henry in July that the Shah had gone to war again.
Thinking surely that it was Sind that he was after, Henry quickly wrote a letter to the British embassy declaring that Sind had provoked the Shah by their hostilities towards Kutch in the previous decade. He carefully suggested that the Queen and her government overlook this petty regional squabble and think of it as nothing more than an annoyance. However, he was shocked to learn that Sind had not been the Shah’s objective.
To the north of Sind lay the valuable region of Panjab, one of the last Indian territories not protected by the British. It did, however, border directly on many protectorates of the United Kingdom and Henry knew that this hostility could not be overlooked. Quickly ending his honeymoon, he and Letitia hurriedly traveled back to Persia in the hopes of stopping the Shah short of annexing the peaceful, mountainous country.
Arriving back in Teheran by October, Henry would learn that troops had occupied all but two of the provinces of Panjab. Only Amritsar and Ludhiana stood strong. But this was only a fleeting hope. In early November, both had fallen and the territory annexed into greater Persia. The Shah explained that it had been necessary to take the area as he had plans for invading Sind and wished for another invasion point. He was never one to enjoy long wars, though truth be told, Persia had never truly fought one during the Shah’s reign.
Had it not been for the War for Italian Unification that broke out within months, the British surely would have withdrawn their support for Persia and Henry might have had to face his decision earlier than he expected. But the Shah had been blessed by the ambitions of Europe. The Sardinian King had drawn the French into a war against the smaller Italian states in an attempt to form a united Italy to assist France in her wars against the Germans. Spain, The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Pope, Tuscany, Lucca, Parma, Modena and even Austria would attempt to thwart their goals. Only Switzerland would join with the French in their assistance of Sardinia. Never able to gain a foothold in the southern boot if the peninsula, the war would end within two years with both France and Sardinia humiliated and Austria stabbing the allies in the back in 1882, declaring war and annexing Modena as the others fought for freedom.
As these wars raged on, however, the Shah took this opening to quickly subdue and finally annex Sind, completing his domination of the eastern states that had bordered Persia. One by one they had fallen to the Persian Army. And one by one, the Shah would incorporate their people and build them up into stronger states within the empire. Had it simply been for subjugation, Henry would have fled the country years ago, knowing full well that his father never would have stood for such belligerence. But the Shah had been upstanding in his desires to better the lives of his new subjects. There was no one that could complain that their lives were worse off in terms of availability of work and freedom of movement within their states. Yet it did not stop them from rebelling. The Shah would find more and more of his citizens speaking their minds, either with their mouths or their fists.
As the final blows were dying away on the European continent, the Shah took one more step that in many British citizens eyes had crossed the line between historical right and downright megalomania. In March of 1883, the Shah declared war and quickly subdued the tiny province of Shimla, completing the border with China that he desired and finally gaining the border with the United Kingdom’s possessions that he knew he would need were war to come between the powers. Sensing that his hand may have been overplayed, the Shah had sent Henry Strachen on another mission to Russia, hoping to achieve the guarantee of peace between the two powers. But Henry’s powers of persuasion would not overcome the fear and loathing the Russian Tsar had developed for the Shah and Henry would return home empty handed.
By 1883, Persia had grown stronger than it had ever been in the modern world. The workings of government had developed into a slightly progressive yet still conservative arrangement, valuing populism while still paying respects to the Muslim clerics and aristocratic noblemen. It worked because of the immense bureaucracy that had developed between the national Assembly and the Shah’s own men. The people of Persia had been granted full suffrage in this year, but it had only been to provide them a means of choosing their own members of the assembly, rather than the state choosing them. This meant that the people would have a direct means of influencing government, yet the Shah had stacked the party leaders with plenty of yes men, the most important of which was still Amir Kabir.
As Prime Minister, Kabir had slowly increased his influence over the Shah and by 1884 had become his primary advisor. Henry had found less and less to do for the Shah, mostly serving as a liaison between the Shah’s government and the European powers. Though troublesome to Henry, it did provide him with more time to spend with his new bride and thus he accepted his diminished role without much fuss. But he recognized the direction Kabir had been drawing the Shah for the past twenty years and he felt more and more certain that Amir Kabir was almost trying to destroy this king.
By the end of 1884, Europe had once again fallen into conflict, with France attempting one more time to halt the German advance. The Shah had this time thrown his support behind the Germans, knowing that the French were only quickening their demise by this stupid war. Yet the Frenchmen fought bravely and held the line against the Germans through late 1885.
It was then that Henry began to notice discrepancies in the government’s records, something he was still allowed to audit. Mostly, he discovered large amounts of steel shipped out of the country without a destination provided. Taking this up with the Shah, he was told to leave it alone as Amir Kabir would look into the situation and remedy any problems he might find. Disheartened by this response, Henry would continue to investigate and finally found the culprit. It had been none other than Kabir himself, secretly shipping supplies to the Germans to assist in their war. Yet still, the Shah would not listen to him.
With continued interest in naval design and building, and increased spending on the defense and maintenance of the army on the western borders, Henry began to suspect the Shah had a secret plan that he was not sharing with him. Did he plan to invade the Ottomans? He knew the Shah desired to control the historical seat of the Caliphate in Baghdad. If not that, then what? Surely not Russia. What good would a Persian Gulf Navy be in the Black Sea? He knew it could not be an offensive against his own mother country, as the United Kingdom had no colonies in the near east and had nothing to lose to the Shah along the western African coast. He did not know what the Shah and his man were planning, but he knew that whatever it was, it could only mean more revolts, more bloodshed and possibly the final straw that would bring the European powers down on Persia’s head.
Very nice upgrade and thanks for the screenshot. I like eit even better than normal screens since it shows the initial territory of Iran plus the conquests. Those arrows are something, I tell you
I hope you succeed with a defensive alliance missions to Russia or China. You would need all the help you can get if you go to war British, trust me.
I hope you succeed with a defensive alliance missions to Russia or China. You would need all the help you can get if you go to war British, trust me.
Nalivayko -
Yeah - I had some kind of fun with paint - not my forte, to be sure!
As luck would have it, I was able to find the alliance I was looking for. Stay tuned, as it will become apparent soon enough!
Thanks for reading!
Yeah - I had some kind of fun with paint - not my forte, to be sure!
As luck would have it, I was able to find the alliance I was looking for. Stay tuned, as it will become apparent soon enough!
Thanks for reading!
So many possibilities! What will Persia do next? Poor Henry though, the Shah's becoming a mini-Bismarck!