-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
"War again?"
"Yes, Marshal. The Georgians decided to war with the Russians."
"Hmm, our allies are becoming too much like the rest of Europe. Warring like this wastes our limited resources, Turcopolier."
"I agree. Islam still has strongholds to reduce."
"Sirs! Sirs! The Uzbeks on marching upon us!"
"Aha! A foe we actually wish to fight! Ready the army to march."
And march we did. The Uzbeks decided to not even meet us in battle and squandered there strength on our colony in the north and when our armies finally clashed in Kara Kum it was already too late. The Russian government broke and if we had designs on the Russians we might have been upset. We finished reducing Uzbek provinces and annexed with after. Peace was not to last long at all. Morocco declared war upon us with Portugal and soon I was making that long march. They had some successes, especially at Orania. but once I arrived we began to push them back. It didn't even take a year to annex Morocco and Portugal lost Tangiers before they would accept a white peace.
Peace finally but then the Mughal Empire and Ethiopia declare against us but we are far out of position so we buy them off for 250d apiece.
It was very difficult for us to maintain multiple armies so we would have to neglect one area to focus on another. I had also learned that we must expand the armies even more than we had been and this we did as our recruiting abilities would allow. We were forced to break our alliance and then the Byzantines declared war upon us with Ethiopia and then the Turks and after them the Russians and even the Pope!
"Sir, what will we do? We can't handle all these foes!"
"We will fight them one at a time and I propose we force our way into Thrace. Controlling access Europe from Asia will be very useful, no?"
"Yes, Marshal, it would but maybe we should take Ethiopia once and for all."
"A good point, Turcopolier. A secure southern front will do us some good. Let us do this your way."
We lost Anatolia and Azerbadjzan but gained Keren. We had a small force take Angora and this forced the Turks out of the war. We continued the assault on Ethiopia but lost Smyrna to the Greeks. Within a couple more months, Ethiopia would be annexed and my army marched to subdue the Greeks. Smyrna was retaken and we gained white peace with the Russians. We forced the Bosphorus and landed in Thrace. Appearently, the Greek army had spent its strength taking Smyrna as they were easily brushed aside. It was just a matter of time before all of Byzantium fell to us and all the world watched as we replaced Byzantium as the defenders of Europe on the 24th of April, year of our Lord 1632.
"Yes, Marshal. The Georgians decided to war with the Russians."
"Hmm, our allies are becoming too much like the rest of Europe. Warring like this wastes our limited resources, Turcopolier."
"I agree. Islam still has strongholds to reduce."
"Sirs! Sirs! The Uzbeks on marching upon us!"
"Aha! A foe we actually wish to fight! Ready the army to march."
And march we did. The Uzbeks decided to not even meet us in battle and squandered there strength on our colony in the north and when our armies finally clashed in Kara Kum it was already too late. The Russian government broke and if we had designs on the Russians we might have been upset. We finished reducing Uzbek provinces and annexed with after. Peace was not to last long at all. Morocco declared war upon us with Portugal and soon I was making that long march. They had some successes, especially at Orania. but once I arrived we began to push them back. It didn't even take a year to annex Morocco and Portugal lost Tangiers before they would accept a white peace.
Peace finally but then the Mughal Empire and Ethiopia declare against us but we are far out of position so we buy them off for 250d apiece.
It was very difficult for us to maintain multiple armies so we would have to neglect one area to focus on another. I had also learned that we must expand the armies even more than we had been and this we did as our recruiting abilities would allow. We were forced to break our alliance and then the Byzantines declared war upon us with Ethiopia and then the Turks and after them the Russians and even the Pope!
"Sir, what will we do? We can't handle all these foes!"
"We will fight them one at a time and I propose we force our way into Thrace. Controlling access Europe from Asia will be very useful, no?"
"Yes, Marshal, it would but maybe we should take Ethiopia once and for all."
"A good point, Turcopolier. A secure southern front will do us some good. Let us do this your way."
We lost Anatolia and Azerbadjzan but gained Keren. We had a small force take Angora and this forced the Turks out of the war. We continued the assault on Ethiopia but lost Smyrna to the Greeks. Within a couple more months, Ethiopia would be annexed and my army marched to subdue the Greeks. Smyrna was retaken and we gained white peace with the Russians. We forced the Bosphorus and landed in Thrace. Appearently, the Greek army had spent its strength taking Smyrna as they were easily brushed aside. It was just a matter of time before all of Byzantium fell to us and all the world watched as we replaced Byzantium as the defenders of Europe on the 24th of April, year of our Lord 1632.
It's extremely fun and yet at the same time kind of uncomfortable for me to write. My whole religious background wars with my own current views and makes this quite a struggle but perhaps that struggle is a boon here as it is easier to show the things the Marshal struggles with.
I think it is English Naples. I haven't played in a bit as I am trying to catch up the story to the game so I am not sure.
Europe is beneath the Knights I feel and I think their mission to have the world Christian is more important to them than any temporal glories that might be won there plus I can't piss away their manpower in Europe with the Mughal's and numerous pagans still needing to be conquered. Besides, the Marshal must move East, ever East, to his Fate.
I think it is English Naples. I haven't played in a bit as I am trying to catch up the story to the game so I am not sure.
Europe is beneath the Knights I feel and I think their mission to have the world Christian is more important to them than any temporal glories that might be won there plus I can't piss away their manpower in Europe with the Mughal's and numerous pagans still needing to be conquered. Besides, the Marshal must move East, ever East, to his Fate.
With the Byzantines gone leadership of our previous alliance fell to Venice. Relations were still good and they asked us to join. The Grand Commander agreed as we still had some problems and were not even close to being able to stand alone.
"Venice and Georgia as allies, Marshal? I wonder how long it will be before those mad hillmen declare on the Rus again."
"No need to fret about that, Turcopolier. They have already declared war on them."
"Ah, hell! Why must we ally with madmen?"
"My guess was a Venetian declaration on Austria so I guess I lose, brother."
"Too bad we are but poor knights and wagers are too beneath us or I might be a wealthy man!"
"True enough, true enough." But I was already remembering the Poor Knights of Christ and those great knights I travelled with there like Hugue de Payens of Burgundy and Godfrey de Saint Adhemar who was Flemish and the adventures we had escorting pilgrims from Jericho to Jerusalem.
"Marshal, are you athought?"
"I beg your pardon, Turcopolier. I must have drifted off. Well, let us teach these Russians what devout Catholic knights can do."
"Amen, Marshal!"
It was not to be for the Turks decided to bless us with their company. I did not even bother with taking Angora. I knew levies would be raised and they could reduce it though not nearly as fast as my veterans. No, I would take this battle to all Turkish possessions. No longer would they menace good Christians.
I heard some good news as we marched to meet the fleet. The Russians were humbled and Astrakhan was given to our care no doubt the Treasurer would be pleased about that. I decided to strike the hardest objective first and that would be Corfu.
I said I would not forget the lessons of Zanzibar and we were well-prepared for this assault. I mustered a huge army the maximum our fleet could carry. We had developed a smoke shell as well to make it much more difficult for Turkish sharpshooters and artillerymen. The Admiral had trained his men well and no navy in the Mediterranean was grander and he had also developed a special squadron of bargelike craft for close artillery support while we landed. Zanzibar had been a harsh, brutal battle but Corfu proved to be one of the greatest victories of all time. The siege was brutally swift as I had ordered some 240 cannon for this assault and I had not forgotten the trained of La Valette.
From Corfu we sailed to Sicily and we landed unopposed though a massive Turk army was waiting in Naples led by the Sultan himself. The armies would clash in Messina with us outnumbered but with vast defensive works and cannon superiority. The mauling our marksmen and cannon inflicted was gruesome indeed yet their numbers and morale held and I heard the Turcopolier shouting to me.
"Marshal, marshal. The center is breaking."
I looked around, nothing was left but the quartermasters and the messagers and the wounded.
"Well men, we have a choice. We can wait here and surely die or we can ride and at least meet a glorious end. So, will you all join me on this, the last ride of the Knights of Saint John?"
No general could ask for better men. The pages, wounded, barbers, cooks all took up arms and mounted horses, even this man who was certainly dying, having been opened up by saber earlier when scouting. These men won this battle, it was not generalship or technology or any other thing. These men, these wonderful men, believed and believed it could not end not while they yet lived and I led them and what was turning into a rout turned into victory and the force of this charge carried us to the Sultan himself.
Great general he was and great was his guard far greater than my dwindling group of men and we were encircled and the noose was drawing in. But then, when looking at defeat I realized I knew some of these men here. Knights we thought long dead and they slowly cut us down. I could not believe it, oh cruel, cruel fate, we were going to fail and one of them looked up and he knew me, I could see it, he knew. I saw him mutter something and in the back I heard a clang but maybe that was a mace hitting my shield and these men moved as one and cut down others of the Sultan's guard, the Nubians and such, and then the Sultan himself!
I could not believe it and the man that noticed me said, "Much have we suffered, Marshal. The infidel does not take Knight prisoners but so pressed for men were they that they attempted to break us and serve as the guard."
"We owe you thanks, brother, and likely our lives."
"Excuse me, Marshal. I must see to my wounded," and he turned away.
So did I, so many Knights lied dead or dying and spent the better part of the night tending the wounded. It was well past midnight before I could seek out this former Knight and his swordbrethern.
"Where is the one I spoke to earlier?"
"Excuse me, Marshal? You spoke to us all."
"But what of this one?" and I described him.
"Marshal, there is no one among us that looks like that. Are you sure you are well, sir?"
It was real, it had to be real. I was not mad!
But in the end I could not find him and no one had seen me talk to him...
"Venice and Georgia as allies, Marshal? I wonder how long it will be before those mad hillmen declare on the Rus again."
"No need to fret about that, Turcopolier. They have already declared war on them."
"Ah, hell! Why must we ally with madmen?"
"My guess was a Venetian declaration on Austria so I guess I lose, brother."
"Too bad we are but poor knights and wagers are too beneath us or I might be a wealthy man!"
"True enough, true enough." But I was already remembering the Poor Knights of Christ and those great knights I travelled with there like Hugue de Payens of Burgundy and Godfrey de Saint Adhemar who was Flemish and the adventures we had escorting pilgrims from Jericho to Jerusalem.
"Marshal, are you athought?"
"I beg your pardon, Turcopolier. I must have drifted off. Well, let us teach these Russians what devout Catholic knights can do."
"Amen, Marshal!"
It was not to be for the Turks decided to bless us with their company. I did not even bother with taking Angora. I knew levies would be raised and they could reduce it though not nearly as fast as my veterans. No, I would take this battle to all Turkish possessions. No longer would they menace good Christians.
I heard some good news as we marched to meet the fleet. The Russians were humbled and Astrakhan was given to our care no doubt the Treasurer would be pleased about that. I decided to strike the hardest objective first and that would be Corfu.
I said I would not forget the lessons of Zanzibar and we were well-prepared for this assault. I mustered a huge army the maximum our fleet could carry. We had developed a smoke shell as well to make it much more difficult for Turkish sharpshooters and artillerymen. The Admiral had trained his men well and no navy in the Mediterranean was grander and he had also developed a special squadron of bargelike craft for close artillery support while we landed. Zanzibar had been a harsh, brutal battle but Corfu proved to be one of the greatest victories of all time. The siege was brutally swift as I had ordered some 240 cannon for this assault and I had not forgotten the trained of La Valette.
From Corfu we sailed to Sicily and we landed unopposed though a massive Turk army was waiting in Naples led by the Sultan himself. The armies would clash in Messina with us outnumbered but with vast defensive works and cannon superiority. The mauling our marksmen and cannon inflicted was gruesome indeed yet their numbers and morale held and I heard the Turcopolier shouting to me.
"Marshal, marshal. The center is breaking."
I looked around, nothing was left but the quartermasters and the messagers and the wounded.
"Well men, we have a choice. We can wait here and surely die or we can ride and at least meet a glorious end. So, will you all join me on this, the last ride of the Knights of Saint John?"
No general could ask for better men. The pages, wounded, barbers, cooks all took up arms and mounted horses, even this man who was certainly dying, having been opened up by saber earlier when scouting. These men won this battle, it was not generalship or technology or any other thing. These men, these wonderful men, believed and believed it could not end not while they yet lived and I led them and what was turning into a rout turned into victory and the force of this charge carried us to the Sultan himself.
Great general he was and great was his guard far greater than my dwindling group of men and we were encircled and the noose was drawing in. But then, when looking at defeat I realized I knew some of these men here. Knights we thought long dead and they slowly cut us down. I could not believe it, oh cruel, cruel fate, we were going to fail and one of them looked up and he knew me, I could see it, he knew. I saw him mutter something and in the back I heard a clang but maybe that was a mace hitting my shield and these men moved as one and cut down others of the Sultan's guard, the Nubians and such, and then the Sultan himself!
I could not believe it and the man that noticed me said, "Much have we suffered, Marshal. The infidel does not take Knight prisoners but so pressed for men were they that they attempted to break us and serve as the guard."
"We owe you thanks, brother, and likely our lives."
"Excuse me, Marshal. I must see to my wounded," and he turned away.
So did I, so many Knights lied dead or dying and spent the better part of the night tending the wounded. It was well past midnight before I could seek out this former Knight and his swordbrethern.
"Where is the one I spoke to earlier?"
"Excuse me, Marshal? You spoke to us all."
"But what of this one?" and I described him.
"Marshal, there is no one among us that looks like that. Are you sure you are well, sir?"
It was real, it had to be real. I was not mad!
But in the end I could not find him and no one had seen me talk to him...
Last edited:
Easily one of the best I've read. Btw, have your ever read a short story called "The Outcast" by E.F. Benson? If not, then you should, it fits in nicely with this AAR.
Yoghurt, the Sultan's trick was damn near wiping me out. That was an unpleasant and unexpected surprise! I assure you that I treated the Ottoman Empire as I would treat anyone that fights well.
Thanks, Paul. I am trying to mix it up and keep it interesting.
Zach, I can't say that I have read that. It sounds interesting though so I'll have to keep an eye open for it. Oh, thanks for the compliment too. High praise indeed!
I've used a lot of resources for this character and story. A touch of The Seventh Sign, some anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion (and no giant angel/robots will be appearing here, I promise, but the religious background of it is awesome), a whole lot of the Bible and a ton of books covering the Crusades and the various Orders.
Thanks, Paul. I am trying to mix it up and keep it interesting.
Zach, I can't say that I have read that. It sounds interesting though so I'll have to keep an eye open for it. Oh, thanks for the compliment too. High praise indeed!
I've used a lot of resources for this character and story. A touch of The Seventh Sign, some anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion (and no giant angel/robots will be appearing here, I promise, but the religious background of it is awesome), a whole lot of the Bible and a ton of books covering the Crusades and the various Orders.
I wish I had more time to unravel this mystery but the war continued on and much longer than expected. The army, after being reinforced, continued the march up the Italian peninsula and soon enough the Italian holdings of the Turks were captured. This left Kaffa and in hindsight this should have been attacked much earlier being a difficult amphibious assault into terrible terrain. We paused in Thrace to gather some more recruits and plus I needed to plan this campaign.
We sent sail after a couple of months, I didn't want to give these Turks more time to prepare. They had to know we were coming. I was meet by a surprise when the fleet arrived. Prussian soldiers were besieging it already! I had forgotten about the Poles and their Prussian allies. I swiftly deployed our forces and took command of the siege and they fell soon after and with them the Turkish lands were Christian lands. I ordered a garrison left and the rest of my army sailed to Constantinople to greet the Patriarch there.
The news that meet me was not what I had expected. The English of all people had decided to war with us. Their island were a bit far away but Naples I could easily strike at and once again we were sailing to Italy. This was perhaps the swiftist war yet for as Naples fell the English offered it for peace to which I, of course, agreed.
Oh alas, Prussian and Russia had decided to declare war and I noticed that these Prussian were well established in the Crimea. I never expected that I would see Swedish armies marching around the steppe and lying siege to Astrakhan, however. These protestants were vengeful, indeed!
I swiftly sailed and landed in Georgia which the Russians had gotten from our allies in a peace agreement. It fell swiftly and I continued north and Russia had had enough and ceded us Georgia. Prussia eventually agreed to a cease fire and we were finally at peace and had new Catholic territories and these men proved far more willing to fight for our mission but I continued my missionary work but this time in the far reaches of Persia as Islam still had one more bastion, the Mughal Empire.
We sent sail after a couple of months, I didn't want to give these Turks more time to prepare. They had to know we were coming. I was meet by a surprise when the fleet arrived. Prussian soldiers were besieging it already! I had forgotten about the Poles and their Prussian allies. I swiftly deployed our forces and took command of the siege and they fell soon after and with them the Turkish lands were Christian lands. I ordered a garrison left and the rest of my army sailed to Constantinople to greet the Patriarch there.
The news that meet me was not what I had expected. The English of all people had decided to war with us. Their island were a bit far away but Naples I could easily strike at and once again we were sailing to Italy. This was perhaps the swiftist war yet for as Naples fell the English offered it for peace to which I, of course, agreed.
Oh alas, Prussian and Russia had decided to declare war and I noticed that these Prussian were well established in the Crimea. I never expected that I would see Swedish armies marching around the steppe and lying siege to Astrakhan, however. These protestants were vengeful, indeed!
I swiftly sailed and landed in Georgia which the Russians had gotten from our allies in a peace agreement. It fell swiftly and I continued north and Russia had had enough and ceded us Georgia. Prussia eventually agreed to a cease fire and we were finally at peace and had new Catholic territories and these men proved far more willing to fight for our mission but I continued my missionary work but this time in the far reaches of Persia as Islam still had one more bastion, the Mughal Empire.
"It's been a pretty long peace." It was the Treasurer and they always had been the same. Different faces but the same greed.
"Yes. It seems that the Georgians and Venetians have settled down a bit. Perhaps we can finally act on our own mission."
"That is why I am here, Marshal. To discuss the plans to conquer the Mughal Empire."
It did not surprise me that he was interested in this project. The Mughal Empire was very wealthy and especially Delhi, a trade center we have dominated since we first took Isfahan. Trade did not interest me at all but I liked to know where the money for the army expenses came from.
"Well, we have skirmished with them before. Their armies are not all that large and their training and equipment is obslete. I think the only obstacles will be the deserts at the start of the campaign. Once we approach Delhi we should do well."
"What will you need?"
This was odd. Maybe this one was different.
"A steady stream of reinforcements drawn from our Persian territories and of war supplies. That's all I can think I will need. I do guess Europe will not be thrilled with us so anything that can delay them so I can finish the conquest would help."
"A fortification program perhaps?"
"Definitely."
That went well, maybe things are changing.
"So how did your meeting go with the Marshal, Treasurer?"
"Very well, he asked for what I expected, Commander; forts, troops and supplies nothing else."
"We must act delicately and it is likely we will not complete this plan in our lifetime. We must break this man's hold over the army and over the Knights themselves. Why we have harbored him so long, I know not, but we must lessen his influence lest his crimes become our own!"
"I agree, Commander," and he smiled for the great wealth of the Order would be his and his successors.
"Yes. It seems that the Georgians and Venetians have settled down a bit. Perhaps we can finally act on our own mission."
"That is why I am here, Marshal. To discuss the plans to conquer the Mughal Empire."
It did not surprise me that he was interested in this project. The Mughal Empire was very wealthy and especially Delhi, a trade center we have dominated since we first took Isfahan. Trade did not interest me at all but I liked to know where the money for the army expenses came from.
"Well, we have skirmished with them before. Their armies are not all that large and their training and equipment is obslete. I think the only obstacles will be the deserts at the start of the campaign. Once we approach Delhi we should do well."
"What will you need?"
This was odd. Maybe this one was different.
"A steady stream of reinforcements drawn from our Persian territories and of war supplies. That's all I can think I will need. I do guess Europe will not be thrilled with us so anything that can delay them so I can finish the conquest would help."
"A fortification program perhaps?"
"Definitely."
That went well, maybe things are changing.
"So how did your meeting go with the Marshal, Treasurer?"
"Very well, he asked for what I expected, Commander; forts, troops and supplies nothing else."
"We must act delicately and it is likely we will not complete this plan in our lifetime. We must break this man's hold over the army and over the Knights themselves. Why we have harbored him so long, I know not, but we must lessen his influence lest his crimes become our own!"
"I agree, Commander," and he smiled for the great wealth of the Order would be his and his successors.
The campaign was going better than I had expected. The Mughal's were even weaker than I had thought and the supplies and reinforcements were always on time, a first.
"We do well, Marshal."
"Indeed we do, we are ahead of schedule which is good as Europe will attack us soon."
"I know the Russian and Prussians have already declared not to mention the Mughal's allies, Portugal and Spain."
"No, Portugal has already sued for peace. It seems they found Tangiers to isolated to be bothered to keep and gave it to us."
"Marshal. Turcopolier. I have news from Europe." He was one of the Riders, those tasked with carrying messages to and from our headquarters on Rhodes.
"Ah, this is good news. The Mughals stand alone now. Peace was bought and we do not need to worry about Europe now."
"These Mughals do not stand a chance."
So it was and all northern India fell unto us. It was a time of great celebration but for me, it was also a time of worry for we were not the first European power in the area. The seeds were sown for further conflict in Europe and beyond.
"We do well, Marshal."
"Indeed we do, we are ahead of schedule which is good as Europe will attack us soon."
"I know the Russian and Prussians have already declared not to mention the Mughal's allies, Portugal and Spain."
"No, Portugal has already sued for peace. It seems they found Tangiers to isolated to be bothered to keep and gave it to us."
"Marshal. Turcopolier. I have news from Europe." He was one of the Riders, those tasked with carrying messages to and from our headquarters on Rhodes.
"Ah, this is good news. The Mughals stand alone now. Peace was bought and we do not need to worry about Europe now."
"These Mughals do not stand a chance."
So it was and all northern India fell unto us. It was a time of great celebration but for me, it was also a time of worry for we were not the first European power in the area. The seeds were sown for further conflict in Europe and beyond.
Note: Papal States and Hyderabad are still existing nations.
Wow, you've got quite an empire going there. I also note that my Austrian brethern are doing well. Have you pushed out all the way to the Ayuttahayan border? And how about Mysore, are they still around?
"So, where will we head next, Marshal?"
It was the Turcopolier, always on task, this one.
"I imagine the pagans lands of India, the Far East and Americas but if I had to guess on a target now, I'd say Hyderabad and Mysore."
"Yes, that would make sense. I suppose the Europeans will war with us if we move?"
"They have not failed to interfere before so I am doubting they will overlook our armies marching." Europe, both Protestant and Catholic, were growing annoying. I just wanted to finish our divine task.
"You know, Turcopolier. It is just as likely we will be fighting a Georgian or Venetian war."
"Very true, they always pick the worst time to pick a fight."
In the end, it was the collapse of the Polish-Lithaunian government and the formation of the nation of Ukraine that touched of war again. Venice declared upon Austria and we agreed to support and the whole world was engulfed in war. Most annoying was the Pope's declaration with the backing of France. Ever did we try to do the work of God's Vicar on Earth but with his constant interfering in Knight affairs, his support was eroding and the Catholic patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Jerusalem grew in authority.
We took the war to the Poles first and swiftly reduced their Balkan holdings. They soon give control of Dobrudja and Kosovo. Armies in India attacked Dutch holdings and as they were not fortified were quickly captured. Even more daring was the amphibious assault on Jakarta. The Netherlands offered Jakarta and we accepted and were well placed to strike the wealthy trade center at Sunda should the Dutch interfere again.
The Grand Commander sent us orders to attack Hyderabad. Thank God, we were finally back on track. This nation if anything was more backward than even the Mughals and they did not even last a year.
We fought the Russians to a cease fire and the Treasurer paid the Swedes off for peace. It was a bargain considering they had captured Georgia.
All in all, we had performed well and if our allies would give us time all lands would be united under Christ.
It was the Turcopolier, always on task, this one.
"I imagine the pagans lands of India, the Far East and Americas but if I had to guess on a target now, I'd say Hyderabad and Mysore."
"Yes, that would make sense. I suppose the Europeans will war with us if we move?"
"They have not failed to interfere before so I am doubting they will overlook our armies marching." Europe, both Protestant and Catholic, were growing annoying. I just wanted to finish our divine task.
"You know, Turcopolier. It is just as likely we will be fighting a Georgian or Venetian war."
"Very true, they always pick the worst time to pick a fight."
In the end, it was the collapse of the Polish-Lithaunian government and the formation of the nation of Ukraine that touched of war again. Venice declared upon Austria and we agreed to support and the whole world was engulfed in war. Most annoying was the Pope's declaration with the backing of France. Ever did we try to do the work of God's Vicar on Earth but with his constant interfering in Knight affairs, his support was eroding and the Catholic patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Jerusalem grew in authority.
We took the war to the Poles first and swiftly reduced their Balkan holdings. They soon give control of Dobrudja and Kosovo. Armies in India attacked Dutch holdings and as they were not fortified were quickly captured. Even more daring was the amphibious assault on Jakarta. The Netherlands offered Jakarta and we accepted and were well placed to strike the wealthy trade center at Sunda should the Dutch interfere again.
The Grand Commander sent us orders to attack Hyderabad. Thank God, we were finally back on track. This nation if anything was more backward than even the Mughals and they did not even last a year.
We fought the Russians to a cease fire and the Treasurer paid the Swedes off for peace. It was a bargain considering they had captured Georgia.
All in all, we had performed well and if our allies would give us time all lands would be united under Christ.
Yep, that's us just waiting to take Ayutthaya. Mysore still exists at this point but not for long. India just can't stand up to Europeans at this point in the game.
Stuff you can't see on this map is New Spain and the still surviving Inca Empire. Honestly, this is the game of revolters. I've seen a two province New Spain which is doing fine currently, Transylvania twice and doing well at this point (Austria had trouble with the Hungarian diploannex), a four province Wallachia which was born from Poland-Lithuania and a three province Crimea popped up from them as well and most recently a five province Ukraine! Corsica was born also and is going strong. Genoa and Milan have reappeared twice so far and Hannover and Holstein once. I think Genoa diploannexed Milan and then the Austrians diploannexed them and it all fall apart. It's been pretty crazy and the map is constantly shifting.
Stuff you can't see on this map is New Spain and the still surviving Inca Empire. Honestly, this is the game of revolters. I've seen a two province New Spain which is doing fine currently, Transylvania twice and doing well at this point (Austria had trouble with the Hungarian diploannex), a four province Wallachia which was born from Poland-Lithuania and a three province Crimea popped up from them as well and most recently a five province Ukraine! Corsica was born also and is going strong. Genoa and Milan have reappeared twice so far and Hannover and Holstein once. I think Genoa diploannexed Milan and then the Austrians diploannexed them and it all fall apart. It's been pretty crazy and the map is constantly shifting.
Speaking of diploannexation, why don't you try diploannexing some of your brothers in Christianity? Couldn't hurt.
Mostly because they all hate me and my leaders are just crap. I have no more L'Isle Adams and La Valette's coming and besides relations cost money but so do troops and I like the later more! :rofl:
"Damn it! What is wrong with these Venetians?"
"They like to war it seems. At least we have peace treaties with most of our neighbors. We can focus on just them."
"That's true, Marshal. Well, get to it then."
"Yes, sir."
I was not all that pleased marching against Catholics and I could tell the men were not either but it was not as if we had declared this war but then again our allies had started it. I guess it did not matter, we all had our duty.
Recruits filled our ranks as we marched upon such places as Bosnia and Serbia. Thrace was increasing our European military capital as large numbers of troops could be raised there and in the surrounding Greek lands. With this support and with the fact that the Habsburgs were troubled by the Poles, Transylvanians and French we had no problem coming away with Bosnia and Serbia.
This did trigger general war again with Sweden, The Netherlands, Poland-Lithuania and England all declaring war upon us and with war having already been declared by most nations we decided to take Mysore.
Sweden ravaged Kaffa but this was deemed unimportant and it was a difficult territory to hold anyways. We concentrated on both Mysore and the remains of Polish glories in the Balkans. When Bulgaria fell, peace was obtained for it. Mysore followed soon having been totally crushed by armies in India. We even gained territory from Russia, taking Kouban from them. We took Sundi from the Netherlands and our income continued to soar as East Indies trade became monopolized by us. Sweden was happy to take our treasury for peace gaining an awe-inspiring amount of 0. We did participate in some odd Iberian adventures as well and forced peace with Portugal for Murcia and Mangalore.
Peace reigned for a couple years and we made preparations for the conquest of Ayutthaya but it was not to be.
"Marshal, take a guess who we are at war with."
"The entire world again?"
"Well, that's a fair answer I suppose."
"Did Venice declare on Austria again?"
"How did you know, Marshal," the Turcopolier said most sarcastically.
"What does Venice think they will gain from this?"
"I suppose that is a rhetorical question, eh Marshal?"
"I imagine we should go to Rhodes after this war. With fools like Venice as allies we will never accomplish our own goals."
"I agree, this silly business simply saps our strength."
"I am glad we agree, let's get to it, shall we?"
Austria wanted nothing to do with a war with us again and peace was quickly agreed to. Wallachia was also quick to agree with peace. Russia would bow to no one that had not bested their armies so we took Volgograd even as a massive combined Russo-Swedish army was attempting to take Astrakhan. Spanish and Portugesse forces broke Murcia but we had taken Valenica so we agreed to a status quo peace there. Again our Indian forces humiliated Dutch troops and Madras was taken for peace. Our other opponents were paid off and England was given our tiny colony at Delaware. We felt that was worth peace and it was off to Rhodes as this insanity could go no longer.
Rhodes had changed a great deal and the people here were more than a bit hostile to not only me but to the Turcopolier and the army in general. This struck me a very odd.
"Grand Commander, it is good to see you again," I said to break the mood and I felt as if this was an inquistion and not a meeting of equals.
"Why are you here with Your army, Marshal?"
This was not going well. "I have questions that need answering and so do these men. We are increasingly drawn into the Venetian's and therefore Europe's wars. We wanted to know why we allow ourselves to be guided by the Doge and his moneygrubbing merchants."
"Before I answer, Marshal, let me ask you a question."
"Of course, sir."
"When the infidel and heathens are all conquered what do you plan to do?"
"I think that maybe I'd devote myself to my missionary work, sir or just return to the leity. My generalship most likely would not be needed and besides there are many other qualified men. Why?"
"If it will help you with your mission we will not hinder you with needless wars. Our alliance with Venice and Georgia has served its purpose anyways, I believe we can stand alone. Consider your wish granted, Marshal."
"Thank you, sir, and many thanks to you all."
"Farewell, Marshal. I trust you will be working on the invasion of Ayutthaya."
"Indeed I shall be, farewell to you all. God be with you."
The Turcopolier and I walked back to our men.
"Well, Marshal, this was awkward and uncomfortable. What do you make out of it?"
"I think greed has won over piety here and I think they want us far, far away from whatever it is they are up to."
"I think you are right, what will we do?"
"Watch and wait. Besides, so far this has not interfered with our performance or theirs."
"You trust them, Marshal?"
"Oh, not at all. Not at all."
"They like to war it seems. At least we have peace treaties with most of our neighbors. We can focus on just them."
"That's true, Marshal. Well, get to it then."
"Yes, sir."
I was not all that pleased marching against Catholics and I could tell the men were not either but it was not as if we had declared this war but then again our allies had started it. I guess it did not matter, we all had our duty.
Recruits filled our ranks as we marched upon such places as Bosnia and Serbia. Thrace was increasing our European military capital as large numbers of troops could be raised there and in the surrounding Greek lands. With this support and with the fact that the Habsburgs were troubled by the Poles, Transylvanians and French we had no problem coming away with Bosnia and Serbia.
This did trigger general war again with Sweden, The Netherlands, Poland-Lithuania and England all declaring war upon us and with war having already been declared by most nations we decided to take Mysore.
Sweden ravaged Kaffa but this was deemed unimportant and it was a difficult territory to hold anyways. We concentrated on both Mysore and the remains of Polish glories in the Balkans. When Bulgaria fell, peace was obtained for it. Mysore followed soon having been totally crushed by armies in India. We even gained territory from Russia, taking Kouban from them. We took Sundi from the Netherlands and our income continued to soar as East Indies trade became monopolized by us. Sweden was happy to take our treasury for peace gaining an awe-inspiring amount of 0. We did participate in some odd Iberian adventures as well and forced peace with Portugal for Murcia and Mangalore.
Peace reigned for a couple years and we made preparations for the conquest of Ayutthaya but it was not to be.
"Marshal, take a guess who we are at war with."
"The entire world again?"
"Well, that's a fair answer I suppose."
"Did Venice declare on Austria again?"
"How did you know, Marshal," the Turcopolier said most sarcastically.
"What does Venice think they will gain from this?"
"I suppose that is a rhetorical question, eh Marshal?"
"I imagine we should go to Rhodes after this war. With fools like Venice as allies we will never accomplish our own goals."
"I agree, this silly business simply saps our strength."
"I am glad we agree, let's get to it, shall we?"
Austria wanted nothing to do with a war with us again and peace was quickly agreed to. Wallachia was also quick to agree with peace. Russia would bow to no one that had not bested their armies so we took Volgograd even as a massive combined Russo-Swedish army was attempting to take Astrakhan. Spanish and Portugesse forces broke Murcia but we had taken Valenica so we agreed to a status quo peace there. Again our Indian forces humiliated Dutch troops and Madras was taken for peace. Our other opponents were paid off and England was given our tiny colony at Delaware. We felt that was worth peace and it was off to Rhodes as this insanity could go no longer.
Rhodes had changed a great deal and the people here were more than a bit hostile to not only me but to the Turcopolier and the army in general. This struck me a very odd.
"Grand Commander, it is good to see you again," I said to break the mood and I felt as if this was an inquistion and not a meeting of equals.
"Why are you here with Your army, Marshal?"
This was not going well. "I have questions that need answering and so do these men. We are increasingly drawn into the Venetian's and therefore Europe's wars. We wanted to know why we allow ourselves to be guided by the Doge and his moneygrubbing merchants."
"Before I answer, Marshal, let me ask you a question."
"Of course, sir."
"When the infidel and heathens are all conquered what do you plan to do?"
"I think that maybe I'd devote myself to my missionary work, sir or just return to the leity. My generalship most likely would not be needed and besides there are many other qualified men. Why?"
"If it will help you with your mission we will not hinder you with needless wars. Our alliance with Venice and Georgia has served its purpose anyways, I believe we can stand alone. Consider your wish granted, Marshal."
"Thank you, sir, and many thanks to you all."
"Farewell, Marshal. I trust you will be working on the invasion of Ayutthaya."
"Indeed I shall be, farewell to you all. God be with you."
The Turcopolier and I walked back to our men.
"Well, Marshal, this was awkward and uncomfortable. What do you make out of it?"
"I think greed has won over piety here and I think they want us far, far away from whatever it is they are up to."
"I think you are right, what will we do?"
"Watch and wait. Besides, so far this has not interfered with our performance or theirs."
"You trust them, Marshal?"
"Oh, not at all. Not at all."
I always thought Venice was the stupidest war-monger in the game, they used to routinely DOW my Austria even though we kept about 60,000 troops near their borders and they had zero. You'd better watch those greedy administrators in Rhodes, hope you guys get off better than the Templars did.
I agree, Venice like to fight way too much. I think I understand why they do. They build those massive 60,000 man armies on Cyprus and Crete and this figures into their land power. Yet they never move these troops so they continually have Venice pillaged and are forced to peace. The AI just has a lot of trouble with managing islands, I think.
They are decent neighbors to have as they are normally good to steal money from in peace negotiations. I bet they would be an interesting nation to play especially if you wanted to try your hand at naval power.
Rhodes is a nasty place. The marshal deserves better don't you think?
They are decent neighbors to have as they are normally good to steal money from in peace negotiations.
I bet they would be an interesting nation to play especially if you wanted to try your hand at naval power.Rhodes is a nasty place. The marshal deserves better don't you think?