Ah, yes, that does make more sense. Brilliant! Now we just wait five years, and try again, this time leaving the Swedes out... 
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Bahhhh, I'd have taken more land. Sure, I can understand it in ENgland where we really wouldn't WANT the ENglish land ,but we should have taken some German providences from France to chastisze them a bit. They're jsut to strong
Originally posted by DanielMcCollum
Bahhhh, I'd have taken more land. Sure, I can understand it in ENgland where we really wouldn't WANT the ENglish land ,but we should have taken some German providences from France to chastisze them a bit. They're jsut to strong
Providences
Wait and see....
For your information, at the time of this war France controlled only one German province, namely Alsace.
Frederik V, the end
Copenhagen, January 11th, 1766, evening
I'm young to be so old, Christian. Am I not? Was not three score or even three score and ten the span alotted man? Should I rail against the Lord that I will not see my forty-third birthday - or should I rejoice in the decades I have lived? I think the latter, though I would dearly have loved to live long enough to have grandchildren. Legitimate grandchildren, that is. I've no doubt that you've already spawned several on the other side of the blanket so to speak, take well care of them as well. Bastards, illegitimate sons, or however you want to call them, many of the golden lions have served Denmark well.
Which brings me to my point, Christian, so you can stop fidgeting. As you well know, I've arranged your marriage with Caroline Mathilda of England years ago, and it will take place this year. It is for the good of the country, and I will hear no objections. This is the will of not only your father, but your king. Do I have your word that you will treat her as befits a queen of Denmark?
Thank you, Christian. You lighten my heart.
Secondarily, to temper your young temperament and for the good of the country, I have asked my old friend Bernstorff to serve as your regent the first few years of your rule. He will be at your side and provide you with good advice. And there are three things you must remember in that connection.
The first, and the easiest to remember, is that no matter his advice, it is only advice - you will be the king, and it is your word which is law. Not his.
The second is that he will be teaching you the practicalities of ruling and diplomacy. I have already taught you the theoretical parts, and you've seen me in council often enough these last years, but it is always different when you are the one making the decisions. Learn well the lessons of statecraft. You will need them.
The third is the hardest to swallow. Sometimes you will disagree with him and be tempted to overrule him in public. Don't. Consider carefully whether he might know something you don't, and discuss the matter with him in private. If, upon consideration, you are certain that he was wrong, his statements can be withdrawn or modified at leisure - without damaging your working relationship and straining the trust in the kingship. Denmark has enough enemies without encouraging disaffection within our own ranks.
Ah, yes. Enemies we have in plenty. Though a precarious peace holds in most of Europe following the Danish-Prussian victories over Poland in 1763, only a fool would imagine that peace will hold. In these last few years I have invested heavily in the arms industry, as evidenced by the manufactories of Jämtland, Bergenhus, Østlandet, Gotland, and Iceland. When Denmark is once more drawn into the fray, your armies will be well armed and well led.
Now, a few bits of advice. Listen and remember them well.
Keep the army well funded, well trained, and large enough to handle at least three wars at the same time. You will be, like me, the wealthiest king in Europe, and Denmark can afford it. In the long run it saves lives and money as well, since few will dare stand against you - and fewer yet confront you, unless their very existence is at stake, of course.
Our colonial possessions grow steadily and are now a substantial part of the Danish economy. Treat them as equals with the European possessions, and strike down any seccessionist movements hard. If they have valid complaints, listen to them and act, but strike down secessionists mercilessly. You will be their king anointed by God, and it is not up to a few bothersome nobles or merchants to decide the fate of nations!
I will also remind you to keep an eye on South Africa. Though the Danish possessions there are but slight, I have been strengthening them these last few years, and Table will soon boast a city. Provincial, admittedly, but a city. It will make an excellent naval base to control the trade at the cape. And it can be used as a stepping stone should you ever need to project power into the Indies.
Our current alliance has served Denmark well, but consider the following. Though the Swedish king Fredrik Adolf may dislike playing second fiddle to Denmark, the people (and especially the nobles) of Sweden can clearly see that Denmark is ascendant, and still waxing in strength. It might be possible to reinstitute the Kalmar Union and in time bring about the personal union of Denmark and Sweden under the Danish crown, uniting the North under one crown once again. And though it is doubtful the Fredrik Adolf would ever agree to such a proposal, his successor might. And if not, you might even consider bringing this about by force, defeating the Swedes in battle and forcing their king to swear vassalage. The diplomatic repercussions would not be insignificant, so this is something that requires great deliberation. But in the long run it would be to their own benefit.
Kleves has thrived under Danish protection, yet is now nearly completely encircled by Denmark. Approached rightly, they might consider giving up some degree of sovereignty, were Friedrich Wilhelm not already a vassal of my dear friend Friedrich II of Prussia. As matters currently stand I think rather that Kleves will cheerfully join the growing Prussian nation within a few years like Pommern did these seven years past. Certainly Friedrich of Prussia hinted at such this Christmas last, and he usually gets what he sets his eyes on, though he is truly growing old. He will not long outlive me, I think, and his successor may prove to be less worthy. In any event, keep on the good side of Prussia. You may need Prussia to stave off the Russian bear, which has truly awakened from its slumber. I've asked Bernstorff to begin some degree of rapprocement with Russia, but you will likely have to face them at least once. And if at some future date Prussia should agree to vassalage, and thus unite the Germans too under the Danish crown, then, in truth, Denmark would be an Empire, for consider the following.
The fragmentation of western Europe has been preserved for centuries due mainly to the Anglo-French rivalry, the French-Spanish rivalry, and the French-German rivalry. But when you take the throne, France will be your vassal. The Spanish rivalry you can do little about initially, but since the most of the German principalities are now under the crown of Denmark, France will not assail them unless you give good cause, or at the very least, an excuse. Don't give them that excuse. Coddle the French, wean them off their Portuguese alliance and, when next France needs a king, might they not look to Denmark? There is precedent, after all, with the writ of annexation of 1763, and this would end the bitter Anglo-French rivalry once and for all - and bring Skåne back to Denmark, relieving that particular itch. Ha! Another smile. I know you well.
The Annexation of England, 1763
Regarding England, you must, of course, tread warily. I have taken steps to ensure that you will be well liked by the populace when you take the throne, I've reminded the English of Canute, gifted the church, and downplayed the Danegeld (those were heathen times, after all), and my spies are ever vigilant at exposing and defusing plots, but you must expect some unrest for decades to come, as unruly elements come to term with the reestablishment of Danish rule (consider, for instance, the current rebellion in the former English possession of Livland). Alas, the reformists hold sway in much of England, but I have begun initiatives to spread the true protestant creed. But have patience. Few things are as hard as convincing people to abandon their religious beliefs, even when they are manifestly wrong. On that note, you would also do well to dismantle the Scottish nation as soon as possible. The incorporation of Scotland into Denmark would defuse some of the remaining tensions in the British Isles, and Charles III is already our vassal. Pack him off to some monastery or remote whorehouse, whichever he prefers, and rid yourself of the Scottish problem.
Do you hear the ghosts, Christian? They are gathering near, and they are chanting my praises. It is a strange and otherworldly experience, or perhaps it is naught but a mirage, or wishingful thinking on my part. Bah, let it go. They're repeating themselves anyway, and I never did like latin that much anyhow, though Frederik Imperator does have a certain... weight to it.
Religion. Do you know what I would have liked to accomplish, Christian? I once had a dream, that I would create an Empire and liberate central Europe from the Turk. Then I would have called a crusade, and conquered every moslem country, and I would have brought them to God. And then, at the end of my days, I would go to the holy land, and I would visit Bethlehem, and Gethsemane, and Gallilee, and I would ask God, Have I not done well? And God would answer in the affirmative. A vain dream, Christian, and I accomplished but a fraction of it. Had I but had my three-score and ten, I would...
Ha! The gathering of ghosts is completed, Christian. See! Over there, by the door, passing the kings of Denmark of yore - and what an impressive gathering of administrators, godly men, scoundrels, warriors, and villains they are - it is your mother, Louise, come at last to bid me join her. Heh! She has kicked De Rohan out of the way to linger in a corner - a ghost with wounded dignity is a sight indeed - and holds out her hands to me. Is she not a sight for sore eyes, Christian? Why do you stare so, son? Can you not see her smile or feel her caressing your hair? Ah, she has that look again. The look that tells me that I've said something stupid, again, and that I ought to have known better. Strange how I've missed even that look these past years. And now she bids me rise and dance, and how could I ever refuse her?
I'll leave you to complete my dream, Christian, seventh of the name, King by the Grace of God of the Danes, the Germans, the English, and many others besides.
Rule well.
Danish European Possessions, 1766
Danish American Possessions, 1766
Frederik V Sejr died peacefully in his sleep January 11th in the year of our Lord 1766 after months of illness following two decades of rule. He was succeeded by his son, Christian VII, January 16th, 1766, his coronation having been planned well in advance by the foresighted Frederik who, in this, as in so many other matters, wanted to have the final word. His burial was attended by the crowned heads of Europe, and if some were less than sad at his passing, they yet attended. As yet none dared slight the new king of Denmark.
Copenhagen, January 11th, 1766, evening
I'm young to be so old, Christian. Am I not? Was not three score or even three score and ten the span alotted man? Should I rail against the Lord that I will not see my forty-third birthday - or should I rejoice in the decades I have lived? I think the latter, though I would dearly have loved to live long enough to have grandchildren. Legitimate grandchildren, that is. I've no doubt that you've already spawned several on the other side of the blanket so to speak, take well care of them as well. Bastards, illegitimate sons, or however you want to call them, many of the golden lions have served Denmark well.
Which brings me to my point, Christian, so you can stop fidgeting. As you well know, I've arranged your marriage with Caroline Mathilda of England years ago, and it will take place this year. It is for the good of the country, and I will hear no objections. This is the will of not only your father, but your king. Do I have your word that you will treat her as befits a queen of Denmark?
Thank you, Christian. You lighten my heart.
Secondarily, to temper your young temperament and for the good of the country, I have asked my old friend Bernstorff to serve as your regent the first few years of your rule. He will be at your side and provide you with good advice. And there are three things you must remember in that connection.
The first, and the easiest to remember, is that no matter his advice, it is only advice - you will be the king, and it is your word which is law. Not his.
The second is that he will be teaching you the practicalities of ruling and diplomacy. I have already taught you the theoretical parts, and you've seen me in council often enough these last years, but it is always different when you are the one making the decisions. Learn well the lessons of statecraft. You will need them.
The third is the hardest to swallow. Sometimes you will disagree with him and be tempted to overrule him in public. Don't. Consider carefully whether he might know something you don't, and discuss the matter with him in private. If, upon consideration, you are certain that he was wrong, his statements can be withdrawn or modified at leisure - without damaging your working relationship and straining the trust in the kingship. Denmark has enough enemies without encouraging disaffection within our own ranks.
Ah, yes. Enemies we have in plenty. Though a precarious peace holds in most of Europe following the Danish-Prussian victories over Poland in 1763, only a fool would imagine that peace will hold. In these last few years I have invested heavily in the arms industry, as evidenced by the manufactories of Jämtland, Bergenhus, Østlandet, Gotland, and Iceland. When Denmark is once more drawn into the fray, your armies will be well armed and well led.
Now, a few bits of advice. Listen and remember them well.
Keep the army well funded, well trained, and large enough to handle at least three wars at the same time. You will be, like me, the wealthiest king in Europe, and Denmark can afford it. In the long run it saves lives and money as well, since few will dare stand against you - and fewer yet confront you, unless their very existence is at stake, of course.
Our colonial possessions grow steadily and are now a substantial part of the Danish economy. Treat them as equals with the European possessions, and strike down any seccessionist movements hard. If they have valid complaints, listen to them and act, but strike down secessionists mercilessly. You will be their king anointed by God, and it is not up to a few bothersome nobles or merchants to decide the fate of nations!
I will also remind you to keep an eye on South Africa. Though the Danish possessions there are but slight, I have been strengthening them these last few years, and Table will soon boast a city. Provincial, admittedly, but a city. It will make an excellent naval base to control the trade at the cape. And it can be used as a stepping stone should you ever need to project power into the Indies.
Our current alliance has served Denmark well, but consider the following. Though the Swedish king Fredrik Adolf may dislike playing second fiddle to Denmark, the people (and especially the nobles) of Sweden can clearly see that Denmark is ascendant, and still waxing in strength. It might be possible to reinstitute the Kalmar Union and in time bring about the personal union of Denmark and Sweden under the Danish crown, uniting the North under one crown once again. And though it is doubtful the Fredrik Adolf would ever agree to such a proposal, his successor might. And if not, you might even consider bringing this about by force, defeating the Swedes in battle and forcing their king to swear vassalage. The diplomatic repercussions would not be insignificant, so this is something that requires great deliberation. But in the long run it would be to their own benefit.
Kleves has thrived under Danish protection, yet is now nearly completely encircled by Denmark. Approached rightly, they might consider giving up some degree of sovereignty, were Friedrich Wilhelm not already a vassal of my dear friend Friedrich II of Prussia. As matters currently stand I think rather that Kleves will cheerfully join the growing Prussian nation within a few years like Pommern did these seven years past. Certainly Friedrich of Prussia hinted at such this Christmas last, and he usually gets what he sets his eyes on, though he is truly growing old. He will not long outlive me, I think, and his successor may prove to be less worthy. In any event, keep on the good side of Prussia. You may need Prussia to stave off the Russian bear, which has truly awakened from its slumber. I've asked Bernstorff to begin some degree of rapprocement with Russia, but you will likely have to face them at least once. And if at some future date Prussia should agree to vassalage, and thus unite the Germans too under the Danish crown, then, in truth, Denmark would be an Empire, for consider the following.
The fragmentation of western Europe has been preserved for centuries due mainly to the Anglo-French rivalry, the French-Spanish rivalry, and the French-German rivalry. But when you take the throne, France will be your vassal. The Spanish rivalry you can do little about initially, but since the most of the German principalities are now under the crown of Denmark, France will not assail them unless you give good cause, or at the very least, an excuse. Don't give them that excuse. Coddle the French, wean them off their Portuguese alliance and, when next France needs a king, might they not look to Denmark? There is precedent, after all, with the writ of annexation of 1763, and this would end the bitter Anglo-French rivalry once and for all - and bring Skåne back to Denmark, relieving that particular itch. Ha! Another smile. I know you well.
The Annexation of England, 1763
Regarding England, you must, of course, tread warily. I have taken steps to ensure that you will be well liked by the populace when you take the throne, I've reminded the English of Canute, gifted the church, and downplayed the Danegeld (those were heathen times, after all), and my spies are ever vigilant at exposing and defusing plots, but you must expect some unrest for decades to come, as unruly elements come to term with the reestablishment of Danish rule (consider, for instance, the current rebellion in the former English possession of Livland). Alas, the reformists hold sway in much of England, but I have begun initiatives to spread the true protestant creed. But have patience. Few things are as hard as convincing people to abandon their religious beliefs, even when they are manifestly wrong. On that note, you would also do well to dismantle the Scottish nation as soon as possible. The incorporation of Scotland into Denmark would defuse some of the remaining tensions in the British Isles, and Charles III is already our vassal. Pack him off to some monastery or remote whorehouse, whichever he prefers, and rid yourself of the Scottish problem.
Do you hear the ghosts, Christian? They are gathering near, and they are chanting my praises. It is a strange and otherworldly experience, or perhaps it is naught but a mirage, or wishingful thinking on my part. Bah, let it go. They're repeating themselves anyway, and I never did like latin that much anyhow, though Frederik Imperator does have a certain... weight to it.
Religion. Do you know what I would have liked to accomplish, Christian? I once had a dream, that I would create an Empire and liberate central Europe from the Turk. Then I would have called a crusade, and conquered every moslem country, and I would have brought them to God. And then, at the end of my days, I would go to the holy land, and I would visit Bethlehem, and Gethsemane, and Gallilee, and I would ask God, Have I not done well? And God would answer in the affirmative. A vain dream, Christian, and I accomplished but a fraction of it. Had I but had my three-score and ten, I would...
Ha! The gathering of ghosts is completed, Christian. See! Over there, by the door, passing the kings of Denmark of yore - and what an impressive gathering of administrators, godly men, scoundrels, warriors, and villains they are - it is your mother, Louise, come at last to bid me join her. Heh! She has kicked De Rohan out of the way to linger in a corner - a ghost with wounded dignity is a sight indeed - and holds out her hands to me. Is she not a sight for sore eyes, Christian? Why do you stare so, son? Can you not see her smile or feel her caressing your hair? Ah, she has that look again. The look that tells me that I've said something stupid, again, and that I ought to have known better. Strange how I've missed even that look these past years. And now she bids me rise and dance, and how could I ever refuse her?
I'll leave you to complete my dream, Christian, seventh of the name, King by the Grace of God of the Danes, the Germans, the English, and many others besides.
Rule well.
Danish European Possessions, 1766
Danish American Possessions, 1766
Frederik V Sejr died peacefully in his sleep January 11th in the year of our Lord 1766 after months of illness following two decades of rule. He was succeeded by his son, Christian VII, January 16th, 1766, his coronation having been planned well in advance by the foresighted Frederik who, in this, as in so many other matters, wanted to have the final word. His burial was attended by the crowned heads of Europe, and if some were less than sad at his passing, they yet attended. As yet none dared slight the new king of Denmark.
Originally posted by DanielMcCollum
Bahhhh, I'd have taken more land. Sure, I can understand it in ENgland where we really wouldn't WANT the ENglish land ,but we should have taken some German providences from France to chastisze them a bit. They're jsut to strong
And now it is revealed.
I didn't want to take land from France. I wanted to set them up for diplo-annexation by my successor. So sue me
And of course Denmark has a claim on England. Which is why I took it all.
...Letting me play on normal is like setting the wolf loose amongst the sheep, methinks
very nice reign!!
England has finally been returned to the proper rule!!
very nice!
England has finally been returned to the proper rule!!
very nice!
Very nice, from the play to the writing.
I enjoyed the more serious tone of this one.
There's just something about you brooding Danes...
I enjoyed the more serious tone of this one.
There's just something about you brooding Danes...
Excellent, Peter. Well done game-wise (hardly a surprise, mind you - but I decided to err a little on the side of caution with this first collaborative project) and I very much enjoyed the style you chose to write about it with.
Thanks you very much for stepping in and doing such a great guest-author spot. It is very much appreciated. If you could e-mail the files to me I'll send them along to their next home...
Thanks you very much for stepping in and doing such a great guest-author spot. It is very much appreciated. If you could e-mail the files to me I'll send them along to their next home...
It's great to see how Denmark expands during the reign of strong kings, and contracts during the reign of weak ones. Just like real history.
Sent. The beginning situation is quite peaceful since I decided not to play warmongering* and built a situation in which my successor should have the option of playing relatively peacefully if he so desired - though I would never advise him to do so, of course
I wonder when the two slackers will finally post their reigns. We do seem to have experienced a history gap
* Its true, I tell you. Otherwise Russia would have been a vassal by now.
Originally posted by Peter Ebbesen
...Letting me play on normal is like setting the wolf loose amongst the sheep, methinks
That's putting it mildly.
I enjoyed the writing style you chose for this segment Peter. Glad that MrT was able to get you to come aboard. Joe
Well gentleman, it has FINALLY come to me...and here I am.lol Ironic, huh? King Charles XII has been crowned king of Denmark. lol hehe Great job Peter! Excellent writing everyone! I just hope that I can keep up the great work! OK, here I go my horse is stuck in the mud but I can see the royal palace up ahead... too bad my guards are drunk and its raining. Does this mount come with winshield wipers? lol haha... Will post shortly!
Great job Peter! Excellent writing everyone! I just hope that I can keep up the great work! OK, here I go my horse is stuck in the mud but I can see the royal palace up ahead... too bad my guards are drunk and its raining. Does this mount come with winshield wipers? lol haha... Will post shortly!
Really? And here I was thinking you was a warmonger by nature…Originally posted by Peter Ebbesen
...The beginning situation is quite peaceful since I decided not to play warmongering* ...
* Its true, I tell you. Otherwise Russia would have been a vassal by now.
Anyway, excellent updates, as always, Peter Ebbesen.
And I’m looking forward to your reign, KingCharlesXII…wrong name and all
Copenhagen, Denmark January 22, 1766
Incessant rains and ice pelted the slick cobblestoned streets of the Copenhagen docks as a cold wind howled and gusted with ferocity. The ships berthed in the harbor swayed varaciously in the rough swells of the unforgiving Baltic waters; masts creaked, sails fluttered- some rendered undone and dock lines began to rip. The city as a whole was in a state of grieving over the death of the late king, lest now be slammed by a tempestuous maelstrom.
For it was twilight, though not a ray of Sun peaked through the blackened sky. Church bells rang out in alarm as people took refuge in thier homes and locked their doors. Not an innocent soul roamed the gloomy, wet streets and even the guards smartly remained in their barracks.
A lone horse-drawn carriage trotted up the road in the midst of the harsh weather. Within it was the new minister of the navy, Admiral Jan Heinrich and Parliament member Herr Muller, of Holstien. The two were enroute to see newly appointed Minister Johan Bernstoff, who was to serve as "regent" for the new King Christian VII.
As the carriage bounced from side to side and the chill invested the interior the two began to converse after much silence:
"What is the present condition of the fleet, Herr Admiral?", asked Muller, who's ministry role, aside of being a politician was to adminster finances to the military. And the admiral, who's dark solemn eyes glared a deep look back replied "It is fair, Sir that is, for acting as a detterant force. For it is of my opinion, that the navy is of second importance to the army and because of such we lack the necessities that denote a powerful fleet."
*Herr Muller sits back in his seat, nods and then sighs*...The admiral continued: "It is a serious problem, Sir an impending disaster! *the admiral clinched his fists* We need increased finances. We need to restructure our entire navy, build new warships and pay our sailors a descent wage to improve both morale and incentive. Take a look, Herr Muller out your window and see the fleet rot!" *the admiral pauses and catching his breath*
"I can see your frustrations, Herr admiral", replied Muller "and I will bring your case in front of Minister Bernstoff, if not the king."
..."take note"...he continues..."I have much work to do, Sir. The army, as strong as it is lacks field atrillery. Rebellion in England is sure to drain the treasury in the coming days and well equipped troops will be needed to suppress the insurgents. As of now there is no maritime threat to our national security, but I do see the need to ensure the peace and protect our numerous overseas possessions. I ask you to propose a plan, Herr admiral and submit to me, personally. For I will indeed do what I can, you know that."
And the aging admiral, stalwart and wise turned to his colleague and optomistically replied, "I have great faith in the new king, but not Bernstoff. His Majesty, I know is not as mentally challenged as his late father's enemies lead us to believe. And best of all, he loves the sea. I have heard this many times over. Therefore, I believe he understands the necessity for a strong and imposing navy."....
And as the carriage approached the gatehouse of the state ministry, deep in the city the admiral and Herr Muller ceased conversing. A long night of debate would ensue as the royal cabinet would meet for the first time since the ascension of the new King and discuss the future of the greatest kingdom in Europe.
Incessant rains and ice pelted the slick cobblestoned streets of the Copenhagen docks as a cold wind howled and gusted with ferocity. The ships berthed in the harbor swayed varaciously in the rough swells of the unforgiving Baltic waters; masts creaked, sails fluttered- some rendered undone and dock lines began to rip. The city as a whole was in a state of grieving over the death of the late king, lest now be slammed by a tempestuous maelstrom.
For it was twilight, though not a ray of Sun peaked through the blackened sky. Church bells rang out in alarm as people took refuge in thier homes and locked their doors. Not an innocent soul roamed the gloomy, wet streets and even the guards smartly remained in their barracks.
A lone horse-drawn carriage trotted up the road in the midst of the harsh weather. Within it was the new minister of the navy, Admiral Jan Heinrich and Parliament member Herr Muller, of Holstien. The two were enroute to see newly appointed Minister Johan Bernstoff, who was to serve as "regent" for the new King Christian VII.
As the carriage bounced from side to side and the chill invested the interior the two began to converse after much silence:
"What is the present condition of the fleet, Herr Admiral?", asked Muller, who's ministry role, aside of being a politician was to adminster finances to the military. And the admiral, who's dark solemn eyes glared a deep look back replied "It is fair, Sir that is, for acting as a detterant force. For it is of my opinion, that the navy is of second importance to the army and because of such we lack the necessities that denote a powerful fleet."
*Herr Muller sits back in his seat, nods and then sighs*...The admiral continued: "It is a serious problem, Sir an impending disaster! *the admiral clinched his fists* We need increased finances. We need to restructure our entire navy, build new warships and pay our sailors a descent wage to improve both morale and incentive. Take a look, Herr Muller out your window and see the fleet rot!" *the admiral pauses and catching his breath*
"I can see your frustrations, Herr admiral", replied Muller "and I will bring your case in front of Minister Bernstoff, if not the king."
..."take note"...he continues..."I have much work to do, Sir. The army, as strong as it is lacks field atrillery. Rebellion in England is sure to drain the treasury in the coming days and well equipped troops will be needed to suppress the insurgents. As of now there is no maritime threat to our national security, but I do see the need to ensure the peace and protect our numerous overseas possessions. I ask you to propose a plan, Herr admiral and submit to me, personally. For I will indeed do what I can, you know that."
And the aging admiral, stalwart and wise turned to his colleague and optomistically replied, "I have great faith in the new king, but not Bernstoff. His Majesty, I know is not as mentally challenged as his late father's enemies lead us to believe. And best of all, he loves the sea. I have heard this many times over. Therefore, I believe he understands the necessity for a strong and imposing navy."....
And as the carriage approached the gatehouse of the state ministry, deep in the city the admiral and Herr Muller ceased conversing. A long night of debate would ensue as the royal cabinet would meet for the first time since the ascension of the new King and discuss the future of the greatest kingdom in Europe.
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Excellent beginning! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this fairly lengthy reign so close to the end.
This was a most excellent beginning
I can just imagine the dark Sky and cold weather!
very good descripton!
I can just imagine the dark Sky and cold weather!
very good descripton!
Thanks everyone!
Royal Convention, Copenhagen, night of January 22, 1766
"All come to order, pls Sirs, order here in the hall!", shouted the foreign minister as he slammed his fist down onto the head table. For it was on this stormy night that the very first Danish Royal Convention would take place. Ministers, generals, admirals, administrators of all government offices, including representatives of the tributary vassal states and conquered territories were in attendance. The conventional hall, which normally served as an orchestra house was rich in beauty and slendor. Rows upon rows of cedar wood chairs filled its interior, red carpeted floor and crystal chandeliers suspended from a grand rotunda ceiling. From them thousands of brilliantly lit candles illuminated the hall while its beautifully crafted oak wood stage served as a "court" for the upper nobility and the more important administrators of state.
Bewigged gentlemen resplendant in their luxurious garments sat in their chairs and grew silent as the foreign minister called the meeting to order. The guards in attendance, all army officers clad in brilliant red and white uniforms with plummed tricorn hats and gold braid lined the walls and doors. All was silent...
"Gentlemen", called out the foreign minister "I now call this first royal convention of the Kingdom of Denmark to order!" He paused briefly, sighed then continued..."We will first here Prime Minister Bernstoff as he addresses you all on His Majesty's behalf on the state of our glorious nation. ...Minister Bernstoff, Sir." An applaud rang out from those gathered as the newly appointed regent appraoched the podium as the foreign minister sat down.
"My Lords, Gentlemen, distinguished guests, it is my priveledge and my honor to welcome you here tonight. I will not bore you with a lengthy address, but instead will quickly summarize the state of our kingdom, and our glorious empire." The minister stood firm in front of the delegation, for he was dressed in a fancy white suit with silver trimmed cuffs and lapels, white breeches and shoes. His powered wig was as white as a cloud and his pig-tails reached all the way down his back. He optomistically began to speak:
"The economy is in excellent shape, with 0% inflantion as our financial summary is heavily favored towards researching land technology and improving our infasctructure. Our industry is strong and is outproducing most of Europe as a whole. We have an endless flow of raw materials from home, and from America which we are constantly using to produce goods. Food, sugar, spices and coffee are in great supply as we begin to refine those natural resources as our colonies grow in the West Indies."
The minister pauses...then continues: "Our military is very strong, large and well trained and experienced. We have reached the maximum quality of what can be expected from good soldiers. I do believe, however that is does indeed to be completely restructured. Field and siege artillery are seriously lacking, for we lost much of it in our past war with England. Land technology must increase if we intend to go on the offensive in response to any aggression in the near future. I propose the following: Our army, infantry, cavalry and artillery be at a peace time number not to exceed 250,000 men and not less than 1,000 pieces of artillery. We will ofcourse have a large reserve in the event of conflict that be called up within a short period of time, including mercenaries which are always available for hire. And most importantly, the army will be divided into four seperate military districts; that of 1. Denmark and central Germany 2. England and Ireland. 3. North America and 4. Central America and the West Indies. All outlying commands such as that in South Africa or in the South Pacific will fall under the jurisdiction of the 1st district.
All of the diplomats, nobility and gentlemen in the audience looked at the minister with confidence and approval. All began to applaud once more as he paused, then again continued..."On our navy, this is a much different affair. I was distressed to learn from our financial minister, Herr Muller that our fleet is in badly need of repair and upgrade. My friends, I believe that if we are to remain as a world power we need to retain a powerful fleet to defend our interests. Without such our overseas possessions will lay open to attack and our inability to defend them will prove our imminent downfall. therefore, the navy too will be restructured into the same 4 before mentioned districts to be governed by the royal viceroys and a naval staff. At present our navy consists of 74 warships, 10 galleys and 35 transports, a descent number but far from being an offensive force. And even so, most of our ships I am told are in need of repair and replacement crews. I propose that we increase this number to 150 warships, 300 galleys for our home Baltic fleet and 75 transports. This number will put us in a unique position to wage maritime combat against nearly any combined forces enemy both offensively and defensively. I will indeed speak to the navy on this later on..."
After nearly an hour the prime minister had concluded, the foreign minister spoke a bit, mainly on the sporadic revolts in England and on continental diplomacy. The delegation would go on into the late hours of night and well into the early hours of the morning before an officer appeared wearily on stage and delivered a message to minister Bernstoff. The minister then took the dispatch, opened it read it and then addressed the crowd. "Gentlemen, I have recieved word that His Majesty wishes to converse with me at once at the palace, for I must take my leave of you now." With this the audience applauded as he made his way off through the doors and the convention came to an abrupt end. The delegation would continue the next afternoon.
Royal Convention, Copenhagen, night of January 22, 1766
"All come to order, pls Sirs, order here in the hall!", shouted the foreign minister as he slammed his fist down onto the head table. For it was on this stormy night that the very first Danish Royal Convention would take place. Ministers, generals, admirals, administrators of all government offices, including representatives of the tributary vassal states and conquered territories were in attendance. The conventional hall, which normally served as an orchestra house was rich in beauty and slendor. Rows upon rows of cedar wood chairs filled its interior, red carpeted floor and crystal chandeliers suspended from a grand rotunda ceiling. From them thousands of brilliantly lit candles illuminated the hall while its beautifully crafted oak wood stage served as a "court" for the upper nobility and the more important administrators of state.
Bewigged gentlemen resplendant in their luxurious garments sat in their chairs and grew silent as the foreign minister called the meeting to order. The guards in attendance, all army officers clad in brilliant red and white uniforms with plummed tricorn hats and gold braid lined the walls and doors. All was silent...
"Gentlemen", called out the foreign minister "I now call this first royal convention of the Kingdom of Denmark to order!" He paused briefly, sighed then continued..."We will first here Prime Minister Bernstoff as he addresses you all on His Majesty's behalf on the state of our glorious nation. ...Minister Bernstoff, Sir." An applaud rang out from those gathered as the newly appointed regent appraoched the podium as the foreign minister sat down.
"My Lords, Gentlemen, distinguished guests, it is my priveledge and my honor to welcome you here tonight. I will not bore you with a lengthy address, but instead will quickly summarize the state of our kingdom, and our glorious empire." The minister stood firm in front of the delegation, for he was dressed in a fancy white suit with silver trimmed cuffs and lapels, white breeches and shoes. His powered wig was as white as a cloud and his pig-tails reached all the way down his back. He optomistically began to speak:
"The economy is in excellent shape, with 0% inflantion as our financial summary is heavily favored towards researching land technology and improving our infasctructure. Our industry is strong and is outproducing most of Europe as a whole. We have an endless flow of raw materials from home, and from America which we are constantly using to produce goods. Food, sugar, spices and coffee are in great supply as we begin to refine those natural resources as our colonies grow in the West Indies."
The minister pauses...then continues: "Our military is very strong, large and well trained and experienced. We have reached the maximum quality of what can be expected from good soldiers. I do believe, however that is does indeed to be completely restructured. Field and siege artillery are seriously lacking, for we lost much of it in our past war with England. Land technology must increase if we intend to go on the offensive in response to any aggression in the near future. I propose the following: Our army, infantry, cavalry and artillery be at a peace time number not to exceed 250,000 men and not less than 1,000 pieces of artillery. We will ofcourse have a large reserve in the event of conflict that be called up within a short period of time, including mercenaries which are always available for hire. And most importantly, the army will be divided into four seperate military districts; that of 1. Denmark and central Germany 2. England and Ireland. 3. North America and 4. Central America and the West Indies. All outlying commands such as that in South Africa or in the South Pacific will fall under the jurisdiction of the 1st district.
All of the diplomats, nobility and gentlemen in the audience looked at the minister with confidence and approval. All began to applaud once more as he paused, then again continued..."On our navy, this is a much different affair. I was distressed to learn from our financial minister, Herr Muller that our fleet is in badly need of repair and upgrade. My friends, I believe that if we are to remain as a world power we need to retain a powerful fleet to defend our interests. Without such our overseas possessions will lay open to attack and our inability to defend them will prove our imminent downfall. therefore, the navy too will be restructured into the same 4 before mentioned districts to be governed by the royal viceroys and a naval staff. At present our navy consists of 74 warships, 10 galleys and 35 transports, a descent number but far from being an offensive force. And even so, most of our ships I am told are in need of repair and replacement crews. I propose that we increase this number to 150 warships, 300 galleys for our home Baltic fleet and 75 transports. This number will put us in a unique position to wage maritime combat against nearly any combined forces enemy both offensively and defensively. I will indeed speak to the navy on this later on..."
After nearly an hour the prime minister had concluded, the foreign minister spoke a bit, mainly on the sporadic revolts in England and on continental diplomacy. The delegation would go on into the late hours of night and well into the early hours of the morning before an officer appeared wearily on stage and delivered a message to minister Bernstoff. The minister then took the dispatch, opened it read it and then addressed the crowd. "Gentlemen, I have recieved word that His Majesty wishes to converse with me at once at the palace, for I must take my leave of you now." With this the audience applauded as he made his way off through the doors and the convention came to an abrupt end. The delegation would continue the next afternoon.
Superb! This is a wonderful "state of the nation" address and I'm most curous as to what you have in mind for the hordes of ships and military types you are commissioning.
Looking forward to "tomorrow afternoon's" delegation.
Looking forward to "tomorrow afternoon's" delegation.
Overheard whispered from the front rows: "Frederik V never did believe in wasting money on artillery, when a wall of bodies could serve the same purpose."
Cries of distress from a vocal minority: "Surely you mean: no less than 250,000 men rather than not to exceed. We must replenish the soldiers lost against France."
Hear! Hear!
"Think His Majesty has sobered up yet?"
"Not bloody likely. It is only noon. Bernstorff is likely in for a treat."
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Great beginning. But why only 250,000 men during peacetime?