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As of 1573 king Vasily III was in the middle of the raiding of Sibir. By now he was in his middle years and had earned himself the title the great war king of Russia. Mayby not as much of an acheivement as he himself founded Russia, but non the less... The Sibirian troops soon surrendered and Vasily could easily claim more than half of the Sibirian provinces. On his way home to Moscow he thought to himself that he would let the armies recuperate while he spent some time with his family, but he had hardly gotten past the door step before the news that Poland and Lithuania had declared war on Sweden where his third cousin still reigned. Naturally he too declared war on Sweden. His cousin might've become a bit upset, but war is war, and hadn't his forefather envisioned that the Rurikovich family would rule a Great Russia with ports on the Baltic Sea!? Unfortunately Vasily III died of an upset stomach after pea soup meal soon after the first troops sat foot on Swedish soil. If the arsenide in the soup was the work of Swedish infiltrators or his own family was never revealed but one can speculate.

This left the hastily crowned king Vasily IV with a war he had no interest in - he himself was a scholar - and the war took a turn for the worse as he realised that the swedes had caught up to the earlier tachnologically superior Russia and that the foolish englishmen had let themselves be fooled into an alliance with them. Just as his father, he was a man that finished what he started though - even if he didn't start it himself - and though the war dragged on for almost five years he kept the Russian army going with the money he had initially saved up for a new manufacory. After secret consultations with the not so great britain a deal was brokered for future help with Denmark, and Vasily left the conflict with all Swedens provinces associated with the Novgorod tradenode and returned to his scholarly occupations in Moscow.

Vasily soon realised that Russia would fall helplessly behind the courts of Europe technologically if nothing was done to rationalize Russias scientific departments. He therefore spent the rest of his life preparing his country for what he himself called westernization. His life proved not to be so long though, as he died of a heartattack way before his time and, as his father before him, left his heir with an unfinished project. King pavel however was not so scolarly inclined as his father and seized the opportunity to vassalize the tiny neighbour the Livonian order. As a Rurikovich he felt the responsibility to finish what his father started and the westernisation project will soon be a fact!

Session: 1573
Land: Russia
AAR bonus: Administrative power
On-Time bonus: Administrative power

*** OBS ***

Jag insåg just att jag inte kommer hem från London förrns niotiden på måndag, så jag kommer inte kunna spela... Tror att alla jag känner som spelar EU4 redan är med här, men om nån bara startar westernisation-processen och höjer stabiliteten åt mig så borde det inte vara så illa att ghosta en session.

*** OBS ***
 
Polands great desire for peace and stability made the Polish people turn inward to impove their culture and technology. Because of the great Polish turmoils of the early 15:th century, where rebellion after rebellion had to be squashed with Polish military power, ther Polish army has lagged behind in technbology compared to its neighbors. Improving the Military technology has therefore been the primary focus.

Besides teching, Poland easily recovered Krakow from their former masters Hungary after Krakow broke free on their own. Also, the lithuanians discovered themseves without a King, and therefore saw fit to raised the Polish King Per to their throne and uniting the two nations and creating the commonwealth. This has boosed manpower considerably but thenology is the ever poresent goal of the Polish King and thus pease must endure.

Session: 1573
Land: Commonwealth
AAR bonus: Military power +++
On-Time bonus: Military power +++
 
As the first half of the 16th century was about to end and the second half was about to begin an amazing opportunity revealed itself for the king of France, the king of Bohemia and the tyrant of Prague decleared war on Austria. The French king at once started to mobilize the french armies in order to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. War was decleared and french armies started the invasion of Bohemias western lands.

At first the war went precisly as the french king and his generals had planned and soon several of the Bohemian provinces in the west were occupied by french soldiers. But suddenly the main army of Bohemia, after having defeated the Austrian armies, arrived at the western front and soon the french armies was in full retreat towards France. The Bohemian forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned had managed to defeat the mighty french armies.

The war with Bohemia then developed into a long war of attrition, but after several years, the french king was finally able to sign a peace treaty with Bohemia and two provinces was given to the french king as compensation for the suffering the Bohemian armies had caused the french people.

The french king was then finally able to turn his eyes away from Europe again, colonists were sent to Africa and several new provinces there was incorporated in the expanding French Empire.

In the end of the 1560s the french king also sent an expedition force to the island of Ceylon, and soon the french king was also king of a small part of India.

In the year 1573, several ways of expansion has opened to the french king; in Europe several provinces that should be french are still in the hand of Bohemia and in India several weak countries exist, where are the french king going to strike next?

Session: 1573
Spelare: Johan
Nation: Frankrike
AAR bonus: Military Power
On-Time bonus: Military Power
 
AAR 5 Portugal: New World vs Old World
The year of our lord 1548

Filipe I de avis made it clear after the coronation that Portuguese decisions were going to be made from the new world from now on and that the old aristocracy would have no further influence in domestic nor foreing policy.

Plans were made for moving all the governmental documents and institutions to the new world.

However shortly after in the the autumn of 1549 Filipe was lost during a so called "storm" during on of his expeditions. Only the captain of the ship survived and since the heir to the Portuguese throne Filipes son: Joáo II de avis was only two years old a regency council was formed with some of the foremost nobles in Lisboa.

What might have seemed somewhat strange was that the Captain of Filipes ship: Joaquim de Bragança also took a place in the council.

The council formed a new law within a few years that stated the following.
It would not be legal to move institutions or governmental documents, relocate the capital of the Portuguese Empire unless it could be stated it was a matter of survival.
Meaning unless only Lisboa itself remained in Portuguese hands the capital could not legally be relocated.

It was clear this was a way hindering any more plans of abandoning the aristocracy and set up a new place of power.

The following years were peaceful from Portuguese point of view. The annexation of the pagan Incan kingdom was completed in the year 1559.

Late december 1561 the coronation of Joáo II de avis took place in the cathedral in Lisboa.

King Joáo II was not the most diplomatic King in Portuguese history but in the martial and administrative arts he showed great promise.
His fathers old guard quickly took place in leading positions and a war was declared in northern africa against the Moroccans and their allies the Algerians.

King Joáo II proved himself and his military genius by quicky subduing the north african alliance, and saw a few more provinces added to the portuguese empire. Most of the provinces was sold of to the vassal Fez.
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King Joáo II made a deal with the old family friends the Trastámara's of Castille.
The deal involved the Castillian province of Galicia who came under Portuguese control.

Galicia had always been half independent and was released as a vassal.
The aristocracy did not enjoy that King Joáo II claimed the northafrican war was so expensive that money was needed and started selling of the Portuguese most northern provinces to this new vassalstate. Province after province of the old Portuguese heartland was sold off untill only Lisboa itself remained under direct Portuguese control.
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Before the old aristocracy could prevent it, King Joáo II had signed the papers that would have made his father proud. Lisboa was no longer the Capital.
The nobles were furious and accused King Joáo II and is council for bypassing the law by dubious means. Two of the more influential nobles and captain Joaquim de Bragança was executed for high treason.

Duke Ramiro Osorio of Galicia close friend to King Filipe held up his end of the bargain and the Galician land started beeing incorporated in the Portuguese empire again.

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On time bonus: Admin power
AAR bonus: Admin power
Session: 1573
 
Viva España!

In 1548, king Enrique had just returned home to Toledo when news came from his diplomats in the east. They assured him that Hungary had left the coalition against Castile led by Catalonia, and that the Hungarian king would not intervene if Valencia was captured. He quickly sent word to general Cornando who spared no time and crossed the border the next day. The northern Italian states joined the war and soon the battlefield had shifted to Italy where the Castilian forces won several important victories. Despite the reassurance from his diplomats Hungary had joined the conflict on behalf of Milan so Enrique was much enraged and had several of the diplomats executed. When Valencia fell however the ruler wisely chose to become a Castilian vassal so the war effort had not been in vain. When peace had been signed Enrique could finally proclaim the great country of España founded by joining the ruling house of former Catalonia to his.

The much postponed liberation of Africa could now be commenced and by decree of Pope Alexander a holy crusade was declared against the African savages in Mali. The Spanish conquistadors had no problem with the spear wielding savages and soon large areas could be secured for the Spanish crown. The English colonists tried to halt the Spanish crusade by cutting the savages land in half but Enrique sent several armies down through the desert and made short work of the pagans in the inland. An agreement was made with the English, that they would sell the province of Azawad for 150 ducats to maintain the christian peace in Africa.

In the west the colonization went ahead and some provinces were exchange with Portugal, but the main focus was in Africa where Enrique felt he was obliged to enlighten the pagans and spread Christianity. He was not to see all of it accomplished however as he died in 1570 after 55 years on the throne. His son Felipe I will continue his fathers work though.


Session: 1573
Land: Spain
AAR bonus: Administrative power
On-Time bonus: Administrative power
 
As the first half of the 16th century came to a close, the Blue, white and red of the British Union Jack was a sight that could be beholden From the icy ridges of Greenland to the cape of Africa. The King was far from pleased however. The endeavours in Western Africa, while successful, not been the Crown jewel of the empire as had been hoped. As such it was decided that the English navy was to reach beyond the vast continent to the south, and go futher east than any civilized country had yet dared. For a base of operations for this undertaking, the large island just east of the french holds in Africa was commandeered. Goods from the mythical indian peninsula had reached the kingdom for some years, and it was decided that a proper expedition for the fabled land would be launched. Soon enough its shores where in sight, and a swift demonstration of british military prowess netted Britain a good stripe of coast where centers of trade would be established. The exotic goods available in these lands where a great boost for British traders, who are now the envy of the world.

In local news, it had become time to remove the Danish influence of the north atlantic. The Shetlands and Island where to be fully under British rule. The Danes however, had similar ambitions, and so when a great portion of the British fleet was occupied Exploring worlds unknown, the Brutish Scandinavians saw their chance. Bitterly they would regret this decision, for as soon as the royal navy made it what to the brittish isles, it made short work of the Danish so called fleet, and soon the targeted islands where freed from the grips of the barbarians.

The Brittish monarch is pleased with the current state of the worlds, and all he has to do is to choose what is a more pressing issue. To further explore the east and tame the wilderness for the good of all mankind, or to further demolish the Danish that threaten the continent below. Time will tell, but rest assured his judgement is wise.

Session: 1573
Spelare: Hannes
Nation: Rule Britannia!
AAR bonus: Diplomatic Power
On-Time bonus: Diplomatic Power
 
I'll show you Swiss neutrality!

The year of 1548 began with some smooth diplomatic moves by then Holy Roman Emperor Franz II: First he accepted a minor loss of prestige and made peace with Hungary, then he maneuvered Naples into signing a peace treaty. Milan and their only remaining ally Bavaria now realized how weak they were and accepted a peace which involved the liberation of Brescia into the Austrian community. He then, just as cunningly, gave the electorate that Tier had lost by being occupied by Aachen to Holstein with whom relations had been quickly improved, thereby securing the claim tho the throne. And that proved to be a good move since the Emperor, now an old man at 62, passed away only six months later.

The new Emperor, Franz III Stefan, soon proved himself worthy by driving back Switzerland when they tried to "reclaim" Konstanz, which as part of Wurttemberg had by now gladly joined their lands to Austria. It didn't take long however before the the Swiss crossed the line one time to many: when Bohemia a short time later declared war in the hardly surprising Bohemian Conquest of Niederbayern the red flag with the white cross immediately joined their banners. The Emperor enlisted the help of the french king in order to keep the famed Bohemian generals occupied and soon had all of Switzerland occupied, making sure they would cause no further trouble by vassalizing them. The war with Bohemia then turned into a drawn out conflict, those generals were admittedly brilliant... But eventually they were defeated and Austria took the chance to realize their claim on Böhmenwald. The only drawback was that the French felt they needed to be compensated and took some HRE provinces for themselves (from Bohemia, but still!).

After a period of peace Franz implemented the next set of reforms in the HRE and started looking for ways to further improve his standing in order to enable future reforming. The next obvious step was to liberate Tier from Aachen, which turned into the quickly finished 6th Holy Roman Intervention. Tier, while very grateful, did however not manage to remain free for long as they were occupied by Cleves a short time later. The Emperor wasn't one to pass on such an opportunity and initiated the 7th Holy Roman Intervention. The only problem was that Cleves were allied to France, risking a much wider conflict. He quickly reassured the King of France that this was only a minor intra-HRE affair, not worth a costly war with mighty Austria, and that it would be over as soon as Tier was liberated.

It might be that the French can be persuaded to look to worthier targets - the Emperors diplomats have reported increasing insults and aggressiveness from Bohemia. If it's one thing one can be sure of it's that Bohemia could always use a reminder of where power in the Empire truly lies...

Session: 1573
Spelare: Erik
Nation: Austria
AAR bonus: Administrative power
On-Time bonus: Administrative power (Insåg just att jag nog inte gjorde mig förtjänt av denna :))
 
AAR 6 Portugal A plea for help?
The year of our lord 1573


King Joáo II ruled for several decades and saw Duke Ramiro Osorio of Galicia live up to his end of the deal and Galicia was once again incorporated into the Portuguese empire.

And while the incorporation was still under way, he funded further explorations further west from his new homeland "America".
The explorers themselves almost gave up hope of finding new lands, but eventually they stumbled onto a small island group they named Hawaii.

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The natives were very hostile, but troops where transported and a colony was eventually founded to support further explorations to the west.


After Hawaii there was several small groups of islands.
Eventually larger landmasses was reached, they were named Indonesia and Australia. Larger colonies were established in Papua and Rabaul.

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Larger less primitive tribes and states were discovered around the islands of Indonesia.
King Joáo II decided it was once again time to prove his military genius, and declare to these new states the superiority of the Portuguese people.
War was declared at one of the largest states in the area. The sultanate of Aceh.

although few the Portuguese forces proved superior and beat back the sultans troops. The war was short and bloody. And in the end a Portuguese foothold was established.

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Explorers returned with news of a unified Island, with a warlike society to the north (Japan), and closer by english and french colonies had been established.

King Joáo II the wise was disturbed by the news of the european powers in the area. Colonisation was speeded up. Border colonies with the english in Australia was quickly established.

War was declared at the Japanese empire and King Joáo II took charge of the invasion and encountered several difficult battles resulting in huge losses for both sides.

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After reinforcements from the mainland and further battles the empire of Japan was proclaimed a Portuguese Protectorate.


King Joáo II got continous reports of trouble in the english colonies, both in north america and in the australian westcoast. Their Northamerican colonial state took the name of "Inte Portugal"
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And the australian westcoast colony named themselves "South not Portugal"
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Was it all a plea for help from the english settlers?
Were they supressed by the english King?
These were all questions that needed to be answered, but now was not the time.

One of King Joáo II last commands was to invade the One province minor of Makassar. Small but rich the King decided it would serve as a good base for Portuguese Indonesia.


As a true warrior.
King Joáo II led the invasion and died in the following battle at the year of our lord 1603.
His gifted son Duarte II de Avis, immediatly took charge of the battle and won the day. Makassar was annexed.
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And Duarte set sail back towards america to be crowned "King Duarte II de Avis".


On time bonus: Admin power
AAR bonus: Admin power
Session: 1604
 
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Liberation of Africa

King Felipe I was faced with a serious setback only four years into his reign. Vessels from the colonies in South America that used to anchor in Sevilla unloading great treasures and luxurious trade goods now arrived carrying new banners. The colonial diplomats proclaimed that they would no longer pay taxes to the King of Spain and that they would lead their own countries. The King saw his fathers work in the west slowly fade away so he devoted all his time and diplomatic skills into convincing them to stay loyal to the crown. After several years of negotiations the colonial states of Brazil, Guayanas and La Plata agreed to let the Spanish monarch appoint there leaders in return for further colonial aid in the remaining wilderness. It was a great victory for the King but it is said it took most of his spirit out of him and he abdicated in favor of his cousin in 1582. Felipe II only reigned for four years however as he died of malaria during a trip to Africa to oversee the ongoing expansion around Lake Tchad. His younger brother Luis who had been trained to become a general himself took the throne and was crowned Luis I in 1586.

Luis saw clearly the same way his grandfather had, that the African savages had to be converted to Christianity by the sword. He continued the Holy war proclaimed by Pope Alexander and soon Mali had been conquered and incorporated into the Spanish empire. He then sent the Inquisitors to Spanish West Africa to clean up the pagans and make them good christian followers. His armies ensured the peace and several rebellions had to be crushed before all had either seen reason or been sent to their deaths. When the populace had calmed down King Luis looked farther east and saw that on the eastern coast of Africa pagans still worshiped their wretched gods. He commissioned a new transport fleet and then several of his armies were sent east from St. Helena, rounding the Cape of good hope and going north to Zanzibar. The experienced Spanish colonial troops had no problems with the natives and soon most of the Kilwa nation was conquered. The king did not want to take any chances however and reinforcements were sent down from Sevilla around the enitre African continent. They arrived in time to secure the inland provinces and soon peace could be demanded. The King got word that big riches in gold could be found in the inland so he made sure to secure land around these regions in the peace that followed.



Session: 1604
Land: Spain
AAR bonus: Diplomatic power
On-Time bonus: Diplomatic power
 
The last decades of the 16th century was a time of war in the french empire. In 1573 France was at war with the holy roman emperor, who had attacked one of teh french allies in Germany. The french king however didn't want to fight a great war against Austria, since at the moment France didn't had much to gain in such a war . A deal was quickly made with the emperor, the province of Trier was let free to govern itself and peace was decleared.

Some years later a plea for help from the emperor reach the french king: the king of Bohemia or the tyrant of Prague and Austria was at war and the armies of Bohemia had in short time crushed the austrian armies and was now laying siege to several austrian provinces. The french king quickly realized that he now had a great opportunity to conquer several Bohemian provinces in the west. The french armies was soon mobilized and the king himself took command of one of the french armies that invaded the low countries.

In responce to this new threat the king of Bohemia dispatched a great part of his armies in a counterattack but in a series of great battles the french armies was able to completly crush the bohemian forces and send them in full retreat toward Prague. Soon all bohemian lands in western Germany was occupied by french forces and the french king sent some of his forces to liberate some of the by bohemia occupied austrian land. In only a couple of years the French armies had won a complete victory over Bohemia and a peace treaty was about to be signed then news from Austria reached the french king.

The emperor in Austria was still at war with Bohemia and in that war Bohemia still had the upper hand, because of this the french king decided to stall the peace negotiations with Bohemia to give the Emperor enough time to gain the initiative in his war with Bohemia. Soon however the people in France became tired of fighting a war that was already won and demanded that the king signed the peace treaty with Bohemia. Eventually the king got tired of the peoples constant nagging and signed the peace treaty with Bohemia. In the treaty it was decided that several provinces was handed to the king of France for all eternity and the country of Flanders was liberated.

The french king, now content with the situation in Europe now changed focus to the french provinces in Africa and Asia, and several new colonies were founded.

Session: 1604
Spelare: Johan
Nation: Frankrike
AAR bonus: Military Power
On-Time bonus: Military Power
 
Three wars - The time of strife​
It was supposed to be a time of peace. But the King, not content with sitting idly by whilst the greater powers hacked away at the greater world, decided that Europe were the best arena for growth.

First: War of dominance
Whilst the Austrians were embedded in long tiring wars, decision was made to invade Pommern who were allied with Sweden. The rebuildt Polish navy was ready to fight it out in the baltic sea and the swedish and Pommerainian navies were swept away. This locked the swedish forces in Sweden, leaving Estonia and Finsland open for invasion. When lone Pommerania had been conquered, the Polish forces swept through Russia and into Finnlad. Victory was swift and Pommerania annexed into the Commonwealth.

Second: War of revenge​
To the south lay Hungary, who previouslöy had won several wars agains Poland. Now was time for revenge. The whole of northern Hungary was the goal. But they were allied to several Itailan States. The first battles were easily won and Northern Huyngary was siezed. But to gain warscore the war hand to continue. This was when the Italians came in to battle. After clever manouvering the Italian/Hungarian forces were utterly destroyed inside the Polish heartland, and Polish forces could continue to besige the Hungarian Cities. Believeing that two crushing victories was enough the Polish army was then spread thin across hungary. But a third army was mustered by the Italians and it prooved strongest still. Long battles ensued after which the Polish King felt it best to settle for Moldavia which Poland had previously lost. All in all a distaster of manpower for a single province.

Third: War of the mercenaries​
Now was the time to settle in and evolve the Kingddom and the new territories. Construction and trade was the focus for many years, untill Brandenburg and Denmark descided to enough was enough. Manpower was short and the Polish navy locked in harbor by the Danish. But mercenaries were aplenty. Raising armies was quick and Brandenburg and Danish holds in the northern Holy Roman Empire were conquered. This However might have been a case of classical overextension as the Commonwealth now winds itself into the heartland of nothern Germany. Who knows how that will end. What is certain though is that the Pommerainian provinces are now considered cultural and core Polish provinces.

Session: 1604
Spelare: Per
Nation: Commonwealth
AAR bonus: Military Power
On-Time bonus: Military Power
 
Obsessed with Bohemia - who, me!?
(or Hello, my name is Franz)

The 7th Holy Roman Intervention turned out to be a short affair that ended with Tier liberated, just as the Holy Roman Emperor Franz III Stefan had promised the French king. Some claim that the Emperor even abstained from obtaining further Clovian provinces, which he easily could have done, just to sooth the french nerves.

The heir had proven himself a fairly decent military leader and had no problems in claiming the throne as Maximilian I when Franz died in late 1574. He did however not turn out to be a very competent ruler and the mourning was short lived when he died after slightly more than three years of rule. The next Emperor Franz IV (Austrian of course) had a little more skill and set about to do something about Bohemia. An opportunity soon arose when Bohemia occupied Liege and he immediately ensured that the armies were large and well equipped and started talks with the French king about perhaps forming an alliance. Such was his focus that when the Commonwealth invaded the north eastern provinces of the Empire he dismissed the threat - Bohemia was going to pay once and for all!

The 8th Holy Roman Intervention began well but quickly took a turn for the worse when the Bohemian armies threw their full strength and best generals (¤%&#" generals!) into the fray. The french support failed to materialize, due to "ehh, some problems overseas. Or something...." and after some time quite a few of the Austrian provinces were occupied by the Bohemian aggressors. The remains of the Austrian army (by now mostly consisting of hired professionals) did their best to avoid the enemy and pick their fights. Franz was adamant: there would be no surrender involving loss of Austrian lands to Bohemia!

Then, finally, the french arrived after having finished what they had been occupied with (or after the brave Austrian troops had managed to wear the Bohemians down enough...). They successfully drove the enemy back and even helped the rapidly recovering Austrians to liberate some of the provinces. Then they sued for peace with Bohemia, taking a good sized chunk of the eastern Empire in the process.

Franz IV, now back on equal footing with the Bohemians, took the battle to the Bohemian territories. While a small part of the army lay siege to the eastern Bohemian provinces the main force had but one mission: to hound Vilém z Pardubic. One of the best generals of this time this man was responsible for much Austrian suffering. Such was his prowess that managed to survive even though defeated to the last man over five times. But the efforts payed of as more and more of Bohemia came under Austrian control.

When Franz IV died on 28 of June 1600 he was succeeded by Franz V Stefan, who felt that 21 years of war was long enough. The peace liberated Liege and left Köln as a permanent part of Austria and, most importantly, a much weakened Bohemia. The hard focus of the previous Emperor did however result in there now being many things in the HRE for Franz to get involved in.


Session: 1604
Spelare: Erik
Nation: Austria
AAR bonus: Military power
On-Time bonus: Military power
 
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The last part of the 16th century saw a Britain primarily focused on cementing it's power over the Indian Ocean. The settlement of the islands within it helped the fleets push further into uncharted territories. The discovery of the great big island far to the southeast sparked something of a rush for colonization as Portugal had decided to put it's grubby paws over what was obviously Great Britain by right. The Settlers of this region, aswell as the brits inhabitating the american continent had seen the state that the Portuguese leaves their settlements in, and so they proudly named their newfounded lands to reflect the pride they took in flying the Union Jack. The Portuguese in turn resorted to petty propaganda, claiming this to be a cry for help. Proud brits all over the empire are currently laughing about this over a pint.

The holdings on the Indian peninsula required some further additions. Soon all the west coast of the land was painted the brittish crimson, and the rest of the country of Vijayanagar was Coerced to serve british trade interests in the name of the Empire.

Trade was in fact the name of the game for all of Britain in this period. Great effort was put in creating the most marvelous trade fleet the world has yet known, and many a capable merchant was recruited.


Session: 1604
Land: Storbritanien
AAR bonus: Diplomatic power
On-Time bonus: Diplomatic power
 
In 1573 the russian king found himself a bit distressed. He was having having terrible nightmares and suffered from strange hallucinations. His brother-in-law from the not so Great Britain convinced him that he suffer from a rare mental disease that could only be cured by the worlds leading psychologist - who lived in London. The king reluctantly agreed and went of to London while his brother-in-law stayed behind to lokk after the matters of state. This meant the start of a long period of decline in the Russian empire: No wars was fought and the colonization in the east ground to a halt, and hence the empire ceased expanding. All the while the british brother-in-law kept reassuring the king in his letters, and the king didn't understand how bad things stood in his empire until he returned there in 1604. The only rays of light was that the bedraggling process of westernisation was over, and that the empire for the first time in history enjoyed religious unity. Before the king now lies the seemingly impossible the task of trying to save his empire from the dreaded last place among the great nations of Europa Universalis.

Session: 1604
Nation: Russia
AAR bonus: Adm Power
 
The beginning of the 17:th century saw the Commonwealth grow technologically from a backward nation to one of the forerunners in military technology. All efforts were spent in technology, trading and construction, creating a wealth and stability and a strong army. Except for a brief war against Austria where the Polish forces won the only battle, but lost a sizeable amount of soldiers the peace that King Per allways sought for his Kingdome had finaly come. Now The commonwealth is ready to face the world with its head high and Troops ready.

Session: 1627
Spelare: Per
Nation: Commonwealth
AAR bonus: Admin power x2
On-Time bonus: Admin power x2
== 200 Administrative power
 
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The backwater Island in the east.


The 17:th century began poorly for the glorious Spanish nation. The King had voyaged to the eastern colonies by ship but unfortunately he was stranded on the beach of some uncultivated Island east of the mainland. The court, thinking that the king was dead, started massive reforms and navy building, sending out ships in all directions and bringing home the colonial troops stationed in Africa. When the king finally was able to make his way to colonized territories he sent out messengers trying to repair the damage done by his so called advisers. Unfortunately his messengers did not always make their way to their destinations and therefore some of his orders were not carried out which greatly delayed all his plans. He was at least finally able to continue the war of liberation in eastern Africa, relying solely on the judgement of his generals there. Unfortunately the king then fell ill and could not continue to sent messengers but luckily the advisers had been set under guard from his trusted military commanders and they continued his work although no further orders were sent out. When the King finally recovered he vowed that some day he would make sure to build a bridge to the infernal island to make it easier to travel home.

Session: 1627
Land: Spain
AAR bonus: Diplomatic power
 
The early 17th Centuary was Business as usual as far as Great Britain was concerned. Main priorities was to increase the control wrought over the world's trade, and to further extend the grip of south east Asia. For anyone who has not realized, this is two ways to say the same thing.

New Settlements where made in the northern end of the large archipelago to the south east of Ming, and speed was of importance in order to keep the lands away from the grubby paws of the sweaty Portuguese and the smelly French. Clusters of small islands where also discovered in the most remote reaches of the world, and shall make for prime settling targets in the years to come.

On the ever so slightly more western front, the hold over the trade in the indian peninsula and it's surrounding region needed to be solidified, and so it was conquering time! First out was the coastal nation of Pegu, which quickly folded under british strength and was coerced to enlist half their merchants in british service. Neighbouring states where quick to sign similar treaties as the red coated armies marched themward (Detta är numera ett ord, jag är britten, så jag bestämmer!)

However, it was the decided that not all power can come in the form of contracted tradesmen, and so the small state of bengal was forced to surrender its lands just to the east of the Ganges Delta. From this position, British men can closely monitor the ever increasing trade activities in this area.



Session: 1627
Spelare: Hannes
Nation: Slightly Less Not So Great Britain
AAR bonus: Diplomatic power
On-Time bonus: Diplomatic power
 
AAR Portugal 7 Cold war: The race
The year of our lord 1604

King Duarte II de Avis, Master of the atlantic and pacific ocean, Lord of Indonesia, King of Portugal and Caribbean, Protector of Japan and Brunei, Emperor of America.
The King saw the beginning of a cold war between the four major powers in southern asia.

France claimed the lands of the Majapahit and french settlers colonized several provinces in the area.

The English had settlers in an even larger numbers.
They settled several provinces on both the most southern continent and several islands, and further north they claimed islands just off the coast to the Ming empire.
Already having made Vijayanagar a protectorate the english King expanded his influence into eastern asia.
And while trying to subdue the might north Indian state of Malwa the fourth major power entered the scene.

The Ottoman empire quickly marched into Malwa and established a border all the way down to the ocean, robbing Persia of any other neighbor.

Although Malwa was in the end an english protectorate.


King Duarte II felt the world was getting smaller, independent states in asia was dwindling, an emissary was sent to the court of the glorious Ming Empire, to proclaim that Portugal would guarantee it´s independence.
Afterwards King Duarte II proclaimed his own crusade against minor powers to the south of Ming. Forcing state after state into protectorates.
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Except the Sultanate of Aceh that was forced to cede several provinces to the Portuguese crown.
Colonization was slowing down since suitable lands for all the western settlers was running out.
Efforts were increased to find new lands to settle all the while both the english and the french were doing the same.


On time bonus: Admin power
AAR bonus: Admin power
Session: 1627
 
For f**ks sake Bohemia!

After having finished the longest war in memory the Holy Roman Emperor Franz V Stefan had a lot to do. He rebuilt the armies, strengthened the economy and did all he could to convince the stubborn princes that further reforms was in the Empires, and therefor theirs, best interest. The first two tasks showed steady progress, helped further by the annexation of the vassals Tier and Aachen, but the diplomatic work turned out to be slow going indeed. While most of the Empire held Austria in high regard (looking at you Bohemia) they were strangely reluctant to do any real productive work.

Once the armies had been restored Franz decided to put them to good use and show that he was a man of action as well as smooth talking. The 9th Holy Roman Intervention targeted the Commonwealth, which had long been unrightfully occupying some of the northeastern provinces. After one or two major battles both sides had suffered some losses and the Polish King wisely decided that the provinces of Ruppin and Potsdam were not that important to him anyway and returned them tho the Emperor.

Having thus strengthened his authority Franz V Stefan then decided to liberate Gelre from the foul Danish. Unfortunately, some of the lesser minds in the HRE decided to side with Denmark so the conflict turned out to be a little longer than expected. The Emperor was not to see the end of it as he died in 1623 leaving his throne to his heir Karl I. The sympathies and goodwill that followed on the demise of his predecessor would allow the new Holy Roman Emperor to pass the Ewiger Landenfriede, finally putting an end to all these useless intra-HRE conflicts! The only thing left was to put an quick end to the war with the Danes...

Then the eternal train wreck of Bohemia struck again - allied with Venice they attacked to "reclaim" Böhmenwald (somebody needs to get a new move!) just as the peace with Denmark was being negotiated. The Emperor bitterly regretted that he had not made them cede their "claims" to those lands in the last war. The current state of the armed forces after the first few engagements (outnumbered about four to one) and those god**mn Bohemian generals will ensure that this will not only be a completely unnecessary but also long and bloody conflict. But be assured, Austria will win this war to end all (HRE) wars!

Session: 1627
Spelare: Erik
Nation: Austria
AAR bonus: Military power
On-Time bonus: Military power
 
At the beginning of the 17th century the french king was only a small child and the french empire was ruled by a council of not so great advisors. These advisors, while perhaps intelligent and diplomatic lacked courage and didn't dare to declare war on the enemies of the french state. The council of not so great advisors instead focused their attention on improving french economy and colonizing unclaimed islands in the far east india.

As the year passed the french king, Louis XIV, grew up and become a man, and when he at the age of 15 finally was able to claim the throne for himself he immediatly started the first of his military campaigns. This campaign was fought in the east indies and soon several rich provinces and the paradise beach at Bali was handed over to the french king.

Louis XIV returned to France after his successfull campaign in the east and immediately started to plot for another war. Before he had a chance to pick a target for his ambitions a call to arms from the french allies in Germany arrived at the french court. The evil danes of northern europe had apperently insulted the french allies in the Palatinate and had to be tought a lesson. The french armies was soon able to prove their superiority in battle and sent the danish armies fleeing in full panic back to Denmark. The french navy also saw some action in this conflict, under the command of the french admiral "Le Aigle de Mer" the french fleet hunted down and attacked the Danish fleet in the north sea and after a bloody battle the french fleet emerged victorious.

In the year 1627 France is at peace, but every one in France is merely holding their breath, because everyone knows that the king, Louis XIV, has ambitions and the invincible French armies are his to command. Where will Louis strike next?

Session: 1627
Spelare: Johan
Nation: Frankrike
AAR bonus: Military power
On-Time bonus: Military power