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When I can get all the stats done and have everything else ready. Stats should be done over the weekend, so we should be able to start early next week, provided nothing comes up.
Crap, I'm going to be gone for the next week starting Sunday... I'll let an NPC take over Naples while I'm gone.
Technically the chief magistrate of the canton hosting the Tagsatzung for a given year would have been the Head of the Confederation, though this would change more frequently than for other nations so keeping it as the general assembly is fine by me, especially since I have no idea of what the Head of the Conferation's powers were.
Right, the stats are almost done, I just need to edit the Ottomans slightly and do the uncivs, then I'll write a pre-game update for 1804, and we can begin.
@Gradiant, I went with the Tagsatzung as it was very hard to find information on the specific leader of Switzerland at the time, and as they changed so quickly, I figured it was better to go with the Tagsatzung than have to change it every year.
@Gradiant, I went with the Tagsatzung as it was very hard to find information on the specific leader of Switzerland at the time, and as they changed so quickly, I figured it was better to go with the Tagsatzung than have to change it every year.
1804
Europe
In France, Napoleon Bonaparte has just been crowned as Emperor. Now, his gaze turns outwards, towards potential conquest and glory. The French army is the finest in the world, and many of its men have spent the best part of 2 years training for battle. The French navy, although inferior to that of the British, is still a force to be reckoned with. Napoleon must now choose, will he continue with the planned invasion of Britain, which will certainly be a difficult venture, or will he turn East, and march into Germany, Italy and onwards, likely incurring the wrath of Austria, Russia and Prussia, all of which have a strong martial history and large armies. Whatever his course, he is sure to meet opposition from the other great powers of Europe.
1. Napoleon and some of his generals.
The United Kingdom, long time enemy of France and target of Napoleon's personal hatred, will use all its available wealth, power and influence to combat his ambitions. They have no wish to see the balance of power disrupted, not only due to the danger of French invasion, but also due to the damage it would do to their income. The Royal Navy is the finest and largest force on the high seas, it is crewed by veteran sailors, led by daring and skilled officers and is equipped with a fine range of well constructed ships. The British army, is small, lacks artillery and suffers from poor leadership compared to the French, although it is under a process of reform. Furthermore, the British have a general unwillingness to commit large forces to the continent, and will not tolerate high losses. They must also remember to garrison their empire, with recent rebellions in Ireland serving as a sharp reminder of these needs.
In the newly declared Austrian Empire, the army is also under reform. Arch Duke Charles, the finest commander the Austrians possess, is undertaking the vast task of turning the 425,000 strong Austrian army into a modern fighting force, capable of competing with the French on equal terms. The army has most certainly improved since its last engagements with the French, and many advocate war with France, believing a victory achievable. The Arch Duke is less confident however, and it remains to be seen if his reforms will be enough to stop the French.
Prussia is the smallest, poorest and weakest of France's potential foes. Although it has a strong military tradition, and once had the finest army in Europe, this has now caused it considerable trouble. Officers, either convinced of the armies invincibility or content to abuse the system for their own profit, have kept the Prussian army behind the times. The Prussian infantry still shoot with their famed speed, and the cavalry are still the pride of the army, but the artillery, out of date 50 years ago, is now a relic. Most importantly, the doctrines, tactics and command of the Prussian army is severely behind that of the other powers.
2. Prussian Grenadiers from the time of Frederick the Great. They would not have trouble fighting as part of Prussia's current forces.
In the crumbling and weak Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria, Saxony and Switzerland all hold considerable power. Now tied only to the Emperor by law, and in practice owing to him very little, each possess strong potential for regional dominance, or perhaps even greater feats. They must be careful however, as Austria and Prussia will not tolerate a challenge to their positions as the foremost German powers.
The Russian Empire commands the largest army of the European powers, and also holds considerable naval power. Russian troops, famed for their courage and skill with the bayonet, are backed up by a large artillery arm, fine cavalry and by the best light cavalry available, the Cossacks. Although the threat from France may seem a long way off at the moment, the Russians cannot tolerate the idea of a French dominated western Europe, especially one led by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Spain is an Empire in decline, and has been so since the early 1700s. The Spanish economy, once powerful, is now suffering under the burdens of corruption, mismanagement and war. The Spanish fleet, once the strongest afloat, is now in a poor state, many sailors having little to no experience at sea. The Spanish army is also suffering, even more than that of Prussia. Lacking the will to fight, the soldiers also lack efficient discipline. Furthermore, the army is severely lacking in equipment, damaging its already sub par performance.
3. Spanish troops advancing under fire. Note the mix of uniforms and weapons.
Portugal is the more successful of the Iberian nations. Although its Empire is smaller than Spain's, and far from as profitable, it is far more stable. Furthermore, the Portuguese army, whilst under equipped and behind the times, does possess a will to fight. The Portuguese navy is also strong, although not currently a contender for dominance.
The Ottoman Empire is also crumbling, with a failing economy, rebellious provinces and a strong opposition to any reform or modernisation. The army is weak, and many of its soldiers carry antiquated weapons that would not look out of place 150 years into the past. The Ottoman navy, suffering from a disastrous defeat against the Russians in 1770 which nearly wiped out their naval power, has managed to rebuild slightly, but still poses very little threat to a would be attacker.
4. The Janissary's resistance to change will prove to be one of the biggest challenges for the Ottoman Empire.
In the North of Europe, the 2 traditionally dominant Scandinavian powers, Denmark and Sweden are both in similar situations. With each holding similar size and quality military, any contest between them will surely be close. The Swedish are richer, but the Danes control the vital Oresund trade link, and to Sweden's East, a hungry and ambitious Russia eyes Finland and sharpens its weapons. One thing is for sure, the Scandinavian powers will be important allies to those who claim them first.
Meanwhile, in Italy, several powers contest for dominance. In the South, Naples and Sicily, both under the same King, possess a fledgling military and economy, although a union between the 2 would surely improve matters. Elsewhere, the Republic of Italy, a French client state, dominates the North, and the Pope, eager as ever to insure his dominance of the region and prevent any unification, holds Rome.
The Americas
The future of the young United States looks bright. The recent years have seen the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the territory of the young nation, the ratification of a constitution, the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793, and the founding of the Library of Congress. It also saw the admission of 4 new states, Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, and, most recently, Ohio, in 1803 and the setting out the Lewis and Clark expedition to the examine the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. However, the period also brought the young republic to war against the Bey of Tripoli due to the extravagant protection fees he extracted. 1804 was also marred by the tragic Burr-Hamilton duel, which resulted in the death of one of the nations founding fathers.
5. Burr and Hamilton prepare to fire.
The Americas however also see the decay of empires and the violence of revolution. The colonial holdings of Spain, long neglected, and used solely for the extraction of precious metals have grown discontent with the increasingly distant Spanish Crown and were beginning to develop their own identity. The period has also seen a bloody revolution in Haiti, the second republic to earn its independence in the new world.
Asia
Asia is home to 3 major native powers. Each of these has its issues, Qing is stricken with corruption and inefficiency, and its vast empire is far from its potential power. Japan is struggling under the rule of the Shoguns and the antiquated system by which it is governed. Whilst Japan is not facing the problems of Qing, it will need to take drastic action if it is to modernise in time to combat European threats. On the Indian sub continent, the Maratha Confederacy, once a dominant force and prestigious Empire, is now in decline. Internal strife and a strong foreign presence in the form of the British East India Company are taking their toll on its power, and its military, far behind the times, is hard pressed to cope with these threats.
6. Japanese Samurai are highly trained and skilled warriors, but their mindset could lead to Japan becoming antiquated.
Afrika
The Afrikan continent is for the most part, unmapped and unexplored. Europeans are yet to penetrate far into the uncharted wilderness, and apart from the Cape, colonies are little more than collections of forts, used as resupply stations or for the gathering of slaves. The Egyptian Sultan is now de facto independent from his Ottoman masters, and is unlikely to tolerate any attempts to rectify this.
Europe
In France, Napoleon Bonaparte has just been crowned as Emperor. Now, his gaze turns outwards, towards potential conquest and glory. The French army is the finest in the world, and many of its men have spent the best part of 2 years training for battle. The French navy, although inferior to that of the British, is still a force to be reckoned with. Napoleon must now choose, will he continue with the planned invasion of Britain, which will certainly be a difficult venture, or will he turn East, and march into Germany, Italy and onwards, likely incurring the wrath of Austria, Russia and Prussia, all of which have a strong martial history and large armies. Whatever his course, he is sure to meet opposition from the other great powers of Europe.
1. Napoleon and some of his generals.
The United Kingdom, long time enemy of France and target of Napoleon's personal hatred, will use all its available wealth, power and influence to combat his ambitions. They have no wish to see the balance of power disrupted, not only due to the danger of French invasion, but also due to the damage it would do to their income. The Royal Navy is the finest and largest force on the high seas, it is crewed by veteran sailors, led by daring and skilled officers and is equipped with a fine range of well constructed ships. The British army, is small, lacks artillery and suffers from poor leadership compared to the French, although it is under a process of reform. Furthermore, the British have a general unwillingness to commit large forces to the continent, and will not tolerate high losses. They must also remember to garrison their empire, with recent rebellions in Ireland serving as a sharp reminder of these needs.
In the newly declared Austrian Empire, the army is also under reform. Arch Duke Charles, the finest commander the Austrians possess, is undertaking the vast task of turning the 425,000 strong Austrian army into a modern fighting force, capable of competing with the French on equal terms. The army has most certainly improved since its last engagements with the French, and many advocate war with France, believing a victory achievable. The Arch Duke is less confident however, and it remains to be seen if his reforms will be enough to stop the French.
Prussia is the smallest, poorest and weakest of France's potential foes. Although it has a strong military tradition, and once had the finest army in Europe, this has now caused it considerable trouble. Officers, either convinced of the armies invincibility or content to abuse the system for their own profit, have kept the Prussian army behind the times. The Prussian infantry still shoot with their famed speed, and the cavalry are still the pride of the army, but the artillery, out of date 50 years ago, is now a relic. Most importantly, the doctrines, tactics and command of the Prussian army is severely behind that of the other powers.
2. Prussian Grenadiers from the time of Frederick the Great. They would not have trouble fighting as part of Prussia's current forces.
In the crumbling and weak Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria, Saxony and Switzerland all hold considerable power. Now tied only to the Emperor by law, and in practice owing to him very little, each possess strong potential for regional dominance, or perhaps even greater feats. They must be careful however, as Austria and Prussia will not tolerate a challenge to their positions as the foremost German powers.
The Russian Empire commands the largest army of the European powers, and also holds considerable naval power. Russian troops, famed for their courage and skill with the bayonet, are backed up by a large artillery arm, fine cavalry and by the best light cavalry available, the Cossacks. Although the threat from France may seem a long way off at the moment, the Russians cannot tolerate the idea of a French dominated western Europe, especially one led by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Spain is an Empire in decline, and has been so since the early 1700s. The Spanish economy, once powerful, is now suffering under the burdens of corruption, mismanagement and war. The Spanish fleet, once the strongest afloat, is now in a poor state, many sailors having little to no experience at sea. The Spanish army is also suffering, even more than that of Prussia. Lacking the will to fight, the soldiers also lack efficient discipline. Furthermore, the army is severely lacking in equipment, damaging its already sub par performance.
3. Spanish troops advancing under fire. Note the mix of uniforms and weapons.
Portugal is the more successful of the Iberian nations. Although its Empire is smaller than Spain's, and far from as profitable, it is far more stable. Furthermore, the Portuguese army, whilst under equipped and behind the times, does possess a will to fight. The Portuguese navy is also strong, although not currently a contender for dominance.
The Ottoman Empire is also crumbling, with a failing economy, rebellious provinces and a strong opposition to any reform or modernisation. The army is weak, and many of its soldiers carry antiquated weapons that would not look out of place 150 years into the past. The Ottoman navy, suffering from a disastrous defeat against the Russians in 1770 which nearly wiped out their naval power, has managed to rebuild slightly, but still poses very little threat to a would be attacker.
4. The Janissary's resistance to change will prove to be one of the biggest challenges for the Ottoman Empire.
In the North of Europe, the 2 traditionally dominant Scandinavian powers, Denmark and Sweden are both in similar situations. With each holding similar size and quality military, any contest between them will surely be close. The Swedish are richer, but the Danes control the vital Oresund trade link, and to Sweden's East, a hungry and ambitious Russia eyes Finland and sharpens its weapons. One thing is for sure, the Scandinavian powers will be important allies to those who claim them first.
Meanwhile, in Italy, several powers contest for dominance. In the South, Naples and Sicily, both under the same King, possess a fledgling military and economy, although a union between the 2 would surely improve matters. Elsewhere, the Republic of Italy, a French client state, dominates the North, and the Pope, eager as ever to insure his dominance of the region and prevent any unification, holds Rome.
The Americas
The future of the young United States looks bright. The recent years have seen the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the territory of the young nation, the ratification of a constitution, the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793, and the founding of the Library of Congress. It also saw the admission of 4 new states, Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, and, most recently, Ohio, in 1803 and the setting out the Lewis and Clark expedition to the examine the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. However, the period also brought the young republic to war against the Bey of Tripoli due to the extravagant protection fees he extracted. 1804 was also marred by the tragic Burr-Hamilton duel, which resulted in the death of one of the nations founding fathers.
5. Burr and Hamilton prepare to fire.
The Americas however also see the decay of empires and the violence of revolution. The colonial holdings of Spain, long neglected, and used solely for the extraction of precious metals have grown discontent with the increasingly distant Spanish Crown and were beginning to develop their own identity. The period has also seen a bloody revolution in Haiti, the second republic to earn its independence in the new world.
Asia
Asia is home to 3 major native powers. Each of these has its issues, Qing is stricken with corruption and inefficiency, and its vast empire is far from its potential power. Japan is struggling under the rule of the Shoguns and the antiquated system by which it is governed. Whilst Japan is not facing the problems of Qing, it will need to take drastic action if it is to modernise in time to combat European threats. On the Indian sub continent, the Maratha Confederacy, once a dominant force and prestigious Empire, is now in decline. Internal strife and a strong foreign presence in the form of the British East India Company are taking their toll on its power, and its military, far behind the times, is hard pressed to cope with these threats.
6. Japanese Samurai are highly trained and skilled warriors, but their mindset could lead to Japan becoming antiquated.
Afrika
The Afrikan continent is for the most part, unmapped and unexplored. Europeans are yet to penetrate far into the uncharted wilderness, and apart from the Cape, colonies are little more than collections of forts, used as resupply stations or for the gathering of slaves. The Egyptian Sultan is now de facto independent from his Ottoman masters, and is unlikely to tolerate any attempts to rectify this.
OOC: And with that, you may begin to RP/send me orders/plot/build doomsday devices.
The Tangsatzung would like to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between the Swiss Confederation and The French Empire, due to the actions of the Great Mediator, Napoleon Bonaparte, in ending the madness of the fall of the Helvetic Republic, and instituting a new, more stable government. As such, in the event of a French war with Prussia or Austria, the Swiss Confederation promises to assist the French in whatever way it can.
Landammann de la Suiss, Niklaus Rudolf von Wattenwyl
Landammann de la Suiss, Niklaus Rudolf von Wattenwyl
Sweden would like to assure its friends close by that it has no ambition for expansion and would gladly receive them to discuss relaxing trade and building our economies together in harmony.
The Ottoman Empire would hereby like to present these two agreements. We would also like to reiterate that these do not mean that we are taking a side in the current instabilities in Europe.
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OOC: Why does Switzerland have 1 Colonial Infrastructure? I don't think that they had any colonies.
OOC: Because I'm quite forgetful, and if you one day do get colonies, then you might end up making no money off them because I forgot to add colonial infrastructure. 
OOC: Okay, I somehow completely failed to realize that everyone had at colonial infrastructure. Also, are both industry and infrastructure limited to 1 per 500 income, or just industry?
OOC: Guys, remember it's 1804. Free trade isn't exactly popular right now.
Generally, 20% tariff is the lowest you can go without annoying people.
I'll post up some more guidelines in the OP so it's easier for you new guys to get the hang on things.
Generally, 20% tariff is the lowest you can go without annoying people.
I'll post up some more guidelines in the OP so it's easier for you new guys to get the hang on things.
OOC: I suppose you could make tariff reductions tank immature economies. I'd bet that they'll become a lot less popular if tariff walls actually protect nascent industries of the sort you generally see in this era, and free trade ends up benefiting already-industrialized powers while reducing others to raw resource bases as they get flooded by cheap goods. That way, there's actually a choice in the matter; after all, historically, nations didn't always drop all tariffs straight to zero. ^_^
IC:
The Qing Dynasty is pleased to announce a policy of amnesty to be granted to all White Lotus and Miao rebels who willingly lay down their arms and return to civilian life. Any rebels who refuse to accept this policy will be considered persona non grata, to be put down by force of arms. We implore the rebels to consider the damage that has been done to their homes and their ways of life in the last decade, and to end this uprising.
Furthermore, we are also pleased to announce that we will be preparing a diplomatic and trade delegation to travel to several nations, there to observe and watch. Increasingly, it is our belief that by approaching the Yi states, we may be able to come to some mutual. In particular, we would show particular interest were the states of the Ottoman Sultanate, Austrian Empire, Empire of France, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland willing to permit our delegation to visit their nations. Requests and approaches from other states would also be considered.
IC:
Furthermore, we are also pleased to announce that we will be preparing a diplomatic and trade delegation to travel to several nations, there to observe and watch. Increasingly, it is our belief that by approaching the Yi states, we may be able to come to some mutual. In particular, we would show particular interest were the states of the Ottoman Sultanate, Austrian Empire, Empire of France, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland willing to permit our delegation to visit their nations. Requests and approaches from other states would also be considered.