Four little fish in a very big pond.

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On returning to Prussia I find the loan repaid and much of the existing army intact. We also have a little money which, at least, is something. The most startling change is our land technology which has now soared to tech level 10 and retains a small lead over France. Naval technology has also risen to level 6. As usual, our mercantile activity is pitiful. We also have a commander in Albrecht and a conquistador

As for the rest of Europe, Russia is going very strong and France continues to grow. England still remains solid now having annexed the two Navarran provinces to add to their other two northern Spanish provinces. They have also held onto control of Naples but lost Gascony to France. Most of France’s gains were at the expense of Aragon.

After a little consideration, there is only one option open to us to use our conquistador. We leave our current alliance and join the English alliance with Portugal and Oldenberg after being turned down by Aragon to join another alliance with Spain. It is hardly an ideal alliance but still gives us the possibility of using ports from which we could send our explorer south to Africa. England agree to offer military access although Portugal refuse. The bizarre thought occurs to me that we might declare war on Aragon and attempt to capture their colony in the Canary Isles. A bold move and one which I shall consider although the risks are clearly huge with such limited ability to extend our power over such a distance.

In the meantime, our conquistador boards ship with 6000 men and sets sail for English owned Poitou.

In July, Bohemia agrees to become a vassal state of Hungary.

By January 1515, news arrives that Genoa are holding their own in their war with Turkey and have captured Hellas and Rhodes while Antalya has already been taken through the annexation of Teke. Kerch, on the other hand, has fallen to the Ottoman Empire’s allies in Crimea.

At the start of the year, our alliance with England and Portugal expires. We decide to reject the first offer of alliance from Lithuania and seek to join the Spanish alliance a second time. After we are rejected, we approach England to reform the alliance but they too reject. Left with only one diplomat, we agree to join the French alliance. England join the Spanish alliance within a few weeks.

Later in January, our conquistador, Wollweber, arrives in Poitou with 4660 infantry and 930 cavalry. They restock with food and embark for North Africa.

In February, Austria agrees peace with Poland ceding the province of Sachsen and Polish conquests in the Holy Roman Empire now include all the lands previously held by Pommern, Brandenburg, Magdeburg plus Sachsen. Together with their allies, Bremen and Denmark, they control almost all the northern German provinces up to Burgundy owned Hessen, Munster and Wurzburg with the sole exception of Swedish owned Holstein.

At the end of the same month Venice (Wurtemberg, Papal States, Sweden, Bavaria and Helvetia) declare war on Austria (Bohemia, Hungary, Mainz)

On April 1st, a herald arrives from Aragon to inform us that his nation has declared war on our allies Genoa. Both England and Castile agree to support Aragon while France, Scotland, Eire and Gelre support Genoa. Siena dishonors her alliance commitments as another herald arrives from Genoa to request that we honour our own. Since our voyage of exploration is now off the Spanish coastlines, we sadly announce that we are unable to support Genoa in the war. Before the Aragon envoy has left court, we offer to join their alliance and we are finally accepted.

We are now at war with our erstwhile allies – well it was only for three months and we don’t really want to be associated with such opportunist land-grabbers such as Genoa or France do we. The fact that our actions now allows us to dock in the Canary Islands had absolutely no bearing on our actions even if some people might believe them to be base and treacherous. I serve only my king and my nation (but not the people since we are still at +3 serfdom).

We immediate begin to raise war taxes and are pleasantly surprised when news arrives the following day that we have gained a trading foothold in Veneto, Andalusia and Tago. These three merchants should bring us a combined monthly income of 2D and promptly start dreaming of where we shall spend this limitless wealth.

On May 19th, the wars in Germany begin again as Denmark (Bremen, Poland) declare war on Sweden (Venice, Wurtemberg, Papal States, Bavaria and Helvetia). Two days later, a much greater upheaval occurs in northern german as religious orders in the area announce a series of “protestant” demands of the Church.

In mid-June, Wollweber arrives in the Canarian Sea and disembarks to discover new lands. We also begin to raise troops, principally cavalry, in our home provinces.

In October, Venice scores and early victory in her war with the Austrian alliance by agreeing to an early peace with Hungary and gaining the province of Istria. In late October, we discover the province of Tassaret in North Africa and the natives are beaten after attacking Wollweber and his men. Wollweber then heads off south while our fleet returns to the Canaries.

It is now that we realise that our two home provinces have adopted the protestant beliefs and that we are suffering high stability costs as a consequence. After hastily convened discussions, the council unanimously agrees that we should join this new religion at the most opportune time. We shall await the arrival of our new troops and the ending of war taxes before embracing the new beliefs officially. Let us hope that our allies will not desert us.

In December, the Ottoman empire pays indemnities to Genoa and captured provinces are returned on both sides.

Finally, on Christmas day, we make the momentous move. Prussia declares itself for the Protestant cause. All investments are moved to restore stability and remove the risk of internal revolts. Stability increases but, somewhat ironically, it is now slower without any direct investment.

In February 1516, France and England agree peace with England paying indemnities.

In March, we discover Nouadibuh but Wollweber and his men are defeated and retreat back to Tassaret after grievous loss. On returning to Tassaret, the decision is made to send a trading party to the province and establish Prussia’s first overseas territory.

In June, the long-awaited annexation of Byzantium by the Ottoman empire occurs.

Our first attempt to take Tassaret fails so a further trading party is sent.

In October, Russia agrees peace terms with Golden Horde taking the provinces of Saratow, Ufa and Crimea. A day later an envoy arrives from Lithuania branding us as heretics to the true Christian faith. This gives us a strong cause for war but our current tenuous political situation will not allow us to take advantage of this.

In November 1516, our stability has returned to positive levels and we return to investing 50% of income in infrastructure

Finally, in December, we hear news that our trading party to Tassaret was a success.

In February 1517, Russia declare war on Lithuania. We now see a possible opportunity to punish the Lithuanians for their insolence last year. However, since they grant us military access, we are unable to declare war. (OOC: why not just give us a –6 stab hit or something?). Just before the end of the month, a pointless Gelre expedition to Prussia is quickly destroyed.

In April, Wollweber discovers the Moroccan trading post in Anti-sahara.

In July, stability continues to recover to the extent that war taxes can be safely levied.

In August, Wollweber continues his explorations in Africa and discovers the Moroccan province in Sahara. Since his forces were so badly beaten in Nouadibuh, it seems that his explorations are to be limited to these four provinces.

In September, for lack of alternative investments, we decide to send a colonial group to Tassaret. With success estimated at 58%, we pray that they shall not fail. It now appears that there is much wealth to be had in colonisation and the success of failure of this mission will largely determine Prussia’s part in this.

My five year term in Prussia has been a time of much upheaval. It is quite possible that Prussia will not even be here when I get back.. One small benefit now is that I can’t be diplo-annexed.

Although our income is slightly better than it was, I doubt very much that the AI will continue efforts to colonise. Ideally I would have chosen Nouadibuh to colonise simply for the access to a port.

 

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Maybe Spain wasn't letting you join their alliance because you weren't 'bad enough'...that is until you'd dishonoured another alliance. Then of course they'd want you.

 

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Back in Zimbabwe (one year early I realise), it seems they have done absolutely nothing. Perhaps they have suffered a few rebellions or costly events.

We first choose to move innovation to +1 in order to help our technology development. We also split investment 50:50 between infrastructure and treasury to fund fort expansion.

In May 1521, we improve our internal trade ordinance in Chibuene and our income increases. Then we got a CTD event Second time round I got a Wave of Obscurantism in 1522.

Once again, nothing happens with Zimbabwe except that the fortifications are expanded and they now are nicely on the way to funding a nice little fine arts academy.

Off to Dakota….

*


Aaaaarrrggghhh!!! The AI is a complete incompetent. We have even less money than I left them with and didn’t gain any land from our war with the Iroquois. Fortunately I still have some cigarettes to help me think. We are now also at war with Iroquois and Lenape but have insufficient means to prosecute this effectively.

There are two positive points. Huron is now a vassal and has been for five years. If they can stay this way for another 20 years, I can confidently predict an offer of annexation.

We also have a conquistador so I decide to concentrate on exploration with a view to colonising south.

Domestic slider moved to centralisation to –2

By March we discover Mississippi but it takes four months before its natives are cleared. In September we discover Arkansas and clear it of natives. In December we reach the great southern sea in the province of Bayou. The natives are cleared before colonists are sent.

Explorations continue the following year with the discovery and clearance of Matagorda in March, and the discovery of Rio Grande in April.

In May 1524, we get hit by corruption and ignore the problem and get +10% inflation

(OOC: Normally the inflation reduces when the AI takes control so I’m fairly cavalier about the whole thing. If this was not the case, I think that Zimbabwe would be almost unplayable)

Our Bayou colony is established in the same month and we now have access to a port.

In July, we discover Tampico revealing the Aztec nation and the rich trading centre in Zacatecas. Huron, our explorer returns to Matagorda where colonists are sent in November. He then continues to explore north west. The Matagorda colony was established in May of the following year.

In 1525, further discoveries are made in Concho, Pecos, El Paso and then in August we discover a trading post in Chihuahua owned by a nation known as Spain.

In October, a white peace is signed between all parties in the wars between the Iroquois alliance and our own. In the same month, Huron discovers Colorado and the Navajo tribe. We agree to a Royal Marriage between our tribes.

Later in the month, representatives of the English and Spanish tribes report that they are supporting their allies, the Prussian and Aragon tribes, in their war with the tribes of Lithuania, Cologne and Baden. For some reason, we feel a close attachment to this Prussian tribe and wish privately that their braves will capture many Lithuanian scalps.

On returning to Matagorda a year since he was last there, Huron oversees another colonial expedition. That same month, plague strike Duluth and the population is reduced by 2000.

While Huron completes the exploration of inland provinces to the east of the Navajo, negotiation with the tribe to join our alliance or to allow military access fail. Meanwhile, Matagorda expands again in February 1526. On returning to Matagorda in August of the same year, a third party of Dakota colonists are sent to our rapidly growing colony. It expands again in October and is now bringing in annual income of 4.8D.

In January 1527, some fine talking to our allies, the Shawnee, improves our diplomatic relations (to +200). We offer them protection as vassals but they reject.

In June of the same year, another group of colonists are sent to Matagorda and Huron moves towards to Rio Grande to oversee an attempt to colonise the province bordering Spanish Chihuahua. Being short of funds, we decide to raise a loan to fund the attempt in Rio Grande and a further attempt in Matagorda.

We leave Dakota in a much stronger position that we arrived. Although we still have a loan, funds are high and now our colonies are looking much stronger with one Lvl 4, three Lvl 3, 3 Lvl 2 and 7 Lvl 1 colonies. As a result, income is now 9.2D per month or 25% higher than 19 years earlier. The major problem is that inflation is at +22% but I can expect this to reduce as the AI takes charge.

 

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All is not well when I return to Tibet. Caught in an alliance with Arakan we are now at war with a large part of the Indian states. Our army is a mere 10000 and Nepal has been captured by Hyderabad. Orissa is the alliance leader and the war percentage with them is –1%. Having only one diplomat available we will need to be careful with any peace offers. Assam is now no longer a vassal although relations with the other Buddhist states are still very good

Treasury is healthy at 238D although our trading position in Delhi has suffered badly through competition and we are now down to one merchant there. The AI has, however, managed to convert Qinghai to Buddhist and we are left now with only one remaining Moslem provinces. However, war exhaustion is high (+4 in non-core provinces) and so the war must be concluded as soon as we are able.

First move is to send our army to recapture Nepal. We also raise war taxes although later see this as a careless move. when revolt risk rises to +2% in Qilian Pendi and Xinjiang.

Our last merchant is forced out of business from Delhi in February as rebels rise up against Hyderabad occupation of Nepal. 4000 mixed infantry and cavalry are raised in Gangdise.

After losing one battle in Nepal to Hyderabad, Orissa offers us peace for 15D. We gleefully accept and Nepal is returned to our control. It was a lucky escape and we celebrate with a royal marriage to Ayutthaya.

Our first peacetime move is to send a missionary to the remaining Mongol province of Qilian Pendi. At a cost of 160D, the price is high but noneless worthwhile. The expected cost to convert the provinces is 667D given the success rate of missions to the provinces. The savings on stability will be 46D per stability point meaning that the costs will be recouped by the lower costs of recovering 15 stability points.

We also change domestic policy towards centralisation.

In April 1529, Baluchistan ceded Zahedan to Delhi for peace. In the same month, merchants are sent to Delhi and a royal marriage is arranged with Vientiane.

In July of the same year, Khmer asserts its independence from Dai Viet and declares war on their former masters.

In October, Arakan makes peace with Delhi paying small indemnities but our small ally is still at war with Bengal, Orissa, Hyderabad and Mysore and Bengal controls two of their three provinces. Hyderabad shortly afterwards agrees to a white peace with Arakan.

In July 1530, we enter a royal marriage with Dai Viet and more merchants are sent to Delhi after the failure of the previous groups. Both of these also fail to gain any share of the market.

Finally in October 1530, our stability returns to maximum and we enjoy again peaceful development of our infrastructure.

In December 1530, we hear news that Vijayanagar have dishonoured their alliance with nations called Portugal, Poland, Prussia and Aragon. We inquire to know more of these distant lands but with no noticeable success.

In January 1531, we lose a part of our share in the Malacca market and send another merchant there immediately. He fails to make any impression.

Finally, in February, Arakan agrees peace with Bengal ceding Santal to our Moslem neighbours. The war finally ends when Orissa then agree a white peace.

In March, our army generals report that our land technology has now improve to a stage known as Late Medieaval (3). We are most pleased with this news but encourage them to greater efforts. They estimate that they will complete the next stage of development in little more than 50 years.

To our north, war still rages between Chatagai Horde and China with the horde capturing China’s two isolated provinces on our borders. We do not relish to prospect of sharing our borders again with this warlike people.

In August, Orissa (Delhi, Hyderabad) declare war on the Mughal Empire.

September sees us bring Dai Viet into our alliance. Dai Viet shortly afterwards agrees peace with their neighbours Vientiane.

June 1532 brings news that Taungu have agreed to become vassals of Vientiane.

In August, our merchants finally succeed in expand our trade in Delhi to 10% of the market but we are saddened by a sudden outbreak of plague in Nepal, no doubt brought to them by the Hyderabad invaders.

As the new year dawns, we once again increase our trade in Delhi and our income improves again.

Time to leave Tibet and the story remains one of very gradual improvement with a little disappointment with how the AI has handled the previous years. In particular, income is significantly down and fortification efforts are behind schedule. It appears that basic work will still be needed well into the second half of this century.

 

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Prussia is in turmoil when I return. Our capital has been captured by Lithuania and our only forces are 5000 involved in the siege with Spain. This is part of a war we are in with England and Spain against Lithuania, Cologne and Baden. We are in two other wars. The first of these is with Denmark, Poland, Vijayanagar, Aragon and Portugal against Russia and the second is with Poland, Portugal, Aragon and Denmark against Venice (Wurtemburg, Papal States, Sweden, Bavaria and Helvetia). Our current alliance is with Poland, Portugal, Aragon and Denmark with Poland the alliance leader but we are leader in the war against Lithuania which has been going on for many years since war exhaustion is up to +8 in Memel.

There have been a few important land gains for Poland and Denmark. The former has annexed Bremen and now their german provinces include Danzig, Kustrin, Brandenburg, Magdeburg, Sachsen, Anhalt, Vorpommern, Hinterpommen, Hannover, and Bremen. Denmark have gained land at the expense of Sweden in Holstein, Smaland, and Vastergottland and control much of the eastern Baltic.

In the war with Russia, Denmark have captured Kola while Portugal have captured Crimea and Lugansk. Other wars seem to be balanced apart from Lithuania’s control of our capital.

Our navies have grown to 4 warships and 7 transports and we have an explorer by the name of Scharnhorst. Technology has now advanced to Land (12), Naval (10) and Trade (4) allow us to expand our fortresses and giving us an improved naval CRT.

With war taxes and changes in domestic policy not an option, we raise 6000 infantry in Memel and send Scharnhorst to port in Iceland from where he will sail west. Conscious also of the need to reduce money available for peace we send merchants to Andalusia and five to a new centre in Anglia. Four are successful in Anglia and, since trade is our only significant source of income now, it is well received news. The effect is to almost double our monthly income to 7.3D

In April, Spain agrees peace with Lithuania receiving 111D and Jedisan for peace. We are now all but alone in the war against Lithuania and must recapture our capital alone. Spain now takes this opportunity to declare war on the Maya people. Scharnhorst is instructed to find out where these people are.

In May, Portugal agrees terms with Russia and leaves the war with 175D in reparations. At the end of the month an enovy from France tells us that they have declared war on the Huron tribe of North America.

At the end of June, Scharnhorst discovers the coast of Greenland and continues west to chart the sea of Labrador in July.

In August, the Ottoman Empire pays Austria 111D for peace. We now see that Hungary has been absorbed into the Austrian Empire creating a huge counterweight to Poland in northern central Europe. That same month, Scharnhorst discovers the gulf of St Lawrence and an English trade post in the province of Gander. Much of the rest of the land in the region appears to be controlled by either France or England but we cannot determine how well these are colonised until an English port can be found. Fortunately, the Engish port of Queenstown in Sangenay is on hand and provides a welcome opportunity to restock before continuing our explorations.

Voyaging south from Queenstown, Sangenay, Scharnhorst first discovers a French trading post on Anticosti before charting as far as Chesapeake bay in December where we discover the Lenape Indian tribe.

As our first merchant is put out of business in Anglia, we see three merchants from Dakota have gained a 15% foothold in the market.

In October, England agrees peace with Lithuania receiving 56D in payment. We are now truly alone in the war but are fortunate the Lithuania are involved in a war with Russia.

In December, Mainz is annexed by Burgundy and another small German state disappears. A day later, Lithuania demands 5D for the return of our capital. We are most happy to oblige them.

Before the year is out, Spain pays small reparations to the Aztec Empire for peace.

In January 1534, the independent-minded people are Navarra are annexed for a second time by England. A few days later, England declares itself a Protestant nation and joins Prussia and Sweden in the religious crusade against Rome.

In February, on returning from his voyage as far as Cape Hatteras, Scharnhorst discovers the province of Bangor. We immediately board 4000 infantry and 2000 cavalry from Prussia to voyage west.

Reports from Africa at this time show that Morocco, having captured all the Algerian provinces, were now besieging the last of the two Tunisian provinces. In March, Algeria give Morocco all their provinces bar their capital I exchange for peace. In the same month the Ottoman Empire (Crimea) declare war on Ak Koyunlu (Golden Horde). However, there is little left to capture as the Mameluks have control of three of Ak Koyunlu’s provinces.

Returning to Sangenay in March, Scharnhorst charts the uncolonised province of Manicougan.

In April, the North American Indians sign a white peace allowing Huron and Dakota to concentrate on their war with France. In the war with Russia, Aragon and Poland agree separate peaces with our enemies and we are left with Denmark to finish the war.

Scharnhorst’s second voyage down the east coast of America, discovers Roanoke province, a land rich in valuable tobacco. We send a trading party at once. He continues his voyage as far as the Sea of Sargassos before returning to Sangenay.

In June, peace offers confuse greatly our war with Venice’s allies but leave us in a war against only the Papal States.

By August, our troops have arrived in Sangenay but have lost nearly 10% of their number from the voyage. In September, we clear Manicougan of natives and send a trading party to establish the land as Prussian.

September sees civil war break out in Denmark and many provinces are occupied.

In October, our ships are forced by pirates to leave the Gulf of St Lawrence and Scharnhorst is forced to retreat west. His men are weak without food and may not be able to reach Iceland. He is still able to discover Eiriksfjord and traders are quickly sent to claim the land.

In December, we establish a monopoly company (+100D and +1 merchant). We decide to flood Danzig with merchants to increase our monopoly there. By the end of the month, the pirates have been beaten from the Gulf of St Lawrence by English and French warships. We board ships in the bay to sail towards Roanoke. Around the same time, it is noticed that Bangor province has been cleared of natives. We send a trading party here and another to Roanoke in a second attempt.

In February 1535, we establish a trading post in Eiriksfjord while Manicougan is established in March as troops disembark in Roanoke to clear the natives. Scharnhorst, taken a more direct southerly route, discovers the Bermudas.

Back in Europe, Denmark continues to reel from internal unrest. Rebels now control six of their provinces and are besieging five others.

May brings a revolt in Prussia as Scharnhorst discovers more ocean south of the Bermudas. With the help of Spanish troops, the rebels are defeated.

June brings success in the setting up of a trade post in Bangor but we fail a second time to establish a trade post in Roanoke. A third party is sent.

In July, we decide to raise troops in Prussia for defence of the realm as Kurland has fallen to Russia. We are also concerned about revolts with war exhaustion of +10. However, Denmark finally agree to peace with Russia and, after offering a white peace to Papal States, we are now at peace.

Our first move is to cancel our vassal status with Poland and then we arrange a Royal Marriage with Sweden, our Protestant allies.

Denmark’s peace with Russia was too late to save them at home as the rebels break the government and two independent nations of Mecklemberg and Norway are created.

On returning from his third expedition, Scharnhorst charts the province of Stadacone where the French city of Quebec is found and then charts the French trade post on Placentia in December.

On 20th December 1535, Mecklemberg joins our alliance and supports Poland in their war against Papal States.

In January 1536, our trading post in Roanoke is finally established.

In February of the same year, we receive a most remarkable offer. The Lenape tribe of North America are now offering to guarantee our independence. Let Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, Russia and Sweden all quake!

In March, we decide to adopt a less innovative domestic policy (to +1). We believe that this will help to encourage much needed colonists.

European wars continue to drag on and are added to when Cologne (Baden, Lithuania) declare war on Burgundy. Our thoughts go with the small German republics

At the end of April, Scharnhorst discovers land again, this time in the south where Cuyuni and Surinam are charted (OOC: Just how easy is it to miss the Caribbean )

June brings news that the Maya Indians have paid Spain as part of a peace settlement. Spain, quite clearly, is not prosecuting these wars in a manner that they should.

In July, the Welsh decide to suddenly become English. Quite honestly I wondered why they had never thought of the idea before.

In October, Scharnhorst’s ship arrives in the Caribbean islands to discover land in the province of Antigua.

In January 1537, Russia agrees to guarantee our independence.

In April of the same year, Scharnhorst, second tour of the America coast discovers the nation of the Creeks. He continues to explore south and also uncovers the Spanish trade post in Everglades in July.

In the following month, Genoa receives 375D from Aragon in return for peace.

On 9th October 1537, Gelre declares war on Burgundy and is followed by their allies of France, Genoa, Scotland and Eire. One day later, Austria and Oldenburg follow suit.

In January 1538, Scharnhorst charts the province of Seminole, an unfortified province under the control of Spain. Sadly, our illustrious explorer dies the following month while voyaging east of Seminole. He has served his country most nobly.

At the end of the year, Wurtemberg declare themselves for the protestant cause and we hastily agree to a royal marriage.

At the end of the year, our income is stronger than it has ever been. Icome from trade now dwarfs that from other sources and we are active in maintaining our monopoly in Danzig.

Our knowledge of the world has, thanks to our great explorer Scharnhorst, extended beyond our wildest dreams. Prussia, while being an early player in the colonial game, is standing alongside Spain, France and England. There will come a time when the we shall be as strong as any other European power in the region.

OOC: The question now seems apparent to me how I should deal with my nations if they meet each other. Given my experience with Zimbabwe – plenty of money but nothing to do with it – I’ve decided to play it so that we will, where we can, aid the other nations. Whether this will be to offer military access or, in the case of Zimbabwe, to lose a colony to them easily and so allow them to colonise, I cannot say. Ultimately, I would like my pets to have a four way alliance that spans the glope. For all practicable purposes, its not yet likely but surreptitious aid might still work.

 

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Originally posted by Lionheart

By March we discover Mississippi but it takes four months before its natives are cleared. In September we discover Arkansas and clear it of natives. In December we reach the great southern sea in the province of Bayou. The natives are cleared before colonists are sent.

Explorations continue the following year with the discovery and clearance of Matagorda in March, and the discovery of Rio Grande in April.

there's something oddly entertaining about a Native American tribe marching around with a conquistador and clearing natives....

good job with the AAR, its interesting seeing you jump back and forth

 

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Excellent stuff here, Lionheart.

Quick question: Now your Prussian mob has the backing and protection of the Lenape, how about declaring War on Russia? I'm sure those plucky native north americans would be ideal to watch your back while you take on the Cossacks

 

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As it is, I've played the game beyond 1600 so I missed the opportunity to use the protection of the Lenape against my neighbours. I could tell you what has happened in the missing years but I won't.

Now those conquistadors are interesting. When natives have land tech of 4 or 5 and your own native indians are at tech level of -35 it can take a little while to defeat them. Once I had the ability to build cavalry in Dakota, it all got a little easier.

And just wait until Tibet gets its own conquistador.

One big irritation I have these days is the need to play through almost every five year period twice. One of these will generally be full of events and developments before running to 23 December (insert date) and then crash. The second will be a tedious affair in which absolutely nothing happens and then it rools through safely to the end.

 

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Having spent the extra year in Prussia, I’m off for a five year holiday in Zimbabwe. Funds are high at 247D and the army is has been expanded to 29000 infantry and 3750 cavalry.

Our domestic policy sliders are adjusted towards innovation (+2). Otherwise, we have little to do apart from saving to build a fine arts academy for Zimbabwe.

(OOC: Calvin occurs in 1540)

In February 1542, we refuse to grant export licences to powerful advisors to our chief. The offended parties are a little upset (Stab –1)

Zimbabwe are left with 712D.

*

Dakota is still at war with France (peace percentage at –7%) and fields an army of around 25000 of whom 19000 are standing around in Nipissing waiting for attrition to reduce their numbers. We are raising another 5000 troops in our core provinces.

Treasury funds are low at 29D but we have a full complement of colonists available. Stability at +2. Our colonies continue to grow and Matagorda is now a level 6 colony. The rest of the south cost is taken by Spanish trade posts.

Our first moves are to switch domestic policy towards centralisation (to 0) and to exchange maps with Huron. Huron’s maps show the French city of Quebec in Stadacone and our warriors in Nipissing are sent to capture the unfortified province.

On January 5th, the Creek tribe declares war against the Cherokee.

Monthly income is high at 12.6D partly due to our 20% market share in the Anglia centre of trade and a 15% share in Zacatecas.

By February, Quebec is captured by nearly 20000 Dakota troops. They attack a small French force in Shawnigan but, despite outnumbering the French by 10 to 1, are defeated. Another Dakota force arrives in Bas-St-Laurent but are driven back by the natives who take the former French trade post.

In May, the remnant of the French forces in Shawnigan attempt to retake Stadacone but are slaughtered in a fine show of resistance from around 1500 Dakota warriors. In the same month, a group of colonists are sent to Matagorda. War exhaustion has now reached +6 and revolt risk is positive in many of our core provinces.

Our second attempt to capture the trading post in Bas-St-Laurent results in a another defeat at the hands of the natives wsho then proceed to burn the trade post. At this time, the French offer us peace demanding 23D, but we will not betray our allies in Huron.

In July, Matagorda reaches the status of a city and troops are raised to defend our southern province where war exhaustion results in a 5% revolt risk probability. We continue to raise troops in the province until it has 2000 infantry and 1000 cavalry.

The following year, we have a failed colonial expedition to Concho as Niagara is cleared of natives. The Spanish are also seen to be attempting to set up a trade post in Arkansas.

Later in the year, a French force arrives in Stadacone and drives off our brave warriors while other Dakota forces were sent to capture the new French trade post in Bas-St-Laurent. The French follow up on their victory and are successful in driving our forces from all their provinces and we are now put on the defensive.

In January 1546, we establish a new colony in Niagara. In April of the same year a state gift of 200D allows us to fund another expedition to Adirondak and to build fortifications for Matagorda. Our first attempt to colonise Adirondak fails but a second is successful in November.

In May 1546, news from Spain arrives that they have supported Russia in their war against Poland, Portugal, Prussia, Denmark and Aragon (sounds familiar )

During 1547, French possessions in North America are captured and recaptured while we establish trade posts in Mississippi and Oklahoma.

In April 1547, Shawnee ask us to support them in a war against the Cherokee. We agree to support them but know little of the Cherokee lands so our support is of limited value. Huron dishonor the alliance and then refuse to rejoin it.

In July, we realise that we have improved our military technology and can now increase our fortifications. Matagorda, now surrounded by Spanish trade posts, is the obvious first place to do this.

And then, for some inexplicable reason, I stop making any notes so the rest is from memory.

There is no end to the French war in 1548 and the AI was left to finish it. The French insisted on territorial gains while I was there and I simply would not let them have Wisconsin or Nipigon. Given the way most battles were going, I figured that it made more sense to avoid it rather than weaken the negotiating position. The only seemingly viable option for battle was to use overwhelming force with significant cavalry support which I could now recruit in Matagorda - still not available in the northern provinces.

I also received a fortification event in Matagorda - which was nice

 

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I also received a fortification event in Matagorda - which was nice

This week, I shall be mostly building... Curtain Walls!

 

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The most important changes I see on returning to Tibet is that our final Moslem province in Qilian Pendi has been converted and we also have a second goods manufactory in Dangla.

Trade has suffered and merchants are sent out again, mainly to Delhi.

Infrastructure has now advanced a further level and investments continue to be directed here.

Early in 1549, both Manchu and Nippon declare their guarantee for our independence.

We send a letter to Assam (+150 to +162) and set in motion plans for their vassalisation.

In January 1550, Tondap Tseten is appointed the new ruler of our nation. Sadly his leadership skills are not good and will certainly hamper chances of persuading Assam to accept vassal status. A second letter to Assam in as many years has little impact on relations.

Fortifications are expanded starting with Dangla in 1549.

By July 1551, we have recovered out 25% share in the Delhi market. With stability back to +3, our monthly income is a healthy 18.5D

Following a royal marriage with Assam, we receive a diplomatic benefit (Diplomatic Move) bring relations to closest of friends (+200). However, the reject our offer of vassal status in September 1551.

In January 1552, fortifications are also expanded in Kunlun.

And, after a peaceful five years, Tibet’s income is slightly improved and fortifications are continued. I am confident that they will be able to handle the next 15 years without me as I am expected now in Prussia.

 

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And now I have a small admission to make. As if stopping note taking for a year or two while in Dakota were not bad enough, I totally failed to make any notes while in Prussia from 1554 to 1559.

Sorry

But in the interest of keeping up with the game - now up to 1609 - I shall add a 10 year update for Zimbabwe and Dakota to take the AAR up to 1569.

 

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Since I was last in Zimbabwe, there have been a few changes. I arrive back to find the planned fine arts academy has been constructed in Zimbabwe. Treasury funds are healthy and we have a conquistador and a batch of colonists to claim land for Zimbabwe. Our years of exploration and discovery have begun.

With our domestic policy already discouraging settlers (Innovation +3), Mercantilism (+5), we reduce our tendency to innovation. Stabilty reduces to 0 but the fine arts academy now helps us to recover each stability point in only 8 months.

Our conquistador explorers south and charts all land as far as a French trading post in Damara. With access now to the French centre of trade, we manage to gain a 15% market share by the end of the five year period. During this time, the French convert to Reformed.

Colonists are successful in establishing small Zimbabwe colonies in Inhambane, Natal and Ciskei during the period and our explorer turns his attention north where he is managed to discover only one province, Niassa, before he dies. We still have a little more land to discover before we can hope to have a chance of capturing the island of Zanzibar.

Zimbabwe are left with 429 VPs (41st position)

And exciting five years, I'm sure you'll agree

***********

Dakota is still at war with the Iroquois and revolt risk is very high. We have, however, succeeded in capturing Onondaga and Oswego and may soon be able to agree peace terms with the enemy.

Trading and treasury are also health with 25% market shares in Manhattan, Zacatecas and Anglia.

Dakota has also got itself a navy of 8 warships in Matagorda.

Noticing that the Spanish trade post in Rio Grande has been destroyed, we send a colonial party of our own.

In January, an envoy from France announces to us that they have taken Artois and Luxembourg from Burgundy in a peace agreement.

In February, we begin a siege of Tuscarora as news arrives that England have declared war on Scotland. A second force besieges Shenandoah in April.

In June, our first diplomat arrives and we offer the Iroquois peace in exchange for Oswego. They accept. With the war over, we turn our attention to domestic policy and move to troop quality (+1). Our first attempt to colonise Rio Grande fails.

September sees success in our colonisation of Rio Grande as a further party is sent to Catskill after the provinces was cleared of natives. Catskill is colonised in November

In April, 1565, we raise further troops in Matagorda and Iowa in preparation for a summer campaign. Our target is to be Spain in order to link up our provinces in the south with those in the north. As if sensing the opportunity, we receive a rush of colonists in the same month (+3)

In June, we send our declaration of war and, by the end of the month, we have succeeded in capturing all four Spanish trading posts. By September all seven Spanish trade posts in the region have been captured and our forces in Bayou now number 16366 infantry and 5744 cavalry.

In March we burn the Spanish trade post in Mobile and send a group of colonists. A group of cavalry are sent to capture the Spanish colony in Chihuahua. The following month, we burn the Concho trade post and send a trading party which establishes a trade post in June.

In August, France wins a victory in their war with Spain gaining Moron, Guantanamo, Maracaibo, Yaraguay, Les Cayes and Tortuga in a peace settlement.

In September, plague strikes in Minnesota and the population falls by 1000. In November we burn the Spanish trade post in Wichita and send a group of colonists.

January 1567 we offer peace to Spain in return for Biloxi. They reject our offer. February sees our colony established in Wichita and funds are diverted to send a party to Biloxi. The trade post is burned in April and a party of colonists are sent in May. That same month, we gain an explorer (+2 colonists) in Bayou and plan to take the fight against Spain to their lands. Our explorer fox is sent east and our colony in Biloxi is established.

In November, Fox discovers as far as Florida straits before having to return to port in Mobil for victuals. On returning, he discovers Spanish lands in Everglades.

In January 1568, Fox departs on his second voyage, this time with only 3 warships, and a party of colonists are sent to Concho. The colony is established in March.

Having explored Mosquitos coast, Fox returns west and discovers Yucatan and the Mayan tribes. Having explored the Mexican coast, he returns to Rio Grande and then sets off on a third voyage to explore the seas to the east of the Creek lands. On discovering a Spanish colony in Seminole, we agree military access with the Creek tribe and send a force of 1000 cavalry to capturing this province and the Everglades.

And I leave Dakota in the sure knowledge that they will be unable to press home their temporary advantage. The explorer is sent off on a series of expedition that would take him at least two years unless the computer decides he would be better used in manning our burgeoning fishing fleet in the south.

 

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It's got to be just a little bit frustrating setting up a really good position only to hand it off to the AI to botch up.

This continues to be very entertaining. You have more happening in five (ten?) years of Zimbabwe than I did in 200 years when I played them.

 

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Originally posted by MrT
It's got to be just a little bit frustrating setting up a really good position only to hand it off to the AI to botch up.

This continues to be very entertaining. You have more happening in five (ten?) years of Zimbabwe than I did in 200 years when I played them.

Admittedly, it does help quite a bit when the AI takes control of a nation like Zimbabwe. Otherwise, the gold from Zimbabwe would give you serious hyperinflation which is almost impossible to control. That's why I've now tended to print money when I'm in control and leave the AI "cheats" to bring it back down while I'm away.

 

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Originally posted by Lionheart


Admittedly, it does help quite a bit when the AI takes control of a nation like Zimbabwe. Otherwise, the gold from Zimbabwe would give you serious hyperinflation which is almost impossible to control. That's why I've now tended to print money when I'm in control and leave the AI "cheats" to bring it back down while I'm away.

An innovative strategy. Why didn't I think of that before? I was at about 200% after 130 years!

 

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Tibet 1569-1573

Very little has changed on my return to Tibet except that our trading income is down. Merchants are sent to Kansai and Delhi.

We make a further domestic policy shift towards land and continue to divert 50% of funds to treasury for our fortification efforts.

With many local alliances ending next year, we will retain enough diplomats to renew and expand our alliance.

Shortly after renewing our alliance with Assam in August 1570, we encounter an uncooperative philosopher but allow him freedom (Innovativeness +1, Stability –2)

In October 1570, we improve our land technology (Level 4). In the same month we use funds to expand our fortress in our southern border province of Nepal. Then, in December, we expand our alliance to bring in Vientiane, Ayutthaya and Dai Viet.

In January 1571, we agree to exchange discoveries with Dai Viet and our maps now include many Chinese provinces, including the Portuguese province of Macao. In October of the same year, Portugal joins France, Eire and Genoa in a war against England and Sweden.

In June 1572, a gift to state is used to help fund fortress expansion in Lhasa.

Nothing much of interest happens for the remainder of the five year term of office. Two provinces still have minimal fortress although funds are nearly at a point where one of these can be expanded.

Now it’s back to Prussia to have a look at the map of Europe.

 

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Prussia 1574-1578

We return to Prussia to find ourselves fighting alongside Denmark in a war against Norway and Poland. Our forces in Prussia are already engaged in battle with Poland.

Our technology has advanced further and we have now reached land technology level 15 and naval tech 12. Infrastructure and trade are each at level 4. We also have a naval equipments manufactory in Prussia.

The Polish armies attacking Prussia are quickly defeated and reinforcements from Memel are sent to support them

In February, England agree peace with Portugal ceding the province of Caux in France. In the region, a nation known as the Huguenots have emerged in Poitou.

After losing a second battle in Prussia to vastly superior Polish forces, Norway offers us a white peace which we accept.

In August, Tripoli are annexed by the Mameluks to bring an end to another North African war. Now the Mameluks are the dominant force in North Africa.

During the year traders are sent to Manicougan and Roanoke.

Returning to domestic issues, we issue acts to allow greater freedom of the common people (Free Subjects at –2)

The following year starts well for us as funds are diverted to send a merchant to Andalusia as traders are continually sent to North America with one being sent to establish a trade post on Isle Royale.

In March, Maya pays Spain 200D for peace.

In June, the rebels in the Papal States succeed in breaking the government and a new nation of Siena is formed

By September, both Roanoke and Manicougan trading posts have reached level 4. Back in Prussia a petition for redress is accepted (Centralisation +1, Stability –4)

In April, 1576, Bavaria cancelled the military access agreement with Wurtemberg and declare war, supported By Helvetia. Spain and Austria both support Wurtemberg. This could be yet another opportunity for Austria to extend its lands which now stretch from Bujak in the east on the Black Sea, to Albania in the south and Alsace in the west. Aragon were later to rejoin the alliance and thewar on the side of Wurtemberg.

In November, Zanj became vassals of the Ottoman Empire.

Little of interest happens for the next years until Denmark receives indemnities from Poland for peace.

 

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Back in Zimbabwe, no major changes have occurred. We have attained land tech 3 but have lost our share of the rich Ile-de-France market. Surprisingly, given our gold income, we have little left in treasury.

Merchants are sent to Ile-de-France and, in order to add some impetus to our colonisation, domestic policy is moved away from innovation.

Throughout the five years, merchants struggled to break into the French market and, when they did, they lost their share quickly. It was quickly considered as a very cost-ineffective way of denying market share to other nations.

In 1582, France agree peace terms with Benin receiving generous reparations. Within a week the French declare war on Congo.

In 1583, the native witchdoctors are unhappy and suggest we adopt a more narrowminded approach. Given that it is something I was moving towards, we agree to their demands.

Merchants are sent to France at the end of 1584 and succeed in gaining a 10% market share. Zimbabwe is left, after an uneventful five years, with a war chest of 401D, but little to do with this.

**

On returning to Dakota I find that they have given away the colonies of Adirondak, Nipissing, Michilmakinak, Niagara and Catskill to the Lenape. Our armies have largely disappeared and we are in debt to the tune of 400D. Our explorer has also died having discovered not so much as a puddle in his backgarden.

OOC: I am, to put it mildly, slightly peeved at what I have just discovered and would like to know if there is some key which gives an instant crash-to-desktop.

But I believe there may be worse to come. Two undiscovered (at least to Dakota) provinces that were previously trade posts of Prussia seem to be coloured in a decidedly non-grey shade. More specifically, it looks a very Danish orange. Does anyone know how to repair a broken EUII Disk?

Back to reality, I go on the offensive in the continuing war against Iroquois. Armies are raised across Dakota lands and we split our forces in Oswego to besiege Tuscarora and Onondaga. Iroquois forces number around 24000 to our 15000.

In the first months of the year, the Iroquois are surprisingly inactive and the sieges continue. Further troops are raised in the core provinces after Oswego is besieged (War Exhasution +14)

We lay siege to Shenandoah towards the end of the year as the Iroquois begin to attack our sieges. We force away most attacks but our siege in Shenandoah is finally broken. Retreating to Erie, where Shawnee troops are already living off the land, we suffer significant attrition penalties. However, the siege in Onondaga finally forces the town to surrender and we march on the capital Mohawk.

At the beginning of 1585, we pay off one of our bank loans but will continue the second in order to maintain a steady flow of reinforcements. During 1585, a force of Iroquois rebels succeed in taking Onondaga and we must recapture it. However, we have now added Tuscarora and Mohawk to our conquests

During the year, Huron call on us to support them in a war against the French. We cannot risk increased war exhaustion and so decline their offer. The Aztecs request that we join their alliance with the Maya but we decline for now.

By 1586, we have the three remaining Iroquois provinces under siege and reinforcements continue to flow in. Iroquois forces number now around 17000 and are continually forced into Niagara before returning to attempt to break our siege of Onondaga

In January 1587, Shenandoah falls and our troops move to relieve the rebel siege of Tuscarora.

In February, rebels rise up in Matagorda and take the fortress.

By May we begin to offer peace to Iroquois for Shenandoah and Tuscarora (16% from 30%). For some reason their stability remains at +3. With Irondekoit captured, the offer is renewed and rejected again.

In July, we drive the remaining Iroquois forces from Onondaga and restart our siege. Finally, in October, the Iroquois offer us Irondekoit, Onondaga and Tuscarora. We gladly accept. Within days, Tuscarora falls to rebels and we now have to recover our new province.

It is not until January 1588 that we can begin a siege of Matagorda. It appears that we will have to wait before we can exact revenge on the Lenape for our lost colonies. The rebel forces in Oswego hold out under repeated attacks from our forces in Onondaga.

In June 1588, rebels capture the Iroquois capital but are at a loss for what to do since we are now no longer at war with them.

We send a colonial expedition to Milwaukee and it expands in July to a city, our 10th .

In October, we finally succeed in defeating the rebels in Oswego and settle a border dispute with the Iroquois (Stab to +2). Matagorda is also recovered from rebels in the same month although the fortifications are badly damaged. Tuscarora is also besieged by our forces in ex-Iroquois lands.

We leave Dakota with a rebel siege in Irondekoit and our own siege of rebel held Tuscarora. Our armies should be adequate to deal with the problem. We shall see

 

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Tibet 1589-1593

The last time I checked in the archive, Tibet were at war with Bengal. On return I find ourselves in two wars: one against Delhi and the other alongside Ayutthaya and Assam against Vientiane. With most of our troops in Tibet, we order them to move on Vientiane (through Assam and Ayutthaya) to bring a speedy end to the war.

(OOC: Dakota are now at war again with Iroquois and Lenape)

By May, we have defeated a Vientiane force in Yunnan and besieged the town. By August, another siege force has collected in Kwai and moves in to besiege Lampang as the main Vientiane army attacks Ayutthaya in Bangkok

By September, Xinjiang, Qinghai and Qilian Pendi are in revolt.

In January, troops raised in Tibet are held back to relieve the besieged provinces. In Vientiane, Yunnan is captured but we elsewhere suffer a second defeat at the hands of Vientiane forces. Our siege force from Yunnan moves on Mekong.

Back in Tibet, Sichuan (Xinjiang) falls to rebels and our army in Lhasa moves to recapture the province. We defeat Vientiane in Mekong and lay siege. In Xinjiang, we are defeated by the rebels and retreat back to Lhasa.

In April, Lampang falls to our forces and we move on the Vientiane capital in Sarakham. The city is besieged in May.

After several battles, both sieges hold strong through the year as news arrives that Ayutthaya have captured the province of Laos. Meanwhile, in Tibet, we have a race to recapture Sichuan before Qilian Pendi falls to a siege force of 15000.

In February 1591, we recapture Sichuan and march to relieve Qinghai.

In March, Mekong is captured and Vientiane agree to peace by ceding us the provinces of Mekong and Lampang. Although isolated from our other provinces, they are linked together and so allow some form of defence against rebels. In the same month, we defeat rebels in Qinghai and move to relieve the more serious siege in Qilian Pendi. We defeat the rebels in April and lay siege to the damaged fortress.

In May we recapture Qilian Pendi and celebrate this with an offer of vassal status to Assam. They gratefully accept our generous offer.

June sees a switch in domestic policy towards centralisation as funds are raised to help fortify our isolated provinces. We also seek to repair ties with Vientiane through a royal marriage.

In November, we improve our land technology (Level 5) and now have developed means of assaulting fortified territories.

By June 1592, we have expanded trade in Delhi to a 25% market share yielding an annual income of 100D.

In August, Vijayanagar annexed Mysore.

As stability increases to maximum in October 1592, we increase our fortifications in Mekong. Later the same month, army reforms brings new investments to land technology.

In March 1593, Ayutthaya take Yunnan in a peace settlement with Vientiane. We offer the former vassal status but they reject it.

Nonetheless, when I leave Tibet, they are as strong as they have ever been and are 7th in Victory Point scale.

Now for decision time. Prussia, is no more so I must either find another fourth country or I continue with my three non-european nations. I think I will go and ponder this one.