God does play dice – A random AAR in a random world

[alscon]

This revolution is out for a bad start. Their lands are (mostly) poor, their ally dropped them, and they are surrounded by aggressive conquerors... not to say they aren't even revolutionary

Let's say I know how the AI feels when I do the same. Some payback.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Nineteen: Indians for the Great Elephant


SoI'm returning to the beginning of the AAR, well, not exactly. Kiowa was one of the two tributary states that my great Gondwanese Empire encompassed to defend the Animist ways against the Islamic intruders... and now still transfers trade power to the fallen empire, which is not much stronger than Kiowa itself. I remedy this oversight immediately, as I think a great king like old Hallale would do. His heir is not as good, but is at least a medium general. Funnily enough, with reverse stats (2/3/2 as general, 3/2/3 as ruler), he'll lead our full army of 7k men.

We are a despotic monarchy with the Animist decisions enacted, and have filled diplomatic and innovative ideas, while just having begun to invest in offensive, unlocking most of our West African ideas. As I don't think the Animists will live on in West Africa much longer with the Kara Del and Rewa Kantha threats looming, I prepare an escape strategy: You've guessed it, I like diversity in the colonial game, so Kiowa picks exploration and unlocks its first. Though I want to establish a stronger base in Africa to try and withstand Islam instead of going to America.

Speaking of Islam, they've organized into a triple alliance. Kara Del, Rewa Kantha and Lüneburg. The first two would easily be able to defeat the Animists alone, but Lüneburg has serious rebel problems with Mossi nationalists; probably due to land they've taken recently, as we have a truce. Funj, these traitors, have not only gained a protectorate status I envy, but they've also embraced Catholicism. So Kiowa is left in an alliance with the last West African animists: Blackfoot, Uzbek and Gondwana. Nothing major. Limited in my expansion possibilities, I look outward to Mong Yang, the Kongolese Shamanists.

I take advantage of a mission to colonize Karou to get colonial enthusiasm before going for my true goal, Cameroon. Puts me only at a very slight deficit, and after teaching the natives how to catch bullets, which strangely none of them survived, I'm in the green again without any military maintenance. I use my new colony to claim Loango, and just the day the claim finishes, my diplomats prove incompetent. Well, they've just fabricated a claim, so they can't be too bad, can they?

As Kiowan and Gondwanese troops start marching towards Mong Yang, Ning declares war on Aragon. They seem to do well alone. As do Russia and Demak, taking huge bites out of Xiu and Scotland respectively. Take care, Europe. The horde stands at the gates of Orléans.

Just before the first battle, Hallale is claimed by the Great Elephant. Kiles becomes king, and celebrates his coronation with a victory and a following stackwipe of Mong Yang's army in Loango and Mpangu.

In the follow-up of the battle, the troops discover local fishermen, who use advanced ship technology. Well, they did make it all the way to North Iberia, no wonder their ships are better then Kiowa's, which have probably never left the harbour. Not thinking they are going to become a naval power, caution is used incorporating these designs. Better steal some Asakuran ship, as they've just completed the first circumnavigation. Dutch Japanese must know how to deal with water.

I make a mistake as I settle for sieges in Mong Yang's North, as they rebuild their whole army from scratch. Vowing not to make the same mistake twice, I gather the allied army, and attack them as they try to break my occupation. The fighting is interrupted by Lüneburg's collapse, freeing Oman and Mossi while also ceding Dagbon to Funj. While Mossi was freed by nationalists, Oman was not, which means... Right. No army. No Oman. Quickly recruiting two mercenary regiments, I invade without any opposition.

The second battle of Mupangu is much closer. Thankfully, Kiles keeps the upper hand, and chases the enemy around until he disperses. This time, I split off some siege stacks, all while keeping a hunter stack running around, stopping recruitment and wiping those able to appear. This takes a lot of administration, and my officials are corrupted. Again? Is the 17th century a corrupt official's heaven? Asking nicely didn't work, so – Leave me alone! Go join the production nobles somewhere... in Medri Bahri, I bet!

As I settle for a game of whack-a-mole in Kongo, Rewa Kantha decides to have waited long enough: Death to the Great Elephant. They attack Gondwana. I can't honour the call. As 23k Rewa Kanthis swarm over the border, even Gondwana leaves their army in Mong Yang. As I annex Oman, they do offer the renewal of our alliance, but knowing very well that they would just call me in again, I have to decline. Just as I've successful isolated Kiowa, Mong Yang allies Kangra, and I fear they get called in. So I settle for a peace, taking the Northern half of Kongo.

The dust hasn't even settled, when Mong Yang accepts to become a protectorate of Kangra. I would love to become one as well, but Kiowa is too strong. Gondwana turns hostile, and cancels the military access. Great. Now my 7k men are trapped in Cameroon. I swear to beat up Gondwana for that, fabricate a claim on Calabar, and research the Maurician Infantry (mil 15). Shortly later, my intellectuals agree that the way forward is through research.

Before Rewa Kantha totally annihilates Gondwana and its poor lands, I march in. They then decide to be satisfied with half of its lands. Gondwana should thank me that they weren't annexed. If they had only taken religious first instead of everybody's favourite administrative, maybe the Great Elephant would have triumphed. I blame them for our downfall. Meanwhile, Ning achieves my goal of connecting the Chinese lands: Now you should collapse even less! Three vassals, Brandenburg as ally, you have no excuses! Medri Bahri finally stabilizes as well, ends the internal conflicts, though all these bankruptcies must have claimed a harsh tribute. Ning's future conquests, I hope.

As I wait for Gondwana's provinces to fall, Kiles I is hit by a stray bullet and dies. Tumwalth Eweka (3/3/4) invests in raising the stability to -1, and is faced by a lot of choices. He decides not to waste manpower on useless raids through the jungle, as Gondwana has no army on the mainland, only on Fernando Po. And the fearless riders have no sea horses. He has to concede privileges to the nobles, as rebels threaten to stop all progress made, and improves the medical profession, hoping to escape a death like his uncle Hallala.

I only ask for Calabar in the peace, as revolt risk is high. Immediately after the peace, Gondwana declares me a rival and puts itself under Jalayirid protection. Well, it's done. Kiowa is now entirely isolated, all neighbours hating it and... Right! 24k Kongolese patriots rise up! I think I may have led them to certain doom.

I transfer my army with my single cog one by one to Loango, as I try to take on the patriots. And fail miserably. All I can do in the hope of Kiowa not wasting all its resources against the rebels is to concede their demands. Kiowa keeps two Kongolese provinces, as those were formerly Brazil. Unlike EU III's Brazil, which somehow spawned in Africa sometimes, this one was fully intentional.

Before I leave, I take my time to analyse the rich Kiowan flora. It's so rich that the discoveries made provide a lot of additional food, making 1630 a particularly good year. Maybe in this sense; it wasn't diplomatically a good year.

Good luck, Kiowa; you will need it if you're to survive in the future. Strike out, found a colony, or become a protectorate like the others of the Ivory Alliance; with Oman and Brazil likely to successfully revolt, you will be small enough. I can't help you, an interesting European nation beckons: Aïr. Loser on the British isles, it has a small colonial empire; I'm going to pull them off before Common Sense and see if I can convert the save. Subjects stronger than their overlord might cause problems, and with the patch close, I'll try to take advantage of it's mechanics. Aïr has to build tall if it can't migrate to America. And I need to rename 'New Aïr' and 'Aïr West Indies'. Besides, one or two bugs and testing out new mechanics might be fun.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Looks like West Africa is competing with China for the most border gore. They have a long way to go to catch up.

Finally, the AI doesn't do something completely incompetent. I'm rooting for Ning all the way.

Russia made a land bridge all the way to the Adriatic? That's impressive.

 

[alscon]

Nah, save for the weird enclaves due to the Blackfoot, West Africa is beautiful, split up nicely between the big Muslims, only Kiowa messing things up a bit. China has engaged a new house cleaner, good to see it do its work

I'm eagerly waiting when Russia reforms. They are a true monster.

Anyway, I'll of course continue the AAR under 1.11.4, though as rollback takes 500MB, I'm setting in for some longer sessions. The next ten years in Air are ready, and I think I should be able to post it over the weekend.

 

[alscon]

Chapter Twenty: Elementary, my dear Wessex


Do you feel it? Surrounding you, flowing into your lungs as you breathe... That's our next nation!

...well, not entirely. It's Aïr, not air, although I'm going to keep that element around. Aïr may have lost most of England to Champa, but has established themselves in the Southern Antilles and in Florida. While I've only renamed the CN's at the end of these ten years, I'll already refer to them as Water (Aïr West Indies) and Earth (New Aïr). Besides our CN's, Aïr is allied to Asakura, Kangra and Macina. Our king, al-Amin I, is above average, as is his heir. Besides, I've decided to help Sweden by starting its westernization. Instead, they could also colonize more, but the AI does – nothing. I think that little help may be allowed.

We have unlocked five Aïr ideas, full exploration, three expansion and quantity as well as defensive ideas while being slightly behind in tech at 16/17/17. With Champa at my door, even though they have military access, my seven regiments may be vital. Our explorer is useless as I don't have enough ships to send him explore, and my conquistador is not the best. He has to do. Our economy can sustain one colony in Frederick while at full maintenance, and I take a mission to colonize Calusa while also sending a colonist to Kespek. Both have 8BT, with one in Florida and the other in Québec. The first shall grow Earth, while I intend to make the second my capital. Why? Aïr has two colonies and two provinces. The liberty desire is close to critical. And Champa looks threatening. Not willing to give that superpower an easy target plus colonies, I prepare my escape plan.

Before I can settle in, Asakura breaks any possible monotony by declaring its intention to reincorporate Utrecht. Galicia-Volhynia of course doesn't just surrender their only province, and I find myself at war on Asakura's side together with Djerid, Ndongo and Patiala against G-V, Kangra, Nagpur, Kham and Sunda. Nagpur could be interesting, but Champa prevents either one of us from reaching each other, and Kangra forces my great fleet into port. I've previously started shipping my army over to Gaspe, as Kespek is called now, and await an occasion to transport some more of my troops.

Meanwhile, the first great colonial war could be starting, as Jalayirid Colombia attacks its Champani counterpart. Could keep Champa busy if it escalates to Europe. On the other side of the globe, Ning continues its conquest of China by attacking Medri Bahri. And at home, some colonists decide to expand my Frederickian colony to Savannah, but with three colonies already putting me into the red, I really don't need a fourth. The natives aren't very peaceful anyway, so I bribe them to dispose of the settlers. Who said this can only be good?

Lüneburg re-annexes Mossi, and I'm sure Kiowa will be next. Well, I've said they are going to die. The scourge of France strikes again, as Nupe takes Rev.France's only rich province, 13BT Alençon. The revolution is all but dead. As Frederick grows to a full colony, my allies defeat the enemy in Utrecht.

I manage to ship two regiments to the war zone, before G-V decides to stop any more attempts by condemning my two flytes to stay in Gloucestershire's port with their six trade ships. My allies appreciate that I provide more than just moral support, and as I research one tech in each field, our combined army defeats Sunda in Cologne. I see that Patiala still has their good generals.

Not seeing any strategic interest in taking Cologne, I move my men to Utrecht, but my allies don't follow. G-V senses an easy target and attacks, but Asakuran relief comes just in time. I have to justify my actions, even though the casualties are lower than if I would blow out an invasion fleet from the English soil, by giving the people what they want, as the colonial war escalates, putting the three major West European powers – Jalayirids, Nupe and Champa – against each other.

Gaspe produces Copper, and G-V makes a suicidal attack on Utrecht. Not in vain though, as Asakura proceeds to chase them, while Kangra moves in to wipe my army. My Japanese friends take revenge, but now I am really condemned to only provide moral support from my island. We're on the wrong continent anyway if you look at all the conquistadors involved. G-V's fleet doesn't budge a second time, and Asakura's fleet doesn't break the blockade.

Calusa produces Copper as well, as Gaspe assimilates one hundred natives. It will help getting my new capital-to-be ready faster. I unlock the university (admin 17), of course without being able to build one, and a new idea group: with its projected new location in the St.Lawrence trade node, and being small, Aïr can surely profit from trade. My escape plan gets more important as Champa's new ruler is a ruthless militarist. Well, he can live out his belligerent feelings against the Jalayirid alliance now. Good luck with any invasion attempt by the way.

As Kiowa's death draws close, with Kara Del and Rewa Kantha both attacking, my allies make decisive moves as they wipe out both the new Kangri and Sundanese armies. With Utrecht occupied, this war is as good as won. Sunda has enough and cedes Limburg to Asakura.

My men are superbly drilled, which may come in handy if I don't have to fight Champa, as they would simply overwhelm me. Instead, my colonies finish and I start a new one in 8BT Unamakik.

G-V goes the way of all earthly beings and is annexed into Asakura. No, I don't mean every earthly being will end up as part of Asakura, just that it ceases to exist. Finally my blockade is broken and I can think of selling one of my home provinces. As Gloucestershire has 4BT and Wessex 11, I will move my capital to Wessex first. A new capital, which swiftly converts to reformed. I can't sell Gloucestershire yet, as the only one willing to accept it, Champa, is at war.

 

[alscon]

So I make new alliances, with Kangra and Powhatan, waiting for Champa to concede its defeat against the Iberian horde. As I wait, I get a colonialism CB on Asakura, which makes me wonder why. I don't share any land border with them. Then I remember that I have the legal right to colonize Eastern America, bestowed upon me by the pope, and that these dirty Protestants don't care. Yet they are also my most important and trusted ally. And with my capital reformed, I decide to follow in my friend's footsteps and chase away the pope. Though I embrace the reformed beliefs. I can't hope to control the curia, so I might as well quit and enact all religious decisions with benefits. But the ruler of Rome must have had too much mass wine. I get a pop-up that I keep the rights on my colonial regions. Even though I am preaching the evil of the Catholic church, my CN's are still Catholic, so it may be that the pope wanted to give them the right...

Well on a second look... Aïr had even took part in the counter-reformation... so I have just destroyed all the last kings had worked on... Fits with my escape plan. Even if I won't get the treaty in Canada.

With the Champani threat looming over Aïr, my escape plan is told to the population. 200 trappers agree, and set up a colony in Campbelton, which I generously subsidize. My shrewd methods inspire the merchants, who refine their trading practices.

To establish a solid base in Canada, Corfu may pose a problem. As soon as I have a core close to them, they will reform into a monarchy, able to match Aïr without its CN's or allies. As Corfu is allied with Portugal, they would draw in the considerable force of the natives into their conflict – so it is better to attack while they're still far behind in tech. Asakura joins my side thanks to utter trust, and while the natives severely outnumber us, we have the technology on our side. Portugal probably even outnumbers us alone, didn't check the ledger.

As Gaspe takes the reformed faith, I immediately seek out the Corfuan army with my full force of 8k men. Agg- A'ïsha Iregenaten, my conquistador, isn't good, but all I have, and he engages the enemy's 17k troops in Kespukwitk. Too late I remember that I'm reformed now and can enable the war focus, do it in mid-battle when there's absolutely no effect, and pull off a close victory.

I still hope Portugal stays clear of my coast, when 2k of them arrive in Gaspe, to get wiped out. Hopefully not more will come. Kiowa gets reduced to a 2PM, and will soon be history. As my men settle for a severe winter siege, Asakura arrives to give its support in Etchemins. Now I really wonder where the Portuguese are, scroll down – and see 48k enemies attacking Earth. Continue to distract them, Earth! For the good of your gracious overlord.

Corfu's army makes it reappearance, and drowns Asakura's 3k men in Etchemins. They continue East, seize my colony in Campbelton, before Aïr and Water combine to rain death upon the enemy... Well not in biblical numbers, but at least the Corfuans are repelled again. I retake Campbelton and resume my sieges, and the entirety of Corfu is soon under my control.

The English nobles have heard of my plan to escape to America and fear the worst – the loss of their estates. As such, they ally with Champa, trying to strike a deal to keep their lands. They will pay for their treachery... by becoming the subjects of the Irish later. I can't do much more against them. Unlike Ning, beating up Medri Bahri once again. Will China be reunited at some point?

As I march to Etchemins, Corfu heads North to free their land. Coming one by one, even the great general they've found somewhere after their last defeat can't solve the disparity between our techs (17 to 8). They should be westernizing, like Pagarruyungan Brazil... well, they couldn't, and that's the whole point of this war . While the battle rages, Rewa Kantha abolishes slavery, and the Jalayirids force Champa to... not much,as they've never landed in Britain. One Colombian province and the freedom of OPM Tuscany in Lothian is the price Champa pays for meddling in Jalayirid Colombia's affairs.

Now that Champa is at peace, I need to be at peace before they are at war again. So I chase after Voulgaris' army, defeating him in Narraganset before definitely wiping Corfu's army out in Oneida. Not too soon: Earth is close to full occupation, and the Portuguese are heading North. With all their land occupied, Corfu is eager to sign a peace treaty, giving away their precious 10BT Sipeknatik and Mikmaq. I start coring, and sell Gloucestershire for 288 ducats. Aïr is now an American nation, as Gaspe is declared its official capital!

Powhatan isn't too pleased about my behaviour, and cancels the alliance. Tuscany offers one instead, but they're just Champani meat... speaking of whom, they cancel the military access agreement. Don't need it any more, as they can access Cornwall through their own land now. Kangra is Nupe's next target, and I really don't want to be involved against two great powers. See Kangra, European affairs don't interest me any more. I'm American. And as long as you don't have colonies close to mine, I'm going to leave you alone as much as you leave me alone. I wish you a nice miracle if you want to win.

My population accepts my new focus on America. Not vexed that they aren't the capital any more, 200 Wessexians emigrate to Campbelton, making the colony self-sustaining. This pays off even more; the divine will is clearly on my side, as the year is proclaimed an excellent one. As 1641 draws near, I take pity on Rev.France and propose an alliance, not that it is going to save them as they lack the resources to pull off a similar 'Eurexit' strategy, but it is good for the morale. Think about it: The English, chased from their island by the Irish, ally with the French, conquered first by the Belgians and then by the Occitans...

With Aïr clearly established in America, the year turns. I know I haven't been very consistent in my dice rolls, avoiding to roll when ten more years would be boring or devastating, but when I rolled, the results were true. Aïr will benefit (or not) from my benevolent rule for ten more years. Once I put aside Common Sense, I'll have to play through some chapters, so I will have to hold back on probable spoilers. And I'll try to include some bad elemental puns.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Air has made a successful escape. Let's hope that the Fire Nation doesn't attack.

Woot, Ning reached the coast!

 

[alscon]

Yeah, long may Ning be stable! They've connected their enclaves, are allied with Brandenburg - the future looks bright!

It's time to get another chapter up. Too much of a pause and nobody would know where the nations are in this twisted world. I think I'm going to play from one world update to another later, and for now I've played through three decades (forgot the world update though, so that will have to wait for 1671). Can't promise much though, but I think I can promise a lot for the nation I'm going to pick up in 1671. Anyway, here goes:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twenty-One: Amairica


Welcome back to Amairica. Having just defeated the Corfuan Natives, Aïr happily colonizes around what they as Englishmen know as the Gulf of St.Lawrence. While Water doesn't cross its element to take some more islands in the Caribbean, Earth combats its fellow colony by draining the swamps of Florida. In other news, Aïr prepares to take out Corfu for good and closely watches the situation of Powhatan, awaiting a chance to strike at their colonies. As nothing happens here, it may be noteworthy to name another change of emperor in the HRE. Without Austria to rely on, it changes all the time. No wonder no reform has been passed yet.

Yatenga pays for their intrusion into China. Whoever touches Chinese ground... falls into civil war. If one's not Ning or Brandenburg. Aïr is far away from that region though, and entirely stable. Only problem is that the natives of Halifax don't like what we Europeans grow on their land – literally the day after we successfully produced our first wine, they attack our colonists. To sober them up, the wind blows them into the sea in a punitive expedition.

As the Nupe-Jalayirid alliance attacks Kangra once again, Powhatan joins in Kangra's defence. The Wallonians are the only other colonizers of Canada, and I want to have it all under my control. Even more as the pope approves of their meddling into my affairs with the proclamation of Powhatan Canada, or PC for short. I can't let this stand. And as they are going to have enough problems with the superpowers of Western Europe, I attack their colony. Pasai and Kanem Bornu proclaim their support, but only Kanem Bornu could probably land any troops on Aïr soil. Confident of my victory and well supplied with food due to a bountiful harvest, I march North.

My confidence grows even more as first Asakura, then Québec both attack Powhatan as well. Over the course of this AAR, many great powers have fallen while others have risen, and it seems Powhatan is going to be the next.

The natives of St.John dislike that I am starting to convert Fundy. Seeing themselves threatened by the Elements, as even Corfu falls under Western influence, they revolt. My response is to send even more hardy Wessexians to find their luck in Amairica. I won't leave. Only my old conquistador does, and his replacement isn't much better (0/2/0/1). I guess wind doesn't have much strategic knowledge.

PC's 2k men can't resist long and are easily blown away by Aïr's army. They are blown right into Earth's troops, who bury the rest. Their lands under siege, I'm not too happy to see the Asakura West Indies besieging and taking Belle Isle though. It blocks my way to full control of PC.

I start colonizing Stadacona (Quebec) as St.John's natives bow to the might of the elements, and Medri Bahri goes bankrupt. You thought they would finally be stable? Nope. They revive their old tradition of regularly being unable to pay anything. Maybe it's because of Brandenburg occupying their lands. Either way, this has repercussions in Aïr: The long drawn out wars against Champa have left quite a lot of inflation (10,6%), and reforms are made to halve it.

I prepare to land some men in Europe, as the Jalayirids handily annihilate Powhatan's army. Kara Del finally ends Kiowa's pitiful existence, and Sunda falls into civil war. That's when 2k Amairicans set their feet on Flanders. A bad idea: Kanem Bornu wipes them out, and I forget that I still hold Wessex, leaving my two transports to sink at the Icelandic coast. They sadly don't resurface in Water.

That didn't go so well. I've only got one barque left, so it's quite handy to have a ship building boom. After recruiting more regiments for the army, I start building ships. Brandenburg smashes Medri Bahri, and Lodewijk IV of Flanders becomes emperor. Will the HRE ever settle down? And how does Medri Bahri manage to pay 108 ducats? They are back in their bankruptcy routine.

Halifax really is a place of violence. Their fiery tempers break out into a peasant revolt, but are easily put down. Enraged by their audacity, the king succumbs to a heart attack though, and Agg-Abba de Camoys (3/3/5) ascends to the throne. His first action is to attack Corfu. Without allies, their 2k reformed men stand no chance, and the nation seizes to exist. With the nation evaporates the considerable fortune they have amassed, as it's sadly not patch 1.12. On the other hand, inflation would have gone through the roof, so it's probably better that way.

Aïr's colonies grow well, while Powhatan gets to feel how it is to be on the receiving end. Since the 'revolution', they are going down bit by bit. Québec bites out the Breton territories Powhatan had managed to hold on after taking it from them. And the rest of their nation is occupied by either Jalayirid, Nupe or Asakuran troops. All's not negative though: Their long-time rival blockading their way East, Sunda, collapses after a civil war to an OPM, ceding most of their land to the Commonwealth and the freed Swiss.

Emboldened by their success, Québec attacks Rev.France as well. Aïr gives moral support after the disaster of the last landing in Europe. Don't have any fleet anyway. And if that wasn't enough, the new general, al-Hajj Tiggirmat, a military genius of 0/1/0/0, wouldn't allow for big hopes in Europe. But Asakura stands at RFR's side. Soon enough, Nupe makes peace with Kangra, growing even more to a behemoth. Europe's zones of influence become clear: Jalayirid Iberia, Nupe France, Champani Britain, Manchu Scandinavia, Zazzau Poland and Russian East. But Zazzau just gets to feel the horde's might and their neighbours pile on them, so that may be history soon.

As it's the custom, Medri Bahri collapses after all their bankruptcies, releasing Liang. Collapse, a word with no meaning here in Amairica. The fire of revolution doesn't burn in Aïr. Instead, even the Halifaxian fires are quenched by the excellent vintage, also leading to native assimilation.

Remember the Siberian horde that smashed Haixi into the ground? These guys have angered their gods. Pacal III of Kiche faces a civil war next. This rich nation is succumbing to internal threats. May also be that Venezuela had a word in it. May also be that Russia is allied to Venezuela. This horde is worse than the Mongols. Would be good to have a fearless king there... What? A fearless king here? No! Fear brought Aïr to what it is now, and will lead us to great wealth!

Just as to confirm my fears, Russia smashes around Canada and cripples their ally Zazzau. Already the vultures are circling over the Polish Africans. Out of interest, I looked at their tech level – while mother Russia almost keeps the level in military tech, they're ages behind in admin. One wonders why. Meanwhile, the wind blows some military equipment into Gaspe. As it is to be expected, the landing wasn't soft, and it is in a poor condition – was it European weaponry asked for by Corfu? I don't need to recruit any infantry right now, so it's not important.

As the end draws near, I can't let the war drag on for ages. But Asakura still occupies Belle-Isle. So I have to leave two provinces of PC alive. As I don't want a Powhatan comeback, I also make them give up their claims. Now I would be very angry if Asakura peaces out – which it does three months later, reducing Powhatan to an even more pathetic state. Thanks, my ally. Now I have to keep two PC provinces around me. You know they can overheat?

To blow off the steam of this treason, I colonize westward into 9BT Atikamekw, and attack the neighbouring tribe, Warsangali. The polar bears will help them, but who cares. Al-Hajj, as bad as he is, overpowers Timiskaming's defenders, and settles for the siege. That's when RFR requests our help against the recovering Sundanese. Who are allied with the Jalayirids. No thanks. Our trusted ally Asakura has the same sentiment. The 'revolution' will end soon enough.

And so ends my turn with Aïr. It's well established in Eastern Canada now, can easily afford two colonies at the same time, maybe even three – reducing the numbers of 'Air' on the map quickly – and there's no imminent threat around, so a bright future awaits. Maybe Champa will take Wessex, but not much more. Onward to the next nation! It is... Not far from Aïr's origins... On the other side of the canal... and another horde. I could call this AAR 'Hordes all over the world' if this trend continues. Meet mighty Yarkand, consisting of Brussels and Antwerp!

 

[Michaelangelo]

To be honest, I can barely keep track of most of the nations anyway.

Medri Bahri is clearly trying to set a world record here. You should keep a tally of how many times they collapse.

I hope Air can survive on in the Amairica. They can add to your glorious successes such as Ning.

 

[marineFC]

Just popping in to say how great this AAR is, thanks a lot for writing it. I don't think you are recipes vying the praise you deserve.

 

[alscon]

To be honest, I can barely keep track of most of the nations anyway.

Medri Bahri is clearly trying to set a world record here. You should keep a tally of how many times they collapse.

I hope Air can survive on in the Amairica. They can add to your glorious successes such as Ning.

To be entirely honest, I dont do either. Only my nations and the big players. That these are constantly switching is what I find most interesting.

If I tried, I would get an overflow . A wonder they are still there. Who says that in EU4, big nations never collapse, is entirely wrong.

Air certainly looks like in a great position. But as they dont have a Chinese bordergore to clean,they cannot be as memorable as Ning. But my most successful nations so far are the Jalayirids and Manchu - hordes, as one could expect .

Just popping in to say how great this AAR is, thanks a lot for writing it. I don't think you are recipes vying the praise you deserve.

Thanks! Any AAR writer is always happy when a lurker reveals himself, even more with such support. Though I have to thank the AI for creating such a weird and ever-changing world as my co-writer.

______________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twenty-Two: From Great Heights to the Lowlands


Well, here we are in the Flemish Republican Horde of Yarkand. Currently ruled by the administrator Mahmud Tegusteni, Yarkand is, under Yasa'ur Bayan Vachir (1/3/0/1), leading poorly uniformed 10k men, one regiment more than our force limit, into the great defensive offensive against crumbling Powhatan. Allied with the Commonwealth and Macina in this conflict, the offensive hasn't met a lot of opposition from Powhatan, as the Jalayirids and Asakura have already cleared out their army, but initial losses against its ally Pasai have successfully torn a hole in the treasury, accounting for 18 loans.

Yarkand may have formerly been a horde, but now that it's a coastal Flemish nation, it has German ideas, so the reinforcements were costly. Yarkand proudly tries to wield an impressive army in numbers with full quantity and offensive ideas, while also being pious Catholics with religious ideas, the counter-reformation and the anti-heresy-act recently enacted (even though actual conversion would take much too long). They are also trying to assert their influence on the stronger nations surrounding them, which hasn't been crowned by success yet. Finally, their military is up to date, while their other techs are one behind, which they try to combat with their recently embraced innovative ideas.

As I take control of the situation, I see that Yarkand's chances of long survival are minimal. Powhatan may die, but Asakura is strong, Nupe is advancing, Champa may want to return to the continent and Sunda to former greatness, with Jalayirid support. I prepare another exit strategy as a result, ditching innovative for expansion ideas. As I unlock the first idea and colonist, Nupe hears of my plan and cancels its subsidies. Looks like there will be some more loans incoming.

Artois falls and I head South to help my Lorrainian ally to stop Pasai's incursion into their land. I wait for Luxemburg to fall before engaging Pasai's 10k troops with the combined might of my 21k in Metz. Their general falls soon after the start of the battle, and all survivors soon start routing to Hessen. Vachir follows them, and wipes them out to the man. Thinking of the easiest way to get rid of my debts, I start covering Pasai with sieges.

Only one more loan pours in, as the loot after the sieges pays for most of them. Powhatan, having more problems than me with all their land occupied, goes bankrupt. Something I have to avoid, but Pagarruyung survived more than forty loans, what are twenty in comparison? I won't have to take any more for now anyway, as I sell church appointments to the highest bidder.

Pasai proves to be a very effective anti-debt measure. Their generous donation of 358 ducats allows Yarkand to cleanse itself of the complete 110 ducats debt, and their continuous aid of ten percent of their income will be graciously remembered as the first Yarkandi colony is founded on Guadelupe. Aïr, despite being reformed, is annoyed as they claim the region. One possible friend less. Powhatan is more angered as they are reduced to a 2PM in Artois and Bourgogne, and declares me its rival.

Taking Gent and Vlaanderen gave me a border with Rev.France, and with it a cleansing of heresy CB. Right now, they have 50k Jalayirids running rampant through their lands, and no allies. Full of religious fervour, Yarkand's brave soldiers cross the border and set siege on Vermandois, Nemours and Paris. This is when Ryukyu reveals their vicious plan to finally achieve their three mountains – Uniform Regulations. Other nations follow suit, and the dye prices rise in response. They need to find another exploit to achieve world conquest.

Powhatan won't do it, that much is sure. Cut off from their European ports, their colonies declare independence, and I don't see them failing. Let's hope that Yarkand's colonial ambitions don't end this way. I even let the natives live in peace. They thank my for my tolerance by exterminating my colonists. Well, the colonial adventure is off for a good start.

The fall of RFR is unstoppable now. First, Québec seizes Maine and Picardie, than Sunda takes its cores back, and the 2PM still has to face Yarkand's demands. It doesn't look good. Accused with tearing apart the revolution, Stadhouder Mahmud has trouble explaining that he doesn't betray any republican ideals as RFR is a normal kingdom, and is therefore consequentially not re-elected. The general's brother Sher Muhammad Bayan Vachir is elected.

On their second try, the colonists discover a real delicacy. Even if they confuse the Stadhouder for a king, the manufactories benefit from their discovery. They seem to have stolen it from Medri Bahri, as they go bankrupt – oh no, it's just business as usual over there. Freshly motivated, the army manages to take Calais, and enforces peace on RFR, reducing it only to poor Paris. The forced conversion of the failed revolutionaries is the last thing the counter-reformation serves.

Yarkand looks well-established now, and with Asakura busy, I decide to cancel our trade agreement. The cash must flow into the republic's hands, not into those of this Protestant scum. The pope agrees, sending me a theologian to help suppressing the heretics. But it only looks that way on the first impression. The theologian carries the sweating sickness, which spreads through Antwerpen like divine punishment. The pope didn't forgive me for violating his schizophrenic attribution of the Caribbean to Aïr. Still, prayers are the only answer in such a pious country as is Yarkand.

I work towards more alliances, with Patiala and Kham, to secure Yarkand's position a bit more, but the peasant rabble mistakes it for trying to betray the nation. The Stadhouder happily seizes their wealth, strengthening the Bayan Vachir family even more. The banished are not sent to the colony, to avoid their successful revolt, as Powhatan's colonies have done.

Lan Na (aka 'the yo-yo nation' for all its rises and falls), one of the few allies I have, decides it wants to conquer Poland, and asks me for assistance. I send 2k men over, but before they can arrive, the enemy is defeated in Brandenburg. This is just a minor war on the world's stage though. On the other side of the Atlantic, Mexico, where Champa has put most of its colonization efforts in, grows rebellious. And gains the Jalayirids to assist them in their wish for independence. The strongest Western powers find themselves at war once again, a war that may substantially weaken Champa if successful.

As all is good and bright in Yarkand, a travelling minstrel makes his way into the country, which he is allowed to freely travel through, so he can bring more stability to the nation, bringing it to +2. Shortly after, Brandenburg falls, and the allied army marches on the enemy in Vorpommern, achieving a great victory. Poland will soon return into Lan Na's rule. At least until the next coalition frees it again.

Shortly after the battle, the Stadhouder's term is up. He isn't re-elected as well, but Mahmud's son Abdul-Rashîd Tegusteni. Fittingly just as I research admin tech 20, Absolute Rulership. Is Yarkand really a republic or a dual rule of the Bayan Vachir and Tegusteni families? Whatever it is, the allied army continues its successes and takes out Mewar's army in Lüneburg and Patiala's one in Hamburg. This war is over.

Trade money pours into Yarkand's coffers, and I hire a trader to get even more cash flowing. I also build two marketplaces for this goal. My merchants thank me with uncanny success. But as always, not all is good. My new Cosmopolitaine citizens from poor Calais find it disgusting to call their town 'Kalen' in the future, and our reputation suffers from this renaming as well. Time to negotiate when they can still call it Calais then. Sounds much better anyway.

As the year of 1661 comes, the war ends with Poland's annexation. Just in time for me to leave, isn't it? I've conquered three provinces and helped in bringing the downfall of Powhatan, who are reduced to a bankrupt OPM by now and enter a Medri Bahri-esque bankruptcy cycle. I've also prepared an opening for Yarkand to leave Europe should all go terribly wrong, with Guadelupe fully developed and St.Thomas in progress. I can leave – and roll a 1, meaning I do. Where to next? The island nation par excellence – Connacht, reaching from the Christmas Island to the Society Islands.

 

[Michaelangelo]

I was expecting you to move entirely into the New World, but things went fairly well in Europe. Powhatan and Champa need to work on colonial relations though.

Connacht looks like it could be interesting. So many nations to pick on.

 

[alscon]

I couldn't migrate as good as Air, as Yarkand didn't have the money nor the appropriate ideas to do so. At least there was an opening in Europe I could use to establish a nice little base. They can still migrate if everything goes wrong that way . Powhatan couldn't have held anything as a fresh 2PM, and Champa did the mistake of focusing on Mexico - and having the Jalayirids as enemies . Don't mess with them or Russia.

As Connacht, there's actually not much choice on who to fight - Sunni Tafilalt and Baluchistan or Animist Tang.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Green Isles


Welcome to Connacht, the nation with the longest distance between its Western and Eastern ends. The Hinduist island nation, ruled by the wise Raja Cathal IX Surabaya, who has attained spiritual knowledge in supporting the Haridasa movement and banishing Muslim missionaries, tolerating religious sects in the progress. As a result, Cathal's personal deity Ganga looks upon a fully Hinduist society that tolerates heretics but not heathens,which are effectively converted. Cathal's son Feidlimidh (4/4/2) is not as capable as his father, but not bad, even if his legitimacy is questioned. Connacht has two potent allies in Demak and Date and currently a copper crisis, resulting in more expensive artillery.

The tech level of the nation is comparable to its neighbours on 14/17/15. Its military has its full force of 22 regiments fielded, under Caerbhall Ó Cuana (3/2/1/2), while the pride of Connacht, the fleet, has 5 galleons, 10 early frigates and 9 merchantmen, numbering only half its limit, under admiral Connor Ó Cadhla (2/1/2/0). Our ideas reflect the development of our nation, once having conquered all of Baloch Brunei and half of Sumatra: Maritime ideas were a must have, Economic ideas chosen to finance the fleet, offensive ideas for the former Raja's foreign policies, and humanist ideas to widen Connacht's grasp on the region. But unlike Demak, which has its colonist in its national ideas, the Irish only have generic NI's and aren't colonizing the islands. I intend to remedy that, and abandon offensive ideas in favour of exploration, to fasten Connacht's position as master of the islands and claim my part of rich Australia.

As I unpause, I unlock the next humanist idea, which brings me closer to my goal of reconquest. Because what else should I do than aim for Connacht's return on Brunei and Sumatra? The Standardization of Caliber (mil 16) will surely help as well. As does the policy Cathal has activated, the Recruitment Act, to bolster my navy. But right now, I won't spend any cash, as I have three loans; instead, I look at my weakest neighbour, OPM Ternate, willing to become my vassal – so I start a PR campaign.

Venezuela takes the leading position in Siberia by beating up Kiche even more, and I unlock my first colonist, aimed at 5BT Yolngu in North Australia. I won't leave it to Demak. Venezuela also beats up Sardinia, growing to an impressive size. Save for China Asia is cleaning up. Notice Yatenga on both sides of the Tibetan basin.

I deal with Yolngu's natives, as Asakura attacks Yarkand. They have been polite enough to wait until I have left it, but I would have preferred Yarkand having some more time to prepare. They'll likely go down. This war declaration shows me that not only the flutter of a butterfly, but also a DOW can cause heavy storms on the other side of the world, with the Taifun 'Mahmud' devastating Flores. My porcelain production is hit hard, but I vassalize Ternate to compensate my loss.

Ning starts annexing its vassals with Chu, and Russia has decided to end Xiu's pitiful existence. A misery RFR has finally been put out, as Québec annexes its remains. The revolution shall return. I can't call the new emperor of the HRE, Jamduq of Bashkiria, a revolution though, as it changes all the time. My truce with my Sunni neighbours Tafilalt and Baluchistan ends.

The harvest of 1664 is bountiful, despite Mahmud's passage. But it seems that naming the Taifun after Yarkand's stadhouder angered Tafilalt. My friends, it is a pure Christian name. What do you mean, it is a Muslim one? You are insulted and declare war? Well, just so you know, I was planning on attacking you soon myself. Just tell me how you want to cross over into my land. My wooden wall will stand!

Their staunch ally Baluchistan has joined the war. Good, as I have previously transported my whole army in my province on Brunei. Before I move against the Baloch, I have to deal with Tafilalt's fleet though: They have attacked Demak's ships, and admiral Ó Cadhla immediately moves out of Pontianak to help my ally, while leaving the light ships behind to blockade the strait. The Berbers sink to the bottom of the sea.

My light ships continue to blockade the Straits of Johor, as Ó Cadhla condemns the Baloch fleet to port in Sibu. Time for the army to make its move. A hard-fought battle ensues in Sibu, but Ó Cuana keeps the upper hand, and chases the enemy to Balungan, where he is wiped out to the last man. Brunei open for siege, I deploy a mostly undermanned carpet to prevent any new recruitment.

Tafilalt, forced to remain on the continent, is moving its 33k men against Demak. My ally can't profit from an island position and will have to tire the enemy out on the continent. I certainly can't help. Now I start to see why Connacht lost its initial gains: The Irish may have lived for over two centuries in the tropics now, but are still not accustomed to the climate. Horrid attrition melts my manpower pool away. I would love to have Russian manpower... speaking of which, they are consolidating their rule in the Balkans, gaining Constantinople from Changsheng and leaving Xiu with only Dalmatia.

Sibu falls, and the Baloch fleet is forced into mine. Ó Cadhla easily keeps the upper hand, and the three transports that escaped will sink another day. While the navy celebrates its control of the seas, the army suffers, not only under the tropical climate and dwindling manpower, but also under poor uniforms. The attrition is so severe that I have to start consolidating my troops and hire mercenaries to die of attrition. It is no good life to be a Connachtian soldier.

I have sad news to report. No, my colony is just fine, in fact it has finished and I started another one on Ceram. And Tafilalt hasn't pulled out a magical navy from nowhere. Yes, Portugal didn't profit from its reformation off Aïr and lost not only its colonist, but also some land to Saxony, but that's not the sad news. That Shu is gone neither, as it means that Ning annexed them. No, I mean Medri Bahri. The Celestial Emperor, also known as 'the poorest being on earth', has finally suffocated under his debts. Ming relieved him of his existence. Tragic. Betters all over the world speculating on the next bankruptcy won't see their bets again.

All of Baloch Brunei finally comes under my control. I thought all of Baluchistan, but they still control Palawan and have recruited a new army there. Not willing to do an amphibious assault when my manpower is gone, I ferry my men over to Sumatra instead to siege Tafilalt's land. Baluchistan is willing to concede its defeat, and has to severe its ties to Tafilalt while ceding Western Brunei to my wise rule.

In the bigger scheme of things, the Jalayirids have triumphed once again. Champa has to release Mexico, where it had focused its colonial efforts in the last years. Defeated, the Irishmen of this world start to get close to the real Irishmen and land on South Brunei. It seems that with Mexico free and Champani Colombia dominated by its Jalayirid counterpart, they have lost their interest in the Americas. The Basque colonizer Kangra never set a foot there, preferred to go South, then East, also having landed in Indonesia, but also having lost a war, being pushed East in Europe by Bohemia. Leave Indonesia alone if you want to win.

As I am on a good road to revive the glory of old, the cities try to return to their old status as well. Some things only change for the better, my friends. Look at West Timor: If everyone is treated the same way, it proves most profitable. So no, you are not getting any extra status.

As my sieges continue, Ning annexes the last of its vassals, Min, to take an... interesting... shape. With some imagination, one can see it as the dragon that rises from the Empire's ashes – or just as another Chinese mess. Time to go on the offensive again, Ning. Like Yeren, who think it is time for a second payback war against Zazzau, who never recovered from the attack of the horde. Russia is scary. So scary that Champa finally decides to actively capitalize more on their island position to defend themselves with a permanent navy. That it works can be seen in Connacht.

General Ó Cuana falls to some tropical disease as well as my troops slowly take control of Sumatra. Fewer and fewer soldiers return, my manpower has long dropped to zero, and the populace complains. Even if Cathal tells them they didn't have the condition to survive tropical climate and would also have died at home, he accepts to lower the taxes. The supply situation may be harder after all. But lowering the taxes is not enough, and he has to appease the peasants by making more concessions. This war has to end soon.

Yarkand's war has ended. They had to cede most of their European territories, and now hold two European and two Caribbean provinces. The Commonwealth met an even worse fate. Failing to defend their ally, Sunda piled on on them, and annexed the whole nation. But there is hope: Sunda may have bitten off more than they can chew, as a big coalition is quick to form. The feared HRE hammer – going down on Sunda next? Even with the Jalayirids on their side, this will be a tough challenge for the ex-emperor.

The year of 1671 draws near, and the war still rages on. Tafilalt made some gains against Demak, but the attrition is as unforgiving to them as to Connacht, halving their army. Sumatra is still under siege by Irish troops, and the strait blockaded. Connacht may be able to retake a foothold on the island. I look forward to bleed them dry, but roll a two, meaning I have to trust the AI to seal a good peace deal. Don't be satisfied with mere concessions of money, AI! Don't spoil the good turn I had with the Tropical Irish.

So I turn towards the RNG, and hope for some strong nation with potential. I secretly hope it's not another horde. Then, my first roll is Holland – a vassal of Russia. No. If Holland is not enough, than take the Netherlands, the RNG tells me. The bane of Tver only borders Jalayirid Colombia, León and Tripura. The first is a strong Western power, the two others are allied, and Tripura much stronger than the Dutch. So it's also a no. Next roll, Rev.France – a great roll, hadn't it just been annexed. After all these fails, I expect some HRE minor, but then – Russia.

Time to satisfy my warlord needs. Just look at that manpower.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Glory to Ning, greatest of the Chinese nations! As for Medri Bahri, I wouldn't be surprised if Ming goes bankrupt and they break free again.

Hopefully Connacht doesn't botch things up after you've left. Indonesia should be their playground, not their grave.

I expect there was much evil laughter after getting Russia. All belong to Mother Russia!

 

[RepublicanIV]

I just finished catching up to this and I am enjoying the ride. Next major world view thingy can we see the religious map now that it has stabilized?

Also Russia is immensely powerful. Are you going to keep them as a horde or reform them for even greater strength?

 

[alscon]

Glory to Ning, greatest of the Chinese nations! As for Medri Bahri, I wouldn't be surprised if Ming goes bankrupt and they break free again.

Hopefully Connacht doesn't botch things up after you've left. Indonesia should be their playground, not their grave.

I expect there was much evil laughter after getting Russia. All belong to Mother Russia!

Well, Ning certainly won't do it! *Muhahaha* Ming already was annexed in India after all.

I hope for the best for Connacht. But as I got Russia - I only thought of revenge. Blood will flow. Yes, there was evil laughter.

I just finished catching up to this and I am enjoying the ride. Next major world view thingy can we see the religious map now that it has stabilized?

Also Russia is immensely powerful. Are you going to keep them as a horde or reform them for even greater strength?

Glad to have you back! Well, the next world update is already done without them, but I might include some for 1681.
They are strong now. As for if they can reform, I have to leave this question standing for the next update.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

World Update Four: 1671


Before having the might of the horde to smash all those around me, it is time for another (late) world update. At least it ends in 1821 now if I really follow the 50-years-intervals. But without further ado, let's take a look at the world first:


Europe:

Europe consolidates. The West has been dominated by the Jalayirid-Nupe alliance, which has almost ended the ambitions of Powhatan and Kangra. Champa is still uncontested in the isles, and the HRE has some bigger powers now, most notably Asakura and Yeren. But the HRE feels the breath of the false horde to the North, and the true horde to the East...


Africa:

A bit messed up, with this strange observer in the middle of the continent instead of hic sunt dracones, but now I couldn't ignore the South any longer, as Kangra and Champa have landed there. This continent has nearly entirely been stabilized; the North has only seen one Aztec-Hosokawa war leading to the release and annexation of Albania by the Aztecs. West Africa has seen the end of the upstart Kiowans at the hand of the Muslims, but faced with European protectorates, their expansion has halted. The East seems clearly dominated by Epirus, though Serbian ambitions may threaten the Greeks' grip on the region.


South America:

There's definitely something weird going on here. Tripura, dominant nation of the Intis, looks mostly unaffected, but Jalayirid Brazil and Champani Peru are having some issues. But the minor nations of the South made this necessary. The North is firmly in the Jalayirid colonies' hands since Champani Colombia has lost the colonial conflict, only interrupted by Sweden. Fully westernized and still Animist, I am helping the Vikings by sending their colonist at each turn – they can easily afford it – until the AI does it itself. Fully uninfluenced by my interventions, Pagarruyung has – more or less successfully, having lost against Aceh before – taken up Powhatan's role as colonizer of the South. Free of their fallen overlord, La Plata dominates, and may clash with Champa's new American ambitions, centered around Peru.


North America:

Now Mexico has suffered. But they are strong enough. Free of Champa thanks to Jalayirid help, the Irish have the absolute dominance in Mesoamerica, with small Jalayirid and Pagarruyunguan colonies in between. Sibir still stands, but hasn't moved much. Asakura focuses on the Western Antilles and New Asakura, while Aïr expands its own lands. Portugal has reformed its government, but has lost against the Saxon federation, and the Saxons have now also gained the Elements' support; they should have better stayed a tribe, as those more inland. The Jalayirids have landed in California, and I wonder why nobody bothers to conquer Lithuanian Puerto Rico – 15 BT just waiting for the taking, Europeans!


Middle East:

The world is still in one piece here. Serbia, Bavaria, Ashanti, Pueblo are the big players here. Though that might soon change, as Bavaria advances on the Ashanti – and Russia seems to creep into this region.


Siberia:

The Kiche horde is no longer a threat. Having wasted their riches, a new khan has risen to dominate Siberia – Venezuela.


South&East Asia:

The nations that have been blessed by my presence have really been blessed here – Ning and Brandenburg are the only East Asian nations not to have collapsed. The dragon and the daimyo are still allied and should clean up the minor nations a bit more in the future. India is mostly in Foix' and Date's hands, though the South of the subcontinent often changes hands. Dali and Demak rule SEA, and further South – has just been covered.


Armies:

Looking purely at the active force, some nations are far over their force limit. Of the world's biggest army potentials, there are only a few not present on this list though. Zazzau is just on the losing side of a war against Yeren and only wields 6k of their 46 FL. Tribal Scandinavia could field much more men, 41k, but that would ruin their economy. Foix has 19k of 40FL. But this ledger proves once more that this world is dominated by hordes – true ones, like Russia and Venezuela, as well as wrong ones, like the Jalayirids and Manchu. Ning is doing very well too.


Navies:

Looking for the biggest navy after force limits is futile. Only Champa, Brandenburg, Serbia, Asakura's colonies and Russia(!) even come close to their force limits of those who have a one over 25. Champa rules the seas, while especially the Jalayirid fleet is underwhelming. You can take the Mongol out of the horde, but not the horde out of the Mongol, I guess. They maybe shouldn't be 37 regiments over their force limit to have a bigger fleet. Or maybe it was sunk by Champa's in the Mexican Independence War.


Income:

It is no surprise that the Jalayirids and Champa have the biggest income. Russia only scores more due to loot of their current war. But this ledger shows very clearly Mexico's potential to become a great power – even without an gold and Champani war reparations. Only unimportant nation with a high income is Miao, but they are the Mutapa of this world, living in huts made of gold.


Score:

Russia is slowly losing ground on the Jalayirids here. Soon, there will be a new leader. Of the few nations who are in the score lead for some time, Kiche, Powhatan and not entirely Sunda won't play any role in the future, and the top three have dominated all the time. Yeren is coming up strong, and soon, Asakura, Mexico and Serbia will make their appearance here to replace the HRE minors represented by their strong allies and won wars.


A lot of dynamism exists all over the world, as stronger powers now slowly but steadily assert their authorities. Russia's uncontested dominance starts being questioned. What will the next fifty years bring?

 

[Michaelangelo]

Now I'm really excited to see you play as Russia with them at the top of so many ledger pages. Fear the Russian horde!

I can see that you had as much fun as I did trying to fit an entire continent into one image. They never line up properly.

 

[RepublicanIV]

Well it seems that the world order is slowly being set, with Champa, the Jalayarids, Russia and to a lesser extent Manchu dominating the continent.

Will the Ningdenburg stay strong? With conflicting imperialist ambitions I think no.

Venezuela could be lethal. Are they a horde?

I look forward to see the rise of Mexico.

Can we also see culture maps? I really want to see what's going on with that. Also tech would be nice.

 

[alscon]

Now I'm really excited to see you play as Russia with them at the top of so many ledger pages. Fear the Russian horde!

I can see that you had as much fun as I did trying to fit an entire continent into one image. They never line up properly.

One one side they do, but never on the other. But it's better that way than to spread it out over more images.

Well it seems that the world order is slowly being set, with Champa, the Jalayarids, Russia and to a lesser extent Manchu dominating the continent.

Will the Ningdenburg stay strong? With conflicting imperialist ambitions I think no.

Venezuela could be lethal. Are they a horde?

I look forward to see the rise of Mexico.

Can we also see culture maps? I really want to see what's going on with that. Also tech would be nice.

Ningdenburg is a nice name . I think that as bulwarks of stability in East Asia, they simply have to work together . Yes, Venezuela is a horde.

As for the maps, I don't think that would be very useful. Your usual cultural setup, with the colonies being partly the exception:

• Jalayirid ones are Portuguese.
• Champani colonies and therefore also Mexico are Irish. Current King of Mexico is Po Rattirai I MacIntyre .
  
• Air and colonies are English.
• Kangra is Basque.
• Pagarruyung is Berber IIRC.
• Powhatan is Wallonian, which makes PC and La Plata Wallonian as well.
• Asakura spreads the Dutch culture.
• Yarkand, for what it may achieve, is Flemish.
• Connacht is Javanese, and Demak Khmer.

The next update is split in two parts, and there is a small tech part.

 

[alscon]

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Great KhaZar (Part 1)


Welcome to the nation which has dominated the last two centuries. Crushing all opposition, bringing the fall of mighty empires. Now ruled by Pavel II Temur-Chi, more than able to fulfill that task (5/4/3, capital is in Tsaritsyn, that's why he's the Khazar). We are currently at war on Bavaria and Serbia's side against Ashanti, Navarra, Palembang, Vijayanagar and Pueblo. Palembang, Vijay and Navarra are as good as dealt with, only Ashanti and Pueblo still have their big stacks. While the allies are dealing with the African Persians, Russia controls the Eastern front.

Before we go on to fight, let's take a better look at our nation. We are three over the diplomatic limit due to a military access with Palembang (our enemy) which will be cancelled as soon as possible. We also have a royal marriage with our other enemy Pueblo, as well as with useless Yatenga. They as well as Bavaria and strong Venezuela are our allies, Holland and Songhai vassals. We are also warning almost all of our neighbours. So that we can pick them apart one after the other, without fearing that they will grow strong themselves. Brilliant! Pavel, as a pious Sunni, is a Khalifa, has instituted Jizya and Sheikh ul-Islam, and I denounce Sect Practices as well, completing the Muslim decisions and giving prestige, taxes, reduced unrest and missionary strength. We have one +1 diplomat, Iosif Wittgenstein, who assisted us in choosing the Jalayirids, Manchu and Ashanti as rivals. Hordes. Our tribe is mightier than their tribe!

Even without loot, our treasury balance is positive, +11, with 11.8% inflation thanks to gold and war reparations. Our army counts 127 of 166 regiments, with Pavel himself and Koltsov-Mosalski as generals. We also have an admiral for our fully sustained fleet, Khovanski. All looks good, until one sees the tech and ideas. Russia has full Humanist and Defensive ideas, and one Influence one, meaning five Muscovite NIs. No comparison to Europeans. Why only so few? Admin points. Due to all that coring, Russia is 11 techs behind Western Europe (comparison: Champa) in admin, only three/two behind in dip and mil tech. They won't be able to reform or westernize. To combat our rising inflation and this lack of admin points I hire a +1 master of mint, Laham Multnomah.

As I unpause, I immediately attack Canada in the North-West. They are weak, and ripe for the taking. Once Navarra has fallen, I'll just send these troops North and deal with them. But I don't neglect the Pueblo. Their army tries to break my line by marching through Venezuela. Koltsov-Mosalski bars their way in Altyn. A long chase ensues.

As I push East, Serbia and Bavaria deal with the African hedgehogs in Wasit. Pavel catches the Pueblo in Uzkend, and Palembang peaces out, ceding Mush to Bavaria and returning its coast to the Greeks of Changsheng. As Pueblo had attacked the Indians before, these reach the fleeing enemy before Pavel's men, and defeat them in Aksu. It is only with the next battle back in Uzkend, after marching through their whole territory, that Pueblo's main army is wiped out.

Sunda comes under heavy attack, the feared HRE coalition hammer – but with Manchurian help – while fighting against the Nupe-Jalayirid alliance, as my vassals come with good news. The undefeated Russian horde protects its vassals well – as long as they keep it happy. So they augment their tribute payments. One of my armies clashes with Canada's in Pskov, sending it on the run.

A lot of minor battles and sieges follow. Bavaria's war is as good as won, I could pull out Russia's might now and they'd still win without any difficulties. Instead, I keep an army around, and help with sieges and chasing their army. Then comes the fate of all who oppose the horde. Kazakh, with Venezuelan assistance, piles on Pueblo. 62K Katsinan nationalists rise in Ashanti. The bringer of destruction strikes again.

As Aïr tries to reconquer European land from Nagpur, Connacht makes peace with Tafilalt. Not your usual AI peace, no. They have kept their advantage and pressed it. They are back on Sumatra, have retaken their cores there and have strengthened their ally who had the worst of the fighting for a long time. Connacht can maybe return to its dominant position in Indonesia after all.

Pueblo is lucky to negotiate with Bavaria, and can concentrate its efforts on trying to avert total defeat at Venezuela's hands for some minor payment. I divert my Pueblan forces to push into Eastern Ashanti. As I do, Asakura falls into civil war. Will the Dutch Japanese collapse next?

Winning in Pueblo freed Koltsov-Mosalski from his duties there. He took control of the Canadian front, and marched on Chernigov, wiping out the last resistance of the Canadians. As their last cities fall, they and their ally Champassak are incorporated into the Russian horde. Putting me to 108% overextension. I intend to sell all Canadian land to Songhai; sad thing only 1.12 eliminated the 'full annex' clause. Oh well, the rebels won't be able to stand a chance against my mighty armies.

Bavaria and Serbia actually have mercy on Ashanti. They don't seal a peace yet, but instead take out one of the two Katsina nationalist stacks. Do you want to save your enemy? Apparently, they realize their mistake and leave the second uprising alone. The war is won, and call for peace ensues. The people don't want to support crushing foreign rebels.

My first overextension event hits. Can't Bavaria make peace so that I can sell Canada off to Songhai? My economy is actually totally fine, even if there is some inflation. The rebels within the country smell blood and rise up as well. Why don't you negotiate? You have just taken down their army in Ardakan, have 76% warscore... isn't that enough?

As Loangoni rebels rise up in Canada's land, I have enough of Bavaria's stubbornness. I can't take the war exhaustion on top of the overextension. So Pavel marches right on Ashanti's capital, and takes it swiftly. Ashanti has to pay for my expenses, and be crushed by Bavaria and Serbia alone. The nobles are in a simulated outrage that we leave our allies alone. They are going to rise up too – if the great Khazar wouldn't be so kind as to raise their pensions. Greedy scum.

With the war over for me, I set my troops into motion to end the revolts. Six stacks between 19k and 32k men. Koltsov-Mosalski heads North with a mighty army, setting his sights on ending the Loango revolt. Before he can arrive, nationalist sentiments erupt around Ryazan and Moscow. Not a problem. I'll crush all who oppose me. The Loangoni are the first to feel my wrath. Crushed in Novgorod and Kargopol, I am finally able to sell the provinces to Songhai and get under 100% OE again. Time to calm down, and smash the rest of the rebel scum.

Pavel takes out the Sulus in Ustyurt, and my armies now head into the Caucasus to deal with the remaining rebels, Circassian nationalists and Georgian patriots. They won't be there much longer. Already thinking of my next expansion, I unlock the next influence idea, claim fabrication. Put to good use against Zazzau, preparing to take rich Kiev. In other news, the Jalayirids get closer to unifying Iberia as they vassalize Bohemia.

As the last rebels are crushed by massively superior forces, I notice my colonist again. Unlocked by the Muscovite ideas, all provinces were out of range as I started – when Ragusa was uncored. Now, Beafada is in range, and signals the start of the Russian colonization. In Africa. The natives might be aggressive, but less then the Russians. Also, Bavaria finally settles for a peace, reclaiming most lost land and also a piece of Navarra for themselves.

As the natives of Beafada witness the power of the horde for the first (and last) time, Yeren concludes its second revenge campaign against Zazzau, splitting the country even more. With my claims ready, I am going to take revenge as well now. How does it feel to be attacked by the big bad neighbour, Zazzau? I'm sure you are enjoying it as much as I am. Or as I did with Yeren. Changsheng won't be a great help, I assure you. And nobody cares if I attack an Orthodox country, so brace yourselves for a hard peace deal after I'm finished with you!

Koltsov-Mosalski takes 24k men Westwards, and meets Zazzau's army of 9k in Podolia. Russia's great strength is the morale of its archers, so that the gunpowder units of the enemy quickly flee if they can. A small sample: Zazzau, due to low prestige, only had 3.7 morale, Russia, due to prestige, defensive ideas and army tradition of 100, has 6.0. They were wiped out, and Pavel had slightly less success in the mountains of Monastir, pushing Changsheng to retreat into Zazzau Hungary.

Where Pavel rolls over them. Soon, a great carpet is deployed over both countries, only the access to the Peloponnes blockaded. I move out Kovanski's fleet, so that he can finally prove that he's worth one mil point upkeep. To be honest, I just forgot to fire him.

But before he can sail out of port, he shows the Khazar a huge list that concludes with a vast sum of debts. He also points out that his second-grade cousin is married to the granddaughter of Pavel's great-uncle. Nobody would follow a severely indebted man's orders, now would they? With the prospect of a lot of loot at the horizon, I accept, even if I have to take out a loan due to the 33k additional men I've just recruited.

 

[Michaelangelo]

A Russian horde establishing a colony in Africa? Lol, this game is full of surprises.

Good to see Connacht maintain dominance in their region of the world.