That Mexico is truly glorious. I feel like a good third of your screenshots were you declaring war on someone. 
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Well, those were not the most difficult wars after all...
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Chapter Thirty: The truth behind the Celtic Andeans
So, after the horde phase that I seem to have passed, I enter the Irish phase. Connacht, Mexico, now Connacht Peru (CP for short, as with all CNs) – next one shall be Champa or one of its CNs. And why this title? Well, there's a more or less obscure theory that the Chachapoya people in the Andes were descendants of Celtic warriors, brought to America by Carthaginians fleeing Rome. That is obviously not true. The first Celts to reach the Andes were pious Irish-Javanese Hindus from Connacht, who left Java, colonized Oceania and then conquered a part of Tripura in the 18th century.
Anyway, let's take a look at our nation. Governed by Tadhg Ó Conncheannain, an administrator from the colonial assembly, CP starts dreaming of some glory. Maybe independence? No, not with 28% liberty desire. A fleet to make the world tremble? No. We have no ships, and shipbuilding problems. Besides, that would be impossible. How about westernizing then? Good idea... But no, not yet. Tripura and Cusco, the native states around, are at war. Time to take advantage of this.
While the Westerners around are much more advanced than CP, CP is much more advanced than the war-stricken natives. And there is another reason why I want to act – Naomhán Ó Diubháin. A general, doubtlessly from that sweet event giving one with 100 tradition, a 4/5/3/1. He leads our 8 of 15 regiments, and I recruit two more infantry. Before unpausing, I take a look at the ideas, Expansion/Plutocratic/Economic/Quality, and which deity governor Tadhg has chosen, Surya.
As I fabricate claims on the natives I lack a CB against, Surya needs Tadhg. There is much to say about that event. First, the picture of course doesn't feel right, but that's just like the South Germans from Bengal. More importantly, before reading the text, I thought it would be something else – we are in Peru, formerly Inti territory, after all. I expected some organized plundering of the last remains of the former religion, but no. Temples all across India, dedicated to Surya, have fallen. Camana is an exception. Of course, has it just been built. Still, I invest more into the place, as I have nothing to lose but some ducats I can spend.
Waiting for the completely legitimate documents to appear, which prove CP's ancestral rights to this land, I see that Russia continues pushing West, vassalizing Multan and taking a province from Yeren. The Jalayirids push Kangra out of Iberia, and their last European province left is Lapurdi. Brandenburg experiences some problems against Venezuela, giving Sicily the opportunity to... return Beijing and Wuding to Medri Bahri, resurrected from Demak's corpse, now Hindu. It will be interesting to see how the new Celestial Emperor can explain this change of religion to his new subjects.
In May, general Ó Diubháin dies. So much for using him in my wars. The Luck of the Irish concentrates itself on Mexico. His death, during a great ceremony of state, disrupts said ceremony, and CP's prestige falls as a result. Not good, all that. So Governor Tadhg has to take matters in his own hands, as a 1/1/2/1 leader. I first declare war on Cusco, moving my army to Quero, where Tripura conveniently leads a siege. Before the city surrenders, I declare war on Tripura as well, and wipe out the 5k who didn't expect this vicious attack. A conquistador has to do what he needs to.
After that great victory, I split up my army into two, and send one half East, the other one West. Laying out a small carpet, I stand ready to close in on any Tripuran counter-attack if necessary. Before that happens though, news reach me from the East, of Yatenga's vassalization by Russia. Will they connect all these exclaves? Shortly shuddering under that thought, the CP ducat, fuelled by the gold of the Andes, is debased. As harsh as that sounds, our economic ideas are preventing too much inflation, and it's only on a bit more than a percent now, so CP should be fine.
Tripura, coming from the North, tries to break the sieges, but is repelled in Moyobamba, and flees to its new conquests in the South. Said conquests cut off Cusco from reaching me, so I can solely focus on Tripura for now. A mistake our overlord in Connacht sees with benevolence, as they finally annex Ternate. But they can't annex CP, and don't receive any treasure fleets, so they would only profit from an increase in tariffs, which seems likely. The new Raja, Turlough VI, is a colonialist, so that fits.
The Intis concentrate their forces, and move to Ayaviri and Puno, threatening my gold mine. But I do the same, and Tadhg shows them the supremacy of the 'thunder-sticks' – Tripura's army is annihilated. I deploy a carpet over most of their country.
Mexico's luck still goes on, as Manchu makes peace with Kangra – just taking some reparations for themselves, while giving their ally all of Champa's directly controlled land in the region. My next campaign will see me play as Mexico, that much is sure. Norway aims to conquer Romania again, as Bavaria did to Galicia. In sad news, Korea returns from the ashes, as Brandenburg was unable to contain the rebels due to Venezuela's aggression in Ning. Truly the Russia of the East.
In our own affairs, our strengthening of the burghers is viewed somewhat poorly – what the merchants take as a reason to ask for more protection. I agree – more money is always good, no matter what the others think. My protection of greedy merchants has some negative side effects though, as the most powerful of them strive to improve their own position at all costs. I should really improve the republican tradition.
My armies on the other hand know uncontested success, and I occupy most of Tripura unhindered. Their last resistance is crushed in December 1734, and I settle for sieges, recruiting two artillery regiments as I prepare to invade Cusco.
My plans could be disturbed by Manchu's declaration of war against my overlord, but they still lack the fleet to threaten Connacht since their Jalayirid war. Unhindered, I move into Cusco, who can't resist CP's armies. In the meantime, Ning has severe difficulties against Venezuela, and Norway senses an opportunity to strike, after having finished their reconquest of Romania. I just hope that Venezuela ends these exclaves Ning has worked so hard to exterminate.
All looks well as the last of Tripura's cities surrenders and Cusco awaits its end – when the masters of luck decide to want a piece of India. They just plundered Mong Yang, and prefer Date. My overlord joins the Indian Japanese – the Jalayirids and Pagarruyung join Mexico. I will see CP overrun by enemies, I fear – just as I prepared my own war against Jalayirid Peru. Taking on one of their CNs would be possible, but not all of them. Awaiting my doom, I don't sign any peace with the natives, despite fully occupying them.
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Chapter Thirty: The truth behind the Celtic Andeans
So, after the horde phase that I seem to have passed, I enter the Irish phase. Connacht, Mexico, now Connacht Peru (CP for short, as with all CNs) – next one shall be Champa or one of its CNs. And why this title? Well, there's a more or less obscure theory that the Chachapoya people in the Andes were descendants of Celtic warriors, brought to America by Carthaginians fleeing Rome. That is obviously not true. The first Celts to reach the Andes were pious Irish-Javanese Hindus from Connacht, who left Java, colonized Oceania and then conquered a part of Tripura in the 18th century.
Anyway, let's take a look at our nation. Governed by Tadhg Ó Conncheannain, an administrator from the colonial assembly, CP starts dreaming of some glory. Maybe independence? No, not with 28% liberty desire. A fleet to make the world tremble? No. We have no ships, and shipbuilding problems. Besides, that would be impossible. How about westernizing then? Good idea... But no, not yet. Tripura and Cusco, the native states around, are at war. Time to take advantage of this.
While the Westerners around are much more advanced than CP, CP is much more advanced than the war-stricken natives. And there is another reason why I want to act – Naomhán Ó Diubháin. A general, doubtlessly from that sweet event giving one with 100 tradition, a 4/5/3/1. He leads our 8 of 15 regiments, and I recruit two more infantry. Before unpausing, I take a look at the ideas, Expansion/Plutocratic/Economic/Quality, and which deity governor Tadhg has chosen, Surya.
As I fabricate claims on the natives I lack a CB against, Surya needs Tadhg. There is much to say about that event. First, the picture of course doesn't feel right, but that's just like the South Germans from Bengal. More importantly, before reading the text, I thought it would be something else – we are in Peru, formerly Inti territory, after all. I expected some organized plundering of the last remains of the former religion, but no. Temples all across India, dedicated to Surya, have fallen. Camana is an exception. Of course, has it just been built. Still, I invest more into the place, as I have nothing to lose but some ducats I can spend.
Waiting for the completely legitimate documents to appear, which prove CP's ancestral rights to this land, I see that Russia continues pushing West, vassalizing Multan and taking a province from Yeren. The Jalayirids push Kangra out of Iberia, and their last European province left is Lapurdi. Brandenburg experiences some problems against Venezuela, giving Sicily the opportunity to... return Beijing and Wuding to Medri Bahri, resurrected from Demak's corpse, now Hindu. It will be interesting to see how the new Celestial Emperor can explain this change of religion to his new subjects.
In May, general Ó Diubháin dies. So much for using him in my wars. The Luck of the Irish concentrates itself on Mexico. His death, during a great ceremony of state, disrupts said ceremony, and CP's prestige falls as a result. Not good, all that. So Governor Tadhg has to take matters in his own hands, as a 1/1/2/1 leader. I first declare war on Cusco, moving my army to Quero, where Tripura conveniently leads a siege. Before the city surrenders, I declare war on Tripura as well, and wipe out the 5k who didn't expect this vicious attack. A conquistador has to do what he needs to.
After that great victory, I split up my army into two, and send one half East, the other one West. Laying out a small carpet, I stand ready to close in on any Tripuran counter-attack if necessary. Before that happens though, news reach me from the East, of Yatenga's vassalization by Russia. Will they connect all these exclaves? Shortly shuddering under that thought, the CP ducat, fuelled by the gold of the Andes, is debased. As harsh as that sounds, our economic ideas are preventing too much inflation, and it's only on a bit more than a percent now, so CP should be fine.
Tripura, coming from the North, tries to break the sieges, but is repelled in Moyobamba, and flees to its new conquests in the South. Said conquests cut off Cusco from reaching me, so I can solely focus on Tripura for now. A mistake our overlord in Connacht sees with benevolence, as they finally annex Ternate. But they can't annex CP, and don't receive any treasure fleets, so they would only profit from an increase in tariffs, which seems likely. The new Raja, Turlough VI, is a colonialist, so that fits.
The Intis concentrate their forces, and move to Ayaviri and Puno, threatening my gold mine. But I do the same, and Tadhg shows them the supremacy of the 'thunder-sticks' – Tripura's army is annihilated. I deploy a carpet over most of their country.
Mexico's luck still goes on, as Manchu makes peace with Kangra – just taking some reparations for themselves, while giving their ally all of Champa's directly controlled land in the region. My next campaign will see me play as Mexico, that much is sure. Norway aims to conquer Romania again, as Bavaria did to Galicia. In sad news, Korea returns from the ashes, as Brandenburg was unable to contain the rebels due to Venezuela's aggression in Ning. Truly the Russia of the East.
In our own affairs, our strengthening of the burghers is viewed somewhat poorly – what the merchants take as a reason to ask for more protection. I agree – more money is always good, no matter what the others think. My protection of greedy merchants has some negative side effects though, as the most powerful of them strive to improve their own position at all costs. I should really improve the republican tradition.
My armies on the other hand know uncontested success, and I occupy most of Tripura unhindered. Their last resistance is crushed in December 1734, and I settle for sieges, recruiting two artillery regiments as I prepare to invade Cusco.
My plans could be disturbed by Manchu's declaration of war against my overlord, but they still lack the fleet to threaten Connacht since their Jalayirid war. Unhindered, I move into Cusco, who can't resist CP's armies. In the meantime, Ning has severe difficulties against Venezuela, and Norway senses an opportunity to strike, after having finished their reconquest of Romania. I just hope that Venezuela ends these exclaves Ning has worked so hard to exterminate.
All looks well as the last of Tripura's cities surrenders and Cusco awaits its end – when the masters of luck decide to want a piece of India. They just plundered Mong Yang, and prefer Date. My overlord joins the Indian Japanese – the Jalayirids and Pagarruyung join Mexico. I will see CP overrun by enemies, I fear – just as I prepared my own war against Jalayirid Peru. Taking on one of their CNs would be possible, but not all of them. Awaiting my doom, I don't sign any peace with the natives, despite fully occupying them.
Just after the declaration of war, Governor Tadhg's determination pays off. Surya definitely replaces Inti, and Tadhg's administrative skill grows even more. But that won't help. The Killing Grounds (mil 20) won't help much as well against the Europeans. Not even the good government policies will help, as 6k Jalayirid Peruvians and 12k Brazilians appear at the coast. Only one thing can save CP.
Independence. But my liberty desire is just 34%, and insulting Connacht doesn't raise it. My only hope is that their war exhaustion provides enough for me to declare CP's independence. But for now, I am powerless and can only cut off JP's single regiment reinforcements. Other colonial nations have it better. Pagarruyungan La Plata for example, with their overlord pulling in Nupe, Mexico and Rewa Kantha to save them from Champani Peru's aggression. Champa also has to fight in another conflict, as Aïr attacks Nagpur again.
Despite the enemy threatening our lands, the nobles find time to plot, thinking of hereditary succession. Concerning, but there is nothing I can do. Just as much as Haixi, first target of Venezuela's expansionism. With my five provinces almost fallen, I have to act if I want to keep my profits from the native wars and make peace before the Jalayirids free them. Some nice gains – for nothing?
Tadhg won't see the end of the war as governor, as Caerbhall Mac Donnchada replaces him, an administrator and follower of Vishnu (+2% missionary strength, +20% fort defence). But Caerbhall is as powerless as Tadhg before him, as JB's army dislocates CP's men, who were close to taking JP's capital Huaraz. They flee North, and I decide to try to save them in Dutch territory – a mistake. This opens the way for the third Iberian CN on the continent, Jalayirid Colombia, and they wipe out CP's valiant heroes in Caqueta. Now all I can do is watch the nation get occupied.
Well, not just that. I have to pay off a peasant insurrection. But then, I can take an observer role – and see Norway signing a white peace due to inactivity against Ning. Venezuela just didn't give their ally any chance to strike, and claims their spoils. It is good to see that only one exclave remains now.
But better for me is the beginning of the Jalayirid-Mexican/Manchurian invasion of Connacht – completely ignoring India. Maybe CP can declare their independence after all – even if the whole country is occupied. All of it? No! On province still resists the invader, the only one converted to Javanese culture. And not just any province – my gold mine in Puno! That means that despite almost total occupation, war exhaustion rapidly reaching 20, my treasury balance is still in the green. And the enemy doesn't make any move to take Puno. Perfect. Even if I still can't do a thing.
But with Puno intact, it also means that the national bank is intact, reducing our inflation to zero and raising our stability. It also opens the way for the government's dark schemes... Connacht is told of some exceptional grain harvest... Even if the only good from CP currently in my control is gold... But it still works, as Connacht increases the tariffs. In China, Norway declares its intent to reconquer provinces lost in the Peruvian war, and pulls in Venezuela to overrun Huai.
The successful scheme launches a lot of smaller schemes in the government, which severely affects its abilities. With all these disputes, they risk a civil war like in Scandinavia.
But at the same time, the colonial powers took control of most of Java. And as the 1st January 1741 comes, the liberty desire finally ticks over 50% - I can launch the independence war. The Governor is chased out, and Caolan Ó hEaghra chosen to lead the new merchant republic. After all, the greedy merchants already controlled the nation before, so why not acknowledge this fact? Still, the Aristocrats dominate CP for now.
I roll the dice, and sadly lands, again, on a one. I would have loved leading CP, a nation with 21 of 20 possible war exhaustion (don't ask me...), into a bright, independent future. But alas, I have to leave... Where to next? Another horde? I said this phase was over – oh, they are not a horde? What do you mean, 'not any more'? Ah, I see.
Venezuela. This will be easy enough...
Independence. But my liberty desire is just 34%, and insulting Connacht doesn't raise it. My only hope is that their war exhaustion provides enough for me to declare CP's independence. But for now, I am powerless and can only cut off JP's single regiment reinforcements. Other colonial nations have it better. Pagarruyungan La Plata for example, with their overlord pulling in Nupe, Mexico and Rewa Kantha to save them from Champani Peru's aggression. Champa also has to fight in another conflict, as Aïr attacks Nagpur again.
Despite the enemy threatening our lands, the nobles find time to plot, thinking of hereditary succession. Concerning, but there is nothing I can do. Just as much as Haixi, first target of Venezuela's expansionism. With my five provinces almost fallen, I have to act if I want to keep my profits from the native wars and make peace before the Jalayirids free them. Some nice gains – for nothing?
Tadhg won't see the end of the war as governor, as Caerbhall Mac Donnchada replaces him, an administrator and follower of Vishnu (+2% missionary strength, +20% fort defence). But Caerbhall is as powerless as Tadhg before him, as JB's army dislocates CP's men, who were close to taking JP's capital Huaraz. They flee North, and I decide to try to save them in Dutch territory – a mistake. This opens the way for the third Iberian CN on the continent, Jalayirid Colombia, and they wipe out CP's valiant heroes in Caqueta. Now all I can do is watch the nation get occupied.
Well, not just that. I have to pay off a peasant insurrection. But then, I can take an observer role – and see Norway signing a white peace due to inactivity against Ning. Venezuela just didn't give their ally any chance to strike, and claims their spoils. It is good to see that only one exclave remains now.
But better for me is the beginning of the Jalayirid-Mexican/Manchurian invasion of Connacht – completely ignoring India. Maybe CP can declare their independence after all – even if the whole country is occupied. All of it? No! On province still resists the invader, the only one converted to Javanese culture. And not just any province – my gold mine in Puno! That means that despite almost total occupation, war exhaustion rapidly reaching 20, my treasury balance is still in the green. And the enemy doesn't make any move to take Puno. Perfect. Even if I still can't do a thing.
But with Puno intact, it also means that the national bank is intact, reducing our inflation to zero and raising our stability. It also opens the way for the government's dark schemes... Connacht is told of some exceptional grain harvest... Even if the only good from CP currently in my control is gold... But it still works, as Connacht increases the tariffs. In China, Norway declares its intent to reconquer provinces lost in the Peruvian war, and pulls in Venezuela to overrun Huai.
The successful scheme launches a lot of smaller schemes in the government, which severely affects its abilities. With all these disputes, they risk a civil war like in Scandinavia.
But at the same time, the colonial powers took control of most of Java. And as the 1st January 1741 comes, the liberty desire finally ticks over 50% - I can launch the independence war. The Governor is chased out, and Caolan Ó hEaghra chosen to lead the new merchant republic. After all, the greedy merchants already controlled the nation before, so why not acknowledge this fact? Still, the Aristocrats dominate CP for now.
I roll the dice, and sadly lands, again, on a one. I would have loved leading CP, a nation with 21 of 20 possible war exhaustion (don't ask me...), into a bright, independent future. But alas, I have to leave... Where to next? Another horde? I said this phase was over – oh, they are not a horde? What do you mean, 'not any more'? Ah, I see.
Venezuela. This will be easy enough...
Aw, we'll miss the independence war.
I die a little inside every time Ning loses a war. I want them to unite China so bad!
Ooh, Venezuela should be good. You should attack Russia to see who is the top dog in the region.
I die a little inside every time Ning loses a war. I want them to unite China so bad!
Ooh, Venezuela should be good. You should attack Russia to see who is the top dog in the region.
A joy to read as always Alscon. I don't have the random world thing myself so this is very interesting to me.
Has anyone heard Neil's Bohrs response to the statement? "Einstein stop telling god what to do".
Aw, we'll miss the independence war.
I die a little inside every time Ning loses a war. I want them to unite China so bad!
Ooh, Venezuela should be good. You should attack Russia to see who is the top dog in the region.
I doubt there would be much going on - neither side can reach the other after all
.With Venezuela knocking - (and Yatenga being Russia's vassal) - I fear that dream will stay a dream
.A good idea - but I don't want to destroy the pan-Asian alliance of death. Though it would be interesting to see who wins, I'd prefer to put the Jalayirid alliance against the Russian one. That would decide the fate of Europe!
It certainly causes some interesting worlds. This one had the advantage not to have the one mega-blob (Russia aside), and that those in the East all exploded spectacularly - a world with one huge blob right at the start is not so interesting. Thankfully this isn't the case here
.There are many witty responses, though I didn't read that one yet
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Chapter Thirty-One: The true colony of (S)Iberia
So here we are now, in Venezuela. A nation with an interesting history. Formerly originating from the Shamanist lands North-East of Russia, Venezuela knew some success and expanded until 1534, when it collapsed to rebels – Sunni ones. Khan Gabriel I converted, and came to be the only Venezuelan ruler to lose land. But his conversion was most beneficial for the future, as it brought an alliance with Russia, and from his death on, Venezuela came to be unstoppable. Its traditions still reflect the past as Shamanists though; the relatively recently reformed Sultanate of Baltasar Carlos I is headed by a Khalifa who has denounced Sect Practices, but he does employ loyal unbelievers. More so, the populace still is based on divination and religious sacrifices to please the gods – isn't there only one God in Venezuela?
Reformation of the government had been possible thanks to the nation's Economic ideas, and Quantity as well as Influence are full as well. The three Humanist ideas help reducing the unrest even more, while Offensive might play an important role in the future; despite full Quantity, Venezuela's army is oversized with 132/104 regiments, a fearsome force that drains the economy, which is still doing well. Current piety is at 20%, and all that is left to do is look at our diplomatic situation: Allied to Norway, Russia, Kazakh, Mewat and Tlaxcala, and also married to all of them plus Yatenga. A truce with Ning, Brandenburg and Haixi, a relief as I don't want to meddle there. Tech level is 18/24/22, which means that while diplo is almost on par, admin is of course lacking behind.
But that diplo tech means something else as well. Access to the Imperialism CB. Before I employ it, shouldn't Venezuela first defeat its current enemies, Afghanistan at Pueblo's behalf and Huai at Norway's? Not really. I'll just concentrate on China and leave the defeated Western fronts to the allies, I won't gain anything there anyway. China has seen the rebirth of an interesting nation, Medri Bahri, which has lost its Southern lands again to be a 2PM, but still holds a lot of cores – how about using them? I declare war, willing to vassalize the Chinese Hindus.
While retreating from Afghanistan, de Aragón meets Pueblo's army, and it doesn't end well for them. The heir to the throne has had less problems deposing of the 2k valiant Medri Bahrians standing in his way – or did he? Not a single casualty on Venezuelan side, but a strange fever from Africa – claiming Baltasar Carlos' life. Knowing that it would bring forth an unsuited heir, the king prays, to Allah and the fertility gods to be sure – and finds his prayers immediately answered, as Francisco de Paula is born the same day.
For a former horde, the adaptation of Smithian Economics did more bad than good for a while, and production is hurt a bit. Other nations have less problems with economics – Nepal for example, having received a severe beating from Bengal. The HRE seems to consolidate now – well, their Western border is still constantly changing, with the Swiss, Lorrainians, Sundanese, Westphalians and Djeridis ruling what the others governed the other day. Mexico on the other hand ends its war with Date, again only for reparations. Well, at least it gave CP the chance to proclaim its independence, even if the war still goes on.
His majesty faces off against Ming as they attempt to invade Pingyang to help their ally. Against their masterful general, he has to retreat. De Aragón leads the second wave of troops, and manages to push back the Ming, for another heavy cost. But with free reinforcements and over 100k men in reserve, this isn't really a problem. The Jalayirids also annex Ryukyu (again), giving them control of all of Iberia now.
Neither the dissidents from Hannover who ask for support are a problem, as it is easily affordable. But the curse that befalls the royal family is – Baltasar Carlos shouldn't have prayed to both Allah and the Old Gods. The African Illness spreads to young Francisco de Paula, claims him as well, and just seven days later also his father. Carlos II Surenchar, from the same dynasty as Russia, putting the two allies even closer. His coronation brings Venezuela close to a civil war, but raising stability and decreasing the war exhaustion is enough to remedy that. Good thing I chose the temple option, or I'd have a long regency now.
Carlos II enacts all Sunni decisions presented to him, raising his piety and missionary strength, while also reducing tech/idea cost as well as unrest. Soon enough, he has to prove his piety as a Shamanist is brought before him as a capable administrator. The memory of his predecessor in mind, he dismisses that man so that he doesn't fall victim to the African fever as well. There is only one god, and this god is Allah. And there is a lot to convert, so I need all the piety I can get. Meanwhile, Ming tries to stop my advance into their territory, but are repelled thanks to a timely reinforcement of the second army.
Carlos gets an average heir, Alfonso (2/3/3), as Medri Bahri gives in to vassalization. Having finished Huai, Norway heads East to help me, and is tricked by Wanyan Jia into attacking. But the Norwegians are strong, and Venezuelan reinforcements rapidly arrive, sending Ming running.
As Khalka nationalists rise up in Govi, they signal the begin of a period of aggression and peace treaties in the East. De Borbón prevents them from doing any harm, but his victory against the rebels is followed by my declaration of war against Majeerteen. Shortly after, Brandenburg decides to bring Korea back into the fold, and Tlaxcala makes peace with Pueblo. Mongol nationalists rise up for de Borbón to deal with, and Norway expands its Eastern border.
I gain access to Brandenburg's lands and begin occupying Majeerteen, just to cancel my access again. Norway's peace had ended my conflict with Ming, but they honour their alliance with Majeerteen now and so the armies return, this time under rebel-crusher de Borbón. He expulses Ming from Wuding, and heads after them. At the same time, the actual Ming-defeaters from OTL concede their defeat against Connacht, no doubt due to their missing naval abilities, and try their luck against Champa next. How about picking a landlocked nation instead, Manchu?
I research the Light Cavalry (mil 23), which will strengthen my armies a lot. The troops are overly motivated, but not only them, as the whole nation experiences an exceptional year. Ming pays the bill. Their next try to conquer Wuding ends with their utter annihilation by de Borbón. Tlaxcala ends the Afghan war, taking a province and reparations for themselves, as Russia's Khan dies, ending the dynastic bond with Venezuela and vassalizing Salzburg.
My single cog rules the Chinese sea, and so I decide to ship over my men from Liazhou to Wuding while de Borbón capitalizes on his victory of Wuding. Dali comes under pressure from all sides, also from Norway, and Bashkiria, now OPM, regains the Imperial throne from Ndongo. The HREmperors are all jokes since Orléans lost the League War.
Ming had reassembled 7k men to harass my siege troops, but to no avail. De Aragón wipes them out, and spreads out the carpet over all their land. The last act of this long-serving general. José Grimaldi (2/5/1/1) replaces him, and immediately gives chase to some Manchu patriots who had risen up... had. Then comes something I would have never expected. That really shows how different this world is from ours. When I say Siberia is rich, I don't mean all of it. One pictures the wide plains and never-ending forests... but Venezuela experiences a timber shortage.
Well, I only have two ships anyway.
Over in Europe, an interesting development takes place as well. The saviours of Orléans, the Tiepolo dynasty, dies out and they form a personal union under Xiu. Yeren contests said PU. It could be an interesting war – if Yeren wasn't one of Russia's neighbours, save for Manchu and Venezuela all warned by the steppe bear. Xiu is one of Russia's neighbours as well, so... After their first severe defeat, it seems that Yeren's fall will continue.
Back in Venezuela, a noble has accumulated some substantial debts, debts that Carlos II has to pay. The economy can sustain that loss though, and I am even investing admin points into the next idea instead of coring, unlocking the indirect rule that will stabilize my next conquests. Speaking of conquests... Champani Peru's aggression comes at a high cost for the Irish presence in America, as Pagarruyung seizes most of their Southern colonies. But Champa didn't just lose – Aïr has, again, been unable to successfully invade Britain, and has to concede their defeat, releasing Canada and ceding Derby and Northumberland. I should really have revoked these cores.
With Ming nearly defeated, it is time for my next war. Mexico thinks the same, and looks for another South Asian nation to extract war indemnities from, choosing Tafilalt this time. I choose Itza, an OPM allied to Haixi. My true goal here is Haixi, Itza won't resist long. Just after my war declaration, news from Europe name a new king of independent Orléans, Alexandre Louis Svetoslavic, not the brightest mind (2/1/2) and sharing a dynasty with Xiu, but no longer under a PU. Poor Yeren. Not only they are losing terribly to the Russians, no, their cause for war went up in flames as well.
Grimaldi brings in the first victory against Haixi in Mergen, as I annex Sicily and Brandenburg annexes Korea again. The Khan of Mewat dies, and I can finally get rid of the additional diplomatic relation without a stab-hit, what I do. Russia continues to expand Westwards as they annex their vassal Multan.
With the battle of Yehe begins the chase of Haixi's army. De Borbón forces them to flee to Bohori, where they clash with a small siege contingent before the general reappears, and they flee South again. In Yukji, Grimaldi awaits the enemy. None of Haixi's men escape. I begin spreading the carpet.
The Jalayirids decide that they do not want to leave their good Mexican ally alone and that they also want a piece of Tafilalt. But this conflict is minor, Tafilalt having enough problems already. More interesting is the war to determine who is the master of the Middle East, as Serbia attacks Epirus. And of course the result of CP's independence war: Victory for the young merchant republic! They most probably couldn't reach each other, so the result based entirely on the ticking war score, but it is a victory, nothing less. Connacht prepares to retake its colony by beginning to westernize.
As Mombasa sees the opportunity presented by Haixi's defeats and declares a reconquest war, I make peace with Ming and Majeerteen. As not being co-belligerent, I can only claim two provinces from Ming for my vassal, while Majeerteen can't withstand full annexation. My focus shifts towards Haixi, as Russia gets Pate as new vassal – and annexes Yatenga. Asia beware if Russia ever wants to connect all these exclaves.
Yeren pays a high price for contesting the Orléanais succession, while Russia makes use of their troops in the West to conquer Pattani next. In SEA, Dali nears the collapse, under attack from all sides, and Ning joins in again.
1751 draws near, and as such I seal the peace I want with Itza. They are annexed and Haixi given a clear border to Venezuela. Just before the end of the year, New Asakura finally thinks itself strong enough to fight for their independence, with Mexico at their side, against Asakura's landlocked European alliance plus Aïr. An interesting war.
One which I'd like to join, as my roll of 2 has me leaving Venezuela behind. They just have to eliminate Kiche and that Ning enclave. Why didn't I do it? They are allied, and it would be better to have them as co-belligerents. Venezuela's thirst for land is insatiable, and now they have claims, so I don't think that will take long. My next nation's thirst is satiable. They have long fought to finally achieve dominance on the horn of Africa, and are rarely (if ever) seen in a normal game: Sadly not New Asakura, but Sokoto.
I research the Light Cavalry (mil 23), which will strengthen my armies a lot. The troops are overly motivated, but not only them, as the whole nation experiences an exceptional year. Ming pays the bill. Their next try to conquer Wuding ends with their utter annihilation by de Borbón. Tlaxcala ends the Afghan war, taking a province and reparations for themselves, as Russia's Khan dies, ending the dynastic bond with Venezuela and vassalizing Salzburg.
My single cog rules the Chinese sea, and so I decide to ship over my men from Liazhou to Wuding while de Borbón capitalizes on his victory of Wuding. Dali comes under pressure from all sides, also from Norway, and Bashkiria, now OPM, regains the Imperial throne from Ndongo. The HREmperors are all jokes since Orléans lost the League War.
Ming had reassembled 7k men to harass my siege troops, but to no avail. De Aragón wipes them out, and spreads out the carpet over all their land. The last act of this long-serving general. José Grimaldi (2/5/1/1) replaces him, and immediately gives chase to some Manchu patriots who had risen up... had. Then comes something I would have never expected. That really shows how different this world is from ours. When I say Siberia is rich, I don't mean all of it. One pictures the wide plains and never-ending forests... but Venezuela experiences a timber shortage.
Well, I only have two ships anyway.
Over in Europe, an interesting development takes place as well. The saviours of Orléans, the Tiepolo dynasty, dies out and they form a personal union under Xiu. Yeren contests said PU. It could be an interesting war – if Yeren wasn't one of Russia's neighbours, save for Manchu and Venezuela all warned by the steppe bear. Xiu is one of Russia's neighbours as well, so... After their first severe defeat, it seems that Yeren's fall will continue.
Back in Venezuela, a noble has accumulated some substantial debts, debts that Carlos II has to pay. The economy can sustain that loss though, and I am even investing admin points into the next idea instead of coring, unlocking the indirect rule that will stabilize my next conquests. Speaking of conquests... Champani Peru's aggression comes at a high cost for the Irish presence in America, as Pagarruyung seizes most of their Southern colonies. But Champa didn't just lose – Aïr has, again, been unable to successfully invade Britain, and has to concede their defeat, releasing Canada and ceding Derby and Northumberland. I should really have revoked these cores.
With Ming nearly defeated, it is time for my next war. Mexico thinks the same, and looks for another South Asian nation to extract war indemnities from, choosing Tafilalt this time. I choose Itza, an OPM allied to Haixi. My true goal here is Haixi, Itza won't resist long. Just after my war declaration, news from Europe name a new king of independent Orléans, Alexandre Louis Svetoslavic, not the brightest mind (2/1/2) and sharing a dynasty with Xiu, but no longer under a PU. Poor Yeren. Not only they are losing terribly to the Russians, no, their cause for war went up in flames as well.
Grimaldi brings in the first victory against Haixi in Mergen, as I annex Sicily and Brandenburg annexes Korea again. The Khan of Mewat dies, and I can finally get rid of the additional diplomatic relation without a stab-hit, what I do. Russia continues to expand Westwards as they annex their vassal Multan.
With the battle of Yehe begins the chase of Haixi's army. De Borbón forces them to flee to Bohori, where they clash with a small siege contingent before the general reappears, and they flee South again. In Yukji, Grimaldi awaits the enemy. None of Haixi's men escape. I begin spreading the carpet.
The Jalayirids decide that they do not want to leave their good Mexican ally alone and that they also want a piece of Tafilalt. But this conflict is minor, Tafilalt having enough problems already. More interesting is the war to determine who is the master of the Middle East, as Serbia attacks Epirus. And of course the result of CP's independence war: Victory for the young merchant republic! They most probably couldn't reach each other, so the result based entirely on the ticking war score, but it is a victory, nothing less. Connacht prepares to retake its colony by beginning to westernize.
As Mombasa sees the opportunity presented by Haixi's defeats and declares a reconquest war, I make peace with Ming and Majeerteen. As not being co-belligerent, I can only claim two provinces from Ming for my vassal, while Majeerteen can't withstand full annexation. My focus shifts towards Haixi, as Russia gets Pate as new vassal – and annexes Yatenga. Asia beware if Russia ever wants to connect all these exclaves.
Yeren pays a high price for contesting the Orléanais succession, while Russia makes use of their troops in the West to conquer Pattani next. In SEA, Dali nears the collapse, under attack from all sides, and Ning joins in again.
1751 draws near, and as such I seal the peace I want with Itza. They are annexed and Haixi given a clear border to Venezuela. Just before the end of the year, New Asakura finally thinks itself strong enough to fight for their independence, with Mexico at their side, against Asakura's landlocked European alliance plus Aïr. An interesting war.
One which I'd like to join, as my roll of 2 has me leaving Venezuela behind. They just have to eliminate Kiche and that Ning enclave. Why didn't I do it? They are allied, and it would be better to have them as co-belligerents. Venezuela's thirst for land is insatiable, and now they have claims, so I don't think that will take long. My next nation's thirst is satiable. They have long fought to finally achieve dominance on the horn of Africa, and are rarely (if ever) seen in a normal game: Sadly not New Asakura, but Sokoto.
I can only hope that you were fattening Medri Bahri up for Ning to annex at a later date.
Is Russia actually in Italy now? They're like the Mongols but even more terrifying.
I hope Sokoto has lots of pirates to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Is Russia actually in Italy now? They're like the Mongols but even more terrifying.
I hope Sokoto has lots of pirates to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
I can only hope that you were fattening Medri Bahri up for Ning to annex at a later date.
Is Russia actually in Italy now? They're like the Mongols but even more terrifying.
I hope Sokoto has lots of pirates to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
I would love to, but they are Venezuela's vassal...
Russia & Venezuela are best allies, and together they clearly beat the Mongols - and that in 1751, with the Russians not even reforming.
Sokot pirates? Actually, I think that would hurt them more then bring any gains
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Chapter Thirty-Two: The Green Red Horn of Africa
Sokoto. Land of Sultan Sidiqu Gerad, poor iron and credible emissaries. Embroiled in war with both of its neighbours on Serbia's side in the Imperialist war against Epirus, which clearly is in Serbia's favour. Besides Serbia, Sokoto also has another mutual ally in Bavaria, the westernized former horde. The famously credible emissaries have nobody else on their good side, but nobody else could be useful, with Rewa Kantha calling us their rival. Diplo tech is good, the others are a bit behind, but the close neighbours are not more advanced.
The Fulani Jihad Ideas provide a good reason to expand into Animist Miao in the South, while Economic will help should I seize the gold mines of Kaffa. Quantity and Offensive help with the army, currently at 42/39 regiments, and Influence... Well, it surely has been useful before it all consolidated. Humanist lowers the unrest even more, making Sokoto a very stable realm. The king and his brother and heir Kasso are no geniuses, but Kasso is at least fully average (3/3/3) and a capable general.
He soon has to prove himself, as he leads a combined Serbian-Sokot force against the biggest Epirote army left in their territory. Coming from the North, Bavaria finishes them off, and Epirus is open to siege. Instead of following around the Serbians as the Sokot soldiers did before, I now siege most of South Epirus and their vassal Xi. The other belligerents are no threat, as Kara Del is busy with Rewa Kantha and Miao's army has taken one of my provinces before retreating. It has just reappeared, and happily lays siege to my Southernmost land. I'll deal with them later.
As the sieges go on, Bengal is forced to annul their treaties with Manchu. Orléans had occupied their Southern lands without Manchu resistance, who can't march down to Italy this time. I guess the Størebelt is blockaded. Bad idea to attack Champa. Sidiqu laughs so much at the incompetence of the Manchurian king that he drops dead, leaving Kasso in charge, who immediately enacts all basic Sunni decisions.
As the sieges go on, I observe foreign politics. CP attempts to expand Hindu America by attacking Tripura. Norway extends their influence into Dali without Venezuelan help, the nation then collapses as well releasing Shan. Mexico remembers again that it can't core anything in SEA (I think...) and leaves Tafilalt with reparations.
Internally, Smithian Economics achieve the adverse effect than in Venezuela – they pay off. The bonus income of course doesn't reach the peasants – and besides, the cost of the troops is really high. An extra tax is the perfect answer. They don't agree in Afgooye. Well, time to levy an extra tax for the victory against the uppity peasants as well.
Russia forces Pattani into vassalage, while Bengal asks Chickasaw nicely, who agrees. The Egilssons, confirmed in their idea as saviours of Norway, attack Hannover. What is Sokoto doing? Epirus is near total occupation, so I have to deal with Miao. Serbia and Bavaria don't care much for the inflationary Animists. They have just taken Mombasa when Sultan Kasso attacks, and gains a crushing victory.
He pursues them to Kilwa, where he wipes Miao's army out. I split my troops to free my land and occupy Miao's coast, as Tripura cedes land to CP and Russia attacks – well, my fears didn't come entirely true, but annexing Yatenga caused a thirst for China – Huai is their next target.
While I worry for China, Oudh nationalists rise up along Miao's coast. I am forced to retreat from Mozambique, and can barely push them back in Kilwa. It gives me an idea – Miao has no army, and Sokoto is big. While I don't think of supporting the rebels now, I thought of letting this one 15k stack roam free – to conquer Oudh afterwards. So I avoid another fight with them. As I do so, the Jalayirids show their Mexican ally how to imperialism – they force Tafilalt out of Sumatra and take most of Malacca as well.
Sultan Kasso embarrasses the court as he tries to speak of his heir's death. Some ramblings about Medri Bahri and a Venezuelan fever. This embarrassment starts internal conflicts, but raising stability and reducing war exhaustion takes care of that threat.
Manchu pays the price for their dumb attack on Champa, not only having lost their Bengali ally, but also most of their German lands plus the far north. Champa is emboldened by that victory and supports Jalayirid Colombia's independence – though I very much doubt it has even the slightest chance of succeeding. Kasso has a new heir, Zubayru (2/3/2).
Ning expands in the South, as Venezuela cuts off any way of Northern expansion. At the same time, I have finished most of the sieges along Miao's coast. They try to react, to cut off further reinforcements I am shipping in now as to leave the nationalists alone. Their fleet sinks to the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Sultan Kasso also trapped their new army in Inhambane, and rides them down, annihilating them in the following battles.
Now that Miao is defeated, only sieging left, Serbia settles for peace. I grumble a bit that they didn't give me not even one province, but then I see how the Oudh nationalists are reinforced by Sunni zealots, and think of the future gains to make. The battle of Inhambane also showed the force of our cavalry, and their charge might be more effective in future battles.
Venezuela annexes Medri Bahri (so much for vassal feeding...), as Russia takes only of Huai's two provinces. I sense a big war coming in China. With Epirus close to full occupation, I can lean back though and research Indirect Rule and the Covered Way (mil 24), and as my economy can now support funding the Oudh nationalists, I do so.
Kasso solves a noble dispute in Merca in the same way as he solves all other problems – with violence. He is an undefeated general, after all. Though Serbia should end the war soon, the call for peace causing some troubles – what they do, after Norway takes another province from Huai. Serbia severely weakens Epirus – they grow their horrible exclave while ending Epirus' one in my lands, release Xi from their overlord and free Spain and Alencon.
A nice invitation to strike. I don't have any truce with Spain. Nationalism (and greed for gold, against Spain of all countries) is my CB, and soon Sokot troops swarm over the recently freed nation to put it under foreign yoke yet again. Not good to be a Spaniard in this world – at least since the collapse of the Ivory Alliance. The declaration of war brings only good for Sokoto on the other hand: Architectural Development. Who said war hinders culture?
Aïr is currently getting the worse of the fighting in America. Under pressure by New Asakura and Mexico, the vile Mexicans even burning down their colony in Council Bluff, and with a few Revolutionaries rising up in the North-West, Nagpur sees their chance to push them out of Europe once and for all. Honestly, I think it would be best for them. Another nation I have also send to America in the hope of a better future, albeit not so successfully, also returns into my focus. Have you forgotten who I mean? I did before noticing this attack. Yarkand has not only not lost any more provinces, but colonized Gabon and aim for just westernized Mong Yang now. Best of luck.
Luck that I can't wish Spain, as they are eradicated from the map shortly after they had resurfaced. I celebrate with the research of the Eastindiaman (dip 26), Manchu with their attack on Keladi. Won't be easy, but it is finally someone they can take on again, as they can reach their enemy. I guess their losses in Germany focused them to return in force. The cities celebrate as well – Kasso gives them their old rights. He's old anyway, and I don't have rebel problems.
Norway shows how you should treat your allies by giving each of its friends a part of Hannover to compensate for their involvement. This show of true honour puts La Plata to shame – they had attacked CP in the name of Imperialism, but the Jalayirids (or, more likely, their CNs) had done all the fighting and occupied CP. Seeing they couldn't get anything out of it for themselves, La Plata accepted a concession of defeat. Shameful. But the end of the conflict left CP relatively unharmed, and they could, with Peru's annexation by Date, finally cut all ties to their old motherland, ditching the 'Connacht' in their name.
In Sokoto, the old rights accorded to the cities provoke a change of heart in Kasso. If he supports the bourgeoisie, then he'll support all kinds of them, even the infidels. Also Alençon, which seek an alliance – seeing that they are open to diplomatic vassalization, I accept.
The change of heart against infidels is only short-lived though. I can only attack someone over the sea by now, and there is one target in particular that interests me – Kiev. So that the RNG can't try to send me there again – more seriously, because it is without allies, easy to crush and rich. I ship over the Sultan to the Maldives first. At the same time, Oudh gets their independence – just to give it up to Sokot overlordship. Good choice to support the nationalists.
The New Asakuran war for independence nears its end as Aïr concedes its defeat, abandoning Earth's West and Indiana. Asakura alone doesn't hold out much longer after their most valuable ally is vanquished and release New Asakura as well as pay indemnities. The new nation is swift to reorganize themselves free of their motherland's influence, but in another way than Mexico, Peru, or Canada did: The United States are born.
Bartering increases, but the best Sokot economists stop this, lowering the inflation to around 6%, tendency sinking. Orléans faces off against Nupe as they attack Jharkhand, while Asia is in turmoil again as the Great Horde pushes deeper into China: Ning is their next target. Ming, their loss against Venezuela still fresh, of course dishonour the alliance. Cowards. After all Ning has done for you... With all eyes turned in fear towards Russia, few notice Norway's internal conflicts which give their enemy Koch a chance to attack.
The Maledives have fallen to Kasso, and he lands in Diego Garcia next. The Kievans have lower discipline and worse technology, and as such Kasso's amphibious landing is not much of a disadvantage in the end. Kiev's troops spread out all over the island, and it is only a matter of time until it falls into Sokot hands.
Time that I will observe from somewhere else, as the year 1761 dawns. I would say it was a successful time in Sokoto, having annexed Spain, gained one (and a half) vassal(s), reconquered the exclave of the horn, and attacked Kiev, all that without resorting to piracy. But I will leave for a new nation, rolling a three. A new nation? Well, not exactly. Even if I am not playing with lucky nations on, the lucky nation awaits me again: Mexico. The first valid roll of 431 possible ones – I have to play Mexico in my next normal game. Though I'll show them how to Imperialism here first.
Aïr is currently getting the worse of the fighting in America. Under pressure by New Asakura and Mexico, the vile Mexicans even burning down their colony in Council Bluff, and with a few Revolutionaries rising up in the North-West, Nagpur sees their chance to push them out of Europe once and for all. Honestly, I think it would be best for them. Another nation I have also send to America in the hope of a better future, albeit not so successfully, also returns into my focus. Have you forgotten who I mean? I did before noticing this attack. Yarkand has not only not lost any more provinces, but colonized Gabon and aim for just westernized Mong Yang now. Best of luck.
Luck that I can't wish Spain, as they are eradicated from the map shortly after they had resurfaced. I celebrate with the research of the Eastindiaman (dip 26), Manchu with their attack on Keladi. Won't be easy, but it is finally someone they can take on again, as they can reach their enemy. I guess their losses in Germany focused them to return in force. The cities celebrate as well – Kasso gives them their old rights. He's old anyway, and I don't have rebel problems.
Norway shows how you should treat your allies by giving each of its friends a part of Hannover to compensate for their involvement. This show of true honour puts La Plata to shame – they had attacked CP in the name of Imperialism, but the Jalayirids (or, more likely, their CNs) had done all the fighting and occupied CP. Seeing they couldn't get anything out of it for themselves, La Plata accepted a concession of defeat. Shameful. But the end of the conflict left CP relatively unharmed, and they could, with Peru's annexation by Date, finally cut all ties to their old motherland, ditching the 'Connacht' in their name.
In Sokoto, the old rights accorded to the cities provoke a change of heart in Kasso. If he supports the bourgeoisie, then he'll support all kinds of them, even the infidels. Also Alençon, which seek an alliance – seeing that they are open to diplomatic vassalization, I accept.
The change of heart against infidels is only short-lived though. I can only attack someone over the sea by now, and there is one target in particular that interests me – Kiev. So that the RNG can't try to send me there again – more seriously, because it is without allies, easy to crush and rich. I ship over the Sultan to the Maldives first. At the same time, Oudh gets their independence – just to give it up to Sokot overlordship. Good choice to support the nationalists.
The New Asakuran war for independence nears its end as Aïr concedes its defeat, abandoning Earth's West and Indiana. Asakura alone doesn't hold out much longer after their most valuable ally is vanquished and release New Asakura as well as pay indemnities. The new nation is swift to reorganize themselves free of their motherland's influence, but in another way than Mexico, Peru, or Canada did: The United States are born.
Bartering increases, but the best Sokot economists stop this, lowering the inflation to around 6%, tendency sinking. Orléans faces off against Nupe as they attack Jharkhand, while Asia is in turmoil again as the Great Horde pushes deeper into China: Ning is their next target. Ming, their loss against Venezuela still fresh, of course dishonour the alliance. Cowards. After all Ning has done for you... With all eyes turned in fear towards Russia, few notice Norway's internal conflicts which give their enemy Koch a chance to attack.
The Maledives have fallen to Kasso, and he lands in Diego Garcia next. The Kievans have lower discipline and worse technology, and as such Kasso's amphibious landing is not much of a disadvantage in the end. Kiev's troops spread out all over the island, and it is only a matter of time until it falls into Sokot hands.
Time that I will observe from somewhere else, as the year 1761 dawns. I would say it was a successful time in Sokoto, having annexed Spain, gained one (and a half) vassal(s), reconquered the exclave of the horn, and attacked Kiev, all that without resorting to piracy. But I will leave for a new nation, rolling a three. A new nation? Well, not exactly. Even if I am not playing with lucky nations on, the lucky nation awaits me again: Mexico. The first valid roll of 431 possible ones – I have to play Mexico in my next normal game. Though I'll show them how to Imperialism here first.
I never noticed Transylvania so far north. Guess it's a great place to escape the sun with all those vampires.
Maybe the AI planned to free Spain just so you could eat it up instead of making you take those provinces in that war? Or maybe the AI is too dumb to ever do anything like that.
If Russia and Venezuela don't own half of Eurasia by the end of the this AAR, I'll be very disappointed in them. As long as that portion doesn't include Ning, the best of the Chinese nations.
Maybe the AI planned to free Spain just so you could eat it up instead of making you take those provinces in that war? Or maybe the AI is too dumb to ever do anything like that.
If Russia and Venezuela don't own half of Eurasia by the end of the this AAR, I'll be very disappointed in them. As long as that portion doesn't include Ning, the best of the Chinese nations.
I never noticed Transylvania so far north. Guess it's a great place to escape the sun with all those vampires.
Maybe the AI planned to free Spain just so you could eat it up instead of making you take those provinces in that war? Or maybe the AI is too dumb to ever do anything like that.
If Russia and Venezuela don't own half of Eurasia by the end of the this AAR, I'll be very disappointed in them. As long as that portion doesn't include Ning, the best of the Chinese nations.
Transylvania was this world's Norway. As for escaping, that only works during one season - they should get a colony in the far South
.Serbia was nice. Of course they planned that!
...You have to be strong. Really. And no, don't fear for the Sunni alliance of death.
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Chapter Thirty-Three: A small dose of Imperialism
So here we are again. Lucky Mexico. It now has even stronger allies: The USA and Scandinavia have joined the previous Jalayirids, Nupe, Pagarruyung and Manchu. Sadly the king is less capable in admin, even if Jaya Indravarman VII is a military genius. It sadly finds its reflection in the AI's choice of policies: Two admin, only one mil policy. I'd love to revoke the first two, but I need to wait until December 1766. I'll need every admin point I can get, so I at least hire a +2 natural scientist to replace the +1 one. The military is still the pride of the nation and over a decade ahead of time, while dip and admin are on par. Also, Mexico has just annexed its unwanted vassal Abenaki, but diplomatic reputation is still rather high. Everybody loves undefeated Mexico.
Mexico made a... very peculiar choice for their seventh idea group, Exploration. The whole world is already discovered, and the only possible colonies left are in Louisiana, which is claimed by the Jalayrids. The AI was smart enough not to break the treaty of Tordesillas, and I won't shoo away Mexico's longest and strongest ally for some worthless land either. I can only guess they wanted the extension of the coring range necessary to reach Asia. But that's useless, there are far better targets close-by, and I have a plan to channel Mexico's overflowing energies into he right direction. As I'm swimming in military points, I'll rather invest in making Mexico's superior military even stronger, choosing quality ideas. The military currently has 107/98 regiments, and two rather good generals. I'll keep the admiral around for trade purposes, while I can't ditch the explorer for now as he's on a mission – to nowhere? Anyway, he's in charge of my transports, so he better doesn't get lost.
I can add another illustrious ally to my list – La Plata – before beginning my next wave of wars with my limited coring resources. Sibir has to go next. I'm sorry, but you should have passed the Mayan reforms. They are taken out in Petén, and general Pham dies as he looks for some challenge at Sotuta's walls before Sibir is annexed.
Russia annexes its Western vassals as I can finally stop Ong's circumnavigation (he had made it from Hawaii to São Tomé) by ordering my trapped men in Sotuta to leave for main Mexico by ship instead of requesting access through JM, as this means I need the transports he has under his command. As soon as he arrives back, he is dragged into prison and fired. The fleet is immediately put to good use as I want to finally seize Puerto Rico from the Lithuanian savages.
Nobody comes to Lithuania's help despite the UI claiming otherwise, and Le quickly deals with any opposition. I even forgot to uncheck my allies, so the next screenshot might be the perfect example of how one-sided this war was. Not to say that they are also horribly backwards. Yarkand happily escaped that slaughter, too busy taking half of Mong Yang, and maybe really just wanted to thank me for saving them from Nupe and Asakura – well, at least a bit. No need to thank me, Mexico would have gladly chasen you out of the Caribbean.
Just like Kiev ends at Sokoto's hands, Lithuania does at Mexico's, even if I can't afford coring it. All my ideas plus raised autonomy at least prevent any uprisings. Also during the war, the perfectionist Mexican generals saw some malfunctioning weapons and hired a local gunsmith to combat this. He had some success, and I spare no expenses to further improve the army. Not that I need it, but the inflation is at zero, rapidly decreasing, and that way I have quicker access to my quality ideas.
Ready to commit more sins, I humbly ask for an indulgence, which the pope grants. The emissary hadn't yet arrived that Mexico is at war again: I said I'll do some Imperialism, so time for some conquests – Sweden. You should have colonized more when you had the chance. To have it end faster, I call in the Jalayirids as well. JB's army chases the Swedes from Alcantara without dealing too high casualties, and it is up to Le to finish them off in Oiapoque.
Like in my first turn here, Mexico experiences some iron ore problems. Nothing serious though as the Swedish resistance is ended in Timon with casualties as usual – almost none. The Manchu are in bigger trouble; Keladi had Asakura as an ally, and I guess they blockaded the Belt again, leading to the next embarrassing loss. La Plata starts round two against Peru.
The trouble of my national bank have been emblematic for another region over the course of this AAR: China, with Mombasa, Aragon and of course the master of bankruptcies, Medri Bahri. While my problems are minor, Ning has major ones. The Russians. The destroyers. They have burned, pillaged, looted. They have committed indescribable atrocities, the worst of them the following: Ning goes bankrupt. Days later, Russia enforces peace. I fear the worst. Already the smaller nations around sense the opportunity, Aragon and Huai striking first.
I unlock the next quality idea, Quality Education, and Joint Stock Companies (dip 28), putting me ahead of time there as well, before I choose a target that has been left alone during all the three previous centuries: Illiniwek. Where is that? Iceland! Sadly not rich (2BT each), but at least coreable. As Le's troops reach the shore, Connacht westernizes – and 11k Illiniwek fall.
Now I can repeal the admin policies, what I do before I forget it. The nation thanks me by producing quality wool. Those admin points will be needed. Bengal will need some too, I think – or Yeren. They have the Jalayirids on their side after all, and if they can reach Bengal they have made a big mistake attacking Yeren. Might have been Yeren's best idea to stay Catholic and profit of the defender of the faith. Not like La Plata profits from the Jalayirids, again leaving Peru alone for a concession of defeat.
Illiniwek used their time in isolation to build formidable forts, and they will hold out for some time. I would like to give the Jalayirids a piece of the small natives allied to Sweden, that's why I haven't peaced out with them yet, even if they are defeated – so it is time to open another front. Canada this time. I want to vassalize them before Aïr can think of re-integrating the Wallonians of the North.
Seeing JC unwilling to do anything due to their disloyalty and the Jalayirids slow in occupying the natives, I just annex Sweden, and begin coring the five cheapest provinces. A fate Canada will not share, even if a leaderless army (with Le still seeking a way to breach Iceland's defences) entirely shatters their armed forces in Baye Sainte-Claire.
The new royal family, the Svetoslavic, brings down everything the Tiepolos have done as Nupe's involvement brought a bad end for Orléans. With the exception of Venice and two additional provinces lost, they are back to when I took over. A similar destiny awaits Norway, even if the overly ambitious Egilssons are still in power, with Koch forcing the first releases: Medri Bahri is now a Sunni Administrative Republic OPM. Korea is free again, and Russia diplo-vassalizes Pueblo – having named Mexico their new rival, it is of great interest over here!
The Swedes rise up in revolt, but I don't act immediately. First I have to rage over a bankrupt merchant, see Norway further reduced in size, Ternate regaining its independence from Connacht and Reykjavik fall after 874 days of siege. Only then I turn towards the rebels in Northern Sweden, or rather they attack my troops, which ends badly for them. Akureyri submits itself after 985 days of siege, and I annex Illiniwek, adding Iceland to the Mexican empire as a foothold for further European expansion.
Poor Ning falls into Internal Conflicts, and it all looks like the well-known Chinese death-spiral... Curse Russia! Back in Mexico, Le deals with the rebels left in Oiapoque and Natividad, eliminating 22k rebels for only 3k Mexican casualties, while my men march through Aïr to wipe out the renewed Canadian army in Thunder Bay. They don't need a general, they have the numbers, the training, the equipment and the absolute will: The troops all have the intention to end this war quickly so that they can claim their piece of the gold rush.
Mexico now breeds the finest horses thanks to the third quality idea, as Sokoto annexes Oudh and more vultures fall over pitiable Ning, namely Dali, Ming and Scotland. I have another great statesman to serve Mexico, and he manages to make Asakura abandon their rivalry with us. He can oversee the vassalization of Canada next.
Serbia falls into internal conflicts as well as Sokoto attacks Miao, aiming for total control of the native African coast. I am at peace – but that is no status for Mexico. It needs war. War against Munster, with Scandinavia as co-belligerent. I never wanted them as ally anyway, I only saw them as future Mexican land. Hopefully all the claims I have fab... found that undoubtedly prove Mexico's rightful ownership will persuade the AI to keep my line of thought. Portugal joins the losing side as well, bringing in 28k more natives, as Asakura's war declaration against Bengal shows me that the Jalayirids can definitely reach them and Ning's second bankruptcy confirms my fears. RIP Ning.
Mexican troops meet few to no resistance, and the USA meets even less against technologically backwards, not westernized Portugal, as seen in the battle of Munsee. I actually overstretch my time in Mexico – up to May, for a good reason: Saving admin points for the AI, and some more. The fifth Swedish land finishes coring, and Macintiria is founded, named after the reigning dynasty. I didn't just want 'Mexican Brazil' to be founded. For good measure, I also attack a Northwestern tribe for Mexico to annex, Madurai on our world's Vancouver Island.
But again, I have to leave Mexico behind after ten years, rolling a one. I really have few high dice rolls. Up to the last world update before the end!
I die a little inside every time Ning suffers. All my hopes and dreams for them are falling apart.
Mexico seems to just roll over everyone they encounter. They're the Russia or Venezuela of the New World.
Mexico seems to just roll over everyone they encounter. They're the Russia or Venezuela of the New World.
- 1
I know that feeling. It gets worse, sadly... ... and not so sadly .
Mexico doesn't have strong enemies, to be fair - though I guess they took out Aïr in the New Asakuran Independence War without much trouble.
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World Update Six: 1771
So now we are reaching the last fifty years, and I will make a small change in my rolls. As fun as playing minors is, now that I have reached the late-game it won't leave any impact on the world unlike before, so I will leave them out – if they are not interesting rolls, like my next nation. But more to that later. Let us first take a look at the world.
Europe:
Russia comes from the East, and now Mexico from the West. But of the major players, the Manchu have lost their German holdings, and Orléans went back to its pre-Tiepolo state save for Venice. Bengal looks strong in the HRE, but it is only a passing fad. Of the HRE nations, only the colonizer Asakura constantly grew in strength.
Africa:
Yarkand made its intrusion into the Kongo, while Sokoto's successes obviously shaped Eastern Africa. The Western part of the continent looks like it has found its balance of power – that is, until one of them crushes the other.
North Asia:
Venezuela. I don't need to say much more. Maybe that the borders between the minor hordes are stabilizing. The rest will fall into the next part.
South Asia:
Russia has come, and the vultures are circling. Ning is the victim. That annexation of Yatenga will cause all kinds of horrors for the Asians, and this is but the first of them, I fear. India is reduced to five nations, as Kabylia and Friesland have disappeared. Dali and Norway have had their problems, though not as severed as Ning, while Tafilalt is being pushed out of the region again.
Indonesia + Australia:
Tafilalt's losses are mostly visible here, with Sumatra in Jalayirid hands. Other than that, the last colonies have been distributed. Kangra got a small piece, while Asakura is the main European in Australia. Champa had more success here though. They have taken most of non-Connacht Oceania including New Zealand, while they have also protectorated Baluchistan.
South America:
The last empty provinces here have been filled as well, mostly by Champa. But Champani Peru got to greedy, and as a result, Pagarruyung's colonies have grown. Obviously, Sweden has become Macintiria, and Connacht's foothold in South America has become a flourishing merchant republic – though they still have a lot of tech to catch up. Tripura will soon fall into their hands, which leaves the Dutch as last of the Intis, while Brabant, Bijapur, Arawak and Holstein still cling on as other natives.
North America:
Mexico covered this area enough. Aïr has lost Canada, but filled the continent until it hit the Inca and California. Pagarruyung's colony Alaska has some trouble keeping the natives in line, a problem the Europeans do not have, either living in peace or... being Mexico or the USA, simply smashing them when they want. Now on to the ledgers.
Income:
The right ledger this time. The expected nations score high here, and the success of the Jalayirids is easily visible: Their trade income alone is much higher than Russia's full income. I think it is interesting that from the richest nations, Champa has the highest gold income. I really wonder where all that comes from, as they do not have a non-overseas gold mine – Champani Peru?
Armies:
No surprise here with Russia leading – although the pure economic force of the Jalayirids almost matches their army, Russia's reserves are incredible. That's a lot of land + Muscovite NIs + steppe nomads + quantity. Together with the European and American powers, I am surprised of Sokoto's high placement – and of Khorasan's. They took over most of rich Persia from the Ashanti, and wield a strong force now. Their proximity to Russia restricts their possible ways of expansion though.
Navies:
Someone realized lost potential here. Mostly trade potential. There is a good reason why most of the trade flows to Sevilla now: the massive expansion of the Jalayirid trade fleet. Champa's rule of the seas is over. Only Champa and Connacht are the nations that aren't close to their force limit which have the currently strongest navies though. It misses Asakura, its colonial nations and Aïr, who most probably met with the Champani fleet, the Manchu who never recovered from the Jalayirid war on sea, Pagarruyung which likely can't afford a big upgrade, and Brandenburg which I guess disbanded their fleet to concentrate on Honshu as Ning crumbles.
Score:
The Jalayirids have taken the lead and will keep it. Champa slowly closes in on Russia as well, while the Manchu stagnate. Mexico and Asakura will likely pass the Manchu, while Nupe profits from their victory against Orléans just like Jharkhand and Québec. Aïr and Venezuela follow as late-starters with some distance.
So ends the last world update before the end... Hm? Something misses? Oh right. My next nation! As I said before, an interesting choice, even if not a great power. A former great power. It was very strong – but also one of the first great empires to fall. Of course it is in Asia! Now only present in China, it covered most of SEA before – Scotland!
... and not so sadly .Mexico doesn't have strong enemies, to be fair - though I guess they took out Aïr in the New Asakuran Independence War without much trouble.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
World Update Six: 1771
So now we are reaching the last fifty years, and I will make a small change in my rolls. As fun as playing minors is, now that I have reached the late-game it won't leave any impact on the world unlike before, so I will leave them out – if they are not interesting rolls, like my next nation. But more to that later. Let us first take a look at the world.
Europe:
Russia comes from the East, and now Mexico from the West. But of the major players, the Manchu have lost their German holdings, and Orléans went back to its pre-Tiepolo state save for Venice. Bengal looks strong in the HRE, but it is only a passing fad. Of the HRE nations, only the colonizer Asakura constantly grew in strength.
Africa:
Yarkand made its intrusion into the Kongo, while Sokoto's successes obviously shaped Eastern Africa. The Western part of the continent looks like it has found its balance of power – that is, until one of them crushes the other.
North Asia:
Venezuela. I don't need to say much more. Maybe that the borders between the minor hordes are stabilizing. The rest will fall into the next part.
South Asia:
Russia has come, and the vultures are circling. Ning is the victim. That annexation of Yatenga will cause all kinds of horrors for the Asians, and this is but the first of them, I fear. India is reduced to five nations, as Kabylia and Friesland have disappeared. Dali and Norway have had their problems, though not as severed as Ning, while Tafilalt is being pushed out of the region again.
Indonesia + Australia:
Tafilalt's losses are mostly visible here, with Sumatra in Jalayirid hands. Other than that, the last colonies have been distributed. Kangra got a small piece, while Asakura is the main European in Australia. Champa had more success here though. They have taken most of non-Connacht Oceania including New Zealand, while they have also protectorated Baluchistan.
South America:
The last empty provinces here have been filled as well, mostly by Champa. But Champani Peru got to greedy, and as a result, Pagarruyung's colonies have grown. Obviously, Sweden has become Macintiria, and Connacht's foothold in South America has become a flourishing merchant republic – though they still have a lot of tech to catch up. Tripura will soon fall into their hands, which leaves the Dutch as last of the Intis, while Brabant, Bijapur, Arawak and Holstein still cling on as other natives.
North America:
Mexico covered this area enough. Aïr has lost Canada, but filled the continent until it hit the Inca and California. Pagarruyung's colony Alaska has some trouble keeping the natives in line, a problem the Europeans do not have, either living in peace or... being Mexico or the USA, simply smashing them when they want. Now on to the ledgers.
Income:
The right ledger this time. The expected nations score high here, and the success of the Jalayirids is easily visible: Their trade income alone is much higher than Russia's full income. I think it is interesting that from the richest nations, Champa has the highest gold income. I really wonder where all that comes from, as they do not have a non-overseas gold mine – Champani Peru?
Armies:
No surprise here with Russia leading – although the pure economic force of the Jalayirids almost matches their army, Russia's reserves are incredible. That's a lot of land + Muscovite NIs + steppe nomads + quantity. Together with the European and American powers, I am surprised of Sokoto's high placement – and of Khorasan's. They took over most of rich Persia from the Ashanti, and wield a strong force now. Their proximity to Russia restricts their possible ways of expansion though.
Navies:
Someone realized lost potential here. Mostly trade potential. There is a good reason why most of the trade flows to Sevilla now: the massive expansion of the Jalayirid trade fleet. Champa's rule of the seas is over. Only Champa and Connacht are the nations that aren't close to their force limit which have the currently strongest navies though. It misses Asakura, its colonial nations and Aïr, who most probably met with the Champani fleet, the Manchu who never recovered from the Jalayirid war on sea, Pagarruyung which likely can't afford a big upgrade, and Brandenburg which I guess disbanded their fleet to concentrate on Honshu as Ning crumbles.
Score:
The Jalayirids have taken the lead and will keep it. Champa slowly closes in on Russia as well, while the Manchu stagnate. Mexico and Asakura will likely pass the Manchu, while Nupe profits from their victory against Orléans just like Jharkhand and Québec. Aïr and Venezuela follow as late-starters with some distance.
So ends the last world update before the end... Hm? Something misses? Oh right. My next nation! As I said before, an interesting choice, even if not a great power. A former great power. It was very strong – but also one of the first great empires to fall. Of course it is in Asia! Now only present in China, it covered most of SEA before – Scotland!
I never understood why Russia took the piece in the middle of China. It's so far from their main empire. Can they even core it?
Woah, over 400 light ships! That's insane! No wonder the Jalayirids are so rich.
Aw, Ning looks like it's ready to go the way of its predecessor. Guess Scotland will have to take up the mantle of dominant Chinese power.
Woah, over 400 light ships! That's insane! No wonder the Jalayirids are so rich.
Aw, Ning looks like it's ready to go the way of its predecessor. Guess Scotland will have to take up the mantle of dominant Chinese power.
They can. That is what I meant with Yatenga causing trouble - Russia vassalized, then integrated Yatenga, and now started connecting the bits.
Well, at some point they just had to realize their potential.
Sad, but true. With Russia and Venezuela pushing into China, the region will never look the same.
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Chapter Thirty-Four: An Undead Vulture
Scotland! Former ruler of South-East Asia, multiple times reduced to OPM, but still there. Now a Hindu administrative monarchy under the good Raja Robert IV Maitland, I will try my best to lead the 3PM back to a bit of their former glory. Which includes taking the four cores left from Ning, what Robert has already begun to do. His general Robert Sinclair has begun the siege of Leichow with the full might of Scotland's 15 regiments, while Scotland's allies Pegu and Ragusa are not involved.
Said army is grand, but currently less so, increasing its cost. That I earn less taxes at the same time is disconcerting. But at least Robert has achieved Jnana to his personal deity Ganesha. Who didn't prevent the Raja from enacting a totally useless policy, the Naval Secrecy Act. Ning has the incredible amount of zero ships under their flag, so I wonder if the opium trade has begun. Also, Scotland picked exploration as third idea – a bad idea. They could almost never afford a colony, and when they did, in Western New Guinea, Champa got it. The other ideas are useful though – Administrative, Defensive, Offensive and Economic. So I replace useless Exploration with Trade ideas. More income is always good, and it invalidates the Naval Secrecy Act at the same time, which saves me a diplo point.
Taking Trade ideas reminded me of the merchants – just to see where they were at work. No wonder Scotland collapsed before. One merchant is in Hangzhou, transferring trade to Xi'an. The other one transfers it from Xi'an to Yumen. For those not acquainted with the East Asian trade nodes, Yumen is the Mongol trade node – Scotland is entirely in the Canton trade node. I correct the trade flow and add my new third merchant as well, and Foix immediately repays my efforts with subsidies. Well thank you. I won't have any cash problems for a while.
Many are those feasting on Ning's bankruptcy. Huai is also one of them. They have occupied two of my cores! I can't let this stand. Besides, they are spread all over China with no more than two connected provinces and weak. I also have a mission to take Waichow. So I put it to use and declare a nationalist war. Huai's army flees as I chase them around Ning's Southern lands, but then they end up trapped by 26k noble rebels in Zhenyuan. Sinclair moves in, forces them to flee North, and I won't see anything from Huai's army until the end of the turn.
marked in yellow: Scottish cores; red: Zhenyuan
Huai's army dealt with, I move in to occupy their Southern land, where a nasty surprise awaits me. 67k Min patriots waited in the fog of war, and move into Waichow just as Sinclair arrives. He can't flee, but manages to retreat. Thing is, Waichow is not of Min, but Hakka culture. The patriots are heading towards my wargoal Leichow. Which means my fleeing army is on their way – only the artillery gets away unscathed this time.
The Emir of Medri Bahri swears fealty to Venezuela, this time of free will, and Date doesn't want to stand back behind their rival Foix. 6.8 ducats more of subsidies leave a very nice balance in my economy. I can easily repay the loan. There is also no more need for the war taxes Robert had raised. Others struggle. Ning, going bankrupt again. Bengal, not only faced with the Jalayirid might, but now also invaded by Nepal. Brandenburg, releasing the Ainu... yes, where they should be.
And my aristocrats, complaining about our defensive tactics. Truly, they don't understand the Scottish masterplan of focusing both on the defence and the offence! Ignorant bunch. The Mexicans do understand: Scandinavia gets the beating I planned. The Peruvians also end their conquest of Tripura once and for all.
Having lost their progress to me, Huai seals a white peace with Ning. Aragon on the other hand grows a bit again – before Ning's next bankruptcy. They are drowning in rebels, and I start to take extra care avoiding them. Still, poor Ning. It is not the soil, as Scotland experiences a bountiful harvest. It was Russia. Other nations have more luck. Mexico annexes Madurai, as I had planned. With it cored, they should be able to take on North-East Asia at last.
Then I get a good idea. Or at least I hope it is. With all the Min patriots running around, how about conquering Min itself? Who will they defect to then, if at all? Min is an OPM on Hainan and doesn't put up much of a fight when Sinclair appears in Kingchow. As I prepare its annexation, Mexico takes Munster and Liang becomes independent of Ning. A new Chinese OPM.
Ganzhou is almost mine (42%) when 24k peasants attack. My 8k strong army there puts up a good fight, but is simply overwhelmed. I am not pleased. Robert flees into the Ganesh Chaturthi to forget that defeat, which is a waste of money as I am already at +3 stability. Well, it can't hurt with all the subsidies flowing in. I have to show my Hindu friends in India that their money is well-spent. Though I very much doubt that Robert gains many friends if he celebrates Ganesha's birth with a cross.
Keladi also senses its opportunity to attack Bengal, who hasn't given in to anyone yet. Min does. With their annexation, there is a pleasant surprise in store for me: The patriots are loyal to Scotland! Freedom for the Min! Under wise Hindu rule! Pegu celebrates by declaring an Imperialist war on Tafilalt. They have Dali (occupied by Russia) and Kangra on their side. I join, but don't do anything. They don't need it anyway. But it gives me the chance to marry into Date's royal family.
81k angry Ning nobles begin to besiege the lands I claim as my cores. That's not good. At least they deal with the damned rabble of Ganzhou. I guess charging with some pitchforks into a noble army double your size is not a good idea. As good as it was of Bengal to attack a Yeren backed by the Jalayirids. It doesn't end well. But having your capital close to your enemy is a good idea. I can't take both of Huai's Southern provinces, only Waichow, which I begin to convert.
Ming remembers its roots and attacks Miao. Meanwhile, I grow desperate of the Ning nobles and try to pay them off. Costs much, but the subsidies pay for it... Smugglers are the first to take advantage of it. This in turn angers my generous financiers. Foix and Date both cancel their subsidies not destined to flow into the hands of the corrupt Ning nobility. So I am forced to back down.
I could just stall the rebels' progress for a while, but if I take much longer, I lose. Pegu makes peace with Tafilalt, and I do the same with Ning. I would have preferred a bit much, but I could reclaim my cores plus Liuzhou. Ending the offensive war let me ally Date and Shan.
Just a month after the peace, the nobles enforce their demands. So close, yet so far... Oh well. At least I got Fuzhou, a rich province defecting to me thanks to the patriots. There are some left, but they aren't friendly to me even if they wave the Scottish flag. Decide yourself! I even accept Min culture now! Pretty please... Also, Mombasa attacks Ning next as I research the Covered Way (mil 24).
I start supporting them. They only cost 1.5 ducats, I can afford this even without subsidies – as long as Russia doesn't attack me. Thankfully, their war with Dali ends with them taking Jianchang and not giving us a border. Robert's wise rule, carried by nationalistic enthusiasm, also causes the rich classes to make a donation to further support his rule. Robert is most pleased, puts it in the treasury, and declares a new war – on recently crippled Ainu, who had to accept the Qi rebels' demands.
The fleet can only transport four regiments at once. But Kamikawa, Ainu's province, is besieged by 7k Shinto zealots with a good general. No good idea to attempt a landing. The fleet returns, and I start an expansion program. The navy requires a lot of bureaucracy, which is thus very successful in this year.
Ning has to release Mongolia, as Serbia loses control of Mentese (Egypt). In Scotland, the tension of my conversion efforts escalates. Sinclair immediately puts a stop to the attackers in Waichow before heading to Liuzhou and reaching another victory. Soon after, Waichow's dominant religion is Hinduism. I wonder why...
Russia annexes Pattani, and preys on Foix next, as my rebel supporters get discovered. Bye-bye free expansion. I can't resend any spy, so that chapter is closed. The rebels won't defect to me, as much as I follow the idea of a shipwright concerning his rival's ships. They are just half-way to transporting Sinclair to Kamikawa, so no, they don't sink in the harbour.
Haixi preys on Korea as Sokoto loses land to Miao, defeated by its allies. No matter for Sinclair, who defeats the zealots in Kamikawa. The wars did cost a lot of manpower though, and I have to ease the taxes on the peasants. At least Kamikawa is mine.
But only Kamikawa? No, Scotland is used to control the Northern part of a continent's most influential island – so it will control the whole Northern island of Asia's most influential island chain! Hokkaido is Scottish! And the Qi can't claim otherwise – they do, and it is their loss.
They come under the carpet, as 1781 draws near. Scotland is now around as strong as its neighbours. Hopefully it won't collapse again – at least it won't under my watch. My roll is a two, and I leave. For Louisiana? Ever saw me mention this country? No? Well, there is a good reason – and no, not because it has been annexed like many other rolls. For now over 336 years, Louisiana almost never interacted with the outside world, ruling nothing more than the Shetlands. So no. Instead, I will take over as the Huron, rulers of the Eastern Baltic.
Well, at some point they just had to realize their potential
.Sad, but true. With Russia and Venezuela pushing into China, the region will never look the same
._______________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Thirty-Four: An Undead Vulture
Scotland! Former ruler of South-East Asia, multiple times reduced to OPM, but still there. Now a Hindu administrative monarchy under the good Raja Robert IV Maitland, I will try my best to lead the 3PM back to a bit of their former glory. Which includes taking the four cores left from Ning, what Robert has already begun to do. His general Robert Sinclair has begun the siege of Leichow with the full might of Scotland's 15 regiments, while Scotland's allies Pegu and Ragusa are not involved.
Said army is grand, but currently less so, increasing its cost. That I earn less taxes at the same time is disconcerting. But at least Robert has achieved Jnana to his personal deity Ganesha. Who didn't prevent the Raja from enacting a totally useless policy, the Naval Secrecy Act. Ning has the incredible amount of zero ships under their flag, so I wonder if the opium trade has begun. Also, Scotland picked exploration as third idea – a bad idea. They could almost never afford a colony, and when they did, in Western New Guinea, Champa got it. The other ideas are useful though – Administrative, Defensive, Offensive and Economic. So I replace useless Exploration with Trade ideas. More income is always good, and it invalidates the Naval Secrecy Act at the same time, which saves me a diplo point.
Taking Trade ideas reminded me of the merchants – just to see where they were at work. No wonder Scotland collapsed before. One merchant is in Hangzhou, transferring trade to Xi'an. The other one transfers it from Xi'an to Yumen. For those not acquainted with the East Asian trade nodes, Yumen is the Mongol trade node – Scotland is entirely in the Canton trade node. I correct the trade flow and add my new third merchant as well, and Foix immediately repays my efforts with subsidies. Well thank you. I won't have any cash problems for a while.
Many are those feasting on Ning's bankruptcy. Huai is also one of them. They have occupied two of my cores! I can't let this stand. Besides, they are spread all over China with no more than two connected provinces and weak. I also have a mission to take Waichow. So I put it to use and declare a nationalist war. Huai's army flees as I chase them around Ning's Southern lands, but then they end up trapped by 26k noble rebels in Zhenyuan. Sinclair moves in, forces them to flee North, and I won't see anything from Huai's army until the end of the turn.
marked in yellow: Scottish cores; red: Zhenyuan
Huai's army dealt with, I move in to occupy their Southern land, where a nasty surprise awaits me. 67k Min patriots waited in the fog of war, and move into Waichow just as Sinclair arrives. He can't flee, but manages to retreat. Thing is, Waichow is not of Min, but Hakka culture. The patriots are heading towards my wargoal Leichow. Which means my fleeing army is on their way – only the artillery gets away unscathed this time.
The Emir of Medri Bahri swears fealty to Venezuela, this time of free will, and Date doesn't want to stand back behind their rival Foix. 6.8 ducats more of subsidies leave a very nice balance in my economy. I can easily repay the loan. There is also no more need for the war taxes Robert had raised. Others struggle. Ning, going bankrupt again. Bengal, not only faced with the Jalayirid might, but now also invaded by Nepal. Brandenburg, releasing the Ainu... yes, where they should be.
And my aristocrats, complaining about our defensive tactics. Truly, they don't understand the Scottish masterplan of focusing both on the defence and the offence! Ignorant bunch. The Mexicans do understand: Scandinavia gets the beating I planned. The Peruvians also end their conquest of Tripura once and for all.
Having lost their progress to me, Huai seals a white peace with Ning. Aragon on the other hand grows a bit again – before Ning's next bankruptcy. They are drowning in rebels, and I start to take extra care avoiding them. Still, poor Ning. It is not the soil, as Scotland experiences a bountiful harvest. It was Russia. Other nations have more luck. Mexico annexes Madurai, as I had planned. With it cored, they should be able to take on North-East Asia at last.
Then I get a good idea. Or at least I hope it is. With all the Min patriots running around, how about conquering Min itself? Who will they defect to then, if at all? Min is an OPM on Hainan and doesn't put up much of a fight when Sinclair appears in Kingchow. As I prepare its annexation, Mexico takes Munster and Liang becomes independent of Ning. A new Chinese OPM.
Ganzhou is almost mine (42%) when 24k peasants attack. My 8k strong army there puts up a good fight, but is simply overwhelmed. I am not pleased. Robert flees into the Ganesh Chaturthi to forget that defeat, which is a waste of money as I am already at +3 stability. Well, it can't hurt with all the subsidies flowing in. I have to show my Hindu friends in India that their money is well-spent. Though I very much doubt that Robert gains many friends if he celebrates Ganesha's birth with a cross.
Keladi also senses its opportunity to attack Bengal, who hasn't given in to anyone yet. Min does. With their annexation, there is a pleasant surprise in store for me: The patriots are loyal to Scotland! Freedom for the Min! Under wise Hindu rule! Pegu celebrates by declaring an Imperialist war on Tafilalt. They have Dali (occupied by Russia) and Kangra on their side. I join, but don't do anything. They don't need it anyway. But it gives me the chance to marry into Date's royal family.
81k angry Ning nobles begin to besiege the lands I claim as my cores. That's not good. At least they deal with the damned rabble of Ganzhou. I guess charging with some pitchforks into a noble army double your size is not a good idea. As good as it was of Bengal to attack a Yeren backed by the Jalayirids. It doesn't end well. But having your capital close to your enemy is a good idea. I can't take both of Huai's Southern provinces, only Waichow, which I begin to convert.
Ming remembers its roots and attacks Miao. Meanwhile, I grow desperate of the Ning nobles and try to pay them off. Costs much, but the subsidies pay for it... Smugglers are the first to take advantage of it. This in turn angers my generous financiers. Foix and Date both cancel their subsidies not destined to flow into the hands of the corrupt Ning nobility. So I am forced to back down.
I could just stall the rebels' progress for a while, but if I take much longer, I lose. Pegu makes peace with Tafilalt, and I do the same with Ning. I would have preferred a bit much, but I could reclaim my cores plus Liuzhou. Ending the offensive war let me ally Date and Shan.
Just a month after the peace, the nobles enforce their demands. So close, yet so far... Oh well. At least I got Fuzhou, a rich province defecting to me thanks to the patriots. There are some left, but they aren't friendly to me even if they wave the Scottish flag. Decide yourself! I even accept Min culture now! Pretty please... Also, Mombasa attacks Ning next as I research the Covered Way (mil 24).
I start supporting them. They only cost 1.5 ducats, I can afford this even without subsidies – as long as Russia doesn't attack me. Thankfully, their war with Dali ends with them taking Jianchang and not giving us a border. Robert's wise rule, carried by nationalistic enthusiasm, also causes the rich classes to make a donation to further support his rule. Robert is most pleased, puts it in the treasury, and declares a new war – on recently crippled Ainu, who had to accept the Qi rebels' demands.
The fleet can only transport four regiments at once. But Kamikawa, Ainu's province, is besieged by 7k Shinto zealots with a good general. No good idea to attempt a landing. The fleet returns, and I start an expansion program. The navy requires a lot of bureaucracy, which is thus very successful in this year.
Ning has to release Mongolia, as Serbia loses control of Mentese (Egypt). In Scotland, the tension of my conversion efforts escalates. Sinclair immediately puts a stop to the attackers in Waichow before heading to Liuzhou and reaching another victory. Soon after, Waichow's dominant religion is Hinduism. I wonder why...
Russia annexes Pattani, and preys on Foix next, as my rebel supporters get discovered. Bye-bye free expansion. I can't resend any spy, so that chapter is closed. The rebels won't defect to me, as much as I follow the idea of a shipwright concerning his rival's ships. They are just half-way to transporting Sinclair to Kamikawa, so no, they don't sink in the harbour.
Haixi preys on Korea as Sokoto loses land to Miao, defeated by its allies. No matter for Sinclair, who defeats the zealots in Kamikawa. The wars did cost a lot of manpower though, and I have to ease the taxes on the peasants. At least Kamikawa is mine.
But only Kamikawa? No, Scotland is used to control the Northern part of a continent's most influential island – so it will control the whole Northern island of Asia's most influential island chain! Hokkaido is Scottish! And the Qi can't claim otherwise – they do, and it is their loss.
They come under the carpet, as 1781 draws near. Scotland is now around as strong as its neighbours. Hopefully it won't collapse again – at least it won't under my watch. My roll is a two, and I leave. For Louisiana? Ever saw me mention this country? No? Well, there is a good reason – and no, not because it has been annexed like many other rolls. For now over 336 years, Louisiana almost never interacted with the outside world, ruling nothing more than the Shetlands. So no. Instead, I will take over as the Huron, rulers of the Eastern Baltic.
Well that was one rebel-riddled update. Seems like they were doing as much conquering as you were.
Huron should be interesting. It bothers me that Huron and Manchu's colours are so similar. It's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Maybe that should be rectified.
Huron should be interesting. It bothers me that Huron and Manchu's colours are so similar. It's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Maybe that should be rectified.
- 1
Hard times indeed. Those rebels were terrifying. Poor Ning .
I'd love to. Well, you'll see what I could do over there...
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Chapter Thirty-Five: Lake Huron
...Well, not exactly. But the East of the Baltic Sea is firmly in Huron hands. Ruled by Dauatout I Nikitich, the nation has just annexed a subject to reach its current extent. But cut off from the American trade, the king has wisely chosen to cut production investments to focus on military improvements as well as trade. A trade that makes Huron relatively rich. I also won't change any of their ideas, and will hire some advisers over time.
But there are other problems. The Huron have no strong allies, still over their relations limit, and are involved in an internal HRE war against Keladi on Kham's side. At least they are well prepared. This isn't the bad part though. Huron is sandwiched between the Manchu to the West and North and Russia to the South. Leaves the HRE and Zazzau as possible targets nearby. But the HRE alliance network would be too much for me, and, by virtue of being Russia's neighbour, I'm warned. Limited in my future actions, I delve into their current conflict, with the 44 regiments under arms very well led by the prince and also by the king and a general.
The king himself fights the first battle, cutting off Keladi's path back North. Encouraged by this success, he heads to Hessen to relieve the siege of Hessen, Danzig's province occupied by Pasai. Reinforcements from both sides cause some severe casualties, leading to many families being left behind. No worries, I make most cash from trade anyway.
Haixi takes most of Korea, which leads the Manchu to turn their attention towards Brandenburg again, as does Mombasa's peace with Ning. China is a cartographer's nightmare again. In Europe, Doueyenteat's competent leadership suffers a humiliating defeat against Keladi.
My allies do finish off Keladi's troops shortly after. While they settle for sieging Ndongo, I have to save Pasai from the elephants' fury paired with Danzig's. The fighting is so hard that the merchant in Lübeck goes bankrupt. And if there is no connection with the battle (likely), there certainly is one to Mexico's annexation of Canada (or not).
My men clash with Danzig once again in Kassel, though this one makes me severely doubt Doueyenteat's abilities. Always taking more losses than the enemy. My allies also need more efforts than expected in taking out Djerid's army in Hamburg.
But this is where Keladi, most of its lands occupied, has enough. A humiliating peace is signed, reshaping the ever-changing HRE once again. No nation can dominate here for long. Only Asakura steadily grew in power thanks to its location and colonizing.
I take the mission to vassalize Chickasaw next. I can do it diplomatically, but for that I have to break my alliance with Lan Na and do some convincing first... Good riddance. Some subsidies should do the trick. Though I do wonder why their heir has no dynasty. Okelahhinlubbe has one (a German one, von Somewhere IIRC), but if Topulkah's dynasty is as hard for a European to pronounce as the king's name, I can understand why he prefers having none (or is it just too long?). In the meantime, Asakura attacks Miao, and La Plata tries to get another concession of defeat out of Peru.
I have found my target. Away from Russia. Louisiana was independent long enough. Transylvania joins them – their loss. As I've consolidated my troops, the numbers aren't that clear, but I am rich, and can hire mercenaries if necessary. Doesn't look like that, as the prince deals with Louisiana's army without high casualties. Aïr also achieves a step into the right direction as they take Lincoln from Nagpur.
The Chickasaw accept vassalage, and Ming returns to their ancestral land of Mzizima – in East Africa. It is then that I see I shouldn't have sent that many men to siege the islands – his majesty fails against the Transylvanians in Narva. Mercenaries are the answer, as I clearly need more men to shield my artillery.
Sadly, Daouatout can't witness the success of the new army. Instead of the late king, general Arendaonatia finishes off the enemy. The survivors scatter in all directions – some even land on the Shetlands, where the new king (4/1/5) leads the siege. They propose some underhanded methods to deal with the Transylvanians. But no thanks, it should be easy enough to seize some frozen lands, and as most of my men are mercenaries I don't really care for the death toll either.
After general Arendaonatia intercepts the recruitment of a new army in Kholmogory, the people somehow doesn't share the militarist king's beliefs. Maybe they just got used to lower taxes? Either way, I am magnanimous – and the peasants respect my sign of good will. Complain one day, follow the next – more recruits flock to the standards in Danzig.
The general keeps up with his impeccable record of wins in Viatka, leaving the king to curse under his breath, when he falls over dead. Well, that was effective. Doueyenteat might have to curse more often. It's not like I needed him. Peru might need a good general. The Manchu have devised an evil plan to move in after La Plata got their concession of defeat out of the republic. Let's see if it works. More on the useless side is the announcement of the Venezuelans to westernize. Do they need it? No. Russia is the perfect proof to that. But it should give China some time to breathe.
I then get on tech 28/29/30, which puts my troops almost on par with the Mexicans (+200% mil tech cost). The nobility sees this with worry. Constitutional Monarchy, like there? No! The king is just one of many nobles! Doueyenteat of course disagrees. The new troops are put to some limited use as the complainers disappear at the cost of stability. Sokoto attacks Miao next for the Oudh lands they lost before, and Transylvania goes bankrupt. Should have thought about the consequences before joining doomed Louisiana.
Brandenburg, free from the Manchurian threat once again, seeks to expand against Mombasa. Nupe annexes their Jharkhandi vassal, as the Jalayirids keep their Funj protectorate on the short leash. Attacking Lüneburg? You could win! No, we'll take over. Speaking of war, I force Transylvania to release Dai Viet and Sardinia as well as give me the Shetlands. And without Champa to protect them, as soon as the Manchu return from their overseas wars, Scandinavia should be united again. The Faroes also come into Huron hands as Louisiana ceases to exist.
Back at peace, I ally Kanem Bornu, then settle for some waiting. To further strengthen the army, I enact the horse artillery, not that I intend to wage any war. That's when the king kicks the bucket and a regency confirms my thoughts. Just as the evil Manchurian plan fails with a white peace. At least the peasants are happy and very productive.
Happy peasants are soon-to-be-drafted peasants. In fact, I burn most of the manpower on replacing the mercenaries. Better sooner than later. Venezuela has more problems. With the westernization ongoing, they fall into internal conflicts. Though I doubt that this or their regency will pose much problems to their army. La Plata ends their war with Peru, but with something else than a concession of defeat this time. Pagarruyung made the mistake of joining in Peruvian defence, and they lose most of their Mexican CN to... right, Mexico. They get all they want. Scary.
Asakura leaves Miao by adding Inhambane to their lands, just in time. Likely as result of some secret diplomatic meeting, as they are the strongest ally of Doughlat. Doughlat, the OPM which wants a piece of Bengal. Dream on, Doughlat! Together with my sworn enemy and staunch ally of the Bengalese, the Manchu, I join in their defence. While the numbers seem even at first, we have more cannons and no colonial armies on our side Asakura wields. Let us make them pay for their attack! General Andiata (1/4/3/0) will lead the army for this purpose.
Of course, our canoes of old have long stopped being the ship of choice, even in our own country. But with the national decline, I decide to cut military investments. Not that I'm going to tech up there soon anyway.
Asakura starts the war on the offensive. Their fleet fights mine in the Southern Norwegian Sea, and quickly gain the advantage. With more ships on their way, I retreat before it is too late, losing only five ships. I also arrive too late to save the Bengalese in Bamberg. But fighting on the same side as the Manchu, we manage to push out the enemy under heavy costs.
Even if defending our lands should not be a problem in this war, my garrisons have the right level of fanaticism for this war. Now to give the front troops the same mentality... The LC has the right one. Facing off against the Djeridi army, they held them at bay until Asakura saved their ally in need. After this victory, the enemy heads North again, to coordinate their attack on my heavily depleted army in Mainz. Reinforcements pour in from both sides, and we come out as winners. Sokoto forces Miao back to Mutapa-like extent, taking most of the East African coast.
Obscurantism spreads as my allies abandon me in Mainz to deal with Djerid. But... but Doughlat is warleader! Surely it helps our negotiating position to deal with them first – my pleads are of no use. The Djeridi-Asakuran army arrives and wipes out my troops. A month later, they have to retreat under Manchurian fire. Too late! At least Nepal's declaration of war on Bashkiria should keep them occupied.
King Iekage of Asakura arrived too late to save his men, and faces a severe defeat as he did so. The war seems to go in our favour now, but that won't be my problem any more. I leave behind the Huron as 1791 dawns, without an army, but a bit stronger and rich enough to refill their ranks with mercenaries anyway.
What nation awaits me now? Jalayirid Brazil, with its 20k regiments, certainly not. Could just hope to strike at Pagarruyung Brazil, what I don't want to do for a decade. The next roll is much, much more interesting: Nupe. Time to revive some old warmongering traditions.
.I'd love to. Well, you'll see what I could do over there...
_____________________________________________________________
Chapter Thirty-Five: Lake Huron
...Well, not exactly. But the East of the Baltic Sea is firmly in Huron hands. Ruled by Dauatout I Nikitich, the nation has just annexed a subject to reach its current extent. But cut off from the American trade, the king has wisely chosen to cut production investments to focus on military improvements as well as trade. A trade that makes Huron relatively rich. I also won't change any of their ideas, and will hire some advisers over time.
But there are other problems. The Huron have no strong allies, still over their relations limit, and are involved in an internal HRE war against Keladi on Kham's side. At least they are well prepared. This isn't the bad part though. Huron is sandwiched between the Manchu to the West and North and Russia to the South. Leaves the HRE and Zazzau as possible targets nearby. But the HRE alliance network would be too much for me, and, by virtue of being Russia's neighbour, I'm warned. Limited in my future actions, I delve into their current conflict, with the 44 regiments under arms very well led by the prince and also by the king and a general.
The king himself fights the first battle, cutting off Keladi's path back North. Encouraged by this success, he heads to Hessen to relieve the siege of Hessen, Danzig's province occupied by Pasai. Reinforcements from both sides cause some severe casualties, leading to many families being left behind. No worries, I make most cash from trade anyway.
Haixi takes most of Korea, which leads the Manchu to turn their attention towards Brandenburg again, as does Mombasa's peace with Ning. China is a cartographer's nightmare again. In Europe, Doueyenteat's competent leadership suffers a humiliating defeat against Keladi.
My allies do finish off Keladi's troops shortly after. While they settle for sieging Ndongo, I have to save Pasai from the elephants' fury paired with Danzig's. The fighting is so hard that the merchant in Lübeck goes bankrupt. And if there is no connection with the battle (likely), there certainly is one to Mexico's annexation of Canada (or not).
My men clash with Danzig once again in Kassel, though this one makes me severely doubt Doueyenteat's abilities. Always taking more losses than the enemy. My allies also need more efforts than expected in taking out Djerid's army in Hamburg.
But this is where Keladi, most of its lands occupied, has enough. A humiliating peace is signed, reshaping the ever-changing HRE once again. No nation can dominate here for long. Only Asakura steadily grew in power thanks to its location and colonizing.
I take the mission to vassalize Chickasaw next. I can do it diplomatically, but for that I have to break my alliance with Lan Na and do some convincing first... Good riddance. Some subsidies should do the trick. Though I do wonder why their heir has no dynasty. Okelahhinlubbe has one (a German one, von Somewhere IIRC), but if Topulkah's dynasty is as hard for a European to pronounce as the king's name, I can understand why he prefers having none (or is it just too long?). In the meantime, Asakura attacks Miao, and La Plata tries to get another concession of defeat out of Peru.
I have found my target. Away from Russia. Louisiana was independent long enough. Transylvania joins them – their loss. As I've consolidated my troops, the numbers aren't that clear, but I am rich, and can hire mercenaries if necessary. Doesn't look like that, as the prince deals with Louisiana's army without high casualties. Aïr also achieves a step into the right direction as they take Lincoln from Nagpur.
The Chickasaw accept vassalage, and Ming returns to their ancestral land of Mzizima – in East Africa. It is then that I see I shouldn't have sent that many men to siege the islands – his majesty fails against the Transylvanians in Narva. Mercenaries are the answer, as I clearly need more men to shield my artillery.
Sadly, Daouatout can't witness the success of the new army. Instead of the late king, general Arendaonatia finishes off the enemy. The survivors scatter in all directions – some even land on the Shetlands, where the new king (4/1/5) leads the siege. They propose some underhanded methods to deal with the Transylvanians. But no thanks, it should be easy enough to seize some frozen lands, and as most of my men are mercenaries I don't really care for the death toll either.
After general Arendaonatia intercepts the recruitment of a new army in Kholmogory, the people somehow doesn't share the militarist king's beliefs. Maybe they just got used to lower taxes? Either way, I am magnanimous – and the peasants respect my sign of good will. Complain one day, follow the next – more recruits flock to the standards in Danzig.
The general keeps up with his impeccable record of wins in Viatka, leaving the king to curse under his breath, when he falls over dead. Well, that was effective. Doueyenteat might have to curse more often. It's not like I needed him. Peru might need a good general. The Manchu have devised an evil plan to move in after La Plata got their concession of defeat out of the republic. Let's see if it works. More on the useless side is the announcement of the Venezuelans to westernize. Do they need it? No. Russia is the perfect proof to that. But it should give China some time to breathe.
I then get on tech 28/29/30, which puts my troops almost on par with the Mexicans (+200% mil tech cost). The nobility sees this with worry. Constitutional Monarchy, like there? No! The king is just one of many nobles! Doueyenteat of course disagrees. The new troops are put to some limited use as the complainers disappear at the cost of stability. Sokoto attacks Miao next for the Oudh lands they lost before, and Transylvania goes bankrupt. Should have thought about the consequences before joining doomed Louisiana.
Brandenburg, free from the Manchurian threat once again, seeks to expand against Mombasa. Nupe annexes their Jharkhandi vassal, as the Jalayirids keep their Funj protectorate on the short leash. Attacking Lüneburg? You could win! No, we'll take over. Speaking of war, I force Transylvania to release Dai Viet and Sardinia as well as give me the Shetlands. And without Champa to protect them, as soon as the Manchu return from their overseas wars, Scandinavia should be united again. The Faroes also come into Huron hands as Louisiana ceases to exist.
Back at peace, I ally Kanem Bornu, then settle for some waiting. To further strengthen the army, I enact the horse artillery, not that I intend to wage any war. That's when the king kicks the bucket and a regency confirms my thoughts. Just as the evil Manchurian plan fails with a white peace. At least the peasants are happy and very productive.
Happy peasants are soon-to-be-drafted peasants. In fact, I burn most of the manpower on replacing the mercenaries. Better sooner than later. Venezuela has more problems. With the westernization ongoing, they fall into internal conflicts. Though I doubt that this or their regency will pose much problems to their army. La Plata ends their war with Peru, but with something else than a concession of defeat this time. Pagarruyung made the mistake of joining in Peruvian defence, and they lose most of their Mexican CN to... right, Mexico. They get all they want. Scary.
Asakura leaves Miao by adding Inhambane to their lands, just in time. Likely as result of some secret diplomatic meeting, as they are the strongest ally of Doughlat. Doughlat, the OPM which wants a piece of Bengal. Dream on, Doughlat! Together with my sworn enemy and staunch ally of the Bengalese, the Manchu, I join in their defence. While the numbers seem even at first, we have more cannons and no colonial armies on our side Asakura wields. Let us make them pay for their attack! General Andiata (1/4/3/0) will lead the army for this purpose.
Of course, our canoes of old have long stopped being the ship of choice, even in our own country. But with the national decline, I decide to cut military investments. Not that I'm going to tech up there soon anyway.
Asakura starts the war on the offensive. Their fleet fights mine in the Southern Norwegian Sea, and quickly gain the advantage. With more ships on their way, I retreat before it is too late, losing only five ships. I also arrive too late to save the Bengalese in Bamberg. But fighting on the same side as the Manchu, we manage to push out the enemy under heavy costs.
Even if defending our lands should not be a problem in this war, my garrisons have the right level of fanaticism for this war. Now to give the front troops the same mentality... The LC has the right one. Facing off against the Djeridi army, they held them at bay until Asakura saved their ally in need. After this victory, the enemy heads North again, to coordinate their attack on my heavily depleted army in Mainz. Reinforcements pour in from both sides, and we come out as winners. Sokoto forces Miao back to Mutapa-like extent, taking most of the East African coast.
Obscurantism spreads as my allies abandon me in Mainz to deal with Djerid. But... but Doughlat is warleader! Surely it helps our negotiating position to deal with them first – my pleads are of no use. The Djeridi-Asakuran army arrives and wipes out my troops. A month later, they have to retreat under Manchurian fire. Too late! At least Nepal's declaration of war on Bashkiria should keep them occupied.
King Iekage of Asakura arrived too late to save his men, and faces a severe defeat as he did so. The war seems to go in our favour now, but that won't be my problem any more. I leave behind the Huron as 1791 dawns, without an army, but a bit stronger and rich enough to refill their ranks with mercenaries anyway.
What nation awaits me now? Jalayirid Brazil, with its 20k regiments, certainly not. Could just hope to strike at Pagarruyung Brazil, what I don't want to do for a decade. The next roll is much, much more interesting: Nupe. Time to revive some old warmongering traditions.
The real question is will the AI be smart enough to buy a ton of mercenaries in time?
I'd have a good laugh if Venezuala crumbles due to westernization.
I wonder if any nation will have a revolution. That could add some excitement. I hope it's Russia.
I'd have a good laugh if Venezuala crumbles due to westernization.
I wonder if any nation will have a revolution. That could add some excitement. I hope it's Russia.