I'm going to wait until Thursday for the next update to give everyone a little more time to post (I want an update on the merchant/church conflict, darn it). 
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Hmm, oh well!!!My lord, may we suggest that we should free our subjects from serfdom a litte.
We should send Ivan Rebrov to Our Pacific ports by Southern American way
We should just forget about These two Khanates.
Merchants looked very concerns as his arch enemies is not there. Is it possible that they been murdered by more hotheaded merchants??
Hey, this is just my thought, if they arrived, then ET and I shall fight each other in that Big Church and that council!! I wondered where ET is??
HIS Last Activity: 28-06-2004 13:42 But hopefully he should be there on ThursdaY.Fingers crossed!! Thanks
Joe (Sapphire)
Mikhail Romanov stood before the council with confidence. Since the Church of Divine Protection and Guidance had been built his popularity had never been higher with the vast majority of Russians. The only difficulty was that most of the discontented minorities were present in the council chamber.
"Our armies could always benefit from superior training, especially with our neighbors growing so jealous of our nation. I've ordered that the standards of recruitment and training be raised immediately." No one in the room seemed overly concerned about this announcement. As a faction the army was solidly loyal to the Tsar and completely apolitical.
"We will order our sailors to sail west from the Black Sea and attempt to travel across the Atlantic to Enkan. We have only small knowledge of the points between, but I trust our heroic navy to return valuable maps." Again their was little for anyone to object to. The naval exploration was considered more of a side action to the main goal of settling the east.
"The Khanates are not even worth destroying. We will leave them to rot away as they always have." Romanov looked around the room for dissention but could find little. He'd done well in securing his position, so well that no one would dare challenge it at present. Turning potential enemies against each other had been especially effective.
"Now, I need to discuss the matter of diplomacy with Denmark with the Foreign Minister. The rest of you may go." The formal meeting was over, the next round of scheming and manipulation would now begin in earnest.
"Our armies could always benefit from superior training, especially with our neighbors growing so jealous of our nation. I've ordered that the standards of recruitment and training be raised immediately." No one in the room seemed overly concerned about this announcement. As a faction the army was solidly loyal to the Tsar and completely apolitical.
"We will order our sailors to sail west from the Black Sea and attempt to travel across the Atlantic to Enkan. We have only small knowledge of the points between, but I trust our heroic navy to return valuable maps." Again their was little for anyone to object to. The naval exploration was considered more of a side action to the main goal of settling the east.
"The Khanates are not even worth destroying. We will leave them to rot away as they always have." Romanov looked around the room for dissention but could find little. He'd done well in securing his position, so well that no one would dare challenge it at present. Turning potential enemies against each other had been especially effective.
"Now, I need to discuss the matter of diplomacy with Denmark with the Foreign Minister. The rest of you may go." The formal meeting was over, the next round of scheming and manipulation would now begin in earnest.
New England Cossacks: 1632-1642
The quality of the Russian army was improved with the implementation of more intense training.
Ivan Rebrov sailed east from Crimea, stopping in Iceland to resupply before reaching the New World that our merchants have heard so much about. Rebrov explored the coast of what the Spaniards call "America" defeating pirates and surviving several violent storms to return precious maps of the west to Mother Russia.
A revolt by heretics in Kouban was defeated by our armies.
The efforts of Rebrov were furthered by Semen Dezhnev, who brought some of our merchants to establish commerce in the New World. Trading posts were established in Massachusetts, Megantic, Penobscot, Placentia and Isle Royale. With the recent arrival of Cossack Rider Ivan Moskvitin the exploration of this western continent has begun in earnest. We already have heard rumors of vast riches waiting to be claimed.
Our Cossacks have made contact with the Lenape Tribe, a poorly organized and backwards collection of Natives to the south of our trading posts. These natives have no knowledge of the True Faith or even the other heresies we have fought against. Even the pitiful Khanates are progressive compared to these people. Perhaps it will fall on the Third Rome to bring them to salvation?
The settlement of the Steppes has also continued. Ob (furs) is now a full colony and Enkan has a population over 700. Saian has also been colonized.
The peaceful decade of trade and exploration was broken only by a short war with Poland. The Poles came with numbers this time, sending over 60,000 against Belarus. Wishing only for peace, we paid them 100 Ducats for peace before they could overrun the garrison.
A whole new world has opened up to our glorious nation and what we choose to do with this information will figure heavily into our future direction. The possibilities are as endless as the risks.
---------------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1642
Military Advisor: We have 159,000 soldiers, with a support limit of 206,000. We are Land Tech 17, reaching 18 in 1655. Our focus on colonization and a time of peace has left our army primarily in a defensive role. The biggest battles of the last decade were mainly with natives in the west.
Naval Advisor: We have 6 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports with a support limit of 77. We are Naval Tech 10, reaching 11 in 1649. Our explorers have discovered a rich new continent, but we still hope to eventually reach the Pacific and our eastern colonies.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We have discovered a backwards group of tribes in the New World that is further from The Truth than any people we have ever encountered. We have a large minority of Mohammedans and a small amount of eastern heretics. We have been able to balance tolerances without any difficulty.
Foreign Minister: Much of the New World has already been claimed by other Europeans, but we have also encountered backwards natives that jokingly claim to be a nation. Denmark is still our vassal and ally, but relations remain strained despite gifts (-27). We may need to focus more effort on appeasing them or improve our diplomatic skills by handing more power to the Boyars. Poland is our most aggressive enemy, but Sweden is not to be trusted, either. We haven't fought the Turk in a long time.
Russia in the New World
We have also established a new colony in Saian.
Cossack Advisor: We are now beginning to explore the interior of North America. We are using our Siberian Cossack Riders to help establish new colonies. We have 3 Cossack Riders at present. We are gaining 2.40 colonists a year at present.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 110.6. We have 33.5% inflation. We are trading in Moscow (5/19.26), Astrakhan (5/22.33), Danzig (2/3.58), Andalusia (4/20.63) and Tago (1/1.46, embargo). We will reach infrastructure 4 in the next decade. We are also investing heavily in Land Tech.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
The usual drill. Settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 1, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6 and Serfdom 9.
#2 Full Serfdom Enforced by Sobornoj Ulozjeniji
This event won't occur unless we increase out free subjects by 2. My mistake.
We have a chance to strip the peasantry of all rights while restoring our nobles and helping our economy. This decision will increase the power of the Boyars, remove all peasant freedoms, help improve our technology investments and stabilize our nation. On the other hand we could passively accept our economic decline and middle class uprisings. This decision would cause massive inflation, hurt our stability and likely lead to revolts.
#3 East Meets West
With the discovery of North America we have many decisions to make. Should we attempt to build full colonies or simply establish a trading presence? Should we fight the native tribes to bring them the word of God? Finally, how much of a priority should these efforts have and where should be send our explorers?
#4 The Church, Merchants and the Oprichniki
These factions continue to dominate Russian politics, but are increasingly hostile towards each other. What intrigues will the next decade bring?
Next post is Saturday, you may post right away.
The quality of the Russian army was improved with the implementation of more intense training.
Ivan Rebrov sailed east from Crimea, stopping in Iceland to resupply before reaching the New World that our merchants have heard so much about. Rebrov explored the coast of what the Spaniards call "America" defeating pirates and surviving several violent storms to return precious maps of the west to Mother Russia.
A revolt by heretics in Kouban was defeated by our armies.
The efforts of Rebrov were furthered by Semen Dezhnev, who brought some of our merchants to establish commerce in the New World. Trading posts were established in Massachusetts, Megantic, Penobscot, Placentia and Isle Royale. With the recent arrival of Cossack Rider Ivan Moskvitin the exploration of this western continent has begun in earnest. We already have heard rumors of vast riches waiting to be claimed.
Our Cossacks have made contact with the Lenape Tribe, a poorly organized and backwards collection of Natives to the south of our trading posts. These natives have no knowledge of the True Faith or even the other heresies we have fought against. Even the pitiful Khanates are progressive compared to these people. Perhaps it will fall on the Third Rome to bring them to salvation?
The settlement of the Steppes has also continued. Ob (furs) is now a full colony and Enkan has a population over 700. Saian has also been colonized.
The peaceful decade of trade and exploration was broken only by a short war with Poland. The Poles came with numbers this time, sending over 60,000 against Belarus. Wishing only for peace, we paid them 100 Ducats for peace before they could overrun the garrison.
A whole new world has opened up to our glorious nation and what we choose to do with this information will figure heavily into our future direction. The possibilities are as endless as the risks.
---------------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1642
Military Advisor: We have 159,000 soldiers, with a support limit of 206,000. We are Land Tech 17, reaching 18 in 1655. Our focus on colonization and a time of peace has left our army primarily in a defensive role. The biggest battles of the last decade were mainly with natives in the west.
Naval Advisor: We have 6 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports with a support limit of 77. We are Naval Tech 10, reaching 11 in 1649. Our explorers have discovered a rich new continent, but we still hope to eventually reach the Pacific and our eastern colonies.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We have discovered a backwards group of tribes in the New World that is further from The Truth than any people we have ever encountered. We have a large minority of Mohammedans and a small amount of eastern heretics. We have been able to balance tolerances without any difficulty.
Foreign Minister: Much of the New World has already been claimed by other Europeans, but we have also encountered backwards natives that jokingly claim to be a nation. Denmark is still our vassal and ally, but relations remain strained despite gifts (-27). We may need to focus more effort on appeasing them or improve our diplomatic skills by handing more power to the Boyars. Poland is our most aggressive enemy, but Sweden is not to be trusted, either. We haven't fought the Turk in a long time.
Russia in the New World
We have also established a new colony in Saian.
Cossack Advisor: We are now beginning to explore the interior of North America. We are using our Siberian Cossack Riders to help establish new colonies. We have 3 Cossack Riders at present. We are gaining 2.40 colonists a year at present.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 110.6. We have 33.5% inflation. We are trading in Moscow (5/19.26), Astrakhan (5/22.33), Danzig (2/3.58), Andalusia (4/20.63) and Tago (1/1.46, embargo). We will reach infrastructure 4 in the next decade. We are also investing heavily in Land Tech.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
The usual drill.
Settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 1, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6 and Serfdom 9.#2 Full Serfdom Enforced by Sobornoj Ulozjeniji
This event won't occur unless we increase out free subjects by 2. My mistake.
We have a chance to strip the peasantry of all rights while restoring our nobles and helping our economy. This decision will increase the power of the Boyars, remove all peasant freedoms, help improve our technology investments and stabilize our nation. On the other hand we could passively accept our economic decline and middle class uprisings. This decision would cause massive inflation, hurt our stability and likely lead to revolts.
#3 East Meets West
With the discovery of North America we have many decisions to make. Should we attempt to build full colonies or simply establish a trading presence? Should we fight the native tribes to bring them the word of God? Finally, how much of a priority should these efforts have and where should be send our explorers?
#4 The Church, Merchants and the Oprichniki
These factions continue to dominate Russian politics, but are increasingly hostile towards each other. What intrigues will the next decade bring?
Next post is Saturday, you may post right away.
Last edited:
Russia's new foreign minister Mikhail Volkov walked briskly into the Council Chambers. He was a young man full of energy and determined to do his part in making the greatest nation on Earth.
"My Lord, I am most distressed by our continuing failure to gain the trust of the Danes. Perhaps giving more authority to the boyars will increase the efficacy of our diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile I shall look into this matter, do the Danes claim land we have occupied? Do we not tolerate their bizarre heresies? I am happy to report that diplomats serving your majesty have been installed in the "capitals" of what passes for kingdoms in the wild and barbarous lands to the west. These so-called states are scarcely worthy of the dignity provided by conquest, but any who block the path of righteous Russian colonization must be smashed with all possible haste, according to my reports, this would not be an exceptionally difficult task. I notice other Europeans have colonized this land, how far advanced are their colonies? If they are not yet completed or fortified, we may be able to add them to our Empire with relatively little trouble and expense. While the new western lands are indeed interesting, do not forget that Russia's true future lies to the east."
Mikhail took a seat and accepted a glass of vodka for his troubles.
"My Lord, I am most distressed by our continuing failure to gain the trust of the Danes. Perhaps giving more authority to the boyars will increase the efficacy of our diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile I shall look into this matter, do the Danes claim land we have occupied? Do we not tolerate their bizarre heresies? I am happy to report that diplomats serving your majesty have been installed in the "capitals" of what passes for kingdoms in the wild and barbarous lands to the west. These so-called states are scarcely worthy of the dignity provided by conquest, but any who block the path of righteous Russian colonization must be smashed with all possible haste, according to my reports, this would not be an exceptionally difficult task. I notice other Europeans have colonized this land, how far advanced are their colonies? If they are not yet completed or fortified, we may be able to add them to our Empire with relatively little trouble and expense. While the new western lands are indeed interesting, do not forget that Russia's true future lies to the east."
Mikhail took a seat and accepted a glass of vodka for his troubles.
"I, er, yes." Boris sat down when he saw that the milietary minister was making moves to speak. A few moments later, he was back up.
"Yes, um, we should colonise this new land... er... as much as we can, while, um, not interfering with our penal system in the east. A t-t-t" He stuttered," Trading presence will be, er , sufficient for the moment, but, uh, we need to eventually, er, increase the size of the colonies.
We should also take the lands of the natives, as this will allow us to expand our territory greatly.
"Yes, um, we should colonise this new land... er... as much as we can, while, um, not interfering with our penal system in the east. A t-t-t" He stuttered," Trading presence will be, er , sufficient for the moment, but, uh, we need to eventually, er, increase the size of the colonies.
We should also take the lands of the natives, as this will allow us to expand our territory greatly.
Merchant smiled as he remebered his profits have been increasing for last ten years. He stepped forward and bowed.
"My lord, we are proud of the lands that was found by our seamen and may we urgently asked for our people to be freed from these serfdom a little since they are getting unrestless. We should attempt to build full colonies and this will established our might on these forgotten lands. We are vast and powerful in size compared to these puny nations such as England and France. But how much more statifaction we will get if we managed to take all these lands from these powers and established our presence. If this work, we will rule entrie Northern Lands!!!! The World will tremble on our feet if we managed to make one long borders from Eastern Northern Lands to Our Imperial Russian borders. Can you see that, my lords. We should send our explorers to find our Pacific Ocean by Southern Lands to link up with our Pacific Ocean. We must develop these colonies as it will allow us to build military powers and overwhelm other puny countries' colonies. We yet have not enough information to develop the maps but hopefully, soon we can. Although, we find Church useless...
Gasps echoed around the hall. Priest looked shocked and start ranting at the merchants in such anger that he was impossible to understand.
"We find that our own Church comfortable and easy to use..."
"My lord, we are proud of the lands that was found by our seamen and may we urgently asked for our people to be freed from these serfdom a little since they are getting unrestless. We should attempt to build full colonies and this will established our might on these forgotten lands. We are vast and powerful in size compared to these puny nations such as England and France. But how much more statifaction we will get if we managed to take all these lands from these powers and established our presence. If this work, we will rule entrie Northern Lands!!!! The World will tremble on our feet if we managed to make one long borders from Eastern Northern Lands to Our Imperial Russian borders. Can you see that, my lords. We should send our explorers to find our Pacific Ocean by Southern Lands to link up with our Pacific Ocean. We must develop these colonies as it will allow us to build military powers and overwhelm other puny countries' colonies. We yet have not enough information to develop the maps but hopefully, soon we can. Although, we find Church useless...
Gasps echoed around the hall. Priest looked shocked and start ranting at the merchants in such anger that he was impossible to understand.
"We find that our own Church comfortable and easy to use..."
Ghost Fox was the most powerful Shaman in at least ten generations. He had the power of vision and could speak with the spirits as an equal. He could assume the form of animals and could cure disease with a touch or inflict it with a glare. The Lenape tribesmen hid their eyes and lowered their heads when he passed.
Ghost fox had been spending more and more time in the other world, speaking with the forces that controlled the world, gaining insights that only another Shaman could ever hope to understand. At the same time, he had found fear.
The same vision had been coming to him, dominating all others. The Bear.
The vision always began with The Bear. Its mouth dripped fresh blood and saliva, its eyes could freeze a man's soul, it was graceful despite its great bulk. It was the eyes that transfixed Ghost Fox.
He saw through them. He could see the pale riders. He saw men cast off towers of stone or fed to dogs. He saw war and oppression and black hooded soldiers. He saw them marching against his people.
It was at this point the vision would end. Ghost Fox would return to his ancient body, finding it covered in cold sweat. Then the fear came. He had not been afraid since he became a Shaman nearly a generation earlier, but he feared The Bear and what lay in its eyes.
A great evil was coming. Maybe not in the current generation or even the next, but the curse of The Bear now hung over his people.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Today is a great day for Russia! We are beating the western devils at their own game!" Romanov's wrinkled hand raised a glass in the council room. The merchants applauded with fervor, the others as socially expected.
"Keeping the lower classes as property is right and just, but there are limits. We will relax some of the restrictions on our peasants for the greater good of Russia!" The order was not entirely unexpceted. The powerful middle class was becoming top heavy with the Russian serfs still in chains.
"The New World will be explored and settled further, but we will focus mainly on trading posts for the time being. The backward natives must eventually be converted, but we still have our business in the east to complete. One task at a time." The Tsar coughed and shook for a moment. His health had been poor as of late. He'd survived Russia's political factions, but the assassins of time were impossible to evade forever.
"Rebuilding relations with the Danes is also a priority. I will make resources available for diplomatic missions immediately. We must also secure more information on our enemies colonization of this New World. Some day that will all belong to Mother Russia!" The cheers echoed in the chamber at the familiar slogan. Romanov took his leave. His time was growing short but it was not yet over. He hoped to use it wisely.
Ghost fox had been spending more and more time in the other world, speaking with the forces that controlled the world, gaining insights that only another Shaman could ever hope to understand. At the same time, he had found fear.
The same vision had been coming to him, dominating all others. The Bear.
The vision always began with The Bear. Its mouth dripped fresh blood and saliva, its eyes could freeze a man's soul, it was graceful despite its great bulk. It was the eyes that transfixed Ghost Fox.
He saw through them. He could see the pale riders. He saw men cast off towers of stone or fed to dogs. He saw war and oppression and black hooded soldiers. He saw them marching against his people.
It was at this point the vision would end. Ghost Fox would return to his ancient body, finding it covered in cold sweat. Then the fear came. He had not been afraid since he became a Shaman nearly a generation earlier, but he feared The Bear and what lay in its eyes.
A great evil was coming. Maybe not in the current generation or even the next, but the curse of The Bear now hung over his people.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Today is a great day for Russia! We are beating the western devils at their own game!" Romanov's wrinkled hand raised a glass in the council room. The merchants applauded with fervor, the others as socially expected.
"Keeping the lower classes as property is right and just, but there are limits. We will relax some of the restrictions on our peasants for the greater good of Russia!" The order was not entirely unexpceted. The powerful middle class was becoming top heavy with the Russian serfs still in chains.
"The New World will be explored and settled further, but we will focus mainly on trading posts for the time being. The backward natives must eventually be converted, but we still have our business in the east to complete. One task at a time." The Tsar coughed and shook for a moment. His health had been poor as of late. He'd survived Russia's political factions, but the assassins of time were impossible to evade forever.
"Rebuilding relations with the Danes is also a priority. I will make resources available for diplomatic missions immediately. We must also secure more information on our enemies colonization of this New World. Some day that will all belong to Mother Russia!" The cheers echoed in the chamber at the familiar slogan. Romanov took his leave. His time was growing short but it was not yet over. He hoped to use it wisely.
Traders and Traitors: 1642-1652
Some of the restrictions on the rights of the peasants were relaxed. This decision may hurt the stability of the Third Rome, but will increase our wealth.
Fortifications were improved in Kola and Nihzgorod. The existing walls were falling to decay, prompting the cities themselves to bear the cost of the improvements.
The passing of Mikhail Romanov leaves Russia under the rule of Aleksy I. The new Tsar seems to be almost completely average, but he will at least benefit from the first proper succession since Fedor I.
A short war with Poland ended without tribute.
Colonization has continued to be our main focus. We have settled the Steppes up to Buriat, which has gold! In the New World we opened some new trading posts and began establishing a colony in Penobscot. The rewards came quickly with a center of trade opening there! Our current colonial focus is building full cities in these two rich provinces.
The Mohammedan Turk inexplicably declared war on our peace loving nation in late 1651. In the first months of the war we have besieged Kaffa and prepared to fight the Ottomans in Kouban. We may have a chance to further strengthen our Crimean holdings with a victory over the Turkish aggressor.
Aleksy I
Issues for 1652
Military Advisor: We are currently at war with the Ottoman Turks. We have 202,000 soldiers with a support limit of 215,000. We are Land Tech 17, reaching 18 in 1655. The Ottomans are at 18, Poland 17 and Sweden 19.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports with a support limit of 77. We have no explorers at present. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1682. Our navy is currently based in Penobscot and has explored as far as the Caribbean.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We have been unsuccessful on our eastern missions, but will continue to attempt them. We have a large Mohammedan minority and some eastern heretics. We hope to convert them, as well as the lost sheep in the New World. We have been able to balance our tolerances without much religious disorder.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+21). Gifts have improved those relations and they were willing to fight with us against the Turks. Hopefully victory in that war will further improve our relations. The Turks, Poland and Sweden are our eternal enemies: as long as they exist we will have war. The other Europeans have chosen to fully colonize in the New World rather than build trading posts. The English have several cities of 2000. We have received reports from China about the rise of the Manchu to power, but have no idea what this even means. Our reputation is 24.4.
The east, 1652
We also have new trading posts in Wabana, Bas St. Laurent, Sebago and Connecticut.
Cossack Advisor: Our current priorities in settling are the trade center in Penobscot and the Gold province of Buriat. We are also building up fur colonies in Siberia. We are gaining 2.40 colonist a year. The current war with the Turk may slow our settling, but we expect it to resume shortly.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 126.0 with 35.0% inflation. We are about to reach infrastructure 4 and will gain the ability to appoint justices. Our merchants are in Moscow (5/17.86), Astrakhan (5/20.76), Penobscot (5/17.43), Danzig (2/3.46), and Andalusia (4/27.90). Our merchants have been very successful in expanding trade as a result of our policies.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
A new decade, the same choice. Current settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 1, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6, Serfdom 8.
#2 The Nikon Reforms
We have a chance to modernize the church. This decision is an innovative choice that will improve our stability and strengthen the Tsar. Sticking with Tradition will greatly decrease innovativeness, decrease Centralization and hurt stability. The tradition choice will convert three provinces, something we could certainly use.
#3 Fjodor Baikov's Diplomatic Incident
How should we handle a misunderstanding we have had with China? They consider us vassals after getting the wrong impressions from an envoy. We could simply ignore the incident, pretend to be a vassal, or actually pay them tribute. Pretending to be a vassal or paying would improve our relations, but hurt our stability and make us look weak to the west. Ignoring the incident will hurt relations with China.
#4 War with the Ottomans
How hard should be press the Turk? Should we try to take land or simply fight them for tribute?
Next post is Monday, you can post as soon as you like.
Some of the restrictions on the rights of the peasants were relaxed. This decision may hurt the stability of the Third Rome, but will increase our wealth.
Fortifications were improved in Kola and Nihzgorod. The existing walls were falling to decay, prompting the cities themselves to bear the cost of the improvements.
The passing of Mikhail Romanov leaves Russia under the rule of Aleksy I. The new Tsar seems to be almost completely average, but he will at least benefit from the first proper succession since Fedor I.
A short war with Poland ended without tribute.
Colonization has continued to be our main focus. We have settled the Steppes up to Buriat, which has gold! In the New World we opened some new trading posts and began establishing a colony in Penobscot. The rewards came quickly with a center of trade opening there! Our current colonial focus is building full cities in these two rich provinces.
The Mohammedan Turk inexplicably declared war on our peace loving nation in late 1651. In the first months of the war we have besieged Kaffa and prepared to fight the Ottomans in Kouban. We may have a chance to further strengthen our Crimean holdings with a victory over the Turkish aggressor.
Aleksy I
Issues for 1652
Military Advisor: We are currently at war with the Ottoman Turks. We have 202,000 soldiers with a support limit of 215,000. We are Land Tech 17, reaching 18 in 1655. The Ottomans are at 18, Poland 17 and Sweden 19.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports with a support limit of 77. We have no explorers at present. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1682. Our navy is currently based in Penobscot and has explored as far as the Caribbean.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We have been unsuccessful on our eastern missions, but will continue to attempt them. We have a large Mohammedan minority and some eastern heretics. We hope to convert them, as well as the lost sheep in the New World. We have been able to balance our tolerances without much religious disorder.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+21). Gifts have improved those relations and they were willing to fight with us against the Turks. Hopefully victory in that war will further improve our relations. The Turks, Poland and Sweden are our eternal enemies: as long as they exist we will have war. The other Europeans have chosen to fully colonize in the New World rather than build trading posts. The English have several cities of 2000. We have received reports from China about the rise of the Manchu to power, but have no idea what this even means. Our reputation is 24.4.
The east, 1652
We also have new trading posts in Wabana, Bas St. Laurent, Sebago and Connecticut.
Cossack Advisor: Our current priorities in settling are the trade center in Penobscot and the Gold province of Buriat. We are also building up fur colonies in Siberia. We are gaining 2.40 colonist a year. The current war with the Turk may slow our settling, but we expect it to resume shortly.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 126.0 with 35.0% inflation. We are about to reach infrastructure 4 and will gain the ability to appoint justices. Our merchants are in Moscow (5/17.86), Astrakhan (5/20.76), Penobscot (5/17.43), Danzig (2/3.46), and Andalusia (4/27.90). Our merchants have been very successful in expanding trade as a result of our policies.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
A new decade, the same choice. Current settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 1, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6, Serfdom 8.
#2 The Nikon Reforms
We have a chance to modernize the church. This decision is an innovative choice that will improve our stability and strengthen the Tsar. Sticking with Tradition will greatly decrease innovativeness, decrease Centralization and hurt stability. The tradition choice will convert three provinces, something we could certainly use.
#3 Fjodor Baikov's Diplomatic Incident
How should we handle a misunderstanding we have had with China? They consider us vassals after getting the wrong impressions from an envoy. We could simply ignore the incident, pretend to be a vassal, or actually pay them tribute. Pretending to be a vassal or paying would improve our relations, but hurt our stability and make us look weak to the west. Ignoring the incident will hurt relations with China.
#4 War with the Ottomans
How hard should be press the Turk? Should we try to take land or simply fight them for tribute?
Next post is Monday, you can post as soon as you like.
"My lord, may we request more freedom to these serfdom as it will increase our wealth and YOUR wealth greatly. WE MUST MODERNIZE THESE CHURCH!!!!! Tradition are old and weak. They are inflexible to the wind of change thoughout Imperial Russia. WE are flexible and it will increase your power most powerfully. These Chinese are nothing and know nothing of our true faith and can foget these small inconivent chinese. They are nothing!!!!
We should try to take land as it will make Imperial Russia far more powerful as ever!!!!"
We should try to take land as it will make Imperial Russia far more powerful as ever!!!!"
Looks like it will be another day before the next post so everyone has a chance. Also, if anyone new wants to get involved, now is a great time.
The foreign minister entered the chamber room only after detailed discussions of strategy with the military advisor, then began his speech:
"My Lord, I am glad to see the Danes responding to our call, if we can win gold from the Turk and give them some of it, we may improve relations. As for the Turkish War, we should relieve them of provinces inhabited by our Orthodox brothers or provinces of strategic signifcance, Kaffa springs to mind here. It is of crucial significance that we not give off any the appearance of weakness, so the Chinese must be informed that Russia is to be treated as a diplomatic equal, my reports indicate there is very little they could do about it at this point, as we colonize closer to the borders of this land I must advise that we keep military garrisons there in case the Chinese get any ideas about taking Siberia from us. By all means modernize the church rather than allow the royal authority to be lessened."
"My Lord, I am glad to see the Danes responding to our call, if we can win gold from the Turk and give them some of it, we may improve relations. As for the Turkish War, we should relieve them of provinces inhabited by our Orthodox brothers or provinces of strategic signifcance, Kaffa springs to mind here. It is of crucial significance that we not give off any the appearance of weakness, so the Chinese must be informed that Russia is to be treated as a diplomatic equal, my reports indicate there is very little they could do about it at this point, as we colonize closer to the borders of this land I must advise that we keep military garrisons there in case the Chinese get any ideas about taking Siberia from us. By all means modernize the church rather than allow the royal authority to be lessened."
Sa'ad's hawklike eyes scanned the horizon. Ottoman scouts had reported Russian steppe riders not far north. It meant only one thing: the main army of the Third Rome was lurking somewhere in the Caucus range. "We're walking into an ambush," Sa'ad muttered it to no one in particular. "If we get trapped in these mountains, its a long walk back to The City."
"Your excellence, our Sipahi have spotted the main force of the infidel!" A messenger pulled the Ottoman general from his grim musings. "We estimate they have less than 10,000 footman with little cavalry support."
Sa'ad frowned. He couldn't chose a conservative tactic now, not after being hand-picked by the Sultan to wage jihad against the Russian infidel. His orders were succinct: recapture the Crimean lands or die trying.
"We will draw them out with harassing cavalry attacks and then smash them with our own footmen and cannon. Prepare the orders."
Sa'ad tried to focus on the problems at hand as the messengers hurried to spread the word. He had couldn't shake the feeling that he would see the 70 virgins he had earned before the day was over.
----------------------------------------------------
"The Don Cossacks have promised to support our armies against the Mohammedans. Our war aims are to claim Kerch and possibly more. If we can wring some tribute from those devils, so much the better." Aleksy laughed heartily, raising a glass of vodka.
---------------------------------------------------
"Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!" The Ottoman footmen, shored up by a jannisary division advanced on the Russian line. The Russians had been in retreat since the morining cavalry probes. Now was the chance to break the line and rout them utterly. The din of rifle and cannon fire drowned out the screams of the fallen as the Turks closed the distance.
--------------------------------------------------
"The policy of increasing peasant freedoms will continue. Let them have their so-called rights, as long as they harvest grain!" More laughter echoes in the council room. Aleksy's cheeks were flushed red from...
--------------------------------------------------
...shed blood. Bodies littered the valley, standards were left where they fell. The Russians had reinforced their position with fresh footmen, and surprise cavalry thrusts from the Don Cossacks. The Ottoman attack was flagging after three failed attempts to break the line.
"Ready my horse." Sa'ad handed his spy glass to an aide. "They're ready to break." He was trying to convince himself, not someone else.
-------------------------------------------------
"We must modenize our church! Grant the reforms! Piety is the Russian way, da?" Aleksy downed a third glass of vodka. The empty glasses stood before the Tsar like
------------------------------------------------
the Russian line. The Russians were exhausted, but heartened by the fact that they had given far worse then they had received. Still the Turk came. Everyone sensed that this would be the final attack. The Turkish riders hit the Russian line with force and rifles were disgarded for the sword and pike. The outcome hung in the balance, and with it the fate of Russia.
-----------------------------------------------
"The fate of Russia is assured." A fourth glass of vodka joined its departed brothers. "All for Russia!" Cheers filled the chamber. "All for
-----------------------------------------------
Russia! For Christ and the Tsar!" The newly arriving Cossack riders smashed into the Ottomans and the day was decided. The Ottoman retreat managed to stay orderly, however. Russia had won a great victory, but the war was only beginning.
"Your excellence, our Sipahi have spotted the main force of the infidel!" A messenger pulled the Ottoman general from his grim musings. "We estimate they have less than 10,000 footman with little cavalry support."
Sa'ad frowned. He couldn't chose a conservative tactic now, not after being hand-picked by the Sultan to wage jihad against the Russian infidel. His orders were succinct: recapture the Crimean lands or die trying.
"We will draw them out with harassing cavalry attacks and then smash them with our own footmen and cannon. Prepare the orders."
Sa'ad tried to focus on the problems at hand as the messengers hurried to spread the word. He had couldn't shake the feeling that he would see the 70 virgins he had earned before the day was over.
----------------------------------------------------
"The Don Cossacks have promised to support our armies against the Mohammedans. Our war aims are to claim Kerch and possibly more. If we can wring some tribute from those devils, so much the better." Aleksy laughed heartily, raising a glass of vodka.
---------------------------------------------------
"Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!" The Ottoman footmen, shored up by a jannisary division advanced on the Russian line. The Russians had been in retreat since the morining cavalry probes. Now was the chance to break the line and rout them utterly. The din of rifle and cannon fire drowned out the screams of the fallen as the Turks closed the distance.
--------------------------------------------------
"The policy of increasing peasant freedoms will continue. Let them have their so-called rights, as long as they harvest grain!" More laughter echoes in the council room. Aleksy's cheeks were flushed red from...
--------------------------------------------------
...shed blood. Bodies littered the valley, standards were left where they fell. The Russians had reinforced their position with fresh footmen, and surprise cavalry thrusts from the Don Cossacks. The Ottoman attack was flagging after three failed attempts to break the line.
"Ready my horse." Sa'ad handed his spy glass to an aide. "They're ready to break." He was trying to convince himself, not someone else.
-------------------------------------------------
"We must modenize our church! Grant the reforms! Piety is the Russian way, da?" Aleksy downed a third glass of vodka. The empty glasses stood before the Tsar like
------------------------------------------------
the Russian line. The Russians were exhausted, but heartened by the fact that they had given far worse then they had received. Still the Turk came. Everyone sensed that this would be the final attack. The Turkish riders hit the Russian line with force and rifles were disgarded for the sword and pike. The outcome hung in the balance, and with it the fate of Russia.
-----------------------------------------------
"The fate of Russia is assured." A fourth glass of vodka joined its departed brothers. "All for Russia!" Cheers filled the chamber. "All for
-----------------------------------------------
Russia! For Christ and the Tsar!" The newly arriving Cossack riders smashed into the Ottomans and the day was decided. The Ottoman retreat managed to stay orderly, however. Russia had won a great victory, but the war was only beginning.
The Infidels: 1652-1662
Hoping to further strengthen the Russian economy the peasantry was given additional freedoms.
Deflation occurred as a result of the wartime economy.
The war with the Turk was long and bloody, dragging on for three bitter years. The Mohammedans were gradually driven from Crimea and the superior Russian leadership began to weigh heavily. Fighting in the Caucus Mountains the Russian army took advantage of the terrain to hammer down Ottoman counter offensives.
The Nikon Reforms modernized the True Church and by extension Russia as a whole.
With the Russian army marching into Trabzon the Ottomans capitulated. Georgia, Kerch, Sochi and 74 Ducats were claimed by the Bear.
The aftermath of the war saw the Russian armies rebuilt and the beginning of internal improvements. The promotion of Cheif Justices has begun as a gradual project.
Good government policies and new freedoms could do little to mollify an unhappy peasantry, but the sword served nicely for this purpose.
The diplomatic incident with the Chinese was ignored. They were too busy collapsing to notice or care.
A new tariff was denied. We now have the most free trade of any nation.
Another war has begun with the Turk. After a year of fighting the mountains in Georgia has proved an adequate bulwark against their aggression. It seems we will soon hand the Followers of the False Prophet another harsh lesson for their errors.
-------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1662
Military Advisor: We have 207,000 soldiers with a support limit of 219,000. We have Land Tech 18, reaching 19 in 1675. Our forces have done well against the Ottoman Empire and are the equal of any European army.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1682. Our navy has served in exploration and moving soldiers to the new world.
Metropolitan of Moscow: The province of Kerch follows the True Faith while Georgia and Sochi are Mohammedan. We have a large Islamic minority and a small number of eastern heretics. The size of our Muslim population is troubling, but has not caused significant unrest so far.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+31). We are currently at war with the Ottoman Empire. The Turk is now very aggressive toward us, while our western and southern borders have remained peaceful. We are hated by the western nations, but there is little they can do to hurt us. With our mighty armies we can defeat any nation in war. Our reputation is very bad (26.8). The focus on Plutocracy hurts our diplomacy.
Russia, 1662
Cossack Advisor: The war has hurt colonization efforts, but we are close to completing a city in Penobscot. The gold colony of Buriat is our priority in the east. We are receiving 2.20 colonists per year. If we have some peace in the west we should be able to complete our goal of reaching the Pacific on time.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 122.6 with 31.8% inflation. We have merchants in Moscow (5/17.14), Astrakhan (5/22.77), Andalusia (3/26.29) and Penobscot (5/14.41). We are now starting to promote justices in our lands.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Settings
We may change one setting, if we wish. Current settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 9, Innovativeness 6, Mercantilism 0, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6, Serfdom 7.
#2 Stepan Rasin's Cossack Uprising
Some of Cossacks are not loyal to the Tsar or Mother Russia! If we destroy these separatists we will increase the Tsar's central power, remove the last remnants of our nobility and have to deal with revolts and unrest. Allowing autonomy will hurt central power, strengthen the nobility and ease the unrest somewhat.
#3 Another Round with the Turk
Our heroic armies are busy crushing the followers of the false prophet. Should we be content with tributes or try to seize more land? Incredibly our noble and glorious victories over these infidels has hurt our reputation in the west. On the other hand, if we are strong enough who cares what anyone else thinks?
The next post will be Friday so everyone has a chance to catch up/come back.
Hoping to further strengthen the Russian economy the peasantry was given additional freedoms.
Deflation occurred as a result of the wartime economy.
The war with the Turk was long and bloody, dragging on for three bitter years. The Mohammedans were gradually driven from Crimea and the superior Russian leadership began to weigh heavily. Fighting in the Caucus Mountains the Russian army took advantage of the terrain to hammer down Ottoman counter offensives.
The Nikon Reforms modernized the True Church and by extension Russia as a whole.
With the Russian army marching into Trabzon the Ottomans capitulated. Georgia, Kerch, Sochi and 74 Ducats were claimed by the Bear.
The aftermath of the war saw the Russian armies rebuilt and the beginning of internal improvements. The promotion of Cheif Justices has begun as a gradual project.
Good government policies and new freedoms could do little to mollify an unhappy peasantry, but the sword served nicely for this purpose.
The diplomatic incident with the Chinese was ignored. They were too busy collapsing to notice or care.
A new tariff was denied. We now have the most free trade of any nation.
Another war has begun with the Turk. After a year of fighting the mountains in Georgia has proved an adequate bulwark against their aggression. It seems we will soon hand the Followers of the False Prophet another harsh lesson for their errors.
-------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1662
Military Advisor: We have 207,000 soldiers with a support limit of 219,000. We have Land Tech 18, reaching 19 in 1675. Our forces have done well against the Ottoman Empire and are the equal of any European army.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 4 transports. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1682. Our navy has served in exploration and moving soldiers to the new world.
Metropolitan of Moscow: The province of Kerch follows the True Faith while Georgia and Sochi are Mohammedan. We have a large Islamic minority and a small number of eastern heretics. The size of our Muslim population is troubling, but has not caused significant unrest so far.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+31). We are currently at war with the Ottoman Empire. The Turk is now very aggressive toward us, while our western and southern borders have remained peaceful. We are hated by the western nations, but there is little they can do to hurt us. With our mighty armies we can defeat any nation in war. Our reputation is very bad (26.8). The focus on Plutocracy hurts our diplomacy.
Russia, 1662
Cossack Advisor: The war has hurt colonization efforts, but we are close to completing a city in Penobscot. The gold colony of Buriat is our priority in the east. We are receiving 2.20 colonists per year. If we have some peace in the west we should be able to complete our goal of reaching the Pacific on time.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 122.6 with 31.8% inflation. We have merchants in Moscow (5/17.14), Astrakhan (5/22.77), Andalusia (3/26.29) and Penobscot (5/14.41). We are now starting to promote justices in our lands.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Settings
We may change one setting, if we wish. Current settings are Aristocracy 1, Centralization 9, Innovativeness 6, Mercantilism 0, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6, Serfdom 7.
#2 Stepan Rasin's Cossack Uprising
Some of Cossacks are not loyal to the Tsar or Mother Russia! If we destroy these separatists we will increase the Tsar's central power, remove the last remnants of our nobility and have to deal with revolts and unrest. Allowing autonomy will hurt central power, strengthen the nobility and ease the unrest somewhat.
#3 Another Round with the Turk
Our heroic armies are busy crushing the followers of the false prophet. Should we be content with tributes or try to seize more land? Incredibly our noble and glorious victories over these infidels has hurt our reputation in the west. On the other hand, if we are strong enough who cares what anyone else thinks?
The next post will be Friday so everyone has a chance to catch up/come back.
Russia's Foreign Minister looked about for only the briefest time before beginning his speech, the rest of the Council seemed curiously tardy as he began:
"I am glad to note moderate improvements in our relations with the Danes. I should not advise further expansion againt the Turk as our present frontier is easily defensible, while a new forntier would leave us with far more exposed area, not to mention a host of infidel provinces. Force indemnities from the Turk and use the money to build good Russian cities in Siberia and the New World. As for the traitorous elements among the cossacks," the Minister voiced grew quite harsh at the mention of Rasin and his company, "crush them and so the people once and for all the might of the Tsar."
With that, the Minister resumed his seat and glanced uncomfortably about the strangely empty Chamber rooms.
"I am glad to note moderate improvements in our relations with the Danes. I should not advise further expansion againt the Turk as our present frontier is easily defensible, while a new forntier would leave us with far more exposed area, not to mention a host of infidel provinces. Force indemnities from the Turk and use the money to build good Russian cities in Siberia and the New World. As for the traitorous elements among the cossacks," the Minister voiced grew quite harsh at the mention of Rasin and his company, "crush them and so the people once and for all the might of the Tsar."
With that, the Minister resumed his seat and glanced uncomfortably about the strangely empty Chamber rooms.
Mikhail, son of Jakob, the son of the great Metropolitan Mikail, now sat in the silver chair. Years of battling the merchants and the "Black Robes" had done in old Yuri, but he had never loss his fire. With his death, Jakob and his family were able to return from the Siberian waste and their "mission," only to see Jakob follow his brother to Paradise the following Easter. Mikhail was much like his father, a moderate man than held more to Christ's words than those of Moses or the dark and forebodding Russian traditions. He had approved the Nikon reforms and carried them out zealous to the surprise of many. He had even approved of the new art being put in the churches, the Baroque style it is was called by the Latins he had heard. Yet, his modernism and moderation did not make him any less a believe, in his mind anyhow.
I don't care what others may say, we must spread the faith without deal. I do have a economical plan for such work, though. To save funds and focus the missions, we shall only dispatch one mission every five years to whatever province the Church and the Tsar think is in the most urgent need of convertion.
I don't care what others may say, we must spread the faith without deal. I do have a economical plan for such work, though. To save funds and focus the missions, we shall only dispatch one mission every five years to whatever province the Church and the Tsar think is in the most urgent need of convertion.
Ok, look for a new post tomorrow. Thanks for the kind words Braedonnal, feel free to join the council if you like.
Thanks for the kind words Braedonnal, feel free to join the council if you like.
In the mountains of Georgia the endless struggle of jihad continued as the Ottoman Empire attempted to reclaim the lands they had converted to submission before the Prophet and the One True God. The fighting was protracted and bitter. The land itself was just another enemy for Allah's soldiers.
"We have surrounded a pocket of Russian footman. They are holding a higher position." Sa'ad frowned as he heard the report. The Ottoman general's hand instincively moved to a long scar on his face he had received charging the Russian line in the last jihad against the infidel Russians. He had survived that battle by crawling under a pile of dead and remaining there until the sun set.
The nightmares still came, years later. He could still vividly recall the sickly sweet smell of blood, the foul odors of human waste spilled at the moment of death, the screams for the merciful release of death ringing in his ears and the cold sweat of fear on his face. The memory was a wound that would not heal, a scar on his very soul.
"Give them a taste of our cannon, then send up the jannisaries." The aide hurried off to deliver the orders.
Sa'ad sighed heavily, trying to push that horrible day of mangled corpses and defeat from his mind by focusing on the present. It looked like they would recapture Georgia soon, if nothing else. After several failed attacks they had finally broken the Russian main force. Now, only a hard core of resistance fought on in the mountains, exacting a far greater price from the Turkish forces than their numbers should have allowed. "When they're not fighting as a bear they're stubburn as an ass." Sa'ad was grateful for this new line of thought, considering the alternative.
---------------------------------------------------
"We'll wring some tribute from those fornicating Turks! They've already payed in blood, now they can help fund missions for the elimination of their pedophile faith in our lands! Ha!" Aleksy staggered drunkenly around the council room, taking a fresh glass of vodka during his laps as if he were a runner grabbing a glass of water during a race.
"Turkish pedarasts, no wonder we beat them in war! God must love Russia, because we keep Hell so well stocked with fresh souls!" The applause was a bit mixed. The Tsar was becoming increasingly out of touch with reality as he aged and descended deeper into the bottle.
"If the Cossacks rise up, we'll just crush them. My power is not open to question." The Tsar nearly fell on his face, with a black hooded Oprichniki holding him up. It was a good metaphor, all things considered.
"I approve of regular missions. With a steady approach, we'll get rid of all the accursed heresy." At this, the Tsar wilted in the hands of the dark rider, poisoned into unconsciousness by the fruits of the grain.
------------------------------------------------------------
Sa'ad watched the attack commence. The Russians held their mountain position for hours. When they ran out of gun powder they threw heavy rocks, which could be every bit as lethal as a gun shot when attempting to climb the steep peak.
Finally the Russian position collapsed and the "victory" was in hand. "I'm sure I'll get a medal for this glorious acheivement." Sa'ad muttered to himself as he watched less than a dozen filthy Russian prisoners being led down the mountain.
"Those that renounce their blasphemous faith in a man to worship Allah will be spared." The announcement had no effect on the Russian prisoners, who merely stared back defiantly, feiry eyes shining out from dirt covered faces.
Sa'ad turned away as the executions began. Tomorrow, he'd probably see the same scenario played out all over again. The struggle of faith continued, so much suffering and still no victory.
"We have surrounded a pocket of Russian footman. They are holding a higher position." Sa'ad frowned as he heard the report. The Ottoman general's hand instincively moved to a long scar on his face he had received charging the Russian line in the last jihad against the infidel Russians. He had survived that battle by crawling under a pile of dead and remaining there until the sun set.
The nightmares still came, years later. He could still vividly recall the sickly sweet smell of blood, the foul odors of human waste spilled at the moment of death, the screams for the merciful release of death ringing in his ears and the cold sweat of fear on his face. The memory was a wound that would not heal, a scar on his very soul.
"Give them a taste of our cannon, then send up the jannisaries." The aide hurried off to deliver the orders.
Sa'ad sighed heavily, trying to push that horrible day of mangled corpses and defeat from his mind by focusing on the present. It looked like they would recapture Georgia soon, if nothing else. After several failed attacks they had finally broken the Russian main force. Now, only a hard core of resistance fought on in the mountains, exacting a far greater price from the Turkish forces than their numbers should have allowed. "When they're not fighting as a bear they're stubburn as an ass." Sa'ad was grateful for this new line of thought, considering the alternative.
---------------------------------------------------
"We'll wring some tribute from those fornicating Turks! They've already payed in blood, now they can help fund missions for the elimination of their pedophile faith in our lands! Ha!" Aleksy staggered drunkenly around the council room, taking a fresh glass of vodka during his laps as if he were a runner grabbing a glass of water during a race.
"Turkish pedarasts, no wonder we beat them in war! God must love Russia, because we keep Hell so well stocked with fresh souls!" The applause was a bit mixed. The Tsar was becoming increasingly out of touch with reality as he aged and descended deeper into the bottle.
"If the Cossacks rise up, we'll just crush them. My power is not open to question." The Tsar nearly fell on his face, with a black hooded Oprichniki holding him up. It was a good metaphor, all things considered.
"I approve of regular missions. With a steady approach, we'll get rid of all the accursed heresy." At this, the Tsar wilted in the hands of the dark rider, poisoned into unconsciousness by the fruits of the grain.
------------------------------------------------------------
Sa'ad watched the attack commence. The Russians held their mountain position for hours. When they ran out of gun powder they threw heavy rocks, which could be every bit as lethal as a gun shot when attempting to climb the steep peak.
Finally the Russian position collapsed and the "victory" was in hand. "I'm sure I'll get a medal for this glorious acheivement." Sa'ad muttered to himself as he watched less than a dozen filthy Russian prisoners being led down the mountain.
"Those that renounce their blasphemous faith in a man to worship Allah will be spared." The announcement had no effect on the Russian prisoners, who merely stared back defiantly, feiry eyes shining out from dirt covered faces.
Sa'ad turned away as the executions began. Tomorrow, he'd probably see the same scenario played out all over again. The struggle of faith continued, so much suffering and still no victory.
The Struggles of the Mohammedans and the Betrayals of the Cossacks: 1662-1672
The Ottoman attempts to reclaim Georgia were pushed back with the mountains providing the ideal defensive frontier against the aggression of the Turk. After several failed attempts to dislodge the Russian garrison the followers of the False Prophet paid 172 Ducats for peace.
Colonial trade center Penobscot is now a full city, bringing rich trade from the New World to Moscow.
A request by nobles for increased pensions was met with a round of executions and a bizarre border dispute with France was settled.
The rebellion of the Cossacks rocked all of Russia and the army was forced to put it down through force. The result was the futherance of the Tsar's authority and the final destruction of the nobility. Russia is now dominated by the Tsar and the merchant class with a fairly oppressed peasantry.
The Sultan was able to recruit some of the Kouban Cossacks to his cause, prompting a second war with the Ottoman Turk. This war was much shorter in duration but otherwise similar to the prior conflict. The Mohammedans paid 50 Ducats after a few failed attempts to break the southern lines.
A diplomatic move with our enemies the Swedes resulted in a temporary improvement in relations. A royal marriage was even concluded, but the traditional hostility between our people is fast returning.
Demands from the clergy to decrease open opposition to church doctrines were heeded, including reducing some of the Nikon reforms that had proved problematic.
Good government policies helped further stabalize a nation that is still threatened by unrest in the Don Cossacks and outright treason from the Kouban Cossacks.
The policy of a mission every five years has been followed, with the current focus on the Altai heretics. Jalutorovsk has successfully been brought to the True Faith, hopefully the first of many regions to see the light of our Lord and Savior.
Colonization in Siberia was also a main focus, with many new colonies founded. Meanwhile the completion of cities in fur provinces has brought great wealth in Trade into Astrakhan.
It appears that we will soon weather the Cossack unrest. Maintaining a lasting peace has been difficult, but we are strong enough that our enemies can do little against us.
----------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1672
Military Advisor: We have 207,000 soldiers, with a support limit of 222,000. We are Land Tech 18, reaching 19 in 1675. We have used our armies mainly to defend our lands and they have been very successful. We certainly have the numbers to become aggressive should we find this desirable in the future.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 2 transports with a support limit of 110 ships. We have multiple ports in the Black Sea, the Baltic, North America and one on the Pacific. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1686. We have the technology to build a shipyard if we choose to do so.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We are sending a mission every five years, currently in the Altai region. We have converted Jalutorovsk, leaving only one Mohammedan province in this area. We have a large population of Muslims and one Eastern heresy region. We tolerate the Protestant beliefs of the Dane while dismissing the legalistic Reform heresies that have taken hold in Sweden. We are also disdainful of Papistry.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+40) and have a royal marriage with the evil Swedes (-145). The rest of the west hates our glorious empire. Our reputation is very bad (26.4) even though our opposition of the Turk has no doubt saved Europe from being under the rule of those pedophiles. The Turk has recently conquered all of the lands in the hands of the Slave Soldiers while Poland has plowed into Germany, swallowing up nations without remorse. Both of these developments are troubling.
The West, 1672
The East, 1672
Cossack Advisor: Thankfully, most of our Cossacks remained loyal during the uprising, but there is still some unrest. We are continuing our push in Siberia, and have decided it will have priority over the New World. We could also begin to colonize beyond the Urals if we feel it is a good idea to do so. We are currently receiving 2.60 colonists a year.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 137.4. We have merchants in Moscow (5/22.62), Astrakhan (5/32.32), Andalusia (4/41.35) and Penobscot (20.59). We recently reached Trade Level 3. Our main investments are Land Tech and Infrastructure. Inflation is 33.3%.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
We can make one change, if we wish to do so. Setting are Aristocracy 0, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 0, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6 and Serfdom 7.
#2 The System of Precendence
We can abolish Mestnichestvo, our system of precedence among the nobility. Doing this will maintain the power of the Tsar and the marginalization
of the nobility but at the cost of unrest. Retaining precedence will hurt the Tsar's central power and restore our nobles somewhat, but will also improve stability.
#3 Monopoly is not a Game
We now have the ability to create monopolies in our trade centers. How high a priority should this be and where should we focus our efforts? We can likely have great success in Moscow, Astrakhan and Penobscot which are under our control, but we could also try to dominate in Iberia or possibly even an eastern center. One danger is if we are too dominant in our trade we could actually lose our hold on trading centers. This is especially a concern in Penobscot, where only four other nations are trading.
The next post will be in a few days or sooner, depending on how quickly everyone posts. As always, you may post right away.
The Ottoman attempts to reclaim Georgia were pushed back with the mountains providing the ideal defensive frontier against the aggression of the Turk. After several failed attempts to dislodge the Russian garrison the followers of the False Prophet paid 172 Ducats for peace.
Colonial trade center Penobscot is now a full city, bringing rich trade from the New World to Moscow.
A request by nobles for increased pensions was met with a round of executions and a bizarre border dispute with France was settled.
The rebellion of the Cossacks rocked all of Russia and the army was forced to put it down through force. The result was the futherance of the Tsar's authority and the final destruction of the nobility. Russia is now dominated by the Tsar and the merchant class with a fairly oppressed peasantry.
The Sultan was able to recruit some of the Kouban Cossacks to his cause, prompting a second war with the Ottoman Turk. This war was much shorter in duration but otherwise similar to the prior conflict. The Mohammedans paid 50 Ducats after a few failed attempts to break the southern lines.
A diplomatic move with our enemies the Swedes resulted in a temporary improvement in relations. A royal marriage was even concluded, but the traditional hostility between our people is fast returning.
Demands from the clergy to decrease open opposition to church doctrines were heeded, including reducing some of the Nikon reforms that had proved problematic.
Good government policies helped further stabalize a nation that is still threatened by unrest in the Don Cossacks and outright treason from the Kouban Cossacks.
The policy of a mission every five years has been followed, with the current focus on the Altai heretics. Jalutorovsk has successfully been brought to the True Faith, hopefully the first of many regions to see the light of our Lord and Savior.
Colonization in Siberia was also a main focus, with many new colonies founded. Meanwhile the completion of cities in fur provinces has brought great wealth in Trade into Astrakhan.
It appears that we will soon weather the Cossack unrest. Maintaining a lasting peace has been difficult, but we are strong enough that our enemies can do little against us.
----------------------------------------------------
Issues for 1672
Military Advisor: We have 207,000 soldiers, with a support limit of 222,000. We are Land Tech 18, reaching 19 in 1675. We have used our armies mainly to defend our lands and they have been very successful. We certainly have the numbers to become aggressive should we find this desirable in the future.
Naval Advisor: We have 2 warships, 2 galleys and 2 transports with a support limit of 110 ships. We have multiple ports in the Black Sea, the Baltic, North America and one on the Pacific. We are Naval Tech 11, reaching 12 in 1686. We have the technology to build a shipyard if we choose to do so.
Metropolitan of Moscow: We are sending a mission every five years, currently in the Altai region. We have converted Jalutorovsk, leaving only one Mohammedan province in this area. We have a large population of Muslims and one Eastern heresy region. We tolerate the Protestant beliefs of the Dane while dismissing the legalistic Reform heresies that have taken hold in Sweden. We are also disdainful of Papistry.
Foreign Minister: We are allied with our vassal Denmark (+40) and have a royal marriage with the evil Swedes (-145). The rest of the west hates our glorious empire. Our reputation is very bad (26.4) even though our opposition of the Turk has no doubt saved Europe from being under the rule of those pedophiles. The Turk has recently conquered all of the lands in the hands of the Slave Soldiers while Poland has plowed into Germany, swallowing up nations without remorse. Both of these developments are troubling.
The West, 1672
The East, 1672
Cossack Advisor: Thankfully, most of our Cossacks remained loyal during the uprising, but there is still some unrest. We are continuing our push in Siberia, and have decided it will have priority over the New World. We could also begin to colonize beyond the Urals if we feel it is a good idea to do so. We are currently receiving 2.60 colonists a year.
Financial Advisor: We have a monthly income of 137.4. We have merchants in Moscow (5/22.62), Astrakhan (5/32.32), Andalusia (4/41.35) and Penobscot (20.59). We recently reached Trade Level 3. Our main investments are Land Tech and Infrastructure. Inflation is 33.3%.
General Issues
#1 Domestic Policies
We can make one change, if we wish to do so. Setting are Aristocracy 0, Centralization 10, Innovativeness 5, Mercantilism 0, Offensive 9, Land 7, Quality 6 and Serfdom 7.
#2 The System of Precendence
We can abolish Mestnichestvo, our system of precedence among the nobility. Doing this will maintain the power of the Tsar and the marginalization
of the nobility but at the cost of unrest. Retaining precedence will hurt the Tsar's central power and restore our nobles somewhat, but will also improve stability.
#3 Monopoly is not a Game
We now have the ability to create monopolies in our trade centers. How high a priority should this be and where should we focus our efforts? We can likely have great success in Moscow, Astrakhan and Penobscot which are under our control, but we could also try to dominate in Iberia or possibly even an eastern center. One danger is if we are too dominant in our trade we could actually lose our hold on trading centers. This is especially a concern in Penobscot, where only four other nations are trading.
The next post will be in a few days or sooner, depending on how quickly everyone posts. As always, you may post right away.
Last edited: