Juxtaposition: A PBEM Multiplayer AAR

[Storey]

I noticed that Venice was quiet during my turn and thought you might be in a position to do some expanding but this! Nice playing Backpack. This might be a race for second place but at least its close.

Joe

 

[unmerged(7996)]

It was nice to take over with +3 stability and no revolts for once. I had only wanted to grab a path to the Nile...but...the Mameluks were folding pretty quickly and I thought well...still have 3 years left to muck around with...what to do?... I had actually contemplated trying to take Armenia and some other provinces from Ak Koyunlu after bashing the Ottoman Empire again...but...changed that plan after the revolt risk jumped +3 from a random event leaving me with 7% revolt risk in some provinces....ouch...

Venice finally has a high enough manpower pool to crank out troops continuously.

 

[Raul The Runt]

man. I suck.

 

[Dustman]

Where are updates by Sweden?

 

[unmerged(7996)]

Originally posted by Dustman
Where are updates by Sweden?

Dustman,

Thanks for checking out our AAR. What do you think of it?

On the updates: Updating here has been optional for each of us. Our beginning rule was: If you have the time/desire to post in the AAR, great go for it. If not, that's okay too. Each of us has RL (babies, spouses, jobs, classes, girlfriends, etc.) competing with our EU2 and AAR time.

I agree that if everyone posted it would be a better AAR...but...the time required for writing/posting just isn't available for everyone in our group. Playing a PBEM game and creating a partial AAR is more gratifying to me than playing a solo game and writing a complete AAR. The changing perspectives keeps it interesting. Gotta take the good with the bad.

 

[boehm]

sorry about having been a bit slow to update here...I´ll just post this this my tale of the turn of France will be in its right place...I´ll edit this later and fill it out with the glorious exploits of France and the terrible rebellion ravaging the lands of Sweeden

 

[Storey]

King Felipe II had just heard the last of his advisors speak on the problems facing Spain and had then turned to Pedro and had asked.

"How long will it take to have everything ready?"

"At least a year my king if not longer. We have troops spread throughout the world that will have to be repositioned as well as the need to construct cannon for our siege armies."

"And our allies? Where do they stand on our proposals?"

"The Knights and Portugal are not eager for the war but they will stand with us. Poland has become more eager since France extended its borders and came in contact with Poland. Poland realizes that they are next on the list of victims for France. England is eager for the war. Since France has humiliated them and owns several provinces on the English isle itself as well as all of Eire England has been eager for revenge. France has made many enemies and will now pay for it."

"Very well Pedro. Issue the orders and when we are ready we will strike!"

The year 1574 was spent in feverish preparation for the coming conflict. Tens of thousands of troops were moved from one end of the Spanish Empire to the other. The French fearing nothing in their arrogance sat back and waited like the pigs they were to be butchered. Finally in April of 1575 the time came as the armies of Spain waited aboard ships off the coast of France and along the boarders of the French possessions in America. Pedro delivered the message to the French ambassador himself. That same day a short message from King Felipe II was read to all the armies of Spain.

"Today Spain reaches for the heights of glory and honor. No more will our allies and Spain bow to the French pigs who seem to feel that they own the world. The Pope has stated that God is with us in this war against French injustice and prays for our victory. Even now rebels are rising up against their French overlords in a righteous anger at the brutal handling that they have received from the French. I say now let the dogs of war loose to feed on the carcasses of the French. Let the war be fought on the seas and on the land. Let the French know no safe haven from the might of Spanish arms. Together with our allies we shall prevail. With our allies we will crush the might of the French until it will take a thousand years for them to recover. Now go forward for the glory of Spain and victory or death will be our battle cry!"

Pedro had thought the speech a little over the top but then the King knew best on how to inspire men who were about to die by the tens of thousands.

1575 Spain declares war against France. The Knights, Portugal, Poland and England join Spain. The Netherlands Joins France. Pedro is worried about the Netherlands. They are the unknown factor in the war. Quickly Bretagne is attacked in an amphibious operation and besieged by the best siege technician in the Spanish army, Alessandro Farnese. Spain also sends a strong Calvary army into France with orders to pillage every province that they can. That year they pillage Guyenne, Languedoc, Gascogne, Poitou, Vendee and Berri. Calais is the next to be besieged by an amphibious attack. Rebels with the help of Spain revolt in Wielkopolska. The third amphibious operation takes place in Piemonte and besieges the province. In America the Spanish besiege Alabama, Tennessee and Talahassee and succeed in capturing all three provinces that same year. The only blemish for the year was when Portugal who was also pillaging French provinces agrees to pay France 50 ducats for peace. Spain however counters this when they sign a Status Quo peace agreement with the Netherlands. Elsewhere in the world the peasants revolt in Kaffa, Nile and Cataract against Venice.

1576 starts out with Danzig, Brabant and Luxembourg revolting against France. Spain captures Bretagne and Piemonte early in the year while later Calais also falls. Morbihan is besieged and later that year is also captured. Maine is besieged and also falls before the year is out. The same happens when Poitou is besieged and is finally captured at the end of the year. Spain next besieges Vendee. France quickly besieges Poitou and assaults the fort and recaptures the province before the year-ends. Spain spreads the war to Eire and besieges Leinster. In America Spain captures Savannah and starts a siege of Kentucky. French provinces are pillaged all the way to Magdeburg by the Spanish Calvary armies. England has been busy and has captured Yorkshire, Wessex and Kent and is now besieging Wales. In the middle of the year Russia declares war against Poland. Russia stands along and all the allies join Poland. Pedro worries that Poland will be distracted from the war with France. Up to now Poland has been putting pressure on France by besieging Danzig and Wielkopolska. Before the year has ended Spain and Russia agree to a Status Quo peace. Elsewhere there are revolts in Konya, Lebanon and Taurus against Venice.

1577 starts out with France signing a white peace with Benin, The also agree to give England Wessex and Yorkshire for peace. The roar of victory could be heard clear across the channel. The French besiege Morbihan while in America they besiege Alabama and Shenandoah. Before the year is over the French capture Alabama. In France, Spain besieges Poitou and Limousin after capturing Vendee. Before the year has ended Limousin falls to Spain. In Eire Leinster is captured and Meath is besieged. Meath is captured before the year’s ends. France slips behind Spain and besieges Leinster and captures it before the year-ends. Spain once again besieges Alabama in America. Spain captures Kentucky and Alabama before the year-ends. Meath falls to Spain in November and the Spanish army marches to Ulster and besieges the province. France marches behind and besieges Meath. France seems to be concentrating on keeping Eire at all costs. In the middle of all this mayhem France declares itself defender of the Catholic faith. Pedro thinks this is just a public relations stunt.

1578 continues with the swapping of provinces between Spain and France with Spain getting the better of it. Finally in March France agrees to give Spain Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Piemonte and Bretagne for peace. Spain give Bretagne its freedom and the accept vassalage to Spain. France in the same month declares itself the defender of the catholic faith. Pedro thinks France must have money to burn. The good news for France is that the war with Spain is over but this was a separate peace. The Knights and Poland are still at war with France. Spain starts sending gifts to Poland to help them in their war with France. Meanwhile Kleves, Moravia, Mecklemburg, Chesapeake, Ivoria, Anhalt, Artois and Leinster revolt against France. Gifts are sent to all our allies and relations are greatly improved. Austria is also given gifts to improve out friendship. By the end of the year all the armies have returned and fortifications are being improved wherever they can be.

OOC It was a very exciting segment of the game! A real nail biter to put it mildly. It wasn’t that I didn’t expect to win it was more of wondering if I could do everything I wanted to do in the five years. The answer is no! I had to finally stop and take what I could and hope that I had enough time to prepare Spain for the possible counter attack from France. The French AI was very poor for the first year of two but hen seemed to start improving. They retook several provinces and forced my to maneuver around there larger armies. I wanted to take at least one province in Eire but France keep coming back and recapturing their provinces. They seem to really like Eire!

 

[unmerged(8089)]

Taking down France

I've been following your game. Someone mentioned that it is a one horse race. I don't think so. France is way over extended.

If you want to take down France I think its very easy.

If you all co-operate against.

15 years of war exhaustion is a bitch, no?.

David.

( PS bet the co-operation doesn't last when Venice get jealous ...

oh is my back blunting your knife .. got to love multiplayer!!!
)

 

[unmerged(7996)]

Venice 1579-1584: Fools Rush In...

January 12, 1579:

“Ah, welcome Francisco. You arrived just in time. We have much work to do. The time has come to make war against France.”

I worked hard to keep my face impassive as Doge Niccolo da Ponte continued.

“Spain has fired the first shots and now we must continue the volley. It will be a glorious day when our armies parade victoriously through the streets of Paris.”

I took a deep breath, “My Doge, I don't think there will be any parades through Paris. I feel that I must advise against this plan. Our national stability is very low, six of our provinces are controlled by rebel forces, 20,000 rebel troops are running loose across our lands, and our fleets are scattered from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Furthermore we do not have a Casus Beli against France or her ally the Netherlands. We are not prepared for this war.”

The Doge looked at me for a moment, “I take it you have seen the letter from the Spanish ambassador which threatens swift and vicious retaliation if we fail to attack France? Sitting idly by is not an option. What do you propose Francisco? ”

“I believe the Spanish are acting in an overly arrogant manner and treat us almost as if we were their vassal. We should not allow them to threaten us. In fact, I would advise that we attack Spain instead of France. A quick strike in Sicily, Sardinia, Piemonte, and a large force to sack their capitol while our superior fleets crush their galleys. I think we could probably add the Kingdom of Sicily to the Venetian Republic in the next five years. The French Ambassador has promised to protect and assist us if we side with them. They have also offered to open up some sizeable territory in the new world for us.”

The Doge considered, “It is a viable option if the French can be trusted...but I do not trust the French to honor their word. I feel that we must side with Spain and attack France. Brief me on your plans in two days time.”

Two days, two days, two days to pull a rabbit out of my hat. This should be good. I would have to confer with General Bragadin (1/4/4/4) and Admirals Barbargio (2/4/4), Quirini (3/2/2), and Giustinani (2/3/4) on this one. After putting our heads together, this is what we came up with:

We would change our state religion to Counter Reformed Catholic providing a Casus Beli against the Protestant Netherlands and increasing our troops morale.

Two forces of 10,000 men would be left in Africa and Asia minor to deal as best they could with the constant revolts there. Bragadin would lead 28,000 into Siena. Two armies of 45,000 men each would leave Switzerland to strike at the German provinces. A force of 48,000 cavalry would load all of our galleys and transports and be prepared to land in Languedac and harass the French plains. Bragadin would then use his 26 galleys and twelve transports to attack French fleets trying to reach Venice. Admiral Quirini would take 44 warships to the English channel and use our military access with England to resupply and then attack the French along their coastline.

Well…that was the plan…below is what actually happened. I cannot believe that those two timing Spanish bastards (along with Poland, Portugal, and England) stuck a knife in our back and then Sweden said, “Hey you need some help ramming that home? I’ll join your alliance. Of course Austria and company joined in as well…..but…there I go giving away the ending. You’ll have to read the details below….

January 1579

Change religion to Counter Reformed Catholic
Fleets and Armies ordered to consolidate.
Navarra entered a Military Alliance with Austria, Bohemia and Scotland.
We won a battle against Pirates in Straits of Puerto Rico.

February 1579

We have initiated a siege in Aleppo (controlled by rebels).
The peasants in Mainz are revolting against the Monarch of France!

April 1579

The peasants in Quattara are revolting!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Lebanon.

May 1579

The peasants in Küstrin are revolting against the Monarch of France!

June 1579

We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Quattara.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Nubia.

July 1579

The peasants in Anhalt are revolting against the Monarch of France!

August 1579

Spain declared war upon Dakota.

September 1579

The peasants in Poznan are revolting against the Monarch of France!
Venice declared war upon Netherlands.
France joined the war on the same side as Netherlands in their war against Venice.
Genoa, Albania, and Savoy oined the war on the same side as Venice in their war against Netherlands and France.
Ethiopia dishonored your Military Alliance.

October 1579
We have initiated a siege in Württemberg.
We have initiated a siege in Franche Comté.
We won a battle against France in Württemberg.
We won a battle against France in Gulf of Lion.
We have initiated a siege in Siena.

A picture of the formidable ramparts of Brolio Castle in Siena

November 1579

The peasants in Bern are revolting!
We won a battle against France in Straits of Gibraltar.
We won a battle against France in Languedoc.
We captured the province of Aleppo from Rebel Scum

December 1579

We lost a naval battle against France in Côte d'Azur.
We captured the province of Siena from France
We won a battle against Netherlands in Franche Comté.

January 1580

Netherlands rejected our generous peace offer!
We lost a naval battle against France in Ligurian Sea.
We captured the province of Nile from Rebel Scum

February 1580

The revolters in Brabant have defected to the crown of Netherlands.
The peasants in Taurus are revolting!
Russia accepted peace with Poland on the following terms : Kursk to Russia, Bogutjar to Russia, Tver to Russia & Tula to Russia.
Spain went with One King, One Kingdom in The Portuguese Crown.
Portugal became Vassals of Spain.
Portugal broke the Royal Marriage she had with Venice.
Portugal entered a Royal Marriage with Spain.
Portugal went with Accept the New Government in Filipe II:s claims to the Throne.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Bern.
We won a battle against France in Gulf of Lion.

March 1580
The peasants in Konya are revolting!
We won a battle against France in Alsace.
We won a battle against France in Baden.
We have initiated a siege in Baden.
We have initiated a siege in Cataract (held by rebels).
We won a battle against France in Ligurian Sea.

April 1580

We have lost control over Taurus to Rebel Scum.
The peasants in Taurus are revolting!
Netherlands rejected our generous peace offer!
We won a battle against France in Baden.
We captured the province of Württemberg from France

May 1580

The peasants in Leinster are revolting against the Monarch of France!
The peasants in Nubia are revolting!
We have initiated a siege in Bayern.
We won a battle against France in Côte d'Azur.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Taurus.
We went with Deny Petition in Petition for Redress.
Our stability dropped (-2), revolt in Veneto!

June 1580

The peasants in Ostmarch are revolting against the Monarch of France!
We have lost control over Nile to Rebel Scum.
The peasants in Nile are revolting!
Netherlands rejected our generous peace offer!

July 1580

The peasants in Wales are revolting against the Monarch of France!
The peasants in Luxembourg are revolting against the Monarch of France!
We have initiated a siege in Alsace.
We won a battle against France in Ligurian Sea.
We lost a battle against Rebel Scum in Konya.
Dakota accepted peace with Spain on the following terms : Full Annexation of Dakota by Spain
We captured the province of Cataract from Rebel Scum

August 1580

The peasants in Württemberg are revolting!
The peasants in Indus are revolting against the Monarch of Mughal Empire!
Spain declared war upon Navaho.
We won a battle against France in Côte d'Azur.
We have stolen the rutters of France.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Veneto.

September 1580

The peasants in Antalya are revolting!
Württemberg has been besieged by France
We have initiated a siege in Nile.

October 1580

The peasants in Wallachia are revolting!
We have lost control over Bern to Rebel Scum.
The peasants in Bern are revolting!
The peasants in Cataract are revolting!
We won a battle against France in Ligurian Sea.
The peasants in Tirol are revolting!

November 1580

Admiral Barbarigo has died.
We lost a battle against France in Württemberg.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Nubia.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Tirol.

December 1580

The peasants in Nubia are revolting!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Nubia.
Netherlands rejected our generous peace offer!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Schwyz.
Cyprus has been besieged by France

January 1581

Quattara has been besieged by France
We won a battle against France in Western Black Sea.
The peasants in Kastamonu are revolting!

February 1581

We won a battle against France in Straits of Gibraltar.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Kastamonu.

March 1581

The peasants in Hinterpommern are revolting against the Monarch of France!
The peasants in Wallachia are revolting!
We captured the province of Baden from France
We won a battle against France in Gulf of Varna.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Cataract.

April 1581

The peasants in Antalya are revolting!
We have lost control over Konya to Rebel Scum.
Sweden accepted peace with Teutonic Order on the following terms : Teutonic Order pays 68$ in indemnities.
We have initiated a siege in Silesia.

May 1581

The peasants in Wallachia are revolting!
The peasants in Kastamonu are revolting!
The peasants in Trabzon are revolting!
We captured the province of Bayern from France
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Kastamonu.
We have initiated a siege in Ansbach.

June 1581

The peasants in Artois are revolting against the Monarch of France!
The peasants in Schwyz are revolting!
We lost a naval battle against France in Northern Atlantic Ocean.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Trabzon.

July 1581

The peasants in Württemberg are revolting!
We have engaged hostile armies in Ostmarch.
We won a battle against France in Ostmarch.
We have initiated a siege in Ostmarch.

August 1581

The peasants in Piemonte are revolting against the Monarch of Spain!
We have lost control over Cataract to Rebel Scum.
The peasants in Cataract are revolting!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Cataract.
We won a battle against France in Ansbach.
We won a battle against France in Ostmarch.

September 1581

The peasants in Taurus are revolting!
We have initiated a siege in Nile.
We lost a battle against Rebel Scum in Württemberg.
Württemberg has been besieged by France

October 1581

We won a battle against France in Ostmarch.

November 1581

We have lost control over Taurus to Rebel Scum.
The peasants in Taurus are revolting!
We have lost control over Wallachia to Rebel Scum.
We won a battle against France in Ostmarch.

December 1581

The revolters in Batn al Hajar have defected to the crown of Nubia.
The peasants in Piemonte are revolting against the Monarch of Spain!
The peasants in Württemberg are revolting!
Savoy accepted peace with France on the following terms : Full Annexation of Savoy by France
We lost a battle against France in Salzburg.
We won a battle against France in Ostmarch.
Navaho accepted peace with Spain on the following terms : Navaho pays 63$ in indemnities. Pinalero to Spain.

January 1582

The peasants in Artois are revolting against the Monarch of France!
The peasants in Adana are revolting!
France accepted our generous peace offer (53% victory, Siena and Bayern to Venice.)
Netherlands accepted our generous peace offer (50 ducats to Netherlands)
Spain declared war upon us!
Portugal, England, Poland, and The Knights joined the war on the same side as Spain in their war against Venice.
Genoa and Albania joined the war on the same side as Venice in their war against Spain, Portugal, Poland, The Knights and England.
Austria declared war upon us!
Bohemia, Scotland, and Navarra joined the war on the same side as Austria in their war against Venice.
Genoa and Albania joined the war on the same side as Venice in their war against Austria, Bohemia, Scotland and Navarra.
Austria accepted our generous peace offer (no combat, Odenburg to Austria.)
We won a battle against Portugal in Tangiers.

February 1582

The peasants in Danzig are revolting against the Monarch of France!
We entered a Royal Marriage with Genoa.
Unprovoked Revolt happened to us.
The peasants in Dalmatia are revolting!

March 1582

The revolters in Kaffa have defected to the crown of Crimea.
The peasants in Lebanon are revolting!
Poland accepted peace with France on the following terms : France pays 200$ in indemnities.
We captured the province of Nile from Rebel Scum
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Bulgaria.

April 1582

We won a battle against Portugal in Gulf of Cadiz.

May 1582

We have initiated a siege in Cataract.
We have lost control over Cochin(Trading post in India) to Portugal.
Portugal have burned our tradingpost in Cochin!
We won a battle against Portugal in Straits of Gibraltar.
We won a battle against Spain in Lombardia.
We won a battle against Portugal in Straits of Gibraltar.
We have stolen the rutters of Portugal.

June 1582

The peasants in Schwyz are revolting!
We have initiated a siege in Wallachia.
We won a battle against Spain in Gulf of Almeria.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Dalmatia.

July 1582

Sweden entered a Military Alliance with Portugal, Poland, The Knights, Spain and England.
Sweden joined the war on the same side as Spain, Portugal, Poland, The Knights and England in their war against Venice, Genoa and Albania
We won a battle against Portugal in Cape Bon.

August 1582

The peasants in Kastamonu are revolting!
The peasants in Quattara are revolting!
France has sent us a warning.
We won a battle against Spain and Portugal in Cape Bon.
We have stolen the rutters of Portugal.
We won a battle against Spain in Marche.

September 1582

We won a battle against Spain in Napoli.
Venice accepted peace with Spain on the following terms : Venice pays 25$ in indemnities.

October 1582

The peasants in Schwyz are revolting!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Smyrna.
Honorable Lord, our State Gift has enormously improved our relations with Russia. They should be regarded as completely neutral.

November 1582

The peasants in Schwyz are revolting!
The people of Helvetia were released from our realm as a vassal state of Venice.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Antalya.
Honorable Lord, our Personal Gift has drastically improved our relations with Russia. They should be regarded as completely neutral.

December 1582

The peasants in Bayern are revolting!
We captured the province of Cataract from Rebel Scum

January 1583

We entered a Royal Marriage with Russia.

February 1583

Russia joined our Military Alliance with Genoa and Albania
Helvetia joined our Military Alliance with Genoa, Albania and Russia
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Quattara.

March 1583

The peasants in Nubia are revolting!
We went with Abolish a Tax in Unhappiness among the Artisans.

April 1583

We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Lebanon.
Honorable Lord, our Personal Gift has moderately improved our relations with Russia. They should be regarded as our friends.

May 1583

Honorable Lord, our Personal Gift has drastically improved our relations with Russia. They should be regarded as very dear friends!.

June 1583

The peasants in Cyrenaica are revolting!
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Kastamonu.
We have initiated a siege in Taurus.

July 1583

The peasants in Danzig are revolting against the Monarch of France!
We have initiated a siege in Konya.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Schwyz.

August 1583
Honorable Lord, our Personal Gift has considerably improved our relations with Russia. They should be regarded as the closest of our friends!.
We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Nubia.

October 1583

We won a battle against Rebel Scum in Bayern.

November 1583

The peasants in Adana are revolting!
Honorable Lord, our Letter of Introduction has slightly improved our relations with Genoa. They should be regarded as very dear friends!.

January 1584
The peasants in Bayern are revolting!
Missionaries dispatched….

Victory Points:

France 4136
Spain 1871
Venice 1733
Sweden 904

OOC: [Things are interesting again. This was a real wild ride. Having a leader with a 4 siege value is awesome. I fully expect Venice to be torn into a patchwork quilt when I take over next time. Take it away claus…the mad quilter. I am a little miffed that the AI Spain and Sweden stabbed me in the back. I had planned to butter up Sweden and draw them into my alliance once the war with France was over. Looks like that idea is gone now since the formation of the mega alliance of Spain, Portugal, England, Poland, and Sweden. So….went for the only remaining sorta power…Russia. We are really chummy now. If Venice survives (a.k.a if France lets us live..I see Venice and Russia going toe to toe with Poland and Sweden based on the current layout.)

Also, Francisco's thoughts on the actions of France and Spain are not mine. I am actually enjoying the offers and counteroffers being floated around. A smart man would have sided swith France...but...then again...no one ever accused me of being smart.]

 

[unmerged(7996)]

Re: Taking down France

Originally posted by DrGrieve

If you want to take down France I think its very easy.
If you all co-operate against.
)

Cooperation...that's the problem. Even if we agree...that doesn't bind the AI in any way...as exhibited by the Spanish AI DoWing me when I was helping Spain.

Thanks for reading our AAR.

 

[Storey]

Re: Taking down France

Originally posted by DrGrieve
I've been following your game. Someone mentioned that it is a one horse race. I don't think so. France is way over extended.

If you want to take down France I think its very easy.

If you all co-operate against.

15 years of war exhaustion is a bitch, no?.

David.

( PS bet the co-operation doesn't last when Venice get jealous ...

oh is my back blunting your knife .. got to love multiplayer!!!
)

As Backpack pointed out its difficult to plan anything together when you only control your country for 5 out of 20 years. The plans and counter plans have been floating around for the last 50 years but it wasn't until now that Spain sould act on them. There are a lot of offers coming from France and Spain to Venice so I was happy to see Venice at least for now honoring their word. But now France has to decide what to do. The wait is nerve racking.

Joe

 

[Storey]

Re: Venice 1579-1584: Fools Rush In...

Originally posted by Backpack

Change religion to Counter Reformed Catholic
Fleets and Armies ordered to consolidate.
Navarra entered a Military Alliance with Austria, Bohemia and Scotland.
We won a battle against Pirates in Straits of Puerto Rico.

Spain declared war upon us!

Sweden entered a Military Alliance with Portugal, Poland, The Knights, Spain and England.

Victory Points:

France 4136
Spain 1871
Venice 1733
Sweden 904

If Venice survives (a.k.a if France lets us live..I see Venice and Russia going toe to toe with Poland and Sweden based on the current layout.)

Also, Francisco's thoughts on the actions of France and Spain are not mine. I am actually enjoying the offers and counteroffers being floated around. A smart man would have sided swith France...but...then again...no one ever accused me of being smart.]

Going Counter Reform was an interesting way to go! I wouldn't have thought of that. You gave it a good go Backpack and don't think that France can do what ever he wants to do. Its daunting to realize that you only have 5 years and then you have to rely on the AI. I think both France and venice have to deal with their rebellions first but we'll just have to wait and see.

I had to laugh when I read that Spain had declared war on Venice and then Sweden joined the alliance. I know, I know it wasn't a laughing matter for you when it happened. I think the mistake was mine when I didn't think to see what our relations were and didn't send you money to help it your coming war.

And after all that France still leads us two to one.

 

[unmerged(7996)]

It is pretty funny...now. At the time I was rather PO'd. By the way, I held off from slaying one of your leaders (some guy with a long name.... ). The Spanish AI landed him in Emilia with only 6,000 troops. I had Bragadin with an army of 30K next door in Marche and had to resist the temptation to hurt Spain. After all they were hurting me...and...Spain had military access with France (what the _ell!) so they were pouring troops into Switzerland (about 100K). I lowered my tolerance for Reformed and Protestants to zero and let the Swiss rebels fight Spain for me.

 

[Storey]

Originally posted by Backpack
It is pretty funny...now. At the time I was rather PO'd. By the way, I held off from slaying one of your leaders (some guy with a long name.... ). The Spanish AI landed him in Emilia with only 6,000 troops. I had Bragadin with an army of 30K next door in Marche and had to resist the temptation to hurt Spain. After all they were hurting me...and...Spain had military access with France

I demanded military access in my peace proposal with France. Just another hurtle for Bohem to jump if he wants to take Spain on. I also wanted the option of marching to Piemonte to put down the guarantied rebellions. I tried to make Piemonte a vassal but was unable to . Thanks for letting my leader live! Not having played Spain before I don't know how long they will continue to get good leaders.

Joe

 

[unmerged(7996)]

The Spaniards were coming through Switzerland since Piemonte had over 30,000 rebels in it... I think Spain gets leaders periodically throughout the rest of the game. I have never played them...but...have fought them way too often.

 

[boehm]

france 1584-1589

name = "January 1, 1584 : Our stability dropped."

April 14, 1584 : France declared war upon Spain."
April 14, 1584 : Sweden dishonored a Military Alliance she had with Portugal, Poland, The Knights, Spain and "
England."
April 14, 1584 : Netherlands joined the war on the same side as France in their war against Spain, Portugal, Poland, "
The Knights and England."
(And the war begins...looks like the sweedes prefer to sit this one out!)

July 2, 1584 : France accepted peace with Poland on the following terms : Return to Status Quo."
September 1, 1584 : Wallachia declared war upon Venice."
Genoa dishonored
Albania dishonored
Russia dishonored
Helvetia joined the war on the same side as Venice in their war against Wallachia."
(its good to have faithfull allies no?)

November 1, 1584 : Wallachia accepted peace with Venice on the following terms : Full Annexation of Wallachia by Venice"

November 1, 1584 : We went with Settle Issue in Boundary Dispute."
November 1, 1584 : Our stability increased."
(u bet we had a dispute...with England with whom we are at war!)

December 17, 1584 : Genoa joined the war on the same side as Spain and Portugal in their war against France and Netherlands."

March 1, 1585 : France accepted peace with Genoa on the following terms : Return to Status Quo."

August 1, 1585 : Guise has died."
(my one and only leader...and he was good too 2/2/4/1)

September 6, 1585 : Gift to the State happened to us."
(can always use as bit of cash!)

December 1, 1585 : Spain accepted peace with Netherlands on the following terms : Spain pays 50$ in "
indemnities. "
(hmmmm soo much for faithful allies)

July 5, 1586 : Portugal accepted our generous peace offer.
(a couple of afrikan colonies...should have taken a WP a looong time before...they killed half my nave in all those engagements!)

August 5, 1586 : Spain rejected our generous peace offer!"
(hmmm -1 stability...)

January 24, 1587 : Spain rejected our generous peace offer!"
(hmmm another -1 stability)

July 1, 1587 : Venice converts to Catholic."
(But why...CRC is soo nice...thats what France changed to did I forget to tell that!)

August 23, 1587 : Spain accepted our generous peace offer."
(andalusia & catalonia(?) to france)

August 23, 1587 : We changed our religion to Catholic.
(ahh our true religion! - once again)

September 28, 1587 : France declared war upon Spain."
(hahahahahaha u think some lousy peacetreaty will hold back the anger of France!!! -5 stability, so now down to -2)

September 28, 1587 : Netherlands joined the war on the same side as France in their war against Spain, Portugal, "
Poland, The Knights and Genoa."
(atleast they seem to be slightly dependent)

September 28, 1587 : We have initiated a siege in Savannah.
September 28, 1587 : We have initiated a siege in Gibraltar.
September 28, 1587 : We have initiated a siege in Biloxi."
September 28, 1587 : We have initiated a siege in Estramadura."
(damn didnt have time to get my troops out...ohh well *g*)

November 1, 1587 : Luxembourgh declared war upon us!"
(thanx mate...+1 stability)

November 1, 1587 : We have initiated a siege in Luxembourg."

November 1, 1587 : Netherlands dishonored your Military Alliance."
November 1, 1587 : Netherlands entered our Military Alliance."
November 1, 1587 : Netherlands joined the war on the same side as France in their war against Luxembourgh."

November 29, 1587 : France accepted peace with The Knights on the following terms : Return to Status Quo."
December 1, 1587 : France accepted peace with Genoa on the following terms : Return to Status Quo."
December 1, 1587 : France accepted peace with Poland on the following terms : France pays 3$ in indemnities. "
(why fight when u can have peace and grow flowers and smell potatoes or what that the other way around?)

January 1, 1588 : Our stability increased."

January 19, 1588 : Russia went with Let us lead the True Faith from Moscow in The Russian Orthodox Church "
declared independent of Constantinople. "

February 1, 1588 : Luxembourgh accepted our generous peace offer."
(annexed and +1 stability)

February 2, 1588 : England entered a Military Alliance with Portugal, Poland, The Knights, Spain and Genoa."
February 2, 1588 : England joined the war on the same side as Spain and Portugal in their war against France and " Netherlands."
(who what where...I thought I was already at war with them!)
May 1, 1588 : Our stability increased."

August 1, 1588 : Our stability increased."
December 1, 1588 : Our stability increased."
(we might not have perfect morale...but theres is something to say for having max narrowmindedness and serf)

January 1, 1589 : Our naval technology level increased to Late Medieval (8). (no bonus effect)"
(bahhh no bonus effect!...)

January 1, 1589 : Spain rejected our generous peace offer!"
(damn ohh well ...the French Ai will probably do ok?!? ....)

January 1, 1589 : The peasants in Michoagan are revolting against the Monarch of Spain!"
(see thats what u get for refusing my generous peace offer...)

I think I happened to miss the post where I changed to CRC...but I did that shortly after having attacked Spain...and then back to C right after the peace...CRC is neat with +0.5 morale...but its awfull for my economy and stability costs, since most of my provinces are catholic and none are CRC)

claus of France

ps: can someone post some screenshots?

 

[Storey]

Well done Bohem, ah maybe I shouldn't be saying that since I'm Spain. I popped the saved game in last night and saw all the fires in Spain and mumbled a few curses. It is nice to be able to recover stability at a quick rate and the quick DOW right after a peace agreement was wickedly sly. If Spain is still alive when my turn comes around I'll have to see what surprises I can come up with. Help Sweden! Help Venice! Save me from this bully.

Joe

 

[unmerged(7996)]

Francisco de Treviso felt much like a doctor as he analyzed the current political situation on the Iberian peninsula:

Spain seemed to have contracted some strange and terrible malady. The entire country had broken out in blue spoltches and burning hot flashes. Perhaps this affliction came from the new wine everyone there had started drinking. Francisco heard it had been imported from France. Regardless, he hoped that whatever Spain had wasn't contagious....

 

[Storey]

Do to technical difficulties during my turn this segment will be brief.

Spain is in an alliance with The Knights, who have been worthless the entire game and Portugal. Spain is at war with Sicily who must have declared their independence sometime in the past several years.

1594 on Pedro’s advice King Felipe allows Tunisia to become independent and a vassal of Spain. Spain is busy putting down revolts in America. Tennessee, and Mobile are recaptured from rebels. By the end of the year Spain and Sicily reach a Status Quo peace.

France declares war on Benin.

Austria declares war against Poland. Sweden and England join Poland. Austria stands alone. France gives Anticosti, Gaspesie, Bas St-Laurent, Stadacone, Nova Scotia and Isle Royale to Sweden for peace.

Genoa becomes a vassal of Venice.

1595 starts with Dakota declaring its independence from Spain. Spain starts marching armies to recapture Minnesota form the Dakotas. Before the year is done the Dakotas are reconquered. Spain makes them a vassal. Alabama is recaptured from rebels.

Wales. Andalusia, Wielkopolska Chesapeake Artois revolts from France.

Bayern revolts against Venice.


1596 opens with a great disaster happening to Spain. A Epidemic plague strikes and population drops 5000 in each of the following provinces. Castila, Atlixco, Tehuantepec, Tampico, Estramadura and Murcia. Each province loses 1 in tax value. One stability point lost. (Ouch) Zacatecas is recaptured from rebels. Papal States entered the Military Alliance or Portugal, The Knights and Spain.

1597 and Sweden declared war against Russia. Poland and England joined Sweden. Russia stands alone. Kurland revolts against Sweden.
Russia pays Poland 50 ducats for peace. Sweden is now the sole defender of the Protestant faith.

Poland ends the war with Austria by paying 75 ducats and giving up military access.

France is now the sole defender of the Catholic faith.
Hinterpommern, Danzig, Catalonia and Savoie revolt against France.

Bayern revolts against Venice.

1598 and Spain has a new king in Felipe III.

Sweden went with Sigismund is the rightful King in King Sigismund and Duke Charles. Sweden converts to Catholic. Poland entered a Royal Marriage with Sweden. Poland became Vassals of Sweden. King Karl IX is the new king of Sweden. Karelia, Smaland, Tavastland and Kexholm revolt against Sweden.

 

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Venice: 1599-1604

Dear reader, it is with some hesitation that I relay this chapter of Venice's history to you for, to me at least, it is rather dull. Many historical events occured; however, my particpation in them as Field Marshal of the Venetian Army was rather limited. I implore you to continue your reading beyond this slow paced handful of paragraphs. I assure you that following installments will be filled with page turning tales of political conspiracy and war in foriegn lands. But for now...1599:

The Doge is a heavyset man with neatly trimmed and greased black mustachios. He has a pointed beard and goes by the name of Marin Grimani. The two best phrases I can think of to describe Doge Grimani are "very serious" and "devout Catholic". Furthermore, a combination of those phrases is a poignantly accurate description of his thoughts on domestic policy. He very seriously feels that all subjects of the Republic should be devout Catholics. To this end he has diverted the bulk of our treasury towards the funding of missionaries to convert Venice's sixteen non-Catholic provinces. It seems that there is a monk under every stone in Venice these days. Since most of the stones in Venice are in the canals and underwater, I am okay with this. Other than religious conversions, other significant events include:

War:
After heavy lobbying on my part, I am able to convince the Doge that we should at least go to war against the weak Moslem alliance of the Ottoman Empire(3 provinces), Ak Koyunlu(3 provinces), and Crimea(3 provinces). This war is only approved after I promise to capture the gold mines in Armenia for Venice. The acquisition of this province will flood the Republic's coffers with ducats and allow even more missionaries to be dispatched. The war is over in fourteen short months and three provinces (including Armenia) are given to Venice for peace. The Ottoman's only have one province remaining. I see an annexation in their future.

Exploration:
Admiral Barjan was able to acquire the services of two explorers. One deployed from Naples bound for the coast of Africa. The other was outfitted in Nubia and was able to discover a far off land which was named Australia...why?... I really don't know. I thought something like Venus would have been more appropriate...but...being neither an explorer, a Doge, nor a mapmaker...I had little say in the matter.

A color drawing of the City of Venice, leadship from the Australian expedition, taken from the first mate's journal.

Colonization:
Colonies are constructed in the newly explored lands. Walls are hastily erected to keep out the nasty Portugese.

Diplomacy:
Albania accepts an offer to become our vassal. Albania, Helvetia, and Genoa are vassals of Venice.

Infrastructure:
Construction of a weapons manufactury is begun in Bulgaria.

[OOC: Our religious diversity was getting out of control....and...I wanted to make some adjustments prior to the next big war. Fighting rebeling subjects more often than enemy armies during warfare is frustrating (especially when the opponent's alliance is stronger than your own). Also, I did not want my explorers to be destroyed by hostile forces. Those are the reasons for the house cleaning. The war against OE & company was to capture Armenia and provide a land link from our captiol to all Venetian provinces in Asia Minor.]