Naval Power's Role in EU

[Mariani]

Let's say a Lepanto (or perhaps Trafalgar)-esque situation occurs in a game...a nation's fleet is utterly decimated...are any VP's or negotiating 'stars' awarded to the victor? Is the loser at all demoralized?

Do blockades play any truly pivotal role in EU?

It's a sad fact that many strategy games tend to marginalize sea power...hopefully EU isn't among their ranks...thoughts, players?

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'A set of local sovereign states can be no more than a transitory political configuration.'- Toynbee

 

[Johan]

In the last 2 centuries when you have the blockade technology, you can economically cripple an opponent by blockading his ports. A much prefered tactic for any naval power like England versus France.

/Johan

 

[unmerged(548)]

Blockading with ships also helps in sieges against costal citys.

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/ Stefan Huszics

 

[unmerged(673)]

The blockade means that no commerce is avalaible at all in this province ???

Can the ships in a harbour under blockade to sail out and fight the enemy fleet?

 

[Leprechaun]

Originally posted by Blas de lezo:
Can the ships in a harbour under blockade to sail out and fight the enemy fleet?

Yes they can.

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Pour dieu et mon droit

 

[unmerged(726)]

Thanks to all here for helping to clarify naval power in the game. I regard it as a significant factor (though one sometimes overlooked in games) and am glad to see that it's represented in EU.

 

[unmerged(158)]

I only really needed naval power when I played England. But for example if I play Russia sooner or later some maps are stolen and I can send my colonists easily everywhere without having a single ship. I think the success of oversea colonization should be more connected to naval power.

 

[unmerged(358)]

Trust me...you need navel power to be succesful in colonization...how else are you going to get troops over to protect/fight in the new world ? I've played a minor, Norway with around 10 good trading posts around the globe and been in war with France (unfortunately), then its really frustrating to see france just walk in to your unprotected TP with around 500 men !!! And if I try to send out my puny 10 ship fleet I'll meet a 60 ship fleet from france waiting outside my fleet base ! If France would have been a human I'm sure he would be lafing his head off ((

So you need a decent navy to be succesful as a colonizing nation, not just dabble a bit...

Cobos

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If you are not part of the solution you are part of the precipitate.

 

[unmerged(158)]

I agree that trade posts only is dangerous. But if you build colonies then you easily can build troops there. Sometimes a conquistador arrives directly in the colony. Once you have one stronghold in north America for example you can easily expand and defend. As Russia right now I have more colonies and troops in North America than England without ever sending a ship there.

 

[unmerged(23)]

Naval power is vital when you have to fight overseas. Some province can only be decently colonized *sigh* after the utter decimation of the natives. You can't then raise many troops at once in the now-city.

Some areas require a naval presence to defend them, some don't due to local native population being assimilated.

Naval power also helps to maintain blockades and very useful when you want to besiege a well fortified city with a port (cutting sea supplies).

Ships can also be used as a quick method to transport troops. I used to maintain a large army in Thrace when playing Turkey, an army which could be sent quickly to Egypt, Trabizon, Lebanon etc... to defend/attack. But it also depend of your naval tech level.

Some countries can't afford to disdain ships like England for obvious reasons or Portugal.
Some countries can avoid the expensive investment of building and maintaing a fleet, like Russia, but often, building one allows you more strategies (bypassing front line defenses for example).

Building a strong navy is expensive but is worthy when you rule the seas and can strike wherever you want, be it in Europe or Americas.

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Pierre
Retired EU Beta Tester

 

[unmerged(358)]

I agree that colonies are better than trading posts but with only one settler a year and an income which means I have to almost save a whole year just to try to build a single colony, it just isn't worth it... Especially since all the good places are already taken by the majors... When you are a puny minor you try not to upset the majors.... last time I 'fought' france they used in the attack on me (which was a side show I could see) 2x my total army ( Playing a small minor is hard but fun....You really have to watch out...

Cobos

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If you are not part of the solution you are part of the precipitate.